Since "Comment" is invited, without mention of any limitation of subject, I offer the following Comments
Some "Winter Thoughts" (seasonally and politically speaking) by one Iowa Democrat.
MAGA "America First" Republicans vs "New West" Democrats! Time for this new political paradigm for the Democratic Party!
In my view, the Democratic Party needs a new slogan/message, which expresses its policies and programs--going forward--and which can counter/win against the MAGA "America First" slogan/message.
I recommend, for all Democrats, that you consider the slogan/message of "New West", as such a new slogan/message. In my view, it is simple, voter-appealable, and expresses the Spirit of America--one of continuous movement, adventure, and national self-renewal, in always beginning over again.
One final, "Winter Thought"-- regarding free speech and censorship. I offer the following quote by Thomas Jefferson, in his 1800 letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush: "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."
I endorse Mr. Jeffersons's above remarks. However, I would modify them, as follows: "...eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man and woman".
Such a jam-packed Substack today. Thankyou. A few items I would like to comment on, most of which reflect the majority party dominance in our Iowa Statehouse. SSB 1051, which is leaving folks vulnerable to cancer due to exposure from farm chemicals. They use the EPA as cover for their disregard. I guess government agencies are OK if they protect big business, in this case, big ag. The other item of the most selfish is the vaccine skeptic and denier bills in HF 88, SF 128, and HF 299. My age would reveal the many vaccines I have received in my lifetime, thankfully, sparing me from numerous pathogens and disease. Finally, in ending, what are our Senators doing in Iowa for the good of all? Please talk gently with folks who are short on common sense or lack empathy. Preaching and finger pointing will not win hearts nor minds. Laura thank you for your hard work.
The coverage you provide is priceless and irreplaceable. So welcome and necessary.
Is the governor's DOGE task force going to look into her no-bid contracts?
https://www.ottumwacourier.com/news/lawmakers-declined-to-fund-workday-contract/article_1d09a6b6-13c2-11eb-8718-23b47ff5ab43.html
I wonder whether costs of the private school voucher program will be off limits for the new Iowa doge committee to review?
Re: Iowa politics and U.S. politics---
Since "Comment" is invited, without mention of any limitation of subject, I offer the following Comments
Some "Winter Thoughts" (seasonally and politically speaking) by one Iowa Democrat.
MAGA "America First" Republicans vs "New West" Democrats! Time for this new political paradigm for the Democratic Party!
In my view, the Democratic Party needs a new slogan/message, which expresses its policies and programs--going forward--and which can counter/win against the MAGA "America First" slogan/message.
I recommend, for all Democrats, that you consider the slogan/message of "New West", as such a new slogan/message. In my view, it is simple, voter-appealable, and expresses the Spirit of America--one of continuous movement, adventure, and national self-renewal, in always beginning over again.
One final, "Winter Thought"-- regarding free speech and censorship. I offer the following quote by Thomas Jefferson, in his 1800 letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush: "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."
I endorse Mr. Jeffersons's above remarks. However, I would modify them, as follows: "...eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man and woman".
Respectfully,
Richard Sherzan
2/11/25
correction---date my above "Comments"--2/12/25
Sukkup. Sounds about right
Hi Laura,
Such a jam-packed Substack today. Thankyou. A few items I would like to comment on, most of which reflect the majority party dominance in our Iowa Statehouse. SSB 1051, which is leaving folks vulnerable to cancer due to exposure from farm chemicals. They use the EPA as cover for their disregard. I guess government agencies are OK if they protect big business, in this case, big ag. The other item of the most selfish is the vaccine skeptic and denier bills in HF 88, SF 128, and HF 299. My age would reveal the many vaccines I have received in my lifetime, thankfully, sparing me from numerous pathogens and disease. Finally, in ending, what are our Senators doing in Iowa for the good of all? Please talk gently with folks who are short on common sense or lack empathy. Preaching and finger pointing will not win hearts nor minds. Laura thank you for your hard work.
Thanks for casting a light on this legislative activity that all Iowans should be aware of but few are.