Editorial: Direct democracy and the Iowa initiative question
The piece argues for direct democracy via ballot initiatives, noting California leads with 14 and nine states vote on tax measures. It contrasts nonparticipating states like Iowa, where referendums are barred, and cautions about both manipulation and benefits. It asserts lawmakers respond when citizens apply pressure and urges Iowa to adopt initiatives.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
California
Iowa
David Schmidt
Patrick McGuigan
USDA ethanol order sparks farm market optimism
Secretary Clayton Yeutter directs USDA staff to fuel government vehicles with ethanol blends when feasible, boosting demand for corn and aiding farmers in Iowa. Energy Secretary James Watkins cautions oil shortages could hit soon, prompting strategic reserve use. The move is praised as supporting farmers, the environment, and America's future.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Retary
Clayton Yeutter
America
U.S. Agriculture
Yeutter
Energy
James Watkins
United States
Iowa
USDA
No Turning Back by Ferraro and Hussey
Barbara Ferraro and Pat Hussey resign from the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1988 after decades of service. They recount faith, abortion, and church authority while arguing for women's roles, sharing a charged encounter at a Massachusetts parish and reflections on Vatican pressure.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Barbara Ferraro
Patricia Hussey
Sisters of Notre Dame
New York Times
Barbara
Massachusetts
Pat Hussey
Pat
Vatican
Apostolic Pro
Washington
Philadelphia
David Souter
Senate Judiciary Committee
Souter
Eye of
Catholic Church
Lack of interest in radon tests sparks reader letter
A reader critiques the Iowa radon test study, arguing warnings have worn thin after decades of health alerts. They doubt a rise in lung cancer, question statements by Mr. Flater of the Health Department, and call the proposed fixes costly.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa Department of Health
Flater
Department of Health
Iowa
Gazette coverage of school board races criticized by reader
David A Hall criticizes The Gazette for weak coverage of school board candidates outside Cedar Rapids. He urges more informative profiles,Questions what incumbents have achieved and calls for broader community leadership to help Linn-Mar voters decide. He urges stronger electoral information for all districts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Cedar Rapids
Linn-Mar
the Gazette
Utilities profiteering or fair pricing in Iowa
H A Pedersen of West Branch argues gas and electric rates rise faster than social security and wages. He cites IE demand for an 8.5 million dollar increase and a 73 percent rate hike effective Sept 24, contrasting with 36 percent Social Security growth since 1980. He doubts future price relief from the Utilities Board.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa Electric Light & Power Co
Iowa State Utilities Board
Harkin Earns 96 Percent Rating With Senior Council
Thelma Donohoe of Iowa cites Senator Tom Harkin as a defender of Social Security and Medicare. She notes the 96 percent rating from the National Council of Senior Citizens and praises his efforts to protect cost of living adjustments.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Tom Harkin
Harkin
National Council of Senior Citizens
Gazette Obituary Policy Sparks Reader Disappointment
A reader criticizes the newspaper for changing its obituary policy from a small town style to an imitator of other papers. The letter questions staff credentials and expresses regret over the new approach’s perceived loss of their former service.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Youth Plus section praised by The Gazette gains launch
The Gazette welcomes the new Youth Plus section to highlight local youth achievements and invites submissions without charge. The letter urges better traffic light synchronization and fuel conservation amid rising gasoline costs and Iraqi oil import limits, urging restraint and use of the traffic system's potential.
Language loss would be environment's gain in recycling shift
An editorial notes how a town dump renamed and organized as a Recycling Center reflects a language change. The writer traces the word dump from a 19th century American West waste pile to its current pejorative sense, warning that losing the term would mean a loss for language despite environmental gains.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York Times
Dr. Johnson
Also Mentioned on This Page
J.F. Hladky, Jr
Board of
Due Hladky Ili
Ken Slaughter
Dale Larson
John Robertson
Kerry Elsen
Eeere
Mark Bowden
Busa WatTg
Tananegie
Inquirer
David Boldt
David A. Hall
Bowman Lane
H.A. Pedersen
West Branch
Thelma
Donohoe
Fifth Ave
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