Wow! I had to take notes today. Thanks for all of information to help us fight for, well, everything. I agree to your naming Jess and Chris as folk heroes. The only thing I would add is to your comment that they don’t have anything to lose. I know you were referring to not being beholden to anyone, my mind immediately jumped to Jess’s column about being swatted. I think their bravery in the face of attacks like that is remarkable.
Thanks, Bob, I learned so much from your column today; you may be a folk hero yourself.
I can't thank you enough for shining a spotlight on some voices of hope (& change). We need young people engaged in this issue, it's their future we are fighting for.
Thanks Bob Allow me to add some history to clean water from my days in the legislature.
It is worth repeating that Iowa currently has the second-highest cancer rate in the country for the second year in a row, according to the 2024 “Cancer in Iowa” report, and has the fastest growing rate of new cancers. Two in five Iowa residents will be diagnosed with cancer. From the Cedar Rapids Gazette. (There is some debate as to the cause, e.g. ag chemicals vs. alcohol, for example).
What is not up for debate is how the Iowa Farm Bureau and every ag related group has fought 40 years of efforts to fund research into the cause of cancer in Iowa, e.g. looking at Iowans who rely on wells, or Iowans whose groundwater has high amounts of ag chemical. Interestingly, in the 1980’s, Iowa legislators ). In the past 30 years, these proposals have been watered down (polluted water, at that) by ensuing legislatures and Governors. It is worth repeating that Iowa currently has the second-highest cancer rate in the country for the second year in a row, according to the 2024 “Cancer in Iowa” report, and has the fastest growing rate of new cancers. Two in five Iowa residents will be diagnosed with cancer. From the Cedar Rapids Gazette. (There is some debate as to the cause, e.g. ag chemicals vs. alcohol, for example).
What is not up for debate is how the Iowa Farm Bureau and every ag related group has fought 40 years of efforts to fund research into the cause of cancer in Iowa, e.g. looking at Iowans who rely on wells, or Iowans whose groundwater has high amounts of ag chemical. Interestingly, in the 1980’s, Iowa legislators were able to enact and signed into law by a Repub Governor fees on ag chemicals to help fund research into reducing harmful effects of ag chemicals. (Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination) In the past 30 years, these proposals have been continuously underfunded and watered down (polluted water, at that) by ensuing legislatures and Governors.
This history means that Iowa legislators can pass bi-partisan laws on the use of ag chemicals, establishing buffers, and more. We argued that since ag would benefit from the research and since AG contributes to the problem, ag should help fund these programs. When legislators today say they do not have the votes, ask candidates to try, even by resurrecting those same laws that were considered models for the country, at one time.
So encouraging to read. I grew up in the era of small farms which fared far better and provided food needs for livestock and people than is the case today.
Very good article! I’m an Iowa native although not from a farming family and take great interest in ALL things IA even though I’ve been in Wisconsin (another farming state) the past 40+ years. These are issues all Midwesterner’s need to take up. Thank you for your work!
The Midwest was the cradle of the Progressive movement at the turn of the Century around 1900. They gave us Teddy Roosevelt and a lot of great progressive Members of Congress like Paul Wellstone. They still have the background of fairness and honesty but have been inundated with Fox Propaganda and the failed Clinton neo liberal NAFTA which sent their jobs overseas and ignored the results to them. The New Dems are looking to FDR Democracy to fight against the fascist elements in our Government. We the People can take out Government back. Vote Blue.
Just one correction to your post Jess Piper did not run in a statewide race. I would have voted for her if she had. She ran in a deep red state representative that had been unopposed for 10 years. She made that representative show up in his district to meet with his constituents.
Missouri has far too many unopposed offices in our elections. Through Blue Missouri Jess is remeding that. We now have far less unopposed seats.
Jess is truly a heroine in our area. I share her rural and teaching background. Missouri public schools are under contact. Small towns suffer without alternatives as public school funding is divertex to private so called Christian schools. Public schools not only educate the young in rural communities, they ARE the community for all residents with their ball games, track meets, musical concerts, plays, etc
There would’ve been no statistical difference between Jess and proposition. She’s just another corporate donor class plug-in, who is more socially acceptable. What a bunch of rubes you all are.
100 Grannies is a local climate action group that works for a future. Based in Iowa City. They mostly do events in the immediate area, and they do good work. Yes, please, support them!
And where can I get that hat?? I need to wear it to every archery event I ever go to.
“Her online presence is incredible”. She’s a marketer. Not a quality politician, or an intended representative of We the People. A hayseed with no Greek.
This is why Democrats don’t win in the Midwest. They might not understand the dynamics of the body politic in the Midwest, but they know a fake ass disingenuous tool when they see one.
I absolutely and adamantly have to call BULLSHIT here. I cannot give you any credibility whatsoever, for I know just Piper is a lot of things, but certainly not a PROGRESSIVE. She’s a shinier, more socially acceptable, corporate donor class water carrier rube.
Shame on you for not doing your homework.
Did she support #UniversalHealthcare? No, she’s all about Medicare expansion.
Does she even understand the dynamics of gas tax and tolls as infrastructure revenue models? Doubtful.
She doesn’t propose a progressive policy in her entire political ideology.
I thought it was a messed up world when the best policy practice was labeled progressive. I don’t have words for lame ass, insulting tokens as “progressive.”
You are a body politic neophyte, or one disingenuous douche canoe.
Wow! I had to take notes today. Thanks for all of information to help us fight for, well, everything. I agree to your naming Jess and Chris as folk heroes. The only thing I would add is to your comment that they don’t have anything to lose. I know you were referring to not being beholden to anyone, my mind immediately jumped to Jess’s column about being swatted. I think their bravery in the face of attacks like that is remarkable.
Thanks, Bob, I learned so much from your column today; you may be a folk hero yourself.
Very good write-up. I believe you're a folk hero as well. Keep shining the light where it needs to shine.
I can't thank you enough for shining a spotlight on some voices of hope (& change). We need young people engaged in this issue, it's their future we are fighting for.
What a wonderful way to start a Sunday morning! Thank you!
Thanks Bob Allow me to add some history to clean water from my days in the legislature.
It is worth repeating that Iowa currently has the second-highest cancer rate in the country for the second year in a row, according to the 2024 “Cancer in Iowa” report, and has the fastest growing rate of new cancers. Two in five Iowa residents will be diagnosed with cancer. From the Cedar Rapids Gazette. (There is some debate as to the cause, e.g. ag chemicals vs. alcohol, for example).
What is not up for debate is how the Iowa Farm Bureau and every ag related group has fought 40 years of efforts to fund research into the cause of cancer in Iowa, e.g. looking at Iowans who rely on wells, or Iowans whose groundwater has high amounts of ag chemical. Interestingly, in the 1980’s, Iowa legislators ). In the past 30 years, these proposals have been watered down (polluted water, at that) by ensuing legislatures and Governors. It is worth repeating that Iowa currently has the second-highest cancer rate in the country for the second year in a row, according to the 2024 “Cancer in Iowa” report, and has the fastest growing rate of new cancers. Two in five Iowa residents will be diagnosed with cancer. From the Cedar Rapids Gazette. (There is some debate as to the cause, e.g. ag chemicals vs. alcohol, for example).
What is not up for debate is how the Iowa Farm Bureau and every ag related group has fought 40 years of efforts to fund research into the cause of cancer in Iowa, e.g. looking at Iowans who rely on wells, or Iowans whose groundwater has high amounts of ag chemical. Interestingly, in the 1980’s, Iowa legislators were able to enact and signed into law by a Repub Governor fees on ag chemicals to help fund research into reducing harmful effects of ag chemicals. (Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination) In the past 30 years, these proposals have been continuously underfunded and watered down (polluted water, at that) by ensuing legislatures and Governors.
This history means that Iowa legislators can pass bi-partisan laws on the use of ag chemicals, establishing buffers, and more. We argued that since ag would benefit from the research and since AG contributes to the problem, ag should help fund these programs. When legislators today say they do not have the votes, ask candidates to try, even by resurrecting those same laws that were considered models for the country, at one time.
As always, excellent historical perspective and advice. Thanks.
So encouraging to read. I grew up in the era of small farms which fared far better and provided food needs for livestock and people than is the case today.
Very good article! I’m an Iowa native although not from a farming family and take great interest in ALL things IA even though I’ve been in Wisconsin (another farming state) the past 40+ years. These are issues all Midwesterner’s need to take up. Thank you for your work!
Thanks!
Dr. Bob, you are a folk hero to so many as well. Thank you!
The Midwest was the cradle of the Progressive movement at the turn of the Century around 1900. They gave us Teddy Roosevelt and a lot of great progressive Members of Congress like Paul Wellstone. They still have the background of fairness and honesty but have been inundated with Fox Propaganda and the failed Clinton neo liberal NAFTA which sent their jobs overseas and ignored the results to them. The New Dems are looking to FDR Democracy to fight against the fascist elements in our Government. We the People can take out Government back. Vote Blue.
Well put! Thanks.
Great column.
Just one correction to your post Jess Piper did not run in a statewide race. I would have voted for her if she had. She ran in a deep red state representative that had been unopposed for 10 years. She made that representative show up in his district to meet with his constituents.
Missouri has far too many unopposed offices in our elections. Through Blue Missouri Jess is remeding that. We now have far less unopposed seats.
Jess is truly a heroine in our area. I share her rural and teaching background. Missouri public schools are under contact. Small towns suffer without alternatives as public school funding is divertex to private so called Christian schools. Public schools not only educate the young in rural communities, they ARE the community for all residents with their ball games, track meets, musical concerts, plays, etc
Please keep your efforts spreading awareness.
Thank you for the correction! Not sure why I wrote that, I knew better. Thanks for sharing.
There would’ve been no statistical difference between Jess and proposition. She’s just another corporate donor class plug-in, who is more socially acceptable. What a bunch of rubes you all are.
Who would of thought?
Fantastic column. Two things:
100 Grannies is a local climate action group that works for a future. Based in Iowa City. They mostly do events in the immediate area, and they do good work. Yes, please, support them!
And where can I get that hat?? I need to wear it to every archery event I ever go to.
“Her online presence is incredible”. She’s a marketer. Not a quality politician, or an intended representative of We the People. A hayseed with no Greek.
This is why Democrats don’t win in the Midwest. They might not understand the dynamics of the body politic in the Midwest, but they know a fake ass disingenuous tool when they see one.
I absolutely and adamantly have to call BULLSHIT here. I cannot give you any credibility whatsoever, for I know just Piper is a lot of things, but certainly not a PROGRESSIVE. She’s a shinier, more socially acceptable, corporate donor class water carrier rube.
Shame on you for not doing your homework.
Did she support #UniversalHealthcare? No, she’s all about Medicare expansion.
Does she even understand the dynamics of gas tax and tolls as infrastructure revenue models? Doubtful.
She doesn’t propose a progressive policy in her entire political ideology.
I thought it was a messed up world when the best policy practice was labeled progressive. I don’t have words for lame ass, insulting tokens as “progressive.”
You are a body politic neophyte, or one disingenuous douche canoe.
You probably think Kamala is a progressive.