A group of local political activists got together at a restaurant on Thursday. What characterized us was our average age of about 70. We worked together on many campaigns and are apparently ready to work on another. In 2004, this was an asset. In 2023, it is a liability.
Where are younger political activists? They exist, I met some of them and worked with them. They don’t do politics the way we oldsters do. We would like to have had more young people at our meet up. Political activism is important for Millennials and Generation Z folks. Formal, in-person political meetings are less so.
I enjoyed spending time with long-time friends. I missed the ones who died, moved outside the district, and are present only in spirit. I’m not sure of what continued relevance our generation has in local politics. Who wants to hear from us as we age?
The big political news was on Wednesday when Governor Kim Reynolds called the Iowa legislature back to the state house on July 11 for a special session to address abortion.
“Iowans have elected representatives willing to stand up for the rights of the unborn and, in doing so, they have voted strongly in support of pro-life principles and against the arbitrary destruction of innocent, defenseless lives,” stated Governor Reynolds.
Press Release from the Iowa Governor on July 5, 2023.
The governor had a specific bill in mind, the text of which was released on Friday. Voters across the state are preparing to stand for or against the governor on July 11 in Des Moines. The Interfaith Alliance of Iowa summarized my feelings about abortion legislation:
Iowa faith leaders are speaking out ahead of the special legislative session in support of reproductive freedom, including access to safe and legal abortion. The faith leaders will speak during a press conference to affirm their religious beliefs in support of reproductive rights. People of faith are not monolithic in their beliefs on abortion. Many people of faith believe in reproductive freedom for Iowa women and all people because of their faith.
Press Release from the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, July 8, 2023.
Females in the oldster set of political activists who gathered on Thursday are past child-bearing years. Nonetheless, there are children and grand children to consider. They will be affected by changes in Iowa law regarding abortion. I hope Millennials and Generation Z voters are engaged and will contact their representatives. The oldsters already have.
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