Workers' Pensions Get Cut While Executives' Pensions Grow

Here is a very in depth article explaining how workers' pensions are getting cut, while pensions for executives grow. Here is the main idea (read the entire article for many details and numbers)...

Even as many reduce, freeze or eliminate pensions for workers -- complaining of the costs -- their executives are building up ever-bigger pensions, causing the companies' financial obligations for them to balloon.

Companies disclose little about any of this. But a Wall Street Journal analysis of corporate filings reveals that executive benefits are playing a large and hidden role in the declining health of America's pensions.

Flying F Bio-Fuels Grand Opening Reception

I got this email this afternoon and thought I would pass it on. Steve Fugate also holds workshops on how to make your own biodiesal. I was going to attend one last year, but I didn't sign up in time. If you interested in renewable fuels this might be a good thing to check out.

7/6/06

For Immediate Publication

RE: Flying F Bio-Fuels Grand Opening Reception

Flying F Bio-Fuels extends a public invitation to join a reception for the grand opening of its new facilities in Tiffin. Flying F Bio-Fuels designs and manufactures small scale biodiesel production systems that are used across Iowa and around the country. Steven Fugate, President, will share information on the benefits of bio-diesel for Iowa’s economy and environment as well as demonstrating how their machines operate.

Grand Opening Reception: Tuesday July 11 from 3:00-7:30 p.m.

Location: 400 Stephans St., BAY B, Tiffin, IA

Just East of the BP Station on Highway 6

No Cost to Attend, Refreshments served

For More Information Please Contact Steve Fugate: 319-545-7022

Invited Guests: Chet Culver, Patti Judge, Denise O’Brien, Bob Dvorsky, Dave Jacoby

Shocking News From the Register

Some shocking news from the Register...
Burgulars Cut Screens to Get into Houses.

How dare they cut screens! And this is supposed to be newsworthy?

Braley to Give Democratic Radio Address

Got this email from the Braley campaign...

Dear Friends,

This Saturday, I will deliver the Democratic Party’s weekly national radio address.

My address will focus on the importance of protecting Social Security for our children and generations of Americans to come.

I’m grateful for this opportunity. Giving this speech is a special honor for a Congressional candidate, and it demonstrates the high priority Democrats across the nation have placed on helping us win back Iowa’s First District seat.

You can listen to the Democratic radio address live in Iowa and nationwide on major radio networks, including ABC, AP, AURN, CBS, CNN, C-SPAN, NPR, American Forces Radio, Voice of America, BBC, and CBC.

The address will air at approximately 10:00 a.m. central time.

You can also listen to a recording of the speech after the broadcast. The recording should be posted by 11:00 a.m. central time on Saturday.

Be sure to tune in on Saturday!

Sincerely,
Bruce Braley

This is a great idea from the DNC. It will give the Braley campaign a lot of publicity on the national level and should help with fundraising.

Lamont - Lieberman Debate Tonight on CSPAN

One of the most high profile national races right now is the Democratic Primary out in Connecticut between Joe Lieberman and challenger Ned Lamont. CSPAN will air a debate between the two tonight at 6 pm.

I wrote some of about this race last month and Gavin has commented on it as well.

I believe defeating Lieberman with a strong Progressive like Lamont would be one of the biggest victories for Democrats this year. I know Lieberman has a D behind his name, but it seems Lieberman does more to undermine the party's objectives. Every time a blue state Democrat like Lieberman votes with the Republicans, he gives cover to other Democrats to do so. Lieberman's corporate, pro-war agenda goes against the core Democratic values and makes it nearly impossible for Democrats to stand united with one single message.

This race is definitely one to watch the rest of this summer. Stay tuned.

Iowa is Getting Invaded

2008 Presidential hopefuls are coming out in full force and visiting Iowa. The Register has the story here and includes information about Vilsack campaigning in his own state on a "Promises Kept" tour.

This weekend will see Evan Bayh (check Nicolai's post about Bayh) and John Edwards here. Mark Warner will be heading here next week and I am once again hearing rumors about Russ Feingold coming to Iowa this month. Joe Biden plans on moving to Iowa for 2 weeks in August. I hope to be able to get out and live blog a couple of the events.

Colbert Explains the Difference Between Big Government and Small Government

"If you mention Jesus in your speech (usually about Abortion, Gay Marriage), it is Small Government. If you do the things Jesus asks you to do (such as help the poor and less fortunate, work for peace, provide healthcare), it is Big Government."

Happy Independence Day!

I want to wish everyone a fun and safe Independence Day. As your out grilling, watching fireworks, or whatever you do today, please remember all who have sacrificed so much, including the 31 Iowans who have died in Iraq.

Restore rights lost to war on terrorism

The Des Moines Register editorial board wrote yesterday listing ways our civil liberities and constitutional rights are being broken in the name of the "war on terror." They argue that we need to restore our rights that were lost to the war on terroism and I totally agree. However, the Register's solution is...

The time to begin doing so (restoring our rights) is now by bringing the anti-terrorist spying programs within the law and the Constitution.

Bringing the anti-terrorist spying programs within the law and the Constitution? How is that restoring our rights. That is letting the Bush Administration still infringe on our privacy and making it legal to do so. This is a postion that Republicans like Arlen Specter are advocating. It is saying, lets just take this paragraph out of the Bill of Rights, and this section out of the Geneva Conventions, get rid of this part of the constitution, and piss on the Washington monument while we are at it.

When someone gets pulled over for speeding they don't tell the police officer, "Gee thanks for catching me, now lets raise the speed limit on this road, so you don't have to write that ticket."

That is basically how the Register wants to solve this.

Gingrich Challenged Edwards to DebatePoverty

Edwards response...

"People worried about feeding their children don't need politicians shooting their mouths off at partisan political events who didn't do anything significant about poverty when they had the chance," Edwards spokeswoman Kim Rubey said in a statement.

Lunch with John and Dave

Please join us for an afternoon with Senator John Edwards and Democratic
Congressional Candidate Dave Loebsack

Friday, July 7, 2006
11:30 am—1:30 pm

The Blue Strawberry
118 2nd Street, Cedar Rapids

Please join the Loebsack for Congress campaign for gourmet sandwiches and stimulating conversation with two visionary leaders. John and Dave will offer their plan for getting America back on the right track.

$25 per person

RSVP to Eileen O’Toole by July 6th
at (319) 351-DAVE (3283) or at eotoole@loebsackforcongress.org

Homework

Since I am a teacher, I thought I would assign some homework over the weekend. I got this idea from Randi Rhodes, who has the homework section on her website full of interesting articles. So here are some articles and websites that I found interesting and think everyone should take a look out. Don't worry, there won't be any tests over this stuff.

• George Lakoff wrote another great article called "Bush is Not Incompetent." Lakoff outlines how Bush isn't to blame for the mess we are in (in Iraq, in education, in health care, in corporate scandals, in government scandals, in the environment), but it is actually just part of the Conservative governing philosophy.
• The Quad City Times wrote about a powerful lobbying group here in Iowa, Iowans for Tax Relief. Chris at Political Forecast has a good analysis of the group too.
• The new site King Watch, which outlines all the embarrassing things Rep. Steve King has done, has a video of Rep. King discussing the Voting Rights Act. Make sure the kids are out of the room because your about to see "Republicans Gone Crazy!"
• Finally, there is an Op-Ed peice in the LA Times asking "Did Bush Commit War Crimes." The articles gives information about the Supreme Court decision about the military tribunals at Gitmo.