My Blog

Research firm rates community first in state for economic vitality.  This was the headline on June 8, 2008, one week before the flood of 2008.  Here is what is going on in Burlington now:  Homes, businesses, crops, and lives are in ruin, but every photo shows determined people working together to save their homes and communities.  No one has cried for the government to save us.  There is no looting, raping, murdering, or shooting.  No need for a sundown to sunrise curfew.  The government han't gone door-to-door confiscating all weapons.  The governor of Iowa hasn't asked for $175 billion ($100,000 per person) to rebuild our state.  Nobody blames the government for failed levees.  There aren't conspiracy theories claiming the feds planned the floods on purpose.  No prisons have released all their prisoners into the streets.  Half the population hasn't relocated to neighboring states.  What's missing here?  Iowa people are strong.  We do not blame others.  We just dig in and help each other, and we will recover and rebuild.  Yes, we are tired, but we will continue to work together and rebuild our state.  Optimism is a spirit we hold high.  Don't feel sorry for us.  Be happy that we don't have a "victim mentality", and share our enthusiasm to help each other.