| The
Last Lion
Kudos to Doug Burns for his recent cover story
about Sen. Harkin (“The Last Lion,” July 26).
Iowans don’t realize what a gem they have in
the U.S. Senate in Sen. Harkin. He represents
us liberal progressive Iowans well. I pick up
a copy of Cityview each week because I enjoy
reading the articles by Doug Burns. Keep up
the good work, Doug! Any political aspirations?
Gary Schmidt
Ankeny
What this veteran wants in a Commander-in-Chief
I have read about the reasons that Mitt Romney
did NOT serve in the military during the Vietnam
conflict. He used his Mormon religion to obtain
conscientious objector status.
So, did he serve in a non-combat role to support
his peers who were fighting? NO! He went to
France to convert the heathen to Mormonism!
While his peers were sloshing through rice paddies
and dodging bullets. He was enjoying the good
life in France.
These are not the traits that I want in a future
Commander-in-Chief!
Gary M. Thelen
West Des Moines
Stimulus monies
If my memory hasn’t failed me, I remember the
Bush stimulus money went to large banks and
loan companies. As of this date, none of the
money has been paid back. The Obama monies went
to manufacturing companies, namely automakers.
As of this date, much of the money has been
repaid with interest.
Whose ads do you believe?
Paul Ehlert
Carlisle
Wind energy might not be the answer
Mitt Romney’s recently announced opposition
to the renewal of a $1.6 billion wind energy
tax credit affirms his commitment to free market
principles. This is a refreshing step toward
shaking up the status quo in Washington and
standing against the government’s bad habit
of abusing taxpayer dollars (e.g., Solyndra).
There are many good things to be said about
wind energy, and it may prove itself to be a
significant producer of electricity in the future.
However, the industry’s dependence upon subsidies
for survival is troublesome, and I see no indication
that it plans to wean itself from government
support and become self-sustaining.
In the private sector, entrepreneurs are held
accountable for increased growth, controlling
expenses, generating a profit and achieving
results. With fewer and fewer taxpayers to fill
the coffers, the reality is that we must begin
to apply these basic private sector business
principles to industries receiving taxpayer
dollars and look for a return on our investments.
Mitt Romney knows that competition makes everyone
better. If wind energy is a premier source of
electricity, it should be able to compete and
sustain itself without government intervention.
Sharon DeMers
Ankeny | 
