This is what Iowans are really like, Prof. Bloom

University of Iowa professor Stephen Bloom has portrayed some Iowans as “elderly waiting to die” and “waste-toids and meth addicts.”

In contrast to such a negative viewpoint of Iowans, I would like to relay a story of what happened to me about

9 a.m. Jan. 22. I was backing down my driveway on Ellis Road and hit a slippery spot, sending my car into the ditch. I tried rocking it forward and back, to no avail. I was about to go back to my garage for shovels when an SUV pulled up and the driver got out to help me. I got the shovels and we proceeded to shovel snow when a truck pulled up and the driver offered to help.

He had some old straps which he tied to the under carriage and then slowly pulled the car from the ditch. I couldn't believe it - the first two people driving by stopped and helped. I asked both if I could give them some money but both refused. All I can say is thanks.

I have always found Iowans a friendly, helpful, caring group of people.

Edward Castelein

Cedar Rapids