A look ahead: Newsweek talks Energy and a look at the future/past week in Iowa

Whether it be locally, statewide or nationally, the movement is towards expanding the size, role and cost of government is unfolding. For Americans who seek Limited Government, it can certainly lead to heartburn and headache. When will some of the madness stop?

We hear the fears of the United States moving towards socialism. We hear concerns towards one world government. Locally, what is the future for the traditional marriage: with "Husband and Wife" streaked out, with the terms "Partner and Spouse" inserted in future marriage licenses in the State of Iowa? Links to stories on 4/3/09 ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court.

Today's article comes from the latest issue of Newsweek magazine, dated
April 13, 2009. The magazine features an article titled, Our Tanks Are On Full: The energy
crisis is an artificial one, created by bad policies. For more on
this issue, read Iowa Economic Scorecard: Do
We Need A National Energy Policy? - Public Interest Institute

Further, the Iowa State Legislature is expected to reopen discussion on the Elimination of Federal Deductablility when it comes to figuring your Iowa Taxes. Ironically, Federal Individual Taxes Returns for 2008 are due on April 15Th. Look for discussion in Des Moines on the 14Th. The Iowans for Tax Relief is organizing a rally on Capitol Hill in Des Moines during debate.

The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission is hosting an important Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, April 14Th at 6 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids. This event is open to the public.

Community Connections: Taking Ownership For Where We Live
Join a
community dialogue about current violence and police presence in specific
areas of Cedar Rapids. Let’s discuss how we can work together to solve
problems.
Click here for a flyer for this event. - Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission

From The Gazette: a story yesterday titled Flood helps Cedar Rapids woman discover other side of God.

Due the the current violence in Cedar Rapids, The Gazette reported yesterday the following story titled Police chief asks Cedar Rapids parents to 'step up'. The Gazette covered earlier story such as the attack on the Cedar Rapids Police Officer and the story on the attack on a nine-year old youth by another youth.

The Gazette reported recently in the story titled Kirkwood will increase tuition 3.7 percent due to demands in budgets at Kirkwood Community College based in Cedar Rapids.

As we mentioned earlier, on Friday, April 3, 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled Iowa's traditional marriage law adopted in 1998 unconstitutional (link to ruling). The State Legislature is going to let nature take it's course, rather than step in and discuss the void left by the decision.

The Gazette reported in story titled Traditional marriage backers rally outside Iowa Statehouse this past week. By the way, it's no more "Husband and Wife", when it comes to Marriage Licenses in the State of Iowa. The terms will be taken out by administrative officials and replaced by the terms "Partner and Spouse" for all cases. Why not have two options in the State of Iowa? The Gazette reported in another related story titled Same-sex amendment vote ruled out of order.

By the way, The Gazette will be tested financially on the issue, as Rob Roy had one local subscriber call to say... it's the "Gayzette" now... Some story links from the editorials by The Gazette on the Supreme Court ruling.

Finally, taxes, costs and fees are going up for Citizens of the City of Cedar Rapids.

On Wednesday, the Cedar Rapids City Council finalized their next budget. The Gazette reported in story titled Cedar Rapids council diversifies revenue, sets budget. On the City of Cedar Rapids web site you will find the following:

• a link to new! FY09 Fees
• Thursday, April 9, 2009 All Residents Encouraged to Help Write Job Description for New Flood Recovery Manager
• Thursday, April 9, 2009 Mediacom to air April Edition of City Cable TV Show
• Thursday, April 9, 2009 RRCT Releases Nine Month Progress Report

Is it a surprise that there is no clear link to the new budget? Where's the link on the approval of the new City budget?

We changed the form of Government in 2005, but the web site format surprisingly enough appears to be using the same format before the change. Is Cedar Rapids incorporating enough "Best Practices" approaches, when it comes to City Government? Where's the transparency and accountability.

By the way, don't forget to write to the City of Cedar Rapids with your thoughts on the Job Description for the new Flood Recovery Manager.

peace