In memory of Shelby Duis a call to guard against abuse
A social worker reflects on the Shelby Duis case highlighting inadequate reporting of abuse in Iowa in the 1960s, the evolution of mandatory reporters, and the need for stronger DHS funding, training, and caseload controls to protect children. The piece questions accountability, roles of families, and political divisions while urging systemic reform.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Shelby Duis
Department of Human Services
DHS
Spirit Lake
Iowa
Polk County
Bob Knight
Dan Boddicker
R-Tipton
Ro Foege
Mount Vernon
Boddicker
Tom Vilsack
Jessie Rassmussen
Abortion debate letter questions safety of RU-486
A reader's guest column argues RU-486 is safe and urges approval, while critics assert abortion is unsafe for the child, may leave emotional scars, and accuse the writer of conflating birth-control opposition with abortion stance and of avoiding personal responsibility.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Karen Rubby
Bush ads spark Iowa education clash
Reader criticizes George W. Bush for promoting higher funding for character education in Iowa while claiming state schools suffer violence and poor learning. The letter questions the accuracy of his statements and urges skepticism of the proposed program.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George W. Bush
Bush
Iowa
Lowa
Donowans
The Gazette Letter Submissions Open Here
The Gazette invites readers to submit letters up to 300 words. Include name street address and daytime phone number. only your name and hometown will be published. Mail to The Gazette Box 511 Cedar Rapids IA 52406 or fax 319 398 5846 or email gazedit fyiowa com.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
the Gazette
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
Puzzle builders argue over mantel and mantle usage
Readers weigh in on spelling quirks and word confusion. John Doe’s joke about dyeing hair prompts notes on mantels shelves termed mantels. Mary Lou Pazour cites plural forms and asks if souse and spouse should become sice and spice. An lona Cillan discusses mystic versus mystique in a headline note.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mary Lou Pazour
Marion
Mary Lou
Lona Cillan
Woodward
Clinton
Political party mischief and the two-party choice
A Cedar Rapids reader argues that a rival major party damages liberties and military strength, harms the economy with abortion policy, and uses tax dollars for social experiments. The writer claims this party bets against the “little guy” and favors government control from birth to death, preferring home schooling over strangers raising children.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Microsoft
Smith & Wesson
Joe Lieberman
al Gore
Occidental Petroleum
Ren
Republican Party
GOP
Wayne M. Lovetinsky
Cedar Rapids
Public Display of Ten Commandments Cited, Jefferson Quoted Cautiously
A Sept 17 letter cites Thomas Jefferson to argue for Ten Commandments displays in public spaces but he was a Deist and favored religious liberty. The letter quotes him on separation of church and state, highlighting the wall of separation as essential to civil rights and a free society.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Ben Franklin
God
England
Teachers' summer work unseen by those on the outside
A Cedar Rapids teacher argues that while students start in August teachers begin in June. She details 225 hours of summer training, unpaid curriculum work, limited planning time, overtime and weekend duties, and the unseen effort to improve schools for Cedar Rapids children.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
McKinley Middle School
Cedar Rapids
Iowas spoiled alee challenged by Cedar Rapids student
A Cedar Rapids student invites readers of a Sept. 12 letter to experience school hardships firsthand. He describes crowded classes, limited storage, crowded halls, underfunded workbooks, shared classrooms, and power outages to argue against labeling Iowa students as spoiled.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
ALOT
Washington High School
Cedar Rapids
Also Mentioned on This Page
Nancylee Ziese
George
John Doe
Herb Hendriks
M.W. Shoemaker
Washington
Carl Kane
Virginia
University of Virginia
United States
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