It’s Friday, Mar. 28, 2025.

🗣️ TGIF: Time for the Reader Sound-Off, where we share some of the feedback you all have sent me directly.

 

But before I do, I wanted to thank you all for your donations to our fundraising drive!

 

We had hoped to raise $2,000 from 55 Iowans (or folks who love Iowa from afar!) by the end of the month. And, in less than two weeks, an amazing 91 of you have given $3,619.87!

 

We’re so touched by your generosity and your unwavering support of no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is journalism in Iowa. Zachary, Avery, and I deeply thank you for that.

 

Now let’s get to your letters!

Readers are invited to add to the conversation by emailing responses@iowastartingline.com. Please include your first name and last initial. You may also want to include your city, but that’s up to you.

Last week, we asked: What comes to mind when you think of spring in Iowa?

• “I think of all the [flower emojis] and the returning [bird emojis].” ~Michele S., Spencer.

• “Mainly the crocuses, tulips, and other spring flowers blooming.” ~Clare S.

• “The festive yellow daffodil blossoms. It is like a celebration of the beginning of spring!” ~Steve H.

This week’s question: Have you been to a recent town hall, or “empty chair” town hall? What was your experience like?

But what did he say?

• “While I appreciated learning that some of Senator Grassley’s constituents weren’t happy about specific actions taken by the current administration and DOGE, I would have appreciated reading Grassley’s responses to those questions as much if not more. Did he not respond? Did he walk out? I suspect I’m not the only reader who’d have liked to have the whole story.” ~Hal D.
  (NOTE: I never made it out of the overflow room, but most other press there didn’t mention many of his replies. There’s one here, where he agrees President Donald Trump “is not above the law,” and some remarks here.)

Tell them what they don’t want to hear:

• “I just came across this ‘government’ website from the U.S. Dept. of Education to report meaningful learning ‘free of indoctrination.’ The State of Iowa messing with curriculum to make it all straight and white should be reported. I wonder if your mouthpiece might dig into this so people might flood these idiots with complaints about places where learning is burdened by divisive ideologies and indoctrination.   https://enddei.ed.gov/” ~Shirley W., Cedar Falls
  
  (NOTE: Per that form, which is indeed a real government form, “This submission form is an outlet for students, parents, teachers, and the broader community to report illegal discriminatory practices at institutions of learning. The Department of Education will utilize community submissions to identify potential areas for investigation.”)

What to do about all this:

• “We need anarchy, it puts everyone in [sync].” ~John E.

Why we have a New York address:

• “Not sure how you claim to be for Iowa when your mailing address is NYC in the Communist Commonwealth of New York.” ~Claudia C.
  (NOTE: That’s just where you send the checks. That money does get back to us—and we’re all still living in Iowa!)

More reporters please:

• “Thanks to you and the staff for your great reporting! Any plans to add a reporter in Southwest Iowa? We really could use one here.” ~Laura S. (NOTE: We would LOVE to do so. Until they approve that, please do send us any and all story ideas from there!)

Union contract negotiating advice:

• “Congrats on being represented! My advice is know your rights and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also, trust your Union Rep, he/she is trying to get you the best deal possible.” ~Adam S.
  

On the rushed passing of an anti-apprenticeship bill:

• “A few years ago, Governor Reynolds was in favor of apprenticeships with job training programs offered in the state. This is definitely a setback.” ~Steve N.

• “Not an apprenticeship myself but our grandson lives with us. He’s a high school senior and had planned to apply for an HVAC apprenticeship with a union. But then he started a work experience through school this semester with a local plumbing and heating business. The owner has convinced him to stay with him instead for an apprenticeship and he would help him get all the certifications and classes and everything it takes to be fully credentialed. Our grandson has decided to do that because then he can still live with us for a while and save some money, buy a better car, and be near other family and his friends. It’s a huge advantage to keep that talent in our small rural towns. And to keep someone interested in investing in our small towns here. … Apprenticeships keep people like him in our small towns. And keep rural Iowa alive.” ~Jackie C.

• “Union carpenter. This bill is bullshit. Kim Reynolds is the worst ass kisser.” ~Kirt K.

On this Positively Iowa story:

• “Loved the story about the young mother being accompanied by 100 witness/supporters, the same kind of folks Jewish people call ‘the righteous ones,’ ‘righteous’ meaning keeping/restoring right relationships! Bravo!!!!” ~Greg C.

• “Thank goodness we have people who care and show up!” ~Donna N.

• “If they’re here illegally, then send then back and give the job to an American.” ~Pam W.
  (NOTE: She is here legally.)

More YouTube please:

• “It would be awesome to see these videos on YouTube as well! The Grassley clips are awesome.” ~David Z.
  (NOTE: Working on it!)

DNA test advice:

• “Did you use 23andMe for that ancestry test? And if so, did you hear they’re going bankrupt and you need to tell them not to sell your frickin’ genetic data?” ~Alan S.

Reader love:

• “I just want to say how much I sincerely appreciate all the hard work you all are doing especially in these trying times for local journalism. I completely agree that where there’s a news desert, misinformation thrives, and corruption goes unchecked. I’m sending a small donation for now, it’s not much but it’s coming from the heart. I am happy to contribute in any way I can to support you all and the important work you are doing for us, your public, and to help ensure that the work you’re doing continues. Thank you for everything you do!” ~Vikki B.
  
  (NOTE: ❤️ )

Lot to unpack here:

• “Schools should be state controlled! Federal government has no business sticking their noses in schools. I’m so glad President Trump took care of this issue. Now maybe kids can learn the basics, like reading and math where now most schools are failing our children in these areas instead teaching woke bs, transgender crap and lying to parents about gender preference it’s all bullshit!” ~Luanna C.

Letter of the Week: Rep. Dean Fisher is wrong

• “I was disappointed to see Representative [Dean] Fisher’s letter to the editor using fear to criticize his constituents who wanted to protect the funding of local libraries. 

   

  The bill he advocates for wants to bully local libraries into dropping membership in the American Library Association and the Iowa Library Association by cutting off their funding if they pay dues to those organizations. I suspect they pay the dues because they believe they will gain benefits in terms of shared expertise and advocacy. 

   

  I find particularly offensive his invocation of ‘Iowa values.’ The ALA’s basic principles were codified ninety years ago by an Iowa librarian, Forest Spaulding. The current ALA president is an Iowa librarian. As an Iowa historian, I can attest to the Iowa values of toleration, respect, and the value of education. We may not agree with you, but that doesn’t give us the right to cut off your funding—that’s more of an Iowa value than the one Rep. Fisher touts.

   

  In the 1990’s, Republicans criticized ‘the nanny state.’ But now that they are in charge in Iowa, they seem to be not only nannies, but doctors, teachers, librarians, and bedroom monitors. 

   

  I take heart that Rep. Fisher’s constituents are more alarmed at the threat to our libraries than he is, for ultimately, in a democracy, the power lies with the people.” ~Bill D., Clutier

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