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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 polluted water, high cancer rates, a faltering economy, and a starved public sector. It is time to channel our tax dollars into better management of Iowa's most valuable natural resources.
Iowa sits on the best farmland in the world. If we were not producing too much corn, we would not need to coerce our citizens to purchase ethanol for their cars. We would not need a carbon capture pipeline. We might not need to import 90% of what we eat!
Entities supported by Big Ag have depleted our soil, poisoned our water, corrupted our government, and championed tax policies that enriched big farmers at the expense of small farmers and public servants. It is time to rise up and fight back. This year, when you vote, vote for people that can imagine an Iowa with a thriving, diverse agricultural community and a strong public sector.
Ignore the shiny expensive ads. Research the candidates by looking at their websites. Show up at campaign events and ask questions about issues that concern you. Vote to restore the promise of this beautiful land.