People of Iowa deserve an apology

Open letter to Speaker Kraig Paulsen:

I write to you to express my concerns regarding the behavior of one of the members of the Iowa House of Representatives during the April 9 session.

The invocation was offered by Wiccan Priestess Deb Maynard of Cedar Rapids. Maynard's invocation was welcoming, uplifting, inclusive, and beautifully spoken. Unfortunately, Rep. Rob Taylor (R-West Des Moines) was unable to behave appropriately, and stood with his back to Maynard. To my knowledge, this is the first time a member of the House has shown such utter contempt for the person presenting the invocation, and by extension, the people of Iowa.

While I fully support Rep. Taylor's right to express his opinion, the manner in which he did so displayed a lack of decorum and class. A mature and reasonable person would simply stand (if able) silently, as evidenced at virtually every event I've ever seen where an invocation was presented. Rep. Taylor has not only shamed himself, but also that very august body which convenes to conduct the people's business.

I call upon you to censure Rep. Taylor and require a public apology from him. The people of Iowa deserve no less.

Joe Stutler

Marion