Your words are exactly what we need, and an “effective” fight against the facism that confronts us, Bob. I have 3 grandchildren who fall under the guidelines being attacked and dehumanized by this governor and legislature. I don’t know strong enough words to express my outrage. And if we don’t fight this battle, who will be next? We have to stand against this small, mean-spirited, fear mongering.
Thank you for doing just that in your clear and unwavering voice.
Oops. Fascism. If I’m going rail against it, I’d better spell it right.
All of this Republican attempt to dismiss and dehumanize people reminds me of the Niemöller quote “and then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out for me.”
I do not understand how being LGBTQ+ is harmful to anyone and why we need to focus so much energy and money on promoting hate. I have heard people say love the sinner but hate the sin. How is it a sin to be born a certain way. It is not a choice to be LGBTQ+. How is passing laws that make it hard for people to exist, loving the “sinner”? Republicans are claiming to be the party protecting people’s freedom. I guess freedom is only for those who they deem worthy.
I agree. I have always hated that term. I usually reply with, “Judge not lest ye be judged.” I had an emphasis in religion and philosophy in college. I can’t remember a lot of it after 30 years, but some of it comes back to me in a pinch.
Homophobia is ignorance, hatred, and possibly deadly.
I’m a straight guy who grew up in the segregated South, and late in life got to know some LGBTQ human beings. Some are best friends, and the finest people I know.
Thanks Bob for your persistance. We need it to be contagious. Political battles are fought over the persistence of ideas. Despite recent setbacks, Reynolds and her allies remain resolute to advancing her agenda. Much like the defeated initial AEA restructuring, gender identity , or public lands acquisition proposals, they will not fade into the shadows. Each of these proposals have been resurrected by Reynolds. Please share Bob's column. I just shared it with a new group's FB page (PROIOWA 24). All these anti Iowa proposals by the R and R’s (Reynolds and Republicans) are not the Iowa we deserve.
Thanks, Ralph your support is most welcome. Thanks for sharing. I'm going to be doing a breakdown of the proposed legislation soon, and the REAL reasons they are doing it, not what they SAY.
There is a 330 page proposal --Senate Study Bill 3172.1 -- Act relating to boards, commissions, committees, councils, and other entities of state government, and including effective date and transition provisions. Today, a current Iowa Civil Rights Commission pointed out how the proposal will turn the Commission into a toothless agency, sending a message to employers, landlords, etc. that civil rights is now a second class agency.
I wish those who support all these oppressive policies would read Flannery O’Connor’s story “A Temple of the Holy Ghost”. Unfortunately they would then ban it from libraries and bookstores.
Your words are exactly what we need, and an “effective” fight against the facism that confronts us, Bob. I have 3 grandchildren who fall under the guidelines being attacked and dehumanized by this governor and legislature. I don’t know strong enough words to express my outrage. And if we don’t fight this battle, who will be next? We have to stand against this small, mean-spirited, fear mongering.
Thank you for doing just that in your clear and unwavering voice.
Oops. Fascism. If I’m going rail against it, I’d better spell it right.
All of this Republican attempt to dismiss and dehumanize people reminds me of the Niemöller quote “and then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out for me.”
Absolutely, Virginia. I stand by your side. Well put.
I do not understand how being LGBTQ+ is harmful to anyone and why we need to focus so much energy and money on promoting hate. I have heard people say love the sinner but hate the sin. How is it a sin to be born a certain way. It is not a choice to be LGBTQ+. How is passing laws that make it hard for people to exist, loving the “sinner”? Republicans are claiming to be the party protecting people’s freedom. I guess freedom is only for those who they deem worthy.
Hate the sin and love the sinner is smug and patronizing. A passive agressive way to reject someone.
I agree. I have always hated that term. I usually reply with, “Judge not lest ye be judged.” I had an emphasis in religion and philosophy in college. I can’t remember a lot of it after 30 years, but some of it comes back to me in a pinch.
Repressive religions and political movements grow by people being born into them which is why they also worship the binary.
Good to see so many protesting.
Homophobia is not “Christian”
Homophobia is ignorance, hatred, and possibly deadly.
I’m a straight guy who grew up in the segregated South, and late in life got to know some LGBTQ human beings. Some are best friends, and the finest people I know.
Open your minds, homophobes
Brilliant piece! Just brilliant! And so vitally important. Thank you!
thank you!
Thanks Bob for your persistance. We need it to be contagious. Political battles are fought over the persistence of ideas. Despite recent setbacks, Reynolds and her allies remain resolute to advancing her agenda. Much like the defeated initial AEA restructuring, gender identity , or public lands acquisition proposals, they will not fade into the shadows. Each of these proposals have been resurrected by Reynolds. Please share Bob's column. I just shared it with a new group's FB page (PROIOWA 24). All these anti Iowa proposals by the R and R’s (Reynolds and Republicans) are not the Iowa we deserve.
Thanks, Ralph your support is most welcome. Thanks for sharing. I'm going to be doing a breakdown of the proposed legislation soon, and the REAL reasons they are doing it, not what they SAY.
There is a 330 page proposal --Senate Study Bill 3172.1 -- Act relating to boards, commissions, committees, councils, and other entities of state government, and including effective date and transition provisions. Today, a current Iowa Civil Rights Commission pointed out how the proposal will turn the Commission into a toothless agency, sending a message to employers, landlords, etc. that civil rights is now a second class agency.
Ugh...I'll check it out...
Reynolds and Co are picking this fight. So much wasted energy, so much missed opportunity.
Zora's comment grabs me. well written and I agree with you.
Thank you!
What happened to all are created equal with unalienable rights, among which are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness???
They are only interested in their rights, not ours.
👍
Fascists also misappropriated science which is why so many scientists fled to other countries in the early 20th century.
Thanks for reminding me of this.
I wish those who support all these oppressive policies would read Flannery O’Connor’s story “A Temple of the Holy Ghost”. Unfortunately they would then ban it from libraries and bookstores.
I haven't read it in years. I should dig it out again. I think I have a copy. Thanks!
“God made me this away and I don’t dispute hit.”