Iowa Starting Line reader letters to the editor, Nov. 10, 2026:
Note: Reader submissions may have been lightly edited for length, clarity, language, and consistency with our editorial style.
Deere closing 2 Iowa plants:
“I hope you didn’t miss the fact that John Deere also recently announced they are donating $13 million to a ‘farm to food bank’ initiative, where approximately 100 more Iowa farms will be able to supply food banks with food. ‘Choose Iowa’ made $200,000 available for a similar program last year (a pittance!!).
Is it just coincidence that you close plants while getting the good kudos for donating a lot of money? But is it also that they are growing their business in the smaller farm sector while big farm sales are down?” Beth H.
Grassley needs to fight Trump’s corruption:
“[US Sen. Chuck] Grassley built his reputation investigating Pentagon waste and defending whistleblowers. Where is that determination to hold the president, his family and political allies accountable? …
For decades, Grassley warned that federal debt mortgaged our children’s future. Yet he supported Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, projected to add trillions to the debt. What happened to fiscal responsibility?
Meanwhile, the extraordinary has become ordinary: a Qatari luxury jet, UFC fights at the White House, a lavish ballroom and presidential merchandise. …
Our democracy depends on independent courts, congressional oversight and elected officials willing to act despite political consequences. Grassley once understood. His investigations and defense of whistleblowers showed that accountability could transcend party loyalty. Why should those standards disappear when Republicans control the White House?
The problem isn’t simply Donald Trump. It’s senators surrendering their independence rather than confronting their president. When keeping office matters more than doing what’s right, democracy suffers.
Grassley’s public service may ultimately be overshadowed by his unwillingness to defend the institutions he once championed. Or perhaps he’ll be remembered for Beth, his longtime vacuum cleaner, whose death he publicly mourned.
If Senator Grassley should learn one lesson from Beth, it’s this: Beth did her job. Unfortunately, Senator Grassley has not done his.” Dale Todd, Cedar Rapids City Council member, District 3
Upcoming event:
“I will be speaking Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Grout Museum, 503 South St., Waterloo, in conjunction with my book tour for “The People Are Kind: A Religious History of Iowa.” The talk is scheduled for 7 p.m. and is sponsored by the Cedar Valley Historical Society. I believe they charge a small admission fee to help support their work.” Bill D.
Subscription fee?
“Is there a fee for your newsletter? If so please cancel my subscription immediately as I do not want to receive any charges.” Terry C. [NOTE: Nope, it’s free!]
Thanks:
“I was a friend of your mom’s all through West High, and beyond. (I still can’t believe she’s gone.) How are your dad and brother doing? Just wanted to say how thrilled I am, to see you as Editor of Iowa Starting Line, knowing how much Kay loved the written word. Hence, I started my $5/mo subscription. Keep up the good work!” Sue H.
“Your work [is] very special. I’m again proud to say I was born and raised in Iowa, even though I don’t live there anymore. You rock!” Nyla J.
Election frustration:
“Well it appears Iowa really F—ED UP!!!” Tom T.
“It is a very sad day for America! Too many stupid people voting.” Ronda B.
