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Opinion

Leaders react to tariff decision

Leaders react to tariff decision

  • By Tom Barton, Lee-Gazette Des Moines Bureau

Farmers and business leaders say the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs Feb. 20 underscores the need for stability in trade policy, while also amplifying concerns about the economic strain tariffs have placed on agriculture and manufacturing…

Winning the culture war at home

Winning the culture war at home

    I am 85 years old. I’ve been around the block for a while.

    Letter writing has become a lost art in age of instant messages

    Letter writing has become a lost art in age of instant messages

      Back in 1935 when Fats Waller recorded “I’m Going to Sit Right Down and Right Myself a Letter” he had no idea that the written letter — a common means of communication for centuries — would be an endangered art form 90 years later.

      Fifty-nine days of the winter months

      Fifty-nine days of the winter months

        I think it was the winter of 1977-78, one of the coldest and snowiest winters on record. I still remember the “treat” of being snowed in on a Thursday and Friday, so we kids had a four-day weekend.

        Fifty-nine days of the winter months

        Fifty-nine days of the winter months

          I think it was the winter of 1977-78, one of the coldest and snowiest winters on record. I still remember the “treat” of being snowed in on a Thursday and Friday, so we kids had a four-day weekend.

          Reflections on the ones who taught readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

          Reflections on the ones who taught readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

            Some time back I saw a bumper sticker that read, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” I quietly mumbled, “Amen.”

            Strengthening family bonds in life’s second half

            Strengthening family bonds in life’s second half

              We just celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary by taking a four-day cruise from New Orleans to Cozumel, Mexico. On a cruise ship, we had a captive audience, prepared meals, lots of entertainment venues and fun activities for every age group.

              Old perspectives for the new year

                Today was a hard day. Even though we are in a new calendar year, for some folks it may not be easy to start fresh. We are supposed have “resolutions” and a positive outlook for the new year.

                Reflections on readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                Reflections on readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                  Some time back I saw a bumper sticker that read, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” I quietly mumbled, “Amen.”

                  Growing older? Continue to make memories

                  Growing older? Continue to make memories

                    Editor’s note: This was originally published July 29, 2010.

                    Wrapping up the year with ritual, reflection

                    Wrapping up the year with ritual, reflection

                      Today is the winter solstice. Upon waking, Rudi, my German Shepherd, and I went outside and were treated to a spectacular eastern sky backlit with delicious orange cream, pink and lilac colors. It was an intense visual treat.

                      Resolutions parents would love teenagers to make

                      Resolutions parents would love teenagers to make

                        Editor’s note: The following was originally published Dec. 30, 2007.

                        Grandparents can make holidays special

                        Grandparents can make holidays special

                          Editor’s note: This column was originally published Dec. 15, 2005.

                          Forecasting a season of grief and glimmers

                          Forecasting a season of grief and glimmers

                            I just checked the weather forecast. At this next time week, the day’s high temperature is supposed to be 45 degrees cooler than today.

                            What’s missing from houses these days?

                            What’s missing from houses these days?

                              Take an afternoon drive around an urban or suburban area anywhere in the Midwest. Look at the houses. What is missing from these homes that would likely have been there 50 years ago?

                              Fueling our way out of a corn surplus

                              Fueling our way out of a corn surplus

                              • By Ben Rhodes, Nebraska Ethanol Board

                              Curiosity key to meaningful relationships

                                My wife and I chose to finish my PhD by doing a yearlong internship in clinical psychology in Nebraska. After completing my professional training, we decided to stay in the Midwest.

                                Pain in rear adjusts attitude with age

                                Pain in rear adjusts attitude with age

                                  I’m a senior citizen and I’m mature enough to admit to my faults.

                                  Communication skills for resolving conflict

                                  Communication skills for resolving conflict

                                    Editor’s note: The first part of this column ran in the Oct. 25 issue.

                                    USDA spurns Texas fly trap to prevent screwworm

                                    USDA spurns Texas fly trap to prevent screwworm

                                    • By Kate McGee, The Texas Tribune

                                    Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is trading barbs with the Trump Administration over its response to a parasitic pest that continues to make its way north in Mexico and could potentially threaten the state’s $15 billion cattle industry if it crosses the border.

                                    Pain in rear adjusts attitude with age

                                    Pain in rear adjusts attitude with age

                                      I’m a senior citizen and I’m mature enough to admit to my faults.

                                      Before the killing frost

                                      Before the killing frost

                                        We gardeners hastily pick our remaining produce, watch the weather reports and wonder how many more days we can eke out until the killing frost.

                                        ‘Jeepers!’ When words become obsolete

                                        ‘Jeepers!’ When words become obsolete

                                          Jeepers Creepers, where’d ya get those peepers?” Now there’s a phrase you probably haven’t heard for a while. Perhaps you’ve never heard it. The line is from a song recorded by Louis Armstrong in the late 1930s.

                                          100% reallocation key to protecting farmers, IRFA says

                                          100% reallocation key to protecting farmers, IRFA says

                                            WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association participated in the Environmental Protection Agency’s public hearing Oct. 1 on the proposed Renewable Fuels Standard blending rule for 2026-27. As part of that rule, the EPA is evaluating whether to reallocate 100% or 50% of refine…

                                            ‘It’s time to get trading again’

                                            ‘It’s time to get trading again’

                                            • By Tom Adam

                                            Today marks the six-month anniversary of Trade Liberation Day. Milestones are often worthy of celebration, but here in Harper, Iowa, where I’ve farmed for more than 40 years, there’s little cause for cheer.

                                            More Opinion

                                            Editorials

                                            UW thinks big about pedestrian mall — the city of Madison should, too

                                            UW thinks big about pedestrian mall — the city of Madison should, too

                                            STATE JOURNAL VIEW:

                                            Make this the summer that State Street comes roaring back

                                            Make this the summer that State Street comes roaring back

                                            OUR VIEW: Madison should make this the summer that State Street comes roaring back

                                            GOP for weed? Medical marijuana deserves swift passage

                                            GOP for weed? Medical marijuana deserves swift passage

                                            STATE JOURNAL VIEW: Republican bill allowing doctor-prescribed cannabis doesn't go far enough but represents progress and compassion

                                            Those 'Alcatraz' jail cells really need to go

                                            Those 'Alcatraz' jail cells really need to go

                                            STATE JOURNAL VIEW: Dane County leaders have dithered long enough on plans for better jail in Madison

                                            Columnists

                                            Fifty-nine days of the winter months

                                            Fifty-nine days of the winter months

                                            I think it was the winter of 1977-78, one of the coldest and snowiest winters on record. I still remember the “treat” of being snowed in on a Thursday and Friday, so we kids had a four-day weekend.

                                            Reflections on readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                                            Reflections on readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                                            Some time back I saw a bumper sticker that read, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” I quietly mumbled, “Amen.”

                                            ‘Jeepers!’ When words become obsolete

                                            ‘Jeepers!’ When words become obsolete

                                            Jeepers Creepers, where’d ya get those peepers?” Now there’s a phrase you probably haven’t heard for a while. Perhaps you’ve never heard it. The line is from a song recorded by Louis Armstrong in the late 1930s.

                                            Growing old not for sissies

                                            Growing old not for sissies

                                            As a mere lad of 60 years with some semblance of youth, or as some would say “denial,” I wrote about meeting the challenges of growing old in a column entitled “Seven Ways to Grow Old Gracefully.”

                                            Letters to the Editor

                                            Letter to the Editor: Supreme Court acknowledges “buyer’s rights”

                                            The U.S. Supreme Court got something right (for a change) when they ruled that California can refuse to buy pork from another state if such pork is not raised to their demands.

                                            GOP strings together bad week — Alison Lindsay Mares

                                            GOP strings together bad week — Alison Lindsay Mares

                                            The State Journal on March 15 reported that legislative Republicans tried to introduce a bill that would give women even fewer rights and freedoms on abortion than they had before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

                                            Letter to the Editor

                                            There’s a great economics lesson to be learned in the front page article, “For Sale, U.S. crops find buyers despite fewer deals.” (February 11, 2023)

                                            Republicans push a race to the bottom -- Randy Schramm

                                            Republicans push a race to the bottom -- Randy Schramm

                                            Republicans are working hard to make Wisconsin like Mississippi -- one of the worst educated and poorest state in the nation.

                                            Curated Commerce

                                            Best Greens Powders for 2025: A Nutritionist’s Top 5

                                            Best Greens Powders for 2025: A Nutritionist’s Top 5

                                            Affiliate. We asked a nutritionist to share their top 5 greens powder picks to boost your daily nutrient intake and support overall health.

                                            9 Considerations Before Bringing a Pet Home In 2025

                                            9 Considerations Before Bringing a Pet Home In 2025

                                            Affiliate. Find out what you should consider when bringing home a new pet for the holidays. 

                                            8 best CBD gummies for relaxation and wellness

                                            8 best CBD gummies for relaxation and wellness

                                            Affiliate. Take a closer look at some of the top CBD gummy options on the market.

                                            Healthy Supplements for Dogs from St. Louis-based Native Pet!

                                            Healthy Supplements for Dogs from St. Louis-based Native Pet!

                                            Affiliate. Learn about Native Pet and their variety of healthy, natural supplements for pets.

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