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Lonni Hoffmann Meyer's avatar

Oh Julie, Julie, Julie ….you were at the right home. My stomach turned, I got goosebumps from your words.

You hit the nail square on the head. I am scared for DeWitt, it is a frightening reflection of the country. I am so worried about what is happening. It’s coming, isn’t it, I feel so helpless.

I understood about the woman’s fear of posting yard signs, but I had my lawn packed with them last election. I am an old woman, but because of that I had better be passing on some of what I have learned. Put on my big girl pants and charge ahead.

Writers can do that, no matter their age. But darn, it’s tough to do when one is confronted with the suppression that comes from the boiling ferment against everything one stands for, of which you got a taste in DeWitt.

Keep on, keeping on, dear woman! More, more, more! I think of Margaret Mead’s statement about never underestimating the power of one person for making a change….indeed it is the only way….

Thank you so very much!

Lonni Hoffmann Meyer from DeWitt, Iowa.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Oh, Lonni, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you said! Write on! I can’t wait to see what you say!

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Maura Casey's avatar

Hell of a column, my friend. Somehow, we have to get back to giving a damn about one another again. Democracy isn't just voting. It's being able to talk to each other. I will share this, and subscribe.

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Cheryl Tevis's avatar

Great column! Thank you!

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Mike Pitchford's avatar

Thanks Julie! This is one of your best! It so keenly defines and separates those who care about everybody (clearly including those seated around the table) and those who care only about themselves (conservative media fed folks who seek lower taxes, public support limits, racial inequality and enforcement of their own moral beliefs on everybody). Civil war? Hope not...

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Thanks, Mike. I appreciate your perspective!

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birminghan1's avatar

This sense of impending doom...can't shake it.

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Dianne Prichard's avatar

Ditto. I wonder what I should be teaching my grandchildren. How to trap and skin a rabbit? Teach them which weeds in my flower beds are nutritious? Or teach them how to argue logically? Or how to manipulate with words?

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Bob Noun's avatar

Julie, your postings from the road in Iowa remind me of “On the Road with Charles Kuralt”. Keep ‘em coming!

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Robert Leonard's avatar

Tugged at my heartstrings in multiple ways. We can fix this. We have to fix this.

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Deba Leach's avatar

Yes, conversations like yours. I have the same degree of outrage and level of curiosity about trafficking. Thank you for raising the issue.

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Mary Swander's avatar

Great piece, Julie. Glad you highlighted both the good in a wonderful town like DeWitt, and the undertow that’s risen to the surface in these antagonistic times. I’ve performed several times at the Opera House—terrific experience.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Undertow is the perfect word for it! Wish I’d thought of it!

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Oct 20, 2022
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Julie Gammack's avatar

Tim, I’m thinking we start having dialogue. Naive?

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