Pure Iowa, no longer even part of either national party. New Iowa should begin to be reconstructed on these sentiments — beyond the strictures of a waning Constitution.
First, thank you Bob, for your shout-out about the podcast! I really appreciate it.
Second, Harkin's speech brought tears to my eyes as I listened to it last Saturday. When he talked about the end of DEI--his voice cracked, and I could feel how crushing it was for him to be watching all he has worked for for his entire career unravel.
Third, I will add that all the other speakers at the IFU convention also warned us about how trade and agricultural policy is also headed completely in the wrong direction. If the Nazi threat doesn't get us, the economy likely will.
And yet, your writing, and the writing of so many others, gives me hope. There is a human connection--love--that will not be broken, no matter the evil and hate in the world. It is a fact that even if some spend their days working to destroy us, connection, creativity, and beauty all persevere. Always.
No one has said it better than Tom Harkin. I started in politics with Bobby Kennedy and then Tom Harkin ran for Office. I worked for him full-time without pay, organizing for Tom in his campaigns for the House in all the 70’s. Thank you Tom and thank you Bob Leonard for making certain we all have the opportunity to hear Tom’s wise words m.
I cannot state more with the appropriate emphasis how much I miss Harkin and the sanity he brought as well as a lever of checks and balances to Grassley and his unwavering commitment to grasp power. I believe he’s truly holding that seat until his grandson is ready to run who would be just as corrupt and dangerous. We don’t need to start of political dynasties in Iowa. Politicians should honor the spirit of the Constitution. Serve one or two terms and then go HOME. It was never intended to be a lifetime career in my opinion and that’s based on the writings of our framers.
His speech did give me chills, Bob! So glad you captured it. What a pleasure it was to be in the presence of that man one more time. So many other great moments as well. The IFU annual convention is one of the best kept secrets in Iowa!
Bob I am a non-farmer and joined the Iowa Farm Union last spring at the Iowa Faith and Climate Conference in Grinnell. I grew up on a farm, my brother still farms, and I try to keep up on farm issues. I can't believe the Iowa Farm Bureau has turned its back on farmers and is just a puppet for Big Ag companies and the consolidation of rural Iowa. Thanks for the report!
Bob, I cannot adequately describe how much I loved this article! I was deeply moved by Tom Harkin's address. I have been talking with my social justice colleagues in the Quad Cities about considering bringing Tom Harkin to our community for an address. I would be thrilled if he delivered THIS address. Now I just have to figure out how to attract him to coming. THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT!
It is always my privilege to sit and talk with you, Bob; you are always interesting and erudite. And, thank you for this recording & transcript of Tom Harkin's speech. I was so pleased to see Tom so sharp...and unapologetic in calling out Trump, universities, etc. We must all keep up the resistance. Our Republic depends on it.
I fear that what Senator Harkin suggested that people would rather be told what to think, how to think, and when to think is a path they might prefer. Rather than participate in a democratic form of government, where all people have a say, many folks just want to glide along. Again, I think that the off-year election in 2026 will determine the rest or best of my remaining years. Please help turn out the vote. Engage those who might think differently than you or me but engage with respect and conviction. If you are unsuccessful with an individual, shake the dust from your boots and journey to the next person.
Many people do not like being told what to think or do from DC. Or people are just discouraged by the polarization in society (something which disproportionately benefits Trump/MAGA). Other readers commented how they miss Harkin. I hope political candidates listen and study this speech. Harkin remains a political role model. Harkin continues to leave people with hope.
Thank Bob. I love Tom Harkin. He is one of Iowa’s great treasures. I miss politicians like him so much. People who care instead of the Brownshirt thugs administering Trump’s cruelty on to the helpless. What a great speech. Wish I could have been there but I was because of you. Thank you 🙏 so very much.
Thanks, David! It was an incredible moment. The IFU has a video of the speech that will hopefully be up this week. I think the entire conference was videoed. It was really informative.
Pure Iowa, no longer even part of either national party. New Iowa should begin to be reconstructed on these sentiments — beyond the strictures of a waning Constitution.
First, thank you Bob, for your shout-out about the podcast! I really appreciate it.
Second, Harkin's speech brought tears to my eyes as I listened to it last Saturday. When he talked about the end of DEI--his voice cracked, and I could feel how crushing it was for him to be watching all he has worked for for his entire career unravel.
Third, I will add that all the other speakers at the IFU convention also warned us about how trade and agricultural policy is also headed completely in the wrong direction. If the Nazi threat doesn't get us, the economy likely will.
And yet, your writing, and the writing of so many others, gives me hope. There is a human connection--love--that will not be broken, no matter the evil and hate in the world. It is a fact that even if some spend their days working to destroy us, connection, creativity, and beauty all persevere. Always.
Always.
Senator Harkin has it straight.
Great! TrumpMust Go!!
No one has said it better than Tom Harkin. I started in politics with Bobby Kennedy and then Tom Harkin ran for Office. I worked for him full-time without pay, organizing for Tom in his campaigns for the House in all the 70’s. Thank you Tom and thank you Bob Leonard for making certain we all have the opportunity to hear Tom’s wise words m.
Thank you, Barbara, for all you do!
Well, as much dedication as they can fit in around their busy schedule of looting the federal government.
I cannot state more with the appropriate emphasis how much I miss Harkin and the sanity he brought as well as a lever of checks and balances to Grassley and his unwavering commitment to grasp power. I believe he’s truly holding that seat until his grandson is ready to run who would be just as corrupt and dangerous. We don’t need to start of political dynasties in Iowa. Politicians should honor the spirit of the Constitution. Serve one or two terms and then go HOME. It was never intended to be a lifetime career in my opinion and that’s based on the writings of our framers.
His speech did give me chills, Bob! So glad you captured it. What a pleasure it was to be in the presence of that man one more time. So many other great moments as well. The IFU annual convention is one of the best kept secrets in Iowa!
I always learn so much at every IFU convention and everyone is always so welcoming to us non-farmers. I encourage non-farmers to consider joining!
Bob I am a non-farmer and joined the Iowa Farm Union last spring at the Iowa Faith and Climate Conference in Grinnell. I grew up on a farm, my brother still farms, and I try to keep up on farm issues. I can't believe the Iowa Farm Bureau has turned its back on farmers and is just a puppet for Big Ag companies and the consolidation of rural Iowa. Thanks for the report!
I was hoping to go but had to work!
See you next year maybe…
Thanks, Keith! I remember talking with you in Grinnell. Keep up the good fight!
Thanks for broadening the reach of this fine speech.
Bob, I cannot adequately describe how much I loved this article! I was deeply moved by Tom Harkin's address. I have been talking with my social justice colleagues in the Quad Cities about considering bringing Tom Harkin to our community for an address. I would be thrilled if he delivered THIS address. Now I just have to figure out how to attract him to coming. THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT!
Thank you, Henry for all that you do. His speech was remarkable!
It is always my privilege to sit and talk with you, Bob; you are always interesting and erudite. And, thank you for this recording & transcript of Tom Harkin's speech. I was so pleased to see Tom so sharp...and unapologetic in calling out Trump, universities, etc. We must all keep up the resistance. Our Republic depends on it.
Sitting and chatting with you Susie, is always interesting and a comfort. Love hearing your perspectives…
I fear that what Senator Harkin suggested that people would rather be told what to think, how to think, and when to think is a path they might prefer. Rather than participate in a democratic form of government, where all people have a say, many folks just want to glide along. Again, I think that the off-year election in 2026 will determine the rest or best of my remaining years. Please help turn out the vote. Engage those who might think differently than you or me but engage with respect and conviction. If you are unsuccessful with an individual, shake the dust from your boots and journey to the next person.
Many people do not like being told what to think or do from DC. Or people are just discouraged by the polarization in society (something which disproportionately benefits Trump/MAGA). Other readers commented how they miss Harkin. I hope political candidates listen and study this speech. Harkin remains a political role model. Harkin continues to leave people with hope.
Wise advice…
Thanks Bob. Glad to be able to listen. I will look into dignity.us
Thank you, sir!
He is such a good man.
He helped my family.
Thank Bob. I love Tom Harkin. He is one of Iowa’s great treasures. I miss politicians like him so much. People who care instead of the Brownshirt thugs administering Trump’s cruelty on to the helpless. What a great speech. Wish I could have been there but I was because of you. Thank you 🙏 so very much.
Thanks, David! It was an incredible moment. The IFU has a video of the speech that will hopefully be up this week. I think the entire conference was videoed. It was really informative.