Braley remarks demean all Iowans

Much has been said about Rep. Bruce Braley's demeaning remarks about Sen. Chuck Grassley being “a farmer from Iowa.” What bothers me is not the “farmer” part, but rather the “from Iowa” part.

Many Iowans are offended by derogatory jokes, often made by those who never have visited our state, that being “from Iowa” does not fulfill some unspoken standard of elitism. If Braley's remarks had been limited to “a farmer,” it would be bad enough. But here's someone aspiring to represent Iowa in Washington, D.C., scaring a group of big-pocketed Texas trial lawyers into thinking that unless they cough up big bucks, a humble farmer - “from Iowa” no less - potentially could upset their frivolous lawsuit rackets.

It seems Braley picked the wrong state to try representing in the Senate. Perhaps California, with its warm weather, actors and lawsuits as far as the eye can see, would be a better fit. He wouldn't even have to bother interacting with so many simple-minded Iowans.

Gale Renz

Woodbine