A call to action for Iowans

On a recent evening I stood outside on my front porch at exactly 7 p.m. Around the entire nation, and perhaps the entire world, thousands stood outside on their porches, with candles and flashlights, to acknowledge the inhumane horror that took place on the streets of Minneapolis today. My Minnesota neighbor was murdered by our own federal government.

I have rarely felt such anger, nor as much shame and sadness. To my fellow Iowans and our neighbors across the country who are also sitting with the memories of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, I am here for you. And to my neighbors who were not aware of the atrocity committed by ICE agents or are choosing to look away, I am here for you, too. I invite you to join me at this moment. This is the last straw. Alex Pretti was a nurse with the Department of Veterans Affairs. He was a federal worker exercising his First Amendment right to freedom of speech.

To those also running for elected office in Iowa, I welcome you to join me in mourning Alex Pretti’s death. I hope that, together, we can answer Iowans’ questions about what we will do to ensure their safety.

And to my fellow Iowans who are currently elected officials in the governor’s mansion, the State Capitol, the Iowa House, and the U.S. House of Representatives (because, hey, I know I’m a candidate but I’m also a constituent), I have a question for you, too:

“How will you ensure that your constituents are safe while exercising their Constitutionally-given rights?”

We must stand together in this fight. Being against murder does not prevent you from being a Republican, an Independent, or a Democrat. The Republican Party I remember would never have tolerated this unconstitutional behavior or the shameful way our highest leadership is representing the United States on a world stage. You do not have to go along with this. Stand together, now. Iowans depend on you.

Julie Stauch is a 5th-generation Iowan and lifelong problem-solver running to be Iowa’s next Governor. Learn more about Julie’s campaign at www.juliestauchforalliowans.com.