I grew up in rural Iowa, but live in Albuquerque now (Check out Robert Leonard's book, Yellow Cab). I think most rural MAGA folks are not racists and bigots. Since the 1980s both parties have supported policies that supported agribusiness and corporate monopolies. They've taken the brunt of a post-industrial and a post-farm economy that's made them downwardly mobile. I blame the Democrats equally. They abandoned the rural and working class decades ago. The Dems need their own leftist maverick. Maybe Zohran Mamdani, who just won the mayor's race in NYC? Or some Midwest version of him.
thank you for the story telling. I hope those folks have the strength to use the same words to our federal delegations, or at least at upcoming town halls or public meetings.
I know Reynolds is trying to erase uncomfortable parts of Iowa history. But, the historical evidence, particularly from the 1930s, suggests that agricultural states are disproportionately harmed during periods of protectionist trade policies, as export-oriented economies are more vulnerable to trade disruptions.
Tariffs might aim to protect certain domestic industries. For rural Iowa, they often translate into significantly reduced income, increased costs, leading to widespread economic hardship.
No one likes candidates to be negative. But, candidates and media can couple the stories you are sharing, with their own positive proposals.
For now, I am awaiting any member of our federal delegation to stand up for rural Iowa.
In substack, look for Matt stoker's BIG. He covers antitrust issues and has been sharing great stuff by other experts as well. Doing a great job covering the ag part of the problem. I mention a great article asking these minds in the "News to know" post that will go up tonight or tomorrow.
"Some of our MAGA friends will go to their graves supporting Trump."
I don't have MAGA friends. It isn't intentional. It just worked out that way. If you are the kind of person who would support a racist, have no issues with a white supremacist in the White House, are dumb enough to believe Trump's lies and don't care about the cruelty of Trump's immigration policy, then you have never been the kind of person I have ever wanted to hang out with.
Trump didn't convert you, you are who you are. Trump struck a chord with you and you joined him. You weren't bothered by the fact Trump mocked a disabled person in Iowa or that he wanted to execute five black kids even after it was clear they were innocent. The brilliance of Trump is that Steve Bannon was "smart enough" to know that over 70 million people in this country have racist tendencies. Bannon figured out there is no need for the dog whistles--just say it. Trump did and MAGA was born and ate it up.
Turns out over the years the morality taught by my mother and my own friend selection mechanism eliminated these people from my circle of friends long before Trump ever came down the escalator. I didn't need to do the sorting later, but I sure would have.
"Some of our Maga friends will go to their graves supporting Trump". I would say, most all of them. You see, there are now so many layers of lies out there that transition to blame shifting is easily accomplished by anyone who hates. The most egregious of course are the elected senators and representatives currently holding office. Kicking billionaire class cronies to the curb sounds wonderful! Accomplishing that, will require all who are left not worshipping at the Maga alter, to get off the couch and vote.
I'm not giving up on rural America. Democrats have to engage in more meaningful ways. It's not just farmers and rural voters that moved toward Trump. We're all in it together and we're going to have to get out of it together. We can't do that by backing away from MAGA power. We have to lean in and create off ramps and on ramps but grounded in our values on which our democracy depends.
I have seen places that no longer display the gaudy MAGA shit they once did. Either theyre content to think theyve won and are content watching the world burn down...or maybe theyve wised up and/or lost their federal job to DOGE.
I do not understand how folks can support Frumpty Dumpty. What a loser he is; making them losers as well. Or are They are just ignorant, racist, and bigoted creatures with no heart or conscience like him. Obviously there is no hope for them How sad.
Hey! That’s our neighbors car!! He has so many cut outs of trump (and strangely Melania was driving). How much does he spend on this crap? I also think he made every sign in the county for the election.
Jim, here: A few folks are clear thinking; but for those still doubtful, consider the old 'poker players' refrain — "Read 'em & Weep; don't bet on a losing hand".
The unfortunate truth is .... MAGA = Making America God Awful.
FAFO, rural America voted mostly for T and didn’t think the leopards would eat their faces.
What will happen when they can no longer pay for all their leased/unpaid for farm machinery & the repo man arrives?
What will happen when they can’t pay their land taxes?
What will happen when the nearest clinic or hospital shuts down?
All of the info was written in the Project 2025 playbook, and here we “all” are.
The magga folks got hoodwinked. And now we ALL pay the price.
Can’t say it’s like there weren’t red flags, as they were huge!
Nice article! Love that Truck, Hate what it's being used for. We got to get these Goons OUT!! But How? What will it Take??
“The Polk County Farm Service Agency is now open only 3 days a week instead of full-time.” Sigh …
And Chuck Grassley is spending his time investigating Biden's health. SMH
I grew up in rural Iowa, but live in Albuquerque now (Check out Robert Leonard's book, Yellow Cab). I think most rural MAGA folks are not racists and bigots. Since the 1980s both parties have supported policies that supported agribusiness and corporate monopolies. They've taken the brunt of a post-industrial and a post-farm economy that's made them downwardly mobile. I blame the Democrats equally. They abandoned the rural and working class decades ago. The Dems need their own leftist maverick. Maybe Zohran Mamdani, who just won the mayor's race in NYC? Or some Midwest version of him.
thank you for the story telling. I hope those folks have the strength to use the same words to our federal delegations, or at least at upcoming town halls or public meetings.
I know Reynolds is trying to erase uncomfortable parts of Iowa history. But, the historical evidence, particularly from the 1930s, suggests that agricultural states are disproportionately harmed during periods of protectionist trade policies, as export-oriented economies are more vulnerable to trade disruptions.
Tariffs might aim to protect certain domestic industries. For rural Iowa, they often translate into significantly reduced income, increased costs, leading to widespread economic hardship.
No one likes candidates to be negative. But, candidates and media can couple the stories you are sharing, with their own positive proposals.
For now, I am awaiting any member of our federal delegation to stand up for rural Iowa.
In substack, look for Matt stoker's BIG. He covers antitrust issues and has been sharing great stuff by other experts as well. Doing a great job covering the ag part of the problem. I mention a great article asking these minds in the "News to know" post that will go up tonight or tomorrow.
Well, sure, bur Billy’s like MusKKK and Bozos need a tax break. It’s tough to get by on $24 Billion Dollars a year.
"Some of our MAGA friends will go to their graves supporting Trump."
I don't have MAGA friends. It isn't intentional. It just worked out that way. If you are the kind of person who would support a racist, have no issues with a white supremacist in the White House, are dumb enough to believe Trump's lies and don't care about the cruelty of Trump's immigration policy, then you have never been the kind of person I have ever wanted to hang out with.
Trump didn't convert you, you are who you are. Trump struck a chord with you and you joined him. You weren't bothered by the fact Trump mocked a disabled person in Iowa or that he wanted to execute five black kids even after it was clear they were innocent. The brilliance of Trump is that Steve Bannon was "smart enough" to know that over 70 million people in this country have racist tendencies. Bannon figured out there is no need for the dog whistles--just say it. Trump did and MAGA was born and ate it up.
Turns out over the years the morality taught by my mother and my own friend selection mechanism eliminated these people from my circle of friends long before Trump ever came down the escalator. I didn't need to do the sorting later, but I sure would have.
"Some of our Maga friends will go to their graves supporting Trump". I would say, most all of them. You see, there are now so many layers of lies out there that transition to blame shifting is easily accomplished by anyone who hates. The most egregious of course are the elected senators and representatives currently holding office. Kicking billionaire class cronies to the curb sounds wonderful! Accomplishing that, will require all who are left not worshipping at the Maga alter, to get off the couch and vote.
The chance they “really” voted for him and not against D’s is more likely
I'm not giving up on rural America. Democrats have to engage in more meaningful ways. It's not just farmers and rural voters that moved toward Trump. We're all in it together and we're going to have to get out of it together. We can't do that by backing away from MAGA power. We have to lean in and create off ramps and on ramps but grounded in our values on which our democracy depends.
I have seen places that no longer display the gaudy MAGA shit they once did. Either theyre content to think theyve won and are content watching the world burn down...or maybe theyve wised up and/or lost their federal job to DOGE.
I do not understand how folks can support Frumpty Dumpty. What a loser he is; making them losers as well. Or are They are just ignorant, racist, and bigoted creatures with no heart or conscience like him. Obviously there is no hope for them How sad.
Hey! That’s our neighbors car!! He has so many cut outs of trump (and strangely Melania was driving). How much does he spend on this crap? I also think he made every sign in the county for the election.
Yes, very strange. A huge fan I guess.
Huge fan. And he drives those things past our house every day, and parks them at the courthouse in Albia.
Ugh
Jim, here: A few folks are clear thinking; but for those still doubtful, consider the old 'poker players' refrain — "Read 'em & Weep; don't bet on a losing hand".
The unfortunate truth is .... MAGA = Making America God Awful.
Figures lie & liars figure 🥴