Budget plan signals end of Amtrak subsidy
The Gazette argues the federal budget seeks to kill Amtrak by denying operating subsidies. It notes Amtrak has never profited, has depended on about $50 billion in subsidies over time, and suggests starting over with a privatized, cost‑efficient system while acknowledging public nostalgia for rail travel.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bush
Amtrak
National Railroad Passenger Corporation
Boston
Washington
New York
Philadelphia
Baltimore
White House
Saving Social Security for Cedar Rapids Elderly
An Iowa reader urges President Bush to fund Social Security and protect retirees’ income. They argue the government can find money for Iraq but not for Social Security, noting baby boomers’ role as financial supporters and calling for priority shifts to stabilize elderly finances.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iraq
Bush
Anna Peiffer
Cedar Rapids
Patriotism and dissent in US political climate
A reflection on loyal patriotism beyond any president or party and criticism of President Bush's leadership. It likens patriotism to parenting a rebellious teen and notes election fallout, urging Care for long term national wellbeing over short term partisan zeal. The essay mentions abortion debates and figures like Norma McCorvey and Roe v Wade.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Bush
Edwin L. Clapton
Iowa City
Vibhakar
Norma McCorvey
Roe
Supreme Court
M. Cook
Abortion doctor cited for controversial calling debate
Reader questions the honoring of Dr. Jill Vibhakar as an advocate for choice. The letter argues her commentary supports abortion and conflicts with the notion of honorable service, calling the claim an oxymoron and challenging the doctor’s stated calling.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jill Vibhakar
AARP Opposes Privatization of Social Security
AARP argues privatization conflicts with Social Security’s core mission. It cites costs and risks, urges gradual changes instead, and supports private accounts, higher payroll taxes, diversified trust assets, extending coverage, and incentives to work longer to preserve benefits.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
AARP
Wall Street
Afghanistan's fragile democracy under renewed mining and delays
The piece notes ongoing conflict in Afghanistan with mines and bomb blasts targeting Afghan security forces near Kandahar and Spin Boldak. It cites Afghan election delays, caution on timing for parliamentary polls, and emphasizes continued international attention as crucial after the October presidential vote and January Iraq elections. The author reflects on personal risk due to a family member serving with Afghan police and stresses that genuine democratic advancement lies in the next electoral steps.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Fghanistan
U.S
Newsweek
The
Associated Press
Washington Post
Kabul
American Journalism Review
Spin Boldak
Kandahar
Pakistan
Agence France-Presse
Afghanistan
NATO
Iraq
Maureen Quinn
U.S. State Department
Senate Armed Services Committee
Hamid Karzai
Abdullah
Davos
Switzerland
Anniversary prompts reflection on genocide responsibility
Janet Tomkins argues that the Auschwitz liberation anniversary underscores ongoing genocide risks in Sudan and questions why media attention and public action lag behind other crises. She urges U.S. and international unity to stop genocide and confront lingering Nazi dehumanization.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Auschwitz
United States
Sudan
Janet Tomkins
Cedar Rapids
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Gazette
U.N
Bile Clinton
UN Tsunami Reconstruction
Rexemin
JR. Labbe
Fort Worth Star Telegram
Mark Bowden
Doug Neumann
Dave Storey
Kim Hefley
Peg Schmitz
Scott Swenson
Gazette Communications
Joe Hladky
Chuck Peters
Ken Slaughter
Editorial
Gazetteommunications.com
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!