Sporadic

For those who regularly check out the blog, you may have noticed posting has been sporadic lately.  Sorry.  I could list the reasons, but that'd be a waste of time.  Instead, here are six items that could have been posted in the past few weeks.

****The ever-vigilant Cedar Rapids Gazette political team emailed a tip:  Earlier today, Senator Tom Harkin's website advised folks who wanted to attend the Inauguration that Harkin's office was no longer "excepting" ticket applications.  It's been corrected to advise Harkin is no longer "accepting" requests for tickets.

****Former State Representative/unsuccessful 2006 Democratic gubernatorial candidate/unsuccessful 2008 third district congressional candidate Ed Fallon (D-Des Moines) submitted an application last week, hoping President-elect Barack Obama names him the "White House Farmer."  Fallon, as you may recall, endorsed John Edwards before the Caucuses, then endorsed Obama shortly after Edwards dropped out of the race. Read Fallon's news release below.

                                        Fallon applies for job of White House Farmer

     In a letter sent today to President-elect Barack Obama (see below), Ed Fallon asked to be considered for the job of “White House Farmer,” a te rm Fallon first came across in an article by Michael Pollan. (“Farmer in Chief,” New York Times, October 12, 2008) 

     In that article, Pollan wrote: “This new post would be charged with implementing what could turn out to be your most symbolically resonant step in building a new American food culture.  And that is this:  tear out five prime south-facing acres of the White House lawn and plant in their place an organic fruit and vegetable garden.”
     “America is hungry for a new direction in food production and consumption,” said Fallon.  “World War II was a frightening time.  The Victory Garden movement Eleanor Roosevelt helped kick-off on the lawn of the White House ignited a green revolution that led to 20 million gardens across the country, growing 40 percent of America’s produce.  Similarly, these are scary times, and a new approach to food security is demanded.”
    Fallon wrote to Obama, “I would be honored to serve in this capacity and believe I am well qualified.  As I see it, the challenge involves both managing a
successful fruit and vegetable garden (and a small chicken coop for eggs!) and promoting greater food security across the country.”  Fallon summarized his experience in politics, community organizing, gardening and farming:

•    Served 14 years in the Iowa Legislature, and ran for Governor and Congress.

•    Worked as a consultant with John Edwards’ campaign for president in 2007.
•    Co-founded and directed two non-profit organizations.
•    Traveled extensively across Iowa promoting farmland preservation initiatives.
•    Co-founded the North Park Neighborhood Association.
•    Co-founded a business which focuses in part on promoting locally grown foods.
•    Raised much of his family’s produce over th e past twenty years.
•    Helped establish and manage a community garden comprising five city lots.
•    Coordinated the planting of 25,000 oak trees on his family’s farm in Ireland.
•    Apprenticed on two farms in Nova Scotia in the early 1980s.
•    As a Legislator, served on the House Agriculture Committee for six years.
•    Developed a business plan for a grocery store featuring locally-grown food.

    “To conclude,” wrote Fallon, “let me again quote Pollan: ‘{T}he president should throw his support behind a new Victory Garden movement, this one seeking “victory” over three critical challenges we face today:  high food prices, poor diets and a sedentary population.’”

Fallon also sent along a copy of his letter:

Dear President-elect Obama,

With my broad background in politics, community organizing, community gardening and farming, I write to apply for the job of “White House Farmer,” a term I first came across in an article by Michael Pollan (“Farmer in Chief,” New York Times, October 12, 2008.  Pollan writes:

“This new post would be charged with implementing what could turn out to be your most symbolically resonant step in building a new American food culture.  And that is this:  tear out five prime south-facing acres of the White House lawn and plant in their place an organic fruit and vegetable garden.”

Pollan goes on to remind us of Eleanor Roosevelt’s efforts to help ignite the Victory Garden movement in 1943 by planting a garden on the White House lawn, and how by the end of World War II, “more than 20 million home gardens were supplying 40 percent of the pro duce consumed in America.”

Pollan’s not the only one talking up this idea.  Perhaps you’re familiar with a website launched last February called “Eat the View!”  Perhaps you are already considering such a position.  At any rate, though leaving Iowa would be difficult, I would be honored to serve in this capacity and believe I am well qualified.  As I see it, the challenge involves both managing a successful fruit and vegetable garden (and a small chicken coop for eggs!) and promoting greater food security across the country.

I will gladly supply a formal resume.  For now, let me summarize the relevant points in my background and experience:

POLITICS & COMMUNITY ORGANIZING

•    Served 14 years in the Iowa Legislature, and ran for Governor and Congress.

•    Worked as a consultant with John Edwards’ campaign for president in 2007.
•    Co-founded and directed two non-profit organizations.
•    Traveled extensively across Iowa promoting farmland preservation initiatives.
•    Co-founded the North Park Neighborhood Association.
•    Co-founded a business which focuses in part on promoting locally grown foods.

FARMING & GARDENING

•    Raised much of my family’s produce over the past twenty years.

•    Helped establish and manage a community garden comprising five city lots.
•    Coordinated the planting of 25,000 oak trees on my family’s farm in Ireland.
•    Apprenticed on two farms in Nova Scotia in the early 1980s.
•    As a Legislator, served on the House Agriculture Committee for six years.
•    Developed a business plan for a grocery store featuring locally-grown food.

I have submitted the Expression of Interest Form available on change.gov website, and look for ward to proceeding with the next steps.

To conclude, let me again quote Pollan: “{T}he president should throw his support behind a new Victory Garden movement, this one seeking ‘victory’ over three critical challenges we face today:  high food prices, poor diets and a sedentary population.”

I am hopeful that your administration will help ignite this movement, and I am eager to be a part of it.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Ed Fallon

****An Iowa agricultural group sent out a news release on 11/7/08 which made reference to "President Bush, Junior."  The 41st president of the United States was George Herbert Walker Bush, often shortened to George H.W. Bush.  The 43rd president of the United States, his son, is George Walker Bush, often shortened to George W. Bush.  Oliver Stone and others shortened it further, to just "W."

****If you watch the 2009 Inaugural parade, you will see a couple of Iowa groups:  the Des Moines Isiserettes Drill & Drum Corps and the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps of Dubuque.  Here's the news release from the Presidential Inaugural Committee:

    Presidential Inaugural Committee Invites Iowa Residents to Perform in 56th Inaugural Parade

Talent From Across America To March In Parade From Capitol To White House

WASHINGTON – Today, in keeping with its commitment to hold inaugural events that celebrate our common values and reflect the diversity and history of our great nation, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden's Inaugural Committee officially extended an offer to the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps and the Isiserettes Drill and Drum Corps to march in the 56th Inaugural Parade. Members of the groups will join representatives from across the country and our Armed Forces in the historic parade down Pennsylvania Avenue following President-elect Obama's swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.

"I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade," said President-elect Obama. "These organizations embody the best of our nation's history, diversity and commitment to service. Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade."

Organizations wishing to participate in the parade submitted an application to the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), which then assisted the Presidential Inaugural Committee in reviewing all of the groups' applications. All told, 1,382 organizations applied to participate, setting a new standard for interest in marching in the parade.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee was assisted in its selection process by a group of experienced military musicians, who utilized their expertise to help assess the presentation skills of marching bands, musical acts and drill teams.

All participants in the Inaugural Parade are responsible for paying for their own lodging and transportation to and from Washington, D.C. The Committee has been working closely with area governments and civic organizations to facilitate access to affordable accommodations and would like to encourage citizens from across the country to reach out and help the groups raise the necessary resources to participate in this historic event.

If you are interested in finding out more about supporting the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps and their participation in the 56th Inaugural Parade, please contact 563-582-4872 or visit www.colts.org. If you are interested in finding out more about supporting the Isiserettes Drill and Drum Corps and their participation in the 56th Inaugural Parade, please contact Pam Williams at 515-246-9959 or visit www.isiserettes.com.

Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) issued two news releases praising these two Iowa groups, which you can read below.

            Grassley Congratulates Iowa Marching Band Set to Play at the Inaugural

WASHINGTON- Senator Chuck Grassley today extended congratulations to the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps of Dubuque after the group was selected to play in the 2009 Inaugural Parade. The group was selected out of nearly 1,400 applicants seeking to participate in Inaugural events. The Colts were named Iowa's Ambassadors of Music in 2007.

"The Colts selection as a participant in the Inaugural Parade is a testament to the hard work of the band's members and their commitment to excellence in music. The rest of world will now be able to enjoy what many throughout Iowa have already had the privilege to view firsthand," Grassley said.  "This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for these young adults both musically and personally as they participate in this historic event."

The Colts Youth Organization sponsors five music programs that include members from across Iowa.  Parade participants are expected to include Colts members and alumni from at least 20 Iowa communities.

        Senator Grassley made the following comment after learning that the Des Moines Isiserettes Drill and Drum Corps will also be marching in the 2009 Inaugural Parade. 

“What an exciting day for Iowa.  The Isiserettes are a fun and exciting group to watch and have been excellent ambassadors for Iowa across the country.  The group has a long tradition and its members are dedicated to excellence.  These young people will have the experience of a lifetime visiting Washington, D.C. and being a part of this historic event.”

*****Twenty-seven Iowans applied with the State Judicial Nominating Commission to fill the vacancy on the Iowa Court of Appeals that will occur when Judge Terry Huitink retires December 31, 2008.  Read the list here: http://www.iowacourts.gov/news_service/news_releases/newsitem348/

*****Iowa House Speaker Pat Murphy (D-Dubuque) has named names.  Here's the list of House committee chairpersons for the 83rd Iowa General Assembly:

Standing Committees

Administration and Rules – Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, Ames
Agriculture – Rep. Dolores Mertz, Ottosen
Appropriations – Rep. Jo Oldson, Des Moines
Commerce & Regulation – Rep. Janet Petersen, Des Moines
Economic Growth – Rep. Roger Thomas, Elkader
Education – Rep. Roger Wendt, Sioux City
Environmental Protection – Rep. Donovan Olson, Boone
Ethics – Rep. Helen Miller, Ft. Dodge
Government Oversight – Rep. Vicki Lensing, Iowa City
Human Resources – Rep. Mark Smith, Marshalltown
Judiciary – Rep. Kurt Swaim, Bloomfield
Labor – Rep. Rick Olson, Des Moines
Local Government – Rep. Mary Gaskill, Ottumwa
Natural Resources – Rep. Paul Bell, Newton
Public Safety – Rep. Jim Lykam, Davenport
Rebuild Iowa & Disaster Recovery – Rep. Tom Schueller, Maquoketa
State Government – Rep. Mary Mascher, Iowa City
Transportation – Rep. Brian Quirk, New Hampton
Veterans Affairs – Rep. Ray Zirkelbach, Monticello
Ways & Means – Rep. Paul Shomshor, Council Bluffs

Joint Appropriations Subcommittees

Administration & Regulation – Rep. Bruce Hunter, Des Moines
Agriculture & Natural Resources – Rep. Mark Kuhn, Charles City
Economic Development – Rep. David Jacoby, Coralville
Education – Rep. Cindy Winckler, Davenport
Health & Human Services – Rep. Lisa Heddens, Ames
Justice Systems – Rep. Todd Taylor, Cedar Rapids
Transportation, Infrastructure, & Capitals – Rep. Dennis Cohoon, Burlington

Statutory Committee

Administrative Rules Review – Rep. Marcie Frevert, Emmetsburg

*A writer at Governing Magazine now considers Iowa the country's "bellweather" state.  Here's the email message I received in November:

Dear Ms. Henderson, 

I'm arguing that Iowa, not Missouri or Ohio, should now be considered the nation's bellwether state: http://ballotbox.governing.com/2008/11/move-over-missouri-iowa-is-the-bellwether-state.html . Here's the argument boiled down to one sentence: In every presidential election from 1992 through 2008, Iowa's popular vote margin was within 2.55 percentage points of the national popular vote result. I just thought that might be of interest.

All the best,

Josh Goodman
Staff Writer
Governing Magazine