Wednesday, March 19, 2003

GENERAL: Clock keeps ticking…Countdown to war continues this morning, but some media reports say a small number of Iraqi troops already trying to surrender… Several newscasts indicate “numerous” terrorist attacks possible when – and after – Iraq invasion begins, especially expecting some smaller, quick-hit (and isolated) attacks – but air restrictions have been authorized and/or increased over some cities and locations (Washington, New York City, Disney World and Disneyland)…Radio Iowa reports two of the nation’s 250 “critical assets” – as identified by U. S. Dept. of Homeland Security – are in Iowa. The department has asked the state to help secure and provide around-the-clock protection for two Mississippi River railroad bridges – the Union Pacific bridge in Clinton, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe bridge in Fort Madison  …Des Moines Register front-page Duffy cartoon today – titled “High Noon” – shows GWB in cowboy garb walking toward swinging doors of the “IRAQ” saloon …Despite international news headlines and Iraq war developments, life goes on in Iowa – Quad-City Times online headline, “Barge season begins on upper Mississippi River” Ann McGlynn reports towboats will “push grain, fertilizer, iron, coal, fuel, sand and a slew of other products to, from and through the Quad-Cities this year. Just less than 29 million tons moved through Locks and Dam 15 last barge season.” – West Des Moines Police report they found 13 businesses out of compliance during the annual mid-March tobacco permit check. That’s one-fourth of the 52 businesses in the DSM suburb with permits to sell tobacco products. – Iowa Ag Secretary Patty Judge announced “exciting news” yesterday, a monthly award to honor family farm livestock producers who are good neighbors and show a “concern for the environment.” The goal, she said, is to stress “positive stories” about producers whose operations don’t pollute or intrude on their neighbor’s lives. – QCTimes.com (Quad-City Times) reports this morning four churches, one of each of Quad-Cities (Davenport, Rock Island, Bettendorf, Moline), will open doors for residents wanting to pray when war begins. – WHO Radio reports this morning state high school athletic association expects some criticism for decision to continue with boys basketball tournament when war starts, but they believe continuing games is a celebration of freedoms enjoyed by Americans. They also note the association adopted policy about possible disruptions (terrorist attacks, war, etc.) months ago after 9/11.

CANDIDATES/CAUCUSES: Rather than trying to further cloud – and confuse Iowa Dem caucus-goers about -- his position on the Iraq situation, Kerry moved on to another political front yesterday – criticizing the Bush administration on homeland security. Speaking at the International Association of Firefighters gathering in D. C., Kerry said the “federal government has provided too little support, provided too little leadership and provided too little vision for the common defense of our homeland.” Kerry, who urged more reliance on National Guard and AmeriCorps to help with post-attack operations, said administration has created a “huge bureaucracy” and “a run on duct tape.”…Lieberman – who is rapidly becoming, with Kerry, the most visible Dem candidate – surfaced on CNN’s “Inside Politics” yesterday to reaffirm his anti-Saddam stance, saying the “blame for war is Saddam Hussein.” He added Saddam was given “every chance” over the past 12 years to shape up and comply with U. N. resolutions…CNN also reported anti-war Dems – primarily Dean and Moseley Braun – will probably continue to “speak out” against Iraq war after invasion begins. Most wannabes plan to focus on fundamentals (organization, fundraising), but will assess situation on a daily basis. Lieberman, during “Inside Politics” interview, said “everybody’s [the Dem candidates] got to decide” how to conduct their respective campaigns during Iraq conflict, but topics such as tax cut (now being considered in the Senate), education, health care and environment were still viable, legitimate issues for discussion during the war…Outside of their statements before and after the President’s Monday night address – in which they restated previous positions and rhetoric – the Dem aspirants have been in a fairly low-profile posture. They have, to steal and paraphrase a GWB comment, shown their cards and will now be locked into those positions and statements for the duration. It is, therefore, relevant to check in on the latest comments – posted on their respective congressional websites – by Graham and Kucinich, the two Dem candidates to vote against the Iraq resolution last fall. Graham, one of 23 senators to oppose the resolution: “At a time like this, all Americans must come together to support our commander in chief and our men and women in uniform…I remain concerned that the start of the war will mean an escalation of terrorist activity. I again call on this administration to step up its preparedness – both here at home and abroad – to protect the safety of Americans.” Kucinich, one of 133 House members to vote against the resolution: “The President’s decision to push our nation, and the world, to the brink of war, in the face of intense international opposition, and without UN approval is a failure by this Administration to exercise world leadership and a grave mistake…Our international allies do not believe President Bush’s case for war. Iraq poses no imminent threat to our nation. The Administration has produced no credible evidence connecting Iraq and 9/11.”  Actually, another news release posted on Kucinich’s site – “Kucinich Re-Launches Website” – was more worthwhile and responsible. He said the new, redesigned website – www.house.gov/kucinich -- will be easier to use and also have information on his Ohio CD, including the popular link, “Polka, Bowling and Kielbasa.”

IOWA POLITICS: Dem Congressman Boswell announces he will accompany an Iowa trade delegation to Cuba later this spring...Harkin took to the Senate floor – again – yesterday, Des Moines Register headline: “Harkin continues criticism of Bush” Jane Norman of Register’s Washington Bureau reports Harkin was “questioning whether the president ever seriously intended to seek the disarmament of Iraq through peaceful means.”

JOURNALISTIC OBSERVATION OF THE DAY: From AP’s Will Lester, “Homeland security is President Bush’s issue, but his Democratic rivals are determined to take it back.” Lester noted that yesterday both Kerry and Lieberman criticized the Bush administration for “a budget they say inadequately funds first responders and other responsible for the nation’s defense.” Kerry addressed the firefighters association meeting in Washington yesterday while Lieberman, who issued another statement yesterday about homeland security, also criticized the Bush homeland security approach during a speech before the firefighters on Monday.

MORNING SUMMARY: Morning headlines – Des Moines Register devotes front page to Iraq coverage, top headline: “World braces for war in Iraq…Saddam defies ultimatum; U. S. gets ready”…Sioux City Journal online: “Saddam mocks ultimatum” Omaha World-Herald online headline, “Attack could come any time, U. S. says” … QCTimes.com (Quad-City Times) headline: “Defiant to the end, Saddam refuses to go” …Chicago Tribune online: “U. S. Troops Move Toward Border With Iraq”              …Morning farm broadcasters on IA radio stations noting USDA – reacting to decision to raise nation’s threat level to Orange – has moved to increase protection of nation’s food supply. The effort will include greater examination of food imports, but U. S. Ag Secretary Ann Veneman also indicated USDA would make additional resources available to states and land grant universities – such as Iowa State in Ames – to support initiatives to protect food supplies. Veneman statement said additional information about security guidelines being circulated to producers, processors and food providers.

WAR/TERRORISM: Polls showing strong support among Americans – running as high as two-thirds – of Bush policy and approach on Iraq. But Pew Research Center international survey shows considerable global opposition, ranging from 81%-13% against in Spain and 81%-17% margin in Italy to 51%-39% opposed in Britain. …Pew poll also indicates erosion for American image abroad – headline, “America’s Image Further Erodes, Europeans Want Weaker Ties But Post-War Iraq Will Be Better Off, Most Say” Under the headline, “U. S. Image Plummets,” Pew reports 48% of British have “favorable view” of the U. S. – while those numbers slip to 31% in France, 28% in Russia, 25% in Germany, 14% in Spain and 12% in Turkey. …On Fox News last night Oliver North, stationed with Marines near front line ops, said troops referring to invasion as “the Baghdad urban renewal project.” North adds Americans  (and presumably Iraqis) will see “an extraordinary display” of military power when GWB order comes to move – and that U. S. has a “decisive edge” in the anticipated conflict …Considerable discussion of “just-war theory” on Mickelson talk show on WHO Radio  (Des Moines) yesterday. Mickelson even posting a taped lecture about “just-war” on his website – reachable through www.whoradio.com or www.wmtradio.com …VOANews (Voice of America) reports the United Nation’s drug and crime office says cultivation of coca dropped in the Andean region for first time in more than decade. The report indicates coca production in Columbia dropped 30% last year to 102,000 hectares vs. almost 145,000 hectares in 2001… From yesterday’s anonymous “Your Two-cents Worth” call-in column in the Des Moines Register: “What if millions of people worldwide simultaneously raised their voices in the plea that the president and other world leaders be granted wisdom, compassion and flexibility?” – Appanoose (Centerville) County woman.

UNDERPOPULATED PROTEST:  Leftover from yesterday’s Des Moines Register coverage of reaction to President’s Monday night address, article by staff writer Bill Reiter:  “About two hours before Bush’s remarks, eight protestors stood outside Des Moines’ Federal Building with signs that read ‘War not the answer’ and ‘Attack Iraq? No!’ On the seventh floor, five other protestors decided to stay the night in Sen. Tom Harkin’s office. They were not to be arrested because a Harkin staffer agreed to stay with them, an activist spokeswoman said. Protestors did not occupy the offices of Sen. Charles Grassley or Rep. Leonard Boswell as planned. ‘We didn’t have enough people to do that today,’ said Patti McKee, a spokeswoman for the Iowa Peace Network.”

BEST – AND SOMEWHAT APPROPRIATE – WEBSITE OF THE WEEK:  Unlike most “websites of week” – which ridicule and expose Dem/liberal craziness – this week’s website has worthwhile and interesting content, especially for political/history types. It was produced as a joint venture – the site posted just last week after yearlong planning – of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum in West Branch and the Harry S.  Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Mo, and details their personal friendship over nearly two decades. It started with a congratulatory 4/12/45 telegram from Hoover to Truman when he succeeded FDR and continued until Hoover’s death 10/20/64. Key quotes: Truman: “I feel that I am one of his closest friends and he is one of my closest friends.”  Hoover: “Yours has been a friendship which has reached deeper into my life than you know.”

Hoover Library: www.hoover.archives.gov 

Truman Library: www.trumanlibrary.org/hoover/

FEDERAL ISSUES: Senate continues debate on fiscal 2004 budget resolution-tax cut legislation, but Democrats seize anticipated war costs as argument to resist and delay…Hillary was among four senators – two Dems and two GOPS – to promote a bill requiring drug companies to extend testing – child-test -- adult medicines commonly given to kids. N. H. GOP Sen. Judd Gregg, one of the sponsors, said, “A one-size-fits-all approach is never a good idea, especially when it involves giving adult-sized medications to children.” A Senate committee may approve the proposal as early as today.

STATE ISSUES: Broadcast commercials now airing – sponsored by Iowans for Tax Relief – oppose state economic development plan that envisions borrowing up to $2 billion, which would quadruple the state’s debt. Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson reports the tax relief group has been joined by Iowa chapter of National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in lobbying to derail plan that would create much greater obligations for current and future taxpayers – and lead to future tax increases. David Brasher, NFIB’s state director, said a quick survey of the group’s Iowa membership found 78% opposed what he called “borrowing schemes.”…Quad City Times reports Davenport schools proposed spending “slightly more” next year, but will avoid teacher and staff layoffs that are expected in other Iowa school districts. Part of the reason, according to district chief financial officer Marsha Tangen – “that (the Davenport district) laid off teachers last year.”

OPINION: Des Moines Register editorials: State issue, “Just pass voting reforms… Ha, ha. The GOP had its little joke. Now get on with helping people vote.”…Federal issue, “Cut the kids first” Says Bush 2004 budget will “shortchange Iowa kids. A proposed cut of $400 million means Iowa would lose $2.2 million in after-school funding next year… In other words, cuts to kids.”…Register columnist Borsellino headline, “War is about politics, not faith…Iraq conflict is not about blaming the Jews or any other religion”…From letter to editor, this morning’s Sioux City Journal online: “What a paradox – a nation in possession of weapons of mass destruction is about to strike at a rogue nation because that nation possesses weapons of mass destruction.” – Ross Rosenkrans, Sioux City.

SPORTS: Iowa State opens NIT play tonight vs. Wichita State in Ames. Winner will play Iowa, which beat Valparaiso on Monday night, possibly setting up second Iowa-ISU game of year. The Cyclones won the first game 73-69 in December. Officials announce NIT schedule may be altered by war…Winners (and advancing) in state boys tournament yesterday: Class 2-A: Sioux Center and Council Bluffs St. Albert. Completes semifinal field with Monday winners Wapsie Valley (Fairbank) and Grundy Center. Class 3-A: Harlan, Davenport Assumption, Mount Vernon. Games today – final 3-A game will fill semifinal field with yesterday’s qualifiers, all four Class 4-A games.

WEATHER:  DSM 5 a.m. 44. Temps across IA in upper 30s to lower 40s this morning.                      High today 52, rain. Low tonight 42, chance showers. High Thursday 48, chance rain. Highs return to 60s on Sunday.

IOWAISMS: DNR and wildlife groups are offering a reward of at least $5,000 for information leading to apprehension of person or persons responsible for shooting bald eagle near Brooklyn – in east-central Iowa – last month…Local officials in Jasper County proceeding with basic decisions and planning (zoning changes, etc.) to clear way for development of a major speedway – expected to attract second-tier racing (ARCA, trucks, etc.) – to be located south of I-80 near Newton.

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