God Bless America prompts mixed patriotism and humility
Assistant professor Peter Jauhlainen of Kirkwood Community College reflects on patriotism surrounding the phrase God Bless America. He cautions against blind nationalism and argues for discerning patriotism echoing America the Beautiful and its call for self examination and restraint.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Steve
Irving Berlin
America
Osama bin Laden
God
America the Beautiful
United States
Peter Jauhlainen
Kirkwood Community College
No Soup on Sundaes and Other Reader Comments
A Cedar Rapids reader Billie Parr shares a collection of quirky clippings and misprints. The note critiques a window sign No Soup on Sundae s and calls out errors in captions and spelling in comics and ads.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Billie Parr
Cedar — Rapids
Billie
Government wages vs private sector claims debated by Cedar Rapids reader
Craig Wood argues with Bureau of Labor Statistics data that most Linn County and Iowa government roles pay less than private sector averages. He notes exceptions like custodians and civil engineering technicians and emphasizes private sector earnings dominate in finance, engineering, and construction trades.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Linn County
Iowa
Raise tax on tobacco to save Iowa lives
Iowa City letter from Eileen L. Fisher urges lawmakers to raise tobacco taxes to fund tobacco control, arguing current funding of 9.3 million is well below the CDC suggested 19 million and that higher taxes could reduce smoking and save lives. She calls for action by the governor and Legislature.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tobacco Endowment
Senior Living Trust Fund
Iowa
Center For Disease Control and Prevention
California
Eileen L. Fisher
Iowa City
Music Man Territory Highlight in Mason City
Rita Bigger of Nora Springs invites readers to explore Mason City’s musical heritage highlighted by Meredith Willson and his sister Dixie. The piece notes local sites from Frank Lloyd Wright houses to Bil Baird marionettes, and mentions a forthcoming television special starring Matthew Broderick and Shirley Jones.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Stephanie Simon
Los Angeles Times
Mason City
Meredith Willson
Dixie
Frank Lloyd Wright
Bil Baird
Simon
al Dullman
Iowa
Matthew Broderick
Harold Hill
Shirley Jones
Mrs. Paroo
Rita Bigger
Nora Springs
Gazette Seeks Public Letters and Guest Columns
The Gazette invites letters and guest columns addressing public business. Writers must include full name signature street address and daytime phone number. anonymous submissions are not accepted. There is no strict 300 word limit on letters. column length suggested at 650 words or fewer.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
Peace on Israel's Terms Draws Sharp Letter Critique
A reader argues for peace on Israel's terms disputing claims of occupation and asserting Israel's security needs. He cites wars and regional threats, condemns the Saudi plan, and calls for exclusive Israeli conditions for peace amid ongoing regional tensions.
Ashcroft rejection of physician aid in dying sparks outrage
Norma Claassen of Cedar Rapids asks U S Attorney General John Ashcroft to rescind a directive on physicians aiding in dying arguing medical decisions are personal and compassionate relief is needed for terminally ill patients. She urges the return of patient centered life choices.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
West Bank
Gaza
Israel’s
U.S
John Ashcroft
Ashcroft
Gazette Readers Letters Policy Summary
The Gazette states letters printed reflect reader opinions without vouching for accuracy or judging value. Readers may submit corrections or contradictions for equal publication opportunity.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Also Mentioned on This Page
Fox Network
Carl Kane
Craig Wood
Lolly Wood
Barr
Israel
Asia
Gulf of Aqaba
U.N
Thariks
Bax
Norma Claassen
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