Letters to the editor: Mexico, King, shutdown workers, Democrats

Letter: More to worry than the wall

Everyone is talking about Mexico's drugs and human trafficking, but no one is talking about Mexico's new socialist leader, economy and oil pipeline.

I am worried for the republic of the United States. No one person or party is to blame for the condition of our country. We are all to blame. Individuals and groups inside and outside of the United State that want to change this country from capitalism to socialism are very misguided. Look at socialist European countries that are failing. Socialism and "free stuff" do not work. Someone has to pay. It is so tragic that we do not act but react after all is gone. Without borders and barriers, we cannot have a sovereign country.

How many of you know what is happening right now in Venezuela and Mexico with their oil? We should be extremely concerned. We do not hear about this in the news. Mexico has a new socialist person governing their country. Their oil pipelines are being sabotaged by thieves tapping into the pipeline and stealing oil to sell on the black market.

When their economy goes down without barriers at our borders where do you think people in Mexico will be going? Oh yes, you can bet it will be the United States. As I have heard people say, we have fences to protect our loved ones inside our house not outside.

We all need to be more vigilant and tell our government representatives they need to get busy and be working for us, not for all the specialist groups.

If common sense was so common, more people would have it. Wake up, people: we are losing our republic to socialism.

Alyce Hugeback, Hampton

Letter: King passes this racist test

So now Steve King is a racist? By who's standard? If you don't think and speak like others think you should, you must be a racist. You can't regulate or legislate thought. I am very tired of this worn out argument. Most of us go to work and take care of our family. We don't think about racism.

Jerry Hiatt, Council Bluffs

Letter: Credit union tax trickles down

Last year, Iowa’s bankers tried to burden consumers with a slight-of-hand that would subject many of the state’s cooperative, not-for-profit credit unions to an additional tax on top of the current state tax on legally required safety and soundness reserve balances. Ultimately, credit unions prevailed in educating lawmakers on the cooperative difference, and preserved financial choice for Iowans.

Growing up on our family farm in Iowa, I learned first-hand the importance of cooperatives to Iowans where like-minded people would come together to support each other with their farming, their small businesses, or personal finances. Unlike other forms of business, cooperatives are owned and controlled by their members.

I also learned another difference between Iowa’s for-profit banks and the cooperative, not-for-profit credit unions. Simply put, at for-profit banks, the income above expenses is given to a select group of investors. But credit unions give that income, all of it, right back to the members because they are the owners. In other words, another tax on Iowa’s credit unions is another tax on Iowa’s families who are credit union members.

For cooperatives, there is no conflict between doing what is best for the people that they serve and doing what is best for owners, because they are one in the same. Iowa’s lawmakers in Des Moines should not be swayed by the fast talk of profit-making bankers, and neither should Iowans.

Doug O'Brien, Washington, D.C.

Letter: No tears for shutdown workers

Let me get this straight. I am supposed to feel sorry for some 800,000 public workers who earn more than non-governmental workers who do the same jobs, who get their own special retirement program (better than what Social Security provides for the rest of us), who are not subject to Obamacare (their Medical plan is better and cheaper), who cannot be fired, and who always receive back pay for time off work, and better vacations, better benefits, etc.

Why?

Because they are not insightful enough to foresee a time when they might have reason to keep one to two paychecks held back in savings or for an emergency. Many supposedly had to sell personal items or apply for food stamps and welfare, in order to survive for 35 days without a paycheck. That is simply disgraceful economic planning.

Maybe we should consider (and then realize) that these people are also not intelligent or insightful enough to be working for the rest of us in the first place. Maybe we should just consider letting them go and trying again to hire responsible people.

Obviously, my comment may not apply to all furloughed public employees, but it does apply to many (according to the news) who apparently cannot survive 35 unpaid days without going broke, not being able to make their monthly payments, or having to apply for welfare.

With so many irresponsible employees, is it any wonder the government can't balance a budget?

Thomas Frank, Mason City

Letter: Blue-colored dreams of Franken

Allow me to pontificate on some current issues. I think we Democrats need to put aside our stern rules about who is and who is not acceptable in public office. Our strict and stern adherence to political purity is costing us way too many otherwise good people.

The current situation in the State of Virginia is a good case in point. The duly elected governor may very well be one of the people in the offensive photo in the college yearbook, but if you are following along, there is a hidden agenda that is pretty obvious if you decipher it. The current lieutenant governor is already being accused of sexual harassment and that leads to who is No. 3 in line of ascension?

The Speaker of the House, a Republican, as you may have already suspected.

The Republicans in Virginia have never accepted that a Democrat could be their governor, so voila, a scandal is uncovered, or created, and they can rid themselves of both of the intruders into their coveted offices.

The governor may not have thought it a racist thing in 1984; things like that were more accepted back then. I think we need to look at how he has behaved since then, especially since he chose the path of public servant.

As for the lieutenant governor and the assault charge: Stuff it, look at all the Republicans who have done far worse, including the sitting president, and just move on.

We've already given up too many otherwise good people because we insist on this purity code. Unless and until the Republicans give up their accused as well, there is no need for us to be the fools and chase otherwise good people into the private sector. I'll never get over the loss of Al Franken.

Jeanette Armstrong, Osage

Letter: Democrats won't protect the nation

I find it very interesting reading the letters to the editor and daily news articles on the border wall. I winter in south Texas, just 5 miles from the Mexican border. If these people would come down here and talk to a barber, clerk in the department store, retired year-round citizens, policemen and border patrol, they might change their opinion of the wall!

Border Patrol agents report that the barrier along the southern border helps prevent illegal entry, drugs and weapons from entering the United States, to which they have the numbers to prove it. In October and November, agents apprehended 102,857 undocumented persons between all ports of entry.

Democrats are willing to withhold paychecks from many Americans in order to prevent the president from being able to fulfill his campaign promise to build a wall to slow down the flow of illegals into the U.S. This was the reason a vast number of us voted for Mr. Trump.

Why not compare these writers against the wall to a Mexican illegal giving his opinion on how much fertilizer or chemical an Iowa farmer should apply for a successful corn crop? How many people write about illegal entries without checking with the Border Patrol?

The wall is only one of various tools needed to help the Border Patrol curtail illegal traffic of all kinds. Come on, Democrats: you voted for the wall when your president was in office; why not now? Democrats are proving they would rather withhold paychecks than protect the nation.

Wayne Rietema, Kanawha

Letter: Ahem... Rudd is great community

A concern for the letter written by Steve Epperly regarding the comment he made concerning President Trump and Rudd (published Jan. 23):

I strongly believe we each have a choice about our attitude and outlook on things, being it positive or negative. The recent letter written by Mr. Epperly definitely shows his choice being negative.

We are each entitled to our opinions on things, but the drive-by comments referencing Rudd and them not being fit to have President Trump as their mayor was unwelcome and undeserving.

Whatever you think of Rudd is your choice, but our little community is filled with positive, hard-working people who have a great community bond.

I have long believed that choosing a negative outlook breeds further negativity, but choosing a positive outlook is a much healthier choice for the mind, body, and the community.

Nancy Kelsey, Rudd

Letter: New party touts end of squabbling

In a nation divided by the ever more ruthless game of party politics, it is the people who suffer. The recent government shutdown was the longest in American history, lasting 35 days. It cost our economy $3 billion in permanent losses and forced over 800,000 federal employees to go without a paycheck for over a month.

At the end of the day, the dispute boiled down to a struggle for the upper hand between the two major parties. The Republicans, led by Donald Trump, demanded $5.7 billion in federal funds to build a grandiose wall on the southern border. The Democrats, led by Nancy Pelosi, chose to prove their superiority to Trump and the Republicans through petty jabs and an insincere concern for the people.

Each party wants to prove that they're better than the other. But who does their squabbling hurt? The citizens they claim to represent.

That is why I chose a third way: The Alliance Party. We aim to create a bridge across our divisions by offering practical, thoughtful and centrist solutions to the complicated challenges our nation faces. We refuse to believe the people should be given only an impossible choice between one evil or another.

The Alliance Party offers some things we find severely lacking in today's politics: Functionality. Moral conviction. A sense of duty and pride in serving the people. And a promise: That we will serve the American people's best interests, no matter what, and we will not surrender to those who would seek to manipulate us.

We are a party of the people, by the people and for the people. And that will never change.

Alexandra Dermody, Davenport

Letter: Column rides Rough on the details

In response to John Skipper's column regarding Steve King (published Feb. 3), who am I neither for or against:

Your article states that P.T. Barnum said, "There’s a sucker born every minute.” There is absolutely no evidence that P.T. Barnum spoke or coined this phrase. It is attributed to several other men.

Why are you perpetuating historical myths such as this to make a political point? Does your book on Theodore Roosevelt likewise tell its readers how Teddy and his Rough Riders famously seized San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill, or does it disclose the fact that it was actually the Buffalo Soldiers that did most of the fighting beforehand?

You fail to mention that only 4 percent of bills introduced are passed as laws. You also fail to mention that many bills that have no chance of becoming law are introduced anyway. This is done for various reasons, including drawing attention to a cause and bringing attention to a unique problem affecting the legislator's constituents.

You owe the Globe Gazette readers an explanation as why you leave out important information!

Greg Schotanus, Plymouth

Letter: Iowa Senate should open its doors

The Iowa Senate must change course and explicitly adopt long-standing rules that enable public access to the legislative process. During week one of session, several Republican-controlled Senate Committees declined to amend the rules that have protected public access to subcommittee hearings for 15 years. The decision not to abide by those long-standing norms means that 24-hour advance notice of hearings have been jettisoned in favor of back-room dealing.

The move by the Senate is a direct attack on rural Iowa and anyone living outside the metro. Most Iowans can’t simply jump down off the tractor, close down their small businesses, or abandon their children to drive to the Capitol to claw their way into the democratic process. They need notice to plan, ample time to consider the legislation, and ample time to contact their legislators.

Organizations like the Iowa Environmental Council and our members are also victims of the Senate’s move to squelch public discourse. Groups like ours, which provide a voice for many Iowa voters regardless of the size of their megaphones or checkbooks, have every right to know in advance when hearings are taking place and must have the opportunity to advance our members’ positions.

Advance notice of hearings and appropriate access are also critical to media coverage. Excluding media from Senate hearings removes the media’s ability to inform Iowans about decisions being made on their behalf.

Kudos to Iowa Speaker of the House Linda Upmeyer, who declared that the House will continue to provide notice saying, “We are the people’s house, and we will continue to be the people’s House.”

We believe the Senate is also “the people’s house,” and urge Senate leadership to rethink this decision. Open the doors and give access to Iowans.

Jennifer Terry, Des Moines

Letter: Restore rights of public unions

"Commerce Item 3. We call for legislation that would eliminate all public sector unions." This is copied from the Republican Party of Iowa Platform found at its website.

The destructive changes that were made to union/collective bargaining rights for public employees in 2017 were supported by all 53 Republicans in the Iowa House and all 29 in the Iowa Senate. What further damage will they do to public employees in 2019 when they again have control of both houses of state government and the governorship? Will they again act quickly and quietly before a challenge can be organized?

Public sector employees are city, county and state workers who serve the public as police officers, firefighters, teachers and social workers, as well as employees in skilled trades, corrections and judiciary, plus others. These workers need your support and action now.

It's time to contact legislators to tell them to support collective bargaining rights for all Iowa workers. Also ask for their support to reinstate the collective bargaining rights that were eliminated in 2016.

There is no valid reason for public employees to be treated differently and less than private sector employees, who are allowed to choose whether or not to be represented by unions.

Jane Close, New Hartford

Letter: Senators aren't working for Iowa

I watched with disgust as our two Iowa senators, Ernst and Grassley, voted in the largest tax break last year. Who benefitted from this? Not the middle class. The wealthy, large corporations and share holders benefitted. I waited for promised large expansion of businesses to occur, to no avail. But our debt burden skyrocketed.

I watched with disgust last year as our two senators continued to heap praise and support for our President, and plan on supporting him in the 2020 election, while migrant children were taken from their parents, with no plans to reunite them. This was done in the name of border security.

I watched with disgust this past week as our two senators voted "no" to stopping the partial government shutdown. Government workers were forced to work in servitude, working with no pay, and needing to go to food pantries in order to feed their families. The entire security of our country was put at risk, and thousands of Americans were placed in financial hardship. And yet our senators still voted to place a higher value on a wall than on the American people.

I watched with disgust as Sen. Grassley is again reintroducing an amendment to the Constitution that would require the federal government to balance its budget each year, and would place strict limitations on the government's ability to increase taxes. This will require cuts to programs such as Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid. Grassley apparently was not concerned about the budget when he voted in the tax cuts. He plans on balancing the budget on the backs of the poor and middle-class Americans.

I watch with disgust as Sens. Ernst and Grassley say they are working for Iowans.

Lissa Holloway, Britt

Letter: The color of a cause's money

Recently, billionaire Tom Steyer has been in the media, including a strong TV presence, promoting the “Need to Impeach" organization. And not a word of outrage from the liberal media.

Yet when the billionaire Koch brothers put any money into a conservative cause, the liberal media howls in protest. Apparently, “blue money” in politics is OK and “red money” is not OK.

Pat Ropella, Mason City

Letter: Good customers, wish for spring

I live in Clear Lake and have delivered the Globe Gazette for several years. I like doing that. It gives me purpose in my life. Sometimes I think maybe I'm a little bit crazy.

This winter has been a challenge with the weather, wind, rain, some ice, snow, and now this very cold air. Most of my customers are very understanding about the papers being in a different place then usual or even being late. I really appreciate that.

Spring will be here soon and new problems will arise no doubt. Clear Lake is a good place to live. Good people.

Donald Nichols, Clear Lake

Letter: Put federal employees back to work

The inability of our elected leaders to compromise has led to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. I am proud of my work as a federal employee in service to the country I love. Federal workers nationwide are forced to stay at home and wait for the government to reopen, and are no longer able to provide the services on which our fellow Americans rely.

Middle-class federal workers and their families are stretching their pennies until the shutdown is over. Even though pay will be restored eventually, bills still arrive on time even if paychecks don't, and many federal employees are being forced to make difficult and unnecessary financial decisions to make ends meet.

Our legislators in Congress and the president need to stop playing political games with our government's services and those who provide them. We are now in a crisis, and our leaders must work to promptly reopen the government.

We must call them to reach consensus immediately, so committed federal employees across the nation and right here at home can get back to work for our country.

Karl Griffith, Mason City

Letter: Voters should address King, Walk

It appears Iowa's 4th District has a problem with Steve King and Mitchell County has a problem with supervisor Stan Walk.

Mr. King is an embarrassment to Iowa, and Mr. Walk is an embarrassment to Mitchell County residents.

Both may appear to suffer from foot-in-mouth disease, although in varying degrees.

Mr. King is soon to be booted out of Congress.

I suggest Mitchell County voters send Mr. Walk packing also.

Being a street fighter, he can easily pick up a gig at a bar in Osage or St. Ansgar in need of a top-notch, take-no-prisoners bouncer. Or is the term used these days enforcer?

That sounds more threatening.

From a neighbor to your south, who enjoys the catch-and-release of small-mouth fishing in Mitchell County's beautiful stretches of the Cedar River.

Go Devils and Saints.

Michael Handt, Charles City

Letter: Working title, not available

Coming soon to your local bookstore: a tell-all expose of Joni and Gail Ernst entitled, "The Secret Lives of 'Family Values' Republicans."

Kevin Young, Sheffield

Letter: Include doctors in search for good life

Just thought I would add another "for instance" to the thought of trying to bring more people to live and work in the Mason City area:

Recently I was told that I would need to find another (new) primary care doctor, as my latest doctor will be going into a specialized practice and no longer be a primary family doctor. I am currently 72 years old, and from time to time over the length of my life had to do this quite often, as all of my doctors have moved into specialized service.

So for the past month I have been trying to get another family doctor to take me on as a new patient, and guess what I have found? There aren't any current doctors in this city taking on new patients. Now there are new resident doctors here, but these doctors will be leaving for greener pastures and more money once they finish their residencies. Thus I will again have to start all over again to find a doctor for my needs.

Here is the question I would ask the powers that be want amenities, entertainment, housing, good well paying jobs, and any other things denoting the good life: what will you tell people when they ask about hospital facilities and doctor availability, and all you hear is "good luck on that"?

Something to think about!

Ralph Madison, Mason City

Letter: Health care is filled with scammers

I recently stepped in and became involved when an elderly friend told me that he thought that he was being taken advantage of while residing at a care/mental health facility in a nearby community. I soon discovered that he was not the only person being exploited. Sadly, this happens throughout the U.S. and is quite common. An ex-president once wrote that a society is ultimately judged by how well or how poorly it treats its most unfortunate and vulnerable citizens.

Under our current leadership at both the state and national levels, Americans appear to becoming more and more proficient at using these members of the USA. Welfare and entitlements should not be confused with genuine, quality care. Instead of simply putting these people down, as was Nazi Germany's solution, we exploit and use them as huge money-makers for a corrupt system operated and well-managed by wealthy, educated and greedy individuals devoid of conscience. These so-called health care and medical "professionals" have perfected the art of creating loopholes in order to rip off insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid and private payers. For so many, this has become standard operating procedure. Unnecessary tests and surgeries are performed routinely because they are so hugely profitable.

Granted, knowledge and technology now save many lives and allow some of us to walk, talk, hear and even see again. We are very fortunate to have skilled medical professionals when we need them. However, there are many out there who scam the system for more money and easy money. What a shame!

Everyone is paying dearly for the scammers. What will happen when we still have all the potential to do good, but the dollars are gone? Only the elite and the very rich will receive needed care because they will be able to pay the exorbitant charges.

Michael Handt, Charles City

Letter: Media ignores abortion, recalls MLK

Last year, 100,000 people protested the abortion tragedy of tragedies.

The happened at the same place that MLK held his civil rights rally.

Which one gets the attention of the media?

Russell McAfee, Clear Lake

Letter: Let border states handle wall issues

Plan A: Border wall. That's what the POTUS wants. It's a tug-of-war, no one wants to give up. The POTUS needs a plan B.

How about the federal government giving each state involved so much money to take care of the problem. Our citizens hire the immigrants because they are cheap labor. They come here to earn money so they can go back to their own country, maybe buy a home and live better from the money earned here.

Each state, I believe, knows best what they need to do. (P.S. Their children want to stay in the USA.).

Erma Petersen, Mason City

Letter: Fuzzy math finds money for wall

As a Republican voter, I seem to have a math problem when I use very large numbers, so I would like a Democrat to help me, please.

Just how many walls, at President Trump's numbers, could have been built with the $150 billion that former President Obama gave to Iran? I keep coming up with 30. That many? Where would they be built?

I strongly believe we need just one.

Sam Sneed, Greene

Letter: Push to change Iowa's payday lending regs

Everyone needs to borrow money, whether it’s for unexpected health care costs, utility bills or other basic items. But not everyone is treated the same.

Have you ever borrowed two or three hundred dollars at interest rates of 350 to 400 percent?

Probably not. You have better alternatives.

Things are different, however, when lower income working Iowans need to borrow two or three hundred dollars. They actually pay triple digit interest rates of 350 to 400 percent because that’s what Iowa lawmakers allow the “payday loan” industry to charge!

Who would borrow money at 400 percent interest? Certainly not middle and upper middle class families. We have access to low interest credit card offers and zero interest car loans.

Payday loan lenders are part of a second, separate credit system, one that exploits low income working and elderly Iowans. These families are “offered” outrageously high interest payday loans where every loan is a rip-off.

Iowa payday loan companies have made millions by targeting lower income, working families in our low wage state.

It is time to make long overdue reforms, reforms that many other states have already made.

In 2019, the Iowa Legislature should:

• Cut the interest rate for payday loans from 350-400 percent to no more than 36 percent.

• Provide borrowers with new payment options to get them off the debt treadmill.

• Encourage banks and credit unions to provide credit to low income borrowers.

I’m a state senator and people at the statehouse say no one cares about this issue.

I don’t think that’s true. I think most Iowans think interest of 350 percent is a trap and should be illegal.

Talk to your local state senator and state representative. Tell them you care about working Iowa families who are being exploited.

Joe Bolkcom, Iowa City

Letter: For a different Mason City mall outcome

It seems like the leaders of Mason City have got us another good deal regarding the dead mall downtown.

I am among those that wished it would have been demolished a decade ago or left totally to private investors to rehabilitate without clumsy meddling by the city that I am sure will cost taxpayers a bundle.

Michael Syverson, Mason City

Letter: Tell D.C. to act on climate change

Climate experts agree that climate change is real and is mainly due to atmospheric heat trapping from rising atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Fossil fuel burning is the primary cause of this rise. In addition to the effects of rising temperature, climate change includes changing weather patterns and rising sea levels. Climate change has caused more damaging coastal storms and historically severe Western forest fires. In Iowa, four or the five hottest years on record occurred in the last five years.

Our children and grandchildren will face worse consequences if we do not act, according to the U.S. government’s Fourth National Climate Assessment. This quite readable document is available online, and contains sections about the impacts of climate change on the Midwest and on agriculture.

Polls show a majority of Americans believe that climate change is real and that the government should do more to deal with it. Our policy makers will not act, however, unless we the voters demand action.

What can you do? Tell Sens. Grassley and Ernst and Rep. King that this is a very important issue, and you want them to take action. Consider asking them to back the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, which was introduced in the House and Senate by bipartisan sponsors. This is a market-based comprehensive measure, as opposed to multiple regulations. It calls for a fee on fossil fuel extraction. This will encourage energy conservation and will accelerate the move to alternative energy sources. All revenue from the fees will be returned equally as a dividend (rebate) to all households to offset higher costs.

Bruce Trimble, Mason City

Letter: Trump is unfit to lead Rudd

Donald Trump has proven that he is unfit to be president. In fact, he is unfit to be mayor of Rudd. He has attacked our free press (fake news) and has received and acted on advice from conservative quacks Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. He has proposed and is gutting Social Security and Medicare.

Why shouldn't he? He and his rich friends don't need it, and that money could be used toward a border wall. By the way, shouldn't we be building a wall along the Canadian border? They use technology and "no one knows more about technology" than Trump.

He pulled the U.S. out of the Paris climate deal, so now only the U.S. and 19 fossil fuel rich countries are not in. Trump has no clue of the reality and science in regard to climate change. He argues against because of the "weather" some place on a given day as evidence.

He also pulled us out of the Iran Nuclear Arms Treaty. There has been some controversy over it, but it was working!

Trump stabbed the middle class in the back with his tax cut for the rich. I have studied it and noted previously with examples how it affects different income levels. It sucks money from the middle class giving a windfall to the rich and has increased our national debt by $2 trillion.

He embarrasses our country in everything he does. And now he holds hard-working Americans hostage over a border wall that he promised Mexico would pay for. He even put in writing that he would "force a down payment right away after inaugurated, a check from Mexico of $5 billion to $10 billion."

He is a proven xenophobe, racist, and bigot. His shameful moral character and self-serving leadership make him absolutely unfit for president.

Steve Epperly, Mason City

Letter: It don't take a rocket scientist

I watched with interest the interview that Anderson Cooper had with the new congresswoman from New York. She asked to not be called a congress woman but to be called a democrat socialist!

She stated that America was stale and needs a lot of changes. When asked what the changes would be, she stated that America needs to become a socialist country! Free education and taxed at 50 to 60 percent of the income!

When asked what people would live on, she responded "My government will give them what we think they need to live."

The Democrats have turned to socialism as their new platform. I don't want to live under this! Why can't people see this coming? Wake up! This scares me, especially for the older people that don't work or pay taxes.

It don't take a rocket scientist to figure out what will happen to them. People need to start listening and vote for freedom!

Sherryl Joines, Vermillion

Letter: It's simple: King is racist

I was very upset after the mid-term election, and Steve King was re-elected. I had a letter written and decided against sending it, and now I wish I had sent it.

I've lived all my life in this state but am upset to think that anybody would even consider voting for him. I'm not real proud to be an Iowan right now.

He, like our current reside of the White House, are two peas in a pod.

The thought that "white nationalism" is not offensive? He's a racist, plain and simple. He, like many old, white, Republican men, need to be voted out come 2020.

Thank God (and I do constantly) for the new Democratic Congress. I have confidence the country will become more unified instead of divided.

Karen Weber, Charles City

Letter: Failure-prone system needs fixed

I am one of the 29 individuals who were disenfranchised after voting by absentee ballot in Iowa House District 55 last November. My envelope received a USPS barcode, but did not receive a postmark stamp. On Dec. 3, Iowa District Court Judge Scott Beattie ordered the bar codes be read and mine was confirmed to have been timely. I plead now that to ignore my valid vote is an unconstitutional act.

Inconsistencies exist in the absentee voting process in counties across Iowa. Unfortunately, Iowa law does not mandate acceptable methods for counties to determine timeliness of absentee ballots. Iowa law does not define the term “intelligent mail bar code” that is posted on absentee ballot envelopes, nor does it require the Intelligent Mail bar code, or IMb, be used to trace a ballot’s entry into the federal mail system. According to procedures followed by the Auditor’s Office in Winneshiek County, only a valid USPS postmark stamp is used to determine timely mailing of absentee ballots.

I believe any USPS postal marking, stamp, IMb or other bar code should be accepted as evidence of timely mailing by a constituent. Without mandating how the USPS processes absentee ballots, the Legislature can mandate that any marking issued by the USPS be deemed acceptable in verifying the receipt date of the envelope into the mail system.

I was a disenfranchised voter, but through no fault of my own, I was failed by a failure-prone system. I plead to the Iowa Legislature to address this issue before the next election. Please make all votes count.

Dominique Bockman, Decorah

Letter: Improve Iowa's car seat laws

Iowa ranks fourth in the nation for child fatalities from car accidents, following only Mississippi, New Mexico, and N. Dakota. In 2016, 24 Iowa children under the age of 14 died, according to a report by Safewise.

The leading cause is improper seat belt and car seat usage. People are turning their children forward too soon and using seat belts instead of booster seats. Iowa laws do not conform to evidence-based best practices recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics:

1. Infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the seat's manufacturer, usually 2 years or more.

2. Next, children should use a forward-facing seat with a harness up to the weight or height allowed by the seat's manufacturer.

3. They then should use a belt positioning booster seat until the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt fits properly, typically when they've reached 4 feet, 9 inches and are between 8 and 12 years of age.

4. Children 13 and under should be restrained in rear seats once they've left booster seats.

Rear-facing car seats better support the head, neck, and spine of infants and toddlers in a crash and they are five times safer during a side crash.

Please contact your state representatives, senators, and Gov. Reynolds today about the urgent need to change Iowa's outdated child passenger safety laws.

Carol Sula, Dubuque

Letter: Iowa State Fair deserves support

Throughout its history, the Iowa State Fair has been a unique institution, serving to educate, inform and entertain people from all walks of life. From the first fair in Fairfield in 1854, to 1886 when it found a permanent home, to today, the Iowa State Fair has been our state’s outstanding agricultural showplace and I am humbled to serve on the governing board.

But a long history and annually hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors takes a toll. We continue to need the financial generosity and commitment of fair-lovers to support preservation and renovation projects. Through the Corndog Tax Checkoff, it’s easy to make a donation to ensure these vital efforts continue. While completing your Iowa tax return, please consider making a donation of $1 or more. Donations will be deducted from your refund or added to the amount due, and are fully tax-deductible.

For 26 years, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has been raising funds in support of the Iowa State Fairgrounds. From the preservation of Grandfather’s Barn in 1994 to the enclosure of the Varied Industries Building in 2001 to the major expansion of the grandstand completed for the 2018 fair, barns and buildings across the fairgrounds were saved from the ravages of time or upgraded for modern use.

Alan Brown, Hampton

Letter: King is a nationalist, not a racist

I am ashamed of the New York Times in their inaccurate and out-of-context reporting regarding Rep. Steve King. Since when did Iowans start believing the New York Times? I am extremely disappointed that they and others have disregarded facts and quickly thrown Steve King under the bus without any regard to researching the truth. King’s congressional colleagues are well aware that he is a nationalist, not a racist.

I have known Steve for over 25 years as man of principle who is defends the original intent of the Constitution and the merits of western civilization. When Steve and I served in the Iowa Senate together, I witnessed his courage and boldness in standing for the under privileged and the rights of all citizens, including the unborn child. He stood for personal responsibility under the rule of law. He served the people by defending them against intrusiveness, taxation, and over regulation in government.

He did not enter the political process for personal gain, but on the contrary, endured extreme persecution for his beliefs. He left the comforts of a successful business and small-town living with the hope of helping to restore our God-given liberties. His goals and beliefs have not changed, but the liberal news media and his opponents have systematically created a false narrative about him.

Minority Leader Rep. McCarthy, without facts, removed King of his committee assignments and left the 4th District without a representative voice in our political process. Are our Republican leaders more afraid of the New York Times and Democrat leaders than they are willing to standing up for truth in defending their friend? I believe the truth will prevail.

Kitty Rehberg, Rowley

Letter: We deserve better than Trump, King

I don't know Steve King, so I have no idea if he is a racist. Despite odd comments like the ones that have stirred recent controversy, I'm sure those who know him best would say it's a misunderstanding. Far be it for me to argue with them.

However, one need not be a racist in order to say dumb, racist things. And when that person is a Congressman, his or her comments should be strongly condemned by anyone in a position of leadership in our country. In the wake of King's most recent foot-in-mouth episode, in fact, nearly everyone has done just that, including his first choice for president in 2016, Ted Cruz.

The one person who didn't condemn King's words but, instead, attempted to play dumb but implying he hadn't heard them? You guessed it, Donald Trump.

I think it is possible in our politically correct world for people to say dumb, insensitive things that come out sounding like something that was not intended. However, our President is supposed to be smarter than that. He is supposed to be able to recognize self-evident right from wrong. Heck, most of us would expect our kids to recognize such basic things.

But not Trump. White supremacists march in Charlottesville and a woman dies and Trump feels the need to say many of them are 'fine' people. Now, King makes comments that even he says were wrong, and Trump can't get himself to agree and condemn?

Trump's difficulty in these areas may be the result of many things. Regardless of the reasons, however, it is unquestionably yet another example of failed leadership on his part. Whatever one may think of Trump's policy agenda and his brilliant negotiating skills, we should all be able to agree that America deserves so much better than this.

James Peppe, Houston, Texas

Letter: Rants at a King on another planet

Stephen King needs a brain transplant from any available donor, maybe a chimp, but I think a chicken would do! What is the color of the sky on your planet, fella? And I am a lifetime Republican! 

Greg Heitland, Mason City

Letter: No change in supervisor concerns

Recent actions by Mitchell County Supervisor Stan Walk accentuate citizen concerns regarding his ability to be effective and impartial as a county leader.

On June 8, Walk sent a threatening email to Josh Byrnes, naming Byrnes, Lynn Kirchgatter, and me. He states, “I am a 70-year-old street fighter, and I no longer give a s- - -. This makes me very dangerous. Keep that in mind, I do not take prisoners.” Walk is referring to our disagreement with him regarding the construction of a gas pipeline by the port authority.

Walk has no problem spending the money. The construction of a $40 million pipeline across Worth and Mitchell counties by the port authority solidifies his plan to control and profit from the distribution of natural gas.

Walk claims he cannot say the pledge because of the phrase “justice for all.” He plays a rich-versus-poor argument to refuse participation in the Pledge. Walk’s big-money policy doesn’t correspond to his refusal to recite the Pledge.

Do you really want natural gas distribution and the responsibility of county government in the hands of a man who threatens violence and prays for vengeance on those who disagree with him?

Al Winters, Osage

Letter: Pursue repayment, legal action

Since we now know the names of all Mason City School employees who received unapproved increases in monetary benefits through the improper distribution of more than $2 million in taxpayer money, and since the report specifies the amount that each employee received, it should be easy for the Board to request repayment of those funds to the tax coffers from those who received the improper distribution.

The auditors did us a favor and saved the Board a lot of work, yet the School Board wants to redact the names. What does that tell you?

We should also be going after whoever it was that approved the improper distribution of funds and should pursue any available legal action to assure proper accountability.

Thomas Frank, Mason City

Letter: Time to revamp Hancock pay board

Hancock Supervisor Jerry Tlach’s first-year salary in 2000 was $22,350. The proposed 2019-20 salary is $36,379. He has voted to increase his base pay $14,029, a 63 percent increase. The rate of inflation for the same time frame is 46 percent.

Hancock Supervisor Florence Greiman’s first-year salary in 2002 was $23,300. The proposed 2019-20 salary is $36,379. She has voted to increase her base pay $13,079, a 56 percent increase. The rate of inflation for the same time frame is 40 percent.

How does this happen? The Hancock County Compensation Board is chosen by the elected class to dole out compensation packages to the very same elected class. See the problem? In fact, this is such a tight-knitted group, one member has an office literally across the street from the courthouse. We bestowed a position on HCCB to a lawyer who works for a Mason City law firm, but yet the farmers who pays thousands in property taxes acres of rural Corwith or Woden has little or no input. And I’d love to know if another member of HCCB gave out 4.5 percent raises to his bank employees this year. Banks aren’t known to overpay employees.

Don’t forget: that 4.5 percent is on the base salary. We taxpayers also have to match the income tax withholding and IPERS contributions. Truth be told the total percent increase to those of us footing the bill will be closer to 5 percent.

A simple solution: The HCCB should be chosen randomly from the township trustees. The county has 16 townships and with each having three trustees. Most importantly, they are elected by voters.

Elected class: If the job doesn’t pay enough for your talents, don’t put your name on the ballot.

Compensation Board: Represent the taxpayer and not be the union representative of the elected.

John Johnson, Britt

Letter: Plans to pay in forward in 2019

For 48 years, a nice woman has shown her love for a stranger and her grandmother by sharing the labor of her love in a handmade gift.

Christmas Eve, which getting gas in Mason City, a woman approached me with a gift. She told me a heartwarming story how she came from a large family and her grandmother made all their gifts. The grandmother was disappointed in how commercialized Christmas had become.

At the age of 11, her grandmother passed away but had asked her to share her story, and each year make a gift and present it to a stranger. In exchange for the gift was a request to make a gift and share it with a stranger the following year and tell her grandmother's story.

With the gift was a card with no name but handwritten words "Just believe" and the number 48. The gift was a beautiful hand crochet afghan, truly a labor of love.

I have shared this story with family and friends, and it has brought tears to many eyes. It made my Christmas extra special this year, and I hope my gift next year has the same effect on a total stranger.

Sheree Holstrom, Hampton

Letter: Get Mercy involved in mall project

Hello, Mason City. Has this ever crossed your mind on what to do with our mall?

What would you think if Mercy Medical Center would buy it and use it for patients, such as dermatology, cardiac rehab, Urgent Care, women's health and some of the outlying offices used by medical center currently?

There could be a pharmacy, food court and a very nice place for patients and family members to sit and relax. It would also provide a lot of parking, and it would be all under one roof.

People we really need to brainstorm and look outside the box. I just think this would also help with the small businesses uptown, as it will bring more people into that area. It's a win-win situation for Mason City. Thank You.

Orville Anderson, Mason City

Letter: Majority saw through Trump's act

Open letter to Sen. Grassley:

Your persistence at securing the federal criminal justice reform legislation has been commendable. Sadly, the federal law will have only limited impact without governors and state legislatures implementing similar reforms at the state level.

More to the point, your successful efforts on this piece of legislation are overshadowed by your continued and inexplicable support of your president.

I did not, nor did the large majority of Americans, vote for this man. We had the good sense to see what the whole world now sees as the Trump reality. There is no question that this guy is corrupt, guilty of federal and state crimes, utterly incompetent, and totally focused on using the presidency to secure his own financial and political advantages at the expense of the American people.

His sloganeering of “America First” makes me want to throw up.

Trump is the greatest threat to the security of our republic. That you continue to support this horrible human being, along with those of your Republican colleagues who have not denounced this presidency, make you and them complicit in every deplorable act that this guy perpetrates.

When in God’s name will you cease bringing shame and dishonor upon yourself? Are you so insecure in your standing with those whom you believe are the base of your supporters that you must cling to this man as though he were your baby blanket?

Grow up, sir, and do what you know is right. Demand his resignation or demand impeachment.

Steven Pokorny, Urbandale

Letter: Hypocrisy by Dems over the wall

I can’t understand Democrats refusal to adequately fund a border wall and overall border protection from undocumented immigrants.

Studies have shown, including a recent one completed by MIT-Yale University that there over 22 million undocumented immigrants living in our country.

American taxpayers foot the bill for undocumented immigrants' education, health care, welfare, to a tune of over $134 billion annually. Wow!

So asking for $5 billion in the budget to help secure the border is too much? It may be the best investment our country can make.

At what point does the United States lose its sovereignty to undocumented immigrants? Would you welcome criminals including MS-13 gang members, human traffickers, murderers, drug smugglers,...into your home? Then why should they be allowed into our country? Crazy!

We already are the most generous country in the world through our legal immigration policy, and charitable giving to impoverished nations.

The failed argument that walls don’t work by Democrats is laughable. Walls have proven to work in our country and all over the world, such as, Israel, Vatican City, prisons, celebrity and other wealthy people’s homes, and gated communities. If Nancy Pelosi continues to say that walls don’t work, she should be the first one to take down the wall that protects her home to avoid being a hypocrite.

Pat Ropella, Mason City

Letter: Agenda behind perennial letter

I see the Globe Gazette reprinted John (J. B.) Johnson’s perennial letter to the editor ("Most-read Letters to the Editor in 2018," Dec. 30). Mr. Johnson had so many misstatements it would be difficult to know where to start to dissect this propaganda document.

I challenge Mr. Johnson to back up his statements with proven written facts, not unfounded accusations. Johnson cannot and will not do this because the facts tell a whole different story. Where are the facts, J. B. Johnson? Just the facts, Mr. Johnson.

The Russians are intent on getting Americans fighting amongst ourselves, hoping we destroy ourselves from within. Keep in mind, America and local governments can be overthrown internally by misguided and uninformed individuals. Is John Johnson unwittingly an extension of the Russian plot to spread untrue statements for the purpose of us fighting and destroying what is good in America and North Iowa? Why does J. B. Johnson want to destroy what has been highly successfully working for the benefit of the property taxpayers in Winnebago and Mitchell counties? J. B. Johnson apparently has a hidden negative agenda, one he is not willing to publicly share.

For those of you who desire the facts and extensive additional information, my phone number is in the St. Ansgar phone book. I support transparency.

Stan Walk, St. Ansgar

Letter: Can't blame Trump for all 35,000

I was recently approached by a nonbeliever of our president. He informed me that he had read where Donald Trump has hired, as employees, undocumented immigrants, and he just wanted me to know that.

I spent considerable time trying to get the information that proved that to be a fact. And I did find it to be true, to the letter.

It seems that one of the employees, a lady, was working at one of the POTUS' hotels as a maid. And the second was also a lady, and she was working as an attendant in a ladies' locker room at one of the golf courses that our POTUS owns. So he does/did have undocumented immigrants working at one or more of his properties.

Not allowing myself to not get all of the information I could gather via the computer, phones, newspapers, etc., I did also discover that he either owns or has interest in very many properties, worldwide. And he has really only 30 to 40 true employees that he sees nearly every day or is in contact with nearly every day. As it became more informative, he and the many organizations that he either owns or has interest in, the total number of employees is well over 35,000. Of course, they are scattered around the world, and chances of him ever seeing or meeting the vast majority of them is too remote to even be mentionable.

Of course with that many employees, I find it quite erroneous to print that he has undocumented immigrants working for him. I find that some of the members of the press are pretty guilty of knowingly printing statements that are and were meant to be misleading, showing that they are "digging dirt" to see what they can find.

Sam Sneed, Greene

Letter: 'Conspiracy,' Bush funeral tell the GOP story

Trump is the worst and most dangerous president in modern times or longer. Christians, how can you support someone who was cheating on his third wife while his son was being born and admitted to assaulting many women. Remember the "Hollywood Tapes" and the 16 women who came forth, most credible? The same is true with his first two wives.

The Mueller investigation has already proven Trump has committed known crimes in his campaign for president. We probably don't know the extent but Bob Mueller and his team do. So far, Michael Cohen and General Flynn have pleaded guilty for crimes and are cooperating. Trump campaign chairman and Trump long-time associate, Paul Manfort, is not cooperating, but I don't think he will get pardoned.

Trump and his "deplorables" say it is all a "Democratic conspiracy." Really? Fired FBI director, James Comey, is a Republican and his replacement, deputy director Andrew McCabe, an independent who Trump also forced out. Current FBI director is Christopher Wray, a Republican. Fired deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, is a Republican, and Matt Whitaker is a Republican replacing the fired Jeff Sessions, a.k.a." Elmer Fudd," also a Republican who Trump called "Mr. Magoo." Bob Mueller, special prosecutor heading the Russia probe, is a Vietnam hero and former FBI director, also a Republican.

Shame on a GOP Congress which didn't want Trump either, but selfishly fell in line after the election knowing the potential for disaster.

I watched the entire George H.W. state funeral. What a stark contrast to how an American president should be and what we have. Maybe the most qualified ever and served honestly and for the good of the country, never for himself.

He was a patriot, war hero, exemplary family man, honest businessman and politician, all the opposite of Trump. Amen.

Steve Epperly, Mason City

Letter: Village memories of foundation

Opportunity Village is now a memory but should not be forgotten. For 47 years, it had a real impact on Clear Lake, was highly rated, had national recognition, and was widely approved for helping disabled people learn and live to make living worthwhile. Before the Village existed, most of them had no reason to get up in the morning, watching TV daily.

As one of the Village founders and also activity director in the early days, I was privileged and amazed to see lives transformed at close range. Everything was exciting, from living in their own cottage as long as they chose to a multitude of activities of their choice at the activity center.

Each had their own room at the cottage, something cherished by all; a family atmosphere prevailed. Part of the mid-morning breaks was set aside for devotions by a resident. They could not be more sincere. These early days were comparable to a honeymoon, but it lasted for years.

How did this million dollar facility spring up in rural North Iowa? Were the founders rich, brilliant people? What a foolish question!

Why the Christian emphasis? Was it because the founders were believers, because our leader was a minister, or what? Some believed the Village was God's way of answering prayers, and it was inspired by the living Jesus.

As for me, I have doubts. He did?

Bill Otterman, Clear Lake

Letter: Online, out-of-town hurts local business

Mason City no longer biggest shopping hub. With our mall empty and Shopko filing for bankruptcy, the pharmacy so far, store closing may be coming. Our choices for shopping are limited.

It's hard being in business. Too many people shop online. For the convenience and sent right to your door. Our society have gotten so lax and lazy, drive-up food lanes, online grocery delivery and the list goes on.

We the people are doing it to ourselves, putting stores out of business, plus jobs lost. Now people drive to Des Moines or Minneapolis for the day or weekend to shop and spend their money and have fun doing it. Instead of adding jobs, we're losing jobs. People drive 30-50 miles to go to work but live here.

So I may be old-fashioned, but we are hurting ourselves. I believe in shopping local and supporting hometown business.

Kay Bessman, Mason City

Letter: Keep fighting D.C. for biofuels

As a sixth-generation Iowa farmer, and past president of the National Corn Growers Association, I understand the importance of Iowa’s biofuels industry and what it means to Iowa farm families and our nation’s renewable fuel supply.

Today, we are facing many immediate issues that impact the profitability of Iowa farmers that need to be fixed. One of these concerns being the sales restriction of E15 fuel. For too long, the Environmental Protection Agency has restricted sales of E15 to only around eight-and-a-half months of the year, which has severely reduced demand for Iowa grown renewable fuels.

While President Trump has signaled he will direct the EPA to lift the sales restriction on E15, we are still waiting on the fix to be completed in Washington. Fortunately for Iowa, we have champions on this issue advocating for us. Sens. Ernst and Grassley have been on the front lines fighting for Iowa farmers and greater market access for Iowa renewable fuels.

If E15 is allowed to compete fairly, sales of the product will surge. This will help drive demand for Iowa corn and have an uplifting economic impact in rural communities throughout our state. It is important our leaders in Washington continue their efforts to secure this much-needed victory for Iowa agriculture.

Pam Johnson, Floyd

Letter: Iowa needs Medicaid to work

Medicaid makes it possible for thousands of low-income Iowans — low-income children and adults, people with disabilities and seniors — to access quality health care services without having to choose between being healthy and paying the rent.

We also know our state’s Medicaid program isn’t working as well as it should. But it has become so politicized that a productive conversation on how to fix the program is nearly impossible.

The election is over. It’s time to listen to Iowans, build on the good things Medicaid does and fix the things that aren’t working. Iowans are great problem solvers; we know how to find practical solutions.

In Cerro Gordo County, 31 percent of kids get their health insurance through Medicaid or hawk-i. Statewide, more than 550,000 Iowans are covered by Medicaid.

Child and Family Policy Center looks forward to working with Sen. Ragan and Rep. Steckman to find ways to modernize Medicaid without harming vulnerable Iowans who depend on it for their health care.

If managed care is the path Iowa takes, we should make it the best Medicaid managed care program in the country. We need Medicaid to work. It’s just too important.

Anne Discher, Des Moines

Letter: Lift up vulnerable neighbors

Many of us have experienced the chaos of the holiday season: rushing to get every gift wrapped on time, navigating large family gatherings, standing in lines and circling parking lots, and trying not to overspend.

Now imagine facing the stress of the holidays with a disability. An empty bank account. A mental illness.

As president and CEO of Lutheran Services in Iowa, one of the state’s largest human services providers, I’m reminded each day of my fellow Iowans who are struggling this time of year.

For Iowans with disabilities, confronting the bustle and crowds to shop for holiday groceries or gifts may be challenging, and large family gatherings overwhelming.

Former refugees new to our state might struggle as they adjust to a new language and climate.

Iowans facing financial hardship may find it difficult to afford gifts.

Children in foster care or residential treatment may wake up on Christmas morning away from home. Others might spend the day in shelters, waiting for a foster home to become available.

Mental illness can make many of us feel anxious, depressed, or inadequate as we juggle the expectations of the holiday season.

Volunteer at a local church or community center and serve a free holiday meal. Make a financial donation to your favorite local organization. Reach out to a loved one and ask what you can do to make their day a little better.

Let’s join together this holiday season.

John Twardos, Des Moines

Letter: We need more nurses like this

I work at a local hospital and last year I was admitted to my work place as an inpatient. I know quite a few people and have coworkers. I needed to go to Nuclear Medicine for a test. I was in my hospital gown and wheeled to Nuclear Medicine. There was a nurse who just seemed to know I was in distress although I didn't say anything. My biggest fear was my gown would pop open and I would give someone I probably knew "the full moon." The nurse instantly must have known. She said to me, "We are going to give you pants to match your gown."

Today, I saw her again, and her name is Amy Erin. I hope I'm getting that right.

She is intuitive, caring, and must be able to read minds as she certainly knew what I was thinking. The world would be a better if we had more like her. She took an awkward situation and made me laugh, and we all know "laughter is the best medicine."

Sue Stallwood, Mason City

Letter: Exciting, challenging time for mall

John Skipper: I appreciate your piece on Dec. 2 ("Can city gain public support for latest hotel proposal?"). Great journalism. I find our situation both exciting and promising. Doing nothing was certainly not the solution to Mason City's challenges.

You, as a seasoned journalist, and I know the the civic process can be like making sausage. Grinding slowly at times. Not pretty but producing an appealing, sometimes exceptional, product.

Thanks for staying in the game.

Mark Lemon, Mason City

Skipper: Can Mason City gain public support for latest hotel proposal?

I have always had the tendency of giving people the benefit of the doubt. My wife used to say it was one of my greatest strengths – and one my…

Letter: World class starts with a library

After reading the article in the Globe regarding the value of "teacher-librarians" and the quality of education in our schools ("Iowa sees drop in teacher-librarians," Dec. 4), I feel I must explain my job to the public. As a certified elementary media specialist (now retired) my program included:

1. Ordering and teaching literature that was both good and would appeal to my student population.

2. Providing specific literature that coordinated with class curricula.

3. Providing the resources and designing or assisting in class research projects.

4. Teaching students how to use indexes to find information quickly.

5. Promoting reading contests and other incentivized reading activities.

I had our art and physical education teachers using library books in their curricula. Many media specialists are called upon to assist in solving teachers' tech problems as well.

One well known elementary science book author said the quickest way to judge the overall quality of education in a school is to examine the catalog and condition of that school library. I agree.

We will not have “world class” education in Iowa (supported by helpful budgets) without good school library media programs.

Johanna Anderson, Osage

Letter: Immigration problems aren't new to us

I have no opinion regarding such craziness going on in Tijuana, so for now I'll just call it the Tijuana tango. I do think while all eyes are on the border, we should look around right here in North Iowa.

For years, illegals were smuggled through Tijuana, however they were not all Hispanic, but from the Czech Republic, Russia and Asia. They're working on pig and chicken farms, in restaurants, as cleaning crews for major retailers and cheap skilled labor. Well-knowns are profiting as are their captains, through fraud, dealing in human trafficking, drugs and scamming the elderly.

"I have no idea what this world is coming to," my mother would say while reading the news. God bless her departed soul. She'd be rolling over in her grave!

Jo Parker, Mason City

Letter: Remain active to clean Iowa's water

When it comes to Iowa's water quality problems, the elephant in the room is the multinational pork industry. Iowa's roughly 24 million hogs produce 260 million gallons of feces and urine every day. Is it any wonder that most of our water is polluted with animal waste?

By not holding the pork industry accountable, the Republican leadership in Iowa has passed the cost of cleaning up our water onto taxpayers.

Exit polls from the November election are telling, and the Iowa GOP needs to be listening:

• Iowans believe in being part of their community (i.e. local control).

• A whopping 73 percent of Iowans want the governor and Legislature to act on reducing farm pollution runoff.

• Sixty-six percent of voters indicated they would prefer funding education, infrastructure and clean water rather than getting a decrease in their taxes.

It's clear that Iowans want clean water, but the polluters should pay to clean it up.

Now that you've all voted, it is not the time to six back and relax. Now is the time to contact your elected officials tel tell them to act on cleaning up our state. There is no down time in democracy.

Pat Bowen, Iowa City

Letter: Pray to trim list of bad things

Fellow Americans: Ask yourself, what am I doing to make this a much better world? The answer is probably nothing.

I'm afraid we have many bad things going on, such as jobless; homeless; abortion; two unmarried adult people living together and messing around; stealing for any reason; war that lets the government decide to kill millions of innocent people; drug addiction; alcoholism; and persecution of Christians or Jesus' followers whom we must pray to protect.

There might be worse things, but I don't know what they are.

Now please remember, God is your real friend who cares about anything anytime. Jesus listens when you pray to him.

Mary Hoffman, Rockwell

Letter: Only invasion is shaded in blue

The "blue wave" from election day keeps getting bigger and bluer. Thirty-six House seats flipped now, and Orange County, California flipped totally blue for the first time in 70-plus years.

What happened to that "invasion" of the murderous caravan from Central America that Trump hyped out on 45 times the three weeks before election day but not one time since?

What happened to the "10 percent additional middle class tax cut" Trump promised before the election and hasn't mentioned since?

Trump has chosen arms deal money over justice in believing the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia over our own CIA on the slaughter and dismemberment of an American journalist and resident.

He has been played a fool by Kim Jung Un on nuclear disarmament, as we have discovered 16 secret silos we didn't know he had and there is no deal in writing.

Putin's election interference has been proven and agreed on by our 17 intelligence agencies, and the U.S. president does not take it seriously.

Now, we find daughter Ivanka, senior adviser to Trump, has breached security in the use of her personal email for government business just like what Hillary was accused of. This was Trump's main campaign theme against Hillary for the 2016 election.

The turbulence and drop in the stock market shows indices have lost all those big gains for the year. The 18-month investigation and evidence by the Washington Post that Trump's father was very rich, and by tax cheating schemes, siphoned $800 million to son Donald who said daddy gave him $1 million at age 30 and he paid it back with interest.

The Mueller Russia investigation will wrap up, and I'm not sure they even need Trump's testimony. If he is innocent, he should be demanding to testify.

He doesn't pass that test!

Steve Epperly, Mason City

Letter: Then-and-now headlines tell story

Top story headline in the Aug. 11 Globe Gazette: "Avenatti a hit at Democratic party fundraiser in Clear Lake."

Avenatti current headline: "Michael Avenatti arrested in LA on domestic violence charge."

From the reports, fundraisers are not the only thing he hits, as in women.

Looking forward to next year’s Democrat Wing Ding and the guest speaker. I wonder if that person will also be a big “hit” with the ladies.

John Johnson, Britt

Letter: Student clicks on the online option

With giving season upon us, I wanted to share what I’m most thankful for this year. I began attending Iowa Connections Academy virtual school in eighth grade, almost four years ago. I began in hopes of finding a school that was better suited for my learning, and I most certainly found it!

Connections Academy offers a huge variety of classes in almost any subject from photography to Spanish to classes that introduce one to the career they wish to pursue. There are also a wide variety of classes that are designed to help with preparing one for the ACT, college, or even paying taxes. In addition, the courses are offered in many levels including AP, honors, and standard. Teachers are available to help when they are needed, and many offer weekly Live Lessons via a virtual classroom.

I have been able to work at my own level and complete a lot of college credit in addition to exploring what interests me. I have had more time to discover my passions and what I wish to spend the rest of my life doing! I will always be grateful to the teachers and staff who have opened up new doors of opportunities for me and have helped me discover my dreams!

Grace Clark, Rudd

Letter: Vision, not the mall, is the problem

Oh, come on Mason City Leaders! "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!" How many times does it take for Gatehouse Capital to fool you?

I am so frustrated with the leadership of this neighboring city that I spend a lot of time in. I love Mason City and see nothing but potential every time I visit. There is no finer place in northeast Iowa than that beautiful plaza and Central Park area. So, why does it struggle to be vibrant?

You don't need to look any further than your wonderful Mason City Community Theater; the beautiful sculptures that grace the City; the Frank Lloyd Wright complex that brings visitors from the entire world; or Music Man Square to validate my vision.

No, a defunct shopping mall is not the problem.

Sound community development requires visionary, strong leaders and decision makers. It requires citizens who believe and are willing to become invested. As a former city council member and a state senator, I have seen this formula successfully implemented multiple times in communities I served.

Get with it Mason City! Tomorrow is waiting!

Betty Soukup, Clear Lake

Letter: Handle your own garbage, Minnesota

I wonder how many Iowans and our elected officials are aware that Iowa is soon to become a dumping grounds for garbage from Minnesota. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the Minneapolis suburb of Burnsville announced that they were running out of space to dump their refuse. However, waste management is working out an arrangement to solve that problem by shipping their garbage and dumping into sites in Iowa.

I can’t help but wonder if our legislators are willing to become the “go-to” garbage state for Minnesota. Why can’t they find their own site or sustainable environmental solutions instead of bringing their potential pollution problems into our state?

I think we have enough of our own problems to deal with instead of becoming the garbage state of the Midwest for other state’s problems.

What do you think Linda Upmeyer?

Robert Wolfram, Ventura

Letter: Fill in the blank to check values

Our government's only response to all these mass killings is to lower flags to half staff? Makes us all safer in the United States?

We surely wouldn't want to offend the NRA or the white supremacists. We have a president who announces several times he is a ... nationalist. The hesitation left us to fill in the blank. What do you think the message was?

Following that, several Jewish members of our country were killed. I sure would like a president who represented the welfare of all, who values lives!

Joyce Mills, Mason City

Letter: Sincerely, from 'The Rest of Iowa'

Dear Northwest Iowa, Please evolve. Sincerely, The Rest of Iowa.

Kevin Young, Sheffield

Letter: While heroes died, Trump was bowling

This Veterans Day marked the 100th anniversary of its commemoration. It is a solemn, and sacred event to honor all veterans. My uncle Albert J. Chavez served in both World War II and Korea.

He re-enlisted in the army to serve in Korea, stating he wanted to “see more of the world!” During Korea, as his unit was on patrol, they encountered a large enemy force, and after a firefight that lasted eight hours, were forced to surrender. The communists set free those who were wounded and took the healthy soldiers further north, reportedly to attend a “school on communism.”

Being a POW in North Korea had its own unique brutality. They endured forced marches in sub-zero temperatures, lengthy solitary confinement, and political “re-education.” More than 7,100 were captured, 2,700 died in captivity, and another 8,000 Americans are classified as missing in action.

My uncle died a prisoner of war from malnutrition, and dysentery. And, like many of his comrades, his body lies somewhere in North Korea to this day. Our devout mother, who is 92, still holds out hope that they will find his remains before she dies, so they can be brought home for proper burial.

Unfortunately, we have a man in the White House, who during the Republican presidential primary insulted and disparaged all POWs. In ugly and malicious rhetoric, Donald Trump proclaimed, “I like people who weren’t captured!” This disgusting and malevolent comment was from a man who received five deferments during the Vietnam War. While our soldiers were dying on the battlefield and our airmen being tortured in Hanoi, Trump was winning bowling trophies.

He has never formally apologized for this cowardly and pernicious comment. I find it truly a sad day to see this man preside over the nation’s Veterans Day tribute.

Phillip Sanchez, Mason City

Letter: Stop shooting the messengers

Congratulations and hearty thanks to all news reporting professionals for your work informing citizens of candidates and issues in the Nov. 6 elections. Your work helped result in record-setting voter turnout.

As someone who spent nearly three decades trying to provide unbiased information so that people can make good decisions about what's best for their communities, I know how hard your work is, especially nowadays when so many people's judgment is clouded from partisan intoxicants. The hen-house crap in Washington is especially disturbing.

Shooting the messenger has long been a ploy of wrongdoers, but the amount of animosity journalists face today should be alarming to every American!

Please know that the majority of us understand that you do as good a job of reporting news objectively as other professionals do at performing critical roles of their jobs.

Thank you very much for your work to help make our communities, states and countries the best they can be by identifying issues that need attention. We can't fix what we can't see or understand.

Joe Buttweiler, Mason City

Letter: Address threat of climate change

When America faces dangerous threats to our nation, races, religions, political parties, genders and people of every orientation and identity put aside labels and pull together to look out for one another. Californians are doing that now as neighbors rescue one another from fire. New Yorkers did it when planes plowed into their city.

Now is the time to show America's resolve to stop the imminent destruction of our plant from climate change. Now is the time to leave a legacy for our great grandchildren and the future: a legacy not distracted by short-term profit goals and petty squabbles but a legacy focused and unwavering on the truth that the climate is changing and carbon emissions are a significant reason for the change.

A carbon fee and dividend is a smart, balanced solution. Elegantly simple, it borrows ideas from both the traditional Democratic platform and the traditional Republican platform by using market forces to make carbon-based fuels more expensive, thus hastening our critical and inevitable shift to renewable energy. Fees charged for the carbon extraction will not be a "tax" retained to grow the government, it will be returned to you and to me, all citizens.

The climate solutions caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives is a terrific organizing opportunity for American unity on this issue as it is made up of an evenly divided number of Republicans and Democrats and a united commitment to solutions for climate change.

If our representatives are not members, we can encourage them to join. The responsibility for action to combat climate change belongs to all of us. We can join and support a solution-based group like Citizens Climate Advocates of North Iowa, write letters to our elected representatives and educate ourselves.

Unite America.

Jackie Armstrong, St. Ansgar

Letter: Make your own determination, vote

In case you missed it, John Skipper (in the Veterans' Day Sunday edition of the Globe Gazette) clearly said that all Iowans who supported Steve King are suckers.

He also obviously agrees with the "deplorables" tag that Hillary tried to hang on all Trump supporters.

John needs to understand that disagreeing with him does not make an Iowa voter a sucker. The real suckers are those listen to John or who do not vote based on their own determination of which candidate is acting in their best interest.

Thomas Frank, Mason City

Letter: Do your part to make U.S. great

With the 2018 election officially complete, we need to make a decision on how we will use our energy for the next two years. My guess is that not all of your choices were successful in their bids to serve you. So, now how will you respond to that disappointment? How will you utilize these next two years in the most effective productive way to get our country on the track that you want?

We could continue to spew out the venom of hostility, anger and negative hurtful remarks that only add to the dysfunction that seems to be our choice of action. If we are spewing out that venom, we are also opening ourselves to accepting that same spirited venom. This does nothing more than cripple our relationships with others and perpetuates that which we are deftly against.

We could focus our attention and our energy on a new visualization: A visualization of the true United States of America. When we hear the negativity out in the air, we simply smile and hold fast to our visualization, seeing the negativity as an illusion to our truth. If we continue to throw up our hands and scream out that this will never work, we lose out on the hope and the reality that was at the forefront of the quest of the United States.

I was lucky enough to observe a first grade classroom, as the teacher read from an elementary pamphlet on the formation of the U.S. and this pamphlet touched on the qualities that were shared by our forefathers. Those qualities consisted of respect for each other, caring for harmony and the good of the country, openness to others opinion. No belittling. Do you want to be great? Then choose qualities that actually made the U.S. great!

Mark Doebel, Clear Lake

Letter: Fair questions for a puzzling time

If we lose our birth right citizenship, do we have to apply for emigrate status?

Will we be allowed to vote?

And by the way, what kind of Christian is a white supremacist?

We do live in puzzling time.

Just asking.

Glen Alden, Garner

Letter: Fools' actions reveal the real threat

Forget about the threat of socialism or even communism; the real threat comes from those who want to foist idiocracy down our throats. Merriam-Webster defines idiocracy as a "form of government in which a county or territory is run by fools." And, the madness of anti-government protests have swept the country since the election of President Trump indicate that the fools are hell bent on taking over. The opposition certainly has a right to voice opinions, but only idiots would go to the extremes that the Never Trump movement has gone since Mr. Trump took office.

And if you don't think the media is wittingly or unwittingly culpable in distorting the truth in order to promote a brand new brand of socialist anarchy, think again.

Instead of reporting the facts of a news story the way a reporter with integrity used to do in day, they prefer to put a spin on their reportage. And, more likely than not, the will spin the fact to suit ideologically liberal notions of how things should be. It's about opinion disguising itself as news, not from a rogue website on the internet, but from CBC, ABC, NBC, CNN, New York Times and the Washington Post. Watching the network news at 5:30 has become laughable. Idiocracy, indeed!

Bill White, Mason City

Letter: Value found in solid, truthful story

RE the Sunday, Nov. 4 article in the Celebrations section: "Defining extraordinary parents." Thank you for printing the article by John Rosemond.

I wish everyone had the opportunity to read it and to know and understand that it is an absolute truth. Not just truth as we see it, nor truth as we wish it to be – just absolute, solid, factual truth.

Louise Nath, Forest City

Letter: Future demands CAFO moratorium

Factory farms have become a hot topic in Iowa. With over 10,000 factory farms in the state, it makes sense that we would be talking about them. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released a new figure estimating that there are 23.6 million hogs in Iowa, which is a 4 percent increase since 2017. These factory farms produce 380 billion pounds of manure annually. This volume of manure — about 14.6 million cubic feet — would fill Iowa’s tallest building, the Principal Building in Des Moines, 2.3 times every day. When is enough enough?

We do not need to be producing this much meat. Iowans aren’t consuming all of it. In fact, Americans aren’t even consuming most of it. In 2015, Japan was the leading export market for Iowa’s pork. Iowans get the pollution, and factory farm corporations get the profits. With over 750 impaired waterways (mostly as a result of industrial agriculture), failing rural economies, and rising toxic air pollution, factory farms are not worth it. Yet, we’re adding 300 to 600 new factory farms annually.

Food & Water Watch and Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement are calling for a moratorium on all new and expanding factory farms. The industry isn’t going to fix itself, and it’s clear Iowa DNR has no interest in enforcing our environmental laws or appropriately regulating factory farms. We need bold action and we need it now.

Elected officials and candidates are beginning to take note. Now is the time to step up and talk to your county supervisors and your legislators. Call, email, and attend forums. Ask them to support a moratorium on factory farms. Our water, our air, our health, and our rural communities depend on it.

Emma Schmit, Rockwell City

Letter: Bring back straight-ticket vote

I was disappointed when, filling out my midterm election, absentee ballot I discovered straight ticket votes were suddenly outlawed. I just knew some politicians saw an advantage in this ploy.

Sure enough, the GOP railroaded it through for any obscure help it may hand their candidates. Another heavy-handed, solution to a non-problem to voting regulations already riddled by Republican complications.

Then I read that the ruse might favor some Democrat candidates, and I had to laugh as I recall how the GOP voted in the law that allowed added terms to the two-term limit then in effect, the law that gave FDR a lifetime tenure as president.

Be careful as you scheme, they may backfire.

Lois Reinsmoen, Manly