Never put off what you might later regret
I have been kicking myself since being reminded that procrastination comes with a price. This lesson arrived the week before Christmas when I spotted a small obituary in the Bloomfield [...]
Read More →
Posted January 06, 2025in Stray Thoughts
Posted December 23, 2024in Stray Thoughts
Government should not pick which religions to favor
When it comes to freedom of religion and the rights enshrined in the 45 words of the First Amendment, the devil is in the details in Iowa. Gov. Kim Reynolds’ [...]
Read More →
Posted December 16, 2024in Stray Thoughts
Lawmakers should slap down intimidation lawsuits
A public policy dispute over plans for about 1,000 miles of carbon dioxide pipeline across Iowa took a concerning turn last week. The pipeline company’s latest tactic demonstrates why Iowa [...]
Read More →
Posted December 09, 2024in Stray Thoughts
Insurance problems won’t go away by glorifying a murder
When and why did the United States turn into such a cesspool of hatred? Some people may disagree with that characterization. But events last week have or should put those [...]
Read More →
Posted December 03, 2024in Stray Thoughts
Plant closure gives us an economics lesson
Many people would rather get their teeth drilled than discuss economics. If you are one of them, dial up your dentist, because today’s topic probably will make you uncomfortable. Some [...]
Read More →
Posted November 18, 2024in Stray Thoughts
More access to government, not more secrecy, is needed
I was asked to speak last week at the annual conference of the National Freedom of Information Coalition. My remarks boiled down to a simple message: The public needs more [...]
Read More →
Posted November 13, 2024in Stray Thoughts
School board learns important lesson on secrecy
Last week, I bumped into an Appanoose County woman I have known for several years. She thanked me and the nonprofit organization I manage for shining the spotlight on the [...]
Read More →
Posted October 28, 2024in Stray Thoughts
Those pesky TV ads are short on context
It’s a challenge, but not impossible, to find topics on which Republicans and Democrats share the same view these days. Here’s one: Election Day means we can all celebrate the [...]
Read More →
Posted October 14, 2024in Stray Thoughts
Fidelity to Constitution more important than policy differences
A family acquaintance was on Vice President Dick Cheney’s Secret Service detail during George W. Bush’s presidency. His Christmas photo one year was a portrait of him, his wife and [...]
Read More →
Posted September 30, 2024in Stray Thoughts
Too many officials show lack of concern for transparency
Talk about lousy optics — and I am not referring to out-of-style eyeglasses. Public perception is the topic for today. There were a couple of recent news nuggets that illustrate [...]
Read More →
