Chuck Grassley

Iowa Democrats would also make no difference on water quality

A long-running legacy, our land, is slipping away

What happened to the Grassley who decried waste?

Recognition helps show the value of high school journalism

Iowa Democrats would also make no difference on water quality

The Register editorial board notices that Iowa's water quality continues to worsen, because Republicans "relied on voluntary actions and, in the end, haven’t made much of a difference." Of course, Democrats likewise plan to continue requesting polluters voluntarily end their pollution.

If Iowa media actually cares about water pollution, try asking these so-called leaders what steps they take to protect their own families. Do they all use bottled water, use reverse osmosis filters, or let their families drink the dirty water and pray? That would be more insightful than the back and forth blame while actually doing nothing.

Erich Riesenberg, Des Moines

A long-running legacy, our land, is slipping away

“The Land Remains” is one of Drake University professor Neil Hamilton’s recent books about Iowa’s ecosystem.

The idea strikes me differently now compared to when I first read it. No matter how we mess up our society and our ecosystem, “The Land Remains.”

We are losing too much topsoil to our waterways. We are compacting and degrading our farm ground. We are introducing chemicals without regard to the long-term effects.

No matter what we do to it, the land will remain whether humans are here or not.

The Iowa ecosystem has sustained people for ten thousand years. People have cultivated crops for a thousand years or more. Currently all sorts of folks from here and abroad are exploiting our soil — likely the best soil in the world. No wonder the billionaires are buying it up.

However, it will remain. Prairie plants and trees can survive on some poor-quality soil. Much of the life that has survived up to now will survive the Anthropocene extinction.

Most Iowans lament the losses. A few very rich and powerful people seem to care nothing about God’s creation of Iowa. That is sad.

The good news is this: We still have a democracy. We have some candidates who care about our children and their future. We know what to do.

We need to pay attention and vote.

Mike Delaney, Windsor Heights

What happened to the Grassley who decried waste?

To Sen. Chuck Grassley: I'm old enough to remember when you raised Cain about what the government was paying for toilet seats, and don't forget the "golden hammer" for the Pentagon. Now you are fine with using a billion taxpayer dollars for a golden ballroom for the White House. Shame on you.

Jeff Clingan, Van Meter

Recognition helps show the value of high school journalism

Yes! High school journalism produces leaders, writers, and educators. I was a writer and editor of my high school and community college publications in Iowa. I developed great interest and skills for listening, interviewing, and collaborative leadership. This led to a lifetime of producing neighborhood and graduate school newsletters. I became a columnist for two national publications. Good writing begets better writing. I published 14 books, dozens of articles, and taught others how to write and publish.

I appreciate Lyle Muller’s guest column in the May 3 Register. In addition, high school journalism serves the public by creating engaged citizens. Good journalists know the difference between news, commentary, and opinions. They inform the public about issues that matter.

Norma Cook Everist, Mason City