Boy, are we ever in the minority. It’s hard for me to believe that all Iowans who vote Republican wanted this legislation. But they keep voting for politicians who enact bills the majority of Iowans don’t want. There’s a disconnect there. Politically, Democrats simply haven’t made a good enough case for their policies. And we have to realize that defending trans rights puts us in an undesirable position with a lot of voters who buy the Republican BS about “protecting women.” Republicans paint us as extreme, when all we’re trying to do is stand up for a misunderstood minority.
On Wednesday I emailed my Representative and Senator asking which group the Republican Party was coming after next. No reply. This is a sad time in our state and nation. I fear our best years are behind us.
It's a scary time. It seems every day we move more toward authoriartism/communism. Our governor is taking her marching orders from Trump it's clear. She never was very good at thinking on her own. But stealing basic human rights to our citizens for no apparent reason other than seh can is sickening. I can't believe she's stomping and reversing laws and perssonal rights that were vote for long ago, stripping settle law from our books and instutions. She's destroying this once remarkable state as sure as Trump is destroying the country.
That she is striking anything that even remotely supports DEI from state offices and schools says so much. She has no business being govenor of our state with so much hate in her heart. a hate so strong it shows on her face. If Wicked ever needs a new witch, she'd be a great candidate other than I doubt she has any redeeming qualities. She's destroyed our beautiful state, our education, our quality of life and the freedom to just live good lives. People are leaving and not too many are coming. This will be a huge hit to our colleges and their ability to attrack no students and who will want to start a new business with those kind of restrictions; no one I'd want to work for sure. I want Iowa to be a place to grow again and not just wither away with nothing but hate and ugliness to look forward too.
Once they’ve erased our gay & lesbian neighbors, women are next. Dobbs is only the beginning of that fever dream.
Iowa has become Gomorrah. God destroyed Gomorrah for its wickedness, yes. But that wickedness wasn’t being tolerant & accepting of homosexuality. It was the sin of being inhospitable to strangers.
From Ezekiel 16:49: the city “had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy,” including the angels, who should have been honored guests.
Women probably are next -- the famous "glass ceiling" will return and it will be forbidden to speak of it or act against it.
Strictly on a numerical basis, no group has benefited more from DEI than white women -- I don't mean to downplay any other group; it's just that there are more white women who benefited because they're not a minority.
Combine the governor’s signing hate into law with Trump and Vance berating President Zelensky, now that’s a clear window into our future. Doubtful we can recover from any of this.
Yes, I’ve always believed the pendulum will swing back but they’re doing so much damage, destroying so many worthwhile accomplishments, that it will be hard to rebuild. All we can hope is that voters wake up to the fact that unchecked power by one party rarely leads to policies that work for the majority of Americans.
When a coequal branch (or two) abandons constitutional duty, and the self proclaimed dictator on day one simply does as promised, we are learning what it’s like to live in a dictatorship. Remember the warning “…if you can keep it….” We didn’t.
I second Bisignano in asking all those haters, “What have they (the transgendered) done to you?”
The haters, who undoubtedly beat their chests about being Christian, should revisit the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus must have enraged his enemies by telling them to love your neighbor who, in this parable, just happens to belong to a group that the crowd hated with a passion.
Iowa will not enjoy its previous status until it pulls the “unwelcome” mat from its borders.
Republicans used homosexuality for decades as a way to scare their base and turn out voters. The American public finally came to its senses on that issue and Republicans lost it as a weapon. They always have to find someone to hate, though, so now it’s transgendered people.
Beer! I hadn't thought of that as I read the Collaborative items, especially yours and Art Cullen's, and became more and more depressed about our future in Iowa. It's breakfast time, but maybe a beer would be good. (No, even that won't change the depression, I guess.)
The bummer for me is I did sober January and now I'm not drinking as much as I did, somehow that broke my regular patterns. Good for my health, but less good for my mental state right now... We're watching "Severance," of course, and I'm starting to think, "You know...that looks pretty good..."
I know it’s easy to feel frustrated and angry about what’s happening, but while we might not be able to slam the brakes on bad legislation, we can control how we treat the people around us. Now’s the time to double down on kindness—especially toward our transgender friends and neighbors. Respect, understanding, and a whole lot of welcoming can go a long way. Laws may come and go, but the way we show up for each other every day?...that’s what can really make a difference.
I agree. That’s what we have been focusing on. Supporting the agencies that advocate for and assist our trans citizens; being visible, vocal allies. Trying to do as Admiral Mine Franken advised: “Be like Zelensky”.
Boy, are we ever in the minority. It’s hard for me to believe that all Iowans who vote Republican wanted this legislation. But they keep voting for politicians who enact bills the majority of Iowans don’t want. There’s a disconnect there. Politically, Democrats simply haven’t made a good enough case for their policies. And we have to realize that defending trans rights puts us in an undesirable position with a lot of voters who buy the Republican BS about “protecting women.” Republicans paint us as extreme, when all we’re trying to do is stand up for a misunderstood minority.
Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain. NOT! Thanks, Dave!
Good piece Dave. I share your nostalgia for the past and abhorrence for where we are now.
Did Rep. Holt ever acknowledge the long, violent and bloody history of enacting bigotry into law in order to “protect (white) women and girls?”
On Wednesday I emailed my Representative and Senator asking which group the Republican Party was coming after next. No reply. This is a sad time in our state and nation. I fear our best years are behind us.
I fear you are right!
i
And they probably won’t reply. They’re too ashamed to face up to what they’ve done.
Unfortunately, I don’t think they’re ashamed at all. I’m sure they are proud.
It's a scary time. It seems every day we move more toward authoriartism/communism. Our governor is taking her marching orders from Trump it's clear. She never was very good at thinking on her own. But stealing basic human rights to our citizens for no apparent reason other than seh can is sickening. I can't believe she's stomping and reversing laws and perssonal rights that were vote for long ago, stripping settle law from our books and instutions. She's destroying this once remarkable state as sure as Trump is destroying the country.
After endorsing DeSantis, she’s scrambling to get back in Trump’s good graces.
Which we all know, won't work. It is fruitless. He never forgives.
SICKENING
That she is striking anything that even remotely supports DEI from state offices and schools says so much. She has no business being govenor of our state with so much hate in her heart. a hate so strong it shows on her face. If Wicked ever needs a new witch, she'd be a great candidate other than I doubt she has any redeeming qualities. She's destroyed our beautiful state, our education, our quality of life and the freedom to just live good lives. People are leaving and not too many are coming. This will be a huge hit to our colleges and their ability to attrack no students and who will want to start a new business with those kind of restrictions; no one I'd want to work for sure. I want Iowa to be a place to grow again and not just wither away with nothing but hate and ugliness to look forward too.
In the past, I referred to her as “Branstad’s mannequin” as she silently stood behind him as lieutenant governor at every public event.
Apparently she was plotting her evil future. 😡
I only have one edit:
“If you’re a straight, white, Evangelical male”
Once they’ve erased our gay & lesbian neighbors, women are next. Dobbs is only the beginning of that fever dream.
Iowa has become Gomorrah. God destroyed Gomorrah for its wickedness, yes. But that wickedness wasn’t being tolerant & accepting of homosexuality. It was the sin of being inhospitable to strangers.
From Ezekiel 16:49: the city “had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy,” including the angels, who should have been honored guests.
Excellent point, Amy, that I should have included.
Women probably are next -- the famous "glass ceiling" will return and it will be forbidden to speak of it or act against it.
Strictly on a numerical basis, no group has benefited more from DEI than white women -- I don't mean to downplay any other group; it's just that there are more white women who benefited because they're not a minority.
And to have a woman as the figurehead is disgusting.
Combine the governor’s signing hate into law with Trump and Vance berating President Zelensky, now that’s a clear window into our future. Doubtful we can recover from any of this.
Yes, I’ve always believed the pendulum will swing back but they’re doing so much damage, destroying so many worthwhile accomplishments, that it will be hard to rebuild. All we can hope is that voters wake up to the fact that unchecked power by one party rarely leads to policies that work for the majority of Americans.
When a coequal branch (or two) abandons constitutional duty, and the self proclaimed dictator on day one simply does as promised, we are learning what it’s like to live in a dictatorship. Remember the warning “…if you can keep it….” We didn’t.
I second Bisignano in asking all those haters, “What have they (the transgendered) done to you?”
The haters, who undoubtedly beat their chests about being Christian, should revisit the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus must have enraged his enemies by telling them to love your neighbor who, in this parable, just happens to belong to a group that the crowd hated with a passion.
Iowa will not enjoy its previous status until it pulls the “unwelcome” mat from its borders.
Republicans used homosexuality for decades as a way to scare their base and turn out voters. The American public finally came to its senses on that issue and Republicans lost it as a weapon. They always have to find someone to hate, though, so now it’s transgendered people.
A sad day.
Very sad. I rarely get down but I was really down on Thursday. It’s so discouraging. And disappointing. Beer helps.
Beer! I hadn't thought of that as I read the Collaborative items, especially yours and Art Cullen's, and became more and more depressed about our future in Iowa. It's breakfast time, but maybe a beer would be good. (No, even that won't change the depression, I guess.)
2 or 3 fingers of 12 year old MacAllan, neat, with a water back
Also good, but despite two trips to Scotland, have yet to develop a taste for what’s good vs average. I must practice!
A little early in the morning for me but after 5, it helps. Being responsible, of course.
The bummer for me is I did sober January and now I'm not drinking as much as I did, somehow that broke my regular patterns. Good for my health, but less good for my mental state right now... We're watching "Severance," of course, and I'm starting to think, "You know...that looks pretty good..."
Very well written Dave and spot on. I hope Iowans finally wake up and see what Republicans are doing to our state.
Thanks, John. You fought the good fight for many years in that building, and many of us appreciate what you stand for.
Good column! Shameful politicians.
I know it’s easy to feel frustrated and angry about what’s happening, but while we might not be able to slam the brakes on bad legislation, we can control how we treat the people around us. Now’s the time to double down on kindness—especially toward our transgender friends and neighbors. Respect, understanding, and a whole lot of welcoming can go a long way. Laws may come and go, but the way we show up for each other every day?...that’s what can really make a difference.
I like that, Bill. Each of us should do what we can to
I agree. That’s what we have been focusing on. Supporting the agencies that advocate for and assist our trans citizens; being visible, vocal allies. Trying to do as Admiral Mine Franken advised: “Be like Zelensky”.
Any “right” extended to any “protected” class can be removed by an hateful, vengeful GOP. Watch out, you could be next.
And it can happen fast - in a week.