What’s the difference?

After reading Civic Skinny last week (June 4, 2015), let me see if I understand this correctly. The husband (James Conlin) of a past Democrat nominee for governor (Roxanne Conlin) is suing the city of Des Moines (whose city council has been controlled by Democrats for more than five decades). He is spending more than $100,000 on a $6,000 issue and is represented by a past Republican nominee for governor (Doug Gross). Commenting, Mr. Conlin said “Most people couldn’t afford to do this on principle, but I can.” In the same issue, Rick Smith’s (Polk County Democrat Volunteer of the Year) letter to the editor mentions concerns that money from the Koch brothers “…could clear the Republican field quickly.” This, at a time when the sheer power of the Clinton machine has cleared the Democratic field better than the Packer sweep with Kramer and Thurston in the 1960s. All the while, some still wonder why many have trouble seeing any real differences between the two major political parties and their chosen candidates.

Mike Rowley
-Clive

Take a stand against climate change

Water is an essential necessity to every living being on this planet; it’s something we often take for granted, living where many of us have access to clean, drinkable water. What would we do without it? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, climate change increases the rate of evaporation. This evaporation can cause drought in some areas of the country, while others can see increased precipitation. Both lead to problems in our country’s water supply. Here in Iowa, we have experienced increases in heavy precipitation, which led to water quality problems. Our water treatment plants are working hard to ensure we have safe water to use. Nitrate levels in our rivers have reached an all-time high due to runoff from fertilizers used in crops. Heavy precipitation has led to more runoff into our waterways, and it is becoming more difficult to maintain healthy drinking water standards. The solution is to call upon our nation’s political leaders to take a stand against climate change. Some of tomorrow’s leaders continue to deny the existence of climate change. Let’s call upon these leaders to make a change to preserve the planet for our future generations.

Justin Hu
-Johnston

Scott Walker qualifies as the most dangerous Republican candidate

Scott Walker has built his national image by viciously attacking labor unions. His election in 2010 was the beginning of the end of a progressive era in Wisconsin labor relations. He began by destroying collective bargaining for public unions with key state unions reporting 30-70 percent drops in union membership since 2011. In March 2015 he continued his anti-worker crusade by signing a right-to-work law that will be a crushing blow to organized labor in the state. His outrageous statement insulting union workers a few weeks ago is evidence of his hatred for labor. Walker, in promoting his presidential ability to fight terrorism, compared Wisconsin union members with ISIS terrorists. He has already said he will spread his union-crushing agenda to the rest of the country if elected President. Destroying unions will lead to greater income inequality, increased poverty and greater wealth for the 1 percent.The Kochs and their groups gave millions to Walker’s 2010 gubernatorial campaign. They rewarded him with more cash in his 2012 recall election and again gave generously to get him re-elected in 2014. The Kochs realize the only threat to their power and wealth is from workers joining together in unions.

Rick Smith
-Urbandale

The future is ours

Do you ever imagine the world your grandchildren will live in? As a college student aspiring to be a future healthcare professional, it is my duty to educate others about the path our world is headed. Proven by scientists, climate change is happening now and faster than ever. To preserve this world for our future children, it is our responsibility to make a change. Climate change needs to be an important issue in the upcoming election. With increasing average temperatures each year, the excessive heat can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, fainting and other heat-related diseases. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, industry was responsible for 21 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in 2013. Candidates need to take action by making it a point in their campaign to call on businesses across the country to take responsibility. Politicians need to enforce legislation that will aim to reduce carbon emissions by developing alternative and more sustainable business plans. As a reader, you may be wondering what you can do locally to reduce your own carbon footprint. Try supporting businesses that have sustainable practices, carpooling or using less electricity at home or in the workplace. Whether it’s national government policy, statewide programs or local initiatives, we all need to act now. Climate change will continue to worsen the condition of our planet as long as we let it. Let’s stop it now so that future generations do not have to suffer from our carelessness.

Samantha Austin
-Des Moines