So where would Stephen Bloom like to live?

I feel sorry for Stephen Bloom. He has spent the last 20 years living and working in an area and among people he clearly dislikes. I wish him well in his search for a state that is more “representative of America” than Iowa.

After reading his essay, I assume this would be a state that has no great political divides, no economically depressed areas or crime-ridden slums, no empty storefronts or laid off factory workers. A state where people flock back to rural areas or don't leave them in the first place and where newcomers don't have to learn a new language with words like “parking ramp,” “pop,” or “mudroom.”

I hope he will be more comfortable living in a place where no one hunts, eats comfort food, gets old or talks about religion. And when he finds that state, I'm sure Iowans wouldn't mind letting it host the first political caucuses of the season.

Julie Schweser

Iowa City