This nation is built on freedom, not on Christianity

Christianity and capitalism are destroying life on Earth

Looking back over time, it becomes apparent that two man-made and inherently perverse Euro-American systems have long worked together to dominate and maintain control over populations.

The first, Christianity, a spiritual belief system originally designed by males to keep power at the top, one requiring blind belief, conversion by any means, and unending growth (more power to the top). This design also conveniently assigned to true believers the resources of this planet to be used and destroyed at will. (Jesus teachings getting lost somewhere in the power shuffle.)

The second is capitalism, basically a pyramid money scheme also created to enrich those at the top at the expense of many below, this under the guise of encouraging creativity and that wealth trickles down. But capitalism sank to its lowest point ever when it also joined with the unleashed, unaccountable, and abhorrent power of the corporation-designed system, one that additionally pushed an obscene narrative that forever growth is good and necessary on our very small finite planet.

Due to the uncontrolled domination of these two infinitely destructive systems, hope for survival of life on earth has become lost for many.

Mary McBee, Tama

This nation is built on freedom, not Christianity

The United States is not a Christian nation. There are 17 major religions in the world, and probably all of them are represented here.

I am descended from William Brewster and his wife, Mary Smythe, who came over on the Mayflower to escape the European nations that required they practice the national religion.

My forbearers fought in the Revolutionary and Civil wars, not to please God, but to create a nation free of the yoke of Britan and then to end the abhorrent practice of slavery.

The First Amendment to our Constitution to gives us the freedom practice the religion we, as individuals, believe in, or to practice no religion.

Even our state Constitution and laws grant us the right to place statutes representing our beliefs in the State Capitol Building, which was upheld when someone destroyed a statue to Satan.

A recent letter’s reference to Romans 13 ignores the fact that our Constitution gives us the right to peacefully protest our governing authorities. It also implies that all Germans should have supported Hitler’s actions against the Jews. Hitler was not from God.

Our nation was founded on the belief that all people have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and was codified in our Constitution. All of us are descended from or are immigrant to this nation. This immigration started about 20,000 years ago and continues today.

Respect others, remembering we come from many different backgrounds, some of which we are proud of and others that we are glad to be free of.

Thomas Johnson, Ankeny

Test people sleeping outside for drugs

There are always places in Iowa where people can find a bed inside without paying money. The primary reason those in tents in central cities prefer their location on the street is so they can buy and use drugs.

Some might disagree with my statement, so let’s have a law that anyone trying to camp in our cities without a permit will be drug-tested immediately, and if they have any illegal chemicals in their blood, they will be charged with a serious misdemeanour and provided with 90 of free housing in a jail or outdoor encampment supervised by drug enforcement.

This would end homelessness in any city which enforces the law.

Michael Montross, Winterset

Sleeping ban is dangerous for domestic violence victims

The Des Moines City Council proposal to add financial penalties to folks experiencing homelessness is among the most imprudent and callous actions I have seen in my nearly two decades of work on housing. Not only will these fees make it more difficult for folks experiencing homelessness to get permanent stable housing, this proposal couldn’t come at a worse time for the population of folks I work with: victims of domestic violence.

Victim service organizations in Iowa are facing a 40% cut to their Victims of Crime Act funds later this year. This comes when there is already only one shelter for victims of domestic violence in Des Moines, and that shelter’s available bed space is very limited.

Domestic violence has long been understood as a leading cause of homelessness. The most recent point in time count for Polk County showed that the number of individuals reporting that they were fleeing domestic violence is the highest it's been in the past six years and is up 37% from 2023.

When the shelter is at capacity, victims have no place to go but the streets or back into harm's way. The Des Moines City Council’s proposed approach means that some victims will choose to remain in abusive and violent relationships out of fear of fines, fees and harassment. I implore the Des Moines City Council to reconsider their actions.

Zebulon Beilke-McCallum, Urbandale, director of housing and economic justice at the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Kennedy has the best plans for our country

I am writing to share my thoughts on the presidential platform of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose campaign resonates strongly with many Iowans. Kennedy’s vision for America addresses key issues that demand our attention.

Kennedy’s health policy focuses on ending the chronic disease epidemic by improving environmental health and addressing the root causes of illness. His commitment to medical freedom and informed consent stands out in an era of increasing government overreach into personal health decisions.

On economic matters, Kennedy advocates for a fair economy that works for everyone. He emphasizes the importance of small businesses and the middle class, proposing tax reforms that reduce burdens on working families and promote economic growth.

Kennedy’s environmental platform aims to tackle climate change while promoting sustainable practices. He supports renewable energy development and seeks to protect our natural resources, ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.

In education, Kennedy calls for reforms that prioritize critical thinking and creativity over standardized testing. He believes in empowering teachers and providing equitable funding for all schools.

Kennedy's foreign policy prioritizes peace and diplomacy, advocating for reduced military intervention and increased focus on global cooperation.

I believe Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s platform offers a comprehensive approach to the challenges we face. I urge fellow Iowans to consider his vision for a better America.

Kali Harrington, Des Moines

Des Moines city workers did great after tornado

As a resident of Des Moines' west side, I would like to thank the city administration and field workers for their fantastic response to the storm that passed through Des Moines on July 15.

I am sure there is a written plan somewhere about city response to such an event. If so, the plan was executed perfectly.

Glendale Cemetary was a disaster area on Tuesday morning. After assessing the damage on Tuesday, the city had huge team of field personnel and vehicles there on Wednesday morning to begin clean-up. Although the extent of the damage is very obvious to those of us who walk the area, the storm debris has been removed and the cemetery has regained its peaceful setting.

Also, a nod to the neighbors and private tree companies that also worked long hours to clear roads and return us to a feeling of normalcy.

Well done!

Chuck Jordal, Des Moines

No, Brenna Bird, Democrats are not for defunding the police

In her appearance at the Republican National Convention, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird trotted out the baseless Republican refrain that “the Democratic Party is the party of defunding the police.” Of course, Bird cannot point to any evidence showing that the Democratic Party or President Joe Biden has ever supported this radical idea.

In a June 8 CBS News interview, Biden said, unequivocally, “No, I don’t support defunding the police.” He’s actually requested more funding for police, not less.

Biden has backed his words with action. The American Rescue Plan, which all Republicans voted against, allocated $15 billion to hire additional police officers and fund community violence intervention programs. The Biden administration also provided $334 million to enable cities to hire more officers and provide better security at schools. On March 9, 2024, Biden signed a bill providing $460 billion to fund grants to help cities and towns hire more officers, procure better equipment, promote community policing, and address problems such as fentanyl trafficking, school violence, and hate crimes.

Biden’s efforts have worked. Violent crime, including homicides, is near a 50-year low, but ignoring the facts was the price Bird had to pay for a few moments in the national spotlight.

Jim Whalen, Des Moines

Think even a little bit about mass deportation, please

One of the Republican rallying points on the immigration debacle is their plan to have a mass deportation of illegal immigrants.

Estimates are that there are about 11 million illegal immigrants. That's about the population of New York and Chicago combined. That's going to be one really big internment camp. Plus it would be about 110,000 busloads, or 55,000 planeloads. Next, where to send them? Just dump them back in their birth countries? That would be about 5 million for Mexico. I suspect that buses pulling across the border and dumping 5 million displaced, unemployed people just might upset the Mexicans a bit, and we have an $800 billion (with a B) trade relationship with them. Could do some damage.

There also may be a bit of a PR problem. I imagine most of those 11 million immigrants have families, with children who are U.S. citizens (per the onstitution). It would be kind of the ultimate in destroying families, and might make us look bad in the eyes of the entire world.

Oh well, “America first” is a great chant and gets votes.

Frank McCammond, Redfield

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: The United States is built on freedom, not on Christianity