Essential Estrogen

~*~UPDATE~*~

I wrote this post Friday and had it scheduled to appear Sunday morning because the family and I were headed out-of-state on a mini-vacation. (Look for a quick post on that in a moment.) In the interim, Century of the Common Iowan has made a post with much more detail than this one. I'd recommend heading over there for candidate schedules.

Iowa Republicans and Democrats should all find a little satisfaction during 4th of July festivities this year as presidential candidates from both sides of the aisle attend celebrations throughout the state.

Sen. Joe Biden plans to march in the Urbandale parade before attending a picnic at the Marshalltown Veterans Home. From there he travels to a house party and barbeque hosted by the Polk County Democrats and ends the evening at the Woodbury County Democrats Truman Club fundraiser where he will be the featured speaker. More information on the Biden schedule can be obtained by phoning the Iowa headquarters at (515) 440-2008.

The campaign of Kansas' Republican Sen. Sam Brownback says their candidate "will participate in several parades on July 4." An exact schedule has not been released by the campaign, but will be made available to our readers once it is.

Sen. Hillary Clinton will be joined on the campaign trail by her husband former Pres. Bill Clinton. The Democratic duo plans to march in the Clear Lake parade before heading to an event at the National Cattle Congress in Waterloo. Tickets are needed for the Waterloo event and can be obtained by phoning (319) 833-9465. That evening, the Clintons will join the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival in Green Square Park. Needed tickets for the Cedar Rapids event can be obtained by phoning (319) 364-4083.

The Norwalk parade is the first stop of the day for Democratic hopeful Sen. Chris Dodd. From there he will travel to Pleasantville Post-Parade Luncheon and then on to Wellman for their 4th of July celebration. That evening he will begin at the Coralville 4th Fest before joining the festivities at the Freedom Festival in Cedar Rapids. More detailed information on Dodd's schedule can be obtained by phone his state headquarters, (515) 282-3633.

Sen. Barack Obama will be bringing his entire family to Iowa. They will start the day at a breakfast in Oskaloosa before traveling to Pella for a house party. That evening the family will converge on Beaverdale Park. Those who want more information, should visit the campaign's Iowa online headquarters.

Earlier this week the campaign for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney announced he would be marching in the Clear Lake, Ames and Waukee parades on July 4. The former Massachusetts governor also plans to host a Dallas County ice cream social while visiting Waukee. The day will conclude his five-day visit to central and southwest Iowa. Call the Romney for President headquarters at (857) 288-6400.

If other candidates announce plans to visit Iowa on Independence Day -- or if those listed here change their plans -- we'll start a new post.

The Iowa State Patrol has a new weapon in its arsenal. A Cessna Skylane 182 it has purchased will be used in holiday traffic enforcement.

"It's very important for the safety to Iowa's state troopers to have equipment that's in good condition," Col. Robert O. Garrison said in a prepared statement. "That's even more acutely obvious when the equipment is thousands of feet above the ground. We owe a big thanks to our state legislature and Gov. [Chet] Culver for helping fund the purchase of this plane."

The Cessna carried a price tag of almost $350,000 and will be housed in Waterloo. Troopers will use the plane to observe speeding, illegal passing and stop sign violations. It will also be used to assist in emergency blood and tissue match relays and to assist in search and rescue operations.

Independence Day is one of the deadliest days on Iowa highways, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Because of this the new Cessna and other aircraft will be used during the holiday to enforce traffic laws.

In addition, over the next week, troopers will participate in the national program Combined Accident Reduction Effort. The program encourages state police agencies to enforce traffic laws on major interstates across the country. As a part of this program in 2006 the Iowa State Patrol investigated 27 accidents (four fatal), netted 34 operating while under the influence arrests, wrote 2,973 speeding citations, handed out 530 seat belt citations and cited 601 other moving violations.

Officers will also participate in the special Traffic Enforcement Project beginning today and continuing through Friday. Through the program local, county and state agencies will combine efforts to focus on seat belt enforcement.

Newspaper and magazine clippings litter the table and are passed from hand to hand. The latest news from the weekend and morning news shows is the hot topic at both ends of the table, although not necessarily tied to the same program or information. Smiles, hugs and hysterical laughter are simply par for the course.

There is little doubt some visitors to Cedar Rapids' Lindale Mall during the Monday meeting of the "Kerry Babes" make the mistake of writing off the women as a social network for mothers and grandmothers; the clippings they circulate on the news of the day believed to be favorite recipes. If you look a little longer, however, there are signs this isn't a grandmother's sewing circle -- a t-shirt with the single word "coexist," a patriotic hat and snippets of conversation about U.S. domestic and international policy that would leave some of the highest paid political strategists wishing they were flies on the wall.

"You aren't going to find any recipes here," said Janet Wagner, a retiree who raised a special needs child and continues to volunteer with low-income families.

The diverse group of women ranges from age 52 to 89 and met during the 2004 election when they volunteered for then Democratic hopeful Sen. John Kerry.

"We are all from such different backgrounds that I doubt we would have met and become such close friends if it hadn't been for that common thread," said Sara Stark, a retired educator who worked both in the classroom and as a school guidance counselor. "We were really blessed to have found each other."

The "Kerry Babes" -- a name coined by retired trust banker Linda McCormick -- didn't begin official meetings until well after the November 2004 elections.

"That was a difficult time," said Janet Hernandez, who volunteers in many capacities including driving cancer patients to chemotherapy treatments. "We were physically and emotionally invested."

At their first meeting on Jan. 20, 2005, the members wore black and gathered at the Irish Democrat in Cedar Rapids.

"We needed each other for support that day -- Inauguration Day," said Audrey Rahn, an animal rights activist who retired from a career at the Washington Post. "It made it easier to be with friends."

The women -- "brought together by politics, staying together by friendship," says McCormick -- have continued to meet, support and educate one another.

All the members point to respect and friendship as the way they're going to weather the 2008 Iowa caucus. Most of the women have taken on the name "Hill's Angels" and are supporting Sen. Hillary Clinton. Within the group supporters can also be found for former Sen. John Edwards, Gov. Bill Richardson, Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Joe Biden. At least two of the women are still undecided.

"We will always be 'the babes' -- we know each other and feel comfortable coming together to vent," said Doreen Meier, a post-Korea war bride who raised seven boys and has 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her entire face turned red when other members picked up on her venting comment and proclaimed her as the group's "angel."

"It's true," Wagner said. "She can't say a bad word about anyone -- not even [Pres. George W.] Bush!"

After the meeting Meier explained she simply couldn't talk badly about another person. "Even if you don't like the job that person is doing or don't believe the same things, we have to give respect to another member of the human race," she said. "Everyone deserves that."

While the women agree the 2008 contests are going to be divisive, they are also assured their circle will remain.

"We don't even get mad over religion," confided Rahn. "We have lots of variety and diversity in our group in that respect and we don't fight about it."

While politics and religion may be two of the most hot-button issues the women face, the group's diversity doesn't end there. Roughly half the women are currently married. Although some are now widows, there are a few who have never married and only about half have had children.

When asked to name what should be the most prominent issue in this election, the women found the question difficult to answer. Internationally, the women agreed the focus was the Iraq war and the U.S. reputation abroad. Domestically, however, answers ranged from health care to protecting the environment to development of a fair tax law.

A handful of the women admit to volunteer efforts with Kerry as being their first dive into politics. Most of the members, however, have been politically active for some time. All will tell you their lives have been changed by being a part of this dynamic group of women.

"This group is my life," said Janet Spratte, a self-employed Realtor one of only two members who is not retired. "Because of this group, I know what is going on in the world and I get to have deep conversations about it. Because I know Donna will get up early, I know I can sleep late and not miss any big news."

Barbara Wihlm continues to work as a cosmetologist. Another member, Sara McDermott, is retired from U.S. West, but is currently enrolled as a student.

Sue Collins, a retiree who refused to label herself but whom the others described as "a wonderful person with a big heart," said with confidence, "I know this group. I know they will always be there."

In an email to supporters, Sen. Tom Harkin announced his wife Ruth plans to formally endorse Democratic candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton.

In the email, Harkin explains that he and Ruth are no strangers to passionate political involvement and that his wife did not take this decision lightly.

"Ruth took many things into account before deciding on this endorsement," Harkin wrote. "When Ruth was elected to the position of Story County Attorney in 1972, she was honored to be the first woman to hold the position of county attorney in our state's history -- and one of the first female county-wide prosecutors in the country. It was an exciting and challenging time for her, but it taught her that groundbreaking accomplishments just don't happen. They are not just made -- they happen over time and with hard work, determination and focus."

Ruth Harkin served as county attorney in Story County until 1979. She was the county's lead criminal prosecutor and also served as its corporate attorney. The Harkins have raised two daughters, Amy and Jenny. As an infant, Army often shared Ruth's office at the Story County Court House.

Ruth left the Story County post to serve as deputy general counsel at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. In 1993, Pres. Bill Clinton chose her to be president of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, an agency that encourages mutually beneficial American private investment in developing countries and newly emerging free markets.

Harkin added his wife, as a public office holder, feels a responsibility for "opening doors and paving a new way" for other women seeking leadership roles. He closes the letter by stating his personal resolve not to endorse any candidate.

"I have worked closely with many of them, and I am extremely proud of each of them for their commitment to public service," he wrote. "I remain focused on my own re-election campaign in 2008 and look forward to working with a Democrat in the White House."

With this endorsement, Ruth Harkin joins several other prominent Iowa women who are active in the Clinton campaign. State Central Committee member Bonnie Eggers, Cedar Rapids Mayor Kay Halloran, former First Lady Christie Vilsack, former University of Iowa Democrats President Megan Heneke, Des Moines activist and philanthropist Susan Knapp, Iowa Rep. Mary Mascher, former candidate for lieutenant governor Dr. Andrea McGuire, former Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson and former Iowa Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Bonnie Campbell have all publicly announced their support of Clinton.

The State Historical Museum Atrium in Des Moines will be the spot for a state policy meeting with a dual focus.

Denise O'Brien, who made an unsuccessful bid for Iowa secretary of agriculture in 2006, will discuss the road map for agriculture. Iowa Rep. Pam Jochum, D-Dubuque, will follow with a discussion on Voter Owned Iowa Clean Elections legislation.

The event will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on July 12. Sponsors are Women's International League of Peace and Freedom, The League of Women Voters, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Progressive Coalition of Central Iowa, Oxfam, Iowa Farmers Union, Iowa Citizen Action Network and Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement.

[Commentary] If there is one piece of advice given to parents that has remained solid through generations it is this: "Be consistent and follow through."

From the time our children begin to test their boundaries, pediatricians, guidance counselors, therapists and teachers all agree the best thing a parent can do is set limits and adhere to them consistently. If your child is expected to keep food at the dining room table or fill the pet dish each morning, it is your job as an adult and a parent to ensure the rules are followed -- even in times when it would be more convenient if they were broken.

Along those same lines, parents are told to only make threats they will actually carry out. For instance, don't tell your daughter she's going to be kept home from the big game on Saturday if you know in your heart you won't do it. Don't tell your son he won't be allowed to attend the camping trip if you know you're going to let him go regardless of his actions.

It is through these two methods of consistent and fair discipline that our children learn the much needed life lesson of actions having consequences. This lesson has, unfortunately, either not been taught to the current White House administration or it has been forgotten.

Yesterday, the President who three years ago demanded to know who in his administration broke the rules called a sentence handed down in the same case excessive. George W. Bush commuted I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby's prison term. Libby was found guilty in March of four counts of perjury and obstruction in a case involving the outing of a covert government operative. The move was made when a U.S. District Judge -- a 2001 Bush appointee -- refused to allow Libby to remain free while appealing his case.

Let's say that I was called by the Girl Scouts and told officials believed that someone in my troop had committed a crime by releasing the secret recipe to thin mints. As troop leader, I went before the council and the press and announced my intention to "smoke the leaker out" and that I would be cooperating completely with authorities. During the course of the investigation, my co-leader's daughter is called in to testify and it becomes obvious to everyone involved that she knows more than she telling. What's worse, she is lying in order to keep investigators from the truth. Eventually, of course, the girl would face strict punishment from council investigators for her misconduct -- even if a direct line could never be drawn between the girl, the co-leader and the secret recipe.

If the council investigators decided the girl should be punished by removal from the troop for a certain period of time and I, as troop leader, intervened on her behalf, what message would I be sending the rest of the girls in my troop? What message would I be sending to the council and their investigators?

There is a reason why parenting is one of the hardest jobs on the planet. It isn't always easy and many times, if you do it well, you break your own heart. At the end of the day, however, it is more important for our children to understand the consequences of their actions than it is for us parents to bask in the immediate popularity that comes with being a rule breaker.

If we want to raise children who are contributing members of society, we have an obligation to teach them the rule of law and show them the consequences of breaking those laws. Just as looking away from the child with her hand in the cookie jar leads to gluttony, falsehoods and excess, looking away from this administration and its misuse of authority has led to gluttony, falsehoods and excess.

Chairs were hard to come by at the Blue Strawberry in Cedar Rapids Tuesday morning as roughly 100 individuals stopped by to hear Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Joe Biden.

"If there is one thing I could tell you today that I hope you take with you, it is that the American people have never, ever let this country down," Biden said.

Politicians, he says, like to skirt around issues and not hit them head-on. The American people see things differently.

"The American people are ready and they are not afraid to tackle any of these problems we are discussing this morning," he said. "The fundamentals of this country are firmly in place because they are drawn from the people."

Biden says that although he has great respect and admiration for the entire field of Democratic candidates seeking the presidency, he believes they are doing the public a disservice.

"Democrats need to trust the American people," he said with a low and thoughtful voice. "We need to tell the American people the truth. That's what I'm trying to do. I'm not telling you want you want to hear. I'm talking about the realities of what we have and how we can make progress toward what we want."

He asked the audience to consider the health care plans set forth by others on the campaign trail.

"Can you explain John Edwards' plan to to me?" he asked. "Can you tell me what Obama's plan is? Leading this country forward is going to take more than standing up and saying you have a plan."

Iraq is, in Biden's estimation, the largest issue facing the United States.

"Iraq is like a huge boulder in the middle of the road," he said. "It is blocking the other things we need so badly at home and abroad. America has never been so isolated -- the middle class has never been more threatened."

Keeping with the theme of realities, Biden said there is "no possibility in the lifetime of anyone in this coffee shop for Iraq to have a centralized government that will hold the country together."

"If our troops pull out the civil war we see now will expand into a regional war," he warned and then encouraged members of the press to write down his prediction.

Knowing his recent vote to appropriate funds for the troops in Iraq would be on the minds of some in the audience, Biden spoke frankly about his second vote to approve war funding.

"We have to face the sad reality that we need votes to override a presidential veto," he said. "These are votes we don't currently have. We need 17 Republicans to change their minds and, in the meantime, I'm not trading lives for the sake of making a political point."

The senator urged those who attended to view the Biden-Gelb plan for Iraq, a five-point plan that aims to keep Iraq together, protect America's interests and bring the troops home.

"Do I want the troops home now?" he asked. "Of course I do, but I want it done in a responsible way. I don't want to have to wait another 20 months [until President George W. Bush leaves office] to end this war. There are things we can be doing now... if the arrogance of this administration would allow them to see it."

Biden says that although pundits try to paint Democrats as being weak on terrorism, Bush and his administration are the weakest. The second-place position goes to the Republican candidates for president, he says.

"I put forth a bill that would have taken back one-eighth of the Bush tax cuts for America's wealthy," he said. "The bill had a detailed list of how that money would be spent to implement the recommendations of the 911 Commission. This administration refused it.

"Everything that could be done to keep America safe has been neglected by this administration and -- well let me say it -- they are criminally irresponsible when it comes to protecting the American homeland."

Biden concluded his remarks with a direct message to pundits and others who believe the Bush administration has made the country safer and the Democrats are only serving to weaken it: "Read the National Intelligence Estimate. This past February their report was issued and it said the policy of this administration has produced more terrorism."

First and above all else, my deepest gratitude, respect and appreciation to our nation's veterans and the men and women serving our country today. We celebrate our nation today with full knowledge that, without you, there might not be anything to celebrate.

When I think about patriotism, I think of helping others, sustainable neighborhoods, a sense of belonging and enjoying the bounty of our country. In this post I'll be focusing on the latter.

This past weekend our family headed out on a mini-vacation. The destinations of the trip were some of our favorites. The picture above was taken in the cemetery behind the Grotto in Dickeyville, Wisconsin. My husband saw it and said, "I know there's some sort of political or religious message in that one, but I'm not going to attempt it."

We arrived at the grotto as the sun was lowering on the horizon. The light was absolutely stunning, lighting up the pieces of glass and rock within the grotto walls. The grotto is composed of a main structure and at least two significant additions. All of the pieces are set closely to the Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

Dickeyville Grotto was shaped and built by Father Mathias Wernerus, who is buried in the cemetery behind the church and grotto, between 1925 and 1931. The structure is unique because it incorporates both religion and patriotism. On the left of the main grotto is a walkway with a pillar and cross marked "religion." On the right, there is an American flag inscribed with "patriotism."

The grotto is not a commercial attraction. The times that we've visited it has been quiet -- sometimes eerily so -- and beautiful.

We spent the better part of the day at one of the most unique places we've ever had the pleasure of visiting -- the House on the Rock.

The attraction, located in Spring Green, Wisconsin, was the vision of a Mr. Alex Jordan, who is described in several biographies (both official and non-official) as being someone who didn't seek the limelight. From the looks around what he built, I have a difficult time meshing what I've seen with what I've read.

The photo above is of a section of what probably is the most prominent feature of the house -- although I doubt it is the most discussed. "The Infinity Room" stretches out across a ravine with no solid structure linking it to the ground below. When you enter the room and look forward, it really does appear to stretch into infinity -- it also shakes. This last observation is why I've never been out to the end of the room. This time I made it roughly three-quarters of the way before my heart felt as if it would beat right out of my chest and my lungs refused to function.

The contents of the house and the out-buildings are about as eclectic as they come. There is a display known as "Streets of Yesterday" that features a recreation of an early 20th century town (woe be to you if you needed to visit the dentist back then) and another huge nautical display that features a 200-foot statue of a whale and squid in a battle. What most people remember and can't get over are the carousels.

The pictures above are all from one of the three working carousels within the attraction. I have no idea what the fascination was with nude mannequins or why some of them have their heads removed in favor of animal ones. While the House on the Rock often has the feel of a museum, there are no signs with information about the exhibits.

The two photos below are of the main carousel -- the world's largest working carousel. It has over 20,000 lights, lives under a vast umbrella of angels, and does not have one horse.

The doll carousel (two photos below) is my youngest daughter's favorite part of the place. She could sit all day and watch three levels of dolls go round and round.

In addition to the carousels, there are many unique collections throughout the house and out-buildings. The photo below shows just a small fraction of the doll house areas. I'm one of those people who loves to drive around at night and catch glimpses in people's windows. I love to see how they've decorated. Needless to say, the doll house collection is one of my favorite parts. Another of our family's favorite places to visit and look and look and look is circus world, which features several models of circuses, trains and even a large stack of elephants.

The house, and most of the displays, aren't at all in museum style. As the pictures evidence, it is very dark throughout. You'll often see something and have to fight back an urge to go and fix it -- a cracked window, a deck with a plywood floor instead of expensive wood and sofa cushions in need of a good wash. I found myself drawn to the many bookcases and the piles and piles of books (which, remarkably, are real and can be removed and flipped through). My heart ached to find many with water damage or other neglect.

This is also one attraction where you'll want to visit all the bathrooms. There are even collections of knick-knacks and other such novelties in there! You'll also want to bring some dollar bills to feed the token machines. There are many large displays which feature automated musical instruments. Tokens (one or two) are required to make these displays play.

This is only a small sampling of what both the House on the Rock and the Dickeyville Grotto have to offer. Our family highly recommends your family visits both. We do, however, offer a warning to those with severe dust allergies about House on the Rock. To say it is dusty, especially in the main areas of the house, would be an understatement. Also, the price tag associated with House on the Rock isn't inexpensive. To take all three tours (which you should) costs $26.50 for adults and $15.50 for children ages 4 to 7. Children under the age of 3 are free, but this is not a stroller-friendly environment.

Many more photos, including ones with our family, have been posted on my facebook account for those who are interested.

Today, Stand Up For Steel, a coalition of the United Steelworkers Union and America's major integrated steel companies, launched a print ad campaign in Iowa in an attempt to bring attention to our nation's lagging manufacturing base.

"On July 4, as America is celebrating its independence, we're becoming less independent," Terrence Straub, senior vice president of public policy and government affairs for U.S. Steel Corporation, said in a prepared release. "Our manufacturing jobs continue to disappear while this country increasingly relies on countries like China to provide products previously made in the United States.

"As we lose our independence, our national security is at stake. Specialized products such as titanium, nickel-based alloys and specialty steels are vitally important to the U.S. military platform, but our unwillingness to hold countries that cheat accountable on their unfair trading practices is eroding our ability to produce these products here at home."

The U.S. trade deficit with China was $84 billion in 2000. It currently stands at over $225 billion, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Such increases in the deficit are having devastating impacts on trade laws through illegal subsidies, currency manipulation and dumping, says Straub. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports American manufacturing loses 49,000 jobs each month; more than 3 million since 2000.

China issued a new steel policy in 2005 and indicated it would continue to own and subsidize steel industry production and control fundamental aspects of the industry. The United States is China's number one target for their steel exports, according to their National Development and Reform Commission, a subject of the Committee on Ways and Means in February.

"In this campaign, we're urging voters to talk with the candidates about the national security implications of losing our manufacturing base," Thomas Conway, international vice president for United Steelworkers, said. "Our next President must commit to strong enforcement of our trade laws to ensure a level playing field for American workers. When America loses jobs due to unfair trade practices, America loses its ability to produce the materials that it needs to defend itself.

"This country has preserved freedom around the world on the backs of the men and women who work in our factories -- the same factories that are being closed because no one is forcing China to play by the rules."

Recent poll results show the issue of trade, manufacturing and the national security implications of our eroding industrial base are important to Iowa voters. Both Republicans and Democrats in Iowa rate manufacturing job loss, the trade deficit, and the China threat as serious concerns for this election.

The ads feature the above graphic and read as follows:

Today, we need to celebrate our independence, not lose it.

(Tell the Presidential candidates America deserves a real Independence Day.)

We hear a lot about national security from our Presidential candidates -- but none of them will tell you that one day we may depend on foreign manufacturers for our national security.

That's right -- as America increasingly depends on foreign-built products, our manufacturing base continues to erode. The same manufacturing base that supplies the equipment our troops need to keep America safe.

This Independence Day, Americans need to ask our Presidential candidates to do more than just talk a good game and sit on their hands while China and other countries cheat on our trade laws with illegal subsidies, currency manipulation and dumping.

They're taking America's jobs -- 49,000 a month in manufacturing alone.

Today is the day we're supposed to celebrate our independence. But every year, we're becoming less independent.

Tell our Presidential candidates that America needs to start enforcing the trade laws and safeguarding our national security.

After all, what better day than today to start standing up for America's independence?

My family had an excellent advantage point for the fireworks at this year's Freedom Festival in Cedar Rapids. We could literally watch them shot from the barge in the middle of the Cedar River and travel up into the sky before exploding... right over our heads.

Here's a video clip of the finale. It's a little shakey, but you'll have to give me points anyway. I had my five-year-old son, burrowing his head into my lap in an attempt to hide from the loud noises.

Happy 5th of July! (It was a long ride home.)

Former Iowa legislator and 2006 gubernatorial candidate Ed Fallon will be in control of the microphone this Friday morning, replacing Jan Mickelson as host of the radio personality's talk show.

During the show, broadcast in central Iowa on Newsradio 1040 WHO and in eastern Iowa on AM 600 WMT, Fallon will moderate a discussion between opposing sides of the "Yes to Destiny" sales tax proposition for Polk, Dallas and Warren counties. Those outside of the listening area can put a glass to the wall by using WMT's live stream. The discussion will run from 9 to 11 a.m.

Afterward Fallon and Lynn Huess, his partner in I'M for Iowa, will provide their take on the debate.

"Project Destiny" is a local option sales tax, the culmination of months of discussion among business and community leaders. The proposition will go before voters Tuesday, July 10.

Local campaign officials say the plan will raise $750 million over 10 years through the sales tax increase. Proceeds would be split into thirds: One-third for property tax relief in each of the 41 communities voting, one-third earmarked for publicly announced government plans and one-third for regional "quality of life" projects. Participating cities have set a 10 year plan for use of their portion of the funds.

Proponents believe property tax burdens will be reduced and regional quality of life amenities will be enhanced. This, in turn, will allow the region to retain current employers and employees while attracting new ones.

Opponents say this plan is "the largest local option tax increase in Iowa history" and point to an April report by the Tax Foundation. In that report, Iowa is listed as 18th in the nation for state and local tax burden. Iowans, according to the report, will pay 11 percent of their incomes in taxes to state and local governments this year.

If passed, the third of the tax earmarked for "quality of life" project would be managed by a new 15-member board called the Tri-County Regional Authority. Funding would be distributed, according to YesToDestiny.org, for regional quality of life facilities (30 percent), recreational trails (25 percent), scientific, arts, cultural and historic preservation organizations (25 percent) and additional regional property relief through regional property tax equalization and transition (20 percent).

It took nearly five years, but the Labor Services Division of Iowa Workforce Development received more than $700,000 from a Missouri-based company penalized for violating occupational safety and health standards while working on the Des Moines sewer system in July 2002.

Workers Daniel Grasshoff, 25, of St. Charles, Mo., and Brian Burford, 19, of Lemay, Mo. died after being overcome by hydrogen sulfide gas while working on the east side sewer project for Insituform Technologies USA Inc. Five other workers were seriously injured when they attempted to rescue their two co-workers. According to state inspectors, neither Grasshoff or Burford was wearing a respirator or hooked up to any type of rescue line to pull them to safety in the event of an emergency. Autopsies showed that they drowned in sewage at the bottom of the the 15-foot trench after being overcome by the fumes.

The Labor Services Division, also known as Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration, requested a total of $808,250 in penalties after the accident, asserting, among other things, that Insituform failed to ensure that workers had ventilation respirators, ladders and harnesses which would have assisted in pulling the workers to safety. In addition, state officials said that the company had not adequately trained employees on procedures for permit-required confined spaces entry. The amount included $770,000 in penalties for 11 willful violations and $38,250 for nine serious OSHA violations.

The road to the large penalty was not an easy one. The company contested the fines to the Employment Appeal Board, which referred the case to an administrative law judge. The judge held up most of the penalties, but dismissed or combined others. This resulted in the fine being reduced to $158,000.

That decision was appealed by Insituform to the board, which reinstated all but one of the violations and increase the penalties to $733,750. From there the company requested review by the district court, records show. The court upheld the board's decision, but realigned the fines back to $158,000.

Both Insituform and the Employment Appeal Board appealed that decision, and the Iowa Court of Appeals dismissed all but two of the violations, ruling that the violations were based on the wrong safety standards. This court ordered the company to pay a total penalty of $4,500 on the remaining two violations.

The Iowa Supreme Court, which heard the state's appeal last winter, reversed previous rulings in the case. The state's highest court awarded $733,700 to the state in February, stating the company violated safety rules during the repair. The court found the standards applied to Insituform's employees and that the use of those standards does not violate the U.S. or Iowa constitutions. The court also ruled that evidence supported the Employment Appeal Board's decision that the company violated the standards and that the assessment of penalties was appropriate.

"This decision will serve as a precedent if similar issues are raised in future cases regarding interpretation of OSHA law," said Dave Neil, interim director of Iowa Workforce Development.

He praised the work of state inspectors who investigated the accident, and attorneys Gail Sheridan-Lucht with the division and Rick Autry, formerly of the attorney general’s office, who handled the five-year litigation and appeal.

“It is good to see the hard work of an inspection being upheld through all stages of the legal process," he said. "We hope this provides some additional closure to the families of those lost.”

The award is believed to be the largest penalty check sent to the state's labor services division, said Neil.

The family and estates of Grasshoff and Burford sued Insituform and the City of Des Moines in Polk County District Court following the incident. The case was settled in November 2006 for an undisclosed sum.

Proving having a candidate at arm's length isn't a requirement for drumming up political support, staffers for Democratic hopeful Sen. Barack Obama visited with festival goers and passed out literature for their candidate at the 2007 Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival yesterday.

Field Organizer Allison Pulliam and Regional Field Director Hallie Schneir -- two of the hardest working young women in Eastern Iowa politics -- seemed to be having a hot but great time near the 3rd Avenue bridge when I caught up with them.

I heard that staff members from other campaigns -- particularly Gov. Bill Richardson's, former Sen. John Edwards, Sen. Sam Brownback and former Gov. Mitt Romney -- were on the ground in Cedar Rapids as well. Either I didn't spot them or they did a good job of running from the camera.

Those who have flown over Cedar Rapids know the city is split by the Cedar River. Residents often use the river as a dividing line when they offer directions. The postal service, which places addresses into quadrants, uses the river as one of its primary dividing lines. And in the early 1900s city leaders, perhaps sensing the potential for divisiveness, began moving city services to May's Island in the middle of the river.

The current island -- designed to appear as a large battleship floating down the river, the only such structure in North America -- has remained immune to quadrant classification. This sense of neutrality is probably why organizers of the city's annual Freedom Festival use the island each year. It also might be the reason the 2008 presidential hopefuls steered clear.

On July 4th, Democratic hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton brought her husband, former President Bill Clinton, into town for a rally in Green Square Park on the east side of the river. At that same time rival Democratic hopeful Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut brought his entire family into town, parking the tour bus near the police station on the west side of the river. Whether by convenience or design, the paths of the presidential candidates did not cross.

Hay Bales and Barricades

The park, flanked by the modern Cedar Rapids Museum of Art on one side and downtown businesses on the other, was filled with American flags, hay bales, flatbed trucks (for the press) and, of course, people hoping to catch a glimpse of the former president and first lady.

Local staff had been collecting names and passing out tickets over the past week and their efforts did not go unrewarded. The park was packed with many people sporting "Hillary" stickers.

Bill Clinton was given first dibs on the microphone. He led those listening down memory lane.

"If you think about the way things were in the eight years when I had a chance to serve and now how every little thing has been turned on its head since I left office, we have a good comparison," he said. "Our way works better."

As smoothly as a Broadway show, Hillary Clinton picked up her husband's cues and asked the audience, "Wouldn't you like to be free of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney?" The audience erupted into applause.

Following short remarks, the music began and those who had gathered either rushed away to other activities or, more often, pressed four-deep at the barricades surrounding the stage area made out of hay bales.

Piggyback Rides and Fireworks

Those who want prime seating for the fireworks often show up on the west bank of the river in the first hours of daylight. A few tents and many blankets and tarps covered the ground as families sat in lawn chairs and lit sparklers.

This was the scene as the big, blue Chris Dodd for President bus pulled up near the Cedar Rapids Police Station. Dodd (pictured above with a daughter on his shoulders), his wife Jackie and daughters Grace and Christina didn't exit the bus to campaign theme music, but quickly began shaking hands and talking with supporters.

Once they began to make their way down the sidewalk and along the river toward the Third Avenue bridge, Dodd lifted his 6-year-old daughter, Grace, onto his shoulders for a piggyback ride. Iowa Rep. Art Staed, D-Cedar Rapids, served as host, leading the senator through the crowd and making introductions.

While some festival goers made an obvious point of ignoring the politician, most were receptive. People of all ages stopped along the sidewalks for a few minutes to ask questions, say hello or have their photos taken with Dodd and Staed (also pictured above).

It took the group nearly two hours to walk the two blocks between the police station and the Third Avenue bridge. An attempt was made to count handshakes, but your reporter lost count shortly after 150.

"This is the type of campaigning I really enjoy," Dodd said before boarding the bus to travel to Veterans Memorial Stadium where the family watched the fireworks display. "When you meet people like this -- on the street and sidewalks -- they are candid. They tell me things I don't hear anywhere else, and those are things I need to know."

Straight from the press release:

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today announced his Iowa Faith and Family Leadership Committee.

"Over the past ten years, no one has done more in Congress to protect human life, traditional marriage and the American family than Sam Brownback," said former Iowa State Representative and pro-family leader Chuck Hurley, who will chair the committee. "Born and raised on a small family farm, Sam understands Iowa's conservative, Midwestern values. For conservatives looking for a champion in 2008, the choice is clear: Sam Brownback."

"I have been thrilled with the enthusiastic support of Iowans who share my goal to rebuild the family and renew the culture," added Brownback. "I have been blessed with the opportunity to carry forward the life, family and faith battles in Congress over the last decade. With the help of my Iowa Faith and Family Committee and the support of like-minded citizens across America, as president I will protect marriage and the family, preserve the role of faith in the public square, promote a culture that respects human life and appoint the Supreme Court Justice who will overturn Roe v. Wade."

The members of Brownback's Faith and Family Leadership Committee joined in appreciation of Brownback's consistent record and demonstrated leadership in promoting a culture that celebrates and respects life, the family, faith and freedom.

The entire committee is listed below:

Chairman:
Chuck Hurley, Des Moines

Members:
Rosemary Wilson, Ames
George & Carol Remer, Battle Creek
Brian Rosener, Bronson
Pat Anderson, Cedar Falls
Charles Daugherty, Cedar Rapids
Patricia Daugherty, Cedar Rapids
Theresa, Jerry, Josiah & Joel Lydon, Cedar Rapids
Judith Colgnhoun, Cedar Rapids
Scott Gilbert, Cedar Rapids
Dean Rothchild, Cedar Rapids
Bob & Patti, Kyle & Kelli Klaus, Cedar Rapids
Michael & Jeannette Frey, Cedar Rapids
Wendy Wilcox, Cedar Rapids
Jason Besler, Cedar Rapids
Dana Philips, Central City
Les & Liz Schofield, Clinton
Joe Ranney, Council Bluffs
Janice Sanderland, Davenport
Zac & Laura Stollenberg, Davenport
Kent & Karen Baxter, Davenport
Marilyn Anderson, Dayton
Nick Bal, Des Moines
Larry & Sara Morris, Des Moines
David Rubin, Des Moines
Shane Vanderhart, Des Moines
Nancy Ellinger, DeWitt
Brett Barker, Iowa City
Jeanne Jennings, Johnston
Randy Goodson, Marion
Garth Betry, Marion
Mark & Marie Scherbaum, Marion
Brandon Scherbaum, Marion
Sandra Goodson, Marion
Ric Lumbard, Marion
Jack McCullough, Monroe
Amy Russell, Mt. Vernon
Brad Russell, Mt. Vernon
Mark & Kay Flanders, Muscatine
Hannah Flanders, Muscatine
Anna Anderson, Muscatine
Brad & Danielle Schmidt, Muscatine
Joe & Joan Flanders, Muscatine
John Anderson, Muscatine
Bill Tvedt, Oskaloosa
Robin Chase, Palo
JoHann Twedt, Roland
Kateri Sevde, Roland
Donna Uhl, Sioux City
Dianne Winkel, Sioux City
Katherine Anfinson, Sioux City
Regina Ratina, Sioux City
Marge Stanek, Sioux City
Larry Myers, Toddville
Mark Bakker, Urbandale
Peter & Becky Johnston, Urbandale
Jordan Anderson, Washington
Gladys Heasley, Waterloo
Angela Wruche, Waterloo
Bob Deever, West Des Moines

Tomorrow, voters in Polk, Dallas and Warren counties will held to the polls to decide the fate of "Project Destiny," a local-option tax. As we reported last week former lawmaker and gubernatorial candidate Ed Fallon moderated a discussion on WHO and WMT radio stations between both sides of the proposed project. He and I'M for Iowa partner Lynn Heuss spent time on the radio talking about the proposal afterward. For those who missed the discussion, however, Fallon put out a summary today.

Our View on "Yes to Destiny" Sales Tax Increase

Regarding tomorrow’s vote on the proposed local option sales tax for Polk, Dallas and Warren counties . . . we’ve been asked to share our opinion on the matter. (For those outside the Des Moines metro, this may be relevant in your community some day, so please bear with us.) After lots of study and dialogue, we’re recommending a “no” vote, but not without significant excitement about the plan itself.

Yes, we need to do a lot more for culture, the arts and trails. Investing in these amenities will help make Iowa and the Des Moines metro even more dynamic and sustainable places to live and work.

However, the trails discussion has been almost exclusively about recreation. The focus should be on trails as part of our biking transportation infrastructure. Like other places that take biking seriously (the Netherlands and Portland, Oregon), there’s absolutely no reason the Des Moines metro couldn’t see 25% of its commuters getting to and from work by bike most of the year.

Sure, trails are a part of that conversation; but the focus should be on biking-as-transportation, addressing issues of road safety, bike lanes, bike racks, trail and lane maintenance, etc. Driving one’s car to ride one’s bike on a trail does nothing to reduce auto dependence or carbon emissions. Biking as recreation is important, but if we truly are committed to becoming more environmentally-friendly communities, developing an infrastructure that supports biking as transportation is essential.

Our main problem with Destiny is the funding stream. It is simply flat-out wrong to pay for these improvements by increasing the sales tax, which is the most regressive of all taxes. With a sales tax increase, the biggest businesses and wealthiest individuals will see reductions in their property taxes while the poor and middle-class will pay more.

So, what should happen? First and foremost, Destiny proponents should join with those of us who have been working for years to support a slate of legislative reforms that would provide more than enough money to pay for Destiny-type projects, not just in central Iowa