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The courage to say no

It occurred to me recently that one good thing has come out of the unfortunate manner in which local entities have tried to sell Marshalltown to data center developers: It has brought the community together. It has given us a common cause to fight together. I’m surprised and impressed to see how many people are showing up, speaking out and not backing down. I’m grateful to be a part of a community that has the courage to say no. I’m proud that so many people think our land, our resources and our quality of life are worth more than a promise of a handful of jobs and some potential ...

The turkey countdown has already begun

Thanksgiving may still feel far away. For the turkeys destined for Thanksgiving tables, it is not. The turkeys many plan to eat on Thanksgiving, have just been born. Long before families write shopping lists or debate who is bringing the mashed potatoes, millions of turkeys are being raised by an industry designed to turn living animals into holiday products as quickly and efficiently as possible. They are only a few weeks old and they will be slaughtered before they’ve lived even six months. By Thanksgiving, their story is already over. But ours does not have to follow the same ...

Restore the promise

My husband turned on network television when we came in this morning but we did not watch for long. The network ran two loud, negative ads against public servants running for office and we were sickened. We turned the TV off. It is time to admit that the PACs paying for these ads do not represent the interests of most Iowans and vote for candidates that can imagine an Iowa not beholden to Big Ag. Corn farmers receive up to a third of their income from the taxpayer. Most of this corn is used to produce ethanol and livestock feed. We are paying for this misuse of taxpayer dollars with ...

Three characters meet Trump

With a major nod to the movie The Princess Bride: Three characters were ushered into the Oval Office to introduce themselves to Donald Trump. The first one said, “Hello. My name is Truth. You do not speak me! Prepare to lose.” The second one said, “Hello. My name is Law. You have ignored me! Prepare to lose.” The third one said, "Hello. My name is Power. You have abused me! Prepare to lose.” As they left, they passed dozens more in the hall waiting for their turns.

Hundreds feared dead in devastating flood

Dear Editor: “Hundreds feared dead in devastating Nepal flood” are the latest in what seem to be almost daily reports of severe climate events. Climate change is increasing the likelihood and severity of many extreme weather events, underscoring the need for much stronger preventive action. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to climate change, an existential global threat. Cattle emit large quantities of methane, a particularly potent greenhouse gas, while enormous amounts of land are devoted to grazing and growing animal feed. Reducing consumption of animal products would ...

No data centers for AI

I spent last Thursday evening at the community round table listening to and engaging in many thoughtful discussions about Data Center development concerns and possible areas of regulation. I appreciated that so many community members took the time to research and share their information, but I was frustrated that the bulk of those conversations were about how to regulate a thing that, according to a straw poll taken that night, very few people wanted to happen in our town at all. There was very little open discussion about WHY we're preparing the way for a data center at all. These ...