SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
March 12, 2011
Sullivan’s Salvos 3/15/11
In this edition:
*St. Patrick’s Day!
*Bob Sullivan
*Spring Break
*Sanctuary City
*War in Iraq
*A Good Joke! (Or is it?)
*Did You Know?
*St. Patrick’s Day!
Happy St. Patty’s Day on March 17! St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite days of the year. While not an “official” holiday, this day has long been celebrated heartily by my Irish family.
The tradition lives on… I almost always take St. Patrick’s Day off work. We have a Board meeting on March 17 this year, so I’ll be forced to put in a few hours this time.
Meanwhile, I hope each and every one of you is touched by a little luck o’ the Irish!
*Bob Sullivan
March 17 holds a special place in my heart that goes beyond St. Patrick’s Day. That was also the birthday of my late father, Bob Sullivan.
Dad was a proud union man, Hawkeye fan, and Irishman. We were father and son, but also best friends. I can honestly say he was probably the most fun person I have ever known.
Unfortunately, he left this world much too soon, and never got the chance to meet any of his nine grandchildren. I miss him every single day, but especially on St. Patty’s Day.
If you are looking for an extra toast on St. Patrick’s Day, allow me to suggest that you raise a glass to Bob Sullivan.
Happy birthday, Dad.
*Spring Break
Most Johnson County students are on Spring Break this week. I hope that those of you who are travelling have safe and enjoyable trips! Come back refreshed!
*Sanctuary City
I have followed Iowa City’s discussions on “Sanctuary City” status with interest. I understand the apprehension of councilors who think this could create problems; they are right to be concerned. Personally, I am even more concerned with the victimization our current laws create.
Think about it for a moment. A Mexican-owned business has a legal right to open up shop in Iowa City. If anyone attempted to stop them, national and international law would rush to their side. The right of the business to operate in the US MUST NOT be infringed!
Now, consider an actual human being of Mexican origin. She has no right to enter the US to work. As a matter of fact, if she tries, national and international law would rush to stop her. She has no rights.
The law favors corporations over people, capital over labor, and profits above all else. It would be nice to see government at any level put people ahead of money. This argument is simple and secular.
If you are a Christian, you should be glad the people on the Sanctuary City committee are reminding us of the teachings of Jesus. Greater worship of money is certainly not the answer.
*War in Iraq
I wish this edition of Salvos could be completely positive. Alas, there is a very unfortunate anniversary that needs to be acknowledged.
On March 19 we will have spent nine years of war in Iraq. What a travesty. How many lives have been ruined, and how much money has been wasted?
I have proudly displayed a “Support the Troops, End the War” sign since the start of the war. (It gets stolen periodically, but thanks to my friend Ed Flaherty, we always manage to get a replacement.)
When Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, etc. say that hindsight is 20/20? Well, I am an old Iowa farm boy. A basic schmuck. And I knew war with Iraq was wrong! So did millions of other Americans, including Barack Obama. I think that issue vaulted him to a win in the Iowa Caucuses, and ultimately the Presidency.
Problem is, President Obama has not done enough to remove American troops from Iraq. I say, get them ALL out, and get them out NOW. Then do the same thing in Afghanistan.
There is a local event to commemorate this unfortunate anniversary. The event begins on the Courthouse lawn. Music starts at 10:50 a.m., speakers & music until 11:30.
The group will then march to Iowa City Public Library for 3 scenes from Dreamwell Theatre's "Stuff Happens," a political (recent) history play exploring the often notorious events and decisions that led to the war in Iraq."
Sponsors: Veterans for Peace, Green Party of Johnson County,
PEACE Iowa, International Socialist Organization, Workers International League Eastern Iowa, Campaign for a Mass Party of Labor.
Meanwhile, my thoughts and prayers to all the people whose lives have been impacted by this pointless war.
*A Good Joke! (Or is it?)
A friend sent me this on Facebook a while ago. Since it has been on Facebook, the odds are good you have all seen it already. Still, I find it so simply poignant that it must be repeated here:
A CEO, a Tea Party activist, and a Union member sit down at a table. On the table are a dozen cookies. The CEO takes eleven cookies, turns to the Tea Partier, and says, "Watch that Union guy. He has his eye on your cookie!"
*DID YOU KNOW? In the US today, there are 33.7 million residents who claim Irish ancestry. This number is almost nine times the population of Ireland itself.
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
www.johnson-county.com.
"Sullivan’s Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
These messages come solely from Rod Sullivan, and neither represents the viewpoints of the whole Board of Supervisors nor those of groups or individuals otherwise mentioned.
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As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 1:32 PM
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