What an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable
On May 17, there was a gathering of Christians on the National Mall as a “rededication of our country as One Nation Under God.” This event reminds me that there is a narrative telling us Christianity is under attack, and some are using this narrative as a fear tactic to gain power in the government.
To me, it does feel like Christianity is under attack, and the greatest attackers sit inside the four walls of our churches and homes. Every time a Christian leads with hate instead of love, their message contradicts the message of Jesus, eroding trust in the faith community. Every time someone with “Saved by grace” in their social media bio berates someone online. Every time someone says “I’ll pray for you” as a judgmental jab rather than with heartfelt support. Every time we use a Bible verse out of context to support our opinions. Every time we support comments calling for violence against a group of people or an entire civilization. Every time we tell someone “you’re going to hell” instead of “you are loved.”
Before we try to rededicate One Nation Under God, we must rededicate ourselves as humble individuals under God. We have to start by loving humanity.
Erica Schultes, Des Moines
Randy Feenstra and Kim Reynolds failed Iowa’s most vulnerable
As the CEO of a mental health services provider in Sioux City, I see every day how much vulnerable Iowans depend on Medicaid for stability, treatment, and dignity. That’s why I’m deeply concerned about how Republicans have mismanaged Medicaid in Iowa.
When Gov. Terry Branstad privatized Medicaid with then-Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds by his side, Iowans were promised lower costs, better outcomes, and fiscal stability. A decade later, the reality has been the opposite. State Auditor Rob Sand said it plainly: “Iowa’s privatized Medicaid system isn’t working.”
From my perspective on the front lines, he’s right. Privatized Medicaid has increased bureaucracy, delayed payments, denied care and forced providers to choose between patients and profits. Rural hospitals and small nonprofit providers have been pushed to the brink while large, out-of-state managed care companies profit.
Last summer, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra voted for even deeper Medicaid cuts. His vote threatened health care access for more than 110,000 Iowans and increased the risk of rural hospital closures. The reimbursement changes also hurt small community-based organizations like mine, forcing difficult staffing and service decisions. How are small nonprofits in northwest Iowa supposed to negotiate fairly against massive multistate insurance corporations?
Iowa’s leaders should be listening to providers and families, not insurance companies. In November, voters should demand leaders who will end this failed privatized Medicaid experiment and protect Iowa’s most vulnerable citizens. We cannot afford more political excuses while lives and communities continue suffering needlessly.
Sheri Porter, Le Mars
Stop daylight saving time for good this fall
Here we go again. I see the Trump administration is again pushing for a move to permanent daylight saving time.
While I support ending the biannual clock change, I believe making Standard Time permanent is the far better solution for the nation.
History provides a clear warning on this issue. In 1973, Congress passed the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act. Although initially popular, the experiment was a failure once the winter months arrived. Public approval plummeted as adults and children were forced to commute in pitch-black darkness. Tragically, several fatalities involving children walking to school led to intense public outrage, and the law was repealed in 1974.
In addition to the historical precedents, health officials widely agree that permanent Standard Time is better aligned with our natural circadian rhythms, offering significant benefits to our physical and mental health.
I would implore our representatives and the general public to research the history and health impacts of this proposal rather than moving forward with permanent DST.
We all need to write to our representative and encourage them to consider the benefits of permanent Standard Time instead.
John Moore, Newton
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Stop daylight saving time for good this fall | Letters
Reporting by The Register’s readers / Des Moines Register
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