Viewpoints

To the Editor:

“Throwing the baby out with the bath water.”

That is what Trump and Musk are doing. They are throwing out good programs instead of just wasteful parts. Think about the Department of Education (DOE) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Department of Education programs include updating standards that Iowa uses, federal aid for students pursuing postsecondary education (PELL grants), community college funding, special education and rehabilitation services, and activities for drug prevention. For PELL grants in Iowa, over 60,000 students each received an average of almost $5,000/year, awarded by financial need. Discontinuing these programs will negatively impact Iowa students.

You may have heard the recent accusations made on X (formerly Twitter) that claimed money was being laundered through religious organizations and specifically named the “Lutheran” faith.

As an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), I feel it is important to state that these statements are blatantly false. The ELCA responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service: feeding people who are hungry, caring for those who are sick, and advocating for justice, peace and the dignity of all people.

To the Editor:

Elon Musk is the richest man in the world, the first trillionaire. He donated $277 million dollars to Donald Trump’s election. What did he buy with his money?

Musk has accessed the government payment systems housed at the Treasury Department. Staff at that agency refused to turn it over to anyone without background checks and security clearances. Those diligent government employees were promptly fired.

Elon Musk had already begun the firing of the Justice Department and FBI personnel. There is no one in law enforcement to interfere with his takeover of the government purse strings. The U.S. Constitution clearly states that it is the job of the U.S. Congress to obligate tax dollars. In fact, the funds that Musk is cutting were obligated for a purpose. Those cuts are impacting programs and jobs.

To the Editor:

No matter where we live, Iowans are impacted by the high costs of everyday goods and groceries. Surely you recall Candidate Donald Trump’s promises to bring down the cost of eggs and lower costs and stop inflation. He proclaimed that prices would immediately fall if he won the election.  Well, the price of eggs is at an all-time high and keep soaring. Trump and Republicans hit their mute button and don’t talk about the kitchen table issues they ran on.

Trump signed a flurry of executive orders aimed at putting Trump loyalists in charge of the government and at consolidating his power. Not one of his  executive orders deals with lowering costs.

To the Editor:

The overwhelming generosity of the people of Waukon​ helped provide joy to children in need through Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts this season. Across the U.S., the Samaritan’s Purse project collected 10.5 million shoebox gifts in 2024. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2024, the ministry is now sending over 11.9 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

Shoebox packers brought joy and hope to children around the world through fun, full, personalized gifts. For many children, this is the first gift they have ever received. Each shoebox gift is a tangible expression of God’s love, given to children in need around the world. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

To the Editor:

Addiction is a chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug use despite negative consequences. The emotional impact of addiction often leads to increased stress, depression, guilt, and emotional numbness. Individuals may experience overwhelming feelings of shame and hopelessness as they struggle to control their substance use despite the consequences.

Addiction is not a sign of weakness, a character flaw, or a moral failure. It is a common condition that affects millions of people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status, and while there is no one cause of addiction, there is hope - it can be treated effectively.

To the Editor:

I was watching an older movie called “Miracle” the other day. It was about the U.S.A. hockey team that played in the 1980 Olympics. Those teammates came from other teams and had to become a team. They had to put aside their animosity toward one another and become one.

In our last election millions of people voted. Many voted; on both sides. When the dust settled, the Republicans had many victories. Those who lost were disappointed. Both sides felt they were superior to the other.

We are all Americans, part of the U.S.A. We are a “team”. We have our disagreements but we are a part of a country that has many good qualities. I am trying to learn about all the countries of the world this year. So far, I have read about wealthy and poor nations. When people within a country are divided and fighting one another, the nation becomes weak. That can happen to the U.S.

To the Editor:

I share some thoughts on the 2025 Iowa Legislative Session.

State legislative sessions sound mysterious and feel beyond any control by this citizen. We put people in power with our votes. It is a leap of faith the senator and the representative will do what is best for our family’s safety and economic security. However, uncertainty can be managed with communication with those who are working for us.

Citizens of northeast Iowa, this is a reminder of who represents your county of residence in the legislature in Des Moines. Iowa House District 63 residents are served by Representative Michael Bergan. The counties in District 63 are; Howard, Winneshiek and a northern tier of Fayette. There are over 31,000 residents in the district.

Why December 25th?

In the past few months, we were approaching one of the most looked forward to days of the year - Christmas! But by now, some have already taken the Christmas tree down, removed the lights, and are preparing for the next season.

We celebrate Christmas on December 25th, but have you ever wondered why? How do we know Jesus was born on that day when the Bible doesn’t even tell us? People who doubt the Bible will often claim that Christians used this date to replace pagan festivals. Yet, this argument does not have any real historical evidence. What’s more, there are also many good reasons which show Jesus was born on December 25th. One of them comes from Luke 1.

To the Editor:

The role of Iowa Secretary of State requires balance - ensuring that Iowa elections are safe, secure, and fair while concurrently empowering every eligible voter to exercise their fundamental right to make their voices heard in Iowa elections.

Across all 99 counties, we saw a fair and smoothly administered 2024 general election. Iowa’s election approach is nationally ranked - and we can attribute much of our success to multiple layers of protection and year-round preparation from poll workers, county auditors, Iowa Secretary of State staff, and our state and federal election security partners. Not only has our layered approach contributed to another safe, secure, and fair election - Iowans have noticed the results. A recent Iowa Poll found that 91% of Iowans have trust in Iowa’s election process.