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lochland's avatar

("It's okay to say that I'm a white guy too") when you have to use brackets to apologize to the reader; appealing to yourself for justification epitimizes your privilege. The privilege to be a poor writer.

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John Kirsch's avatar

I remember the column where Kaul described "The Sound of Music," which seemed to run continuously at the Capri theater in Des Moines, for years, as The Sound of Money.

I thought fans of the film would storm the Register, drag Kaul out and hang him from a streetlight.

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Michael's avatar

Need I remind everyone that the people who benefited most from gender balance are privileged white women. Only in the Bizzarro equity world are wealthy white women considered the oppressed.

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Michael's avatar

You piece in the Register is embarrassing. A man with with 40 years as an attorney, husband, father and grandfather should not be appointed over a 30 year old Hindu woman? What part of our intellectual and moral history comes from the far east? The “Rockstars” merit is her gender, age and faith? That’s pathetic.

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Virginia Traxler's avatar

You’re the best as well, Bob. Whenever your name comes up on my email in the morning, I know I will learn something important about the goings on in Iowa or beyond. Your perspective is fact based, intelligent, thoughtful, and always compassionate. I also grew up with the Register and Tribune, Gordon Gammack, Donald Kaul and Erma Bombeck. Sometimes it seems the world has changed almost beyond recognition, but yours is a trusted voice in the current din. Thank you, and thanks to Julie, too.

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Robert Leonard's avatar

Thanks so much!

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Connie Taylor's avatar

I'm so glad Julie "made" you and the other writers join the Collaborative. The writing, reporting, and research from each of you is invaluable. Thank you, Bob!

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Robert Leonard's avatar

Thank you Connie! You are always so supportive and kind. It's most appreciated, and gives me strength.

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Tej Dhawan's avatar

Two sentences struck a nerve (and a tear or two):

--where a Black man or a white woman has been the most qualified applicant for the job, yet they aren’t hired because “they aren’t right for the community.”

--They sue.

I've been told a version of the first sentence. I have provided solace and shoulder to many a recipient of the same. The one thing none wanted to do was sue. I am glad all chose grit over apron strings.

Thank you for your words of compassion.

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Robert Leonard's avatar

Thank you very much. Yes, those passed by even though they were more qualified in person and on paper. They were very brave. That people act like racism doesn't exist in the hiring process astounds me.

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Cathy Haustein's avatar

One more example of a rich person throwing a tantrum and getting his way while legitimate public concerns get ignored.

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Lauren's avatar

Bob- the link leads to a promo for the law firm that “protected” Hurley from the so-called discrimination, NOT to your column.

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Robert Leonard's avatar

thanks! fixed.

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Kathi Zimpleman's avatar

Thank you, Bob. Thank you...............

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Jo Pearson's avatar

I was able to read your column, Bob. And also the Hurley column to which you were responding, by clicking through paywall “invitations.” But I couldn’t get to the third column you cited. The Register then demands a subscription. Please be attentive to the fact that your links may not always be available to your readers.

Thanks for writing about gender balance!

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Robert Leonard's avatar

Understood! Thanks.

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Denise OBrien's avatar

And now you carry on the legacy of being a mentor to many. I appreciate your dedication to sorting through our complicated world, Bob. You are an inspiration to my own attempt to write truth to justice.

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Robert Leonard's avatar

Likewise Denise!

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Ice Cube Press, LLC's avatar

Great piece. We all build upon others. And yes: Merit. Just another thin veil of convenience.

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Suzanna de Baca's avatar

Thank you for all you do!

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Robert Leonard's avatar

And thank you Suzanna!

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Annette Rice's avatar

I check out Substack daily to refresh my perspective on a myriad of issues. Thank you so much for this collaboration.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Bob, having you in my life during this chapter has turned into a real highlight. Thank you for all you do. Your column perspective is wonderful, of course, and what most people don’t know is how supportive you are of everyone in your world. And beyond. You are a gift.

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Robert Leonard's avatar

Thank you!

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