Question why state policy required change

Our illustrious Iowa General Assembly voted on several bills that greatly changed Iowa. One important question remains unasked: What was wrong with these programs that warranted the changes? I have heard no answers. Legislators provide talking points to deflect from this question, but no answers.

Two biggies this session are:

Introduction of political pressure into the Judicial Nominating Commission. The Iowa Bar Association, who knows the qualifications needed from its members to be nominated for a judge position, are removed from the selection process and replaced with 'unbiased” lawmakers. Reference a particular senator who believes judges are 'striking down laws without proper constitutional justification.” All he needed to do was read the Iowa Constitution's Article 1, section 'Rights of Person” and 'Laws Uniform” to see his position on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.

An amendment to the Iowa Constitution on weapons. The U.S. Constitution's 2nd Amendment has endured and thrived for 228 years. It was included in the Bill of Rights to bribe the southern states to ratify the new Constitution by giving legality to their state militias that hunted down escaped slaves. All the Iowa amendment does is exclude the 'well-regulated” part. Why?

There are more, but ask your legislator what was wrong with current policies. Make them defend their choices; do not accept their talking points. Look behind the curtain, but do not be surprised if ALEC is there. I worry that Iowa is heading toward Kansas!

Dave Ameling

Ossian