Posted January 20, 2025in Stray Thoughts
Gov. Terry Branstad was frustrated eight years ago with what he believed was the inability of officials to tell the public why a government employee was fired or resigned under pressure. When the Legislature convened in 2017, he shepherded through the Legislature important new language in the public records
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Posted January 06, 2025in Stray Thoughts
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 Democrat. Seven succinct paragraphs informed readers of the death of Titus Wagler, 66, a longtime Davis County business owner. In
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Posted December 23, 2024in Stray Thoughts
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’ administration recently revoked permission for the Satanic Temple of Iowa to place a display in the Capitol and host a
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Posted December 16, 2024in Stray Thoughts
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 should finally pass an anti-SLAPP statute that has been floating around the Legislature for a few years. Iowa Capital Dispatch
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Posted December 09, 2024in Stray Thoughts
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 questions front and center because the kind of cold-hearted reaction we have witnessed is disgusting. See what you think: About
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Posted December 03, 2024in Stray Thoughts
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 politicians like to talk about other countries “stealing” the jobs of American workers. The politicians would have us believe these
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Posted November 18, 2024in Stray Thoughts
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 information *about* their governments, not more secrecy *from* their governments. I explained a troubling trend I see worming its way
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Posted November 13, 2024in Stray Thoughts
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 actions of Centerville Community School District leaders. This mother told me I was responsible for her spending part of a
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Posted October 28, 2024in Stray Thoughts
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 end of those infernal television commercials. My tolerance for these ads has never been high. One reason is the way
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Posted October 14, 2024in Stray Thoughts
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 Cheney together at a White House reception. Back then, the agent entertained us with stories of people lining the streets
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