Following rules my father taught me

A key person in the GOP is our own U.S. Rep. Rod Blum. He helps ‘maintain the status quo' dangerous to America and the world due to President Donald Trump. A look shows the same self-interest as his boss in the White House.

Since incorporation of the Blum Group, in which Blum is the principal shareholder, the organization has primarily purchased lots for home construction. The company's estimated value, according to Blum's filings, is between $1 and $5 million.

According to Blum's disclosure report, the Blum Group receives dividend income, between $15,000 and $50,000 annually, suggesting it's not solely a construction company. If this is indeed the case, receiving income from investment holdings, then the company should be reclassified, and its assets should be more visible to the public.

Members of Congress are required to report capital gains of at least $200 on real estate properties valued at more than $1,000, and any income derived from the sale of Schedule B assets, which also includes real estate. Thus far, $428,800 in purchases have yielded $927,800 in sales.

If Blum wants to act by the rules, which he claims his father told him repeatedly, he could start by following the rules governing disclosure of private assets of federally elected officials. Then his television advertisement might be more believable.

Paul Uzel

Dubuque