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  • May, 2017
  • News from Sen. Rob Hogg of Iowa Climate Advocates
  • Ruminations by Iowa Climate Marcher, David Zahrt
  • Podcast with Sen. Rob Hogg
  • Podcast with Ed Fallon, organize of the Climate March

    • Siouxland Peace Coalition (Archives)

    Social Justice eNews

    Events, Actions, Media and Sites


    EVENTS

    For Current Events and New Progressive Titles at the Sioux City Public Library, subscribe to the free SSJ eNewsletter at SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com.
    NEWS

    Iowa Climate Advocates

    Senator Rob Hogg
    Cedar Rapids
    Like 'Rob Hogg' on Facebook
    Twitter: @SenatorRobHogg

    Our Moment for Climate Action -- Tweet About Solar, Speak with Legislators Every Day

    The encyclical released by Pope Francis has created momentum and new opportunities for climate action in this country and around the world. No one asked for the problem of climate change, but we can address it in ways that protect the environment, safeguard people and property, and improve over lives.

    That’s because the solutions work: energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy like solar and wind, transportation solutions like fuel efficient vehicles, electric vehicles, and walkable and bikeable communities, local and healthy foods, disaster preparedness, hazard mitigation, and investment in natural resources and better water management. These solutions all promote safety and security, create jobs, grow businesses, help consumers, improve health, and protect the environment.

    Here are the phone numbers to call in Iowa:

    Congressman Rod Blum, 202-225-2911
    Congressman Dave Loebsack, 202-225-6576
    Congressman David Young, 202-225-5476
    Congressman Steve King, 202-225-4426
    Senator Joni Ernst, 202-224-3254
    Senator Chuck Grassley, 202-224-3744

    When you get the chance to call, let me know, so I can let CCL know how many calls we made in Iowa.

    > The new Iowa climate calendar at www.iowaclimatecalendar.org

    >'Governing under the influence' by the American Friends Service at http://gui.afsc.org/

    > Contacting Anita Christensen at anitachristensen42@gmail.com.

    188 scientists and researchers from 39 colleges and universities in Iowa have released their fifth annual climate science statement urging Iowans to speak up to ask the legislators to present their policy proposals to address this critical issue. Below is a link to a PDF version of the statement and the list of signers:

    http://cgrer.uiowa.edu/files/cgrer.uiowa.edu/files/pdf_files/Iowa%20Climate%20Statement%202015%20Time%20for%20Action_May_11_2015_FINAL.pdf

    Also, below is the link to the Des Moines Register coverage of the statement:

    http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/agriculture/2015/05/11/voters-seek-climate-answers/27122275/

    Here are the Washington, DC, phone numbers for our Congressional delegation:

    Senator Chuck Grassley, 202-224-3744 Senator Joni Ernst, 202-224-3254 Representative Rod Blum, 202-225-2911 Representative Dave Loebsack, 202-225-6576 Representative David Young, 202-225-5476 Representative Steve King, 202-225-4426

    Pick a convenient time and give them a call. Simply urge them to support climate action, ask for an update on what action Congress is taking to address climate change, or ask for an in-district meeting. Let them know about the growing public support for climate action.

    Five Questions on Climate Change

    Prepared by State Senator Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids

    Below are five questions Iowans can ask about climate change to improve the public discussion about this important issue. By asking these types of questions, Iowans can help elevate the discourse about climate change.

    1. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere went up 2.3 parts per million in 2014 and have just passed 400 parts per million (compared to a pre-industrial level of 280). Nitrous oxide levels are around 325 parts per billion (compared to a pre-industrial level of 270). Methane levels average around 1800 parts per billion (compared to a pre-industrial level of 722). Do you support efforts to slow down and stop the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere? Do you have a goal for stopping the buildup of these greenhouse gases? Is there a danger level beyond which the world should not go? How high are you willing to allow greenhouse gas concentrations to go?

    2. In 1987, President Reagan signed an international agreement (the Montreal Protocol) to fight stratospheric ozone depletion. In 1991, President Bush strengthened that agreement. Do you support international agreements to fight climate change? What is your strategy for getting China and India more involved in the fight against climate change? How about other large polluters like Russia, Europe, Japan, OPEC, Brazil, and Indonesia?

    3. Many Americans believe we need to slow down and stop the buildup of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. If elected, how would you reduce greenhouse gas pollution? Do you support incentives like the renewable energy production tax credit that has helped grow Iowa's wind and solar energy industries, regulations like the EPA's carbon pollution rules, carbon fees, or something else?

    4. Damage levels from climate-related disasters are increasing in the United States. Iowa has suffered 20 presidentially declared disasters since 2007, including the unprecedented damage from the Flood of 2008 that caused nearly $10 billion in damage. What specific ways would you help Iowans and other Americans address climate-related disasters like extreme floods, drought, invasive species, rising seas, and ocean acidification?

    5. October, 2014, the Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, released a report on climate change for the Department of Defense, stating that climate change 'will intensify the challenges of global instability, hunger, poverty, and conflict.' Other military leaders have warned that climate change is a 'threat multiplier' for security around the world. How will you address the economic, humanitarian, and security consequences of disasters around the world like drought in Syria or typhoon damage in the Philippines?

    Also, please encourage your friends, family, and colleagues in Iowa and around the country to make a short call or write a letter in support of climate action. Here are their phone numbers:

    Congressman Rod Blum
    DC - 202-225-2911
    Dubuque - 563-557-7789
    Cedar Rapids - 319-364-2288

    Congressman Dave Loebsack
    DC - 202-225-6576
    Iowa City - 319-351-0789
    Davenport - 563-323-5988

    Congressman David Young
    DC - 202-225-5476
    Des Moines - 515-282-1909
    Creston - 641-782-2495
    Council Bluffs - 712-325-1404

    Congressman Steve King
    DC - 202-225-4426
    Sioux City - 712-224-4692
    Ames - 515-232-2885
    Fort Dodge - 515-573-2738
    Mason City - 641-201-1624
    Spencer - 712-580-7754

    Senator Joni Ernst
    DC - 202-224-3254
    Des Moines - 515-284-4574
    Cedar Rapids - 319-365-4504

    Senator Chuck Grassley
    DC-– 202-224-3744
    Des Moines - 515-288-1145
    Cedar Rapids –-319-363-6832
    Davenport - 563-322-4331
    Waterloo - 319-232-6657
    Sioux City - 712-233-1860
    Council Bluffs - 712-322-7103

    Ruminations on the Climate March

     What difference will the Climate March make? We didn't know the outcome of MLK's Civil Rights March when it concluded. When African Americans were given the right to vote we knew that the March had an effect.

    We left LA on March 1st 2014, and arrived in WDC on November 1st 2014. The mission of the Great March for Climate Action is to change the hearts and minds of the American people, our elected leaders, and people around the globe, to inspire action on the climate crisis.

    On the Great March for Climate Action we have had guests representing local action groups making presentations at our evening meal. We met and were hosted by many along the way. Sometimes they provided a potluck dinner, sometimes they offered overnight home-stays. It was amazing that there was so much support at the grassroots level. Native Americans in New Mexico said that individual action won't make a difference: that what we need is a Movement. In addition to that it seems that things won't change until we can sit at the table and have a personal conversation with those who we hope to impact -- re: one-on-one with the Fossil Fuel Industry. When in Pittsburg we learned that it is the first, and only, city to ban Fracking.

    Many have asked me, 'What was the March like?' My answer:

  • It was envisioned to have 1000 people. There were consistently 20 to 30 core Marchers. We Marched into WDC with 50.
  • Local people joined for a day, a week, or a month.
  • We traveled from 15 to 25 miles a day, camping at night.
  • I usually rode my bicycle.
  • All the tasks of getting the March up and running, and keeping it 'running' had to be identified, created, and assigned. Assignments usually rotated twice each week.
  • There was no administration until we elected a Mayor, 3 administrators, and a judicial council.
  • When we had meetings they were held in the Circle of 20 to 30 people. .
  • There were no chalk boards or print-outs so there was nothing objective to refer back to.
  • Sometimes there was no agreement. It was difficult to identify the consensus.
  • Some chose to be silent to symbolize those in the world who have no voice.
  • Occasionally we sang. I suggested that our theme song should be The Impossible Dream. The March didn't respond!.
  • We left the route in Ohio as The Longest Climate March joining the Largest Climate March in NYC, and returned to Ohio to complete the March to DC.

    I've done the March and I'm back home in Carson. While on the March I've been inspired by the program Climate Change Is Elementary www.climatechangeiselementary.org An overview of the program was presented at several schools along the March. I'd like to offer it in Northern Nevada and would like to know of your interest in the program.
    1. It takes a whole day -- one class at a time.
    2. It takes 2 facilitators -- an older & younger. (We will be tutored as 'interns' to learn how to be presenters.)
    3. The PTA subsidizes the program.
    4. The program concludes with an evening session that the parents attend.
    5. A checklist is handed out and the children are responsible to hold the family accountable for consumption/waste.
    6. There are stores lined up that contribute a percentage of the family members purchases to the school.

    You can get a good overview by going to the march website. Please review it and give me your feedback at 4deezee@gmail.com.

    Peace,
    David Zahrt

    # # #

    UPDATE, August, 2015

    I'm beginning to realize how the Great March for Climate Action has changed my life.

    I realized that pasture has been turned into crop ground. This policy comes from the Consume-and-Throw-Away-Society we're trapped in! The corn is either a commodity that is sold (overseas for more money) or fed to livestock.

    After returning from the MARCH I read several books. This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein I found depressing because we need a Revolution to change the way we're using up the Planet. And there isn't one happening. The second one I read was World Peace Diet by Will Tuttle. He describes the violence we internalize by confining and slaughtering animals. Its not hard to understand when you drive by a feedlot or a chicken factory. And he suggests that the internalized violence is externalized and manifested in societal conflict and wars. And on top of that we use up an enormous amount of resources - land; fuel; labor; etc.- to create meat for people to eat. It all contributes to Climate Change. Will's book was enough to make me go Vegan. When I find it difficult, because of the food in the kitchen, I revert to Vegetarian.

    I've read Frances Moore Lappe's book Diet for a Small Planet. She addresses the same issues and has charts to show how much land and resources we must use up to create a pound of meat for people to consume. It all has to do with the Consume-and-Throw-Away-Lifestyle we're trapped in.

    I've learned about a DVD entitled COWSPIRACY. There is info about it on the web. I got our local Library to get it and checked it out. It has more statistics about how our Eat-and-Throw-Away society is contributing to Climate Change.

    I think you can tell that I recommend the Sioux City Library have these books and the DVD.

    The third thing I did was start a CCL Chapter in CC. It's the only NV Chapter. There's lots of work to do!

    Peace, David

    ###

    About the Loess Hills Alliance

    The Loess Hills Alliance mission is to protect the special natural and cultural resources while ensuring the economic viability and private property rights of the region through the creation of a common vision for Iowa's Loess Hills.

    Formed in 1999 by the Iowa legislature, the Loess Hills Alliance Board membership is comprised of individuals living and working in the Loess Hills. The 28-member Board of Directors includes 21 members appointed by the County Boards of Supervisors (3 from each county in the Loess Hills region).

    ACTION

    ** Move Your Money! If you're stuck in Bank of America, Wells Fargo / Wachovia, Citigroup or JP Morgan/Chase, the online tool Banxodus helps you find a good-guy bank in your area. Big Wall Street banks destroyed our economy, broke the law, and spent millions lobbying Congress to keep the same broken system intact. Is your money currently in one of these bad banks -- helping them remain too big to fail?
    Visit boldprogressives.org/home
    Visit http://www.greenamerica.org/pubs/greenamerican/articles/JanFeb2012/seven-ways-to-cheat-on-your-mega-bank.cfm

    ** Iowa Compact calls for compassionate immigration solution. Visit IowaCompact.org.

    ** WikiLeaks is under attack by the big financial services companies, but there are still ways you can beat them. As a result of exposing U.S. embassies from around the world, five major US financial institutions, VISA, MasterCard, PayPal, Western Union and the Bank of America, have tried to economically strangle WikiLeaks The attack has blocked over 95% of our donations, costing tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue. The attack is entirely political. In fact, in the only formal review to occur, the US Treasury found that there were no lawful grounds to add WikiLeaks to financial blockade. Your donations are vital to pay for our fight against this and other kinds of censorship, for Wikileaks' projects, staff, servers and protective infrastructure. We are entirely supported by the general public.
    Visit http://shop.wikileaks.org/donate

    ** Sign Progressive Petitions at Care2.org, ThePetitionSite.

    ** Truth in Labeling Campaign. Help Organize 1,000,000 Against Monsanto for World Food Day. The Millions Against Monsanto campaign is forming 435 local chapters, one for each U.S. Congressional District. Nationwide day of action to support our right to know, and choose, what's in our food. Sign and distribute the Millions Against Monsanto petition at http://organicconsumers.org/monsanto/index.cfm.

    ** How to Feed the World's Hungry: Ditch Corporate-Controlled Agriculture.
    Visit http://www.alternet.org/story/150158/groundbreaking_new_un_report_on_how_to_feed_the_world%27s_hungry%3A_ditch_corporate-controlled_agriculture?akid=6651.263171.CgPrU4&rd=1&t=18

    ** Stopping corporate controlled politics. Visit http://www.alternet.org/teaparty/150078/how_you_can_boycott_the_kochs

    ** Mission of the Messiah Thrift and Fair Trade shop moved to Transit Plaza, Sioux City. Volunteers needed.

    ** To boycott Israeli-made products, visit Bay Area Campaign to End Israeli Apartheid website: http://www.baceia.org/2009/11/top-ten-brands-to-boycott/ and BDSMovement.net [Boycott, Divest, Sanction]. For example, pressure supermarkets and shops into removing goods with barcode 729 - denoting Israeli origin - from their shelves. WhoProfits.org has an enormous list of companies that profit from Israel's occupation, such as Ace Hardware and General Mills (Pillsbury), which includes Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Columbo, Tortinos, Jeno's Pizza, Green Giant, Old El Paso and Cheerios. General Mills actually manufactures products in the Atarot industrial zone in the Occupied West Bank, and therefore seem more injurious to Palestinian interests than Solbar whose plant is in Israel Proper (and now also in Dakota City, NE).
    Also visit US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation at EndTheOccupation.org.

    MEDIA

    * BillMoyers.com, BLOG / PODCAST / TV ARCHIVE / NEWSLETTER
    * PBS News Hour, everyday (1/2 hour on weekends) on Public Television stations and PBS.org
    * Thom Hartmann, weekdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at ThomHartmann.com, or noon-2 p.m. at Free Speech TV (DISHnetwork 9415 or not DirectTV 348), FreeSpeech.org
    * The Big Picture with Holland Moore (as of 10/6/17, formerly with Thom Hartmann) (60 min.), 8 p.m., on RT.com/programs/big-picture or DISHnetwork.
    * The Bill Press Show, Free Speech TV
    * Ring of Fire, Free Speech TV
    * Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman various times weekdays on Free Speech TV and LINK TV (DISH 9410, DirectTV 375), anytime at DemocracyNow.org.
    * Rising Up with Sonali, Free Speech TV
    * Fallon Forum talk show on Monday, 11-noon CST. It's live in the Des Moines metro on KDLF 1260 AM La Reina, and available online. Join the conversation by calling in at (515) 528-8122. And in Iowa, you also can hear the Fallon Forum on KHOI 89.1 FM (Ames) at 5 pm on Wednesday and on KPVL 89.1 FM (Postville) at 7 pm on Wednesday. Subscribe to Ed's podcast and/or view the show anytime on YouTube. Info on Facebook.

    ** Progressive Christian Voice weekly 20-minute free podcast, weekly sermon from Western Presbyterian Church, DC. Subscribe at iTunes or visit WesternChurch.net.

    ** Sierra Club Radio at http://SierraClubRadio.com (30 min. weekly) - new programs have been discontinued. Previous 1500 interviews in archives.

    ** Tune in Living on Earth, KWIT-KOJI, FM90.3, Sundays, 9-10 a.m.; Mondays, noon; or http://LoE.org anytime.

    ** Watch Earth Focus anytime at linktv.org/earthfocus -- A 30-minute environmental news magazine that puts a human face on environmental issues by featuring under-publicized stories about how environmental changes are affecting everyday people.

    ** Watch Enviro Close-Up (30-minute TV interview series) anytime at http://blip.tv/envirovideo or http://envirovideo.com/envirocloseup.html

    ** Watch http://MeetTheFarmerTV.com! We show you how you can support local food systems and benefit personally as well as enhancing your community and our environment. We will examine the special relationships that develop between the growers and the chefs and the consumers. By searching through the steps and the interactions of all the factors involved in bring Food from The Farm to the Plate we hope to show the deeper values and hidden benefits of supporting your local food systems.

    Alternative, non-commercial, free Media

    * Free Speech TV: 'What Democracy Looks Like' at FreeSpeech.org, DISH TV 9415 or DIRECTV 348
    * Link TV: Television without borders, 'your connection to the world' at LinkTV.org, DISH TV 9410 or DIRECTV 375
    * 'Democracy Now!' with Amy Goodman, daily news hour at DemocracyNow.org, LINKTV, Free Speech TV or many NPR stations.
    * Alternative free news sources: AlterNet.org, CommonDreams.org, ReaderSupportedNews.org, TheRealNews.com, RT.com, AJ+ at AJplus.net
    * FAIR.org: Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting
    * Environmental News Network at ENN.com
    * 'Living on Earth' on National Public Radio or LoE.org
    * 'Enviro Close-up' with Karl Grossman (EnviroVideo.com) on Free Speech TV
    * Nancy Perlman of Educational Communications, Inc. produces Compendium newsletter, plus radio and TV programming at EcoProjects.org

    RT America is one of the best sources of progressive news and public affairs programs with thoughtful hosts such as Thom Hartmann and Ed Schultz. Criticized by commercial and conservative US media for being state-supported (RT=Russia Today), it is not a propaganda tool any more than most American media are propaganda tools. RT's motto is 'Question More!' RT is carried on DISH, not DirecTV, one good reason to get DISH instead of DirecTV.

    SITES

    ** Locally Grown Food & Culture - Visit http://FlavorsOfNorthwestIowa.org

    ** Never give money to a new organization without going to http://CharityNavigator.org first. It rates over 100,000 non-profits (not political ones) and gives the salary of its top executives.

    ** Pie chart showing where our tax dollars go. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/3/8/123728/5092

    ** Sierra Club Green Tips Library http://www.sierraclub.org/tips/see-all.aspx
    * Home and Garden
    * Parents' Corner
    * Food and Drink
    * At the Office
    * Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
    * Weddings
    * Travel and Transportation
    * Health and Beauty
    * Social Life

    ** http://Cool2012.com -- Compostable Organics Out of Landfills

    ** http://EatWellGuide.org is a free online directory for anyone in search of fresh, locally grown and sustainably produced food in the United States and Canada. Eat Well's thousands of listings include family farms, restaurants, farmers' markets, grocery stores, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, U-pick orchards and more. Users can search by location (miles from home), keyword, category or product to find good food, download customized guides, or plan a trip with the innovative mapping tool, Eat Well Everywhere.

    ** Visit http://BlogForIowa.com -- The Online Information Resource for Iowa's Progressive Community

    ** Responsible Shopper: Guide to Promoting a Responsible Economy with Company Profiles, Green Living Tips, and Campaigns (boycotts): http://www.GreenAmericaToday.org/programs/responsibleshopper/

    ** http://GoodGuide.com gives you the best information available, wherever and whenever you need it most. We'll help you find better products that represent your values, avoid products that are harmful to your health, the environment, or society -- and enable you to take actions to help improve the world.

    ** Know Your Farmer - Know Your Food is a new USDA initiative to help more Americans understand where their food comes from and how they can support local food economies in their communities. See Iowa's former governor and former US Sec. of Ag. Tom Vilsack at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tms8ye8mw_k

    ** Find Products for a Better Planet from Consumer Reports at http://GreenerChoices.org

    ** http://350.org is an international movement to stop the climate crisis. The best way to take part is by organizing in your community. Read Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet by Bill McKibben, co-founder of 350.org, available at the Sioux City Public Library.

    Peace.

    Siouxland Peace Coalition

     Planning Meeting:
    Clare House, 1918 Douglas St., Sioux City.
    Saturday, 10-11:30 a.m.

    Monthly events and demonstrations as announced

    Your input is welcome -
    in person or by email.

    Rita Swan, convener
    Gerald Iversen, spokesperson/website
    copyright 2011, Siouxland Peace Coalition

    Statement of Purpose:

    The purpose of the Siouxland Peace Coalition is to unite all Siouxlanders to advocate for Peace, to express our opposition to the death and destruction of war, and to support conflict resolution through Just, Equitable and Peaceful means.

    We do not engage in partisan politics, although it is our duty to publicly oppose policies of death and destruction and publicly support policies of Peace and Justice.

    We shall use all, and only, peaceful, non-violent, methods of promoting and seeking our goal of Peace and Justice throughout the world.

    SEE BELOW

    2011 Actions

    2010 Activities

    2009 Activities
    *Copenhagen Climate Conference Vigil and Public Statement
    *Visit Senators' Offices
    *Peace Education Workshop
    *International Peace Day activities and Gov. Culver's proclamation
    *Pastors for Peace Cuba Caravan
    *National Religious Campaign Against Torture
    *Postville Raid Remembered
    *Anna Baltzer, author of Witness In Palestine, LIFE in PALESTINE: Eye-Witness Stories and Photos
    *Step into the Promised Land: Unpacking Israel and Palestine (panel)
    *The Palestinian Perspective (editorial)
    *Marian Klostermann: Nonviolence Training in the Middle East
    *MLK Service Project
    *Human Rights Award

    *2008 Demonstrations

    2011 Actions

    May 10, Tues.: Moville native Rod Hopp, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Forest City, IA, will share in words and pictures his recent first-hand experience visiting Palestine as part of a Christian Peacemakers Team, 7 p.m., First Lutheran Church fellowship hall, 3939 Cheyenne Blvd., Sioux City. Free. Sponsored by Siouxland Peace Coalition. All welcome

    Sat., March 12 - Mall Walk for Peace (Southern Hills Mall, Sioux City), 1-3 p.m. (come and go as needed). No signs or banners. OUT of Iraq and Afghanistan NOW t-shirts available.

    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration, Monday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m., Briar Cliff University Chapel, featuring Mt. Zion Baptist Consecrated Choir and speaker.

    * * *

    2010 Actions

    Oct. 10, Sun., noon-2. Interfaith Resources annual Food Festival, St. Boniface Church, 703 W 5th St., Sioux City. Help local needy folks. Includes Fair Trade display & sale.

    Oct. 17, Sun., 1 p.m. CROP Walk to help feed the hungry in the US and around the world. Grace United Methodist, 1735 Morningside Ave., Sioux City

    Sept. 21, Tues., 8 p.m.: Celebrate International Peace Day at Briar Cliff University. Meet at Meis Recital Hall for a documentary about current peace efforts. Then join a short vigil at the Peace Pole near Heelan Hall. All welcome.

    * * *

    Bulletin Blurb and Pulpit Announcement

    The Siouxland Peace Coalition invites you to a vigil on Hiroshima Day Friday, Aug. 6th, to raise awareness of the need for the U.S. to ratify START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty). The general public is welcome to meet at 11:30 in front of the Federal Building at 6th and Douglas Streets in Sioux City. After a brief visit to Senator Grassley's office to deliver a petition urging his support of START, the group will demonstrate on the sidewalk until 12:30. Signs will be provided. Visit SiouxlandPeaceCoalition.com.

    Newsletter Article

    Hiroshima Day Vigil Promotes START

    The Siouxland Peace Coalition invites you to a vigil on Hiroshima Day, Friday, August 6th to raise awareness of the need for the U.S. to ratify START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty).

    The general public is welcome to meet at 11:30 in front of the Federal Building at 6th and Douglas Streets in Sioux City. After a brief visit to Senator Grassley's office to deliver a petition urging his support of START, the group will demonstrate on the sidewalk until 12:30. Signs will be provided.

    Hiroshima Day commemorates August 6, 1945, when an American B-52 dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Three days later another atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.

    Representatives of the media are welcome. A spokesperson will be available.

    For more information visit the coalition’s website at SiouxlandPeaceCoalition.com.

    Background information about the use of atomic weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki from Greg P. Guelcher, Associate Professor of History, Morningside College

    On August 6, 1945, an American B-52 bomber named Enola Gay lifted off from the Pacific island of Tinian, flew to the city of Hiroshima, Japan, and without warning around 9:15 a.m. dropped a new and vastly deadlier bomb on its unsuspecting inhabitants. Hiroshima itself was obliterated within minutes; what the shockwaves didn't destroy fell victim to the massive fires that followed. The human toll was staggering: some 70,000 men, women, and children were killed instantly, while many more (another 130,000 or so by 1950) would perish as the result of their injuries or illnesses, especially mysterious radiation sickness. Even fetuses still in the womb were affected adversely.

    Three days later, on August 9 (and only a day after a full report from a devastated Hiroshima had finally reached Japan's leaders in Tokyo), the U.S. dropped a second, unannounced atomic bomb on the port city of Nagasaki. Again, the human toll was astounding, with an estimated 70,000 killed in the explosion, and an equal number dying of radiation sickness within five years. The second atomic bomb had been moved up from its originally scheduled date, due to fears of overcast weather later on.

    While the bombings did, in fact, help speed Japan's leaders to surrender, among scholars today there's still great debate about both the motives for dropping the bombs (intimidating the Soviet Union is one commonly accepted rationale, for instance), as well as the actual necessity of having dropped such fearsome weapons on a country that was already arguably on the brink of total collapse.

    * * *

    June 28, Monday, 6:30-7:45 p.m. In cooperation with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), the Siouxland Peace Coalition recognizes
    Torture Awareness Month with a public forum in the Gleeson Room, Aalfs Public Library, 6th and Pierce, Sioux City. The forum will include a 20 minute DVD from NRCAT and an interfaith discussion. All are welcome to this free event.

    * * *

    Pastors for Peace Cuba Caravan

    July 9, Friday, 7 p.m. -- Pastors for Peace "Cuba Caravan," presentation. First Unitarian Church, 2508 Jackson St., Sioux City. Free-will offering.

    IFCO Pastors for Peace 21st Friendship Caravan to Cuba -- 13 Routes, 130 U.S. and Canadian Cities

    LISA VALANTI has traveled to Cuba with every Pastor's for Peace Caravan, over the past 20 years, and participated or led many delegations beginning in 1971 with the Venceremos Brigade, with the Freedom To Travel Campaign, Global Exchange, Women's League for Peace and Freedom, the U.S.-Cuba Sister Cities Association, and many other initiatives and all without ever applying for or accepting a license from the US Treasury Department. "Travel is a fundamental human right that US residents have yet to acquire. As a self-proclaimed showcase democracy, we cannot allow our government to control our experience and knowledge of the world we share with diverse cultures that we must co-exist with."

    She is a founder and president of the national US Cuba Sister Cities Association, President of the Pittsburgh Matanzas Sister City Project, co-founder of the Pennsylvania-Matanzas Sister State-Province Partnership, a founder of the Cuba Action Committee of WILPF, and founder of the Pittsburgh CUBA Coalition. She also serves as a Cuba consultant, and facilitated the University of Pittsburgh's Semester at Sea to go to Cuba bringing the largest number of US students (over 7000) ever to go to Cuba. She has traveled extensively as a public speaker on the US blockade of Cuba throughout the US as well as Canada, Mexico, and was active in both the Little Yellow School Bus, and the Fast for Life.."

    Cuba provides free healthcare for all its citizens
    *is a pioneer in organic agriculture and sustainable development
    *is training thousands of young people from poor communities around the world including 122 from the US!) to be doctors, completely free of charge, at the internationally acclaimed Latin American School of Medicine
    *offers protection to all its people when natural or man-made disasters (hurricanes or international economic crises) hit the island
    *has sent hundreds of doctors to save lives in Haiti -- not just since the earthquake, but for 10 years prior
    *has one of the most artistically talented societies in the world

    Many of us hoped that President Obama's election would bring about some changes in many aspects of US policy -- including the ending of the illegal, immoral, and internationally condemned US economic blockade against Cuba.

    By now, a year has passed: but the fundamental mechanisms of the blockade remain in full force, with just a few small exceptions. Cuban-Americans are now allowed to more freely visit their families, several cultural exchanges have been allowed, and some bilateral talks have resumed.

    SO WHY IS THE U.S. STILL BLOCKADING CUBA?

    Pastors for Peace "Cuba Caravan" Follow-up

     Call the White House Comment Line (202)456-1111 or visit WhiteHouse.gov

    "My name is ____; I come from (city/state/province); I am a supporter of Pastors for Peace; I am calling because I believe that the US economic blockade of Cuba is immoral, illegal, mean-spirited and counter-productive. It’s time to end the blockade of Cuba and to free the Cuba Five."

    Contact: Alison Bodine
    Project Coordinator - IFCO (the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization)/Pastors for Peace
    212-926-5757
    alison@ifconews.org
    www.pastorsforpeace.org

    Pastors for Peace to Launch 21st Non-Violent Challenge to US Blockade of Cuba

    Over 130 Pastors for Peace volunteers from the US, Canada and Europe will challenge the immoral and illegal US blockade and travel restrictions against Cuba at the US - Mexico border on July 22nd. They expect to collect 100 tons of humanitarian aid during a two-week caravan that will converge in McAllen, Texas before traveling on to Cuba without US treasury department licenses. They intend to deliver school buses, construction tools and materials, educational supplies, medicines, and medical supplies gathered in communities throughout the US and Canada.

    "We must continue to keep the pressure on -- to end the blockade, to normalize relations with Cuba, and to engage in dialogue based in mutual respect, rather than our insisting on undermining Cuba's sovereignty," declared Rev. Lucius Walker, Jr., Executive  Director and founder of IFCO (the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization), a 42-year old ecumenical agency. "President Obama has taken a small first step to change US/Cubapolicy. But as people of faith and conscience, it is important that we make our voices heard in favor of even stronger measures for reconciliation and normalized relations."

    The 21st Friendshipment Caravan will traverse 14 separate routes across the country stopping in 47 US states and six Canadian provinces. Along the way the caravan will be hosted in 140 communities who support a new US Cuba policy based on respect and non-aggression. This year communities have collected aid for hurricane reconstruction after the three hurricanes that devastated Cuba in 2008.

    Pastors for Peace rejects the current licensing system as both immoral and illegal. It is immoral because it endangers the lives of millions of Cubans and inflicts suffering on innocent children, as well as adults. It is illegal under international law because it uses medicine and food as weapons of war to force another nation to change its government. Licensing is also unconstitutional because it requires people of faith to submit their acts of conscience and friendship to government licensing, in violation of our right to freedom of religious expression, political thought, association and travel," said Walker.

    "The world is waiting to see President Obama put an end to the blockade. The U.S. spends more than $50 million per year to undermine the sovereign government of Cuba.

    Our non-violent caravan of peace-loving individuals is a challenge to this violation of our rights to express our faith and to travel to Cuba.' said Rev. Thomas Smith, President of the Board of Directors of IFCO/Pastors for Peace. Since 1992 Pastors for Peace has used hunger strikes and mass mobilizations to successfully challenge US government attempts to confiscate vehicles and humanitarian aid bound for Cuba. The ecumenical initiative is a project of IFCO, the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization, and has delivered more than 3,000 tons of urgently needed assistance to the Cuban people. ###

    Prominent Speakers Urge Ratifying International Treaties

    Speakers from both coasts will be in Sioux City, Monday, May 3, to explain why it's critical that the U.S. ratify two international treaties. Retired Colonel Richard Klass from Washington, DC, and Robert Gould, a member of the PSR board from California.

    Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) is promoting the ratification of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) between the US and Russia and also the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). A retired Air Force officer and a physician speak on nuclear disarmament as a tag team speak twice -- for the Sioux City Noon Lions Club, and at 7-8:30 p.m., Gleeson Room, Aalfs Public Library, 6th and Pierce, Sioux City. The doors at Mid-America cafeteria, 401 Douglas St., open for optional lunch at 11:45. The speakers begin at 12:30 and end promptly at 1:00.

    The evening event, sponsored by the Siouxland Peace Coalition, includes free refreshments. Both events are free and open to the general public. Reservations are not required.

    For more information about the noon meeting, contact Paula.Damon@BriarCliff.edu. For the evening meeting, GeraldIversen@yahoo.com or 712-274-2549.

    Colonel Richard L. Klass served in the U.S. Air Force for over 22 years, retiring in 1980. He currently serves as Executive Director for the Veterans' Alliance for Security and Democracy (VETPAC).

    During his military service, Col. Klass served as Assistant for Western Europe and Military Assistant to the Principal Deputy for International Security Affairs and Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Colonel Klass served in Europe for the U.S. Air Force from 1972 to 1976 after working as a White House Fellow from 1970-1972. As a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam, Colonel Klass logged over 500 combat hours during the course of 200 missions.

    Since his retirement from the Air Force, Col. Klass has served as a consultant and held several leadership positions in the private sector, including General Dynamics Corporation, Raytheon Aircraft and kin, inc., (??) as well as the non-profit sector, including as President of the Veterans Institute for Security and Democracy.

    Colonel Richard L. Klass, a graduate of the USAF Academy (Distinguished Graduate), Oxford University (MA and MLitt) where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and National War College (Distinguished Graduate). His decorations include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, and Purple Heart. He currently resides in Arlington, Virginia.

    Robert M. Gould, MD, has been an Associate Pathologist at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in San Jose, CA, since 1981, after completing his Pathology Residency at San Francisco Kaiser. He received his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1977, after graduating from SUNY at Buffalo with a BA in Chemistry in 1973. Since 1989, Dr. Gould has been President of the 3,000-member San Francisco-Bay Area Chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR). Since its founding in 1961, PSR has focused on the most critical threats to human health and the environment, most notably the dangers posed by nuclear war and global climate change. As the U.S affiliate of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), PSR shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. From 1986 through the present Dr. Gould has been a leader of the Peace Caucus of the American Public Health Association (APHA), which organizes educational sessions covering a range of war and peace, and public health issues for APHA's annual meetings, while serving as Chairperson of the Peace Caucus since 1999. He has authored, or co-authored numerous policy statements adopted by APHA: against nuclear testing, excessive military budget, space-based weapons, landmines, chemical weapons, etc.

    Since 1992 Dr. Gould has been an leading member of the Santa Clara County chapter of the California Medical Association (CMA), and through this work has authored and submitted numerous resolutions adopted by CMA as policy--including resolutions calling for preventing dioxin waste from medical facilities, preventing human exposure to mercury, reducing the use of pesticides, protecting farmworkers from toxic pesticide exposures, replacing medical devices containing phthalates (DEHP) from Neonatal Intensive Care Units, reducing air pollution, for binding reductions in global climate change-causing gases, for the abolition of all weapons of mass destruction, and for avoiding accidental nuclear war, etc. For his work within CMA, received the Santa Clara County Medical Association's (SCCMA) "Outstanding Contribution in Community Service" award in 2001. Dr. Gould has also been listed as one of Santa Clara County's "Top 400 Physicians" in peer-review surveys published in San Jose Magazine in 2001 through 2007.

    Dr. Gould speaks widely on a vast array of public and environmental health issues, and has authored or co-authored many book chapters and articles on U.S foreign and military policy, the latter including a focus on issues related to weapons of mass destruction, notably nuclear and biological weapons. Some examples include "Public Health Effects of Biological Weapons" in the first edition of War and Public Health, published by Oxford University Press in cooperation with APHA in 1996, "Prevention of Nuclear Terrorism," in Terrorism and Public Health, published by Oxford University Press in 2002, and "Nuclear Weapons" in the 2nd edition of War and Public Health published by Oxford University Press in 2008. In 2008, Dr. Gould was the invited keynote speaker at the Global Forum on Civilization and Peace organized by the Academy of Korean Studies, delivering the address "Protecting Generations at Risk: the Work of PSR and IPPNW," and as part of a special delegations during the IPPNW World Congress in New Delhi met with the President and Prime Minister of India to advocate for reassertion of Indian leadership in the global movement to abolish nuclear weapons.

    * * *

    April 15, Thur., 4:30-5:15 p.m. War Tax demonstration at the corner of 6th and Douglas (Federal Court House), Sioux City. Be part of block-long banner "$1,000,000,000,000 TRILLION Dollar War Tax for Iraq & Afghanistan."

    * * *

    March 22, Mon. Peace Coalition observes the anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. 5-6 p.m., anti-war demonstration at the corner of 6th and Douglas (Federal Court House), Sioux City.

    * * *

    Feb. 16 & 18 - Deliver petition from 1 SKY to Senators Harkin and Grassley's Sioux City offices urging bold climate change legislation

    * * *

    Feb. 21, Sun. - Gourmet Middle-Eastern Dinner at Doug and Rita Swan home. Fundraiser for Palestinian relief, sponsored by Siouxland Peace Coalition. $25 per person, limit 10. Reservations required at ReneeNassif101@yahoo.com.

    * * *

    Feb. 6, Sat., 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Public brown bag luncheon. Gleeson Room, Aalfs Public Library, 6th & Pierce, Sioux City. Free.
    * 10-11:30 a.m.: Siouxland Peace Coalition Meeting
    * 11:30: Sr. Gwen Hennesey's recent experiences in El Salvador and School of the Americas
    * noon-1:00: Celebrating Valentine's Day with Fair Trade.     Rita and Gerald Iversen share their experiences visiting cooperatives in Guatemala and promoting Fair Trade. Slide talk, handicraft display/sale. Responses from local Guatemalans.

    * * *

    2009 Actions

    Dec. 16, Wed., noon-1:00. Copenhagen Climate Conference Vigil. Gather in foyer of Aalfs Public Library, 6th and Pierce, Sioux City. Then walk through the downtown Skyway system, concluding with a brief talk. Join with vigils around the globe as representatives gather in Denmark to negotiate remedies to global climate deterioration. The conference runs through the 17th. Bring signs or make them at 11:30 a.m. in the Gleeson Room of the library; materials provided. Co-sponsored by 350.org.

    PUBLIC STATEMENT

    Nothing better than a cold day in December to gather and publish our hopes that world leaders meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, will organize the nations and strongly respond to the threat of climate change. We check the weather forecasts daily and find it easy to believe the forecast for the next three days; we are a lot more skeptical about the accuracy of a forecast of a week or more. That is why it is normal to question scientists who seem to be forecasting ten, twenty, or a hundred years from now.

    Keep in mind that these scientists are not predicting the local weather. They are looking at the Earth's climate as it responds to human industrial activity. There's reason for alarm; there's reason to respond.

    If glaciers were growing at a rapid annual rate, it would be easy to convince people of a coming ice age. What the world is seeing is the rapid retreat of glaciers and ice at the poles. Climate change scientists who just a decade ago predicted a loss of ice in our polar regions are now amazed as antarctic ice shelves collapse and arctic sea ice retreats.

    Some Americans accept the threats of human-induced climate change, but see technology stepping in to save us. Certainly, the engineers who have advanced air travel and placed a man on the moon, invented the computer and cell phone should be able to invent a cure. Is this a good response?

    Other Americans accept the threats of climate change and think they can save the Earth by lowering their thermostats three degrees in winter and insulating their homes. They can demand fuel efficient cars and decrease their trips and time on the road. Have they found a good response?

    Other Americans believe that "business as usual" has gotten us deeper into this problem and we should make sure that business costs and consumer costs reflect the efforts to curb greenhouse gases.  Are they right?

    Other Americans believe that our government should lead in our campaign by regulating greenhouse gases and supporting inventors and entrepreneurs who will move us beyond energy dependence on fossil fuels.

    Who is right? They all are. We need scientists to face these economic and social issues and come up with energy efficient technology.

    We need business to recognize the opportunity to transform a carbon heavy, fossil fuel economy into a light, nimble, and sustainable system for efficiently conserving the natural resources upon which any economy is based. Government needs to regulate. Consumers need to conserve and escape their wasteful lifestyles.

    Why am I focusing on Americans? Why not let the Chinese solve the problem: that country with more than a billion people emits more carbon than any other?

    Why must we accept a high price for this international campaign? Because America has succeeded through globalization in spreading its gospel of consumption and democracy around the world. We want to live freely and now the whole world seems to want to live the way we do. This Earth can't support a Hummer for every Indonesian.

    But with freedom comes responsibility. Americans in their economic and political choices must acknowledge that before supply and demand there are natural limits that must be respected. We expect the world leaders at Copenhagen to hammer out a blue print for slowing down and reversing carbon pollution of the atmosphere. We expect them to gather the peoples of the earth in a common campaign to maintain a tolerable climate for our Earth.

    World leaders have acted cooperatively before. In the 1980s when modern chemicals threatened the atmosphere's ozone layer, leaders met in Montreal and signed an agreement that succeeded in eliminating ozone-depleting products. Our challenge today is a hundred times more difficult; nevertheless we expect our political leaders to once again find common tools for answering this threat. For years, American citizens have equated conservation with recycling. As long as we could recycle, we would not be challenging the economy of consumption, the economy of waste. But the underlying theme of conservation is not recycling or reducing or reusing, it is RETHINKING.

    Albert Einstein said, "You cannot solve a problem from the same consciousness that created it. You must learn to see the world anew."

    We are holding this vigil expecting America's business and government leaders are going to return from Copenhagen with an agreement that reflects the efforts of all nations of the planet and reflects the American citizens role as leaders in protecting the Earth.

    Dr. Jim Redmond
    Siouxland Peace Coalition
    Sierra Club Northwest Iowa Group

    * * *

    Lobby Senators

    We will gather at the front entrance of the Federal Building at 6th and Douglas, Sioux City, on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10th, 3 p.m. to sign and deliver a letter based on the points below to the offices of Senators Harkin and Grassley.

    During the week of November 11th, teams of Amnesty International supporters will descend on the in-district offices of Senators and Representatives across the country. We want you join us!

    Our Lobby Week visits will focus on three key issues -- each one is at a crucial tipping point and your voice can make all the difference in:
    * Reforming the broken U.S. immigration detention system
    * Ensuring the closure of Guantanamo Bay prison
    * Protecting the dignity and fundamental human rights of women

    Will you be a voice for human rights in your district?

    If you've got the passion to speak up for human rights, then we'll provide the training. Our staff and volunteer experts will guide you through the process and give you detailed information to ensure that you feel confident and knowledgeable about each issue area before meeting with your representatives.

    When our activists meet with their elected officials, we see results! Support in Congress has more than tripled for reforming the immigration detention system since the last time our activists stormed Capitol Hill this summer.

    We've got the momentum, now is your turn to take it to the next level:

    Ramping up on immigration reform: Immigration reform will be even more of a hot topic in 2010 --when the President has said he would turn his attention to the issue. That is why we have to act now if we're going to play an active role in shaping immigration reform policies that will respect the basic rights and liberties of all people. It is up to us to make Congress see that the current costly and ineffective system of arbitrary detentions and deferred justice is not working.

    Debate on torture has reached a fever pitch: With each week that passes, the deadline for closing Guantanamo grows hazier. Indefinite detentions are unacceptable. This fight is not just about shutting down one bad, offshore prison; Guantanamo is our battle ground for proving that the U.S. will not tolerate cutting corners when it comes to respecting human rights, justice and the rule of law.

    Homestretch for women's human rights: It's hard to believe that the U.S. has not yet joined the international community in affirming the fundamental human rights of women by signing the treaty that has come to be known as the "bill of rights for women". As the only developed nation that has yet to sign on, it sends an even stronger message to the world that women's human rights are still not recognized as worth protecting. This has got to change.

    Elected officials need to hear directly from their constituents on these issues. Join with other dedicated advocates and meet face-to-face with your members of Congress to ensure that human rights will be a major factor in their votes.

    * * *

    Peace Education Workshop

    A Free, Family-Oriented Peace Education Workshop will explore ways of making peace between people at school, at work and in our communities. "Tools for the Road," sponsored by Living Peace Church of the Brethren, begins Friday evening, October 16th, and continues through Saturday afternoon the 17th, at Whitfield United Methodist Church, Sioux City. The Presenters from On Earth Peace welcome the whole family. In addition to free registration, participants receive free snacks and a free lunch on Saturday. Please register by Wed., Oct. 14. For info call 712/252-9630, email pastor@LPCOB.org or visit LPCOB.org/peace.

    * * *

    Representatives of the media are welcome before or during the event. Contact Lucinda Douglas at 712/252-9630 or pastor@LPCOB.org.

    NEWS RELEASE: Free, Family-Oriented Peace Workshop Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17

    Explore ways of making peace between people at school, at work and in our communities at the free peace education workshop 'Tools for the Road.' Sponsored by Living Peace Church of the Brethren, the family-oriented workshop begins Friday, October 16, 7-9 p.m. and continues Saturday, October 17, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Whitfield United Methodist Church, 1319 W. 5th St., Sioux City.

    In addition to free registration, participants receive free snacks and a free lunch on Saturday. A free-will offering will be received.

    The workshop will include role plays of the Good Samaritan parable, conversation about the Biblical roots of peace-making, World Volleyball, and Cloud of Witnesses Bingo.

    Please register by Wed., Oct. 14 by calling 712/252-9630, email pastor@LPCOB.org or register online at LPCOB.org/peace.

    Presenters

    John-Michael Pickens and Rick Polhamus will lead the workshop. Both Pickens and Polhamus are active in the Church of the Brethren.

    Polhamus, a member of Christian Peacemaking Teams (CPT), has worked in the Middle East for much of the last nine years in South Dakota, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Palestine/Israel, and Iraq. He has represented CPT to the World Council of Churches. He coordinated a program dealing with Iraqi detainees and worked with a program for violence-free play. He has spoken in conferences, universities, churches, synagogues, and mosques about such topics as 'Theology of Nonviolence and Peacemaking;' 'Humor in Peacemaking,' conflict resolution, and racism. He and his wife live on a small farm in Miami County, OH.

    Pickens is a volunteer in Brethren Volunteer Service with On Earth Peace in Harrisburg, PA.  Pickens has an international background. He lived in the Ivory Coast and Kenya for ten years as a child and then in Kentucky for nine years. He has also studied in Thailand and taught English to Buddhist monks. A recent graduate of Messiah College, where he studied theology and peace and conflict studies, Pickens participated in the Youth Pace Travel Team.  He lives in Mechanicsburg, PA.

    A Fair Trade display and sale will accompany the workshop.

    Assisting at the workshop will be members of Living Peace Church of the Brethren, Sheldon Church of the Brethren, Whitfield United Methodist Church, and the Siouxland Peace Coalition.  For more information, visit LPCOB.org/peace. # # # #

    Sept. 21, Mon., 7 p.m., Siouxland Peace Coalition celebrates International Peace Day

    at the riverfront Peace Pole, Sioux City.

    Governor and City Council Proclaim Peace Day Sept. 21; Siouxland Celebrates

    Iowa Governor Chet Culver has proclaimed Monday, Sept. 21st as International Peace Day (below). The Sioux City City Council is scheduled to do the same at their regular Monday meeting that day. Sioux City students are making Peace Pinwheels, which will be on display throughout that day on the south lawn of the Sioux City Art Center, 225 Nebraska St.

    The Siouxland Peace Coalition invites the general public to celebrate at 7 p.m. at the Peace Pole, near the Welcome Center (tugboat) on Larson Park Rd. Peace walkers will leave the Art Center at 6:30 for the Peace Pole. Everyone is welcome to join the peace walk.

    The 7 p.m. event will include singing, dancing, brief readings and prayers. Anyone is welcome to contribute for up to two minutes. See Alan McGaffin at the event.

    State of Iowa
    Executive Department
    In the Name and by the Authority of the State of Iowa

    PROCLAMATION

    Whereas, the issue of peace embraces the deepest hopes of all peoples and remains humanity's guiding inspiration, and

    Whereas, in 1981, the United Nations proclaimed the International Day of Peace be "devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples"; and

    Whereas, the United Nations expanded the observation of the International Day of Peace in 2001 to include the call for a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, and invited all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities for the duration of the day; and

    Whereas, there is growing support within our state for the observation of the International Day of Peace, which affirms a vision of our world at peace, and fosters cooperation between individuals, organizations and nations; and

    Whereas, global crises impel all citizens to work toward converting humanity's noblest aspirations for world peace into a practical reality for future generations:

    Now, therefore, I, Chester J. Culver, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby proclaim September 21, 2009, as the

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

    in Iowa, and urge all government departments and agencies, organizations, schools, places of worship and individuals in our state to commemorate the International Day of Peace. This may include community service projects, cultural exhibits and performances, a moment of silence, ringing of bells, sharing the universal wish "May peace prevail on Earth" at noon, vigils, religious services in our places of worship, and other education and public awareness activities in order to help establish a global day of peace in our homes, our communities and between nations.

    In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and caused the Great Seal of the State of Iowa to be affixed. Done at Des Moines this 24th day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand nine.

    [signature]
    Chester J. Culver
    Governor of Iowa

    [seal]

    Attest:
    [signature]
    Michael A. Mauro
    Secretary of State

    Pastors for Peace "Cuba Caravan"

    July 11, Sat. noon -- Pastors for Peace "Cuba Caravan," lunch and presentation. Gleeson Room, Aalfs Public Library, 6th & Pierce, Sioux City. Free-will offering. News Conference: 11:30 a.m.

    Pastors for Peace "Cuba Caravan" Follow-up

    Call the White House Comment Line (202)456-1111 or visit WhiteHouse.gov

    "My name is ____; I come from (city/state/province); I am a supporter of Pastors for Peace; I am calling because I believe that the US economic blockade of Cuba is immoral, illegal, mean-spirited and counter-productive. It's time to end the blockade of Cuba and to free the Cuba Five."

    Contact: Alison Bodine
    Project Coordinator - IFCO (the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization)/Pastors for Peace
    212-926-5757
    alison@ifconews.org
    www.pastorsforpeace.org

    Pastors for Peace to Launch 20th Non-Violent Challenge to US Blockade of Cuba

    Over 130 Pastors for Peace volunteers from the US, Canada and Europe will challenge the immoral and illegal US blockade and travel restrictions against Cuba at the US - Mexico border on July 22nd. They expect to collect 100 tons of humanitarian aid during a two-week caravan that will converge in McAllen, Texas before traveling on to Cuba without US treasury department licenses. They intend to deliver school buses, construction tools and materials, educational supplies, medicines, and medical supplies gathered in communities throughout the US and Canada.

    "We must continue to keep the pressure on -- to end the blockade, to normalize relations with Cuba, and to engage in dialogue based in mutual respect, rather than our insisting on undermining Cuba's sovereignty" declared Rev. Lucius Walker, Jr., Executive  Director and founder of IFCO (the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization), a 42-year old ecumenical agency. "President Obama has taken a small first step to change US/Cubapolicy. But as people of faith and conscience, it is important that we make our voices heard in favor of even stronger measures for reconciliation and normalized relations."

    The 20th Friendshipment Caravan will traverse 14 separate routes across the country stopping in 47 US states and six Canadian provinces. Along the way the caravan will be hosted in 140 communities who support a new US Cuba policy based on respect and non-aggression. This year communities have collected aid for hurricane reconstruction after the three hurricanes that devastated Cuba in 2008.

    "Pastors for Peace rejects the current licensing system as both immoral and illegal. It is immoral because it endangers the lives of millions of Cubans and inflicts suffering on innocent children, as well as adults. It is illegal under international law because it uses medicine and food as weapons of war to force another nation to change its government. Licensing is also unconstitutional because it requires people of faith to submit their acts of conscience and friendship to government licensing, in violation of our right to freedom of religious expression, political thought, association and travel," said Walker.

    "The world is waiting to see President Obama put an end to the blockade. The U.S. spends more than $50 million per year to undermine the sovereign government of Cuba.

    Our non-violent caravan of peace-loving individuals is a challenge to this violation of our rights to express our faith and to travel to Cuba." said Rev. Thomas Smith, President of the Board of Directors of IFCO/Pastors for Peace. Since 1992 Pastors for Peace has used hunger strikes and mass mobilizations to successfully challenge US government attempts to confiscate vehicles and humanitarian aid bound for Cuba. The ecumenical initiative is a project of IFCO, the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization, and has delivered more than 3,000 tons of urgently needed assistance to the Cuban people. ###

    National Religious Campaign Against Torture

    June 11, Thur., 5-6 p.m. Siouxland Peace Coalition will demonstrate at Sioux City Federal Building, 6th and Douglas Sts. to urge a Commission on Torture, in conjunction with a demonstration that day in front of the White House in D.C. by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. Visit NRCAT.org. Come when you can. Make your own sign or use ours. (Sign-making party, 6/11, 4 p.m., Clare House, 1918 Douglas St., Sioux City.)

    Postville Raid Remembered

    May 12, Tues. The Siouxland Peace Coalition will hold a remembrance of the Postville, Iowa, Immigration Raid, 5 to 6 p.m. at Sioux City Federal Building 6th and Douglas Sts. to urge comprehensive Immigration Reform, providing a road to citizenship, not amnesty. Also, the event draws attention to the Dream Act -- education for children of undocumented workers. Come when you can. Make your own sign or use ours.

    Those who cannot attend are urged to sign the letter below issued by the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, that will be delivered to authorities on May 12th.

    Please read, then send an email or note before May 12th to:

    Sr. Patricia Farrell, Mount St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, IA 51001
    farrellpr@osfdbq.org

    Postville, Iowa
    May 12, 2009

    On this first anniversary of the ICE raid at Agroprocessors in Postville, Iowa, we call on President Obama, the Congress and Janet Napolitano, director of the Department of Homeland Security, to order an immediate moratorium on ICE workplace raids.

    Each immigration enforcement raid creates a local humanitarian crisis and causes undue suffering to detainees and their families. The separation of families makes immigrants already vulnerable to discrimination, exploitation and human trafficking, all the more vulnerable. The raids especially harm children. In a number of cases US citizen children have been separated for several days from a sole caregiver or single parent. When a raid occasions the effective deportation of the whole family, citizen children are thrust into a country entirely foreign to them. Often a detained parent is moved to a detention center in distant parts of the country, making it difficult for family members to locate and contact them.

    There is also serious concern about the harsh treatment of detainees during the raids and as well as the impact of prison exposure to criminal behavior. Detainees from the raids have not always received appropriate representation and due process. In the Postville, Iowa, raid there is evidence that detainees did not understand the criminal charges filed against them. The process violates basic human rights and should be immediately halted.

      We also call for respect for the rights and due process of those who remain in detention. We urge the swift release of those who pose no threat to the community and the increased implementation of the more cost-effective and humane community-based alternatives to detention.

      Our Christian faith that teaches us to welcome the stranger and the foreigner compels us to reject the current practice of high profile workplace raids. We call for an immediate moratorium on the ICE raids and the humane treatment and expedition of the release of those still in detention.  

    'When shall we have the courage to outgrow the charity mentality and see that at the bottom of all relations between rich and poor there is a problem of justice?' Dom Helder Camara

    * * *

    April 5, Sun. -- Anna Baltzer

    author of Witness In Palestine, LIFE in PALESTINE: Eye-Witness Stories and Photos
    * 11 a.m., First Unitarian Church of Sioux City, 2508 Jackson. Coffee to follow.
    * 7 p.m., Morningside College UPS Aud., Lincoln Center, 3227 Peters Ave. Sponsored by Siouxland Peace Coalition. Free.

    Who: Anna Baltzer, Jewish-American granddaughter of Holocaust refugees and volunteer for the International Women's Peace Service; Human rights worker & supporter of Palestinian-led nonviolent resistance to Occupation.

    What: Her slides, stories, & book Witness in Palestine, recounting first-hand experiences with the conflict while living with Palestinians in the West Bank.

    Why: To share information difficult to obtain through US mainstream media sources, and to encourage dialogue towards taking action for peace with justice.

    For more info: (712) 948-3295. Visit AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com

    March 26, Thur., 7 p.m. -- Step into the Promised Land: Unpacking Israel and Palestine

    St. Francis Center, Briar Cliff University, 3303 Rebecca St., Sioux City. Co-sponsorship by the Siouxland Peace Coalition and BCU's Peace and Justice Committee. Dr. Rick Colwell will share his experience on a recent medical mission to Gaza (see http://ammgaza.blogspot.com for more information regarding the American Medical Mission to Gaza). Dr. Greg Guelcher will provide a historical/social/political context for Dr. Colwell’s narrative. Free.

    * * *

    [Sioux City Journal, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009]

    The Palestinian Perspective

    Understanding both sides' positions is critical in war. Syndicated columnists have presented Israel's position in the Journal. We of the Siouxland Peace Coalition wish to present facts that promote understanding of the people of Gaza and their leaders.

    Most of the 1.5 million people in the Gaza Strip are forced to live there as refugees from past wars. The territory is one of the most densely populated places on Earth. Israel has not allowed them to return to their homes, and the United Nations, which created Israel, has not worked out a way for them to return.

    Israel withdrew its settlers and troops from Gaza in 2005. Israel, however, still controlled access to Gaza by land, air, and sea; imports and exports; and the movement of people in and out. By those features Israel was still an occupying power and had an obligation under international law to provide for the people of Gaza.

    In 2006, in a free and fair election the Palestinians voted to give Hamas the majority of seats in their parliament. One reason is that Hamas effectively delivers social services. Another is that Fatah, the other major party, is widely seen as corrupt and its leader as an American puppet who has not been able to stop Israel's relentless expansion of settlements on the West Bank.

    The United States and the European Union immediately cut off all financial aid to the Palestinian Authority until Hamas resigned from the unity government. They designate Hamas a terrorist organization and will not talk to it because Hamas has sent suicide bombers into Israel and allegedly does not recognize Israel's right to exist.

    Hamas would say in response, "Which Israel in which borders do you want us to recognize? Is it fair for Israel to be a country in which all Jews in the world are automatically citizens and have a right to live there while Palestinians are herded into ever smaller Bantustans? When do a people have a right to resist occupation? After 40 years? After 60 years?"

    Israel has choked off supplies of fuel, electricity, food, and other basics to Gaza. Last year Israel allowed only 20% of the amount of food needed, reducing the majority of Gazans to one meal a day. Some had to eat grass to survive.

    In June, 2008, a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was negotiated by Egypt. Lifting the blockade of Gaza and halting rocket fire into Israel were key terms. Hamas largely, though not entirely, kept its part of the bargain until Israel invaded Gaza in November.

    Throughout the ceasefire, however, Israel's illegal blockade of Gaza and assassinations of Palestinian leaders continued.

    On December 14, Hamas conveyed to Egypt (since Israel and the United States refuse to talk to Hamas) its willingness to extend the ceasefire if Israel would lift the siege on Gaza. Instead, Israel attacked Gaza on December 27.

    Three Israelis were killed by Hamas rockets in seven years. (Jimmy Carter, The Washington Post, January 8) Between Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 and December 27, 2008, Israel killed 1700 Gazans. (Israeli Coalition Against Home Demolitions, January 10) Since December 27, Israel has killed over 1100 Gazans (including several hundred children). Among the horrors (and probable war crimes) reported by non-Arab sources are the following.

    Israeli troops told 110 civilians to take shelter in a house, but a few hours later, shelled it, killing 30 of them, which the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said "has all the hallmarks of war crime." (The Guardian, January 9)

    Children were found clinging to the bodies of their dead mothers under rubble. The children were near starvation and too weak to stand because Israel had prevented ambulances from getting to them for days, which Red Cross official Pierre Wettach called "shocking." (CNN, January 7)

    Israel has used Palestinian civilians as human shields according to Amnesty International. (January 8)

    Returning from Gaza, Norwegian doctor Mads Gilbert voiced his suspicion that Israel was using Gaza as "a test laboratory for new weapons," including dense inert metal explosives designed to shred bodies. (www.democracynow.org/2009/1/14)

    Israel has destroyed seventeen mosques, the American International School, and United Nations’ schools.

    Is it really likely that Israel's only motive was to stop Hamas rocket fire? Was this massive carnage really the only way to achieve it?

    The Siouxland Peace Coalition unequivocally condemns the violence perpetrated by both sides, and we agree with President Carter that this was "an unnecessary war."

    Gerald Iversen for the Siouxland Peace Coalition

    * * *

    Marian Klostermann Gives First-Hand Testimony on Nonviolence Training in the Middle East

    Sioux City--The Siouxland Peace Coalition welcomes you to hear Sister Marian Klostermann on "The Experience of Nonviolence Training in the Middle East," Wednesday, February 11, at Aalfs Public Library, 6th and Pierce, Sioux City, 7-8 p.m. This free presentation is open to the general public.

    Marian Klostermann, a Dubuque Franciscan sister, spent November and December, 2008, facilitating workshops for the Alternatives to Violence Project with an international team in Amman, Jordan.  She spent two weeks in Israel. Sister Marian was an elementary teacher for 25 years, nine of them at St. Michael's, Leeds, and as a hospital chaplain at Marian Health Center in Sioux City. Most recently she served the rural poor in Southwest Iowa and was a pastoral minister in Omaha. She is a regional coordinator in the Midwest for the Alternatives to Violence Project, an organization begun by the Quakers to provide nonviolence training in prisons.

    * * *

    January Service Project

    The Siouxland Peace Coalition welcomes you to join in a service project of simple maintenance at Mary J Treglia Community House, 900 Jennings, Sioux City, IA, Saturday, January 17th, 9 a.m.-noon.

    Join us in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday (January 19th) and in answering President-elect Obama's call for a national day of volunteer service through USAservice.org.

    Representatives of the media are welcome. A spokesperson will be available.

    * * *

    December
    Siouxland Peace Coalition will celebrate Human Rights Day

    Siouxland Peace Coalition will celebrate Human Rights Day, Wednesday, Dec 10th, 11:30-1:00 with the Sioux City Human Rights Commission in the Sioux City City Council Chambers, 6th and Douglas.

    The program will include presentation of the 2009 War Eagle Human Rights Awards,including our member Sr. Grace Ann Witte.

    * * *

    June 11, 2008

    The Siouxland Peace Coalition will hold an hour long silent vigil on Flag Day Saturday, June 14th to honor the American flag. Participants are asked to meet at 11:00 AM in front of the Federal Building at 6th and Douglas Streets in Sioux City. The event is open to the public and participants are welcome to bring their American flags. 

    * * *

    May 9, 2008

    The Siouxland Peace Coalition is observing Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17th with a one hour long silent walk in support and acknowledgement of all men and women serving in the Armed Forces. The event is open to the public and walkers are asked to meet at 11:00 AM in front of the Federal Building at 6th and Douglas Streets in Sioux City..

    * * *

    SPC Links

    Baptist Peace Fellowship

    Catholic Peace Fellowship

    First Unitarian Church of Sioux City, Iowa

    Lutheran Peace Fellowship

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