Bloom misrepresented the facts of Iowans

Professor Stephen Bloom thrives on controversy. That fact becomes obvious rather quickly when one gets to know him. But controversy at what cost to the recipient of his slings and arrows?

Yes, there are instances in Iowa of most of the negative aspects Bloom cites. But one can find many of those aspects in the other 49 states as well. The issue becomes one of emphasis. Why did Bloom decide to emphasize Iowa's negative aspects (Atlantic article), even to the point of misrepresenting the facts? The answer to that question lies in my first sentence.

I believe Bloom knows that he has committed gross exaggeration to produce the effect he desires. After all, he has lived in this state for 20 years. He knows better. Unless, of course, he harbors such deep prejudices that he can't bring himself to say much about Iowa that is positive.

Lawrence L. Rettig

South Amana