US: Take New Approach at Mexico Border

By:  Emily and David Goodner and the Iowa City Catholic Worker House team

 Separated from his family under “Remain in Mexico,” Alejandro now has new hope. But when will he see his son again? Check out this brand new Human Rights Watch video about our Iowa faith community's work and prayers for a new US approach at the border. .....

"Respect Me" a song about equality by Dodie Stevens

By:  Dodie Stevens, 2021

I wrote and recorded this song, “Respect Me” with my daughter, Stephanie, last year, which was prompted by the protests and riots regarding racial injustice and equality, that began after the police brutality and death of George Floyd.  And it was all captured on video!  I watched, through my tears, and couldn’t believe what I was seeing!

Vanessa Guillen and the Need for Accountability: Sexual Harassment and Assault in the Military

 By: Isidro Ortiz, Ph.D.;  reprinted with permission, first published in Draft Notices -Committee Opposed to Militarism and the Draft newsletter Vol. 41, No. 4; Oct.- Dec. 2020 

The murder of Army soldier Vanessa Guillen and the pleas by her family for action and accountability in the military continue to evoke actions in policy-making circles. During the week of September 12, members of Congress took a series of steps intended to prevent future tragedies.

President Biden: Rid the World of Nuclear Weapons

 “Op-ed” guest essay. 

By Robert Brammer and Tom Leffler.  Submitted Jan. 15, 2021; Published in the Des Moines Register Jan. 22, 2021

Many peace-advocates in the Des Moines area welcome the inauguration of President Joe Biden, who repeatedly has pledged to take swift and strong action to reduce the danger of nuclear conflict -- a threat that increased dramatically over the last four years.

Book Review: Trouble I've Seen- Changing the Way the Church Views Racism by Drew G.I. Hart

 

By Christine Sheller

Ivester Church of the Brethren, rural Grundy Center, finished a book study on the book Trouble I've Seen- Changing the Way Church Views Racism by Drew H.I. Hart in late November.  I was able to read this book and thoughtfully went through study questions made available by Katelin Hansen, as well.

Hart is part of the Anabaptist tradition (includes the Mennonite Church, Church of the Brethren, and Brethren in Christ, as well as others.)  He is a pastor and speaker, theologian and blogger.

 In the first portion of the book he gave a description of his experience being African-American growing up with an affluent family, living in white neighborhoods and school districts, and the change that college brought.

IPN Signs a Letter to the President Elect Joe Biden about War in Yemen

 

 

Below is a letter Iowa Peace Network signed earlier this month on divesting from investing in war on Yemen.  Codepink is collecting signers and sending to Biden soon. 

 

Dear President-Elect Joe Biden:

 Congratulations on winning the presidency. We know that you have an enormous task ahead of you and that there are a number of critical domestic and foreign policy issues that need to be addressed on day one of your term. As organizations representing millions of Americans concerned about the grave crisis in Yemen, we urgently ask that you include bringing an end to U.S. participation in the war in Yemen.

Kingian Nonviolence Origins & What is Kingian Nonviolence?

 

From On Earth Peace- onearthpeace.org & Fall 2020 On Earth Peace newsletter; reprinted with permission; David Jehnsen interviewed by Matt Guynn

 

Kingian Nonviolence Origins (excerpt)

Together with Bernard LaFayette Jr., David Jehnsen authored the Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation curriculum to codify what they learned from working with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and other Civil Rights Movement organizers.  David is a member of Living Peace Church of the Brethren in Columbus, Ohio.  Matt Guynn interviewed David to learn more about the roots and vision of Kingian Nonviolence.

IPN Alternative Gift Guide

 

Iowa Peace Network

 Alternative Gift Guide

No Holiday Open House and Alternative Gift Fair this year? No problem!

(Although we sure will miss seeing all of your smiling faces.) Since we can’t gather together in person, the IPN Joint Oversight Committee thought it would be fun to share our favorite businesses and organizations that are perfect for holiday shopping—and end-of-the-year contributions. Below you’ll find both local and international businesses and causes to support, all concerned with some form of environmental, social and/or racial justice. We hope you enjoy perusing this list, and perhaps find one or two perfect gifts along the way. Here’s to a safe and peaceful holiday season!

 

Letters about Election Sent to Congressional Delegation and to state Election Officials

 

Letters about a fair and safe election were sent by the signers below (IPN is among them) to both our congressional delegation and a similar letter was written to other election officials.  Those were sent approximately two weeks ago.  Additionally, a letter is going to be sent soon to the Des Moines Chief of Police and City Council, though they will be slightly different.  We received letters back from Senator Grassley and Rep. Cindy Axne.  They are shown below as well.

Four Major Health Care Systems

 

By Jeffrey Weiss

There are about 200 nation-states and each devises its own set of arrangements for meeting the three basic goals of a health care system: keeping society healthy, treating the sick, and protecting families against financial ruin from medical bills.

For all the local variations, health care systems tend to follow general patterns. There are four basic systems: