AI, the latest wealth extraction scheme designed to profit the Epstein class oligarchy at the expense of everyone else, represents a threat to everything that was, is or might ever be good about our society. The wholesale theft and profitable manipulation of data about us, our children and our grandchildren is a massive criminal enterprise that would rob us of what remains of our rights and our freedom. As Jefferson warned, we must choose between the license of a few, booted and spurred to ride over us, and the liberty of the many.
Once again you are tops in informing the rest of Iowa on issues that the mainstream media seems to ignore. Thank you for being present to let us know what is going on.
Nearly all proposed/ potential data center projects are kept quiet until the very last minute. There's code names on the projects, there's NDAs by all involved in discussions regarding land acquisitions, etc. That's why there's now new bills arising in Minnesota and other states that would require FULL disclosure and transparency. Iowa landowners have faced a continual onslaught of "economic benefit" projects....transmission lines, wind/ solar fields, CO2 pipeline, hydrogen drilling (FORCED mineral pooling "rights") and data centers. Add those to corporate ag, hundreds of CAFOs, and urban sprawl, and Iowa's rural "quality of life" is rapidly disappearing.
For sure, Kathy. Some state legislatures are reacting in real time. Your list of "economic development" projects is comprehensive; you nailed it! We have to work together to save our quality of life. Thank you for your insights!
Another great reality check opinion, Cheryl! This time we connect because My husband and I live in Linn County to be close to our grands. We watched Fairfax’s fight to avoid a data center and are in the fight to save Morgan Park and Morgan Valley from a utility build. I am afraid for Palo. Their struggle to establish zoning law maybe be too late because transparency is not normal. They learned, too, what corporations were planning. I am sorry for Salix’s troubles, too. When at Mside when I needed peace and quiet, I used to drive down to the flyway communities to sit and watch the wildlife and nature in general.
The Iowa legislature needs to guard the treasures we have and not sell to the highest
Corporate bidders. Iowa does not deserve to be destroyed by greed!
Keep up the good words. I am sorry glad and proud that I got to know you at Mside and to follow you all these years!
Thanks, Deborah! So you're in Linn County now? Please keep me posted on the Palo/Google controversy. I doubt there's any transparency! We need to let legislators know that balancing land use/economic development/community quality of life is a priority for Iowans. I would love to catch up with you sometime in person! Thanks.
Great coverage. Iowa’s knowledge base about its aquifers would be another interesting and related topic. I suspect we are woefully lacking in that regard, but really do not know. With the attitude of our legislature about funding river water monitoring, I am not sure they have the guts to deal with a hot controversy mixing zoning, water supply, energy production, soil fertility, and agricultural production. Plus the money which flows to politicians in these data center deals is obscene in itself.
Thanks so much! I agree that we Iowans are no doubt woefully ignorant about our aquifers. Recently I heard Keith Schilling, our state geologist, speak at the Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference state. He said he's urged legislators to make a concerted effort to map and monitor our aquifer levels. He directly related it to data centers, ethanol plants, and other water-hungry sources of "economic development". I'd like to follow up with him on this. Thanks again!
Your article does a excellent job of raising awareness and people responding to long-term consequences of seemingly short-term "development" and gains. Well done. Thank you, and may this serve as a clarion call for other communities to embrace the watchdog process of commercial/political "measuring twice before cutting once."
Thank you so much! I appreciate your encouragement! The "watchdog" process you mention is so critically important. Our critical thinking skills also are rusty!
For sure, Bob. If it only were possible to know if these private companies had any rules of the road to guide their growth, or are they just playing Survivor games?
I see our latest so called newsletter from Jesse Green more or less extolled the benefits of data centers. Probably a response to your questions to him at the last forum (which I sadly had to miss). I fear the man has the vision of a cave bat. Also wonder who is lining his pockets. All three Democratic candidates for HD48 want a moratorium and at present see no benefits for local residents.
Thanks, Diana! I will have to take a look at the latest Dayton Leader; I admit that I don't always read it closely! Thanks for your takeaway regarding the HD48 candidates.
Zach Lahn all of a sudden took an interest in running for Iowa governor after being absent from the state for many years. Is corporate interest in data centers in Iowa a coincidence?
Good story. Clearly, something’s going on with that land. No way six adjoining farmers would voluntarily ask to be annexed unless a plan is afoot.
AI, the latest wealth extraction scheme designed to profit the Epstein class oligarchy at the expense of everyone else, represents a threat to everything that was, is or might ever be good about our society. The wholesale theft and profitable manipulation of data about us, our children and our grandchildren is a massive criminal enterprise that would rob us of what remains of our rights and our freedom. As Jefferson warned, we must choose between the license of a few, booted and spurred to ride over us, and the liberty of the many.
Wealth extraction is the right description for it! Data, data, data. Who benefits? Thank you.
Well said!
Thanks, Dave. Absolutely, there has to be a substantial amount of money involved!
Once again you are tops in informing the rest of Iowa on issues that the mainstream media seems to ignore. Thank you for being present to let us know what is going on.
You're so welcome, Denise! Thanks to your encouragement (and others) I'll keep trying!
Thanks for this investigative work Cheryl.
You're welcome, Sarah! It hits close to home, in many ways.
Nearly all proposed/ potential data center projects are kept quiet until the very last minute. There's code names on the projects, there's NDAs by all involved in discussions regarding land acquisitions, etc. That's why there's now new bills arising in Minnesota and other states that would require FULL disclosure and transparency. Iowa landowners have faced a continual onslaught of "economic benefit" projects....transmission lines, wind/ solar fields, CO2 pipeline, hydrogen drilling (FORCED mineral pooling "rights") and data centers. Add those to corporate ag, hundreds of CAFOs, and urban sprawl, and Iowa's rural "quality of life" is rapidly disappearing.
For sure, Kathy. Some state legislatures are reacting in real time. Your list of "economic development" projects is comprehensive; you nailed it! We have to work together to save our quality of life. Thank you for your insights!
Another great reality check opinion, Cheryl! This time we connect because My husband and I live in Linn County to be close to our grands. We watched Fairfax’s fight to avoid a data center and are in the fight to save Morgan Park and Morgan Valley from a utility build. I am afraid for Palo. Their struggle to establish zoning law maybe be too late because transparency is not normal. They learned, too, what corporations were planning. I am sorry for Salix’s troubles, too. When at Mside when I needed peace and quiet, I used to drive down to the flyway communities to sit and watch the wildlife and nature in general.
The Iowa legislature needs to guard the treasures we have and not sell to the highest
Corporate bidders. Iowa does not deserve to be destroyed by greed!
Keep up the good words. I am sorry glad and proud that I got to know you at Mside and to follow you all these years!
Thanks, Deborah! So you're in Linn County now? Please keep me posted on the Palo/Google controversy. I doubt there's any transparency! We need to let legislators know that balancing land use/economic development/community quality of life is a priority for Iowans. I would love to catch up with you sometime in person! Thanks.
Great coverage. Iowa’s knowledge base about its aquifers would be another interesting and related topic. I suspect we are woefully lacking in that regard, but really do not know. With the attitude of our legislature about funding river water monitoring, I am not sure they have the guts to deal with a hot controversy mixing zoning, water supply, energy production, soil fertility, and agricultural production. Plus the money which flows to politicians in these data center deals is obscene in itself.
Thanks so much! I agree that we Iowans are no doubt woefully ignorant about our aquifers. Recently I heard Keith Schilling, our state geologist, speak at the Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference state. He said he's urged legislators to make a concerted effort to map and monitor our aquifer levels. He directly related it to data centers, ethanol plants, and other water-hungry sources of "economic development". I'd like to follow up with him on this. Thanks again!
https://theconservationcurrent.substack.com/p/solar-panels-on-farmland-the-honest?r=1iutjx&utm_medium=ios
Above is the piece I was trying to recall earlier… on farming in conjunction with solar energy production. Interesting points…..
This was a question put to the three House 48 candidates today at the forum May 30.
Those three agreed there should be oversight for water and power usage.
Thanks for writing about this developing serious issue.
Mary Weaver
Thanks, Mary, for adding this feedback!
Your article does a excellent job of raising awareness and people responding to long-term consequences of seemingly short-term "development" and gains. Well done. Thank you, and may this serve as a clarion call for other communities to embrace the watchdog process of commercial/political "measuring twice before cutting once."
Thank you so much! I appreciate your encouragement! The "watchdog" process you mention is so critically important. Our critical thinking skills also are rusty!
NIMBY, on a macro scale.
For sure, Bob. If it only were possible to know if these private companies had any rules of the road to guide their growth, or are they just playing Survivor games?
You inspired me to write this today: https://okobojiwriters.substack.com/p/two-things-can-be-true?r=fkojq&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
I am wowed by this. I love how you expanded upon this issue! Thanks.
I see our latest so called newsletter from Jesse Green more or less extolled the benefits of data centers. Probably a response to your questions to him at the last forum (which I sadly had to miss). I fear the man has the vision of a cave bat. Also wonder who is lining his pockets. All three Democratic candidates for HD48 want a moratorium and at present see no benefits for local residents.
Thanks, Diana! I will have to take a look at the latest Dayton Leader; I admit that I don't always read it closely! Thanks for your takeaway regarding the HD48 candidates.
Zach Lahn all of a sudden took an interest in running for Iowa governor after being absent from the state for many years. Is corporate interest in data centers in Iowa a coincidence?
You have to wonder. His Iowa roots are shallow! He married into wealth and conservative activism, and I'm very skeptical of his motives. Thanks!