More fun from the Jefferson Jackson Dinner

It’s a Saturday night and your favorite football team is having a really rough night. What’s a conservative girl to do? Turn to Twitter for some good or at least informative news.

And that is what I did when I followed tweets from Kathie Obradovich who was attending the Iowa Democratic Party Jefferson Jackson Dinner.

Moment by moment I learned what the Democrats who inhabit Iowa full time (and rarely) were thinking. Factor in Pennsylvania Governor Rendell who was the keynote speaker and it was a hoot to read as it happened. But, just in case you missed it, I have decided to high light some of the comments so that as Iowa voters you can be enlightened as well. Fact or fantasy – real or imagined – the comments shed light on what Culver and Company were thinking as they made fun of Republicans and or made up one liners to make themselves feel better about the upcoming election. After reading Kathie Obradovich’s blog, I have to wonder if the steam from the dishwasher that caused the evacuation process at the scheduled meal time had an influence on the gems of statements that follow.

My comments are in italics.

Rendell: It’s time for us to start acting like Democrats. (I think you already are!)

Rendell on Michele Bachmann: The gift that keeps on giving for us. (And I love her gifts- if she irritates you, all the more reason she is a favorite of mine!)

Rendell: Our opponents, the R party are increasing being influenced, being dominated by people who are absolutely nuts. (Excuse me Gov. R: seems to me there are plenty of “nuts” to go around – and some of them with “D’s” behind their names are soon  to be out looking for a different job)

Rendell: I think we have to follow the lead of our president, who I think in the last 2 weeks has done a great job out there talking… (and talking, and talking, and talking…!)

Rendell on Mike Pence: He didn’t seem like a reasonable man to me. (Pence has lots of Iowa fans who think he is quite “reasonable”, so Gov. Rendell it is obvious you are associating with the wrong crowd.)

Rendell says Culver doesn’t talk about his own accomplishments as much as he should. Iowa unemploy rate 30% below nat avg. (Hmmmm… oh, yeah, the long term results of  the steam from the dishwasher. Got it!)

Rendell maybe thinks Tom Harkin is up for re-election. (Sure wish Tom was up because he would go down!)

Rendell: You have a tremendous tolerance for speeches. (Amen, amen, amen!!!)

Culver: I need you to leave here believing with every fiber of your being that we’re going to win on Nov. 2nd. (I think there are products on the market to help with the fiber part)

Culver says he’s moved 11 points in the polls in the last 2 ½ weeks. “We’ve got them on the run.

(The steam problems  must have been really bad!)

Culver was supposed to be on about 8:15. It’s now 8:45. Yep, it’s a typical JJ.? (I would not know and don’t care to find out in person)

Which is more painful, the Cyclone score or this auction of Democratic memorabilia? (Sorry to say… both were painful!)

Shirt autographed by Culver and Rendell just went at auction for $100. Starting bid. (I’d say about $99.99 toooooo much paid for this piece of attire!)

Harkin equates opponents of the gay marriage ruling to the “cranks” who opposed school desegregation. (Yes, this is our Tom Harkin who bobble heads for Howard Dean!)

Harkin describes opponents of the gay marriage ruling as “Oh, there were a few out there …”(Guess Democrats flunked math class)

Harkin: (Supreme Court) made the (Varnum) decision and there was hardly even a burble out there. People said, yes, that’s right. (No, we said this is WRONG!)

Harkin: The incomparable Steve King (audience boos) wants Rs to sign a blood oath to shut down govt unless HCR is repealed. (I could cheer all day for Steve King and boo to the HCR! Repeal, repeal, repeal!)

Harkin: The people of Iowa will not elect Terry Branstad to be their next governor. They will elect Chet Culver. Believe it. (Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy come to mind with this comment)

Harkin: Make no mistake about it. … From Gov. Culver on down the ticket we are going to win on Nov. 2nd. (Dream on, Brother Harkin, Dream on!)

Sen. Tom Harkin is up to John Mellencamp’s “Small Town.”” (Probably a small town in the Bahamas…)

Conlin: Turn your ballot over and vote yes to retain those courageous judges. (Well, I will remember to turn my ballot over but the ovals will be marked NO, NO, NO!)

Chad Steenhoek: Common Sense for Iowa

Husband. Father. Friend. Small business owner. Enthusiastic campaigner in House District 46.

Meet Chad Steenhoek!

In reading over the campaign literature Steenhoek has prepared to educate voters in his district one sentence says volumes as to why Steenhoek is the obvious choice for those fortunate enough to vote for him:

“I will strive to bring government under control to make life in Iowa free from suffocating taxes and regulations; so that we may all prosper together.”

As a small business owner Steenhoek knows all about taxes and regulations. His views on tax relief are in stark contrast with his opponent, Democrat Lisa Heddens, who voted against millions in property tax relief for Iowa families and homeowners. (HF 2531) Steenhoek will vote for tax relief and oppose out of control spending that brings more long term debt to hard working Iowans.

I urge voters in House District 46 to give careful time and attention the values and opinions that separate Heddens and Steenhoek. There are many.

Heddens has voted to increase the state budget by $1 billion over the last four years, supported Barack Obama’s  and Nancy Pelosi’s public option for nationalized health care, opposed plans to end taxpayer paid benefits to illegal immigrants, and voted against the display of the American Flag in schools and against starting the school day with the Pledge of Allegiance. And if these votes are not enough to cause concern and even anger, Heddens also opposed a move to allow Iowans the right to vote on the definition of marriage in Iowa.

Iowans deserve better. Voters in House District 46 have a tremendous opportunity to elect a representative who will work to control spending, reduce the tax burden, reduce government, set high standards for education, and control the Judiciary.

I asked Chad to answer the following questions:

What is your stand on same-sex marriage and why do you hold that view?

Marriage is between a man and a woman.  I hold that view because the Creator has made us that way.

What is your opinion of the state budget and what could or should be done differently, if you feel that something should be changed?

Two things.  Fist the budget is in terrible shape.  We are spending more than we take in, and then have borrowed money to cover the gap.  We need to live within our means and save money for the future in case of emergencies like the flooding in Cedar Rapids.

Second, the way we fund departments and counties has to be streamed lined.  I would like to go to a results based funding system for everything except School funding.  That would work like this.  Have the DOT submit a budget that lays out how many miles of road are going to be build/fixed, how much it will cost for snow removal, and administration.  Then fund to that level.  If the DOT puts forth a budget that we can’t fully fund we cut out things that are not needed.  If they save money, let them use it for the next year on projects that were not able to finish this year- and so on.

What do you think of the status of unemployment in our state?

It is the worst it has been in 25 years.  The worst thing that can happen to a family is not be able to find work to provide for your children.  This has to be a priority going forward

What is a big hot button issue within the district that you are honing in on and what’s your take on that issue?

The income tax structure.  It is out of control and is used by special interest to gain an advantage in the market place.  Property taxes need to be examined also.

Finally, why should people vote for you?

I am a conservative leader and small business owner, I have signed the front of a paycheck.  The biggest thing that people have to have in an elected leader is “can you trust them”.  I am a person they can trust.

TRUST. Iowans need someone to believe in, who has integrity, who is reliable and trustworthy.

Chad Steenhoek – a candidate who we can trust to do the job he will be elected to do.

Iowa needs Tom Shaw

Recently Tom Shaw was highlighted in the Des Moines Register article Republican hopes are high for gains in Iowa Legislature. According to the article Shaw is in one of the “nine hottest Iowa House races.” I am very pleased that Mr. Shaw has received this state wide publicity.

I met Mr. Shaw at the Humboldt County Fair. He was out and about shaking hands and meeting potential voters. I was impressed with his sincerity and passion for campaigning to be elected for House District 8. (Pocahontas, Humboldt, Kossuth, and Webster counties) Mr. Shaw handed me “The Constitution of the United States” and some campaign literature which included his website.

While I suggest voters do their own research on Tom Shaw I will highlight what I like about his views and strengths.

Tom Shaw believes in:

  • The sanctity of all innocent life.
  • The right to Keep and Bear Arms.
  • Limited government and a return to Constitutional Principles.
  • Reducing the tax burden for all Iowans.
  • Supporting Iowa’s agricultural development.

Tom Shaw has other areas listed on his website where he pledges to defend Iowans in numerous ways when he is elected to the Iowa House. After reading them all, I am convinced that Iowa needs Tom Shaw.

Another positive for Mr. Shaw is Governor Mike Huckabee and Huck Pac’s endorsement:

 “Huck PAC and I are proud to endorse Tom Shaw for State Representative District 8. Tom has selflessly served his country and his community. For 20 years, he served in the United States Navy and most recently as the Chief of Police – now, Tom wants to serve his fellow Iowans in the Iowa House of Representatives.

Tom is uniquely qualified and unquestionably pro-life. He supports traditional marriage, and as a proud member of the VFW and NRA to name a few – Tom will protect your 2nd amendment rights.


Citizens have expressed their support of Tom Shaw and numerous comments are listed on the website.

Some of my favorites:

“He is a “common sense” conservative.”

“I trust him!”

“…he is a real patriot and a sincere man of moral conscience.”

Voters will have the opportunity to meet Tom Shaw at an upcoming campaign event:

Friday, September 10th, at Vinnie’s BBQ in Dakota City. Special Guest of Honor is Congressman Tom Latham. Cost is $25.00 per plate or $40.00 per family. Seating is limited, so order your tickets today by emailing tom@electshaw2010.com

I wish Tom Shaw success with his campaign and fund raising event.  Shaw’s strengths are his life experiences as a 20 year U.S. Navy veteran, serving as Chief of Police in Laurens, IA, and his strong belief in The Constitution of the United States.

Yes, Iowa needs Tom Shaw!

The Tea Party: a wake up call!

I started my 4th of July by reading the Des Moines Sunday Register, specifically the ‘Your 2 Cents’ Worth’ comments. In case you missed this part of the Metro and Iowa section here are the words that caught my attention.

“We just had our first sweet corn and hate to have the cobs go to the landfill. How about if we all donate them to the tea-partiers for use in their outhouses? If they want the 18th century back, they can have it.”

Signed: “Ames guy”.

Ames guy is rude and crude and probably not worth the attention I am giving him with my post. Rather I wish to high light an awesome writing by Karen Miner Hurd entitled “What the Tea Party Stands For”. I will share a portion of her great article below and you may read the remainder of it here.

The absolutely amazing thing about the entire Tea Party Movement, which has grown exponentially, is the unity and deep conviction of those involved. The Tea Party movement is drawing people from all political stripes, social causes, and income brackets. It is drawing people who have never participated in any kind of political or grassroots movement before. What we have in common, and what holds us together, is a very deep love for the uniqueness of the United States of America, a desire for the limited government that our Founding Fathers created, a fairly “strict” interpretation of the Constitution, a belief in capitalism and free enterprise and a strong sense of personal responsibility. Tea Party Movement people are feeling an urgency. They are sensing that we must take action NOW, not next year.

As the article states: “The Tea Party is a wake up call to all Americans.” Some of us seem to be waking up faster than others, especially one guy in Ames, Iowa!

Bob Vander Plaats and Independence

It has been a week since the 2010 Iowa GOP State Convention.

A week where the winners (Terry Branstad and Kim Reynolds) and their devoted supporters continue their verbal and written assaults on the loser (Bob Vander Plaats) and his also devoted supporters.

Like clock work more stories are posted on the Terry Branstad blog site that pretends to be the place where Republicans can get their news. Many of these stories and the comments that follow are really character assassinations. It is evident that when some my fellow Iowans do not like what someone says or believes they take their precious time to sit hour after hour to post in order to out do each other with vile comments. Iowans like Danny Carroll, Bill Salier, and Steve Deace all get copious amounts of typing time as their names are repeatedly dredged in the gutter of unkind and unflattering words and opinions.

There must be a great amount of pleasure that is obtained in winners that still focus so much time to harangue on the losers. I had mistakenly thought that winners celebrate and savor the victory. Obviously this is not the game plan for Terry Branstad and his supporters. Winning was not enough. There is more skin to scalp and more hearts to hurt or turn to stone.

I was an early and happy supporter of Bob Vander Plaats. The events I attended were times of learning about his vision for Iowa and I liked what I heard. I noted kindness, respect, appreciation, and a host of other great qualities that I believed would be a welcome change for the leadership that is so needed in Iowa.

When I read that I am a part of a cult and that Iowans that I admire and respect are treated in such horrid ways I know it is time to declare Independence.

As pointed out in this comment posted on the Terry Branstad blog site Iowa citizens like me can’t think for ourselves. We have been “brainwashed”.

Just took a look at Deace’s blog. This man is Jim Jones without the Kool Aid. His followers have been brainwashed exactly like the followers of Jim Jones.

As July 4, 2010 approaches and Americans celebrate our Independence I urge Iowans to seek freedom from the influence or control of others.

Say no to being brainwashed or influenced by Iowans who have nothing better to do than trash the good names of fellow patriots.

Say no to being pulled under a big tent where you will once again be under the influence of the elite and power hungry members of the Republican Party.

Say no to professional bloggers who assist in trashing and bashing and give free reign so that many others can trash and bash, as well.

I am too old to be naïve that any words I would write would change the hearts and minds of people who make extreme comments like the one I have shared about Jim Jones. Yet, I pledge to not kill myself because I read the awesome words on Steve Deace’s blog. I have too much heart and effort to give to local candidates and too little time to read words of hate.

Independence!

Not signing on to Branstad’s Comeback Tour

Bob Vander Plaats.

My candidate for Governor of Iowa.

While I follow the speculation about Bob Vander Plaats launching a third party run I certainly don’t know if he will actually do it. I will leave it to the newspapers and experts to hash and spin. And of course there are the various unnamed sources who want to believe that they are in the know.

This is what I know.

From the time the election was called for Terry Branstad the push was on to get voters like me on board the Terry Comeback Tour. Let me show you how this was done.

Via face book and blogs these were the selling points for Bob Vander Plaats supporters to give up their candidate and support another:

Not voting for Branstad: “Have fun wallowing in irrelevance this fall.”

“This sour grapes crap needs to End Now!!!”

“You should be the one crawling to help Branstad and the whole Republican team.”

“I cannot believe you holier than thous that call yourself Republicans.”

And the terms for people like me:

“Trouble makers”

“Losers”

“Idiots”

“Kooks”

And finally, Bob Vander Plaats supporters are part of “a cult”.

If voters for Vander Plaats knew they were taunted and labeled as listed here I would imagine that others in the cult would have difficulty wanting to get on the Terry Comeback Tour. I can’t see Vander Plaats supporters crowding through the door of the actual bus or beating others back to attend a rally or other event. More importantly issues and beliefs would keep them from signing on to the Branstad campaign.

Terry Branstad seems to be a nice man. The mailings that I have received show a man with his grandchildren and other family members. These same mailings list what Terry Branstad will do for Iowa if he is elected to yet another term as Governor. I can understand why former Governor Branstad has such ardent supporters. And, their guy is the ‘winner’ and he got to have the Victory Tour across Iowa.

Bob Vander Plaats also had thousands of Iowa voters who believed in what he would do for Iowa. No amount of name calling or attempts to guilt us in to supporting the winner will work with attitudes and sentiments that so many vocal Branstad supporters are only too happy to convey to us.

While it is very disappointing to not have a candidate at this time that I can support for governor, I will do all I can to assist local candidates with my time and efforts.  No crawling from me. I will cheerfully walk on my own two feet to do so.

A thank you to Stacia at The Iowa Republican

Some people read romance novels, mysteries, or nonfiction. Some people read The Iowa Republican where Iowans write “stories”.

Some people seem to have endless amounts of time to comment on these “stories”.

While there are comments written that seem well informed and from respectful people many are just lots of hot air and words that border on character assassination and that get down and dirty about candidates.

Heaven forbid that citizens could comment on the positive ways a candidate would contribute to the lives and liberty of Iowans and Americans.

Oh, no- there has to be talk about hair pieces, hair coloring, and whatever else nasty comes to mind as they drivel on and on and on and on.

There is one person, Stacia, who posts comments on the stories written on The Iowa Republican. Wow, I do not know this person but she needs a gold star in her Republican crown for the tenacity, courage, and grit that she shows with her comments.

“Stacia” wrote something on Saturday that I really liked reading and wish to share:

My late 20-something cousin went to the rally in West Des Moines today. He just went to get an autograph from Chuck Norris. He was a Terry Branstad guy all the way and made fun of my Bob Vander Plaats bumper sticker and said Bob is going to lose. Anyway, while he was waiting in line to get Chuck’s autograph, Bob went to shake hands and talk to people in line. Bob had a short conversation with my cousin, and now he is a solid BVP supporter. He called me to tell me that he is supporting Bob this next Tuesday. Is is no wonder that people who know both Bob and Terry, vote for Bob by more than 5% in the poll. And besides he said, “If I don’t vote for Bob, Chuck will hunt me down and give me a roundhouse kick in the face.”

Thanks “Stacia” for these words left on one of the many “stories” at The Iowa Republican. After all this site is “the news for Republicans by Republicans.” You, Stacia, and a few others, are a breath of fresh air in a place that has become more and more stale, mean, and down right ugly.

And to answer “Cycho Killa”: no I am NOT “brainwashed by Deace/BVP acolytes”. Nice try to put down Stacia and Callmecrusader. We can and do think for ourselves.

Enough about the stories at TIR. Really, enough!

I attended the Des Moines Bob Vander Plaats and Chuck Norris event. I saw lots and lots of happy and enthused people. Young people, seasoned citizens, parents with little babies. People waving Bob Vander Plaats yard signs, Americans shouting “Bob, Bob” and then “Chuck”. There were lots of pictures being taken and voters picking up information to walk around their neighborhoods to promote a vote for Bob. You know, just the American way of positive get out the votes by people who do not spend lots of time writing stories or getting T. B. (tired butt) from sitting at the computer.

I heard a terrific speech by Bob Vander Plaats and positive and encouraging words from Chuck Norris.

One candidate telling the crowd what he will do when he is elected Governor of Iowa.

One American citizen pointing out the great attributes of an awesome candidate.

Yes, it was a happy and rewarding few hours made even better to read the comments by “Stacia” and learning that a voter was influenced to vote for the best candidate, Bob Vander Plaats.

Tea Party Republicans “simpletons”?

The Iowa Republican touts itself as “news for Republicans by Republicans.” Numerous “news” articles are posted at this site. And copious comments are posted, re-posted, rehashed, regurgitated and spewed there. These include words of unkindness and attacks on candidates and each other. I don’t think there are enough therapists to go around in Iowa. Commenting on sites like The Iowa Republican is a cheap way to vent and find like minded mean people.

I usually read and vacate the premises to go on to some positive and productive endeavors.

Yet, today there was a comment shared about “the Tea Party folks” that I can’t let go without a few choice words of my own.

First the “comment”:

I sympathize with the Tea Party folks on many issues, but overall, I think they might be a net negative for Republicans. We need to be promoting bright, articulate, educated Republicans or risk losing a new generation that doesn’t want to be lumped in with simpletons.

As someone who has taken the time and made the effort to drive to Des Moines in order to attend each Tea Party I take an exception with being called a ‘simpleton’ or the idea that I promote and support “simpleton” candidates.

Simpleton: Clod. Idiot. Bungler. A fool.

If putting down patriots who are Iowa citizens, tax payers, voters and human beings because they either plan and organize an event like a “Tea Party” or attend a “Tea Party” is what Republicans believe is “a net negative” then I must be in the wrong party.

Let’s see. I sure don’t fit into the Democrat label and if the Republican Party thinks that Tea Party people or candidates that they highlight are dull, unable to communicate, and stupid then I don’t want to be lumped in to this group either.

It is obvious that some people- even Republicans, just don’t grow up. They are stuck in junior high and unable to exhibit maturity, show good character traits and consider what impact their words might have on others.

“But overall” I am just one conservative with one vote. You know, one of the Iowa “simpletons” that are damaging generations of Republicans to come.

Callmecrusader, a simpleton, and signing off to go out and work FOR candidates and encouraging others to be involved with the political process of voting in the June 8 primary. Even Republican clods can make a positive difference.

Iowa Democratic Party e-mail targeting Charles Grassley

Just for the fun of it I will share an e-mail that was recently sent out by the Iowa Democratic Party. Their blooper was sending their plan (plot) to someone who shared it with callmecrusader.

Yesterday, President Obama came back to Iowa again. He spoke with people from across our state about the economy, jobs, health care, and financial reform and what Democrats are doing to move America forward.

The good news is that we have already produced results.

After a little more than a year in office, we went from hundreds of thousands of jobs lost each month to over a hundred thousand jobs created last month. We made history by passing health insurance reform and now, President Obama and Democrats in Washington are working to reform Wall Street.

But Senator Charles Grassley is joining with his Republican allies, trying to play politics and stop Democrats from moving this country forward.

There are three great Democratic candidates running to retire Chuck Grassley, but we need your help if we are going to be successful. That’s why we are hosting retirement parties for him- come to the party, bring your friends, and learn how to help retire Grassley.

Will you join us at a retirement party for Senator Charles Grassley?

Just like he did during the health insurance reform debate, Grassley is repeating false Republican talking points. He’s standing with his Republican leaders and their Wall Street friends in their attempt to block financial reform, and not with hard-working Iowans who have suffered from this economic crisis.

Iowa needs a Senator that will fight for Iowa’s hard-working families, instead of towing the line for the Republican Party.

I’m inviting you to join us at a retirement party for Senator Charles Grassley. Will you attend?

You and I know that Iowa needs another Senator who will join Senator Harkin and fight for hard-working Iowans.

I hope to see you at one of the retirement parties!

My Republican opinion: Iowa DOES need Senator Grassley.

What we certainly do not need is another Democrat to “join Senator Harkin…” (Come to think of it, how many retirement parties can we have for Harkin in the next 5 years?!?)

With all of the hard-working Iowans who must be out working hard to earn a living to pay the taxes that the Democrats keep heaping on us, I can only wonder how many Iowans will have the time to attend a retirement party for Senator Grassley.

Democrats: “moving the country forward.” How about moving America into debt, debt, and more debt!

Planning a celebration for Republican victories in November will be my kind of party.

Eminent Domain updates from Story and Clarke Counties

Story County is now added to the list of places in Iowa where there is a potential for the use of eminent domain to take property from farmers and landowners. You may read about the complicated attempt to take Story County land for a water treatment plant in The Tribune article.

Here we go again.

Once more it was the pain and stress verbalized by the land owners that caught my attention and tugged at my heart.

“Just don’t take my family farm,” said Teresa Garman, who owns land just south of East Riverside Road and west of Dayton Avenue.
Garman said owning a farm is different from owning a house in the city.
“That’s my life,” she said. “I’m not going peacefully, I’ll tell you that.”

Story County citizens have the opportunity to attend the May 11 Ames City Council informational meeting.  This meeting is important. As other landowners have learned the hard way, the desire to take land is strong and the “government entities” have the money and resources to force their will on those who do not have the money and legal assistance at their disposal. The public must pay attention to the discussion and the decisions that will occur.

Meanwhile, eminent domain issues are not going well for those who covet land in Clarke County.

A proposed reservoir project in the county has again been delayed, and those working on the project aren’t happy about it.

“We keep getting shoved back a month, six months, a year,” said Harold Allen Jr., a commission member representing Woodburn. “We can’t even get a date set…. and I have a problem with that.”

It seems there is an issue with the Code of Iowa and existing hog confinements being 1,000 feet away from a major water source.

In a Letter to the Editor published in the Osceola Sentinel- Tribune, Kathy Kelly comments on the location of the hog confinement units. She also highlights some of the costs associated with building a recreation/water source lake.

Expenditures the Clarke County Reservoir Commission won’t bring to your attention:
• USDA NRCS (federal assistance planning leader and staff)  (from 4/23/09) $68,207.22
• USDA NRCS (balance payable on contract thru 8/31/2010) $127,204.66
• Lawyers     $ 62,521.22
• Southern Iowa RC&D (affiliate of NRCS)  (for administrative assistance) $53,200
• Howard R. Green, Garden Associates (engineering firms) $39,275.15
• GLB Enterprises, LLC  (prematurely hired land acquisition coordinator) $70,222
• Website design $1,500.00

It is apparent that the threat of eminent domain continues to march through Iowa. Landowners pitted against land takers.
As Iowans look at the various candidates who wish to represent us at the Iowa State House I strongly suggest that we ask them their views on the use of eminent domain. We need to know which of our elected officials will stand up for landowners rights.

Teresa Garman is “not going peacefully” down the road to give up her land. I feel her pain, I join her struggle. Iowans in other parts of the state can identify with her strong feelings. Many know first hand how “government entities” work to take what is not theirs.
Iowans stand with your neighbors to fight against the growing use of eminent domain.

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