Thanks Thomas. Sometimes the Iowa Capital Dispatch picks up my work, but this might be too controversial as they are a nonprofit. Thanks again for your thoughts, and your support.
Although I have lived briefly in Iowa and recently visited it, I know little to nothing about agricultural issues there; however, I was impressed with the impartiality of this article along with the content it provided. I always welcome your articles and this was no exception. In addition, thanks for your consideration toward other journalists who have press times they are up against and for sharing it whereby readers can be aware of a "real" side of journalism.
The most aggravating factor at work is gullibility. Quite obviously, Republican politicians specialize in misinformation, distortions, and true outright lies. That so many are so easily deceived is angering and not at all easily countered. The level of gullibility among Iowans is especially disturbing.
Republicans spent years earning the trust of Iowans, and I'll say that even as I have disagreed with them for years. They have now betrayed that trust.
Brandolini's Law is at work here — countering the Republicans' letter to Secretary Vilsack takes a lot more time and space than it took for the governor to write it. I think the letter was actually aimed at the folks who aren't "agriculturally inclined." It's disingenuous that farmers aren't already aware of the USDA's multitude of programs that help them.
Absolutely. Farmers are aware, for the most part. And the the USDA Farm Service Agency is in 97 counties if they need in person help. Another reason why Kim's allegations are a stretch.
The “same old same old” tired Reynolds (and GOP) strategy of responding to the needs of Iowans - make it political and blame someone else, rather than asking, “How might we help?” “What would you like us to do?” Despicable!
Thanks again Bob for shining light that not only illuminates but allows disciplined readers the option of transparency. Voters must be responsible enough to research and fact check before closing the door on their respective silos. I do have a question for all of the incumbent republican US Hours of representatives: what exactly is the plan to fund the government when a federal shutdown is only days away? Who will you ask the voters to blame if that happens?
Nicely woven together Bob. And the stress on farmers and subsequently these disaster relief programs will only get worse with climate change (one of the real issues).
FYI - I sent an email to Bruce Miller, the local editor of the Sioux City Journal recommending that he read this article & consider contacting you about a guest editorial. This is very relevant for NW Iowa, especially this year!
I say let them get the loans from the SBA and at the same time put that business under the perview of the EPA. Restrict water polluting fertilizers and herbicides. Eliminate the drift causing untold destruction on neighboring farms and forests. Require them to have an Emergency Response Plan for spills and accidents.
Farming today is supposedly highly technical and requires intelligent people to make it all happen, so why is it farmers simply can't understand where to go to get the loans they need? Especially with help that is made available to them in understanding all the intricacies to show them exactly where to go? Come on! You are smarter than this!
Excellent read (as always). How about you submitting this as a guest editorial to Iowa newspapers?
Thanks Thomas. Sometimes the Iowa Capital Dispatch picks up my work, but this might be too controversial as they are a nonprofit. Thanks again for your thoughts, and your support.
Would love to see this as a guest editorial in the Sioux City Journal. Very informative.
Thank you, again, for helping us cut through the misleading information we are being fed by the Governor.
Although I have lived briefly in Iowa and recently visited it, I know little to nothing about agricultural issues there; however, I was impressed with the impartiality of this article along with the content it provided. I always welcome your articles and this was no exception. In addition, thanks for your consideration toward other journalists who have press times they are up against and for sharing it whereby readers can be aware of a "real" side of journalism.
Thank you!
The most aggravating factor at work is gullibility. Quite obviously, Republican politicians specialize in misinformation, distortions, and true outright lies. That so many are so easily deceived is angering and not at all easily countered. The level of gullibility among Iowans is especially disturbing.
Republicans spent years earning the trust of Iowans, and I'll say that even as I have disagreed with them for years. They have now betrayed that trust.
Brandolini's Law is at work here — countering the Republicans' letter to Secretary Vilsack takes a lot more time and space than it took for the governor to write it. I think the letter was actually aimed at the folks who aren't "agriculturally inclined." It's disingenuous that farmers aren't already aware of the USDA's multitude of programs that help them.
Absolutely. Farmers are aware, for the most part. And the the USDA Farm Service Agency is in 97 counties if they need in person help. Another reason why Kim's allegations are a stretch.
The “same old same old” tired Reynolds (and GOP) strategy of responding to the needs of Iowans - make it political and blame someone else, rather than asking, “How might we help?” “What would you like us to do?” Despicable!
Indeed!
Shared this on my Threads page. The slides shared were very enlightening. Thank you, Bob!
Thank you! Any way the Register and Eller might use your info in another article?
Maybe. I just might ask. Glad you liked it.
Thank you. This will be so useful for my run for county supervisor.
Berleen, you have made my day. Thank you!
Great reporting and analysis!
Thanks again Bob for shining light that not only illuminates but allows disciplined readers the option of transparency. Voters must be responsible enough to research and fact check before closing the door on their respective silos. I do have a question for all of the incumbent republican US Hours of representatives: what exactly is the plan to fund the government when a federal shutdown is only days away? Who will you ask the voters to blame if that happens?
Thanks Thomas. Republicans always get blamed for the shutdowns, if I remember correctly. And they always blink first.
Nicely woven together Bob. And the stress on farmers and subsequently these disaster relief programs will only get worse with climate change (one of the real issues).
FYI - I sent an email to Bruce Miller, the local editor of the Sioux City Journal recommending that he read this article & consider contacting you about a guest editorial. This is very relevant for NW Iowa, especially this year!
Thanks so much! I could tinker with it if he needed.
". . .fake drama triangle. . ." Great phrase, thank you--now I know what to call them.
They are ubiquitous and fashionable on both sides of our political divide.
I say let them get the loans from the SBA and at the same time put that business under the perview of the EPA. Restrict water polluting fertilizers and herbicides. Eliminate the drift causing untold destruction on neighboring farms and forests. Require them to have an Emergency Response Plan for spills and accidents.
Farming today is supposedly highly technical and requires intelligent people to make it all happen, so why is it farmers simply can't understand where to go to get the loans they need? Especially with help that is made available to them in understanding all the intricacies to show them exactly where to go? Come on! You are smarter than this!