While I like the idea and the overall presentation of this sad scenario it is way too long. Nobody will read this long and repetitive article without clear and identifiable and mind changing proposals. Using the KISS method approach might just attract a few young minds to this so critical movement. ( I support 3 writers already and am a lousy writer myself)
It's easy to blame Democrats for running scared but I see most everyone in the state that has any kind of a platform make this criticism while in total denial about the extent that the decades of propaganda on conservative talk radio in our communities on many of our local am radio stations, and elsewhere has turned many Iowans'minds to mush. Door knockers know it, getting doors slammed in your face when you say which party you represent. Hearing all the usual right wing pundits' talking points, lies and conspiracy theories from ordinary Iowans. We all know that most people agree with sensible policies, but they run away in horror if it comes from a Democrat. This is the way things are in the state legislature as well. When do we get to have a real conversation about this? Because the propaganda has made our country and our state ungovernable. We talk about rules/regulations as "punishment," a last resort. As if everything in the world isn't subject to regulation? As if laws and rules are a bad thing? No you can't pollute the rivers and streams and drinking water. What is so bad about having to "go there?" https://www.newyorker.com/news/campaign-chronicles/the-power-of-political-disinformation-in-iowa
Thanks for the comments. I agree with what you are saying about the influence Republicans have over and from a wide echo chamber of communications platforms. Which is one of the reasons Bob and I wrote this piece. How can Democrats punch back? We lay out a strategy specifically focused around water quality, which is getting a lot of attention right now. This doesn't deny the existence of the echo chamber. We're suggesting a strategy to try and break through the echo chamber to hold Republicans accountable for where we are with policies and outcomes.
Game, set, match. Except this isn’t sports, as Food & Water Watch says, act like you live here. The line has been drawn. The time for accountability reached. Will we allow ourselves to be the garbage pail of America? If there was ever a time for profiles in courage, that time is now.
While I like the idea and the overall presentation of this sad scenario it is way too long. Nobody will read this long and repetitive article without clear and identifiable and mind changing proposals. Using the KISS method approach might just attract a few young minds to this so critical movement. ( I support 3 writers already and am a lousy writer myself)
It's easy to blame Democrats for running scared but I see most everyone in the state that has any kind of a platform make this criticism while in total denial about the extent that the decades of propaganda on conservative talk radio in our communities on many of our local am radio stations, and elsewhere has turned many Iowans'minds to mush. Door knockers know it, getting doors slammed in your face when you say which party you represent. Hearing all the usual right wing pundits' talking points, lies and conspiracy theories from ordinary Iowans. We all know that most people agree with sensible policies, but they run away in horror if it comes from a Democrat. This is the way things are in the state legislature as well. When do we get to have a real conversation about this? Because the propaganda has made our country and our state ungovernable. We talk about rules/regulations as "punishment," a last resort. As if everything in the world isn't subject to regulation? As if laws and rules are a bad thing? No you can't pollute the rivers and streams and drinking water. What is so bad about having to "go there?" https://www.newyorker.com/news/campaign-chronicles/the-power-of-political-disinformation-in-iowa
Thanks for the comments. I agree with what you are saying about the influence Republicans have over and from a wide echo chamber of communications platforms. Which is one of the reasons Bob and I wrote this piece. How can Democrats punch back? We lay out a strategy specifically focused around water quality, which is getting a lot of attention right now. This doesn't deny the existence of the echo chamber. We're suggesting a strategy to try and break through the echo chamber to hold Republicans accountable for where we are with policies and outcomes.
Game, set, match. Except this isn’t sports, as Food & Water Watch says, act like you live here. The line has been drawn. The time for accountability reached. Will we allow ourselves to be the garbage pail of America? If there was ever a time for profiles in courage, that time is now.
Excellent article explaining a paradigm shift needed in agriculture for Iowa and other farming states.