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Remember those in need this holiday season

Thanksgiving is upon us, and soon the Christmas season will be here. The time spent together with family over food and gift giving is something that we all associate with this time of year. But there are those for whom these holidays are just another day, but with an added sense of loneliness and hopelessness. Some are going through a hard time financially; others are far away from family. Some are isolated or homebound without anyone to check on them. We may not all have had that experience, but we can all help those who are suffering this Christmas season. Here are some ways you can ...

Grassley and Klobuchar join forces

By his example, U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley helps counter the disillusionment so many Americans express about Congress. The Iowa Republican is an important GOP leader, but he works harmoniously with many other senators — both Democrats and Republicans A good example of constructive bipartisanship is the letter he and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, just sent to President Donald Trump, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, Commissioner of Food and Drugs Scott Gottlieb, M.D., and Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Seema Verma. Grassley ...

No one likes a litterbug

For weeks, small forests of signs promoting dozens of political candidates have been demonstrations of the vigor of our system of government. Now, they are just litter. Some candidates and their supporters started the process of picking up their signs on Tuesday evening. It is pleasing to note that the vast majority of those running for office in our area understand their responsibility in that regard. Some do not. As is the case after any election, a few of the signs will remain visible for weeks, even months. So, candidates, we urge you to mobilize the same small armies of ...

Make your voice heard at the polls

Election Day is almost upon us. On Nov. 6, those citizens who choose to vote have the opportunity to shape the future of our community, state and nation. Given the impact American policies have almost everywhere in the world, it is really no exaggeration to say that the voices of this country's voters are heard all over the planet. Many of the decisions voters will make that will shape the future of the nation, our state and local communities. Amazingly, many people choose not to vote. That poses a serious threat to our democratic system. American governmental institutions won't work ...

Keep good judges on the bench

"Iowa's judiciary is recognized as among the best in the nation. In surveys conducted for the United States Chamber of Commerce, our state judiciary has consistently ranked among the top five state court systems in terms of impartiality and competence. This high standing is due to Iowa's judicial merit selection and retention process that emphasizes professional qualifications instead of partisan politics and ideologies." Those are the words of former Chief Justice Louis A. Lavorato of the Iowa Supreme Court. Since 1962, when Iowa voters approved a constitutional reform measure, ...

October is National Pork Month

October has been designated National Pork Month. That makes it an especially good time to reflect on the importance of the pork industry to this state. It's unlikely that anyone who lives in Iowa does not already know that pork production contributes mightily to the economic vitality of the Hawkeye State. It may come as a surprise, however, that hogs raised in Iowa account for more than 30 percent of U.S. hog production. Iowa ranks as the nation's top hog-producing state. It's also the top state for pork exports. According to the Iowa Pork Producers Association: • Hog farming ...