Tour Iowa in the fast lane

Iowa wants to promote tourism. Most visitors come to the state fair, RAGBRAI, sports events, visit relatives, or are just traveling through.

Another incentive would reward the winner of a low-cost RAGBRAI raffle to ride from the Mississippi (for part of a day) as a guest of our governor, in his fast-lane SUV, lunch included, on a rapid tour of Iowa the beautiful land. Viewing from the speeding official vehicle, the guest first passenger, like the governor, would have immunity from any legal charges against him that might occur from the zip-line road trip, far faster than doing the seven-day bike ride. Proceeds from the raffle would help meet trip expenses.

Our governor likes his job, and wants a sixth term. Perhaps a seventh term after that, and he might be eligible for the special title and status of “Governor for Life.” That could entitle him to an impressive state funeral, and a statue at Terrace Hill, upon concluding his final term.

Eventually, the patient lieutenant governor, our usual first passenger in the speeding SUV, could hope to obtain her long-delayed promotion. This unusual attraction could become an annual event great for promoting Iowa tourism, a fast state first.

Richard Pitner

Cedar Rapids

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