Editorial: chemical warfare risks and Saddam's threat
The piece traces chemical weapon history from ancient conflicts to modern stockpiling and warns that despite bans and limited tactical value, dictators wielding such weapons—like Saddam Hussein—pose grave humanitarian risks, citing Halabja and U.S. policy hesitations. It argues the Bush era stance should reflect these dangers and the lack of strategic advantage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iraq
Halabja
Saddam Hussein
United States
Bush
Senate
Persian Gulf
Herbert Hoover A Great Iowan Hero And Quiet Servant
The piece honors Herbert Hoover born in West Branch praising his humanitarian work and long life after the White House. It highlights the Hoover Library Museum expansion at a $6.5 million project with $5 million federal funds and $1.5 million local, plus $1.5 million for education programs. It notes Hoover’s charity, abstention from personal gain, love of fishing and boys work, and Boy Scouts reverence.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
West Branch
White House
Kherbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover
Hoover Library
Hoover Library Association
Hoover
Library
Boy Scouts of America
Saddam Hussein and the Middle East a crisis of Western policy
Martin Slann argues the Kuwait crisis exposes a pattern of Western mistakes from 1945 to 1990. He compares Saddam Hussein to Nasser, notes Arab unity ambitions, and warns U.S. backing of forces in Saudi Arabia unsettles Arab governments. He urges repairing Western policy while securing Middle Eastern oil.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kuwait
United States
Saddam Hussein
Iraq
Middle East
Third World
Gamal Abdel Nasser
Nasser
Saddam
Stooges
Persian Gulf
Israel
Saudi Arabia
Letters to the Gazette Urge Honesty in Oil Markets
A Cedar Rapids Library note cites data from CRB Commodity Year and Energy Monthly showing 16 percent higher energy use since 1984, 28 percent more crude oil reserves, and lower well prices but rising pump prices amid Kuwait tensions. The writer condemns greed in oil, S&Ls, Nixon, and Sen. Durenberger, urging a restoration of honesty and trust in free enterprise and society.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
U.S
Kuwait
S&ls
Nixon
Sen. Durenberger
Anti gun bias in Gazette editorial over sporting rifle limits
Letter criticizes The Gazette for anti gun stance. It argues editors exaggerate assault weapon features and cry moral panic about banning rifles with flash suppressors bayonets or similar devices. The writer urges applying Second Amendment logic and questions legislative waste.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
The
100 Years Ago Idea On Alley Refuse Sorting
In the August Neighbors column a 100 years ago note recalls a scavenger ordinance aimed at cleaning alley refuse. City Marshal Hayes says cooperation is needed and trash must be sorted into separate containers for kitchen slops, ashes, tin cans, bottles and paper for twice weekly collections. George N. Taylor, 3031 Canton Dr SE.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hayes
Public outrage over bail rules sparks gun rights debate
A reader criticizes proposed gun restrictions and bail policies after reading a Gazette report on a Des Moines case. Three men charged with first-degree murder were freed without bail, one less than two days after arrest for killing his girlfriend. The writer urges tougher protections and accountability, arguing authorities prioritize citizens over criminals.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Des Moines
Tauke criticized for misleading congressional newsletter
A reader accuses Tom Tauke of using tax dollars for his mailing while voting to defund the programs he promotes. The letter urges honesty and accountability from Tauke and calls for better representation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tom Tauke
Tauke
Mr. Tauke
Letters Sound Off on Concert Critics and Policy Debates
A reader argues for ending letter bashing of rock concert critics and the policy letters, saying show opinions and critic credibility vary by taste. They urge shelving religious and pro life debates, note politicians bow to lobbies, and suggest consolidating letters on election issues while defending Iowans hurt by past actions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tauke
Harkin
Right cart Kane A mixup over gender bias rewrite
James Sommerville challenges gender bias revisions in the New Revised Standard Version, arguing pronoun and noun changes alter meaning. He cites a Bible verse as example and questions plural versus singular references. The piece also notes missteps in public signage and a few humorous misspellings at local events.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James Sommerville
James
Also Mentioned on This Page
J.F. Hladky, Jr
Board of
Joe Hladky II
Ken Slaughter
Dale Larson
John Robertson
Jerry Elsen
Mark Bowden
Saudi Arabian
TRAQ
Germany
Soviet Union
By Martin Slam
Britain
France
Winston Churchill
Jordan
Africa
Martin Slann
Clemson University
Cox News Service
Gazett
George N. Taylor
Canton Dr
Cart Kane
Terry Branstad
Jaycees
Lei
Ani
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!