Crinoids aren’t Iowa’s most pressing concern

Are you kidding me? I couldn't believe what I was reading in The Gazette about Sen. Joe Bolkcom's (D-Iowa City) resolution to promote, of all things, crinoids ('Crinoids deserve respect, Democrats say,” Jan. 21).

Are our illustrious state senators so flush with taxpayer cash that they can waste it on such a worthless cause? Does Sen. Bolkcom really believe people will rush to visit Iowa because we promote the remains of some long-dead sea-lily or crustacean? While people suffer and die across this state from preventable causes, Sen. Bolkcom wants to prioritize the expenditure of taxpayer resources on fossils? Sorry, paleontologists of Iowa, but I just don't get it. Besides, it seems as if our fossil resources are in pretty good shape as it is.

It seems to me that far more serious causes such as the Hawk-i/CHIP program for childhood health, sexual harassment inside the Senate, homelessness, and water quality need attention first. After all, the disrespected crinoids aren't going anywhere fast - they've been buried for millennia.

Where's the leadership in our state government?

James Heires

Cedar Rapids