National Day of Prayer debate divides on religious freedom
The Gazette editorials weigh the history of the National Day of Prayer from Washington to Wisconsin court rulings. It argues prayer is not inherent government religion and defends freedom to ignore proclamations, noting public support for a law while honoring nonbelievers and diverse beliefs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
Congress
Wisconsin
Supreme Court
Neighborhood conflict over Alliant substation plans in Cedar Rapids
Readers debate Alliant Energy proposed substation near the Cherry Building and City Market, arguing its impact on Brownfield redevelopment and urban planning. Letters from Dale Todd and Mallory Brandt Luzerne discuss neighborhood planning and adoption options as broader social issues.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Alliant
Oakhill Jackson
New Bohemia
Dale Todd
Southside Investment Board
Cedar Rapids
Liberty Faith and Tea Party Awakening in 1776 Echo
Richard Tjarks of Hiawatha argues that true liberty is a divine gift not forged by politicians or laws. He citesScripture and notes a Christian American awakening with Tea Party Patriots on April 15, praising faith over government dependency.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
United States of America
Bill Clinton
Rush Limbaugh
Glenn Beck
Hillary Clinton
Richard Tjarks Hiawatha
Catholic Church Voices Against Immigrant Policy Critique
Gerald R. Eberle argues the USCCB misrepresents Catholics on immigration while Catholic hospitals face losses from serving undocumented patients. He urges a return to doctrinal law and less partisan politics amid Obamacare and amnesty debates.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
USCCB
Gerald R. Eberle
Pocahontas
Prosser praised for character and thoughtful leadership
The writer lauds Jim Prosser as a principled Cedar Rapids city manager from takeover to departure. He contrasts Prosser's long term, data driven approach with reactive brief leadership and politics, affirming character as the guiding trait and thanking Prosser for his service and role modeling.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jim Prosser
Cedar Rapids
Prosser
Republicans target pulling 13 thousand kids from preschool plan
Three GOP hopefuls for Iowa governor propose ending the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for 4 year olds citing cost. They argue private providers and families should fund early education instead of universal state support. The program currently serves 175 districts and about 189 to 200 students in Carroll.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Terry Branstad
Rod Roberts
Bob Vander Plaats
GOP
Roberts
Carroll Roberts
Carroll Public Schools
Carroll Kuemper
Carroll
Sue Ruch
Carrol
Ruch
Chet Culver
Tom Vilsack
Iowa
Caballeros
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Gazette
DAY of Prayer
Edith A. Muth
Mallory Brandt Luzerne
Roger Mahoney
Arizona
Cliffette
Ron Corbett
Aegon USA Auditorium
Chuck Swore
Todd
Dorman
Gazcomm.com
Todd Dorman