Offensive humor column notes the PC era constraints
A guest column discusses the challenge of writing humor without offending readers. It cites Dave Barry as a benchmark and reflects on jokes about alcohol, gambling, penguins, and dating stereotypes. The piece notes readers may be offended and mentions a freelance writer Jon DeMartino and his wife Mary.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dave Barry
the Gazette
PFFFT
Penguin Friends For Fair Treatment
Jon DeMartino
North Liberty
Mary
Why do American voters allow Social Security issues to persist
Gary Roberts asks why baby boom retirements threaten Social Security, why surpluses were not invested in private accounts, and why Congress and voters alike let the nation incur vast debt. He questions the motives of reformers and the spending habits of lawmakers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Congress
Gary Roberts
Next Bush apology to Iraqis over gulf war legacy
A reader argues that a postwar apology should target the father of a former president for the Persian Gulf War actions. The writer contends U.S. policy left Saddam Hussein in power after a partial withdrawal, fueling ongoing Iraqi distrust and conflict.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Russia
Bush
Yalta
Iraq
Saddam Hussein
Sev
Eral
Saddam
Cedar Rapids residents defend current full time city government
A reader argues Cedar Rapids should keep a full time, elected council and city manager. They warn a council manager plan reduces resident power, delays accountability, and risks higher costs, while promising no improved efficiency or bond ratings. The letter cites local politics, annexation disputes, and issues with the park lake project as examples.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
J Street
Estate tax myths disputed by Iowa Policy Project
Peter Fisher argues the estate tax targets large wealth, not small entrepreneurs. He cites that 99 percent owe no tax, exemptions rising to 7 million for couples by 2009 would still tax only a tiny fraction, and farms and family businesses can benefit from lower values. He links tax cuts to greater uninsured rates and calls elimination of the tax a giveaway to the rich.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Highway 13
Gazette
C.R. Lake
Iowa Department of Transportation
Cedar Rapids
Parks Department
Red Cross
42Nd Street
The
Parks de
Peter Fisher
Neard Ametha Denntlinegc
Br Uvsada Urban Institute
Soci
Bush
Congress
Also Mentioned on This Page
Blondie
DemMartino
C.R
Walt Simmons
Lake
Partment
Sixth Street
Commission
Gardner Golf Course
Arkansas
Cedar Rapids Area
Chamber
CAL. Security
Chiu
Iowa Policy Project
Mount Vernon
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