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Give Trump due credit

Columnists

The cause of problems Americans face has hooves, long ears, and a paperback copy of Antifa’s handbook. But the engine behind U.S. victories answers to the name, President Donald Trump. Economy A March 14 Economist report noted “GDP grew at 0.7% per year in the fourth quarter.” Inflation was 3.0%, and unemployment, 4.4%. Since Trump initiated MAGA policies, the S&P 500 has risen to 9.6%. A February CAPS / Harris poll reported 51% of respondents are confident our economy is strong. That’s up from earlier polls. 52% agreed dollar matters were worse under Biden. 59% credited ...

Public notices must remain in newspapers

Columnists

There are some in the Iowa Legislature who periodically toy with the possibility of eliminating the requirement that local governments print public notices in newspapers. This is the wrong move today, tomorrow and for the future. Government transparency is more important than ever. In truth it is critical. While the T-R and other Iowa newspapers have an economic interest in seeing that the public notice publishing requirement remains, the issue goes far beyond a few dollars. Maintaining the legal requirement to publish government actions and meetings in local newspapers is crucial for ...

Grassley’s belly-aching is corporate ag hogwash

Your View

According to his website, Chuck Grassley is once again railing against California’s Prop 12, a measure voters approved in 2018 by nearly a 2-to-1 margin. Grassley’s belly-aching is nothing but corporate ag hogwash. It’s time to move on, Chuck. Or as The Eagles sang in one of their hit songs, Get Over It! By passing Prop 12, consumers were telling the factory farm industry to treat its animals a bit more humanely. It gave gestating sows a few more square feet to move around in their tightly confined crates, and also said most pork sold in California grocery stores needed to ...

Sunshine Week reminds us transparency brings accountability

Columnists

Sunshine Week is observed in March during the week of James Madison’s birthday. The nation’s fourth president is known as the “Father of the Constitution” and a “fierce intellect” who prized public access to information. A statesman and a scholar, Madison’s fervent defense of open government shaped constitutional guardrails that put power in the hands of the people. One of the influential authors of The Federalist Papers, his words stand the test of time. Throughout my time in the U.S. Senate, I’ve faithfully subscribed to the Madisonian philosophy that “the ...

Thankful for community support

Your View

The American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #46, Marshalltown, thanks the businesses and merchants who provided prizes and gift certificates for our annual St. Patrick’s card party. Many of these businesses generously continue to support the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 46. We would also like to thank the patrons who attend this annual event. This auxiliary fund raiser supports veteran projects and programs we provide in our community. The following businesses supported this year’s St. Patrick’s card party: 19 Salon & Spa, 3rd Generation Upholstery, Anderson Funeral Home, ...

The Barker Bulletin: Second funnel and Kratom

Columnists

This week was the second legislative funnel deadline, which means that most House bills must pass a Senate committee and vice versa by the end of this week, so House committee work was focused on review Senate bills. I also participated in a bi-partisan press conference unveiling polling ...