Skirting the Constitution in Iowa Senate Bribery Debate
An Iowa Senate maneuver to hide a bribery section revision drew concern over constitutional limits. Seven lawyer-senators, backed by the proponent coalition, steered a substantive amendment into a corrective bill, sidestepping the one-subject rule, and prompting criticism of procedural legality and ethical implications.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa Senate
Richard Turner
Turner
Branstad
Sen. Coleman
Coleman
South Africa faces cosmetic labor reform amid pass law critique
A 14 member panel urged abolition of racially based pay scales and unions with ministers promising legislation. Yet reforms dodge the crucial pass law system, which confines blacks to homeland reservations and restricts freedom to seek work. The piece argues true change requires allowing unrestricted movement and access to jobs across regions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Fanie Botha
Letters defend group homes for Hiawatha residents
A reader argues against fears of group homes lowering property values or harming children. They say residents are screened, adults supervise 24 hours, and a couple plus staff provide support. The writer shares experience as a house parent in Iowa City and notes residents have individual personalities.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hiawatha
Iowa City
No lake in Squaw Creek Park urged by Linn County
The proposed lake is deemed unnecessary and against residents' interests. The undeveloped park area offers diverse habitat including lowland meadows, a stream, upland woods, and brushy tracts with exceptional wildlife. Birds nest and migrate in a confined space, and deer and owls are common at dawn and dusk.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Squaw Creek Park
Linn County
No to Squaw Creek dam plan to protect Cedar Rapids nature
Letter argues that building the Squaw Creek dam and lake would flood low areas, destroy wildlife habitat, and raise noise and taxes. It cites Cedar Rapids’ existing fishing and boating options at Pleasant Creek, Cedar River, and local pools, urging a no vote in the referendum. It warns that benefits would mainly accrue to construction, park management, local businesses, and Realtors.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Pleasant Creek
Palo
Cedar River
Squaw Creek
Staff Spotlight Praise for Newspaper Preparers
A reader commends the newspaper for its staff profiles ads showing who handles the production. The note expresses appreciation for the behind the scenes work and the informative, attractive presentation that keeps readers informed about the team responsible for delivering the paper.
Unbeliever's View on Faith and Freedom in America
A reflective essay traces the author's conflict with Christian belief, hints at skepticism toward organized religion, and argues for religious freedom in the United States. It cites personal experience, Paine’s writings, and the social benefits of faith while urging tolerance for unbelief.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States of America
Europe
God
Thomas Paine
Clarence Darrow
Paine
Whistle-blower protections face new Carter-era hurdles
Washington Carter administration moves to weaken whistle-blower safeguards as OPM drafts rules. Lawmakers Ribicoff Udall previously secured strong protections including advance notice, response time, attorney aid, and hearings. Critics warn exemptions could allow harassment and undermine merit principles. Public interest groups push to shield employee rights before final OPM regulations.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Government Accountability Project
The
American Civil Liberties Union
Also Mentioned on This Page
Art Heusinkveld
John Donnelly
John Robertson
Iowa
Shackles
South Africa
Group Homes
Lake Macbride
Coralville
DeVere Hirt
Veterans Administration Hospital
Winnebago County
Internal Revenue
Father
God the Son
Holy
Martha Angle
Robert Walters
Washington
Carter
White House
Congress
Abraham A. Ribicoff
D-Conn
Rep
Morris K. Udall
D-Ariz
Office of Personnel Management
OPM
Civil Service Commission
Fund For Constitutional Government
Alan K. Campbell
Newspaper Enterprise Assn
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