"I have never understood why Iowa law prohibits three or four members of a local school board or city council from sitting down at dinner to talk over issues while the Iowa Legislature can completely violate the intent of the open meetings law. I know it will never change, but I also know it’s wrong."
Excellent point here, Dave! (Library board of trustees another example of a community group held to the standards of open meetings law.) Thanks!
Hi, Dave. This is David Weiss. I worked with you (and TV8 when I was spokesperson for Iowa Power - a long time ago! I enjoy your commentary, and as a former newspaper editor, I appreciate the challenges facing today's media and journalists.
Still living in Ankeny and thoroughly enjoying retirement. I do some writing - mostly creative but some commentary as well. I recently wrote a piece I entitled: "I Saw America Today", which I'd like to share with you if you'd care to send your email address. Hope you are well.
Politicians don't want the press to be present because the press would inform the public and the politicians would then have to deal with the public. This way, the public doesn't know what bills are passed until it is too late to do anything about them. You're right, it's the slow decay of democracy.
Exactly, It's one of the downsides of the internet and social media, which have done many great things for society. We've lost the ability to form policy around a given set of facts that everyone trusts.
I was disappointed to read that the Iowa Capitol Press Association (ICPA) has canceled its annual legislative preview program when the Iowa General Assembly's GOP leadership decided not to participate. I am also surprised that ICPA didn't decide to hold the forum even with only with Iowa Legislature Democrats. That at least would have offered the minority party an opportunity to reach the public with its legislative agenda for 2023. But the ICPA cancellation deprives the Iowa public of even than small opportunity for necessary information. I agree with Dave's commentary. But the ICPA decision was a surrender to the Republican's goal and denies the Democrats of a voice.
When one watches the GOP disfunction in voting for a Speaker of the House it becomes clear that far too many conservatives are more interested in the performance art of being contrarian than working for the good of our country. Few, if any, helpful ideas but opposed to everything. Donald Trump helped convince/brainwash his base that the media are villains instead of the watchdogs of our democracy they are.
Slow quiet death of democracy.
Depressing.
No wonder voters don’t trust “government.”
"I have never understood why Iowa law prohibits three or four members of a local school board or city council from sitting down at dinner to talk over issues while the Iowa Legislature can completely violate the intent of the open meetings law. I know it will never change, but I also know it’s wrong."
Excellent point here, Dave! (Library board of trustees another example of a community group held to the standards of open meetings law.) Thanks!
Hi, Dave. This is David Weiss. I worked with you (and TV8 when I was spokesperson for Iowa Power - a long time ago! I enjoy your commentary, and as a former newspaper editor, I appreciate the challenges facing today's media and journalists.
David! So nice to hear from you. I always enjoyed working with you. What are you up to and where are you these days!
Still living in Ankeny and thoroughly enjoying retirement. I do some writing - mostly creative but some commentary as well. I recently wrote a piece I entitled: "I Saw America Today", which I'd like to share with you if you'd care to send your email address. Hope you are well.
Politicians don't want the press to be present because the press would inform the public and the politicians would then have to deal with the public. This way, the public doesn't know what bills are passed until it is too late to do anything about them. You're right, it's the slow decay of democracy.
Exactly, It's one of the downsides of the internet and social media, which have done many great things for society. We've lost the ability to form policy around a given set of facts that everyone trusts.
I was disappointed to read that the Iowa Capitol Press Association (ICPA) has canceled its annual legislative preview program when the Iowa General Assembly's GOP leadership decided not to participate. I am also surprised that ICPA didn't decide to hold the forum even with only with Iowa Legislature Democrats. That at least would have offered the minority party an opportunity to reach the public with its legislative agenda for 2023. But the ICPA cancellation deprives the Iowa public of even than small opportunity for necessary information. I agree with Dave's commentary. But the ICPA decision was a surrender to the Republican's goal and denies the Democrats of a voice.
I second Steve's suggestion. ICPA should ask again in a month
Thank you, Ralph.
When one watches the GOP disfunction in voting for a Speaker of the House it becomes clear that far too many conservatives are more interested in the performance art of being contrarian than working for the good of our country. Few, if any, helpful ideas but opposed to everything. Donald Trump helped convince/brainwash his base that the media are villains instead of the watchdogs of our democracy they are.