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Current Topics & Comments

walter shotwell column on talk radio
Hey wow, what a great idea, more government involved in private industry. That's what we need. I know, how about we get rid of all these private media outlets and just have government run news outlets that can protect us from the poison spewing out of our radios and televisions. The difference between normal people and loony liberals is that when we hear something on the radio we don't like we turn the station, not cry to government to mandate private radio stations to give equal time to opinions of their liking. Hey I know a place you can go and fit right in. Communist China. This guy is truly off his rocker; in the same article he talks about media outlets being able to use their own judgment but also demands FCC intervention? As much as this guy annoys me I would never ask Cityview not to publish him because it's their choice what they want to put in their publication. Just like It's my choice if I feel the writers are so bad that I couldn't stand to open another issue of Cityview. But having the Government step in to tell businesses how they may operate is a dangerous path. Don't we have enough of that yet? The power to choose, the power of choice. Power to the people. Not the government.

Shotwell's Schizophrenia
Walt Shotwell's current column is either an example of schizophrenia or dementia. One minute he says a satisfying reward of the presidential election is how little influence was wielded by conservative talk-show hosts, the next he says the FCC should come down on them for their "misinformation." Meanwhile, Shotwell got it wrong when he claimed Obama's aunt lives in Chicago (its Boston). Thanks for the misinformation, Walt. Then Shotwell draws a truly bizarre conclusion that KCCI's excellent TELEVISION ratings are due to the fact that WHO RADIO has Limbaugh in their lineup. Huh??? How does he explain FOX's conservative format's success? He also whines about the Register publishing Cal Thomas. As Wikipedia correctly notes "Editorially, the Register has long supported the Democratic Party and liberal causes. This dates at least to the days of the Cowles' ownership; many family members held high posts in Democratic presidential administrations." Cal Thomas is the Republican equivalent of FOX's Alan Combs, so it's no wonder the Register's token conservative voice is Thomas. A study by the Project for Excellence in Journalism found that from June 9, when Clinton dropped out of the race, until Nov. 2, 66 percent of the campaign stories were about Obama compared with 53 percent for McCain; some stories featured both. The project also calculated that in that time, 57 percent of the stories were about the horse race and 13 percent were about issues. When the Washington Post ombudsman, examined the results of her paper's coverage she concluded "Obama deserved tougher scrutiny than he got, especially of his undergraduate years, his start in Chicago and his relationship with "Tony" Rezko, who was convicted this year of influence-peddling in Chicago. The Post did nothing on Obama's acknowledged drug use as a teenager." Apparently Demaosaurs, like Shotwell, who made a career working for one of the most liberal papers in the country, eventually believe their own BS. If he wants to clean up the media, he should start with his in own backyard.

possible story idea
Occasionally CITYVIEW wanders afield and does a small-town story. If that is contemplated again, I'd suggest looking at the proposed huge coal pile next to Nevada, Iowa, and how it has started a small local war. It's a classic tale of how small towns are sometimes targeted for LULUs (Locally Unwanted Land Uses), and how those towns sometimes aren't really set up to make orderly decisions.

Vilsack as ag secretary
Environmentalists helped elect Obama. And at a time when the environmental problems caused by big ag are growing, Vilsack's environmental record is mediocre at best. That probably suits the Farm Bureau just fine. But Obama had better compensate with a really good EPA appointment if he's going to put Vilsack in charge of Ag.

walt shotwells column
Shotwell cracks me up, he's all for freedom of speech, as long as said speech lines up with his views.

walter shotwell column on talk radio
Walter Shotwell, an outstanding newspaper reporter and columnist, has nailed one of the worst abuses of the news media during the past election. Namely, that demagogues such as Limbaugh, Inghram, and O'Reilly are given air space to spout poison without the stations who run their drivel being required to give time for factual responses. Shotwell described the media disfunction that drove my wife and I only to watch tv election news either on public television or on C-Span.

Choosing Sides
Win Some, Lose Some Our country and states have forged a new path away from racial bigotry of old. Granted it is a start, but the new trail has been established. Next are two even larger, deeply grained prejudices that need to be tanked. Religious and sexual discrimination. The notion of not mixing religion and politics is great. But, tell an admitted Republican you are a Democrat and you are labeled as a liberal, morally inept individual who loves socialism. Pick a female VP candidate and the biggest news makers are her wardrobe, glasses, "she's hot, and gets a little bitchy. Religious dogma has got to do - I think that that has to go first before the sexual one can. Monotheist religions inherently think men are better and women are "original sin". I will bawl with joy like Oprah if I live to see the day.

Iowa Blue
Dear Red States: We've decided we're leaving. We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue States with us. In case you aren't aware, that includes California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and all the Northeast along with the District of Columbia. We will be generous and cede DC to you so you can keep it as your capital. We believe this split will be beneficial to the nation, and especially to the people of the new country of New California. To sum up briefly: You get Texas, Oklahoma and all the slave states. We get stem cell research and most of the best beaches. We get the Statue of Liberty. You get Dollywood. We get Intel and Microsoft. You get WorldCom. We get Harvard. You get Ole' Miss. We get 85 percent of America's venture capital and entrepreneurs. You get Alabama. We get two-thirds of federal tax revenue, you get to make the red states pay their fair share. Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22 percent lower than the Christian Coalition's, we get a bunch of happy families. You get a bunch of single moms. Please be aware that Nuevo California will be pro-choice and anti war, and we're going to want all our citizens back from Iraq at once. If you need people to fight, ask your evangelicals. They have kids they're apparently willing to send to their deaths for no purpose, and they don't care if you don't show pictures of their children's caskets coming home. We do wish you success in Iraq , and hope that the? WMDs turn up, but we're not willing to spend our resources in Bush's Quagmire. With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80 percent of the country's fresh water, more than 90 percent of the pineapple and lettuce, 92 percent of the nation's fresh fruit, 95 percent of America's quality wines, 90 percent of all cheese, 90 percent of the high tech industry, most of the U.S. low-sulfur coal, all living redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy and Seven Sister schools plus Stanford, Cal Tech and MIT. With the Red States, on the other hand, you will have to cope with 88 percent of all obese Americans (and their projected health care costs), 92 percent of all U.S. mosquitoes, nearly 100 percent of the tornadoes, 90 percent of the hurricanes, 99 percent of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100 percent of all televangelists, Rush Limbaugh, Bob Jones University and Clemson. We get Hollywood and Yosemite, thank you. Additionally, 38 percent of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale, 62 percent believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the war, the death penalty or gun laws, 44 percent say that evolution is only a theory, 53 percent that Saddam was involved in 9/11 and 61 percent of you crazy bastards believe you are people with higher morals then we lefties. Finally, we're taking the good pot, too. You can have that dirt weed they grow in Mexico. Peace out, Blue States

Economy
Our nation depends on foreign capital to finance our consumption. The best way to restore the flow of foreign capital and kickstart our economy would be for the U.S. government to offer its full cooperattion with the World Court and other international institutions in the prosecution of George W. Bush for war crimes against the people of Iraq while simultaneously pursuing prosecution of Dick Cheney under U.S. law for jeopardizing national security regarding the Valerie Plame affair. The people of this country should send a strong signal to President-Elect Obama that a pardon of these war criminals and others in the current administration will be looked on as a breach of the public's faith in due process.

Relish
Good cover, Relish has always been about the love of good food. You finally got a cover photo that shows what the magazine is all about. Like the Good Steward a lot too, some wonderful trivia about presidents and the foods we love. I love Jefferson, but I love Mac & Cheese more. Now I love them at the same time. especially the Mac & Cheese at Django and Dish.

Kent Carlson
Every last bit of credibility you had slipped away when you decided to join the right wing echo machine in trying to spread hateful b.s. about Obama, none of which should matter to voters. You've established that you aren't interested in exploring the truth, and instead will just copy and paste whatever Drudge headline or Fox News alert pops up today. I never thought you were all that talented, but I figured you for a better journalist than that. I was mistaken.

Kent Carlson column
Gee, Kent, I sorta kinda sympathize with you. You seem to feel the way I felt four years ago when I realized that we were about to put Dubya back in office. Now, four years later, I think I have a LOT of company in saying "yup, electing him was a really bad idea." Maybe you'll be able to say the same in four years. Or not.

civic skinny
I know several former moderate Republicans who have left the party during the past fifteen years specifically because the Republican Party has become the "We Don't Care About The Environment Party." If the Rs are smart, their definition of "moderate" will include "doesn't regard caring about the environment as a socialist conspiracy." And when they are paring down their gubernatorial list, they'll cross off Doug Gross, who has shilled for both giant hoglots and fake lakes.

John McCain Food Choices
John McCain no doubt eats a variety of foods. I've personally never dined with him, nor have I ever seen confirmed footage of him eating any foodstuffs. Never the less I am sure he eats a cookie from time to time. I am also certian that the man has eaten corn. Had it ever crossed your mind that perhaps John McCain would eat some tunafish? This election will be 24.75 oz.

Jackie Fleming's latest
Last week Cityview printed a great feature, "Choosing Sides," in which six Des Moines area leaders were interviewed about their choice for president this election. Agree with them or not, each of the three Democrats and three Republicans endorsed (or did not endorse) a candidate based on thoughtful reflections. This is refreshing in the current climate of the 24-hour news cycle, where rumors count as much as substantive issues reporting. By way of contrast, the YourLetters section offered another Jackie Fleming missive drudging up old unsubstantiated criticisms of Obama, with weak praise for McCain. With the election a week away, I would like to address the assertions of Fleming, a seasoned GOP party activist. Here's my response to Fleming's guilt by association submissions: 1.Tony Rezko: time and again Obama has been found to have done no wrong, although he did make a deal that would haunt his political career. Obama's connection to Rezko is analogous to McCain's connection to Charles Keating. John McCain severed all personal ties with Keating once he learned that Lincoln Savings and Loan was in serious legal trouble. Both Rezko and Keating were convicted. Obama has been cleared over and over of any wrong doing; McCain was found guilty only of "poor judgment." 2.Bill Ayers: Ayers's past with the Weather Underground is not pretty and Obama has called his acts "despicable." Ayers turned himself over to the police in 1980 and justice was served. He has since built a respectable career as an english professor and has worked to advance educational issues. In 1995, Deborah Leff, then president of the Joyce foundation, recommended Barack Obama for position of chairman to the board of the Chicago Annenberg Foundation, who subsequently elected him. Obama's oversight was to award grants and raise matching funds. He and Ayers attended only six of the same board meetings over the course of six years. Other than that, Ayers held a meet and greet coffee for Obama when he was running for the Illinois State Senate. Too bad that this isn't the information you want, but those are the facts in a nutshell. Now I'll see you on Ayers and raise you with McCain's relationship with G. Gordon "G-man" Liddy. Back in a radio interview in November 2007 and recently in an interview with David Letterman, McCain said that he was proud of Liddy. Last November, McCain also opined that Liddy's program "adheres to principals and philosophies that keep our nation great." Senator, would you like to retract those comments? The G-man's record is pretty rough: as Head of the Nixon White House Plumbers, he was sentenced to 20 years for his involvement in Watergate; he served 5 years for burglary, illegal wiretapping, and conspiracy. He was quoted advising the Branch Davidian sect in Waco, that if the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms "insists on a firefight, give them a firefight. Just remember, they're wearing flak jackets and you're better off shooting for the head." Later Liddy amended this recommendation to shooting for the groin. Nice, no? 3.Saul Alinsky. You're kidding, right, Alinsky?? The founder of community organization in the U.S. and the person attributed with first saying "Think globally; act locally?" Even if you can find something nefarious on Alinsky, to imply there was some past connection between him and Barack Obama is ludicrous. Alinsky died in 1972, when Barack was 11 years old, living with his grandparents in the city of his birth, Honolulu, Hawaii. Salinsky's writing's on community activism no doubt influenced Obama when he worked as an organizer for church-based community action groups and tenants' rights organizations in some of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods. Thank you so much for offering up a clear positive for Obama. Perhaps you'll be joining the ranks of Republicans who have recently endorsed him: Michael Smerconish, Andrew Sullivan, Christopher Buckley, Colin Powell, and Scott McClellan, as well as Dick Luger's support of Obama's foreign policy. I write this not just to refute the tripe submitted against Obama; I wish for more reasoned dialogue from the political right. When Sarah Palin repeatedly said Obama "pals around with terrorists" and allowed quite audible responses of "Terrorist!" and "Kill him!" at the mention of Barck Obama's name; when Michelle Bachmann suggests that legislators should be investigated for un-American activities; when Jackie Fleming pulls the ever-so-bogus guilt by associations; this incredibly divisive discourse hurts America. The current banking and economic crisis, health care situation, and wars in the Middle East demand thoughtful if passionate debate, not fear mongering. For those who deep down are not "country first," please then consider that you are hurting the party that you represent. The GOP continues to tout itself as the party of Abraham Lincoln, but the flaming rhetoric characteristic of the neo-conservatives is more indicative of the party of Joseph McCarthy. Every candidate this election season has talked about bringing about change. The change can be lead by the power of example, but it must emanate from us: we, the people. Let the citizenry of our country work together, to contribute to bring our country back up economically, socially, and in world standing. P.S. I did want this to be a letter, but it's waaaay too long, even with paring down. Such is life. Also, it's great to see you all doing your one-upping simply by being better, not dragging down the Register. Corporate newspapers are dragging themselves down without any help. I truly hope that this trend continues.

what's inside
You can't possibly still believe in trickle down economics?

Drinking, Driving, Decision Making
Oh the hypocrisy. Maybe Sean Sweeney (A notorious West Des.Moines bar patron) should set a good example for his business, Monitoring Services LLC. by wearing a monitoring bracelet himself. Public record shows Mr. Sweeney has four alcohol related offences with two being OWI's. Strike three and you're out.

Choosing Sides
I can appreciate Maggie Moss being against guns. But then why is she voting for Barack Obama, who supports the 2nd Amendment?

"Choosing Sides"
In response to "Choosing Sides," the issue published on October 23 which picked the brains of six Des Moines leaders discussing the Presidential election, I'd like to respond to Bill Knapp and Gary Kirke's ideas on foreign oil and domestic drilling. It is true that for national security reasons we need to break our dependence on foreign oil, but we need to break all dependence on oil, foreign and domestic to move forward with our economy and global warming solutions. We don't have much oil domestically; it would probably make a 2 percent impact on our oil usage in 5-10 years and on top of that it costs $125 million per oil well we drill offshore! We could be using that money towards truly renewable energy like wind and solar that costs less and is definitely more dependable and does not emit global warming pollution. I hope Knapp and Kirk respond to that as well as the new President elect.

Winners & Losers
You are right that a a lot of people lost when those Dallas County hoglots were approved. But the correct term is "environmental measures," not "ecological measures." A giant hoglot with some trees and grasses around it doesn't even begin to resemble an ecosystem.

Civic Skinny
Nice article. Only problem is that Latham is in the 4th District and Boswell is in the 3rd. You got it backwards.

Prairie Woods not the only place with mold.
Thank you for your comment anonymous I would like to see the list of items checked when the inspector had his walk through. I don't think that is asking too much. It is not just a mold issue. There are other issues as well. Like the shoe molding that was ripped up in pieces in the kitchen an the bathroom and not even stapled or nailed back professionally. The frame and the door that was ripped apart and still has not been properly taken care of. Mr Schwarc the last time he visited my apartment said the door to the hot water heater was suppose to have been fixed and that was last year. I was standing right there when he told maintenance. The person that came to paint the door left the dang key in the door so when I came home from work there was the key left in the door. When my apartment flooded where there was wood furniture it left nice wood stains on the carpet. I would like to know what you think the black/grey around the edge of the carpet is if it is not mold. Especially in the closet door to the bedroom. I would love your expert advise. You mentioned me inviting the public to see how bad my apartment conditions really are. I will get my pictures together and post them so the public can see them. I hear you replace other tenants carpets and paint. I am just curious why you won't do the same for me since I have been a long time resident. I believe this is a personal issue you have with me. YOU NEED TO GET OVER IT! I have a right to fight for what I feel is right. Just think about how you treat me when I come to the office and you have the nerve to tell me about the Golden Rule...LOL I will have an update to where the public can view the pictures. I would think if you had any common sense you would call me and make an arrangement to resolve this issue like a professional. All I am asking for is new carpet, my walls painted and the shoe molding replaced professionally and painted as well. I would love to place a retraction in cityview stating all of my issues have been resolved. I am also curious if I am the only tenant that has an addendum to their lease with extra fees for late rent or NSF and is it legal. Please contact me regarding my valid issues. I can't contact you since you want to remain anonymous. Thanks again for your comment!

Kent Carlson column
Being as how I only get six TV channels, I sometimes sort of watch network procedurals while working in the kitchen. Network procedurals have three basic kinds of characters, older men, younger men, and young women. I almost never see women over fifty except briefly, as relatives of the victim or perp. And yet there are so many of us Boomer-and-older women in real life, with our wrinkles and sags and graying hair. I guess network TV execs want viewers to be able to escape from the sight of us during primetime. Sorry, Mr. Carlson, but I say that older women are the ones who are disproportionately absent from primetime network TV. And I bet statistics would bear me out.

Praire Woods not the only place with mold.
One would wonder why the city inspector would not see Kathy Forbes on her issues. Any one with common sense would know there isn't a mold issue in her apartment since WELLINGTON APARTMENTS DID PASS THE INSPECTION, WHICH INCLUDED YOUR APARTMENT. Don't pass judgment on something you have no knowledge of. Please, invite the public in to view just how horrible living conditions you live in! Golden Rule Kathy, treat others as you want others to treat you!

Drinking/Driving
Like many other Iowans, I lost a friend to a drunk driver. I've always wondered what kind of incredible egotist would repeatedly decide that DUI laws only apply to other drivers. "Ben" is just about what I expected. My charitable side hopes he will get help before he kills someone. My uncharitable side hopes that the only person he eventually kills will be himself.

The Manchurian Candidate 2008
I agree with a previous comment regarding this subject. If there ever was a 'Manchurian Candidate,' Obama fits the bill to a tee. Here's an Afro-American young man who rises from total obscurity, makes his way from the heartland of America to the most prestigious universities in the country, has opportunities in education and politics most of us could never afford, represents [as an attorney] many questionable organizations, and ends up a few short years later as a junior member of congress. Turn the clock ahead a few short years and he's [according to the liberal pundits] the top contender for the most influential political position in the world. Too good to be true? This would be a great script for a blockbuster thriller at the movies. This should concern all of us, Republican, Independent or Democrat. Where is the money coming from? He admits his in-laws were of 'modest means.' Follow the money trail. Who is really behind him? His political ties are very questionable. What is his real agenda? This is a real example of a 'Manchurian Candidate'. This man is a 'puppet' for something that does not seem to be in our country's best interest. Putting aside all of the media hype, you owe it to yourself to dig deeper before you vote, if you really give a damn about the future of America. Here's an Afro-American young man who rises from total obscurity, makes his way from the heartland of America to the most prestigious universities in the country, has opportunities in education and politics most of us could never afford, represents [as an attorney] many questionable organizations, and ends up a few short years later as a junior member of congress. Turn the clock ahead a few years and he's [according to the liberal pundits] the top contendor for the most influential political position in the world.

The Manchurian Candidate
The author has the premise right but the wrong man. Obama is the Manchurian Candidate. With no merits of his own, questionable lineage, citizenship, scholarship and associations. He is a pawn of the Bill Ayers, Rev Wright Marxist left. He is truly a sleeping time bomb.

Rule of Law
To the previous poster....get a life and start worrying about things that matter. For God's sake, there are real problems in this world and you are focusing on this? What a damn shame. You are an embarrassment.

Rule of Law
Recently at the World Food Festival, I noticed my flag was hung backwards. It was easy to see since it was first in line. The Register was a sponsor, and they have been allowed to print "We strive for accuracy;" though in reality, often times their employees just do not care. I also drove past the police station to see our flag at half staff, though the Federal Government did not give them that authority. It is disturbing to see people who take my tax money, then ignore the rule of law.

Project Censored: Ten Stories The U.S. News Media Missed
First of all, I would like to thank your team for making such important information available to the public. Far too often, the average citizens of America are deliberately or carelessly left in the dark when it comes to vital issues involving our nation. It is absolutely vital for those "in the know" to distribute such information to the masses. As a matter of fact, I would argue that it is a civic responsibility of a news agency to always expose such stories. Alas, it isn't so even though we live in a nation that claims to be the beacon of freedom throughout the World. Now, with that concern stated, I would like to point out that the 'Project Censored' article in your publication may have come about as a result of plagiarism. You have credited the article to a 'San Francisco Bay Guardian' journalist named 'Amanda Witherell', but the same article appears online at http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=10411 and there is absolutely no mention of an Amanda Witherell. Furthermore, the same story is presented at http://www.sfbg.com/38/49/cover_censored.html and it is credited there to a Camille T. Taiara. On the other hand, the story is, indeed, credited to Amanda Witherell at http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2467&Itemid=147. So, in summation, I wanted to thank you for presenting this information to the public of Iowa, and I also wanted to express my concern regarding the true authorship of the article. It is important to give credit where it is truly due. That is all. Thank You and keep up the good work.

buffalo fish
Is that big bone buffalo fish in the photo? Looks like breaded country style ribs too but I think it is the fish. Do you have a recipe? Do you cut them on the spine and bread them with flour and cook them in hot oil like the catfish at J&J? They are so cheap at the market I'd like to make them at home.

Obsession
A rant and raver complains about the tape Obsession. The recommendation os the Huffington report as a better source is ridiculous. Huffington Report has little reliability. He/She should see reports of the Muslims marching the street of Lond in the 'RELIGION OF PEACE DEMONSTRATION' carrying signs that read "Behead those who insult Islam," "Europe is the Cancer, Islam is the Answer," "Exterminate those who slander Islam," "Be Prepared for the Real Holocaust" and so on. A book by Brigette Gabriel, "They Must be Stopped" would provide a total picture needed to truly understand the aims and mission of the radical Islamists.

Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West
These people claim to be tax free501 c(3) non-profit company. I hope that the cityview will be able to connect the dots as to the registers delivery of this hate tape. If you need a little help go to the Huffington report. Unless you want to have CityView linked to this paid attempt at character assassination.

Sept 18th Cover photo! hot!
Your September 18th cover had the best set of female legs I think I've ever seen! Perfect! What a babe! Great way to snag readers with some good visuals!

food dude archives
Despite all the Register's full page ads for metromix, or whatever they call it, and their pages of increased "coverage" of the food scene in Juice and Datebook and the paper itself - despite all that, it's always Cityview where we learn about anything new and truly significant in the food world. Your Old Castle review is just the latest case in point, whole sheep on a custom made rotisserie? Wow, if Juice or Datebook had written about this place, the writer would probably have just said, "Lamb was on the menu but I think that sheep have cute faces and my date was trying to act sensitive to my feelings, so neither of us ordered any." My point though is this, why not give Cityview's food page, and it's entire archives, a web presence of its own, so it's easier to find when Googled? That would be a service to all diners in Central Iowa and to visitors to Central Iowa. I would think it would draw ads to Cityview's web presence too. When all internet readers can find on a web search is the Register's childish, egotistical observations about the scene, it discredits the whole scene, and all of us who work in it.

A Matter of Honor
Dear Mr. Narcisse, Have you ever considered your delivery method may be at the root of all your troubles w/ the Board? Creating controversy only adds fuel to the fire and detracts from your real mission, which is to serve the students of DMPS. If you truly want to serve the best interests of the students, stop slinging mud and get to business. May I also suggest you find a copy of PTO Today and read a letter sent to a grisled PTO Veteran from a PTO Newbie, might be insightful for you as well as other members of the DMPS Board. I'm not saying it'll be all sunshine and roses, but at some point, all of you need to grow up, be accountable and start acting like responsible board members, this is nothing more than a really bad case of Hills Drama 101!

Harkin Steak Fry
Before making comments about how Congressman Boswell was NOT at the Harkin Steak Fry you better get your facts straight. Not only was he setting right in front of the stage (directly between former Senator John Judge and Congressman Bruce Braley) but he even gave a speech! Get it straight!

Keeping the Peace, by Matt Miller
Excellent Cover Story Matt! Well researched, thought out and written. Keep up the good work.

news of the weird
Why the hell would you quite running this? It's one of the few things left in your paper that is still readable. How long before you quit publishing all together. It's probably for the best. And I couldn't help but notice Juice was two times as big as Cityview this week. Will the last person to quit reading this paper please turn out the lights.

Shotwell's advice to Obama
Walt Shotwell suggests Obama should offer "Breakfast with Barack" to media members. I'd bet Obama's grandmother and at least one brother might appreciate a decent breakfast once in a while. Better yet, how about some cabinet positions for them? Grandma Sarah Hussein Obama as Secretary for Aging? And maybe brother George Hussein Onyango Obama as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development? They certainly have first-hand knowledge in their areas of expertise.

old castle
Been looking for good lamb for ages. Been driving to Chicago for it. Hallelujah and thanks for the word.

Todd Buffington's Response
Todd Buffington needs to read more closely. After having read the article of a democrat senator suing Obama and a few others because of "fraudulent candidacy" (his words, not mine), my request of the media is to research his claims. It has been established by some of the media that indeed, there is a Hawaii birth certificate, but Senator Philip Berg, a former deputy attorney general of Pennyslvania has filed the lawsuit. My thought is that a deputy attorney general just might know the laws governing citizenship than the general public, including Todd Buffington. Check it out for yourself. www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.printable&pageId=73214

Sarah Palin
If Sarah Palin is so great as a hockey mom and Vice President wannabe why didn't she make sure that her daughter had more knowlege than to hold a puck between her knees for birth control. McCain should have picked Christine Whitman.

Iowa Cubs
For the few people who've never attended an I-Cubs baseball game, you're really missing something. As the I-Cubs head into the Pacific Coast League Play-offs tonight, I thought it appropriate to applaud the team and the organization behind the team. My 4 year old grandson and I have missed very few opportunities to sit behind the I-Cubs bullpen and cheer on the team. The I-Cubs organization is a class act from top to bottom. The I-Cubs players never walk by my grandson without a high-five before heading to the dug-out. This group of young men known as the I-Cubs Baseball Team are definitely engaged with the young kids in the stands who aspire to one day play baseball. I've been to many National League games over the years and I can tell you that none of those experiences comes close to all the unforgettable games we've attended this summer. We'll be there in the front row in Section B cheering on 'our team' during the play-offs this week and our hope is that the I-Cubs season never ends.

Labor Day Parade
According to the Federal Flag Code, signed into Law in 1942 by then President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Section 4(c), "The flag of should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free". For years I and others have asked these non-union people to not do this disrepectful act in our parade. Gannet employees were co-operative enough to put pictures of this criminal activity into print. Hopefully this paper will do a story about oranized workers instead of glorifying those who disdain our written law.

US Flag
Tonight at the DNC, an Iowan will lead the "Pleadge of Allegiance". When she comes back, it would be nice if she as a student, would school her "friends" at WHO-TV about the proper display of OUR flag. Contrary to Bill Gates, it should not be displayed below another nations flag.

fake rainforest
For anyone interested in the current status of Earthpark, a.k.a. the fake rain forest, this is pretty interesting: http://fromdc2iowa.blogspot.com/2008/08/earthpark-editorials-and-beating-dead.html

Cranberg on School Board Election
There is a substantial difference in my opinion of public school curriculum vs private (and/or religious school) education. Tenets and creeds do not belong in the public school education except in the limited concepts as it effects our history, and decisions made by our founding fathers. But Cranberg suggests that some of the candidates are encouraging the study of intelligent design. Why should students be denied at least being acquainted with that theory as well as the theory of evolution? That makes no sense to me, and results in an incomplete education. Our schools seem to have been using the process as a social study of how minds can be molded and not all of us want our children's minds molded in the biased format that too often is being used. And this may be cutting off my nose to spite my face, but I long ago decided that any candidate that appears on the 4-7 pm radio talk show of WHO will never get my "X" on the ballot. That host is one who castigates anyone who does not mirror his own beliefs about being a Christian...yet he shows few signs, other than lots of verbiage, of even having a slight understanding of the real truths of Christianity. Berating another's Christian faith is NOT Christian behavior.

Hormones always win
While it's easy to see that human nature often gets the better of us, it's bothersome to see a dozen or two examples of infidelity or sexual promiscuity listed under the headline "the hormones always win." There are thousands, tens of thousands, if not millions of examples of people throughout history who have exerted self-control, who have remained faithful, and at least thousands of those have been political leaders. The spin put on this article and its title encourages people to believe that you can't control yourself and that you can't expect politicians to control themselves, either. Neither of which is true, as manifestly obvious by the large numbers of people who HAVE utilized their innate ability to discipline themselves to accomplish about any goal they set their minds to. (As shown by recent Olympic Games!) I hope more writers will take seriously the power of the pen and their responsibility to society to encourage people to live in a societally responsible way.

We The People
A very good article on the global warming campaign. Thank you for publishing it. As a side note, when publishing short blurbs about workshops, please tell who's hosting the workshop or provide a website or phone number. Some workshops are hosted by non-profits or gov't agencies, and others by private companies looking to make money. Thank you.

Go Vo-Tech
As a Career and Technical Education Consultant with the Iowa Department of Education, I applaud this article. (The degrees in Vo-Tech, have been called Career & Technical Education for more than a decade.) Unfortunately, too many people still believe that in high school, you either prepare to go to a four year university or prepare to work at a low paying job upon graduation. The graducation rates of students that attend postsecondary institutions are shockingly low. While, too often the career goal is to "go to college", some students leave college with decreased self esteem: no degree and and ample college debt. Career Planning is the key. Students need to determine what career they want to pursue, then take the courses they need to get their. "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there." Anecdotally, many students have told me that they dropped out of college because of all the classes that did not seem "real world" to them. (In reality, not many careers require calculus. So wouldn't it be easier to teach students to be analytical "problem solvers" if they could take career and technical education courses that solve "real world problems".) Some plumbers earn more than doctors.

Thelens' Hormones
Thelen obviously had a great time chronicling the sex lives of past and present politicians, tho he missed a few hundred, I'm sure. But for all of his "studies" he had to include the oft-repeated charge that the Supreme Court gave the presidency to George Bush even though he had not won the popular vote. With a bit more honesty than hormones, he would have pointed out that the popular vote is NOT the way a president is elected. If it were, it wouldn't matter much of Iowans ever voted. Our next president may win both, but if only the popular vote, that won't necessarily make him our next president.

Civic Skinny/party platforms
Per the comparison of the party platforms Ñ the Republican Party, as far as I can tell, gave no specific recommendations about the pheasant population except a vague hope that the pheasant population will go up, presumably with no expenditure of public funds. Fat chance. As I pointed out earlier, lack of habitat is the main problem for pheasants, and habitat costs money. Whereas the Democrats offered a specific measure (inspecting septic tanks before property sale) that will definitely help Iowa water quality. What puzzles me is that I seem to recall that the Iowa Legislature finally did the right thing just this past year and mandated that kind of inspection, which they should have done years ago, but better late than never.

State Fair Fashion
I would like to express how thouroughly disgusted I am at the City View for it's downright rude comments and tackiness that was shown in the most recent "state fair" issue. I think that the individuality and obvious outgoing attitude expressed by the teen on the cover far outweighs YOUR idea of what is and is not a fashion faux pas. I am IRATE that you instructed readers (specifically Cubs fans) to "pummell name of individual*" for his "horrendous outfit." Not only are his plaid shorts "in style" (you should really check out the mall before you judge what is and isn't "in") but he clearly has a wonderful and zestful attitude that could only make people smile. His is BY FAR a more tactful and genuinely good person than anyone at this publication that allowed those words to be published. I hope that your words do not deter his outlook on individuality and not always going with mainstream society. At least he is covered up, in comparison to the many cracks and crevices that I saw at the state fair that I shouldn't have... where was that on the front cover???

Civic Skinny 8.14
I wondered about the "ebbed upward" line as well. Nice catch. I hope (against hope?) that I don't have to dock a students' speech a point or two for using this inane phrase.

Pheasants
Per the previous comment, I know several wildlife biologists, and bobcats are not a significant problem for pheasants. (There still aren't many bobcats in Iowa, for one thing.) Foxes are significant pheasant predators, and so are cats and the small mammals that like eggs (skunks, possums, etc.) What fascinates me is how Iowa Republicans propose to increase pheasant populations without (gasp!) spending money, since by far the biggest problem is lack of habitat. Habitat costs money. Either you buy land and make it public habitat, or you pay landowners to create private habitat. Most pheasant habitat created by Iowa landowners exists because of money paid by the Conservation Reserve Program, which would no longer exist if the Iowa Republican dream came true and the USDA were abolished. So maybe Republicans are hoping that more landowners will just create habitat out of the goodness of their hearts. With rowcrop prices so high, don't count on it. I'm a rarity as an Iowa landowner. I've created and restored about 180 acres of pheasant habitat on my land using my own money, not CRP. But the Iowa Republican Party had nothing whatsoever to do with it. To put it mildly. Given the rest of the platform, maybe the plan is to pray for more pheasants. That should work well.

The pheasant crisis
I've been told fox and bobcat are eating the pheasants eggs. As their populations have grown the pheasant and quail populations has declined. So if you see your legislator in a fox coat or a bobcat hat you know they are hard at work making Iowa a better place.

High Steaks
Honestly everytime I open a Cityview or Juice all there is to read about is crappy choices of places to eat. Being a chef myself I am not thrilled to read about Mojos on 86th st. All the time having been there and know I would never go back knowing their food is the crappiest food I have ever tasted. Not only do they have a small selection but since they have come back into play from the remodel from the flood damage I was very surprised that they opened back up with the same old tired menu they had before. They got a new menu having fired their old executive chef who stole his food ideas from another chef. Everyone rants and raves about how unique the corn flake and almond breaded chicken fingers are when that recipie was stollen from another chef. I would like to hear more articles like "The way we eat". It was refreshing to hear how some unknown people in des moines are trying to make something of themselves by cutting the middle man. Or trying something new. Also other notable steak houses? I thought jesse's embers was closed you dont hear anything about them. Splash no idea who they are, then you have ohonas who may be owned by one man but is considered a chain to the general public. When most people know how you dont like writing about anything but local places it very surprising how many chain restaraunts sneak into your lists. Like Flemmings steak house who is owned by the same man who owns P.F Changs. Flemmings also may be the best steak ever to the comman man but to a chef we have no place to go besides our own kitchen. Flemmings is to over priced for crappy cut steaks (that taste like my mothers roast beef) and a la cart side items. The general public wants to know about the small business in des moines. The small time chefs making something out of nothing and being the best at what they do. But no one whould know because you keep hearing about the same old crappy chefs at Mojos. Like their food is unheard of. They say they use locally grown products when we chefs not that is a total lie, their vendor may be local but the food sure isnt. Its not unique and it taste like crap. Try seeking out a diffrent variety of food, besides crappy steak houses.

Emil Lueth Story
Having known Emil in his school days and after school days (my husband played golf with him in the 1st.years of his suspected drug days) he was one of the nicest guys you would have ever known,but of course that all changed, as he got in deeper. Really enjoyed the article since we really had lost track of when his release was to be.His Mother had some tough years after that and some of it was from her FRIENDS she thought were her friends. She was a very nice and Generous person, and not monetarily but helping the sick and people in need. Most people forget the good in people and dwell on the faults. We are all guilty of doing some things for our kids that maybe weren't good decisions. No name please.Please let us know if you hear from him.

cutting the middle men
It's really hard to get my brain around the concept that Wal-Mart is an agent for positive change in the food system, but this story makes a compelling case. Cheap food, strong dollars and cheap petroleum may be gone, but the fourth variable that perpetuated the industrial system, mentioned in the ediorial, is the most interesting and the one still in play - consumers willing to eat food that isn't really fresh. The ability to taste good food, fresh food, real food, has been dumbed down for so long that I don't know if it can be relearned by meaningful numbers of people.

Deb McMahon disgusts me.
Not only does she, like most critics of Jonathan Narcisse, fail to make a single factual criticism of Narcisse's many comments. With all the things Mr. Narcisse has said, one would think his critics would have an easy time refuting something. Instead, they impugn his general nature, period. What really bugs me is she goes on to judge that two candidates for the Des Moines School Board should be disregarded because they do not have kids in the Des Moines public school system. People such as myself, who pay property and sales tax but do not have kids in public school, both pay her salaray and subsidize the cost of her and other kids' public education. She should show us the respect we are due. I wish more people without kids in the system were willing to put up with what goes on at the Board and run for office. We all suffer for the Board's failures, which are both fiscal and professional.

US Flag
According to the US flag code, it not such a great idea to display other flags above ours as the Gannet rag and local T.V. stations have done, talking about our education. Yes, let us increase our education, but let it include Social Studies of respect for other countries.

I Phone story
Way funny! Could work in a stand up comedy routine.

515 Alive
I moved to Des Moines from Minneapolis about half a year ago now for work, and up until now I have been very disappointed with the dining, nightclubs, and arts scene here, and have been pretty bored finding things to do. That all changed when I went to the 515 Alive music festival over the weekend. It was the first redeeming experience I've had in Des Moines so far. It was like nothing I've ever experienced in any city. It was packed, it was like an outdoor nightclub downtown. In a larger city, I'm afraid there would have been a riot. It was incredible! If I move away, it's an event I would consider traveling back here for just to experience it again.

Earthpark update
How about an update on Earthpark? The Wikipedia entry on Earthpark says "the project is presently DOA." Is the project really dead?

BEST THAI FOOD
I think the best Thai food in the area is The King and I in Clive!

Rap Sheet
I would like to thank Cityview for being just as naive as the wonderful Des Moines Register. Your featured section Rap Sheet this week is a total joke. Mr. Cozad never exposed himself to anyone on the night in question. I was there I would know. This alleged exposure was made up by a drunk lady who should have never been speaking with Mr. Cozad in the first place. Mr. Cozad also never grabbed any officers leg during his arrest as he was brutally thrown to the ground, punched in the head and also maced in the face. How can you grab a leg when the officers are grabbing your arms and you can't even see??? Basically this whole story is a total fabrication by a drunk woman and the Des Moines police. Thank you Cityview for posting this on your website and printing this story in your paper just like your big brother TDMR. Now all the really nice people who love to judge others they don't even know can have a field day. Might as well convict Mr. Cozad before he is even tried.

WHO Radio adding more "FOX"
Read where WHO Radio (a long-time favorite, til recently) will be eliminating some employees and become "totally FOX". Is it possible that this would mean the elimination of the late afternoon show that is introduced with something that sounds like someone passing gas, calling someone butthead and other typical sophomoric offerings? Here's a guy that has brought down the respect for WHO that many once held. Over the 3-hour period, he has to remind his audience that he's a Christian, several times. (Most Christians donÕt have to advertise it, they show it by their behavior!) The so-called "host" of this program is so obnoxious to the adult listener, a replacement will be warmly welcomed!

What's Inside
Can this column sound any more ridiculous every week? It's pretty freaking terrible. This guy doesn't know what the hell he's talking about half the time, and I see I'm not alone in this sentiment.

website Archives
Please correct the misspelling in the Archives, where one can view an "online publication in it's (sic) entirety."

Re: Out to Pasture
That "Out to Pasture" person doesn't know anything about TV. Analog channels need to be discontinued in order to free up tons of valuable public spectrum that can be bid on by providers and used to provide valuable services like 3G phone networks. Now if only the cable companies would dump their analog broadcasts as well, maybe we'd have as many HD channels as the satellite subscribers do. Who owns 7 black and white TVs, anyway?

dogs runnng loose
I hope Deb Wilbers will be unsuccessful. Roaming dogs owned by irresponsible people are a big problem, especially in rural Iowa. Just catching them in the act is often a challenge, let alone figuring out who owns them. I wouldn't shoot a trespassing dog, but I don't blame people who do. It's the dog owner's responsibility to keep the dog on his/her own property. People whose pets and livestock are maimed or killed by roaming dogs shouldn't have to try to track down the dog owners and explain what responsible pet ownership means.

gateway park
Oldenburg's Crusoe Umbrella used to look like the Arc de Triomphe during the Nazi Occupation. It seriously bothered a lot of art lovers that CNN particularly abused it as if they were an army of occupation during the Caucus season. In retrospect, that was just part of the Umbrella's rep, as the swastikas of evil were part of the Arc's, great public monuments create and experience history and their greatness grows for the lore of it all. The Papajohn sculptures are not great, and have no chance of becoming great if they are to be treated as if they can't co-exist with real park life. The truly great public art works of Central Park (that's on New York City, not on Lincoln Place Drive south of Grand) get climpbed upon reguarly by tourists. The Gateway Park sculpture needs to be given a chance, not protected from becoming a part of the city's emergence in the 21 st century.

Woody's Smoke Shack
This review was incongruous. It talks about championship BBQ, but a quick review of Woody's website indicates he hasn't won anything at all in over three years, most of the four contests where he won were four or five years ago, and most of the things he won were little contests where he was up against limited competition. A quick google search shows he's been losing by wide margins for the last three years! And now he admits he sold out his "championship recipes" to serve ribs that fall of the bone? That means they are overcooked! So he brags about his award winning BBQ and then won't serve it in his restaurant? Doesn't sound like he's a champ to me, sounds like he's just trying to make a quick buck with misleading advertising. Too many better places to eat to waste time with this place!

Out to Pasture
I"M VERY ANGRY: We have nine antenna TVs in a three bedroom house including one for the kitchen, bath and our moble home. All but two were black and white, purchased used. I'll use the coupons to purchase two boxes, then dump the other seven TVs. I don't care how nice the new digital is my quality of life will not be as good as it is now. Why can't we have both analog and digital and make our own choices. This is a scam to force us purchase more expensive TVs or get cable. There are millions of people in American who can't afford either. To say nothing of all those TVs in the landfill (I won't spend the gas money to haul them to a recycling location).

A loss in the Family
Why should the taxpaying citizens of Iowa be subjected to irresposible pet owners? I don't understand why people think it is their right to have their dog attack other people's animals without provocation. What if it was the neighbor's favorite pet chicken? Why should they have to let their animals die on several occasions instead of just one. Next time lock your dog up better, and take responsibility for your irresponsibility.

Iowa Chops
Oh my god, what the hell were they thinking? That is the stupidest name I have ever heard of. Why not call them the pissed off porkers, the Iowaham's, The Ham Hocks.

Bigamy
The bigamy charge is one that you do not often see and as you can imagine, someone that runs from one state to another and marries different woman must have something to hide. I can only assume this man is a con artist and has most likely turned his 2nd wifes life upside down. I feel sorry for her and wish her the best. I did see this story elsewhere and it is to my understanding that there is more then 2 wives.

Article about incarcerated children support group.
You quote Melissa Nelson extensively in the article, but do not mention under what auspices she is involved. It is a really good idea, but what is Nelson's role and interest in a group like this?

Wright's letter to editor, previous comment
Yep, if we just drill every possible acre we can drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and offshore, gas prices will go back to $2.50 a gallon and our energy problems will be solved. And I'm the Queen of Romania.

FISA VOTE
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) initially was fought by most democrats because they didn't feel that American telecommunication companies should be shielded from lawsuits resulting from the Govt. warrantless eavesdropping. That was a hard one to understand their reasoning. But, Wait! Late June they were able to get the Bill approved because democrats such as our own Leonard Boswell was given a $10,000 contribution to his race, which apparently changed his mind. An average of $9,659 to each member of the House voting "YES" (105 Dems; 188 Reps); and $4810 to each member of the House voting "NO" (128 Dems; 1 Rep). 83 Dems receiving contributions ranging from $29,500 to $1000 changed their votes. Remember the adage, Follow the Money!

Wright's letter to editor
Someone needs to remind Raymond Wright that when the democrats took over Congress, gas was under $2.50 a gallon. It is now over $4 on average. It's the idiocy of the democrats in Congress that causes the increase in gas prices because they're influenced by enviros money and preventing drilling in off-shore areas, the ANWR, and in places in the USA that are known to have more oil than Saudi Arabia! Even the threat of drilling will start the downward slope in gas prices.

WinnersLoosers
I think we should all take a moment and remember that we as Americans live in a republic and not a democracy. It is the politicians and the people that print their money that want us to think we live in a democracy. I know independence had something to do with our becomming a republic.

Seriously
Where the hell did rant and rave go? I think Cityview is afraid of a little dialog?

Rant and rave
Where the hell did all the rant and raves from the past year go? Did that Goodman guy take them down?

John McCain AWOL on GI Bill
Republican presidential nominee, Senator John McCain, was AWOL from the U.S. Senate on June 26, 2008 for voting on a new GI Bill that would provide improved education benefits for veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. Prior to the most recent vote on the GI Bill, McCain was absent for the initial vote on the bill on May 23, 2008. Democratic presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama, left the campaign trail to cast his vote for the bill on both occasions. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. McCain refused to co-sponsor the GI Bill and opposed the bill when it was being debated earlier this year. The new GI Bill, which President Bush initially threatened to veto, would pay tuition at a four-year public university for anyone who has served at least three years active duty since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. There are many issues that lend themselves to partisan bravado, but giving our military veterans the chance to go to college should not be one of them. Our nation's men and women in uniform deserve a GI Bill that rewards their service and invests in their future.

flood
Calling this year's flooding a "natural" disaster is dubious. There are many ways in which human activity contributed to the water heights, ranging from tilling and tiling most of the state of Iowa to the flood-increasing impacts of certain Army Corps Mississippi River structures, about which the Corps was warned by researchers just a few months ago. (The Corps just blew them off, of course, what do academics know?) From here on in, blaming Mother Nature for weather in general will be dubious. There are billions of us humans, and we are changing our climate and our weather. And not for the better.

KC BBQ
I recently tried out this restaurant hoping it to be great place to eat. My wife recently ate here for lunch and had their BBQ Beef Sandwich on a bun. Said it was terrific. I decided to try out their BBQ Chicken and got the same sandwich for my wife. Had it for take out. When I got home, the chicken tasted nasty and the BBQ sauce also tasted awful. My wife's sandwich was not on a bun as requested but on soaky bread. I will never come back to this place!

Des Moines sharpens its edge
As a previous letter here notes, I did call Frank Hansen the Country Western star of the local art scene. As to you rquestion "So, who is the rap star? The opera diva? And the pop star?," I submit Jean Marie Salem somewhere. That sculptress is now performing at Cafe Su - her repertoire is hard to classify though, lots of Bob Dylan stuff. Our rap star was the late Mo Dana, she free-versed a whole new identity for the art scene here. I'll have to think long and hard about the diva, Iowans aren't raised to be divas. Art Pimp

McCain offers little support for returning veterans
Not only did John McCain miss the vote on Webb's new GI bill (one of only two U.S. Senators not present for the vote on June 26, 2008), but he also actively opposed the bill as overly generous. Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton voted for H.R. 2642 and were co-sponsors of the bill in the U.S. Senate. President George Bush and Senator John McCain were not supportive of the new GI bill: bipartisan legislation that would greatly expand educational benefits for members of the military returning home from the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Other co-sponsors of the bill included Republican Senators John Warner of Virginia and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, both veterans and past beneficiaries of the GI bill. We owe our veterans something for their honorable service in the time of war. The people who bore the most anguish and suffering are the people who could use these benefits.

Scantly clad women in your mag!!
You need to print more pics of area gals in your mag. Cuz the guys out there in Dm need to see WHATS OUT THERE IN THE WORLD OF WOMEN FOLK.

Guest Commentary - Kent Carlson
Absolutely superb analysis of recent pandering by many elected officials. Glad to see Stowe receive well deserved and well earned props! He is the real deal. I wish he were in southern Iowa city.

Best of 2008
How come no BEST Grooming Salon/Spa category? You used to have one in years past.

django
Thanks to your tip, I had a Sazerac at Django. I have waited decades to enjoy this legendary cocktail, never dreamed my wish would be granted in Des Moines. The restaurant is the kind of place I would take clients I wanted to impress, and it's also the kind of place I would gladly go eat alone at the bar without worrying about spending too much. It's simply a great restaurant, with a great bar.

What's Inside
To the last rant and raver (probably Shane Goodman's mother) Uhhhhh, he can write whatever he wants, that doesn't mean it isn't terrible. The fact that he rarely has any idea what he's talking about makes the whole paper look bad. If he does own the paper, he should take some pride in it and try to make it as good as it can be, which means he should have very little to do with it on any level. It always sounds like he writes it off the top of his head in five minutes. So, my advice to Shane continues to be: Stop it. You are not good.

What's Inside
To the idiot who wrote about Shane Goodman's column. Uhhhhh, it says he is the publisher and I think he owns the paper so I would assume that means he can write whatever he wants. You, on the other hand, really need to get a clue. Your motivation and your identity are too obvious. Get a job or at least try to work for a living instead of ripping on others who do.

Stop trading access for big money
You can't change Washington without eliminating the influence of the special interests. John McCain received over $650,000 from federal lobbyists and over $700,000 from executives in the oil and gas industry. The McCain campaign has received nearly $1,000,000 from political action committees (PACs). Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign has refused to accept contributions from special interest lobbyists and PACs since the beginning of the campaign. Nearly 50 percent of John McCain's donors contributed $2,300 or more to his presidential campaign in comparison to less than 30 percent of Barack Obama's donors. Nearly 50 percent of Barack ObamaÕs donors contributed $200 or less in comparison to less than 25 percent of John McCainÕs. When it comes to the Washington power game, we need to stop trading access for big money. If you defend the system that defeats change, you can't be the person who will, in fact, bring change. (The information provided above was from candidate reports filed by John McCain and Barack Obama as of April 30, 2008 and made available by the Federal Election Commission to the public after May 20, 2008).

The Next "War President"
John McCain wants very much to be the next "War President." He is a man who was cultured in the art of war from his childhood up until now. A son and grandson of four-star Navy Admirals, a Navy veteran and POW of the Vietnam War, he is now a stalwart supporter of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. John McCain has a disturbing fever for war. McCain has made troubling comments on the campaign trail concerning the war in Iraq. According to him, we will fight the war in Iraq for 100 years. His ill witted comments about bombing Iran indicate his strong desire to engage in military conflict with that country. Older men like John McCain declare war, but it is the youth of America that must fight and die for the actions of old men. We must not forget the young soldiers who have suffered the scars of wars and the son and daughters of those honored veterans.

McCain's Political Gain?
I'm outraged that Senator John McCain would disregard the request of Governor Chet Culver to not visit Iowa amid a massive flood recovery effort in the state. It is unfortunate that John McCain couldn't resist the opportunity to exploit this tragedy for political gain. In 2007, John McCain opposed federal legislation that included funding for flood control in Des Moines. Iowa's congressional delegation supported the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. President George Bush later vetoed the bill. In 2006, McCain voted against appropriating supplemental emergency funding, including hurricane relief for New Orleans. I applaud Senator Barack Obama, who canceled his scheduled visit to eastern Iowa last week at the request of state officials. John McCain chose his own political gain over the welfare and safety of the citizens of Iowa.

des moines sharpens its edge
Nice to see Greg Wattier get due recognition. He has truly contributed as much as anyone toward making Des Moines a more exciting place. Nice to see architecture included on the art beat. But, is edginess what you really mean when you talk about Warhol-style events? Isn't that like SO 1960's? Even if it takes place in a retro building outfitted for the 00's? Or is this tongue in cheek waying of saying that Des Moines' edge is half a century late with the hone? I like the "rock star of local artists" thing with Lee Ann. I think that you previously called frank Hansen the "country western star" of that scene. So, who is the rap star? The opera diva? And the pop star?

Civic Skinny
"rumor: Steve King, the likable but wacky Congressman" NO, not likeable but yes to the wacky, please add not too bright.

John McCain should reject contributions from lobbyists
We can't change Washington without eliminating the influence of the special interests. Lobbyists are people who are paid specifically to turn money into access and to disproportionately influence our elected officials in Congress. Lobbyists manipulate our elected officials and, in some cases, write laws. Lobbyist money is equivalent to institutionalized corruption. John McCain should reject contributions from lobbyists and political action committees. We have lost what our forefathers fought so gallantly for. We no longer have government by the people and for the people.

John McCain Food Choices
John McCain no doubt eats a variety of foods. I've personally never dined with him, nor have I ever seen confirmed footage of him eating any foodstuffs. Never the less I am sure he eats a cookie from time to time. I am also certian that the man has eaten corn. Had it ever crossed your mind that perhaps John McCain would eat some tunafish? This election will be 24.75 oz.

Dallas County Supervisors taking away your rights
On June 24th at 9:30 am the Dallas County Board of Supervisors will meet at the Adel City Hall, 301 S. 10th Street Adel, IA 50003, to discuss an ordinance limiting bikers access to County Roads. It is imperative that we have as many people as possible to attend the meeting and speak to the Board. If this passes in Dallas it is on to the next County. This is not a Dallas vs Polk vs Warren County issue, this is an Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) vs Bicyclist issue! If this ordinance passes it is coming to your county next, with the intent that Cities will enact the next level of blocking your rights. The highlights of the ordinance: Based on discussion with county engineer, the number of riders participating could be as low as 10-20, that means any group ride of 10-20 cyclist would require a $1,000,000 insurance rider listing Dallas County as additional insured. One of the criteria is if the event is advertised, the language includes internet, that means if it is posted on Bike Iowa, that would be considered advertising, therefore about any ride in Dallas County would be included. The ordinance includes all County Roads, but on the trails you must cross County Roads, therefore even a trail ride would include this insurance requirement. Reasons this is wrong: What difference does it make how many riders there are, 1 rider can hit a pothole and become injured, why would 15, 20, or 5,000 make any difference? The policy does not solve the Counties perceived problem. The Crawford County issue was so much more than a simple bike accident that the insurance required would have provided no protection from the accident. The County had negligence, therefore the lawsuit was legally valid, and that is why they paid, not because of road design, but because of negligence by the County in its actions. It is unfortunate that this did not go to court and sort out the real issues at hand! Iowa state law protect the rights of riders to the level that we have the same rules and rights to the road. How can the county set aside State law? The County does not require the same insurance for other group events such as tractor rides or classic car rally's, thus preventing equal access. Roads not designed for bikes, this is too long of a subject to address in this email. I can argue this with two hands tied behind my back. This would require many small fundraising rides to not happen due to the cost of. Other problems: The Iowa Association of Counties is pushing all counties in Iowa to pass this ordinance. Yet with all of the problems with the ordinance they think this is a good move. If an ordinance is bad, it should not pass, after a ordinance is drafted that makes sences, then lets debate the merit of the item being considered, but to debate poor language and badly written law, that is a waste of the time of all of us. I will warn you, the Bob Ockerman denied me the right to speak in a public session at the last meeting, as the newest member of the Dallas County Board of Supervisors he is doing a fine job of keeping the people in the process. As a former elected official, while not required by law, I always allowed the public to speak. I was amazed that after seeing me sit in a meeting for two hours he would not allow any comments that would help the board make an educated decision. I hope he is more open minded on June 14th. From the Iowa Bicycle Coalition: This ordinance is unnecessary. There is no legal precedent since the Crawford County case was settled out of court. There has only been one bicycle lawsuit of this nature in 36 years. This is not a frequent legal problem for the counties. A wayward Illinois Supreme Court decision that produced a uniquely increased liability situation has produce no additional lawsuits or increases in insurance rates over the past 10 years. Counties have legal protection under Iowa law in common law. Bicyclists are required to keep a proper lookout to avoid hazards. With the bicycles lower speed and higher maneuverability bicycles can easily avoid hazards. Counties must foresee the issue that could cause damage and have time to act. Bicycle facilities are protected from negligence under 670.4(14) and (15). This ordinance could infringe on freedoms protected in the Iowa Constitution. Iowans have the right to freely travel. Iowans have the right to associate. Iowans have the right to assemble. As gas our price rises, as our climate warms, and as our children are suffering from obesity related diabetes and high blood pressure, we need to make sure exercise and physical activity are freely allowed in our communities. We need to make sure our transportation system has options for those who cannot afford to travel by car. We need to make sure people may ride their bicycles and not be excluded.

John McCain - When is enough, enough?
First was the pursuit of Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Next was the pursuit of the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. And last but not least, the pursuit of the nuclear weapon facilities in Iran. What words do we believe? Do we believe the threats of bombing Iran or the threats of fighting a war in Iraq for over one hundred years? Do we entrust John McCain with our already overextended armed forces in the enduring wars in Afghanistan and Iraq? Recently, when McCain was asked if he knew when American troops could start to return home, he responded: "No, but that's not too important." The cost remains too high: over 4,100 American military men and women killed in combat in Iraq, over 30,000 soldiers wounded and over 40,000 veterans of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. When is enough enough? John McCain and George Bush need to stop gambling with the lives of our brave American fighting men and women.

It all began in Iowa 6 long months ago
Our grandchildren will read stories of how Iowa chose the first great leader of the free world in nearly 50 years. They will read stories about how this leader challenged citizens to accomplish great deeds. They will know the greatest deed of all for this new leader was the accomplishment of true world peace, a peace that elevated America to a new Renaissance of hope and opportunity. On Jan. 3, 2008, Iowans changed the course of America's political landscape and caucused for the next great leader of the free world, Barack Obama.

Flood, Wayne Ford
Here we go again, Wayne Ford jumping around in front of the camera talking about a scam and the lack of money for his voters. Wayne's problem is two fold. He looks and acts like a clown with no clue, second his public speaking skills are formed inbroken english. Wayne can complain all he wants about the city's so called improper response but I've yet to see his fat self out there on the sand bag line.

Civil Union's for non gays
As a single straight woman I'm reluctant to marry because marriage in the conventional sense turns me off. There are three reasons I'm turned off by marriage. 1) Wedding ceremonies frequently maintain symbolic diatribes suggestive of a time when girls were a father's property until he bequeathed his daughter to another man. It makes me sick!! 2) In most brethrens 'the wife' is very unpopular among men. Moreover, there are just too many 'roles' associated with the title 'wife' that lend to gendered household chores. 3) I have trouble with the idea of being contractually tied to someone for life. A lot of things can happen between 'I do' and death which is evident in divorce rates. Conversely, I'm very attracted to the idea of civil unions because in this contract I'd be considered a spouse rather than 'the wife'. Moreover, if civil unions offered renewable contracts I think more heteros would buy in. The long or short of my narrative is this; I wonder what would happen if straight folks roundly embraced civil unions in favor of marriage? Keeping in mind that 'marriage' is a construct of religion; while civil unions are a construct of civil law. Nonetheless, I say give the gays marriage and give the non-gays civil unions.

John McCain, Stop the revolving door culture in Washington
John McCain's presidential campaign is being run by Washington lobbyists and paid for with their money. It's hypocritical of John McCain to denounce the influence of lobbyists when his two closest aidesÑCharlie Black and Rick Davis were top tier lobbyists in Washington until just recently. Rick Davis, his campaign manager, is on leave from his lobbying firm (managing partner of the very partisan Davis, Manafort and Freedman, Inc., a lobbying firm based in Arlington, Virginia). The current head of John McCain's Senate office in Washington, Mark Buse, spent six years lobbying pharmaceutical firms, telecoms, oil and gas interests, and other corporate clients. Over the last month, several senior advisors and staff were fired or forced to resign from McCain's presidential campaign due to lobbying efforts on behalf of foreign countries such as Burmese (military junta), Saudi Arabia and Nigeria (run by General Sani Abacha, a ruthless and corrupt dictator). Many current and former McCain staffers or lobbyist have practiced Washington's "business as usual" even as their boss was condemning it. John McCain vows that, if he's elected, he'll change the revolving door culture in Washington. But if he can't do so in his own campaign or U.S. Senate office, how can he do so if elected president?

John McCain Ð Ethics 101
John McCain was one of five United States Senators known as the Keating Five who were accused of corruption in 1989, igniting a major political scandal as part of the Savings and Loan crisis of the late 1980's and early 1990's. McCain, along with the other Senators, was accused of improperly aiding Charles Keating Jr., chairman of the failed Lincoln Savings and Loan Association, which was the target of an investigation by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. In 1987, McCain was one of five Senators whom Keating contacted in order to prevent the government's seizure of Lincoln Savings and Loan Association. By 1987, John McCain had received more than 110,000 dollars in campaign contributions from Charles Keating and associates of the Lincoln Savings and Loan Association, more than any other member of the U.S. Senate at that time. In October of 1989, The Arizona Republic reported that, in addition to campaign contributions, McCain's wife and her father had invested 360,000 in a Keating shopping center in 1986, a year before John McCain met with the federal regulators to discuss the government's investigation of Lincoln. The paper also reported that the McCains had made at least nine trips at Keating's expense on his private jet, a violation of congressional ethics rules. After a lengthy investigation, the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee testimony revealed that John McCain acted improperly. In addition, the Senate Ethics Committee reprimanded McCain and the other Senators for "questionable conduct." When it comes to the Washington power game, we need to stop trading access for big money. We can't change Washington without breaking the influence of the special interests.

High Gas Prices
Our Congress, on both sides of the aisle, is failing the Nation. They no longer represent us, they have only themselves in mind. Our own Jr. Senator refuses to help on the gas situation by allowing drilling in ANWR. Much of his financial support comes from the California tree-hugger enviros (aka Tinseltown) so money is not a problem to them. Much of Harkin's personal income has come from oil company investments plus the fact his wife has been a long time employee of oil companies. It's been a very long time since Tom Harkin had any interest in Iowans. He lives in a home in the Bahamas, shields his income off shore, and has lost complete contact with Iowa and its problems. Even the farm bill which he played a part in was long delayed because he had to get all his earmarks in and those of others in the Senate so they would give their vote in return. This is shameful behavior. Recently it has been documented and exposed on TV that some of the elected officials are putting earmarks in Bills that in turn get into the hands of their own families. It's time for taxpayers and voters to vote these bums out! We need to be able to drill for oil and not depend on the crooks in OPEC!

Swingtown
I have become aware of CBS's new series "Swingtown," and am writing to express my displeasure with your paper's decision to promote it. Its themes of sexual experimentation and casual drug use are not appropriate for audiences of any age. As a member of the Center for Moral Clarity, a national Christian grassroots organization, I am concerned with the values presented on network television. "Swingtown" seems to endorse values that are not worthy of glorifying, even in the context of a remembrance of the 1970s. I won't be watching "Swingtown," and I'll be urging my family and friends to avoid it as well. Please consider viewing alternate programming during this time period.

What's Inside
Is this guy serious? I read your paper every week and am amazed at how ridiculous he sounds in his column. Shouldn't someone who has some idea what they are talking about write such a prominent column instead of Shane "Stream of Conscious" Goodman? Cityview, please, I'm begging you, talk to him and convince him he has no talent as a writer and would be better served doing practically anything else. He's making your fine reporting look really, really stupid.

Abundance EcoVillage
Thank you, Cityview, for treating this topic seriously and not filing it under the tired old "comedy in the cornfield" headline. The rest of Iowa can learn much from Fairfield, not only about how to live more harmoniously with nature, but with the world. Fairfield is a microcosm for Iowans to emulate as they embrace diversity in their own communities and learn to respect, not tolerate, or merely put up with (as a wise woman in Fairfield once counseled me) differences in others.

Drew Miller
Drew said semi-publicly in 2006 when he was working on the Dem coordinated campaign in Ames he registered Republican to get the literature.

John McCain no fan of rural Iowa
John McCain put very little effort in the Iowa Caucuses in 2007. McCain refused to participate in the Iowa Republican Party Straw Poll in Ames last August and only put a half hearted effort in Iowa's first in the nation caucus on January 3rd, placing a weak 4th place behind Fred Thompson last January. During John McCain's recent visit to Iowa on May 6th he slammed the Farm Bill and said he'd veto the legislation at the time of his visit. The Farm Bill passed overwhelmingly through both chambers of Congress (81-15) on May 15, 2008 with bipartisan support (both Iowa Senators Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley supported the Farm Bill). In addition, McCain has repeatedly stated over the last year that he opposes Ethanol subsidies. It's hard to believe that rural voters in Iowa would be supportive of his cadency. You can't trash ethanol and oppose the Farm Bill and expect to win in Iowa.

Letter to John McCain
We can't change Washington without eliminating the influence of the special interests. Lobbyists are people who are paid specifically to turn money into access and to disproportionately influence our elected officials in Congress. Elections are strongly influenced by funds from special interests. Lobbyists influence our elected officials and, in some cases, write laws. Lobbyist money is equivalent to institutionalized corruption. John McCain should reject contributions from lobbyists and political action committees. We have lost what our forefathers fought so gallantly for. We no longer have government by the people and for the people.

Civic Skinny on Drew Miller
I've known Drew Miller for years and although he may be registered as Republican, he's very much a Democrat at heart. In 2004, he caucused for Howard Dean! People change their registrations at different times for various, completely benign reasons. Any "concerns" about him working for the IDP are ill-founded. The man is as trustworthy as they come, and I don't know why we need him pulled into an invented controversy.

Vaudeville Mews Closing?
Wow, thats a surprise. I would think they would have enough money to buy the whole damn block, considering they pay their bands in belly lint and oyster crackers.

Fallon/Boswell "Slingin' Mud"
Interesting article. Tried to show both sides of opponants, but was a little disjointed. Would have liked to see more quotes from candidates. Really would like to see a debate. It should be a requirement that there be at least one debate amoung all cadidates for all offices. There is a certain dynamic about seeing and hearing folks in person.

Farm Bill
Thanks for the environmental reporting on the Farm Bill and on manure-spreading. It's appreciated. There's one aspect of the Farm Bill that has gotten little attention except from environmental groups, and it bodes very ill for our nation's remaining virgin prairies. The Environmental Defense Fund says it well, "Worse, the conference report includes a new 'permanent disaster' fund that will accelerate the conversion of grassland to intensive crop production by further decreasing production risks associated with farming drought-prone, environmentally sensitive lands, particularly in the Great Plains. The decision to include this provision while failing to include a strong "Sodsaver" provision could prove devastating to the nation's remaining native grasslands." Make that "will prove devastating." Not only will the prairie-plowing be horrible for water, soil, and biodiversity, but it will send a lot of new CO2 into the atmosphere, and we taxpayers will help to subsidize the destruction. No wonder Harkin and Grassley aren't talking about this one-two punch to prairies. And in Iowa, Culver will have to decide whether to enact Sodsaver in the (limited) prairie pothole region of the state. It will be interesting to see if he does.

Marriage and Divorce in Beaverdale, He is a fool
By the "grace of God go I." Nobody has any right to call you a fool, however, anyone who wants to rush into a marriage that quick would be suspect. But on the other hand, women and men who are "on the make" know how to con and manipulate, so don't stop kicking yourself so hard. I wish you the best in the future. I guess the moral of the story is that there are worse things than being alone or lonely!

Marriage and Divorce in Beaverdale - He is a fool
I met a woman in 11/2006, who was a friend prior to that for several years. We started dating that November and she asked me to marry her on 12/26/2006. She of course did not want me to tell anyone she was the one to ask. I accepted thinking it would be forever. She pushed for a date to marry and we were looking at March or May. A week into 01/2007, she requested we get married as soon as possible. Vegas here we went. Right before leaving for Vegas she needed money to pay a mortgage payment and I helped out under the understanding she would pay this back. Married in Vegas and back in town, the next month was another mortgage payment for her house. I helped her out with the payments only on the terms that she was to pay me back, because I had my own mortgage and she insisted on paying me back; because her pride would not allow her to accept money unless she had to pay me back. The next month was a thug from a supply place she owed 5000 to for supplies for her company and she asked if I could help on the same terms she could and would pay me back. The next month was a 15,000 credit card bill and another bill and another bill. All in all she has taken me for well over 50 grand in a 7 month period and asked me for a divorce once her bills were paid off or consolidated under my name and not hers. I already know I was an idiot and a sucker, but that is what foolish love can do to lonely people. She also, tells her associates that she made her mind up in April to divorce me, but waited until the end of 2007. She said she would sign paper work to pay me back all of the money that was used from my resources to cover here debt, but of course that never happened and now she is hoping Iowa law will allow her to stick me with her debt that was hers prior to marriage and for her to keep another 20 grand in items I purchased and paid for. The marriage was less than 7 months, but I am reminded weekly that I met a winner, because I have additional money each check taken out for a wife who is not and was never a wife, to have medical insurance and that will remain until the courts give me a divorce decree. And she has not offered to cover that expense either. So even know we are separated, she is still living off me. Is it right or fair for her to not need to assume her debt, because it is not in her name and it is in mine and I was a fool? IÕm not looking for an answer. I understand the moral of this story. I only hope others know it before experiencing it.

Great Iowa Treasure Hunt?
comments: I received a letter from the Iowa Treasurer's Office several months ago telling me about some "unclaimed property" in the name of my daughter who is a minor. It was a some kind of a refund from Mercy Medical Center. I filled out the claim form the State Treasurer sent me and about 4 weeks later I received a notice telling me they received the claim form and also letting me know it would be some weeks before I would receive the "unclaimed property." I sent in copies of my driver's license and social security cards for both myself and my daughter as requested. Today I received the claim form and my documentation back from the State Treasurer along with ANOTHER REQUEST for my daughter(if she's under 18) to sign the form and provide her driver's license. The correspondence said if "she's under the age of 18" I should send in a copy of her birth certificate. I just got done sending State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald and some of his staff an e-mail telling them I plan to have that office investigated for their practices related to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. Does the State Treasurer make all potential claimants "jump through hoops" to the point that "unclaimed funds" are NEVER CLAIMED? Why else would they go through ALL THIS for a sum total of $71 in my case??? Manpower, postage etc. to release that paltry sum? My daughter is a minor and is unable to actually claim this herself and for some reason they don't believe I'm HER MOTHER?? I would like to know if others have experienced the same?

Treatment of disabled vets and Clergymen in the skywalk
For the disabled vet/clergeyman. I feel as though I should appoligize to you for your treatment by a member of my profession. Evidently this person was not a "Security Professional". As a security professional, I understand human dignity. Regardless of station in life, every individual is intitled to respect. I want to personally thank you for your service and great sacrifice to this great nation and all those living here. I grew up during the Viet Nam era and felt great shame as an American for the way our service men were treated when they returned home. The proud and the brave answer the call to arms while the weak and the cowards stay behind and condem. Continue to be proud. Not only for what you gave this great country, but for what you are still giving. Thank you again for my freedom and safety.

The Sun (previous Civic Skinny)
As a Story County resident who now gets The Sun, I am underwhelmed by the content. Your term "soft feature stories" is very generous, so far, the news is so soft it's squishy. I'll give it another week or two and then start tossing it directly into the recycling box. But it does make me appreciate the Ames TRIB.

Children's Eye Care Being Ignored?
Matt McCoy should get a job as a "nanny!" Wait a minute, isn't he one of the many self-appointed "nannies" at the Iowa Legislature? Hey Matt, how about you allow us to parent our children as we see fit instead of you sticking your nose into our lives? Just because you developed a problem with your eye as a young child does not mean we need more legislation to mandate vision screenings for all children in Iowa. I guess you're trying to get as much of your agenda passed before November when you get kicked to the curb huh?

Capitalism is good, remember?
Oil companies only made an 8% profit last year. That is about a third of what Milk companies make in profit. Yes, gas is expensive, but go bitch to the Libs who's bogus environmental concerns keep us from using the resources under our own soil.

Postville Raid and Arrest of 300
Let me see. The last raid in Iowa was on December 12, 2006. Now Postville on May 12. What Hispanic holiday did ICE desicrate this time?? If we have thousands of illegal aliens in Iowa how long will it take for us to rid Iowa of them at this rate? I suggest ICE have monthly raids. How about restaurants in Des Moines? I know of one on the west side that employees illegals on a regular basis. Over 70 percent of the staff is illegal.

wakonda
I am pleased to see Wakonda attempting to join the 21st century. Perhaps they would be better served to just farm the whole course out to suburban development. They obviously are looking at things progressively; just install some pretty pictures in the clubhouse with a virtual reality course. While they are at it I think Mr. Taylor should advocate Dutch Elm. Who needed Grand Ave. in its Grandeur?

Wakonda Club
Thanks for your entertainingly sarcastic report on the proposed old-oak massacre at the Wakonda Club. The golf industry keeps trying to repaint itself as "green," but this proposal is a good reminder of the very brown priorities at many golf courses. If the oaks do get cut, I hope there will be photos and more bad publicity.

From the Publisher
Your column is interesting and to the point. As a reader, my main question is: where will people get good local news in the future? I can get national and international news online, no problem, and I can get reviews of movies, restaurants, etc., from CITYVIEW. Sometimes I get good news articles in CITYVIEW also. But much of the time, recently, CITYVIEW has had "soft" stories about Elvis imitators and wrestlers and such like on the cover. Nothing wrong with that, but when I want to find out what's regularly going on in Des Moines in regard to local land use, politics, education, etc., I still usually need to turn to the REG. If the REG goes under, who will cover those stories? No one? Would people just have to depend on (shudder) local TV journalism? A model I find more cheery is THE DAILY TRIBUNE in Ames, which seems to be doing pretty well and serves as a functioning community forum and information center. I don't always agree with TRIB editorial positions, but that's fine, the paper provides a very useful community service not provided elsewhere. As an Ames area resident, I appreciate the TRIB and am happy to pay to help keep it going. Apparently many other Ames area residents feel the same way. Apparently many Des Moines area residents don't feel that way about the REG, and the REG had better figure out why. I just hope the TRIB won't catch REG disease.

Wakonda
Wakonda is "shoddy?" Hmm, seems your article is "shiddy" if you ask me. Let's see, two different types of grass for different greens? Terrible idea, you must not play golf. What high end country club would ever do that? None. You would be laughed at for considering that idea. There are numerous reasons why this project should happen. I don't see those in your biased article. This project will help increase membership (because the best club in the state finally has updated technology on the greens) and will make the true golfing members of the club happy that they have a great putting surface to play on. I don't see why the public cares about a private clubs issues. Oh, there have been over 250 trees planted over the last 8 years with more planting on the way. The trees have/will be planted in areas that will not affect the grass on the greens. So, in 40 years, this issue will not be revisited. One persons "logical" thinking is good for them. Let the realistic thinkers take care of the big issues. It seems to me that this article was written with ones head up their, umm, shaddy area.

EXXON OIL PROFITS
Exxon's first quarter profit was $10.9 BILLION, following their record 4th quarter PROFIT at the end of 2007 of $11.7 BILLION. This is a total of $22,600,000,000 in six months. If this profit level does not increase and stays the same for the next six months, it will become $45,200,000,000 for the year. There are approximately 300 million people in the US, or about 90 million families with approximately 3.3 people per family. This means Exxon profits for just one year would be about $151 for every man, woman and child in the entire USA, or about $500 for every family in the US. Remember, this is PROFIT for just ONE oil company for ONE year. While the price of cruide oil from middle east is extreme at $120 per barrel, our own oil companies are also gouging the US consumer and allowing us to place all the blame on the middle east countries. I'd be in favor of opening ANWR as well as all the fields that have been capped in the US from producing, but I'm not sure it would reduce our costs at all because EXXON has proved otherwise.

Tax Incentives and Metro Governance
Recently we have see a large number of layoffs in Iowa. Many of those companies have been prior recipients of millions of dollars in tax increment financing and other tax incentives. Allied is closing a facility in Urbandale with the possible loss of 75 jobs, has received huge sums in TIF. Wells Fargo who just saw fit to give the chairman a $6.2 million pay package is also a recipient of a minimum of $50 million to TIF. TIF was designed to help blighted areas. Does Wells Fargo have a blighted chairman, or just delighted? Does anyone know if these companies have refunded to the cities when they have received TIF but eliminated jobs? A letter to editor in The Register asks us to once again go for metro-governance, in order to gain more revenue sharing. That's short for increasing the avenues of tax incentives for wealthy developers, and taking government a step further from the people.

Gov. Dauber
In 2 years amidst economic turmoil Gov. Dauber found it suitable to increase the budget by 20 percent. The more than all of Vilsacks years combined. This guy is the worst Gov in America he does not deserve this cup cake piece from Cityview. Granted they tried to interview detractors. Just go anywhere in IA were it is not hard to find Dem's that are discusted with this guy. I suspect he will have to win a primary before November 2010.

State government
Our intrepid governor is out of the state for all or part of 34 of the first 95 days of the legislative session and is rewarded with a 9 percent pay raise. Go figure!

Cullver
Culver is the worst one term govenor in the U.S., almost as bad as Jerry the Hut (the Windsor Heights mayor) and the W.H. police force locally nicknamed Barney Fife, KKK and Pillsbury. May the farce be with you with these characters!

Bill elevates Culver's pay 9.7 percent
Wow, the governor is to receive a 9.7 percent raise and several of our elected officials are to get raises of up to 23 percent. That raise would place Governor Culver the 12th highest paid governor in the nation. Since Iowa is so average in everything else I think he needs a 6 thousand dollar pay cut. Gas prices are outrageous and food prices are on the rise daily. I thought we were enjoying a recession!

odor study
Quite an excellent example of our legislature, bought and paid for by special interests that puts CIETEC to shame. An audit of check-off funds would do well to create a national scandal to take our attention away from the crumbs of CIETEC and odor study! All of it stinks! Study done and now where is my millions?

The Radish
I was very surprised to read your review of the Radish. I wouldn't refer anyone there after my latest experience. My wife and I recently moved to the Grimes area and love dining out and trying new places. We had been referred to The Radish so we decided to give it a try. The first five times we went were during the week and we had good meals, decent service, etc. The last time we went was on a Friday night. We walked in at 5:50 pm where we were greeted at the door by the owner. We gave him our name and were told it would be 10 minutes until we would be seated. There was nobody else waiting at the time so this seemed to be ok. Shortly after a group of 4 people in their 70s walked in without reservations. After 15 minutes or so they were seated while we continued to wait patiently. Next a group of 5 people came in without reservations and were seated in approximately 20 minutes while we had now waited 45 minutes. On a couple of occasions the owner came over to us to tell us it would be 5 minutes. After waiting 50 minutes and seeing two groups come in after us and get seated before us without reservations I approached the owner to tell him someone else could have our table. I also told him I didn't agree with his handling of the seating list. He told me the other two groups had reservations. This was a blatant lie as we had talked to the groups while they waited with us. I would have been ok if he would have told us that he seats people based on age, size of party, etc. However he didn't tell us this and proceeded to lie to me as I approached him before leaving his place of business. I am very disappointed to mark The Radish off of my list of places to eat as Grimes could really use a good dining venue. Unfortunately, The Radish will never be a destination for us or the many others we enjoy going out with.

Civic Skinny
Hey, wait a minute! You folks finally provide an update on the fake rainforest, which I've been really hoping you would, but your update is unclear. Do you mean that Ted Townsend is thinking about trying to find a new outside-of-Iowa location for this looney project, after all the brouhaha over finally getting it sited in Pella? Or do you mean that he's still trolling for out-of-state donors, which he's been doing unsuccessfully for years? Thanks for the inside info, which is much appreciated, but please clarify. Enquiring minds want to know!

House tax hike
I applaud the Iowa House for the deceptively clever way in which they voted to increase sales taxes this week. In case you missed it, hidden between the much publicized smoking ban bill and the opening of the CIETC trial, the house voted to change the local option sales taxes in Iowa to a permanent state sales tax. I don't know about the other 98 counties, but in Polk County, the local option tax is set to expire in 2010, so in effect, this would be a tax increase. Perhaps they thought no one would care or that we've been paying the additional tax for so long that we wouldn't even notice. You'd have thought they would've seen the Project Destiny meltdown as a bellweather and realized this is the last thing Iowans want or that with the higher costs of living, this is the last thing Iowans need. Surely the fine governor, who throughout his campaign and several debates made it very clear the only tax he was going to raise was on cigarettes, will veto this bill when it reaches his desk. But you never know. Maybe he needs the money to fund his (also recently) proposed $25 million child welfare, er, healthcare plan. Maybe he'll decide he doesn't need to keep his campaign promises, after all, he already pissed off democrats and union workers by not signing the fair share bill, maybe he's decided that it's now time to piss off republicans and Iowans who expected their local option taxes to be used locally and only for a limited time.

Smokers arrogance
Iowa is so special and all-concerning as to ban cigarette smoking in public venues. Shame on you businesses. You are bringing us down. This is a great place to raise kids, and smokers perpetuate the decline of socioeconomic civility in our great state. But wait, Polk County is different. Why? We have the ultimate cash cow (currently named Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino) that is not to be concerned with the newly passed law of NON-SMOKING IN PUBLIC VENUES IN THE STATE OF IOWA. Dang, that's just convenient. If your name is Joe Smith with a bar and grill, if you own a retail/wholesale business with an open warehouse, if your construction workers are in the shop due to inclement weather, and you wanna grab a smoke, CONSIDER YOURSELVES ILLEGAL. Last I knew, discrination (even due to the use of a LEGAL substance) is unconstitutional. Let's get back to the basics of our country's foundation, and quit whining about nothingness. How about those foster kids aging out of the system? How about improved public transportation to the suburbs to off-set gosoline prices; how about changes in the social system so as to facilitate those IN the system more economically; how about talking about real issues in this great state?

comida mexicana
i was bummed to see the shotz and grill cordoba write up because i recently have been to "el chisme" taqueria and pizzaria, (twice) at merle hay and urbandale ave. and was hoping you'd plug it to bring them a little more business. i know you can't focus on one type of food but it's good, best i've found on the west side. haven't tried the pizza yet. now i've got to get over to shotz and grill to try them out. chile rellenos twang my buds. i guess it's a good problem to have

Outback Restaurant in Puyallup
A big rave to the Outback restaurant on Puyallups south hill for making a special persons birthday a surprise from us after a quick phone call. A big thank you!

Nation For Change Rally
A nationwide rally of Obama supporters The Nation For Change Rallies will be held in all 50 states on April 19th Participants will attend the rally to show their support for Senator Barack Obama in advance of the upcoming primaries (Pennsylvania on April 22nd and North Carolina & Indiana on May 6th) and the Iowa District Conventions scheduled for April 26th. The Nation for Change Rally is sponsored by grassroots supporters of Senator Barack Obama. Saturday, April 19th 2:30-3:30 PM, West Side of Iowa State Capitol Building, E. 10th & E. Grand Ave.

Consumer fraud
Great politics watch this week. Cityview is quickly becoming THE source of political news. The fact that the legislature took a pass on voting on this law that would protect consumers was completely ignored by other local media, which is a shame.

MLK
MLK was 38 when he was shot dead. It's been longer since that moment than he lived. And still, no one has connected the dots between James Earl Ray and his South African passport and Canadian travel agency itinerary that took this provincial red neck through the world capitols of racism. For all the conspiracy theories about JFK assasination, there are exponentially more reasons to be suspcious of the MLK assassination. Yet years go by and no one bothers. Why do you suppose?

THe following comes from the newsletter THIS is TRUE: 30 March 2008 Copyright http://www.thisistrue.com
It was sourced by the Tacoma News Tribune In what will probably become the iconic TV ad of the 2008 presidential campaign, a little girl is shown sleeping as the "phone rings at 3:00 a.m. in the White House." The spot, for Hillary Clinton,is meant to convey that she is "ready on day one" to handle crises and imply opponent Barack Obama isn't. The little girl featured in the ad is now 17; the footage had been sold to a stock house, and was used by the Clinton campaign without bothering to learn who it was. It was Casey Knowles of Bonney Lake, Wash. She turns 18 well before the election, and she has already been working for a presidential campaign: Barack Obama's. (Tacoma News Tribune) When called to comment on this crisis, Hillary refused to answer the phone.

Polk county GOP
If folks need to discover the demented state of the Polk County GOP you just have to wander over to "The Real Sporer" website. The authors rants and predictions remind me of the final days of the Third Reich when Hitler manuvered ghost armies around the map to halt the Allies Assault. This week he accused socialist government in Sweden of "liberals puking up hatred on demand." his concern centers around an Absolute Vodka ad campaign; he sings praise to the our state embarrasment Rep. Steve King; and he promotes "a comprehensive political website" which is a poorly done MYSPACE account with a donate button. here is the main blurb on the website then my comment. Sanger for State Rep's Blurbs About me: The name's Chris Sanger. I am running for the State Representative position in [Iowa] District 62 also known as the South Side [Des Moines]. I was raised outside of Dallas Center by a wonderful Mother and Father. Mom and Dad both used to work in Washington D.C. and for the State of Iowa. Mom works at Homecare Services, Inc.; Dad works at Wells Fargo and Co. I work at Wells Fargo and I am a business owner. I live on the South Side, of course. I believe that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and the people agree. I am running because I hear the people and I will stand strong for the people. Check out my blog and become politically active if you aren't already. Who I'd like to meet: You! DONATE button Yes, I want vote for a 23 year old with no life experience whose parents lived in DC, is not a native south sider and whose dad got his son a job at Wells Fargo. Anybody can be a business owner but let's have him use the term successful business owner like Brad Zaun used until his business went broke! The website is a My space account and not a campaign site for goodness sake. Notice these specific political points: "I believe that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and the people agree." "I am running because I hear the people and I will stand strong for the people." So all you South siders here is the GOP premier candidate who loves non specifics so that he never has to have a backbone. Sanger, come back and run when you can actually contribute to life liberty and pursuit of happiness. Maybe join the Army and see Iraq. You were one of those pro war young retpublicans! Here is your chance to show how you can lead! or is that too specific for your moral compass? Looks like General GOP Ted Sporer is throwing more cannon fodder at a lost cause. it is not that Sanger is evil, He is just too much of a rethuglican for me!

Ingersoll's drug culture
Multiple businesses operating along Ingersoll Avenue are little more than thinly veiled cocaine dens. This is nothing new. Nor is it all that shocking. (Anyone who has spent even a minimal amount of time in any Des Moines bar would know this.) If such knowledge is so common, that the names of multiple businesses have become synonymous with cocaine, how is it possible that these businesses stay open? Every city deserves to have a seedy underbelly, I'm just curious how law enforcement goes about ignoring the issue. Maybe it is just that they are that inept. All of which could be good. Seedy underbelly. Inept police. This could move Des Moines up at least a couple notches on some sort of bullshit "American Cities" list. We should get the word out. Start combating the whole hick farmer thing.

Steven King and the Border Patrol
Why did this only surface in the Cityview. Is this really true? How great that would be if he stepped down.

Cyber-Bullying
The good old Des Moines Register is proving the "Peter Principle" in regards to the "moderating" or should I say "no moderation" of their Online Discussion Forums? Our "friends" Mike Corey, Chris Snider and the rest of DMR's "motley crew" are ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH! They should be sued for Libel by the many individuals who are regularly tormented by anonymous cyber-bullies online, which appears to be sanctioned by the Des Moines Register Management. I'm fighting back in any way I possibly can, against this "organized stalking and harassment" in order to prove that the DMR has played an active role in it. The "discovery" process in a Libel Action can be so enlightening!

April Fool's money
Regarding Get Money out of Politics PAC' 5,000 dontation to Fallon, is that irony or what? A PAC organized to donate money to eliminate PACs. America is a great country!

Wilco
Playing catch up with my stack of magazines and papers, I came across your great cover page/article on Wilco. Being a huge Wilco fan, it was great to see them grace the cover of a Des Moines based paper. The fellow who wrote the article asked a few questions that I was glad to see brought to Jeff Tweedy, that I had not seen before or questions that I would have not asked had I been in the room. I was able to actually see the show at the Val Air, the week after the article was run in your paper, wish I would have seen it prior, but it does not take anything away from the great job done by Cityview by writing a great article by one of the best bands of our time. Thanks again for doing a great job of covering the music scene in Des Moines.

April Fool's
I LOVED this weeks issue. I always do. In fact I forwarded the Karaoke Ban on to our Entertainment Coordinator and he went crazy. He couldn't believe it and wanted to start calling our lobbyists. I still haven't told him.

Dream Lake
I hope that CITYVIEW is not so naive as to think that the would-be developers of Dream Lake are going to give up. They are moving ahead, and are still determined to destroy a beautiful river area in the name of "green development," a misuse of the term that makes real conservationists gag. With a planned $700 million profit just from lot sales, these guys don't plan to let a few burial mounds stop them. How about reporting on what they're up to? The REGISTER left out some of the best parts, like their belief that they are being guided by God. Please, take a break from the fun stuff (wrestling, Elvis) and cover a story that really needs to be covered.

Puppy Mills
Because of this blog about Channel 13, the "cover" of a woman that has spent her life resucuing dogs from horrible puppy mills, has been blown. She will now be faced with harrassment from puppy mill owners who have lost business due to her bravery and loyalty to animals. Her name should NEVER have been published.

chris vance
chris vance rocks. the energy at his opening was amazing. i think des moines really does have an art scene. something is happening here and you don't know what it is, do you, mr. jones?

Wilco
Wilco on the cover of Cityview! How cool was that? Also enjoyed the online concert review and photos. Thanks for caring enough about good music to give it the kind of coverage it deserves.

Treatment of disabled Vets and Clergymen in the skywalk.
In a society that claims to be patriotic and religious, I have met some ungrateful people in this community. I am a disabled Vet and an ordained minister. My associate and I walk the skywalk all the time helping people who may need it in any form. We go to Churches Homeless shelter and talk with people there also. We walk past the Nationwide building almost everyday and never been approached. Until yesterday (March 13). When I was verbally assaulted by the security guards employed by this company. Tell my associate and I that people like us are not welcome in the skywalks at all, that we are intimadating and that we are frightening the employees who walk the sky walk and that we are not allowed in the sky walk. Now if disabled Vets and ordained ministers are not allowed to walk the sky walks would that not be a form of discremination? Just walking around enjoying life and talking to people and smiling and saying "Hi" to total stangers is not a crime in this country the last time I checked. But if it is, then no one should be talking in public to each other. But then my Marine Corps buddies who did not make it back died for no reason and we are not the nation I thought I lived in. This is the USA! We are allowed to be kind to each other and help and laugh together! But Nationwide seems to have an issue with Vetrans and religion. I don't know about you, but this highly aggrevates me!

a certain type of green Mayor Cownie is fighting for
The Des Moines Register again reminds us of Mayor CownieÕs dedication to the environment ("City Will Purchase 38 Replacement Vehicles," Feb. 16). ItÕs indeed commendable that the council has set a goal to make Des Moines a sustainable "green" community. Earlier in the week, he maintained this same stance by voting against the proposed new DahlÕs store on Ingersoll Avenue when plans failed green standards. Oddly, the Mayo