SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
March 7, 2019
Sullivan’s Salvos 3/12/19
In this edition:
*Saint Patrick’s Day!
*St. Patrick’s Day Trivia
*Bob Sullivan
*The Candidates
*God Loves Iowa City
*Senate Event
*Did You Know?
*Saint Patrick’s Day!
Happy St. Patrick’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.
March 17 is a Sunday this year, so I have plenty of time to celebrate correctly! J Meanwhile, I hope each and every one of you is touched by a little luck o’ the Irish!
*St. Patrick’s Day Trivia
Here are some interesting St. Patrick’s Day facts:
*With 23 percent of the population of Celtic ancestry, Massachusetts has a higher proportion of residents of Irish descent than any other state, edging out New Hampshire (20 percent) and Rhode Island (18 percent). The remaining New England states -- Connecticut, Vermont and Maine -- also rank among the top 10 in this category, as do Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Montana.
*New York City has more residents of Irish descent than any city in the world, including Dublin! Boston, however, has the largest percentage of Irish residents of any large American city.
*22 - Gallons of beer consumed per capita by Americans annually. (The equivalent of 176 pints per year.) I used to bring that average up. Now I bring it down!
*9 - Number of places in the US which share the name of Dublin, Ireland's capital. Dublin, OH was the most populous, at 31,392, followed closely by Dublin, CA at 29,973.
*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 grandchildren. I miss him every single day, but especially on St. Paddy’s Day.
So, 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.
*The Candidates
I will be writing quite a bit about the many candidates for President over the next eleven months. I am sure you will agree with some of what I write, and you’ll disagree with other parts.
But if you are a Democrat, here is the thing: keep your eye on the prize. Remember that EVERY time you criticize a Democratic candidate, you are angering a group of fellow Dems.
Does that mean you cannot hold opinions? Of course not! But share these concerns in a way that is kind, not cruel. Remember that every Democratic candidate is far superior to the current President! And your criticism can help to bring down the Democratic nominee! So offer criticism if you must, but please do so with kindness. Tread lightly, please!
*God Loves Iowa City
Melissa and I attend St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Iowa City. We joined the church in 2000. Both of us grew up Catholic (she much more than I) and both of us left the Catholic Church in the mid-80s during the heyday of Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Jim Baker, and the rest.
We go to church virtually every Sunday, typically without incident. But last week, a visiting pastor said something very simple that stuck with me. He said, “God loves Iowa City. God loves Coralville. God loves this place.”
This short statement actually shocked me! Because in my line of work, in particular, I am always told how Iowa City and Coralville are Sodom and Gomorrah. Evil places unlike the rest of Iowa. A good dozen members of the Iowa Legislature believe this literally, and a good 60 believe it figuratively. There are a LOT of people in the State of Iowa who have bought into this rhetoric, and would love to see Iowa City and Coralville in flames. And they elect leaders who feel it is their job to attack our way of life.
But you know what? God loves Iowa City. God loves Coralville. God loves this place. When push comes to shove, all their attacks will not matter. Because we, too, are subject to God’s love.
It is amazing how a single sentence in a 75-minute-long service can stick with you. But this one did. And I am glad.
*Senate Event
Honestly, I rarely advertise this type of event. There are constantly political events being held in Johnson County. I do not mention most of them. I try to stick to events like the Democratic Party Hall of Fame, which honors longtime volunteers, or my own events (because I am selfish!)
But I am making an exception today. I was asked to run this by the Johnson County delegation to the Iowa Senate. And honestly, I just feel like these guys deserve a favor!
Senator Bolkcom has been carrying the progressive torch in Des Moines for 20 years. Senator Kinney is one of the most hardworking, honest, decent people you will ever find. And Senator Wahls – brand new, with huge shoes to fill – is really impressing me with his ability to communicate with a wide variety of groups. I owe these gentlemen more than a simple blurb in a newsletter! So here it goes:
Help us protect the Iowa Senate seat formerly held by Jeff Danielson! Governor Kim Reynolds scheduled the special election in this student-heavy district for Spring Break. We need to pitch in to keep this seat blue! Please join Senators Joe Bolkcom, Kevin Kinney, and Zach Wahls to raise funds for the Iowa Senate Democrats to protect this seat. We have a terrific candidate in Eric Giddens and need your help to get him to the Iowa Senate!
The event is Saturday, March 9 from 11-12:30 at Backpocket Brewing in the Iowa River Landing, Coralville. For more info see: https://www.facebook.com/events/1450986718364913/
*DID YOU KNOW? In the US today, there are 35 million residents who claim Irish ancestry. This number is eight times the population of Ireland itself.
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.
If you do NOT want the weekly E-mail, simply reply to this message, and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
If you know anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail me at rodsullivan@mchsi.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.
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 @ 2:21 PM
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