Readers sound off on Iowa issues: June 2, 2026
Voting in the primary:
“Already voted early since I am working the polls on June 2nd.” — Clare L.
New SNAP restriction law in Iowa:
“I’ve been a Republican all of my voting years. I find the MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN rather hypocritical. We see the President eating fast food, sucking down soda pop, and eating very poorly, yet he sits and says American people on SNAP are causing a drain on medical costs due to their unhealthy eating habits.
My questions:
- Are poor people the only ones who are causing obesity in America?
2. The complaint has been that taxpayers shouldn’t have to provide unhealthy food to persons on SNAP, but the American people pay salaries to elected officials and the President, yet they are not told what they can and cannot buy. Shouldn’t everyone have to abide by the same rules? What makes them better than someone receiving government assistance?
3. Shouldn’t all public officials, elected individuals lead by example? I agree pop/ sodas and candy may not be the healthiest, but I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want a treat sometime.
4. Isn’t it discrimination to single out SNAP/Medicaid recipients and accuse them of causing the health crisis in America? If they really want to make AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN, stop the production of all unhealthy foods in the stores, including processed food, high-fat content food, fatty meat, candy, pop etc. If they took everything out of the stores that was unhealthy, there would be no stores. Take a mental check list of everything you buy: how many items would be considered healthy?
5. Any food can become unhealthy if it’s not eaten in moderation.
6. America would be bankrupt if they took all unhealthy foods out of grocery store – farmers, factories that produce canned foods, truckers that deliver it. Think about the end result of eating only what is deemed healthy. [There would] be a lot of bankruptcy, widespread unemployment, deaths, and the ultimate outcome is more people on government assistance.
That’s not counting all the people who are allergic to some healthy foods. Myself for example can’t eat or drink dairy, whole grains cause me to be unable to breathe, many dye enhancers I can’t have, even organic foods pose risk because of how they are handled [and] shipped.
So if the President & RFK think [they’re] stopping poor people from draining the economy they need to look within themselves.” — Timmie N.
“As for SNAP helping individuals make healthier food choices, I agree with that. I have worked in welfare for 20 yrs, I’m retired. I have a different view of stuff. Now one thing is, if [RFK Jr.] wants families to eat healthier then Federal needs to raise the food allowance based on 2026, not 1976. Cost of living is much higher then it was in the ’70s. So healthier food sometimes is not easier to access when you have four kids.
I agree with healthier because the rise of obesity, cancer, allergies, and many other health issues can be traced back to the food we eat. It’s no surprise why America is becoming sicker; its because of the chemicals in our food that we consume. When you are on the lower end of the income scale, the crap food is what’s easy. I know, I was obese. I ate it because I raised a special needs daughter alone. I would have LOVED to have access to SNAP.
I will tell you, as someone who went thru the stages of weight, the bigger I became the lazier I got because the food poisoned me—causing a whole bunch of health issues that became so out of control that I am now physically and mentally disabled. It also makes you feel absolutely worthless. …
Even though [I’m] retired, I am a caregiver for my adult disabled cousin who was on SNAP. He only bought crap food and now I have to worry about his health and take him to doc appointments because his BP [and] cholesterol are so high and has to wear a mask to sleep. He is morbidly obese and it scares me. I worry every day I’m going to lose him. …
It used to be people didn’t need to worry about their next meal. Now people are worried about what soda they can’t have. We as a nation need to get back to helping each other be the best version of themselves.” — Mel P.
New reader feedback:
“I wish they could cancel you Amie. Disgusting that you represent a company and talk like that.” — Marcia O.
“You sure picked the wrong person to send this too. I’m pro LE, pro I.C.E., pro Trump!” — Jim E.
“I stand with ICE, u liberals r just stirring up trouble. [You’re] some horrible people. I work at the tracks with a lot of [undocumented immigrants]. No one’s bothering them n they r well [taken] care of, but if they have done drug, sexual crimes they’re deported, which they should be. We have to protect r people. You guys just want to be violent. But thanks for the list of rallies, I’ll sure make sure Trump supporters show up. Lol.” — Avery K.
“I support President Donald Trump and I.C.E efforts to deport [undocumented] immigrants. They have broken the law, they should be deported. We need to continue in the President’s plan to stop corruption/theft of taxpayer dollars and people who break our laws.” — Linda A.
“Why am I getting this?” — Joseph E.
Book recommendation:
“‘Stones Still Speak: How Biblical Archaeology Illuminates the Stories You Thought You Knew,’ by Amanda Hope Haley.
The book really opens your mind to various Bible stories and breaks it down as to what is historical, what books or events are allegories in the Bible that are there to teach us a lesson, how some traditions got started, and what we read between the lines that are not correct.
I highly recommend this book as it opened my eyes to even the translations of words from Hebrew or Greek and their meanings.” — Coleen G.
New organization starting up:
“[There is] a national virtual intergenerational teach-in sponsored by Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom US Section. The title of the training is “AUTHORITARIANISM & ANTIDOTES.” It’s at 3-4:15 p.m. on June 7.
We have a branch in Des Moines, and we’re trying to start one along the Corridor in eastern Iowa. Thanks for helping to get the word out.” — Marybeth G., Iowa City
