Unfortunately, too many Iowans think the actions by our legislators are a good thing - if they opposed these laws, they would not keep electing these legislators (and governor).
To some degree, yes. But I think they are overreaching, and antagonizing enough different subsets that if strong candidates are running (and adequately financed), the tide could turn!
Great critique! Makes we weep for our State. I suspect the current legislature was largely educated in Iowa—- which worries me even more. How long has the decline in independent, critical thinking been going on? How can it be arrested?
Thank you so much. I'm not sure when it started. I noticed a trend for fewer high school graduates to go on to college or technical schools back around 2009. Critical thinking in 2016 seemed to be sadly lacking when the Republican presidential candidate raised so many red flags (which were ignored). We see this continue with attempts to deny what happened on January 6, despite strong factual evidence. One counterbalance is a free (and financially strong) press/media. This is threatened. Education aimed at growing future citizens who can sort the wheat from the chaff is another response; but it's being challenged today. You're correct that we need to devote more attention to reversing this decline!
Cheryl, what a good writer you are. And a clear thinker. You poke right through their smokescreen. I don’t understand what’s happened to people’s common sense, why more Iowans can’t see what’s happening to our state.
So kind of you, Dave. Thank you! Common sense/critical thinking have been in short supply. Difficult for the authentic voices in print journalism and broadcast media to cut through the noise/fear mongering.
Thank you for this, Cheryl.
Unfortunately, too many Iowans think the actions by our legislators are a good thing - if they opposed these laws, they would not keep electing these legislators (and governor).
To some degree, yes. But I think they are overreaching, and antagonizing enough different subsets that if strong candidates are running (and adequately financed), the tide could turn!
Great critique! Makes we weep for our State. I suspect the current legislature was largely educated in Iowa—- which worries me even more. How long has the decline in independent, critical thinking been going on? How can it be arrested?
Thank you so much. I'm not sure when it started. I noticed a trend for fewer high school graduates to go on to college or technical schools back around 2009. Critical thinking in 2016 seemed to be sadly lacking when the Republican presidential candidate raised so many red flags (which were ignored). We see this continue with attempts to deny what happened on January 6, despite strong factual evidence. One counterbalance is a free (and financially strong) press/media. This is threatened. Education aimed at growing future citizens who can sort the wheat from the chaff is another response; but it's being challenged today. You're correct that we need to devote more attention to reversing this decline!
Cheryl, what a good writer you are. And a clear thinker. You poke right through their smokescreen. I don’t understand what’s happened to people’s common sense, why more Iowans can’t see what’s happening to our state.
So kind of you, Dave. Thank you! Common sense/critical thinking have been in short supply. Difficult for the authentic voices in print journalism and broadcast media to cut through the noise/fear mongering.