SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
June 19, 2015
Sullivan’s
Salvos 6/23/15
In this edition:
*Coralville Murder
*Charleston Terrorism
*RIP Dow Voss
*Juneteenth
*Did You Know?
*Coralville Murder
My
heart goes out to everyone affected by the recent murder at Coral Ridge Mall. I
have heard a couple people say, “You never think something like that would
happen here.”
It
does happen here, of course. We simply tend to forget about all the victims
over time. Worse yet, we vote every two years to ensure that more homicides will
happen.
Since 1968, more Americans have died from gunfire
than died in all the wars of this country's history. The totals are 1.4+
million firearm deaths compared with 1.3+ million deaths in war. About 60,000
American lives were lost over roughly 20 years in Viet Nam; meanwhile, gun
deaths total about 32,000 annually.
This
murder is a horrible, tragic event. But it is not unexpected. We will claim
there is nothing we can do. We will soon forget about this violence, and we
will then have more violence. Then we will forget about this event. And so it
goes.
*Charleston Terrorism
I
wrote the above paragraphs a few days before writing this. I wish I had not
been so prescient. By now, you have likely all heard about the mass murder in
the African American church.
The
public wants to label the murderer as mentally ill. But most murderers are NOT
mentally ill. That is a fact. We might wish it were otherwise; it might help
explain how one person can kill 9 innocent beings. But the fact remains – most
murderers are NOT mentally ill. They are seeking to exercise power over another
person.
This
guy was a racist. That is why he did it. He said so himself. Why are we
surprised? He has been told his whole life that he needs to “take his country
back.” He is simply following through on that message. The Confederate flag
flies high above the Capital in South Carolina, sending a clear message as to
what he is fighting for.
And
now I return to the paragraph I wrote just a few days earlier, and repeat it:
This
murder is a horrible, tragic event. But it is not unexpected. We will claim
there is nothing we can do. We will soon forget about this violence, and we
will then have more violence. Then we will forget about this event. And so it
goes.
*RIP Dow Voss
Local
Labor leader Dow Voss passed away last week. Dow was a great storyteller, a
funny guy, and a diehard liberal.
Dow brought another thing to the table that I believe is sorely
missing in our country today. He was able to discuss sensitive subjects
(politics, religion, etc.) with people with whom he disagreed. We need so much
more of that!
RIP, Dow. You will be missed.
*Juneteenth
The
Johnson County Juneteenth Community Committee is hosting a day of family fun
from noon-6 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center
in Iowa City to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the end of slavery in the
United States. Free parking will be available in the Rec Center lot and upper
level of Chauncey Swan Parking Garage; later in the afternoon, free parking will
also be available in the main level of Chauncey Swan Parking Garage.
The
free event will include free food, live music, a theatrical performance, and
games and activities for the whole family. Activities for children include a
puppet show, story time, a bouncy house, face painting, water games, and a
“discovery tour” of the community garden near the recreation center.
Live
entertainment will be provided by local youth from The Dream Center Performance
Art Academy, the Funk Daddies, Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre, and a live play
written and performed by local writers and actors. In addition, the African
American Museum of Iowa and the Iowa City Public Library will set up
informational displays about the history of slavery and black Iowans.
At
the indoor health fair, small children can get free vision screening while
adults can get free blood-pressure checks, donate blood, and explore the
resources offered by a variety of local programs.
The event will begin
promptly at noon with a brief presentation that will include reading
proclamations by the City of Iowa City and Johnson County, followed by a
balloon drop of 150 balloons dropping from the ceiling.
The
winning essay of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission’s Youth Essay & Art
Contest may be read during the opening ceremony, as well. Essays submitted by
youth ages 14-18, and visual art displays submitted by youth ages 5-18 are due
by June 12. Prizes range from $50 to $150.
“This
is our group’s fifth year hosting this event, and with it being the 150th
anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the United States, we have gone all
out to provide a variety of informational and fun activities,” program
coordinator LaTasha DeLoach said. “I am thrilled that we have been able to pull
together so many events for both adults and children to honor the strength of
those who endured slavery.”
Event
sponsors include the City of Iowa City, the Johnson County Community
Partnership for Protecting Children, Johnson County Social Services, the Iowa
City Parks & Recreation Department, Veridian Credit Union, the Iowa City
Human Rights Commission, Southgate Development Co., and New Pioneer Co-op.
*DID YOU KNOW?
Terrorist Dylann Roof had Confederate Flag license plates.
Anyone
interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the
County website-
"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 @ 1:45 PM
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