Dave, although this is not about media, some political and social issues are worth branching beyond one’s avowed objective. The Iowa General Assembly in recent years has indeed encroached on areas that government should not touch—mainly family decisions regarding sex and gender.
I cringe that she signed a bill at a "Christian" event. And I cringe more that they are making this hate and discrimination look like Christian values. They are not. Christ would condemn all of it, and he does. He leaves it to us to correct and let's do that with some door knocking. If your district is great, find a nearby one to visit. I plan to take candy and have some of my own bullet points ready to share with neighbors.
As an Iowa Girl in my 7th decade, I applaud Becky Cady’s comment. I was appalled that Gov. Reynolds signed this bill at a Christian event and am afraid for what’s ahead. Sure to be more legal cases.
Could not agree more—Iowa has changed over the last 15 years, but for the better, not worse. Prime evidence: the Supreme Court’s out-in-front vote on same-sex marriage resulted in the recall of three Justices including the Chief; but the same effort on three more failed in the next election, has not been attempted since and same-sex marriage is off the table today. This is incontrovertible “progress”.
Pronouns, bathrooms, trans-sports, medical and surgical gender interventions in children are separate issues and none were on the table 15 years ago. That they are being debated in all arenas is further evidence of progress even though the eventual outcome on each remains uncertain. Let’s see how this great state evolves.
A glance at my Birth Certificate will inform you that I'm an Oklahoman. Mom's from New Jersey and my Grandad was born before Oklahoma was a State; of course, Dad is an 'Okie' too. My folks made the decision to leave their State when I was three years old for an area where hard work was rewarded as opposed to who you knew. They made a short stop in Missouri, where Dad got a job as a truck driver; one of his deliveries was to Des Moines, where he was introduced to an fellow by the name of John Ruan. He hired Dad on the spot, so we again moved into a State where prejudice seemingly didn't exist and hard work with loyalty paid off. Now, our State has evidently grasped that which Oklahoma is trying to rid itself; namely a Conservative so-called 'christian' lawmaking body that embodies very little of Jesus' teachings. C'mon Iowa, we CAN and MUST do better. Our Governor can't blame her actions on alcoholism; I received my High School Diploma from another Governor who overcame his addiction-the honorable Harold Hughes. I see no reason to honor our current Governor.
Even when Democrat Bob Anderson was Lt. Governor and Republican Terry Branstad was Governor, the two parties were civil and could often find consensus. That’s long gone, but I continue to hope that Iowans will vote to get us back on track.
Today I looked again at 2022 vote totals for governor. Not a pretty picture. The big change started when TB was re-elected. Without Marvin P to curb his enthusiasm, he sided more and more with the extreme, and 2016 turned it all red. I'm retired and on the upside of 80, but I'd like to see some blue somewhere before my "used by" date comes up.
Dave, although this is not about media, some political and social issues are worth branching beyond one’s avowed objective. The Iowa General Assembly in recent years has indeed encroached on areas that government should not touch—mainly family decisions regarding sex and gender.
I cringe that she signed a bill at a "Christian" event. And I cringe more that they are making this hate and discrimination look like Christian values. They are not. Christ would condemn all of it, and he does. He leaves it to us to correct and let's do that with some door knocking. If your district is great, find a nearby one to visit. I plan to take candy and have some of my own bullet points ready to share with neighbors.
As an Iowa Girl in my 7th decade, I applaud Becky Cady’s comment. I was appalled that Gov. Reynolds signed this bill at a Christian event and am afraid for what’s ahead. Sure to be more legal cases.
Iowasteland voters need to Stop the GOP at the ballot box ! Vote vote vote!
Could not agree more—Iowa has changed over the last 15 years, but for the better, not worse. Prime evidence: the Supreme Court’s out-in-front vote on same-sex marriage resulted in the recall of three Justices including the Chief; but the same effort on three more failed in the next election, has not been attempted since and same-sex marriage is off the table today. This is incontrovertible “progress”.
Pronouns, bathrooms, trans-sports, medical and surgical gender interventions in children are separate issues and none were on the table 15 years ago. That they are being debated in all arenas is further evidence of progress even though the eventual outcome on each remains uncertain. Let’s see how this great state evolves.
Thank you for this history lesson, Dave.
Sadly, Iowa has become a not-so-silent leader of the Christian Nationalist movement that will surely expand under a second Trump presidency. Vote!
A glance at my Birth Certificate will inform you that I'm an Oklahoman. Mom's from New Jersey and my Grandad was born before Oklahoma was a State; of course, Dad is an 'Okie' too. My folks made the decision to leave their State when I was three years old for an area where hard work was rewarded as opposed to who you knew. They made a short stop in Missouri, where Dad got a job as a truck driver; one of his deliveries was to Des Moines, where he was introduced to an fellow by the name of John Ruan. He hired Dad on the spot, so we again moved into a State where prejudice seemingly didn't exist and hard work with loyalty paid off. Now, our State has evidently grasped that which Oklahoma is trying to rid itself; namely a Conservative so-called 'christian' lawmaking body that embodies very little of Jesus' teachings. C'mon Iowa, we CAN and MUST do better. Our Governor can't blame her actions on alcoholism; I received my High School Diploma from another Governor who overcame his addiction-the honorable Harold Hughes. I see no reason to honor our current Governor.
Even when Democrat Bob Anderson was Lt. Governor and Republican Terry Branstad was Governor, the two parties were civil and could often find consensus. That’s long gone, but I continue to hope that Iowans will vote to get us back on track.
H👍excellent summation and reminder.
Today I looked again at 2022 vote totals for governor. Not a pretty picture. The big change started when TB was re-elected. Without Marvin P to curb his enthusiasm, he sided more and more with the extreme, and 2016 turned it all red. I'm retired and on the upside of 80, but I'd like to see some blue somewhere before my "used by" date comes up.
Spot on David. This is not your Fathers GOP.
Dave, very good essay. Thanks.