It’s a crying shame what years of Republican control has done to the state of Iowa. It’s past time for Iowans to get their heads out of the sand and recognize what has happened. Quit blaming the coastal elites and your flyover status and look in the mirror. Grassley, Ernst and the Iowa congressional delegation are trying to do nationally what they have done to Iowa and we don’t Want it!
I firmly believe one party rule is destructive, no matter which party it is. I long for the days when Iowa’s DC delegation was split and strong Democrats like Tom Harkin, Neil Smith and Leonard Boswell counterbalanced Grassley, Latham, etc.
Divided state government is the hope, forcing compromise on significant issues. Boswell, a blue-dog Democrat, was the ideal at the federal level, as were Hughes and Ray in Iowa. We will have another.
Independent of the topic, commentator or political leaning I really appreciate your time, attention and energy to reply to almost all comments. Please continue as long as you can.
Colbert is also the therapy for me and my sister. I record it and we watch together. I also just sent Grassley an email at his ending debate on BOVE as a judge. It is reminiscent of his refusal to send Merrick Garland's name to the supreme court. He is leaving things like this as his legacy and we feel that we have NO representation in Congress at all.
It seems like our current congressional officials do not consider trying to discern Iowans’ opinions about ANYTHING. They only do what they think will demonstrate exemplary loyalty to their master.
Right. They should govern to help the vast majority of Iowans. Now, they only care about their devoted conservative followers and to hell with the rest of the citizens.
Thank you once again, Dave. I’m guessing the only thing that will move our legislature to regulate nitrates, will be another lawsuit. Bill Stowe was heroic, setting us all an example. It seems that movements take multiple efforts before effective change happens. Maybe a consortium of urban areas across the state is necessary, since our metro is not the only affected water system. I am concerned that we’re not hearing about this from most political candidates, especially for national elections.
Too many legislators have an anti-urban bias. I guess they resent the development happening in the DSM metro at the expense of rural Iowa, so they take it out on us. School vouchers, housing, refusing to let us raise the minimum wage, dictating fireworks regulations, forcing property tax deductions - it’s all designed to hamstring Iowa’s cities. The cities are driving Iowa’s economy these days.
Did you read about Trump’s BS regarding his uncle supposedly teaching Ted Kaczynski at MIT? It’s complete and utter nonsense. Can’t trust a single word he says. If Biden had said anything close to it, they would be screaming bloody murder.
Trump's confabulations indicate cognitive issues. His amnesia regarding his appointment of Powell is a key sign. There are many more as well has word finding inability.
I don’t understand how Trump has that much control over ancient Grassley in particular. What’s he got to lose? He definitely has lost all integrity. Thanks for writing Dave.
Thanks for this, Dave. I called Grassley’s office yesterday to register the shame I feel that he represents Iowa. It certainly seems like our so called representatives have no interest in the welfare of Iowans.
A chill went through me when I heard that Stephen Colbert had been cancelled. But it wasn't surprising. As soon as Paramount caved I knew Colbert was in danger. Is Jimmy Kimmel next?
There was a time, not so long ago, when I could spend three hours every morning reading the news and feel like I knew what was going on in the world. The Trump regime has blown that away. His assaults on Truth have now made everything questionable, including the Truth.
Except for 60 Minutes and Colbert, I have watched nothing on CBS for a couple decades and know now that I haven't missed anything. My TV/radio consumption is 95% PBS & NPR. Now I am feeling robbed. Where are Walter Cronkite and Edward R Murrow when we so need them?
If Bove gets approved for the Court of Appeals, I think he spends a couple of years there to enhance his stellar CV, and then gets nominated to replace Clarence Thomas. After caving on the BBB, Murkowski owes the US one on the Bove nomination. There have to be 3 other GOP Senators who see Bove as a bridge too far.
Me, too, Amy. I don’t know where it ends. I think if we survive this administration, every democratic institution in the country will be substantially weakened. The president of the United States should be STRENGTHENING our fragile democracy, not chipping away at it.
It's okay to shake things up, Dave. Talk about three topics at once (all important, and the common thread is the Trump Regime's authoritarian rule). Break your personal boycott rules and watch Colbert. We get to enjoy him for another 10 months.
Oh, I’ll watch Colbert for sure. Now that they’ve cancelled him, the gloves should really come off. It’s all so disappointing. And the fact that they’re killing any kind of a late night show demonstrates that they don’t want any possibility of satire or criticism leveled at Trump.
I hope Colbert spends every night until the end of his contract just lighting CBS on fire and going next-level on Dear Leader...and encouraging his guests to do the same.
It’s time to quit blaming the Iowa Republican Congressional Delegation and the Iowa Republican controlled state government for the disastrous policies and legislation they have approved. Iowans voted overwhelmingly for them. Iowans will probably vote overwhelmingly for them again. The Republican Party is bound together by hate. Republicans hate Democrats, immigrants, Muslims, gay and trans people, and anyone else who dares to question their authority. DJT got a standing ovation in Iowa for saying he hates Democrats. Democrats, immigrants, Muslims, gay and trans people are not safe in Iowa. Iowans gave Republicans absolute control and they are exercising it. Most Iowans are going about their business thinking that they are immune from the consequences of Republican actions. Their hate sustains their support for Republican politicians.
That is the absolute most disturbing thing about it, Tom. What’s happened to our fellow Iowans that they support all this awful stuff? I feel like a stranger in my own country and state.
It’s a crying shame what years of Republican control has done to the state of Iowa. It’s past time for Iowans to get their heads out of the sand and recognize what has happened. Quit blaming the coastal elites and your flyover status and look in the mirror. Grassley, Ernst and the Iowa congressional delegation are trying to do nationally what they have done to Iowa and we don’t Want it!
I firmly believe one party rule is destructive, no matter which party it is. I long for the days when Iowa’s DC delegation was split and strong Democrats like Tom Harkin, Neil Smith and Leonard Boswell counterbalanced Grassley, Latham, etc.
Divided state government is the hope, forcing compromise on significant issues. Boswell, a blue-dog Democrat, was the ideal at the federal level, as were Hughes and Ray in Iowa. We will have another.
Independent of the topic, commentator or political leaning I really appreciate your time, attention and energy to reply to almost all comments. Please continue as long as you can.
Thanks, Bob. The dialogue with readers is the best part!
Colbert is also the therapy for me and my sister. I record it and we watch together. I also just sent Grassley an email at his ending debate on BOVE as a judge. It is reminiscent of his refusal to send Merrick Garland's name to the supreme court. He is leaving things like this as his legacy and we feel that we have NO representation in Congress at all.
His legacy, whatever it may have been at one time, is ruined. And he has no one to blame but himself.
It seems like our current congressional officials do not consider trying to discern Iowans’ opinions about ANYTHING. They only do what they think will demonstrate exemplary loyalty to their master.
Right. They should govern to help the vast majority of Iowans. Now, they only care about their devoted conservative followers and to hell with the rest of the citizens.
I am also done with CBS and Paramount. Agree with all you wrote about all three topics. Thank you!
Thank you once again, Dave. I’m guessing the only thing that will move our legislature to regulate nitrates, will be another lawsuit. Bill Stowe was heroic, setting us all an example. It seems that movements take multiple efforts before effective change happens. Maybe a consortium of urban areas across the state is necessary, since our metro is not the only affected water system. I am concerned that we’re not hearing about this from most political candidates, especially for national elections.
Too many legislators have an anti-urban bias. I guess they resent the development happening in the DSM metro at the expense of rural Iowa, so they take it out on us. School vouchers, housing, refusing to let us raise the minimum wage, dictating fireworks regulations, forcing property tax deductions - it’s all designed to hamstring Iowa’s cities. The cities are driving Iowa’s economy these days.
On Grassley: can't someone find a home for the old fool.
On Trump: It's easy to tell when Trump is lying; his lips move.....every single breath.
Did you read about Trump’s BS regarding his uncle supposedly teaching Ted Kaczynski at MIT? It’s complete and utter nonsense. Can’t trust a single word he says. If Biden had said anything close to it, they would be screaming bloody murder.
Trump's confabulations indicate cognitive issues. His amnesia regarding his appointment of Powell is a key sign. There are many more as well has word finding inability.
These fools are why we can't have nice things. Iowa is proving it is home to Idiots Out Walking Around 😠
Thanks for writing! Keep it up! I hope you don't get cancelled! (Does anyone remember the name "McCarthy"?)
Hi, Craig. Thankfully, I’m small potatoes and can slide under the radar screen!
I don’t understand how Trump has that much control over ancient Grassley in particular. What’s he got to lose? He definitely has lost all integrity. Thanks for writing Dave.
He lost integrity and a sense of ethics long ago. He’s set the whole idea of America on fire long after his pants were afire.
It just shows why he’s really in it. He has no spine. No soul. Just does what he’s told. The only thing he cares about is staying in office.
Thanks for this, Dave. I called Grassley’s office yesterday to register the shame I feel that he represents Iowa. It certainly seems like our so called representatives have no interest in the welfare of Iowans.
I normally don’t like calling people names, but in this case, the word tool fits him perfectly.
A chill went through me when I heard that Stephen Colbert had been cancelled. But it wasn't surprising. As soon as Paramount caved I knew Colbert was in danger. Is Jimmy Kimmel next?
Trump crowed on social media today how he “beat” CBS and ABC. I hope they feel shame for caving in instead of fighting for journalistic principles.
There was a time, not so long ago, when I could spend three hours every morning reading the news and feel like I knew what was going on in the world. The Trump regime has blown that away. His assaults on Truth have now made everything questionable, including the Truth.
Except for 60 Minutes and Colbert, I have watched nothing on CBS for a couple decades and know now that I haven't missed anything. My TV/radio consumption is 95% PBS & NPR. Now I am feeling robbed. Where are Walter Cronkite and Edward R Murrow when we so need them?
Except they voted this week to defund NPR and PBS! They’ll survive but will be weakened.
If Bove gets approved for the Court of Appeals, I think he spends a couple of years there to enhance his stellar CV, and then gets nominated to replace Clarence Thomas. After caving on the BBB, Murkowski owes the US one on the Bove nomination. There have to be 3 other GOP Senators who see Bove as a bridge too far.
I certainly won’t hold my breath waiting for Murkowski to do the right thing.
Colbert's cancelation hit me hard -- and not just because I will miss him.
Undoubtedly, CBS cancelled Colbert as another way to silence Trump's critics. I'm furious and terrified. Where will it all end? 🥹😡
Me, too, Amy. I don’t know where it ends. I think if we survive this administration, every democratic institution in the country will be substantially weakened. The president of the United States should be STRENGTHENING our fragile democracy, not chipping away at it.
It's okay to shake things up, Dave. Talk about three topics at once (all important, and the common thread is the Trump Regime's authoritarian rule). Break your personal boycott rules and watch Colbert. We get to enjoy him for another 10 months.
Oh, I’ll watch Colbert for sure. Now that they’ve cancelled him, the gloves should really come off. It’s all so disappointing. And the fact that they’re killing any kind of a late night show demonstrates that they don’t want any possibility of satire or criticism leveled at Trump.
I hope Colbert spends every night until the end of his contract just lighting CBS on fire and going next-level on Dear Leader...and encouraging his guests to do the same.
That would be lovely.
It’s time to quit blaming the Iowa Republican Congressional Delegation and the Iowa Republican controlled state government for the disastrous policies and legislation they have approved. Iowans voted overwhelmingly for them. Iowans will probably vote overwhelmingly for them again. The Republican Party is bound together by hate. Republicans hate Democrats, immigrants, Muslims, gay and trans people, and anyone else who dares to question their authority. DJT got a standing ovation in Iowa for saying he hates Democrats. Democrats, immigrants, Muslims, gay and trans people are not safe in Iowa. Iowans gave Republicans absolute control and they are exercising it. Most Iowans are going about their business thinking that they are immune from the consequences of Republican actions. Their hate sustains their support for Republican politicians.
That is the absolute most disturbing thing about it, Tom. What’s happened to our fellow Iowans that they support all this awful stuff? I feel like a stranger in my own country and state.
They got old, scared and fixated on the Fox News/WHO AM/WMT AM propaganda machines..