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NE Iowa Progressives

  • Flom '08

    Number of comments: 0

    I took over a hundred pictures of the Decorah/Freeport area, Monday. I haven’t had a chance to edit them yet, but thought I’d share so you could see what was happening around here.

    I spent some time downtown, Monday, and you could feel the tension and fear. Decorah dodged the [...]

    Posted: June 11, 2008, 10:57am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • High water

    Number of comments: 0

    The river here is at record high level. My old neighborhood is under mandatory evacuation, just over an hour ago. Scooter's folks have 4' of water in their basement and the river is creeping up to the top of the dike. His brother's family is stranded at their house on [...]

    Posted: June 09, 2008, 8:23am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • come on - you know you want to!

    Number of comments: 0

    Can you believe it? We’re two days from the State Primary. It’s been a long several months of campaigning, and now the rush of last minute candidate advertising is filling mailboxes, newspapers and airwaves.

    We’re in a unique position in northeast Iowa - four Democratic candidates for [...]

    Posted: June 01, 2008, 1:37pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • IA-4 Congressional Candidate Forum Today

    Number of comments: 0
    Just a reminder for those of you in Iowa's 4th Congressional district. IA-4 Democratic candidates will attend local Candidate Forums to answer constituent questions.

    Becky Greenwald, Kurt Meyer, William J. Meyers and Kevin Miskell will attend all three forums.

    Fourth Congressional District Democratic candidate Forum

    Sunday May [...]
    Posted: May 18, 2008, 9:54am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Looks like someone didn't get the memo

    Number of comments: 0
    While the overpaid desk clerks on TV continue their breathless gibberish about the Democratic Primary - "Wright!! Ayers!! Pantsuits!! Orange juice!!" - you might have missed this tidbit from the Republican side of town.

    Recent Republican Primary numbers:

    Indiana
    McCain 77%
    Huckabee 10%
    Paul 8%
    Romney 5%

    N.Carolina
    McCain [...]

    Posted: May 08, 2008, 9:22am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • IA-4 Candidate Becky Greenwald in Decorah

    Number of comments: 0
    IA-4 Democratic candidate Becky Greenwald will be in Decorah from 7-8 p.m. on Monday May 12th at the Oaks Restaurant to meet and talk with Democratic activists in Winneshiek County.

    Becky is looking forward to meeting Winneshiek Democrats and discussing her plans and reasons why she is running for [...]

    Posted: May 08, 2008, 8:48am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Democratic Candidate Forums

    Number of comments: 1

    We have a very full roster of candidates for the upcoming Primary, and you may be thinking, “Wouldn’t it be great if I could ask some questions and hear the candidates’ views?” Well, now you can!

    Local Democratic candidates will be attending a forum to answer questions from area voters, [...]

    Posted: April 26, 2008, 5:11pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Winneshiek Dems meeting tonight

    Number of comments: 0
    The Winneshiek Democrats Central Committee will meet tonight at The Oaks Steakhouse in Decorah. Social/dinner gathering at 5:30 and the meeting will start at 7PM. It's open to the public, so stop by to tell us what's on your mind, find out what we have planned, and meet some local [...]
    Posted: April 24, 2008, 12:12pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • A letter to the editor

    Number of comments: 2
    This one goes out to Rick Fromm at Decorah Newspapers.

    Bravo, Rick! Your recent column “Universal health care is a moot point if you're dead” will surely go down as one of the greatest auditions ever submitted to FOX News Channel. It had everything we've come to expect [...]

    Posted: March 21, 2008, 1:08pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Why is the Republican Party of Iowa paying for local candidate websites?

    Number of comments: 1
    Randy Schissel, Republican candidate for House District 16, why is the Republican Party of Iowa paying for your website? Fund raising problems? Still running on Karl Rove1.01 and hoping the "dumb Iowans" will fall for your happy monkey dance?

    You can see it right here, at Randy's website. [...]
    Posted: February 21, 2008, 1:23am EST
    by Scott J.
  • House District 16 Candidate - John Franzen

    Number of comments: 1
    I'm setting up the website for House District 16 Candidate, John Franzen. It's a little rough, as I've just started it but I should have it shaped up in the next few days.


    John Franzen

    John's Bio

    www.johnfranzen.net [...]
    Posted: February 18, 2008, 2:05pm EST
    by Scott J.
  • Break Time!

    Number of comments: 6
    Just a quick break while I work on the WinnDems site. My old school chum, Michael G, has tagged me for a list of songs I can't stand. Fortunately, I think I've blocked most of the truly atrocious numbers from my memory, but there are a few that just [...]
    Posted: November 20, 2007, 3:49pm EST
    by Scott J.
  • Winneshiek Dems meet tonight

    Number of comments: 0
    Man, this place has a lot of cobwebs... I recently started a new job and the hours have been, well... nuts! I'll try to post more regularly as the political season continues. In the meantime:
    In November, due to the Thanksgiving holiday, they will meet on Thursday, November 15th, at [...]
    Posted: November 15, 2007, 12:24pm EST
    by Scott J.
  • 30 Days in the Hole. 30???

    Number of comments: 0
    Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
    I'm no law-talky person, but this seems rather [...]
    Posted: October 07, 2007, 11:14am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Everybody knows that smokin' ain't allowed... in public?

    Number of comments: 4

    Normally, I wouldn't bother with a story like this but I'm on my fourth smoke-free day, after 22 years of smoking, so my mind has a tendency to pick up on anything about cigarettes and smoking. Funny how that works, eh?

    From the [...]
    Posted: October 04, 2007, 9:37am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • If we build it

    Number of comments: 0
    From the Register:
    A coalition of Iowa environmental and union activists on Tuesday called on Iowa's congressional delegation to back vigorous action against global warming. The group urged Iowa's five congressmen to support the Safe Climate Act, a federal bill that aims to cut the United States' global warming [...]
    Posted: October 03, 2007, 10:25am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • I believe that children are the Future - but not the poor ones!

    Number of comments: 0
    As expected, Compassionate Conservative George W. Bush vetoed the SCHIP Expansion bill that was overwhelmingly approved by Congress.
    "By vetoing this legislation, I am sending an important message: that we must never forget the lesson of September the eleventh. We will not surrender - instead we will fight to replace [...]
    Posted: October 03, 2007, 9:25am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • NE Iowa Progressive Radio tonight


    I'm going to take another shot at the debut of NE Iowa Progressive Radio tonight at 6PM.

    You can listen via the internet (Windows Media Player) and call in with questions or comments. IMs or e-mails are welcome, as well. (The contact info is [...]
    Posted: September 30, 2007, 11:13am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • The E. coli has landed

    Number of comments: 0

    Remember a few weeks ago, when I posted 'Where's the Beef (inspection)?' here?
    WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) today announced strong opposition to provisions in the House "Farm Bill," H.R.2419 that would end federal meat inspection. The bill, [...]
    Posted: September 30, 2007, 10:00am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Is Steve King Trying to embarrass Iowa?

    Number of comments: 0
    This clown just won't stop. From the Sioux City Journal:
    Polish Legion of American Veterans USA, national executive director Ben Filipczyk:

    “This year the U.S. Senate enthusiastically passed S.J. Res. 5, proclaiming Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary U.S. citizen posthumously. This meaningful legislation now only awaits the [...]
    Posted: September 28, 2007, 11:45am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Winn Dems wrap up

    Number of comments: 0
    So, I made my way down to the Winn Dems meeting last night, which was a first for me. The local reps for the Clinton, Obama, Biden, Dodd, and Edwards campaigns were there as well, so we had a chance to listen to some stump speeches by proxy, as it [...]
    Posted: September 28, 2007, 10:36am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • More good news

    Number of comments: 1
    Sen. Harkin's "Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act" bill will finally make it to the floor of the Senate. From the Register:
    The Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act is named for an Army Reserve member from Grundy Center, Ia., who took his own life after returning from 11 [...]
    Posted: September 28, 2007, 10:29am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • The Least of These - II

    Number of comments: 0
    This is what I like to see. From the WCF Courier:
    Gov. Chet Culver on Wednesday accused the Bush administration and Republican Rep. Steve King of choosing politics over children by opposing a proposed expansion of a health insurance program for children.

    "In the most powerful, richest nation [...]
    Posted: September 27, 2007, 2:35pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Winn Dems meet tonight

    Number of comments: 0
    Come one, come all ! The Winneshiek County Democrats group will meet in the basement of T-Bock's at 7pm tonight.

    On a barely related note, my browser thinks "Winneshiek" is a misspelling. Should I be offended? [...]
    Posted: September 27, 2007, 9:25am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Stand by for download, Iowa

    Number of comments: 1
    I'll tell ya, I'm sure glad I did some checking around this morning before I decided to offer an opinion on any current political issues. As it turns out, David Brooks was just waiting to give me my opinion on all things political. Glenn Greenwald, via Atrios:
    Brooks:[...]
    Posted: September 25, 2007, 10:06am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Iowa's Democratic Landslide

    Number of comments: 0
    According to a 9/23 Survey USA poll, Iowa is leaning heavily toward a Democratic President for 2008. Here's the Democratic lead, in the matchup between the "favored" 3 candidates for each Party (I'm not sure why McCain's not included):

    • Obama/Giuliani - +8
    • Obama Thompson - +10
    • Obama/Romney - +10
    Posted: September 25, 2007, 9:22am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • My Monday Night obsession

    Number of comments: 2

    Season Premiere tonight! New characters? New plot lines? I can’t wait!

    I won’t be liveblogging it but Tim Kring and Jack Coleman will be liveblogging during the show, at the NBC site.

    [...]
    Posted: September 24, 2007, 6:13pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • And a panel on every roof

    Good news on the alternative energy front, for small-scale solar energy production. From Industy Week, via TreeHugger:
    Produced at less than $1 per watt, the panels will dramatically reduce the cost of generating solar electricity and could power homes and businesses around the globe with clean energy for [...]
    Posted: September 24, 2007, 1:48pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Welcome back to Reality

    From The Courier:

    From coast to coast, independent voters tilt tellingly toward Democrats in their opposition to the Iraq war, their displeasure with Bush and their feeling that the country is moving in the wrong direction, according to data from recent Associated Press-Ipsos [...]
    Posted: September 24, 2007, 10:34am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Business in a time of Politics

    I was talking with a friend over the weekend and he said (paraphrased): "It's crazy to put political signage up at a business." That started me thinking about politics via patronage and voting with your dollars, so to speak. What do you think? Would you support a business, or not, [...]
    Posted: September 24, 2007, 9:47am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Computers - is there anything they can't do?

    Well, in my case, the answer is a resounding "Yes!" Yeesh... I think I have the situation resolved now but it royally messed up my weekend plans. I guess I'll try again next weekend. In the meantime, I have some catching up to do to get back on track. Bollocks... [...]
    Posted: September 24, 2007, 8:22am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • NE Iowa Progressive Radio


    I set up a BlogTalk Radio account for the blog and I'll give it a shot. I haven't been very good about promoting this blog, so I have some work to do in the next few days. The BTR system is pretty cool and I [...]
    Posted: September 21, 2007, 10:14am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • The least of these



    From The Register:

    Washington, D.C. - Iowa's senior Republican senator expressed frustration with the White House, and Gov. Chet Culver warned that the state might not be able to pay October premiums as the deadline for renewal of a popular children's health [...]
    Posted: September 21, 2007, 9:41am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Primary Fear


    "Something needs to be done," said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., chairwoman of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee. "The presidential nominating process is too important to our democracy to allow the pell-mell scramble to continue."

    Feinstein has thrown her support behind federal legislation creating [...]
    Posted: September 20, 2007, 11:20am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • East Side School news

    Number of comments: 1
    From Decorahnews.com:
    Superintendent Michael Haluska says the [Struxtures] architectural firm is studying whether parts of the school can be salvaged for use on the Trout Run Trail.





    There are infinite possibilities for salvaging the materials from ESS and finding responsible, respectful [...]
    Posted: September 19, 2007, 12:22pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Republicans fail America once again

    Not just America, they've failed the World and the entire concept of Civilization, as we know it. From the Chicago Examiner:
    WASHINGTON - The Senate narrowly rejected legislation on Wednesday that would have given military detainees the right to protest their detention in federal court.

    The 56-43 vote [...]
    Posted: September 19, 2007, 11:22am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Local Radio Show on the internet?



    I'm thinking of starting up a local internet radio show on a system I've used before, BlogTalk Radio. You can listen via the internet and call in by phone or internet with questions or comments, or send an Instant Message or e-mail. I haven't [...]
    Posted: September 18, 2007, 7:35pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Let's hear it for the boys!

    Number of comments: 2
    Three NE Iowa citizens will be competing in the Democratic Primary race to replace Chuck Gipp in the IA house of Representatives. According to the Decorah Newspaper (see, this is a good local blog) Tom Hansen, John Beard and John Franzen have declared their intent to run for Iowa's [...]
    Posted: September 18, 2007, 6:01pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • The Best Laid Health Plans

    The Register has a good article on Hillary Clinton's newly released plans for American health coverage. There's a comparison of the candidates' plans, as well. Here's a sample:

    Clinton
    Cost: $110 billion a year

    How to pay for it: She would end some of the Bush tax [...]
    Posted: September 17, 2007, 10:13pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • The answer, my friend

    Culver is in Europe, trying to bring some alternative energy solutions to Iowa. From the Radio Iowa Blog:
    Iowa Governor Chet Culver is in Europe this week for several renewable energy events. Culver says one of the key events is a panel and conference on wind energy. Culver says [...]
    Posted: September 17, 2007, 9:52pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • School Board Meeting Tonight

    The Decorah School Board meets tonight at 7pm. I don't know the location, though. Anyone know? [...]
    Posted: September 17, 2007, 3:53pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Edwards at the Steak Fry

    Here's video of John Edwards' speech at Sen. Harkin's Steak Fry, yesterday.

    John Edwards - Part 1


    John Edwards - Part 2


    A great message, a powerful message. I'm definitely aligned with his values and goals - or is it vice versa? heh!

    I'm [...]
    Posted: September 17, 2007, 10:03am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • 7th Day Ramblings - Summer's Last Gasp

    Number of comments: 1
    It's been an interesting week, hasn't it? A few days later, and Tuesday seems a lifetime ago - time can be a strange Mistress, I suppose.

    Yesterday there was a march for Peace, in Washington D.C. I don't really pay much attention to demonstrations, to be honest, because I'm [...]
    Posted: September 16, 2007, 9:37am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Friday Night falderol

    It's Friday night, and we could all use a little fun from time to time, right? Please to enjoy these Friday night mood enhancers while you're ambling around the internets.

    Gentlemen - Intoxication


    Big Mountain w/ Tony Chin - (live)


    Bob Marley - Stir [...]
    Posted: September 14, 2007, 9:07pm EDT
    by Scott J.
  • Looking Forward

    I haven't given up, entirely, on the East Side School issue but some of the folks involved with WinnPac have brought up the question of what we do in the future, as progressive citizens of our fair community.

    I consider myself progressive in the sense that I'd like to [...]
    Posted: September 14, 2007, 10:54am EDT
    by Scott J.
  • This is my town

    This song popped into my head tonight and seemed appropriate. Maybe it's just a severe case of nostalgia, musically and citizen-ally, who knows...



    Rock on, brothers and sisters... rock on...

    I suppose I have to add this one, as well. Memories...



    Enjoy! [...]
    Posted: September 12, 2007, 10:58pm EDT
    by Scott
  • Boggled

    Number of comments: 2

    I was with the East Side School supporters last night when the election results were released. Honestly, I don't even know what to say. I decided I'd wait until this morning to write anything - a couple beers and a sense of outrage can make [...]
    Posted: September 12, 2007, 8:07am EDT
    by Scott
  • Come back again when you can't stay as long

    Number of comments: 2
    I'm not sure what prompts Move America Forward to travel through the Heartland, but they were here. From the Register:
    About 60 people attended the pro-troop rally in Des Moines, which was the 20th stop on a 27-city tour that will end in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 15.
    [...]
    Posted: September 11, 2007, 3:42pm EDT
    by Scott
  • Latham is coming around

    This is interesting, at least to me. A Republican Congressman urging a faster and greater troop withdrawal from Iraq? From the Register:
    Washington, D.C. - A Republican congressman from Iowa said Monday that the drawdown of U.S. troops from Iraq should happen sooner than a midsummer 2008 date recommended [...]
    Posted: September 11, 2007, 3:34pm EDT
    by Scott
  • The Absent


    They are not here. And we, we are the Others
    Who walk by ourselves unquestioned in the sun
    Which shines for us and only for us.
    For They are not here.
    And are made known to us in this great absence
    That lies [...]

    Posted: September 11, 2007, 11:55am EDT
    by Scott
  • Being a part of Decorah History


    Today's the day. If you live in the Decorah School District, you have an opportunity to cast a vote and preserve a major part of Decorah's history. The polls will be open at Decorah Sr. High until 8pm. Hometown [...]
    Posted: September 11, 2007, 9:54am EDT
    by Scott
  • And so it begins: The Reconnecting


    It's late Sunday night and, of course, that's the perfect time for a guy to enjoy a beer and think about things. So, here I am, enjoying a beer and thinking about things.

    It's been almost two years since I've come back to Smalltown, [...]
    Posted: September 10, 2007, 11:42pm EDT
    by Scott
  • 7th Day Ramblings

    Bits and pieces, as they pop up today...

    Minutemen in Iowa? From The Gazette:
    "American veterans reform? Anyone for helping the veterans? Minutemen?" he asked as people trickled into the arena.

    [J. Michael] Haskins, director of the Johnson County chapter of the Minutemen Civil Defense Corps, was [...]
    Posted: September 09, 2007, 12:03pm EDT
    by Scott
  • Alternative Energy in our backyard

    Here's an encouraging article on alternative energy production, from The Courier:
    Planergy Inc., of Woodbury, Minn., has been collecting gas from the city of Waterloo's sewage treatment lagoon in the Northeast Industrial Park and using it to power a boiler at the Tyson Fresh Meats plant on North Elk [...]
    Posted: September 08, 2007, 2:52pm EDT
    by Scott
  • East Side School


    I added WinnPac to the blogroll. You can click on the graphic above, as well, to visit the site and help save the East Side School, if you're so inclined. The School Board election is Tuesday, Sept. 11th. I hope you'll join us and help [...]
    Posted: September 08, 2007, 11:46am EDT
    by Scott
  • Health Watch: America's backbone

    A recent study shows that farmers who have health coverage still face problems. From the Courier:
    DES MOINES, Iowa - The cost of health care in the U.S. is putting a pinch on many family farmers and ranchers who are struggling to pay high premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, according [...]
    Posted: September 07, 2007, 10:46am EDT
    by Scott
  • Getting ready for the Ethanol Bubble

    Some not-so-encouraging news on Ethanol from The Courier:
    LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) --- Ethanol producers have friendly government policies to thank for the current boom in the corn-based alternative fuel and will need more help from Washington to keep from going belly up in a few years, says a new [...]
    Posted: September 07, 2007, 10:11am EDT
    by Scott
  • A touch of madness

    Sen. Tom Harkin:
    As you may know, for more than a year, now, I have been working to pass the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act. This bill - which is named for a soldier from Grundy Center, Iowa, who took his own life after returning from Iraq - directs [...]
    Posted: September 06, 2007, 5:33pm EDT
    by Scott
  • Where's the beef (inspection)?

    This certainly doesn't sound like good news. From the Wires:
    WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 -- The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) today announced strong opposition to provisions in the House "Farm Bill," H.R.2419 that would end federal meat inspection. The bill, which recently passed the House, lowers food safety [...]
    Posted: September 06, 2007, 4:54pm EDT
    by Scott
  • Starbucks says 'No more java jive!'

    Number of comments: 2
    I'm not a big fan of Starbucks, more for reasons of taste than politics or business, but this is encouraging. (via The Consumerist)
    By the end of this year, Starbucks will no longer serve dairy products that contain Posilac, aka rBGH or rbST, the growth hormone manufactured [...]
    Posted: September 05, 2007, 3:01pm EDT
    by Scott
  • Tis the Season

    It's September, and that means the air is filled with a special kind of magic. It won't be long before St. Petreus makes his rounds and leaves a wonderful surprise for all of us. In the meantime...
    From The Swamp:

    Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, one of [...]
    Posted: September 05, 2007, 9:02am EDT
    by Scott
  • God's Country

    "Iowa, for good reason, for constitutional reasons, for reasons related to the Lord, should be the first caucus and primary," Richardson, New Mexico's governor, said at the Northwest Iowa Labor Council Picnic. "And I want you to know who was the first candidate to sign a pledge not to campaign [...]
    Posted: September 04, 2007, 1:26pm EDT
    by Scott
  • Decorah City Council Meetings

    Decorah City Council
    Sept. 4 - 7:30 p.m.

    Boards and Commissions
    Human Rights Commission - Sept. 4 - 5:30 p.m.
    Board of Adjustment - Sept. 10 - 5:00 p.m.
    P & Z Commission - Sept. 10 - 7:00 p.m.
    Tree Board - Sept. 27 - 7:00 p.m.
    [...]
    Posted: September 03, 2007, 10:07am EDT
    by Scott
  • O Congressman! My Congressman!

    I had an interesting bit of serendipity the other day. I was getting ready to head out to take care of a few errands, and decided to check the Help Wanted ads to see if there was anything I could apply for while I was out and about. The first [...]
    Posted: September 02, 2007, 10:18pm EDT
    by Scott
  • Test Post

    It's September 2nd and we're testing out the new blog. I still need to come up with a nice graphic for the header, fill out the blogroll and decide what I want to talk about. Yeah, that's all - should be a snap!

    I'd like to tune in to [...]
    Posted: September 02, 2007, 6:34pm EDT
    by Scott

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