Category: Iowa Daily Democrat

Many years ago, I believe it was Marv Selden, the comptroller under Governor Bob Ray, who said it first (although many others have said it since), the cover up of a bad event is always worse than the event itself. A woman has come forward toward the end of Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee. She is accusing Judge Kavnaugh, who is seeking a seat on United States Supreme Court, of improper sexual conduct while attending a private high school. Let’s assume for a minute that the circumstances described by Dr. Ford, 30 plus years ago, was […]

The Republican Party has been extremely effective in convincing their base that climate change isn’t real. By attacking basic scientific research, they have put facts and truth at risk. They have convinced their followers that science can’t be trusted because it is controlled by liberals and leftist research institutions. But the scientific community is being joined by a new ally in warning the world about the dire consequences of climate change. The world’s insurance industry is joining the climate concern chorus by warning that extreme weather events are threatening their industry economically. It will be considerably more difficult for Republican […]

Some of the most stressful memories I have of my school days involve the words, “We’re going to have a pop quiz today.” Don’t panic, but there’s a pop quiz today. Here goes: CASE STUDY 1: The Iowa Code says all nomination papers for the primary election for state and federal offices must be submitted to the secretary of state’s office by 5 p.m. on the 81st day before the primary election. What happens if a candidate fails to gather enough signatures on the nomination papers and get the papers submitted by 5 p.m.? Don’t cheat by Googling “Ron Corbett,” a […]

Any reasonable person would likely look at the continuing Medicaid privatization scandal and question why Governor Kim Reynolds has refused to admit failure. Iowa’s Medicaid program has been in crisis ever since it began in 2016, and every indication suggests it is worsening. Each week brings another new story of clients whose care is being denied, their benefits reduced or their services cut. Providers can’t get paid, their reimbursement rates are cut without explanation and some are simply unable to remain in business. The fact remains that privatization isn’t saving Iowans any money. So why does Reynolds continue to say […]

With the exception of the agricultural sector, Iowa’s economy is doing very well as evidenced by an extremely low unemployment rate of 2.6%. The stock market is booming due to increasing corporate profits, yet Iowa employees’ wages and salaries are stagnant. Factoring in inflation, Iowans are seeing their net wage increases consumed. Iowans at the lowest income levels are actually seeing a decline in their incomes due to inflation. Both the Republican federal and state tax cuts are benefiting the rich and corporations, but for the majority of Americans the GOP promises have failed miserably. Republicans are boasting about the […]

Most Iowans are pretty frugal. They don’t waste their money. They especially don’t like it when they believe government officials fritter away our tax money. That’s why I think many people in Iowa are not familiar with the case of Chris Godfrey. Otherwise, if they were truly informed about what has occurred in the past six and a half years, I am convinced they would be steamed about the decision and actions of Terry Branstad and Kim Reynolds when they were governor and lieutenant governor. Follow along and see if you think I am off base. See if you agree […]

It’s rare for a national company selling consumer products to take a stand on a controversial political issue. Generally, they would remain neutral, fearing that taking a political position would hurt sales with the consumers that support the opposing position. Nike boldly ignored that conventional advertising rule by making the former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick the voice and face of their latest “Just Do It” commercial. In August 2016, Kaepernick refused to stand for the anthem and chose to kneel to protest racial injustice and police brutality. Kaepernick was blacklisted by the NFL for leading the “take a knee” protest […]

For some time my spouse has attempted to convince me that the President’s crazy positions, comments, tweets and other irrational behaviors are, in large part, based upon a form of dementia. A little context is needed as to why I believe her. In 2014, a Mayo Clinic Neurologist in Rochester Minnesota, diagnosed me with Vascular Dementia. A few years later, another Neurologist mentioned  “Mild Cognitive Impairment” and finally a third confirmed Alzheimer’s. My spouse has been living with my disease as well and has followed the impact it has had on my life. Until a few years ago I was […]

Distraction appears to be a main focus so far in the race for Iowa governor. Election Day is two months away. The decision Iowans make on Nov. 6 will be an important factor in where our state is headed. But instead of having a full and frank debate over important issues and ideas that will shape Iowa’s future, Gov. Kim Reynolds and, to a lesser extent, Fred Hubbell are allowing the race to revolve around sideshow issues. Last week, it was Hubbell’s inadequate disclosure of his income tax returns. Releasing only a few pages served to guarantee that there will […]