A batting average is definitely a good measure, Ralph. I personally resonate with the public parks assessment of yours on the question of programs. Curious, what do you think about public transportation?
Yes. I grew up on a major bus route on the Southside of Chicago (CTA). All the windows and items on shelves would shake during the day. A bus ride to the Jackson Park L connected us to much of metro Chicago. I did not own a car until I was almost 28. Riding on buses and the Chicago L and traveling across this country by bus and train remain invaluable life-building experiences. PS I am a lifelong White Sox (with my grandfather, father,and brother all working in some capacity for the Sox. Supporting the Sox taught me strength and resilience, if not to support underdogs in life.
Just saw your note. I have lived in Iowa, since moving here for law school, getting elected to office, and starting a family with my spouse from Shenandoah, IA.
That makes sense, Ralph. Sounds like the kids are all in IA as well? By the way, where do you see public transport heading in IA? It’s hard to compare it to the Chicago metro area, of course, but it doesn’t mean that long-range master plans can’t be purposefully constructive?
30 years ago, when I was in the Senate, I tried to revive additional passenger access across Iowa. We have an AMTRAK through thinly populated southern Iowa. Yes, to long range plans. But, This country loves its trucks and cars.
Libraries are a shining example of a democratic institution. They provide access/info to anyone needing them. The state has funded them at a flat level (as with DNR) for YEARS. Sadly, looks like DM Libraries will lose $400T in the coming budget due to several factors.
Thanks, Tim. I am urging others to start advocating for their favorite federally funded programs; all I ask is for others to share their stories. I have many great stories of the meaning of libraries in my life.
Roads. 🙏🏼💜 Not until living in other countries where the roads are not maintained did I realize how impressive our roads are - especially in Iowa. 💛 Not perfect, of course, but still impressive compared to so many other places.
A batting average is definitely a good measure, Ralph. I personally resonate with the public parks assessment of yours on the question of programs. Curious, what do you think about public transportation?
Yes. I grew up on a major bus route on the Southside of Chicago (CTA). All the windows and items on shelves would shake during the day. A bus ride to the Jackson Park L connected us to much of metro Chicago. I did not own a car until I was almost 28. Riding on buses and the Chicago L and traveling across this country by bus and train remain invaluable life-building experiences. PS I am a lifelong White Sox (with my grandfather, father,and brother all working in some capacity for the Sox. Supporting the Sox taught me strength and resilience, if not to support underdogs in life.
Yes anything that requires multi-decade support for the under dogs means you have more resilience than most people. Are you still Chicago based?
Just saw your note. I have lived in Iowa, since moving here for law school, getting elected to office, and starting a family with my spouse from Shenandoah, IA.
That makes sense, Ralph. Sounds like the kids are all in IA as well? By the way, where do you see public transport heading in IA? It’s hard to compare it to the Chicago metro area, of course, but it doesn’t mean that long-range master plans can’t be purposefully constructive?
30 years ago, when I was in the Senate, I tried to revive additional passenger access across Iowa. We have an AMTRAK through thinly populated southern Iowa. Yes, to long range plans. But, This country loves its trucks and cars.
I hear you on this, Ralph. I don’t know much about Iowa politics or history but how did that effort pan out? Did it gain some traction?
Libraries are a shining example of a democratic institution. They provide access/info to anyone needing them. The state has funded them at a flat level (as with DNR) for YEARS. Sadly, looks like DM Libraries will lose $400T in the coming budget due to several factors.
Thanks, Tim. I am urging others to start advocating for their favorite federally funded programs; all I ask is for others to share their stories. I have many great stories of the meaning of libraries in my life.
My daughter works for the state library too.
Roads. 🙏🏼💜 Not until living in other countries where the roads are not maintained did I realize how impressive our roads are - especially in Iowa. 💛 Not perfect, of course, but still impressive compared to so many other places.