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Denise OBrien's avatar

I appreciate listening to John and reading your story Bob. Over and over I hear people ask "what is the message?" - mainly asking the Iowa Democratic Party. John's message is bringing people together, sharing a table/tables and getting to know one another. In my community so many people are community volunteers - Meals on Wheels, Food Bank, Grow a Row. Acts of kindness and volunteering is the message. We don't need a message from our state party. We can send the message in our own communities by our continued work.

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Matt Russell's avatar

Who knows where you'll be next Dr. Bob. But we do know, it's going to be important. Thanks for reporting from wherever the universe takes you.

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thomas scherer's avatar

What ever has become of civility and kindness in this country? What Bob is describing at the lunch gathering should happen in Washington too. Allow fear, hate and bigotry to take your soul, you have forfeited the humanity our Creator gave you. I agree with the 73 year old lady, out your boots on, take off the gloves and fight hate. Replace it with kindness and peace.

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Steve Hanken's avatar

Here in my hometown of Monticello, a few people started a Latino support group, to try and help our friends and neighbors feel a part of a larger community in a primarily small town Iowa farming town.When I first heard about them they were talking the city council into lowering to price of rent on teh "community Building to 50 bucks a day so they could do some minimal health checks on the Latino population in the area, blood pressure that sort of thing. After the meeting I asked if they could use some money and that I would gladly pay for a couple of months rent of the building. two months later I asked how it was going, and progresswas being made, so I tossed in another hundred dollars, So far I have donated $400 to the cause and will continue! they now have a building for ESL classes in the evening and working on getting a few more people through the naturalization process. I raise the money I get picking up cans and bottles and use it for things like this, it takes time, but I am nearly 75, and I have that and a little exercise is good for me! A win-win situation and when I get tired I go home! Last year I scored $2,000 worth of deposits by working it constantly through the winter and all, This year it is starting off slowly but I am nearing $200 as I speak and as it warms up, I'm hoping to get out more, but if it rains, I will be just as thankful! If the state would raise the deposit to a dime, I'd be really happy! I just wanted people to know I support our emigrants legal or no, there are others out here in the hinterlands far removed from Des Moines that still treat people as well as they should,inspite of hate filled blowhards who get elected and are trying to tear the place apart!

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Paul A. Brewer's avatar

Great work Steve! Thank you for all you are doing. Being kind is always a good starting first principle. THANK YOU for showing us all what that looks like in action!!

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Robert Leonard's avatar

You are so inspirational Steve! What a great story...

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SerialParkingViolator's avatar

"with just one more Bob, we could all be “Bob, Bob, Bobbing along..." I would absolutely say this.

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