Former Iowan disgusted by Bloom essay

A professor at the University of Iowa, Stephen Bloom, recently wrote a derogatory essay that is so hate filled, despicable and full of malice toward Iowa and the people that live there that it makes me sick.

Why does someone who makes a living (teaching what?) in a state full of crack heads and people waiting to die stay there?

As someone who lived in Iowa for 10-plus years, raised a daughter and two sons there (one still lives there with his daughter and served two tours with the Iowa National Guard in our current wars), I take great offense with his statements.

Bloom should be fired for his misleading and malicious comments.

While I believe freedom of speech is one of our most cherished privileges, this is an example of rhetoric that sends an inappropriate and uncalled-for message to everyone. What impact does this have on his students, other faculty and the people of the state, let alone the image of Iowa for the rest of the country?

His comments are totally inappropriate, painting a very inaccurate picture of a strong, vibrant population living in a great state.

Kent Palma

San Antonio, Texas

Formerly of Cedar Rapids