Nicky and I were at the rally. We were very impressed with the unity of the crowd, All ages and different issues all unified for democracy among friend and neighbors. John
A beautiful demonstration 'hands off' was all over the country and here in our State Capitol. The real demonstration and protest must take place at the polls during the off year election in 2026. It begins with the opportunity to dis elect Ernst, Nunn, and Miller Meeks. These three are vulnerable. Don't stay home next election cycle. Talk to your neighbors and folks who don't vote the way you might vote. In Julie Gammocks post this morning she highlighted the way to approach people and ask them what their point of view is. With that new understanding of the other person we can attempt then to change heart and mind because we listened. By the way, the approach Julie was talking about in her post was the partial stock and trade of Mr.Bob Leonard. Thankyou Bob for your human soul and courage. It will take all of us and more to defeat the threat confronting our democracy.
The insightfully gifted Todd Hanson, who helped make The Onion a gift of comedic truth for us all, famously said “depression hits losers hardest.” He was referring to his own experience with depression but, I believe it applies to the monster currently occupying the White House in Mar-A-Lago. His feigned strength and abilities, appear to be disguised inferiority and desperate pleas for approval and attention.
I’m not a psychiatrist, and he’s not a worthy President. Demonstrations against him, and defeating his aspirations to create an evil empire are vitally important. But, constant and persistent vigilance against this unhinged dictator is required long term. Our Resistance did a great job on Saturday, for certain. But, we’re going to need to challenge him and our local and state elected pariah’s with the same tactics,daily. They’re counting on us to exhale and take breaks from action. Now is the time to increase the frequency of our engagements with the enemy. Strength and honor is hard work, and we need every single person to stand up and fight. As the old saying goes, “there’s no rest for the wicked, and the righteous don’t need any.”
My husband, a friend, and I were at the Capitol, too. I looked for you but didn't see you because the crowd was so large. A good thing. We left feeling powerful, peaceful, and energized. We know this is just the beginning, but we will keep going. Thank you for capturing the Des Moines event perfectly.
It is telling when hundreds of people show up in smaller towns like Lisbon and Mt. Vernon to join in the "Hands Off" protest. If a politician doesn't consider this important when their constituents pour into the streets to raise hell, they don't deserve to be re-elected! If they didn't join in the protest, they obviously are part of the problem; and especially if they didn't acknowledge this is what they have to face in the next election regardless of whose money they campaign on or if others find a candidate to run against them in a primary! The votes still count, and the voters are telling you they are not happy, so either reform, or pack your "carpet" bags, you are on your way out or into the minority. Heed the warnings, there are more protests on their way! This is simply prairie fire straight away from the "grass roots", you can not contain it, and in the end What ever your ideology is, theirs is speaking truth to power!
The women in our local Southwest Iowa indivisible community have sponsored local events since the Women’s March of 2016. For many people it is difficult to journey to the large urban areas to participate. I have loved the fact that these courageous women have been so open in our rural communities. We were full of joy on Saturday when 150 protesters showed up to line Highway 48 in Red Oak, Iowa, the place where our female senator has a house. The cheering and honking horns give us hope. Now on to the next event.
Thanks! you have restored hope in Iowans! It used to be a state of highly educated, literate people who thought deeply about their neighbors. I was raised by my community of Decorah, IA-the best public schools, Excellent public land grant university( University of Iowa) and medical school….for all I am eternally grateful. When we left Iowa it was because not good fishing( for my beloved husband) and no jobs for our specialties. The population simply didn’t support us in terms of a need for our services. In any case, thanks so much! I am fearful for the future with the current situation. I listen to IPR occasionally and know there are innovative young farmers hoping to stay in agriculture with smart and progressive farming. Keep up the great work. I should add back in the 60’s, my deceased father-in-law was the first farmer in Webster County to do no till farming. Everyone thought he was crazy…but he was very smart…a college educated business man turned farmer.
Bob, There is momentum from the people. Our "leaders" have amnesia, aphasia and apathy. The Iowa City Hands Off was organized and orderly. The chill of the day was offset by the fire, fear and furry of participants. Bernie Saunders speaks of the fear he sees in people's eyes when he addresses crowds. I sense that too. However, Mara Liasson (at Hancher, Iowa City on April 1) said our ancestors had fear and anxiety but they carried on with bravery and courage. Her words echo.
No. We will not obey. Being among all of the protesters yesterday felt like a victory, but only a beginning. We can’t rest. Thanks for the recap, the pictures and your work for the people, Bob.
Thank you, Robert, and thank you for all you are doing. I sense that complicity and cowardice are increasingly being called out. Even the NY Times editors published a bit of a rejetion of complicity. Most of the reader comments lambasted the Times itself, however, for cowardice including poory covering the weekend protests.
Saw you surrounded by fans! Keep writing!
Nicky and I were at the rally. We were very impressed with the unity of the crowd, All ages and different issues all unified for democracy among friend and neighbors. John
I discovered that I had a photo of you in the crowd. Would post it here if I could figure out how.
Not sure you can. Maybe I can add it if you send it to rdwleonard@gmail.com
Thanks! Will do.
Well done, Bob. But I am curious a to why you sugarcoat your comments about the mango Mussolini.
A beautiful demonstration 'hands off' was all over the country and here in our State Capitol. The real demonstration and protest must take place at the polls during the off year election in 2026. It begins with the opportunity to dis elect Ernst, Nunn, and Miller Meeks. These three are vulnerable. Don't stay home next election cycle. Talk to your neighbors and folks who don't vote the way you might vote. In Julie Gammocks post this morning she highlighted the way to approach people and ask them what their point of view is. With that new understanding of the other person we can attempt then to change heart and mind because we listened. By the way, the approach Julie was talking about in her post was the partial stock and trade of Mr.Bob Leonard. Thankyou Bob for your human soul and courage. It will take all of us and more to defeat the threat confronting our democracy.
Trump thrives on chaos and sadistic suffering of as many people as possible. He wants to break everything and congress sits back and watches.
The insightfully gifted Todd Hanson, who helped make The Onion a gift of comedic truth for us all, famously said “depression hits losers hardest.” He was referring to his own experience with depression but, I believe it applies to the monster currently occupying the White House in Mar-A-Lago. His feigned strength and abilities, appear to be disguised inferiority and desperate pleas for approval and attention.
I’m not a psychiatrist, and he’s not a worthy President. Demonstrations against him, and defeating his aspirations to create an evil empire are vitally important. But, constant and persistent vigilance against this unhinged dictator is required long term. Our Resistance did a great job on Saturday, for certain. But, we’re going to need to challenge him and our local and state elected pariah’s with the same tactics,daily. They’re counting on us to exhale and take breaks from action. Now is the time to increase the frequency of our engagements with the enemy. Strength and honor is hard work, and we need every single person to stand up and fight. As the old saying goes, “there’s no rest for the wicked, and the righteous don’t need any.”
My husband, a friend, and I were at the Capitol, too. I looked for you but didn't see you because the crowd was so large. A good thing. We left feeling powerful, peaceful, and energized. We know this is just the beginning, but we will keep going. Thank you for capturing the Des Moines event perfectly.
It is telling when hundreds of people show up in smaller towns like Lisbon and Mt. Vernon to join in the "Hands Off" protest. If a politician doesn't consider this important when their constituents pour into the streets to raise hell, they don't deserve to be re-elected! If they didn't join in the protest, they obviously are part of the problem; and especially if they didn't acknowledge this is what they have to face in the next election regardless of whose money they campaign on or if others find a candidate to run against them in a primary! The votes still count, and the voters are telling you they are not happy, so either reform, or pack your "carpet" bags, you are on your way out or into the minority. Heed the warnings, there are more protests on their way! This is simply prairie fire straight away from the "grass roots", you can not contain it, and in the end What ever your ideology is, theirs is speaking truth to power!
The women in our local Southwest Iowa indivisible community have sponsored local events since the Women’s March of 2016. For many people it is difficult to journey to the large urban areas to participate. I have loved the fact that these courageous women have been so open in our rural communities. We were full of joy on Saturday when 150 protesters showed up to line Highway 48 in Red Oak, Iowa, the place where our female senator has a house. The cheering and honking horns give us hope. Now on to the next event.
Thanks! you have restored hope in Iowans! It used to be a state of highly educated, literate people who thought deeply about their neighbors. I was raised by my community of Decorah, IA-the best public schools, Excellent public land grant university( University of Iowa) and medical school….for all I am eternally grateful. When we left Iowa it was because not good fishing( for my beloved husband) and no jobs for our specialties. The population simply didn’t support us in terms of a need for our services. In any case, thanks so much! I am fearful for the future with the current situation. I listen to IPR occasionally and know there are innovative young farmers hoping to stay in agriculture with smart and progressive farming. Keep up the great work. I should add back in the 60’s, my deceased father-in-law was the first farmer in Webster County to do no till farming. Everyone thought he was crazy…but he was very smart…a college educated business man turned farmer.
Bob, There is momentum from the people. Our "leaders" have amnesia, aphasia and apathy. The Iowa City Hands Off was organized and orderly. The chill of the day was offset by the fire, fear and furry of participants. Bernie Saunders speaks of the fear he sees in people's eyes when he addresses crowds. I sense that too. However, Mara Liasson (at Hancher, Iowa City on April 1) said our ancestors had fear and anxiety but they carried on with bravery and courage. Her words echo.
No. We will not obey. Being among all of the protesters yesterday felt like a victory, but only a beginning. We can’t rest. Thanks for the recap, the pictures and your work for the people, Bob.
Thank you, Robert, and thank you for all you are doing. I sense that complicity and cowardice are increasingly being called out. Even the NY Times editors published a bit of a rejetion of complicity. Most of the reader comments lambasted the Times itself, however, for cowardice including poory covering the weekend protests.
Thanks for this. And for all your reporting from the great Midwest.