Just watched the video of Disturbed and you're correct; it IS a powerful statement of where we are. Seeing Disturbed walking with his guitar over his shoulder, reminded me of my fellow 'Okie', Woody Guthrie, who wrote on his guitar 'This Machine Kills Fascists'. He's well known for writing 'This Land is Your Land' but how many know the sixth verse was deleted from the recordings? It follows: “One bright sunny morning in the shadow of the steeple,
by the relief office I saw my people.
As they stood hungry,
I stood there wondering if God blessed America for me.”
Check out his song from the '50s--'Old Man Trump'.
I was born in Oklahoma, as was my Dad and after serving during WWII he planned to settle there. After I came along, though, both my folks decided that this wasn't where they wanted to raise a family, and began a short series of moves, taking them from El Reo to West Plains, Missouri, thence to Springfield, Missouri. My Dad made a delivery to Des Mo9ines. Iowa where he made the acquaintance of John Ruan, who hired him on the spot after seeing how well kept his truck was. Iowa then WAS a "Place to Grow" and our entire family thrived. In my opinion, Iowa began a slide towards mediocrity following Governor Ray's retirement and has since accelerated. At 76, I no longer recognize the Iowa I was raised in and I'm NOT going to leave because it would be to a different place with the same self-destructive (selfish?) attitude of it's leaders.
Thanks for sharing your story, Chris. Coincidentally, I saw a reference to the "Old Man Trump" the other day, but haven't taken the time to listen. Thanks for reminding me. I think you are write about Ray.
As always, you have written insightfully, Robert. Yesterday I read that Sen Ernst is looking forward to the 2nd Trump administration. Already we know that Sen Grassley is a right wing extremist void in integrity, caring only about power, not the hallowed traditions and honor of the country. We will see if Sen Ernst has steadfast stature and honor. Frankly, I am doubtful, but were she to show courage it would be a tiny ray of hope.
Great column, Bob. I don't believe anything politicians promise in their campaign rhetoric. I suspect Ernst will do just as she did in 2021, when she and a herd of spineless sheep let the treasonous Trump off the hook. Now they are forever at his beck and call, and anyone who doesn't show complete fealty will be committing political suicide. This is what we've become.
As Art Cullen wrote today same goes for political leaders: “I told them the only value a reporter has is in credibility. The only way you earn credibility is by relentlessly asserting the facts.”
Open letters need to be read in order to be effective. I am confident the Senator will not. Lovely letter anyway, Bob. Same applies to Grassley. Trump is threatening non-compliant Senators with primary challenge and using Musk cash coffers as further incentive to force allegiance to the president elect. Along with Hegseth, you can add Gaetz and RFK and Gabbard. Geeezzzz. I thought Halloween was over.
Thanks Thomas. I've known some of Ernst's staffers for years and I will make sure they see it. Are you talking about cash offers to Senators personally, or campaigns. Yes, all but Rubio are disasters.
The comment is reflecting what Trump said this week regarding any Republican senator that opposes his cabinet nominees will do so at their political peril.
I am an optimist by nature. Our country has survived some horrendous times.
Slavery, the Civil War, WWI, the depression, WWII, Mc carthyism. Unfortunately, a lot of people died and lives were destroyed, and we were never as good as we thought we were.
I have this fantasy that someone will stun the Republicans as Joseph Welch said to Joseph McCarthy, “Have you no decency, sir?”
But Liz Cheney and all the military brass who served with Trump, could not convince enough voters.
It's highly unlikely Ernst will cast a public vote against a Trump nominee (probably not even Gaetz). It's much more likely this column will expose how far we've slid into autocracy, when Senators like Ernst forfeit their power and forget their past and their values. (I do hope I'm wrong.)
Your appeal to Sen Joni Ernst is touching. Did she really say those things? I’m having trouble squaring those quotes with her mean-girl “anti-woke” nastiness on X.
Yes, she did. There is a trend across all of the Republican electeds to do that kind of posts on twitter. I've interviewed her for years and there is no way she is writing those twitter posts. she's approving them though. i'm sure a staffer does it.
Struggling with the “hell of a leader” part. She played the audience in Boone apparently, and then campaigned for the guy in other states. Not my definition of a true leader.
Ah, you are such an optimist! The only bit of hope is that the KMA news piece didn’t mention Hegseth or Gabbard.
Where were our Senators in the immediate aftermath of Jan 6, 2021 when a second impeachment attempt was made? Opposition to their party line at that time would have shown real leadership and concern for the nation.
I will be printing this out and mailing it to Senator Ernst's Des Moines office. Letting her and her staff know that I agree with every word.
Yes. That was my first thought on reading this powerful piece. I will also send it to her D.C. office.
Thank you!
Just watched the video of Disturbed and you're correct; it IS a powerful statement of where we are. Seeing Disturbed walking with his guitar over his shoulder, reminded me of my fellow 'Okie', Woody Guthrie, who wrote on his guitar 'This Machine Kills Fascists'. He's well known for writing 'This Land is Your Land' but how many know the sixth verse was deleted from the recordings? It follows: “One bright sunny morning in the shadow of the steeple,
by the relief office I saw my people.
As they stood hungry,
I stood there wondering if God blessed America for me.”
Check out his song from the '50s--'Old Man Trump'.
I was born in Oklahoma, as was my Dad and after serving during WWII he planned to settle there. After I came along, though, both my folks decided that this wasn't where they wanted to raise a family, and began a short series of moves, taking them from El Reo to West Plains, Missouri, thence to Springfield, Missouri. My Dad made a delivery to Des Mo9ines. Iowa where he made the acquaintance of John Ruan, who hired him on the spot after seeing how well kept his truck was. Iowa then WAS a "Place to Grow" and our entire family thrived. In my opinion, Iowa began a slide towards mediocrity following Governor Ray's retirement and has since accelerated. At 76, I no longer recognize the Iowa I was raised in and I'm NOT going to leave because it would be to a different place with the same self-destructive (selfish?) attitude of it's leaders.
Thanks for sharing your story, Chris. Coincidentally, I saw a reference to the "Old Man Trump" the other day, but haven't taken the time to listen. Thanks for reminding me. I think you are write about Ray.
As always, you have written insightfully, Robert. Yesterday I read that Sen Ernst is looking forward to the 2nd Trump administration. Already we know that Sen Grassley is a right wing extremist void in integrity, caring only about power, not the hallowed traditions and honor of the country. We will see if Sen Ernst has steadfast stature and honor. Frankly, I am doubtful, but were she to show courage it would be a tiny ray of hope.
“Ernst lauds Trump cabinet nominees
Mike Peterson 19 hrs ago” in a post from KMAland.com. She is the typical self serving politician that Iowa seems to enjoy.
Ugh. Mike's a friend who does great work.
Great column, Bob. I don't believe anything politicians promise in their campaign rhetoric. I suspect Ernst will do just as she did in 2021, when she and a herd of spineless sheep let the treasonous Trump off the hook. Now they are forever at his beck and call, and anyone who doesn't show complete fealty will be committing political suicide. This is what we've become.
As Art Cullen wrote today same goes for political leaders: “I told them the only value a reporter has is in credibility. The only way you earn credibility is by relentlessly asserting the facts.”
Her head is not where the light shines. I have no faith that she will do the right thing. After all, she's done nothing for women's rights.
Powerful challenge, Bob! Well written and researched and insightful. Bigger challenge may be getting her to pay attention.
Open letters need to be read in order to be effective. I am confident the Senator will not. Lovely letter anyway, Bob. Same applies to Grassley. Trump is threatening non-compliant Senators with primary challenge and using Musk cash coffers as further incentive to force allegiance to the president elect. Along with Hegseth, you can add Gaetz and RFK and Gabbard. Geeezzzz. I thought Halloween was over.
Thanks Thomas. I've known some of Ernst's staffers for years and I will make sure they see it. Are you talking about cash offers to Senators personally, or campaigns. Yes, all but Rubio are disasters.
The comment is reflecting what Trump said this week regarding any Republican senator that opposes his cabinet nominees will do so at their political peril.
I am an optimist by nature. Our country has survived some horrendous times.
Slavery, the Civil War, WWI, the depression, WWII, Mc carthyism. Unfortunately, a lot of people died and lives were destroyed, and we were never as good as we thought we were.
I have this fantasy that someone will stun the Republicans as Joseph Welch said to Joseph McCarthy, “Have you no decency, sir?”
But Liz Cheney and all the military brass who served with Trump, could not convince enough voters.
I vacillate between hope and angry despair.
Me too...
It's highly unlikely Ernst will cast a public vote against a Trump nominee (probably not even Gaetz). It's much more likely this column will expose how far we've slid into autocracy, when Senators like Ernst forfeit their power and forget their past and their values. (I do hope I'm wrong.)
Excellent letter, but I think you give her far too much credit! We'll see....
Your appeal to Sen Joni Ernst is touching. Did she really say those things? I’m having trouble squaring those quotes with her mean-girl “anti-woke” nastiness on X.
L Tiffany
Yes, she did. There is a trend across all of the Republican electeds to do that kind of posts on twitter. I've interviewed her for years and there is no way she is writing those twitter posts. she's approving them though. i'm sure a staffer does it.
Struggling with the “hell of a leader” part. She played the audience in Boone apparently, and then campaigned for the guy in other states. Not my definition of a true leader.
agreed. he said it, not me...
Well articulated!
Excellent commentary as always. Integrity evaporates when the Cheeto snowflake squeals.
Wow, just saw the Disturbed video. Thx for sharing it.
isn't it incredible?
Ah, you are such an optimist! The only bit of hope is that the KMA news piece didn’t mention Hegseth or Gabbard.
Where were our Senators in the immediate aftermath of Jan 6, 2021 when a second impeachment attempt was made? Opposition to their party line at that time would have shown real leadership and concern for the nation.