This past week, both the United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon have renounced violence surrounding the electoral stand-off in Zimbabwe.

On Monday, the Security Council dileberated late in to the evening.  Current Security Council president Zalmay Khalilzad, United States Ambassador to the UN, expressed his frustration at the on-going voilence, indicating that it would be almost impossible for a “free and fair” election to occur on schedule.  Mr. Ban stated earlier this week that an election held under such adverse conditions “would lack all legitimacy.”

Additionally, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, B. Lynn Pascoe, renounced recent acts of violence and intimidation.  In a statement issued on 19 June, Pascoe called political intimidation “unacceptable” and noted that if violence continued it would be very difficult for the world community to recognize the results of this Friday’s previously-scheduled run-off election.  Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has been holed-up within the Dutch embassy after announcing his intention to pull out of his bid to unseat current President Robert Mugabe.  Tsvangirai’s supporters have been targeted in attacks by Mugabe loyalists. 

For more information on the Zimbabwe electorial crisis, please visit the BBC’s Zimbabwe Q&A, and the Guardian’s Zimbabwe timeline.  Google News on the Zimbabwe electorial crisis.

Craig Harwood, an engineer at Rockwell-Collins, discusses the massive waters that flowed through downtown Cedar Rapids.  (0:50)

 

 Mississippi-Like Waters in CR: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

As the waters recede from the banks of the Cedar River, Dan Patterson - Cedar Rapids, Iowa native - reports on the extent of known damage. (2:44)

 

 Dan Reports From IA On Flooding: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Mary Skopec from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources describes why this year’s flood has been so devastating and how development has increased it’s impact.  Ms. Skopec also details how restoration of wetlands can word in tandum with agriculture to minimize damage of future floods. (6:27)

 

 Iowa DNR on Floods: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

At a press conference on making the American dream more affordable, Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), says that the Republican minority won’t allow them “to make progress.” He says that the situation is like the Republicans pushing hard on the brakes of a tandem bicycle while the Democrats are trying to pedal forward. But, he adds that the Democrats will continue to “push.” (1:00)

 

 Standard Podcast [1:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I sat down with my mom last December, I looked at her seriously, and told her of my one ultimate goal for covering Iowa caucuses. “I just want to get a picture with Tim Russert.”

I’m not going to say I idolize people just because they are on TV. I am not going to spout off hero worship. I wanted that picture because the NBC Washington Bureau Chief was the real deal. Tim Russert had a unique style, he was a great writer, and he was one of the few TV people who did journalism. He was tough with everyone. He was a great host of Meet the Press. He did his research. He checked his facts. He was prepared.

If more television journalists did the simple fundamental things Tim Russert did, I would watch more TV news.

Marion Patterson, Eastern Iowa resident, describes the extent of flood damage, and talks about why development on historic flood planes causes such severe damage. (4:53)

Relentless, driving rains pummel Iowa corn fields.  Photo by Marion Patterson.

 

 Marion Patterson on Flooding: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Dan Patterson speaks with Cedar Rapids, Iowa resident Dave Langston about the devastating impact of flooding in Eastern Iowa. Mr. Langston describes the extent of the damage in Cedar Rapids, evacuations, and the flood’s impact on animals. The flood could destroy up to 20% of the Midwest’s corn crops, significantly impacting food and fuel prices around the world. Corn has risen from about $2.50 per bushel to over $7.00 per bushel. Local lawmakers say the price could rise as high as $9.00 per bushel. (7:21)

Local Iowa corn field. Photo by Marion Patterson.

TRNS Chief UN Correspondent Dan Patterson grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. If you have commentary, feedback, pictures or video of the Eastern Iowa Flood, send them to danpatterson [at] talkradionews [dot] com

 

 Langston CR Flood: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I developed great sadness while making the video about the Christian Solidarity International/Talkers Magazine Trip to Southern Sudan video, and have written an extended post about it on my personal website.

Click here to visit my personal website and read my thoughts on this video.

March 11, 2008, Talkers Magazine and Christian Solidarity International co-sponsored a trip to Southern Sudan and Southern Darfur. Radio Hosts included Joe Madison (XM Satellite Radio and WOL-AM), Thom Hartmann (Syndicated), Jack Rice (WCCO), Rusty Humphries (Syndicated), Ellen Ratner (Talk Radio News Service), and Dr. John Eibner of Christian Solidarity International. The group brought with them “Sacks of Hope” which are sponsored by donations.

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