Pomerantz legacy shaped Iowa education reform and debate
The editorials remember Marvin Pomerantz, a businessman and former state Board of Regents leader who spent decades pushing bold, sometimes aggressive ideas to improve Iowa public education. He funded the University of Iowa, fought for standards and resources, and inspired involvement in politics and policy, leaving a lasting mark even as friends and foes debated his methods.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Marvin Pomerantz
State Board of Regents
Iowa
Pomerantz
University of Iowa
Muslims in America defy stereotypes despite prejudice
Columnist Bob Ray Sanders examines Muslim Americans amid post 9/11 prejudice and the 2007 Pew study showing a diverse, predominantly mainstream community. The piece notes most Muslims see no conflict with modern society, oppose terrorism, and largely align with Democratic leanings while urging continued challenge to religious bigotry.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bob Ray Sander
Saddam Hussein
Barack Obama
Iraq
United States
Obama
Hussein
Pew Research Center
Pew
America
Great Britain
France
Spain
al-Qaida
Europe
Pew Research
Taxes risen to cover disaster costs across governments
A Cedar Rapids reader argues that floods fires and storms trigger tax increases and borrowing, questioning budget tightening during disasters. The letter notes cell phones aid emergencies and rural job retention, referencing the Universal Service Fund and FCC cap on the fund.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
Ralph Bock
Cedar Rapids
Boycott Debate Over Tropic Thunder Word Controversy
Yesterday's public and online discourse heated over the film Tropic Thunder for its repeated use of the slur retard. Viewers split on whether moviegoers should boycott the comedy amid concerns for disabled audiences and artistic intent.
Iowa letters and Bristling policy on health and towers
A reader letter set discusses vote splits, rural cell towers, and FCC policy, criticizing halving funding for telecommunication infrastructure. It laments poor coverage and calls for congressional action to protect Iowa interests. Additional letters touch on civil liberties, constitutional history, health policy, and science debates in political life.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
World Health Organization
U.N. Declaration of Human Rights
Survey Bias Amid Wagner Backed Polls Sparks Concerns
Tam criticizes a second recent survey funded by Nick Wagner's Republican group. The questions target male voters first, then women if needed, pressuring spontaneous answers to produce biased results to aid Wagner's legislative campaign.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tam
Nick Wagner
Republican Organization
Wagner
Enhanced penalties for crimes in disaster flood zones urged
The Iowa Legislature may consider tougher criminal penalties for offenses in disaster areas during a future session. Gazette reporting highlights thefts from flood victims, break-ins at damaged homes, and fraud in aid claims as crime trends, with residents like Dennis Ades vigilantly guarding properties. The piece argues stricter laws would deter crime and express public outrage at wrongdoing in flood zones.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Gazette
Alicia Ebaugh
Dennis Ades
Third St. NW
The
Gas prices fall after offshore drilling move
A writer argues that lifting Bush era limits on offshore drilling reduced fuel costs. The spot oil price declined about 25 dollars by Aug 7 and gasoline dropped about 30 cents, while Congress’s removal of restrictions could further lower prices.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sen
John McCain
Bush
Congress
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Gazette
Pomerantz Legacy
Bob Ray Sanders
Fort Worth Star- Telegram
Bobraystar-Telegram.com
Universal Service Fund
Federal Communications Commission
Shawn Johnson
GazetteOnline
FCC
British Museum
London
Tom
Grant Wood
Nan Riley Marion
Herman Lenz
Philip Ahrens
Iowa City
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