DesMoinesRegister.com - Letters

When up actually means down

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:17:00 CDT

Surely, this is 'poli-speak' at its finest: 'We've reduced the size and cost of government even though the costs went up,' Gov. Terry Branstad said.

Teachers next on GOP scapegoat agenda

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:17:00 CDT

First, Gov. Branstad unveiled his education overhaul plan. Then the Republicans, including the tea party crowd, made sure there wasn't enough money appropriated to make the success of any reform feasible.

Omissions water down Violence Against Women Act

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:17:00 CDT

For nearly two decades, the Violence Against Women Act has reduced domestic violence by 53 percent and saved lives. In addition, thousands of women and children have been given access to legal help and police assistance because of VAWA's provisions.

Government bullying must stop now

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:16:00 CDT

Why is everyone afraid to talk about the biggest bully in America today? Our city, county and state governments pass budgets that call for an increase in property values, resulting in increased tax payments.

Fond memories

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:16:00 CDT

The 40-some years we lived in Des Moines, we read 'Front Row,' the column by Elizabeth Clarkson Zwart, until her death. Every time I brush my teeth I remember a bit of advice she gave, although out here in the warm climate we don't need it. She said,

Don't subsidize nuclear at expense of sustainability

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:16:00 CDT

Regarding your article (May 15) about MidAmerican Energy reviewing its options now that the Iowa Legislature has not acted on H.F.

Don't pretend red-light cameras are about safety

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:16:00 CDT

There is no study currently available that equates red light cameras to increased safety. A decrease in one type accident is offset by increases in other types of accidents.

Do the math on responsibility for student behavior

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:16:00 CDT

I've read letters from parents and have heard speeches by politicians who blame teachers and the public school system for everything from low test scores to juvenile delinquency, bad manners and lax morality among children.

Church oversteps in Girl Scout investigation

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:16:00 CDT

Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam and the Sierra Club are organizations pledged to help people. Volunteers provide urgent medical care in countries where people are victims of war and disaster, regardless of race, religion or politics.

Pain at the pump: Fill up on gas before leaving town

Thu, 24 May 2012 02:16:00 CDT

If you're driving outside of Iowa over the Memorial Day weekend, there's a good chance that filling your tank at home will save you money.

Gas map: Prices around Iowa and the U.S.

'Stand Your Ground' not applied fairly in Florida

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:22:00 CDT

The news report about the abused mother in Florida who received 20 years in prison for firing a 'warning shot' at her abusive husband is especially despicable to me. If there ever was a legitimate 'stand your ground' case, this would be it.

A lot of weed-pulling

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:22:00 CDT

Iowa has 56,276 square miles of land. As of the last census we have 3,046,355 people. Let's just divide it up! We could each have approximately 804 square feet of land.

At Iowa dinner, Rand Paul shows true colors

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:22:00 CDT

Sen. Rand Paul gave us all a glimpse of what his father and he are really like with his comments at the Faith and Freedom Coalition. By saying that President Obama's views on marriage equality couldn't get any 'gayer,' he showed that he is nothing more th

Nursing home care is about more than profits

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:20:00 CDT

Iowans couldn't help but be horrified reading the Register's recent article concerning findings by nursing home inspectors at All American Restorative Care in Washington. ('Care Center Allegedly Left Resident on Floor,' May 16).

OK'ing Keystone pipeline would be short-sighted

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:20:00 CDT

The Register's May 17 editorial ('It's Time for U.S. to OK New Pipeline') cites labor groups that want the jobs it will bring and says the environmental consequences must be accepted as a price we 'all accept' for the luxury of our private automobiles, ch

Repeal Obamacare or not? It depends

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:19:00 CDT

Reporting on the Affordable Care Act (disparagingly labeled 'Obamacare' by Republicans), are the polls wrong, or the media? Depends.

We should be grateful for nuns' service

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:19:00 CDT

Mother Teresa is universally admired for her dedicated work of ministering to the 'poorest of the poor.' In recognition for her life of sacrifice and service the Catholic Church has honored her with beatification on her path to sainthood.

What is in a nickname?

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:19:00 CDT

My nickname in high school was Turtle. Ninja Turtles were big at that time, and I just happened to be the smallest kid in school - not the shortest boy, mind you, but the shortest kid in all of high school.

Loan guarantees help when cuts squash goals

Tue, 22 May 2012 06:33:00 CDT

Regarding Kurt Johnson's letter (''Education Bubble' Created by Student Loan Guarantees,' May 9): The entire premise of his argument rests on steady support to publicly funded universities.

Conservatives fan flames of discontent

Mon, 21 May 2012 19:22:00 CDT

Conservatives now use the communist and socialist labels for anyone who says unions should not be crushed or the poor should not be allowed to starve.

Obama responsible for layoffs, too

Mon, 21 May 2012 19:20:00 CDT

President Obama has a campaign ad telling us former Bain Capital CEO Mitt Romney doesn't care about the working class because he closed down a failing steel plant, laying off some 600 workers.

President appears to be willing to lie

Mon, 21 May 2012 19:20:00 CDT

It is no longer relevant where Barack Obama was born. The relevant issue is that we have a president who has reinvented himself throughout his adult life to portray himself in whatever manner was professionally or politically expedient at the time.

Ultimately, patients drive medical costs

Mon, 21 May 2012 19:20:00 CDT

I read with interest your article (May 18) about accountable care organizations. I have been following this issue closely. First, doctors, hospitals, Medicare and insurance companies do not drive medical costs.

Factory hog farms are not just a rural issue

Mon, 21 May 2012 19:20:00 CDT

It was good news that owners of a proposed Dallas County factory farm withdrew their request after pressure from the community.

Hog humor easy if you don't live nearby

Mon, 21 May 2012 19:20:00 CDT

John A. Gersib ('Was Smell of Freedom Always so Sweet?', May 15) reacts with humor to a letter about the probability of a factory hog farm in Dallas County. Maybe he would be interested in buying the organic garden farm one mile from the facility.

Requiring kindergarten would boost students

Mon, 21 May 2012 19:20:00 CDT

During the past legislative session I talked to legislators and educators in relation to a simple change that would help educators achieve required reading levels of all students.

Your 2 cents' worth: Monday, May 21, 2012

Sun, 20 May 2012 23:33:00 CDT

Just because you're a server or cashier doesn't mean you're a servant or a slave to be abused. Customers who tell you that's just part of your job are condescending and ignorant.

Lying in political ads is not Christian

Sun, 20 May 2012 13:25:00 CDT

Question: If Christians are so concerned about abortion and same-sex marriage, should they also not be just as concerned about other issues? To be a Christian they need to follow everything that Jesus said.

Writer misunderstands Obama comment about soldiers

Sun, 20 May 2012 13:25:00 CDT

I take issue with Thomas Glennon's interpretation of President Obama's statement about gay soldiers "fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained � because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage" ("Soldiers Fighting for U.S., Not for Presi

King's vote on House bill proves he's unfit to serve

Sun, 20 May 2012 13:25:00 CDT

Tea party extremists in Congress like Rep. Steve King have demonstrated time and time again that they have a real problem with women.