The choice in the Democratic primary for Senate district 37 on June 5 is not an easy one. We have strong candidates, with numerous varied strengths. I am writing to express my support for Zach Wahls. Zach’s passion, intelligence and dedication to issues such as mental health, social justice and supporting children and families with disabilities are, frankly, inspiring. I hope, prior to deciding how to cast your vote, you take an opportunity to meet Zach and discuss issues important to you.
Opinion
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: John Norris is the leader Iowa needs
Iowa is in trouble. Recent conservative control is threatening Iowa values through mismanagement of health care, declining support for public education, disregard for Iowa’s environmental heritage, an assault on public employees, more cuts to the University of Iowa and Iowa State, and the likely loss of “backfill funds” that will lead to increased property taxes and cuts in services at the local level.
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Let’s retire circuses as fundraising efforts
Unfortunately, there will be a circus that includes wild animals again this year at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. If people read my letter in advance, maybe some people will avoid it.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘A Quiet Place,’ written and produced by Iowans, was made for thriller fans
A Quiet Place, floating on a cloud of high praise and a big opening weekend, has perhaps been overinflated. Nevertheless, the suspense-thriller, penned by Iowan filmmakers, is deliciously unsettling.
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Zach Wahls is a voice for the voiceless
As parents of young adults with developmental disabilities, this has been a politically active year, during which we’ve met a number of our state senators, representatives and 2018 candidates. Here’s why Zach Wahls stands out, earning our enthusiastic support.
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Support Zach Wahls on June 5
As a resident of Scott Precinct, I am proudly supporting Zach Wahls for Senate District 37.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: Nils Frahm’s show was riveting, and a big feather in the Englert’s cap
Frahm is a gifted composer and performer, but what was most engaging about this concert was the simplicity of the music he presented. The closest comparison would be Philip Glass, but Glass can try my patience, and Frahm instinctively knows when to ride a static groove and when to switch up.
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Mayors to state legislators: Our communities depend on the $3.4 million in backfill payments
Passing the budgetary problem to local governments may be an easy way out for our state’s elected leaders. But make no mistake. Such action will hit close to home, not just in our three cities but in cities, counties and schools of all sizes throughout the entire state.
Posted inOpinion
Democracy in Crisis: ‘Bloodsport’ and our president’s dickpunching politics
It makes cosmic sense that “Bloodsport” — which was released 30 years ago on Feb. 26 — would be Trump’s favorite movie. It says something about political discourse too: The turning point involves its hero, Frank Dux (Van Damme), proudly punching someone squarely in the dick.
Posted inOpinion
Democracy in Crisis: ‘Law and Order: SVU’ echoes Trump’s problematic ‘both sides are bad’ narrative
Contrary to a recent Law and Order: SVU episode, the Anglo-American tradition of law enforcement touted by Jeff Sessions has been one of white supremacy — and police departments and sheriff’s offices around the country are still trying to grapple with that.
Posted inOpinion
Democracy in Crisis: Memo hysteria and a Baltimore corruption trial highlight the state of law enforcement in 2018
The national media was largely silent about the vast police misconduct revealed in the Baltimore trial, even though they dovetailed in some uncomfortable ways with the Memo Watch hysteria.
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: Workplace rules against body modifications are a violation of employees’ autonomy
Because employers are not comfortable with people who “look different,” they are missing out on a huge potential workforce that would bring tremendous positive change and growth to their companies.
