‘Laziest hit piece I’ve ever seen’

First, why does Cityview continue to print the political pabulum running from the pen of “fourth-generation Iowa newspaperman” Douglas Burns? His recent interview with Vice President Joe Biden’s son Beau was the laziest hit piece I’ve ever seen (Political Mercury, Aug. 23). I believe Mr. Burns’ great-grandparents are scratching their heads wondering how their vaunted industry has become the landing pad for such crap journalism from one of their own.

Second, Mark Challis (“Windy Responses,” Your View, Aug. 23) tries to highlight the vast difference in government subsidies between the oil industry, $4 billion, and wind power, $1.6 billion. Problem is, he’s comparing apples to oranges. Oil produces 1.847 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year. Wind power produces 47 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. Do the math, and see where the American taxpayer is getting the most bang for the buck. It’s simple division.

Dean Weitenhagen

Des Moines

Is Ryan running for his own ‘self interest?’

Douglas Burns brings up a worthy subject when he questions Paul Ryan’s seemingly irreconcilable religious perspectives — is he Atheist? (Political Mercury, Aug. 30). His comment about “all that brother’s keeper business from church” points out the disparity between being a follower of the teachings of Jesus Christ and all the compassion that entails. Being a disciple of Ayn Rand and a committed believer, Ryan’s “highest moral purpose in life” is the “pursuit of his own rational self interest.” Burns points out how serious Christians should ponder the implications, but I think all potential Ryan supporters should ponder a greater question: If Ayn Rand’s beliefs were “the reason he became involved in public service,” what does that say about him? That “self interest” inspired him to politics? Like the religious question, you can’t serve two masters: “public service” and “rational self interest.” He’s not there to serve us.

Mike Baldus

Des Moines

CORRECTIONS:

The Repertory Theater’s production “Sense and Sensibility” is directed by Brad Dell. His name was misspelled as “Dale” (Center Stage, Sept. 6). We regret this error.

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