It's a "Values" Year

 IT'S A "VALUES" YEAR

The anticipation is great that this year in the Iowa legislature it will be a "values" year - - "Iowa values".  I remember that our local representative earlier in the year was promoting "Iowa values" and I am quite sure knowing the ways of our political parties here in Iowa that this was not something that representative Dunwell came up with on his own.  Hence, I am anticipating that there will be a strong effort in the next legislative session to not only encourage "Iowa values", but to legislate some. 

I have previously recommended the Capital City Dispatch to readers.  It is an online publication, and free, that reports on the doings of our local state government.  Recently they had a piece on the refusal of our state administration to commit $3,000,000 to match a federal commitment of $30,000,000 from the Administration of Children and Families as a Preschool Development Grant.  Therefore, Iowa will not be receiving this $30,000,000.  I only mention this item for the reason that this failure must be  an example of "Iowa values".  "Values" over dollars is a sign of moral strength as far as I am concerned.

In addition, there are rumblings that our legislature is still not satisfied that our state school system is ensuring that our teachers and librarians  are teaching the correct values.  This seems to be important to our legislators.  I think Mr. Dunwell would concur.  When we talk about Iowa values, Mr. Dunwell has professed expertise.  Of course, the "values" effort will include abortion.  Abortions are not representative of "Iowa values" according to our Iowa legislature and additional efforts will surely be made to further address this aspect of "Iowa values".

I remember when it was "family values" that was the concern.  But, frankly, I never was quite certain what "family values" were.  That uncertainty has carried over to "Iowa values" - - I'm not quite sure what they are.  First of all, it would seem to me that one has to define "values":  it's always in the plural by the way.  There is never talk about "a value".  We don't say we are in favor of "Iowa value" - - that wouldn't make any sense now would it.

What I'm looking for is a list of "Iowa values" so that I will know what they are.  I really do feel left out of this whole conversation about "Iowa values" without knowing what they include.  I need a list!  So if someone could provide one to me, I would appreciate it very much.

Richard E H Phelps II

Mingo