News opinion 2008-04-16 Andanh.com

Day of Silence benefits Sun, 13 Apr 2008 06:15:12 CDT
SOFIA C. MICHALICEK WATERLOO --- I believe Ms. Karen Simpson (April 6) has the wrong idea about The Day of Silence. It is not promoting a gay/lesbian lifestyle; it's a day to remember that we should not be discriminating against any member of the LGBT community. According to the organization's Web site, "The National Day of Silence brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools." I don't understand how that can be viewed negatively. Do you keep your children home on Martin Luther King Jr. Day so they won't be exposed to those views? Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender is not a choice, just like skin color is not a choice. We as a society will be unable to move forward if prejudiced views like this continue to be tolerated and accepted. We are a human race; not just whites, blacks, Jews, or gays. Segregating individuals into arbitrary categories based on personal intolerant views takes our culture a step back. Gays and lesbians are no different than you or I.

Obama can learn to bowl Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:26:18 CDT
DOROTHY MORGAN CEDAR FALLS --- I would like to nominate Shannon Buchan to help Obama learn to bowl if they re going to be showing him on national TV throwing a gutter ball. Everyone throws a gutter ball sometimes, but hopefully not for the world to see.

Invade Tibet Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:26:18 CDT
HERB FREESE ALLISON --- Maybe the United States should invade Tibet, drive out China and bring Democracy to Tibet?

Boxes inconvenient Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:26:18 CDT
MARY WILSON EVANSDALE --- It has been a bad winter for driving and walking. We appreciate all the paper delivery people have gone through. I know putting the Courier boxes on the post with our mailboxes will make it easier to deliver the paper.

Remove blog site Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:26:18 CDT
GARY WURTZ ELK RUN HEIGHTS --- I'd like to thank the Courier for its on-line version, as I've found it to be very useful to have during those times when I can't access the printed version.

Get some answers Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:26:18 CDT
ROB SOLBERG WATERLOO --- With all the discussion over the proposed development at the Broom Factory site, I'm curious where was all this criticism when the Riverchase development was being discussed? Critics of Riverchase were quickly categorized as "against progress."

Words go against what Obama says he opposes Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:26:18 CDT
Words offered by a candidate for the White House started another firestorm on the country's political landscape. This time, the comments belong to Barack Obama.

Youth center will succeed with community support Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:10:40 CDT
Ryan Kopf has a dream. The 19-year-old Muscatine resident who ran for mayor in 2007 wants to open a youth center.

Project Insect âbugsâ Muscatine Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:55:56 CDT
Cheers and Jeers CHEERS … to everyone involved in bringing Project Insect to Muscatine. The art exhibit and educational displays Jessa and James Huebing-Reitinger have planned will be among the best things to see and do this summer in Muscatine.

When writing letters, get to the point Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:29:51 CDT
Blaise Pascal would write great letters to the editor if he were still putting quill to paper.

Obama not worthy of presidency Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:27:22 CDT
You must be kidding, right? In regards to Sen. Barack Obama’s experience and qualifications to be leader of the free world, he is not even remotely qualified.

Culver is a well-qualified governor Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:42:18 CDT
Having recently retired after 20-plus years in education, I was disappointed to read the March 10 Muscatine Journal article that quoted (Sen. Jim Hahn, R-Muscatine) berating our governor’s qualifications to serve.

Determination makes candidate Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:27:22 CDT
I’ve known Frank Draper for more than 34 years and I’d like to explain why I’m voting for him to be our next sheriff in the upcoming Republican primary election.

Resources needed to make a youth center happen Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:55:06 CDT
Nationwide, 8 million young people are left alone and unsupervised after school. Many of these young people curiously wind up with prescription drugs, marijuana, guns, you name it.

Legislature blows smoke at casinos Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:29:51 CDT
Although I am not a smoker and never have been I believe if someone else wishes to do so it is his or her right.

Council didnât give request a chance Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:55:56 CDT
Can we say sad? Muscatine City Council members who voted no to the Rev. Ed Meyer’s request to use our (the people of Muscatine’s) beautiful riverfront need to get a clue.

Throw them out until they listen Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:55:56 CDT
To the members of the U.S. Congress:

Ryan is best man for sheriffâs job Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:55:56 CDT
I am writing this letter to support C.J. Ryan in his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Muscatine County sheriff.

P.J. Brewer is right Democrat for job Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:55:56 CDT
There will be two names on the Democratic Primary ballot in June but oddly only one with Democratic Party roots. Dave White was a registered, and by most accounts, active Republican, changing his party registration days before filing as a Democratic candidate.

tea party indian Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:38:19 CDT
The Government wears a lot of hats the function of protecting the public, (even from themselves) and protecting workers in the workplace are just two of them.

milo Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:31:42 CDT
just like in life there's NO Guarentee's , when you rent these area's there is no promises of parking. also i have found out thru the sources that GRD's is for 4 days but thats a lie. Yes certain parts of GRD's is thur's thru sun. But if you've ever been down there to the riverfront the carnival is to start up on Weds' , so that means they are here late monday night or early tueday to set up. and they are still running on sunday afternoon.unless the weather turns bad. They start to tear down late sunday night and finish up Monday. Add the day's up Tuesday thru monday. ( 7 Day's ) . The carnival is a big part of the takeover of the riverfront.Again i am not condemning the Quarterback Club nor their efforts just that the some of the city council members have looked the other way in their No Vote. And if i have listen right The Revival said they would work with the rentals and park on the other side of the tracks because of a offer of shuttle rides. Also in graduation parties people come and go so there would be a turnover of parking spaces. P.S. What happens if the irver would be up at that time There's no parking for anyone regardless. That's your guarentee clause again. The Riverfront is for Everyone. Not just boater's , not just for rentals but for all to use and to enjoy. But it's a done deal and Mr. Meyer's is gonna be there in sprirt at Musser Park those night's in May & June God Bless you E.B. you

twin2sharon Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:53:48 CDT
The revival was held in 2007. I believe there is one scheduled for 2008 at Musser Park

lancehahn Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:00:32 CDT
I am so sick of seeing all these comments made by losers who sit in front of the computer all day. You apparently didn't know anyone involved so MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!!!!! Lee was a great friend who introduced me to my wife who has given me two beautiful daughters. Thanks Lee. So if anyone has a problem with this that's my name, come find me.

ryankopf Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:31:57 CDT
Of course, anyone who has ideas is welcome to help out! Thanks for the suggestions so far - I've been working on some preliminary budget estimates that we can show people to prove how well we've thought through the project.

lisa Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:34:30 CDT
I can't even believe this. It is so sad.

Concerned Business Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:35:36 CDT
Okay folks...something is wrong with this picture...this "wonderful" guy was going to shoot a baby? Mad at the police department? get real, at least they were there and because of that there are probably two less dead people. The easy way out is to kill yourself...this "wonderful" guy obviously is not as wonderful as everyone seems to think.

stacy626 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:25:13 CDT
Wow! This is really harsh. There are some people who are doing the best they can just to keep their heads above water and for someone to tow their car on private property or call them "deadbeats" seems a little wrong to me. If one "deadbeat" brings down a whole neighborhood, maybe the neighborhood should get together and see if that person maybe needs some help. Ken Rogers, citizen of the year? For having liter removed and cars towed? Surely there is someone else in the community envolved in something else more important than that. There are people out there who help others with physical ailments or childrens hospice for crying out loud and you want to nominate this person for citizen of the year for policing garbage. See the REAL picture people. I agree that there are extremes and that people should pick up their trash and take care of their homes, but honestly, things happen in peoples lives that can and do overshadow such things.

WhiteSoxFan Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:58:19 CDT
Truly, the apple did not fall far from the tree with this situation. This is an absolute typical situation where parents set no example and take no responsibility for thier children. It's sad.

Dirk S. Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:35:37 CDT
I agree with the concept, but, in practice, it won't work. We were tired of Jim Leach sitting in his seat and doing nothing...like some toad sunning himself on a rock. But we got Loebsack, who is completely overmatched, even though he's supposed to be some sort of professor. And I will bet there isn't any improvement in his challengers on the Republican side. Until we get the money out of politics so we can rid ourselves of the "wine-n-cheesers" and "sandal wearers" , regular working people don't have a chance in Washington.

Elmer Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:29:05 CDT
This is great journalism! My compliments to the writer, the paper, and to Ken Rogers. I agree that this should be a yearly article. I know three of the people listed in the article and they are more than capable of picking up their garbage but choose not to. Hopefully this article will bring them the shame they deserve. Just one of these deadbeats can bring down a whole neighborhood and it is good to see the city do something about it.

Concerned Citizen Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:32:06 CDT
PJ is a good guy, I was proud to support him in '04.

Clink Wed, 16 Apr 2008 02:31:48 CDT
Honestly...I could care less about what all of you that has nothing but negative things to say about Lee...You didn't know him..PERIOD!!! Nothing you or anyone else says, will make any of us feel differently about him. If you're looking for a debate, go somewhere else! Give his family, and friends enough time to grieve over our loss!

jam123 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:07:37 CDT
I went to school with Lee and just like everyone else, I was shocked to hear the news. I'm relieved the women, baby, and police officers were not injured!

Melissa Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:22:25 CDT
I think it is time to let this all rest . There really is no reason why people need to be on here bashing each other. That is not going to change anything that has happened. Like I said before NOBODY will ever understand why Lee did what he did,if we could only read peoples minds to understand their feelings the world would be a different place. Everyone has their own feelings on this matter but I do think we need to let the family and friends of Lee have their time to grieve now whether you agree or not.They do deserve their time without having to see all this as well. The mother involved needs her time to comfort her child that lost her father and will never get to share those special moments fathers and daughters share in life. May GOD BLESS the family and friends of Lee, he was a good person in my heart as well as many others. REST IN PEACE LEE!!!!!

MyOpinion Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:18:43 CDT
So, Henry.....when did you figure out that the "Orr administration" was ineffective and how is it ineffective? Brewer cannot even say he was an effective Chief Deputy under Lowell........he can't because he was hardly there. Past 11AM, anyway.

people_are_ridiculious Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:55:03 CDT
Jgpica.......I think you have said enough on here about how you feel. Now leave room for people who have better things to say. HAVE SOME RESPECT!!!!!! I have read every one of your comments and you sound like a broken record! I'm glad that Jenny got on here to see what people were writing about what she said. The journal prints what they print. I get on this site when I'm at work and I really think you need a hobby or maybe you need to get a job because it is annoying to see you comment on this incident OVER AND OVER!!!!!!!! And by the way my name is Laci....what's yours??????

jgpica Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:30:42 CDT
Thw way I see it, this guy committed four counts of attempted murder. Good guy? Yea right.

TerriG Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:09:30 CDT
GREAT story! Hats off to Ken Rogers! He need a helpter though. That's too much for one person to do. Thanks for making us all aware of what goes on in some Muscatine neighborhoods. I'm just glad all my neighbors keep their property looking nice.

concerned Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:15:27 CDT
Good Job Muscatine Police Department!! I am soo happy the officer who responded was not injured. It was a close call for him. I am also grateful the woman and baby were not injured. I did not know Lee, and I am very sorry for the families loss, but their were more lives involved here than his.

km Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:21:00 CDT
What you need to understand is this is also graduation weekend. The buildings have been booked for a year in advance. People have been counting on easy access to the riverfront and the parking for a long time. To interfere with that now would be unfair to people who planned so far in advance.

dave Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:41:23 CDT
I think its pretty crummy that the family did not even list his little baby as a survivor in his obituary. That is pretty crummy. Wait a minute they probably blame the girlfriend it was probably all her fault. Sad Sad that baby lost her father

Why the 'you know,' you know? Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:11:07 CDT
I’m writing to voice my opinion on a problem I have with people talking. What is the reason people always interject “you know” when they talk? People who do that seem to have a problem with their mouth overriding their brain. They seem to have to say “you know” before they can resume what they began talking about.

Poignant article brings tears Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:11:07 CDT
Through tears this morning, I read Kay Luna’s well-written and poignant article (“Photos help heal broken hearts” March 31). Photographer Lisa Francescon performs her ‘ministry’ in a compassionate and giving way that touches people deeply. Having lost our own 6-year-old daughter, Maggie, just three years ago, the sensitivity with which Luna wrote was greatly appreciated. We, too, cherish the last photographs we have of our Maggie. Thank you for running such a moving article.

Is smoking all Iowa has to worry about? Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:32:05 CDT
I was relieved to discover that the greatest issue facing the people of Iowa was smoking in bars and restaurants. It was just a stroke of genius that the casinos were exempt. Here I was thinking that maybe education, roads, health care, child health care or even welfare was more important than banning smoking in a bar or restaurant while letting it continue on the gaming floor of a casino.

Future caregivers will appreciate ban Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:32:05 CDT
The simple fact that the smoking ban will probably eliminate many customers from taverns is depressing for the tavern owners. What is even moreso is the fact that people of all ages who choose to smoke are in only for a bevy of health problems. Of course, they do not all care about those issues, but I guarantee that the caregivers at the end of their lives will see it differently!

Iowans beware: Big Brother is watching Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:32:05 CDT
So the public and employees of casinos are not at risk of secondhand smoke, but the people in your local mom and pop pubs are? What a crock.

Thank you for a smoke-free Iowa Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:32:05 CDT
A special thank you to Rep. Elesha Gayman, Rep. Cindy Winckler, Sen. Frank Wood and Sen. Joe Seng for the “yes” vote on the Smoke-Free Air Act. This bill will protect an overwhelming majority of Iowans from secondhand smoke exposure in workplaces including bars, restaurants and casino gaming areas. We really appreciate your support in passing this historic piece of legislation that protects everyone’s right to breathe smoke-free air. We look forward to your continued support in the future as we work to protect 100 percent of Iowa’s workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Handicapped Development Center brings joy to a daughter Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:32:35 CDT
Like many children, my daughter Brenda lived at home for 27 years. Unlike many children, she required much the same care at the age of 27 as she did when she was an infant. Brenda has physical and mental disabilities that make it necessary for her to have help with most things.

Democrats should be embarrassed Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:32:35 CDT
With half the registered voters of the United States claiming to be Democrats, they must be embarrassed to have the two candidates now running to become the president of the United States.

Help clean up the neighborhood Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:32:35 CDT
This is the time of year to get out with your plastic bags and pick up all the trash that has accumulated since the last time you did this little chore. I went along our road on both sides yesterday and today for about one quarter of a mile –– our front yard, sort of.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next

Chinese Dir