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Reform agriculture

It was with interest that I read Star Parker’s editorial inThursday’s paper. In this article she addresses Bed Bath and Beyond’s decision to move out of California and Gavin Newsom’s flippant and seemingly unconcerned response. She then cites the Cato Institute’s ‘D’ rating of Gavin Newsom to back her contention that his policies have made California a bad place to do business. I found this interesting because when I looked up these ratings, the CATO Institute had given Kim Reynolds an ‘A’ rating. I then compared recent Growth National Product (GNP) data for the two ...

Beware the fascist impulse

Voices say we shouldn’t call Trump a fascist so I unapologetically say why not? I will go further: the Republican leadership, the 6 conservatives on the U.S. Supreme Court, right wing talk shows, right wing think tanks,syndicated columnists like Josh Hammer and Ben Shapiro are all courting Trump’s fascist behavior. When someone says they (immigrants) are poisoning our blood that’s right out of the Nazi playbook.When you attack diversity you are saying some skins, or minds are inferior or when you attack inclusion you are saying some people are not worthy to be in the same place ...

MPL boardroom antics part 6

For those who weren’t at the July board meeting, you missed another attempt by MPL staff to fool you and attending patrons. The first attempt was in Nov./Dec. 2022 when staff and Director Rosenblum (trained researchers) claimed to have done a “deep dive” into the merits of The Epoch Times newspaper and American Rifleman magazine. They fooled you when, after diving into acknowledged biased sources, couldn’t state any merits. They failed to mention that millions of people, some in the district, saw enough merit to purchase subscriptions and provide subscriptions to others. You were ...

Cell phone usage

With the new law going into effect on July 1 concerning hands free cell phone use while driving, I have seen many individuals still in violation of the law. Most have been private citizens but several have been delivery people and employees of various local businesses. I have seen comments about educating people about this new law before issuing fines starting on January 1st. I’m certain that many individuals will continue to use their phones for calls and texting in violation of the law after the first of the new year because they feel it is their right to use their phones as they ...

Upsetting concerns

I have the same upsetting concerns felt by all of us — for example, cuts in Medicare, growing the national debt, rising prices — all are really worrisome. But I must refer to another concern where our representatives and senators have let us down. The federal funding for Iowa Public TV and radio were removed, leaving both in dire circumstances. I looked forward to the high school football playoffs. I noted the young men that I hoped would play for Iowa. IPTV also showcased other high school playoffs as well as the accomplishments of our young Iowans in the arts. Topping off our ...

United States deficits are the problem

The 2024 Financial Report of the United States (available online) was presented by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on January 16, 2025.This editorial will point out facts and give my opinion. I am not an expert on the US Budget but some facts stand out. Page 61 of the report is the Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Position for the Year Ending September 30, 2024. The numbers provided are in Trillions of dollars. Total Revenue $3.17 Net Cost $5.01 An additional item called “Intergovernmental Transfers” adds $ 0.53 billion dollars making the total is $5.54 Trillion Dollars. ...