Opinion

There are some people who find the need to comment on everything. Things of importance and things of little significance. It doesn’t matter as long as the world has a chance to hear what they have to say, constructive or more-often-than-not, destructive. ...

Let’s talk about masks. As the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic stretches on, with accelerating case counts around the U.S. and the death toll rising above 128,000 in this country, it seems unthinkable that the request of citizens to wear masks when out in public elicits such strong negative responses among a disturbingly-large segment of the population...

As we prepare to enjoy Fourth of July week and upcoming celebrations in our beautiful Iowa Great Lakes region, we wish to remind you that Independence Day is founded on sacrifices, which includes a history of Americans giving up personal comforts to enhance wellbeing for all...

DES MOINES — As the 88th General Assembly of the Iowa Legislature drew to a close, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig reflected on key policies passed this year. “This year’s legislative session was unlike any other in the past century due to the pandemic,” Naig said. “I appreciate the work of the Legislature to push several priorities across the finish line with bipartisan support.”...

When the world is hot and my skin is fried, scratching from the constant dry, let the clouds boil up, boil up high. And then shade the earth with the darkening sky and bring the secrets and the smell of rain. The coolness and the blessed rain, again...

The Legislature adjourned for the year on Sunday, June 14. This year’s session was definitely different than previous years. While we didn't get to all the legislation we wanted, we were still able to accomplish a lot in the time we did have. Before we paused the session in March, the Senate passed legislation to lower barriers to some professions, and bring unemployed people back into our workforce and encourage them to build careers for themselves. ...

As a country, we have witnessed astounding acts of injustice. We saw the cruelty of police officers who misused their authority to take the life of George Floyd. In response, we watched the looting, rioting, and burning of our cities. Over 700 police officers were injured, some killed. Huge numbers of police were defunded in order to weaken their ability to provide law, order, and protection...

We are still the world's only superpower but in the past few years we have pulled back from our previous role as leader of the global order to an “American First” geopolitical strategy. Our old allies in the previous global order are alarmed with us saying that they no longer recognize us. ...

It only seems fitting that my Father's Day tribute comes late. After all, if you know my dad, you know that "on time" is a fluid concept of which he has very little familiarity. Memories of our gang of nine sliding into church pews as the minister began his announcements are pretty vivid to me. ...

Having just celebrated Father’s Day on Sunday, I am reminded of just how hard, rewarding and important being a father is. Probably much more difficult is being a mother but I can’t speak to that particular condition with any sense of practical experience, so I’ll just “stick to my lane” as they say...

It only takes a minute or so to sing the national anthem. That said, a minute of silence to reflect on the struggles of oppressed people is not out of line at a major sporting event. Instead of disrespecting those who prefer to stand tall when the national anthem is sung, why not take a knee to reflect in silence, after we stand, place our hand over our heart and sing out proudly? Both gestures have meaning, neither is offensive. ...

As I write this, Major League Baseball is about to shoot itself in the foot by canceling the 2020 season, maybe. To a whole bunch of people, baseball (sports in general) matters a great deal. Do we say "essential"? Well, that depends on whether you are looking at it from the perspective of an owner, a player, a team, a vendor or a fan. ...

Writers of letters to the editor near and far, lost a friend and mentor June 10, with the passing of Jerry Crew. It would be fair to say that when it came to the outspoken Mr. Crew, you either loved him or you didn't. It was easy to do either! You never had to wonder where you stood with Jerry. ...

During this past week, Randy Feenstra and the Iowa state Senate passed a bill to suppress the vote and prevent Secretary of State Paul Pate from proactively mailing absentee ballot request forms to registered Iowa voters. This bill not only stifles the voice of Iowans, it forces them to make the choice between their right to vote, but also their health safety...

Last Tuesday morning a young man, who is part of our church family, private messaged me on Facebook saying, "I know you and Tom are on your way out of our community, but I think you have a strong sense of care and love for it and it has always been exhibited. ...