March 28, 2024

The ‘blame game’

Now that the supreme court has made their decision concerning the reservoir issue, the blame game begins.

Anyone who paid any attention in junior high civics class knows there are three divisions of government — the executive, legislative and judicial.

There was a reason our founding fathers chose this form of government — so no one branch would have full authority, but would be checked by the other branches if needed.

Each branch is free to do their job within the bounds set by the Constitution.

Therefore, it is a very giant leap to blame a representative in our state government for a judicial decision.

As far as I can tell, the decision was based on the legal aspects of the case within the parameters assigned to them by the constitution, not influence by the legislative branch. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to come to this conclusion.

Education is a great thing, but this has to be tempered with common sense and life experiences to get the best out of life. There are many citizens in this community who are educated — be it from a higher learning institute or from life experiences and good, common sense.

I also believe each and every one of us has the right to make our own decisions as to what is best for us.

Therefore, I must take exception with the blaming of our esteemed representative Joel Fry, as having influence with the outcome of the reservoir decision.

As for his property being located where it is, his grandparents farmed that area for many years and where Joel chose to build was part of that farm — his grandparents’ legacy to him.

His grandmother Dunbar still lived up the road from Joel when he built his home 10 years ago, and, knowing Edna as I did, it was a great comfort to her that a grandson was close enough to call on in times of need.

I’m sure he wanted to raise his family in the country close to where he spent many a fun-filled summer along with his siblings on grandpa’s farm.

He has chosen to take a neutral position on the reservoir project out of his sense of responsibility to all the citizens of his district and I applaud him for that, as I would find it very difficult to face the loss of a family farm.

Rep. Fry has, in my opinion, done nothing that in any way suggests anything other than being a very good representative for our district, always asking for input on issues concerning our area.

I think, before the finger pointing starts, each and every one of us needs to closely examine our own issues and actions with a logical, common sense, responsible approach instead of always trying to blame others.

The decision has been made by the supreme law of Iowa, within the process the Constitution bestowed upon them as the judicial branch. It does no one justice to belittle that decision by blaming others, especially when the divisions of government are so explicitly spelled out.

Listening to others’ concerns/ideas, having respect for every individual’s opinions (even if we don’t agree), and accepting responsibility for our own actions is a much better road to traverse rather than playing the “blame game” in matters that concern all.