As someone who helped organize those lobby days, it can be disheartening. But the value of showing up cannot be underestimated. I remember during the years when D's held the trifecta under Culver, the 'right to life' groups still held their lobby days. They were seen. Regarding your mention of "intentional distractions"-- Does not have to be distractions as long as 'we' do not fight among ourselves. Not every Iowan prioritizes outdoors and nature; they might prioritize libraries and public education. The advocacy does not have to conflict--there are opportunities to work together. All one has to do is see how well the book banners and anti choice groups work together.
And I appreciate your long-standing advocacy for Iowans.
Agreed that we need to work together to fight the many battles we’re facing.
Along with the environmental issues, we must continue to advocate for feeding hungry kids, protecting libraries, LGBTQ rights, and educational freedom - to name only a few of the values we once prized as Iowans.
Thanks for the update Larry. Disheartening, but it was nice to know so many groups are fighting back. Sorry I missed it...Thanks for your efforts for educating generations of Iowans about the outdoors.
Thank you Larry. Yes, some of us are getting tired but we have to continue to press for a livable Iowa. All issues converge on saving our democracy from authoritarian rule. Never ever did I think a woman would take us where we are now. Every day I ask myself who is the legislature working for? One entity is the farm bureau, the I insurance company that identifies as a farm organization. BS.
"Our lawmakers say they’re hearing from constituents, and claim they vote accordingly." They may claim this but we all know they do not. They voted last year to give tax dollars to private schools, even though the majority of Iowans disagreed. This year they are working to pass the AEA bill- even after saying they received thousands of emails, overwhelmingly against the bill.
As someone who helped organize those lobby days, it can be disheartening. But the value of showing up cannot be underestimated. I remember during the years when D's held the trifecta under Culver, the 'right to life' groups still held their lobby days. They were seen. Regarding your mention of "intentional distractions"-- Does not have to be distractions as long as 'we' do not fight among ourselves. Not every Iowan prioritizes outdoors and nature; they might prioritize libraries and public education. The advocacy does not have to conflict--there are opportunities to work together. All one has to do is see how well the book banners and anti choice groups work together.
Thanks, Ralph!
Your points are well taken.
And I appreciate your long-standing advocacy for Iowans.
Agreed that we need to work together to fight the many battles we’re facing.
Along with the environmental issues, we must continue to advocate for feeding hungry kids, protecting libraries, LGBTQ rights, and educational freedom - to name only a few of the values we once prized as Iowans.
Larry
Thanks for the update Larry. Disheartening, but it was nice to know so many groups are fighting back. Sorry I missed it...Thanks for your efforts for educating generations of Iowans about the outdoors.
Thank you Larry. Yes, some of us are getting tired but we have to continue to press for a livable Iowa. All issues converge on saving our democracy from authoritarian rule. Never ever did I think a woman would take us where we are now. Every day I ask myself who is the legislature working for? One entity is the farm bureau, the I insurance company that identifies as a farm organization. BS.
"Our lawmakers say they’re hearing from constituents, and claim they vote accordingly." They may claim this but we all know they do not. They voted last year to give tax dollars to private schools, even though the majority of Iowans disagreed. This year they are working to pass the AEA bill- even after saying they received thousands of emails, overwhelmingly against the bill.
Thank you Larry!