44 Comments
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Annette Rice's avatar

Thanks for sharing this happening, Dave. Disgusting that any loyal Iowan/American would give Young a moment of their time!!!

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Dave Busiek's avatar

Simply hard to believe, is t it?

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Tom Gronstal's avatar

Dave describes the Republican Party’s lack of principles with this story. I am constantly amazed that so many people believe the lies told by Trump. No Republican dares to dispute the propaganda and lies that inflame hatred of Democrats and promote destruction of America’s institutions. We have a long way to go before we hit bottom.

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Dave Busiek's avatar

I suppose that’s right. Depressing, but right.

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Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

Providing context and historical record to these unorthodox times is essential.

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Terri Hale's avatar

This story makes Iowa—the GOP— feel even scarier to me. It is the party of disorder and dysfunction. Thank you for keeping this in the spotlight!

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Virginia Traxler's avatar

I’d like to respond “UNBELIEVABLE!”

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Dave Busiek's avatar

Believe it!

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Virginia Traxler's avatar

But of course it isn’t unbelievable any more. What a sad story we are in.

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Wini Moranville's avatar

Great analysis. Essential reading.

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Jim Sayers's avatar

The Register article says Young was contrite at his sentencing and said he was not proud of his actions: “I am not honored by what I did."

Was his message at Dallas County one of remorse and regret?

Or support of Trump?

Guess we will never know since it was a closed meeting.

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Dave Busiek's avatar

A lot of those convicted said one thing in court but immediately jumped on social media and said they had done nothing wrong. Not sure what Young has said after his sentencing and release.

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Tim Grover's avatar

Curious if he's related to David Young?

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Dave Busiek's avatar

I’ve not heard that anywhere, Tim, so I doubt it. A pretty common last name.

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Kurt Johnson's avatar

Well written, Dave. Thanks.

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Kathi Zimpleman's avatar

Thank you, Dave. This man belongs in prison and not at a republican party gathering. Shame on all of them.

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Dave Busiek's avatar

Makes me wonder if Trump will pardon George Santos, who was sentenced today to 87 months in prison. Nothing would surprise me.

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Kathi Zimpleman's avatar

No, nothing should be surprising to any of us these days. Disgusting perhaps but never surprising.

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Ron Lambert's avatar

There are always so many choices on what will break our hearts today. This was definitely a jaw dropper. What are the people thinking? Why? WHY?

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John Hale's avatar

Jim Sayer's point was well taken -- was the message one of remorse or glorification? Important yes, but still does not mask the fact that this guy ought to be in prison. This is America in 2025 where the old rules and beliefs have disappeared, and new ones are appearing daily. Thanks Dave.

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Dave Busiek's avatar

Thanks, John. I’d like to think it was remorse but I wouldn’t bet on it. If so, I imagine they would have kept the meeting open to the media.

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Joan's avatar

I heard this this morning and figured it wasn’t true!! That is beyond deplorable!!

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Julie Stone's avatar

We’re living in the Twilight Zone. What’s it going to take to get us out?

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Dave Busiek's avatar

Hard work. Like usual. Organizing.

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Chris Siebrasse's avatar

First, what "wiser heads" are in the Iowa GOP now? If there are any left, they're rank cowards in not coming forward.

This situation is emblematic of the old saying, "All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Since nothing is being done or said, what are we to assume?

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Dave Busiek's avatar

I know some. They’re good folks. We don’t agree on politics 100% of the time but not everyone has lost their minds. Polls showed even Republicans didn’t want Trump to pardon the violent offenders from January 6. That’s what makes this meeting with Young so beyond the pale.

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Josiah Wearin's avatar

Polls show one thing. The silence of those who disliked the pardons speaks quite another. People are brave in polls and cowards in public, I suspect.

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