politics
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On Jan. 22, 1977, two days after being sworn into office, President Jimmy Carter called on all Americans to turn down their thermostats to 65 degrees during the day and cooler at night. We were in an energy crisis and using less natural gas and electricity was part of his plan to deal with it.… Read more
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In the spiritual struggle against the sin of liberalism the Republican majority’s sights turned to the regent institutions. This session, a new legislative committee will deal specifically with higher education policy. Leading the effort is Republican Rep. Taylor Collins from Mediapolis. He said to expect “significant reforms to Iowa’s higher education system,” according to the… Read more
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It seems urgent to figure out what to do in our politics going forward. I’d like to begin my work just after the New Year’s holiday. Disengaging from politics is not a useful option. I plan to stay with the fight and so should more of us. It’s been almost seven weeks since the Nov.… Read more
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By the end of the holidays I need to resolve my relationship with politics for the coming years. The federal trifecta with Republicans controlling the executive and legislative branches of government was a clear win, if a somewhat marginal one. After reading many news stories and comments, and based on my experience, I am ready… Read more
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I dug out my packet of hot chocolate mix from its hiding spot in the back of the pantry shelf. The shift to winter is palpable and I’m going to need a cup to get by. As a bonus, it was mixed and packaged by a friend of our child. Late Friday afternoon, the Iowa… Read more
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The reason the president-elect’s plan to deport millions of immigrants will fail has little to do with his ability to strong-arm law enforcement, and potentially the U.S. military, into corralling people in large, fenced-in Texas prisons. He may be able to do that. Missing is that immigrants are a part of the fabric of American… Read more
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I ran out of bread and didn’t want to leave home to go shopping. I baked a loaf instead. We need more of this as the Republican sh*t storm approaches. We must get along in society, conserve resources, pay down debt, use the automobile less, and eat from our garden and pantry. A bug out… Read more
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Below are two constituent newsletters received after each incumbent congresswoman won their re-election on Nov. 5. The first is from Democrat Jan Schakowsky of Illinois’ 9th District. The second is from Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa’s First District. The first is positive. The second is crabby, and full of lies. Which woman would you prefer… Read more
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Tulsi Gabbard was one of the first female members of the U.S. Congress with combat experience. I interacted with her twice: once at a 2016 event hosted by then Congressman Dave Loebsack, and again in 2019 when a neighbor hosted an event within walking distance of my driveway. Gabbard’s campaign for president was gasping for… Read more
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I’ve been trail walking earlier in the day since the general election. To make it a better form of exercise, I pick up the pace to get my heartbeats per minute elevated enough to do some good. I don’t know what I will do for exercise once the snow flies and I’ve shoveled the driveway.… Read more
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