[Iowa Granny]

Today, nearly a week after my official announcement to the general public, I'm posting a link to the announcement about my retirement, ending 16 years in the Iowa General Assembly.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17842192&BRD=1142&PAG=461&dept_id=568956&rfi=6

MANY Thanks to all of those who have protected my identiy for lo these many years.

WHY am I going public now? Because I want to tell you about the dramatic changes when a General Assembly goes from quasi Conservative Control to Liberal Control.

The Iowa Senate, this week, passed a resolution opposing the War on Terror. The resolution is headed for the House. Next week, I will have an opportunity to speak against it.

There's more. But that's enough for now.

[Chairman_December_19th_Society]

Thank you for your dedicated service all these many years. We need more voices like yours, and am saddened by your retirement. 'Tis a phase the Nation is going through, I think, but I believe there will be an awakening. I pray it is not one where we get a hangover, but alas, our Nation's history is replete with such things.

The "other side," unfortunately, is not simply being the "loyal opposition," they're being the "total opposition". There was an excellent essay not all that long ago. In the piece, the author remarked how the liberals were prepared to lose the war in Vietnam all for the sake of advancing their agenda--for which they were successful. The piece then fast forwards to now positing the opinion the liberals are still prepared to lose the war in Iraq, if it means advancing their agenda (and, what the heck, if Republicans can get tarred on this for (1) starting the war and (2) losing it, then the sting of (a) starting Vietnam and (b) losing it, on the part of "the other party"--all the better).

I still believe Impeachment is on their agenda. They appear poised (read today's Washington Pravda) to set up all kinds of trip wires for the Iraqi conflict--who knows where that'll go.

Anyway, you still have a forum here, and heck, in a way you've released yourself to be even more a nuisance and pain in the south ends of the Communists (er, liberals) and their plans.

[lysie]

The resolution is headed for the House. Next week, I will have an opportunity to speak against it.

Oh how I wish we all could be there with you for the next 2 years. We'd help by making their votes a living h*ll for them... Not that you're not capable...;-)

Bless you.

[DollyCali]

Nice article Iowa & we are all here very proud of you & do understand your frustrations. If you can make a difference, then it is great...but if you are just batting your head against an iron wall of ignorance & frustration it IS NOT WORTH SHORTENING YOUR LIFE & WASTING YOUR DAYS.

you have a home to build, travel to do & delightful grandkids to spoil rotten

You have put up with more than your share of wasted time & energy.

Now, I DO HAVE TO ASK.. we all know we are ready for a woman president (except thunder thighs)...

could
it
be

IOWA GRANNY 2008 for President

[gulfcoast6]

You have and do a much needed responsibility, thank you.

[Miss Marple]

I am glad you are going public. I know how disheartening it has been for you with the changes in the legislature.

Many thanks for the information you have passed us over the last few years.

[Molly Pitcher]

Thanks for your service, and the link, IG. Maybe I missed it, but it seemed like you were planning on retiring fairly soon, but not quite next year? Events overcame some of your thoughts on the matter, and they're certainly not desirable developments there in the General Assembly.

But you have many, many interests and family to keep you going for years yet!

[Peach]

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement from the rough and tumble world of politics, Iowa Granny. I admire what you've done for so long and you've been a blessing to all of us as we've read with interest about what the "real" politicians face in their everyday struggles to be heard and represent their constituency.