Living in Society
Politics mostly social commentary.
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The Daily Iowan, the independent newspaper of the University of Iowa, announced this week it is buying the Solon Economist and Mount Vernon Sun beginning Feb. 1. The stated intent is to provide learning opportunities for journalism students. Fine with me. The newspaper seemed likely to fold as it changed hands multiple times since Doug… Read more
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I’m trying to cut back on outside activities, including politics. Apparently, I’m in too deep to get out of the pool. New and experienced people continue to call me to discuss local politics. I thought I cut the cord on Jan. 15. Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in. There… Read more
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Roe v. Wade was America’s compromise on abortion and a large majority of Americans support its protections. When the 45th president appointed three U.S. Supreme Court justices during his term, his intention was clear: overturn Roe v. Wade and create chaos so the country could go through the debate that resulted in Roe once again.… Read more
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Let’s just get into this. Conversion therapy is wrong and Iowa Republicans want statewide control in how communities approach it. In case you’ve been sleeping, conversion therapy is at best a pseudoscience intended to change an individual’s sexual orientation. At worst it harms people. It is not even a legitimate form of therapy, wrote Douglas… Read more
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This winter I lost the power of imagination when it comes to cooking. I know skills of cooking and the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer are full of food. Yet I give a blank stare when asked what we should have for evening meal. Last night I made a vegan version of red beans and rice.… Read more
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Katie Tritt went to sleep on Sunday and didn’t wake up. Yesterday the family announced her remains were donated to the University of Iowa College of Medicine. There will be a gathering in late February. On Saturday she attended a sports event and was living her best life. Now, she’s gone. I didn’t know Katie… Read more
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Has the Iowa Democratic Party hit rock bottom? At Monday’s poorly attended precinct caucuses, small groups of long-time Democratic attendees kept political embers glowing. Although we hadn’t reached “rock bottom” one could see it from there in the dim light of a fire that long ago burned through most of its fuel. For comparison, in… Read more
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I counted 22 people present for the 2024 Democratic caucuses at Lakeview Elementary School on Jan. 15. Our location had five precincts. It was a good gathering of old friends. “Old” is the operative word. Age of participating Democrats is a problem for the Iowa Democratic Party. Well, that and this cohort is dying off,… Read more
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Saturday the snow stopped and I blew the driveway for the fifth or sixth time this week. Yes, that’s right, I can’t remember how many times. The work went quickly and with the snow finished for now, all I’ll have to deal with is wind-blown drifts. Attire is a thing during a blizzard. For outdoors… Read more
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A blizzard is welcome these days, especially when one works from home. They remove most temptation to leave the property and go to town. We become isolated as much as is possible in the time of broadband access and mobile telephones. Diet changes based on what is in the pantry and freezer. Like most modern… Read more
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