Iowa GOP is making a lot of enemies

Karl Schilling, Des Moines
Letter to the Editor

There is an old adage in politics that friends come and go, but enemies accumulate. This seems to have been forgotten by Republicans.

Most people are in favor of reasonable restrictions on gun ownership and use. In spite of that, the Legislature is pursuing a constitutional amendment to end any restriction on the ownership of any weapon.

A Republican Legislature and Gov. Robert Ray created Chapter 20 of the Iowa Code to allow collective bargaining to bring fair and moderate agreements between management and workers. While unions are not allowed to strike and are required to represent those who don't wish to join or pay dues, unions have been able to bargain and achieve fair agreements, sometimes taking low increases in pay in exchange for health benefits. This solution to labor issues is being treated like a problem and there is every indication that the Legislature will dismantle this solution in important ways.

In addition to people who don't want to be shot and union workers who want fair treatment, we can add women who want to control their own bodies to the GOP enemy list. We can also add all those who favor public education. This isn't even a complete list of groups disadvantaged by upcoming legislation. Together, they make a majority of voters. Something to keep in mind.

Karl Schilling, Des Moines