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Opinion

Postal Service should not be privatized

Our View

As we Americans celebrate the 250th birthday of our country this year, we ought to take a minute to appreciate an often maligned organization that has helped tie the nation together throughout its history. That organization is the United States Postal Service. Even in the age of email, the Postal Service has a key role in helping Americans communicate and do business. We ought to keep it that way. Privatizing the Postal Service would be a mistake that would result in less service and higher costs for citizens. Unfortunately, the concept of privatizing it has come up a couple of ...

Bible Truth or Tradition: Old Earth or New Earth?

Columnists

If we truly want to read and understand the Bible, there are principles that need to be adhered to for scripture to speak for itself and interpret itself. For example: • Allowing scripture to define the words of scripture. • Understanding the immediate, remote and cultural context of a passage • The words of the text and context must be in harmony with all related passages. • Understanding the “big picture” view or full scope of the Word of God • Difficult passages must be understood in light of clear passages on a subject • Apparent contradictions in the ...

The Barker Bulletin: Sine Die

Columnists

Last weekend brought the adjournment of the 91st General Assembly “Sine Die.” It’s been the ultimate privilege being a voice for Story and Marshall Counties in the Iowa House. After a marathon 34 hour weekend session, we added meaningful property tax reform to the list of accomplishments ...

The Warme Wire: Session wrap-up

Columnists

Many people have asked why we had to go 34 straight hours to finish the 2026 legislative session. Some have even suggested it’s evidence of poor leadership. I see exactly the opposite. I saw 150 legislators and a governor who had made commitments to the people of Iowa and were not willing to ...

When Main Street thrives, so does America

Columnists

For 250 years, our nation has been built on innovation coming from Main Street storefronts, rows of rolling corn fields, and mechanic shop workbenches. These unassuming yet extraordinary spots in every corner of America have been essential to helping our nation thrive and to setting so many of ...

Passing a strong Farm Bill that delivers for rural America

Columnists

When I came to Congress, I was committed to giving farmers, producers, and working families a seat at the table and delivering results for those who make Iowa’s 4th district a strong and productive community. Serving one of the largest agricultural districts in the nation, I kept a clear ...