Straw poll in Iowa stirs debate on democracy and fun
The Iowa Straw Poll draws Iowans and national media alike with entry fees, barbecue, music, and a petting zoo. Critics question its significance while supporters stress engagement and entertainment that still connects voters with presidential politics.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Randy Travis
Grassley and Harkin urged to take lead on cuts
A Cedar Rapids reader criticizes U S senators Grassley and Harkin for sticking to party lines during debt talks. He calls for bold leadership and hard choices on Medicare Social Security and defense to benefit all Americans.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
U.S
Iowa
Capitol Hill
Chuck Grassley
Tom Harkin
Ron Burkemper
Cedar Rapids
Hysteria over nuclear power questioned in readers note
A reader recalls GE's 1944 secrecy on atomic energy and argues nuclear power safety is overstated while criticizing court system costs and accountability. The letter cites earthquakes and accidents as rare, referencing past atomic research and divorce court visitations as broader social issues.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
General Electric
Schenectady
N.Y
Sign
Chuck
Japan
New Cedar Rapids Band Finds Fresh Leadership and Talent
The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band welcomes Steve Shanley as new director after Morgan Jones retires. Shanley offers entertaining concerts with diverse selections and strong local and professional collaborators, though weather disruptions cut several shows.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
David Scrivner
Ihe
Zette
Cedar Rapids
Steve Shanley
Bever Park
Morgan Jones
Tea Party blamed for U.S. credit downgrade
Kurt J. Noack states Michele Bachmann challenged Obama to unveil a recovery plan before markets opened. He argues Tea Party extremists caused the downgrade by rejecting middle ground on the debt ceiling and accuses them of undermining the country.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Michele Bachmann
Barack Obama
U.S
Kurt J. Noack
Cedar Rapids
Republicans must tackle climate at Ames straw poll
Bill Ferrel argues in a guest column that energy and climate change must be addressed by presidential candidates. He cites rising disaster declarations, wind energy jobs in Iowa, and asks what leaders will do to boost renewable energy, cut emissions, and reduce oil dependence amid volatile prices.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Ames
Branstad
Obama
Libya
Reagan
California
Iowa Wind Energy Association
Holistic tax policy urged for Iowa by reform advocates
Iowa Policy Project and the Iowa Fiscal Partnership push a comprehensive tax approach. They cite sunsetting credits, closing corporate loopholes, and expanding income tax relief like the EITC to balance fairness and competitiveness while warning current plans favor the wealthy and connected. Peter Fisher of Iowa Policy Project co guides the call.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Terry Branstad
Branstad
EITC
Illinois
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Kansas
Peter Fisher
Iowa Policy Project
Iowa City
Iowa Fiscal Partnership
Des Moines
Lcom
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