Wednesday was a difficult day for The American Independent News Network, which is the larger entity that operates The Iowa Independent. Our chief executive and founder announced two of our sister sites would close and their content would be moved to The American Independent.
A recently introduced bill could have far-reaching impact on the U.S. sugar industry, including American Crystal Sugar, a farmer-owned cooperative that locked out 1,300 Midwest workers on Aug. 1.
The chairman for Herman Cain’s Iowa effort says the campaign “relied more on the word of farmers than Washington regulators” in deciding to run an ad containing claims the Environmental Protection Agency says are false.
The Iowa Senate will remain under the control of a slim 26-25 Democratic majority when it reconvenes in January 2012.
Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards finished up a long day of campaigning on Saturday night by visiting with Linn County democrats at their annual picnic at Ushers Ferry Historic Village. On Monday he will begin a tour focused on poverty in New Orleans dubbed “The Road to One America.”
![[Rep. Dave Loebsack introduces former Sen. John Edwards at the Linn County Democratic Picnic on July 14.]](http://www.essentialestrogen.com/gfx/edwards/7_14_2007/edwards_loebsack_07142007.jpg)
The former senator from North Carolina was introduced by a crowd favorite: Iowa 2nd District Congressman Dave Loebsack (on left in above photo).
Edwards continued a theme he began earlier in the day at the 1st District off-year workshop. “The power in America, the ability to change this country is right here,” he said.
Speaking before one of the largest crowds at the annual picnic in recent years, Edwards said the attempts to tie his focus on poverty and subsequent tour to a similar move made by Robert Kennedy were off the mark.
“Don’t compare me to Robert Kennedy,” he told the crowd. “While he influenced me, I wouldn’t ever dare to compare myself [with him].”
Most of Edwards’ remarks were focused on the upcoming tour and the ways he believes America can improve its image internationally.
Americans and American leadership needs to be seen “doing good things again,” he says. He pointed to education, ending pollution, fighting disease and healthcare as ways Americans and our nation can make a difference not only in our own country but internationally as well.
“America is benevolent,” he said. “We need to once again become a country that is a light for the rest of the world.”
In the upcoming tour, Edwards plans to visit 11 cities in 8 different states to “shine a light” on the problem of poverty in America, and highlight solutions to restore economic fairness. The former senator has developed a national goal of ending poverty in 30 years.
During his first stop in New Orleans, Edwards plans to walk the Lower 9th Ward with local community leaders. This area of the city continues to face large obstacles in rebuilding, despite Pres. George W. Bush visiting 22 months ago and pledging to help with renovation and restoration efforts.
Follow Lynda Waddington on Twitter
Do you know where to vote on Election Day? Do you know what to bring with you? Get comprehensive voter information for your state here.
Sign up for our email newsletter