Mourning dove bill needed more discussion, input from the public

I am disgusted at the way our legislators in Des Moines rammed through unpopular legislation to establish a mourning dove hunting season in Iowa. Previous attempts to force a dove hunting season were thwarted by massive outpourings of public opposition, and a common-sense veto by then-Gov. Tom Vilsack.

If this were truly a good piece of legislation, it could pass on its own merits with adequate discussion and input from the public. Instead, the House pulled a fast one, replacing text in a raccoon-hunting bill with a dove-hunting version to bypass normal rules. This shutdown debate and prevented any chance for the people to voice their opinions.

It's just another example of the little guy being stomped by

bought-and-paid-for servants of special interests. Iowa deserves better than this.

Melissa Serenda

Iowa City