The Iowa PBS show “Iowa Press” invited three of us to explain Greene County’s initiative for growth & diversity, the “Multicultural Family Resource Center.”
First, Iowa Press, Iowa PBS is under threat by Trump as he continues the PBS assault. This type of program highlights what is happening or not happening in Iowa. Second, this interview was prompted by Chuck's writing, which indicates the influence of Iowa Writers Collaborative. Third, applause to Jefferson County for its promising and positive efforts to grow.
Glad to hear about this success story. The future of rural Iowa will depend on how much the local white residents are willing to put economic and population growth over their temptation to be racist or hostile to immigrants. The voting records of rural Iowa make me skeptical of that, but maybe enough continued successes like this, will change that, purely out of self interest, as far as their tolerance of racial diversity. But the cynic in me, also says that rural white Iowans may just decide to tolerate racial diversity and immigrants in their communities, out of economic and population growth self interest, while still voting for Republican racist politicians and their racist policies, as long as they carry those out somewhere else, like in other states. Time will tell.
Chuck, that’s the kind of Iowa I’m proud to be from! Thank you to Greene County and to you for letting us know about it.
Don’t try to tell Greene county that diversity isn’t a valued aspect of civic life. Onward 🙌🏼
Thank you for reminding us what Iowa is all about!
First, Iowa Press, Iowa PBS is under threat by Trump as he continues the PBS assault. This type of program highlights what is happening or not happening in Iowa. Second, this interview was prompted by Chuck's writing, which indicates the influence of Iowa Writers Collaborative. Third, applause to Jefferson County for its promising and positive efforts to grow.
Glad to hear about this success story. The future of rural Iowa will depend on how much the local white residents are willing to put economic and population growth over their temptation to be racist or hostile to immigrants. The voting records of rural Iowa make me skeptical of that, but maybe enough continued successes like this, will change that, purely out of self interest, as far as their tolerance of racial diversity. But the cynic in me, also says that rural white Iowans may just decide to tolerate racial diversity and immigrants in their communities, out of economic and population growth self interest, while still voting for Republican racist politicians and their racist policies, as long as they carry those out somewhere else, like in other states. Time will tell.
Diversity separates the winners from the losers. The Iowa Boy and Greene County are winners!
Greene County does have a great story to tell and have given a workable model to the other counties looking to move forward. Well done.
Thanks Chuck.. Good job. Lots of comments on the show. JED
Nice eyebrows!
Well done, Chuck. Lots of hard work. It was a terrific show. Congratulations to you and to Greene County!