37 Comments

Congratulations, Bob! It's an honor to be part of your Substack community. And good job sticking to your guns. That follow-up anecdote about how Grassley actually feels off the record says it all.

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Thank you for pushing back on the judge. Your response inspires me to identify "the elephant in the room" issues we skirt around to start addressing them more directly.

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Thank you for this column and all the others. You’re writing about important topics and sparking thought. Congratulations on your one year anniversary here -- and for following your true calling and passion right now. That in itself brings hope.

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Jul 7, 2023Liked by Robert Leonard

Good for you, Robert! LOVE that you pushed back against the judge. The wonderful thing about the writing you're doing now is that you are FREE TO DO THAT without having to worry about losing your job.

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True!

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Thanks Bob for standing your ground and for continuing a dialogue with the Judge. I disagree with and would change the title. I do not think you were schooling. You were conversing, exchanging nuances while adding your deeper historic involvement with our Senator. I doubt there were obscenities or threats. I would change the title to "How to have an civil exchange--in public".

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Agreed. It was civil. And this is a better title, but the toothpaste is out of the tube! Thanks.

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founding
Jul 7, 2023Liked by Robert Leonard

Robert,

In the immortal words of Donald Kaul: "RIDE ON!"

Bob

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Thanks. This kind of push-back is exactly what's needed.

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Speaking truth to power . . . and so much more!

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I LOVE THIS, AND YOU, BOB. This may be a peak in your career, however it is but one of many to come.

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Thanks Julie--it never would have happened without you!

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Jul 8, 2023·edited Jul 8, 2023Liked by Robert Leonard

Good on you for saying what needed to be said, and congrats on 1 year! Nice work. I'm really glad I've found your work.

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And thank you Kevin. On Repeat if my favorite music site!

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Jul 8, 2023Liked by Robert Leonard

…and that’s what speaking truth to power sounds looks, and smells like. Thank you ,Robert, for your continued professionalism and continuing to provide folks with meaningful context. Keep connecting the dots for folks. Soldier on.

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Thanks so much!

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I remember that interview well! Not many people in Iowa ask Senator Grassley tough questions.

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It's tough not to sound rude with continued follow ups. The result is when I follow up, it seems like I'm being too obsequious. Which of course I am. Which is pathetic. How did we get here? I'm not the only one.

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Jul 7, 2023Liked by Robert Leonard

Thank you! I clicked on your “Woke” piece. Really fine writing! When you have time, check out Dogpatch Urban Garden (DUG) in your old stomping grounds, to see an amazing “Woke” phenomenon created by a Woke family.

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author

Will do. I've heard about DUG, but need to check it out. Thanks for the comment and the suggestion.

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To iterate, it was a valuable column. PS. I am cursed with being a Monday a.m. quarterback--professionally, it became ingrained.

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Thank you for writing your Deep Midwest column! I enjoy it immensely.

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Jul 7, 2023Liked by Robert Leonard

👍

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