What a wonderful tribute to Paul. I wish I would have known him better. I have admired him from afar. You and our friend Bob were lucky to be in his close company.
I have been reading this book that I bought from Steve at Ice Cube Press. And mourn the fact that he is gone but celebrate his remarkable legacy. We all need to be like Paul.
Larry, I was so disappointed when Paul resined as DNR director that I wrote to him. As a Néw legislator, I was counting on his influence to help establish some CAFI setbacks.
A shared, fervent wish. Conservation corps, Peace corps, Teach for America, any military branch, hospital service, etc. etc. Requirements: male & female; 18-24 months; away from hometown; free choice of corps; completion before age 25.
When subjected to involuntary federal service in 1967 I grudgingly cooperated, only to realize several years later that it was the second-best thing that ever happened to me (Cherie's allowing me to be the one to catch her is #1).
I served with Paul when he was in the house. He was unique. The day he resigned from DNR. He called me for lunch and I never seen paul so frustrated— somewhat at Politics of legislature, but also at the media coverage of the register. To honor paul several of us helped create the Johnson center for Land stewardship,, which is an ongoing venture.
Thanks for sharing thoughts and stories about Paul Johnson - an Iowa conservation champion.
I enjoyed reading "We Can Do Better", and came to realize/remember how Paul's thoughts and actions were important and at times revolutionary. His writing style is conversational, and I think those who pick up this book will be pleased.
A great tribute to a man (and his wife) we owe much to. It's time to resurrect that philosophy and crucial to remind others that we can maintain that God-given gift of land and water in ways that honor it.
I feel so fortunate that Paul survived his tractor accident so I could know him, if only for a few years. I was always honored when he took the time to mentor and guide me. We'll be discussing this book at the Savanna Institute Perennial Gathering in Dubuque in March. Hope to see you there Larry!
this group is expanding perennial crops across the Midwest. Paul was honored by them a few years back. Curt put together a panel on the book. It would be great to have you join in the discussion after.
That would be wonderful, Larry! I would read it and then give it to the library — they require several steps to accept books, better done by a local person. Do you have my contact info?
Larry successfully captured the essence of Paul. I do regret we did not have videos of some of the legislative debates or Paul’s talks with with fellow legislators or the lobby.
https://icecubepress.com/2025/02/12/we-can-do-better/ good piece Larry. We need more folks like you and Paul! Reminds me of what we could have if folks will vote Chris Jones for Sec of Ag
What a wonderful tribute to Paul. I wish I would have known him better. I have admired him from afar. You and our friend Bob were lucky to be in his close company.
I have been reading this book that I bought from Steve at Ice Cube Press. And mourn the fact that he is gone but celebrate his remarkable legacy. We all need to be like Paul.
Larry, I was so disappointed when Paul resined as DNR director that I wrote to him. As a Néw legislator, I was counting on his influence to help establish some CAFI setbacks.
Agreed, I was sad to see him go. But he was very frustrated with the politics and lack of support for DNR - and eager to get back to the farm.
I also agree with his thoughts about all young people should have two years of federal service.
A shared, fervent wish. Conservation corps, Peace corps, Teach for America, any military branch, hospital service, etc. etc. Requirements: male & female; 18-24 months; away from hometown; free choice of corps; completion before age 25.
When subjected to involuntary federal service in 1967 I grudgingly cooperated, only to realize several years later that it was the second-best thing that ever happened to me (Cherie's allowing me to be the one to catch her is #1).
I wonder if our president might have a different outlook on the world if he'd had 2 years of federal service!
I served with Paul when he was in the house. He was unique. The day he resigned from DNR. He called me for lunch and I never seen paul so frustrated— somewhat at Politics of legislature, but also at the media coverage of the register. To honor paul several of us helped create the Johnson center for Land stewardship,, which is an ongoing venture.
Thanks for sharing thoughts and stories about Paul Johnson - an Iowa conservation champion.
I enjoyed reading "We Can Do Better", and came to realize/remember how Paul's thoughts and actions were important and at times revolutionary. His writing style is conversational, and I think those who pick up this book will be pleased.
I interviewed Johnson several times when he was in the legislature. Nice guy. I got the feeling he wanted to be back on his farm.
Yes, definitely a nice guy! And your feeling was spot on. He wanted to be on the farm.
A great tribute to a man (and his wife) we owe much to. It's time to resurrect that philosophy and crucial to remind others that we can maintain that God-given gift of land and water in ways that honor it.
I feel so fortunate that Paul survived his tractor accident so I could know him, if only for a few years. I was always honored when he took the time to mentor and guide me. We'll be discussing this book at the Savanna Institute Perennial Gathering in Dubuque in March. Hope to see you there Larry!
Please tell me more about the Dubuque gathering.
https://www.savannainstitute.org/pfg/
this group is expanding perennial crops across the Midwest. Paul was honored by them a few years back. Curt put together a panel on the book. It would be great to have you join in the discussion after.
Good job Larry. He left quite a legacy, and hopefully you and I live long enough to see his work bear fruit.
Thanks for this look at a wise man.
Thank you, Paul, for all your work 🙏
I wish my library in Toronto had access to this book!
Or send YOU a copy!
That would be wonderful, Larry! I would read it and then give it to the library — they require several steps to accept books, better done by a local person. Do you have my contact info?
Please email me your contact info and I'll send the book to you. lstone@alpinecom.net
what's the address, Jo? I can send them a copy!
Thanks for sharing Larry!
Larry successfully captured the essence of Paul. I do regret we did not have videos of some of the legislative debates or Paul’s talks with with fellow legislators or the lobby.
And I regret not making some photos of him!