I did not make newspaper writing my chief occupation although I have done a small bit of it starting in my high school years when I was contributor to the Pelladium which was published in the weekly Pella Chronicle. I also had the opportunity to read the columnists you mention. There are great columnists today however they are often obscured by the not so great ones who are bent on destroying democracy.
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.
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.
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!
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.
--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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I did not make newspaper writing my chief occupation although I have done a small bit of it starting in my high school years when I was contributor to the Pelladium which was published in the weekly Pella Chronicle. I also had the opportunity to read the columnists you mention. There are great columnists today however they are often obscured by the not so great ones who are bent on destroying democracy.
Thank you for all you do!
And thank you Suzanna!
Great piece. We all build upon others. And yes: Merit. Just another thin veil of convenience.
I check out Substack daily to refresh my perspective on a myriad of issues. Thank you so much for this collaboration.
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.
Thank you!
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.
Thanks so much!
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!
Thank you Connie! You are always so supportive and kind. It's most appreciated, and gives me strength.
One more example of a rich person throwing a tantrum and getting his way while legitimate public concerns get ignored.
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.
Likewise Denise!
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.
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.
Bob- the link leads to a promo for the law firm that “protected” Hurley from the so-called discrimination, NOT to your column.
thanks! fixed.
Thank you, Bob. Thank you...............
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!
Understood! Thanks.
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.
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.
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.