Author Archives: Marty Ryan

Life’s a drag

A popular critique of current times involves the controversy of drag shows. There are actually proposed laws, rules, and regulations to prevent children from seeing a man or woman in drag. We’ve all seen the memes of Flip Wilson, Bob … Continue reading

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Nailed It

Al Johanson stormed into Leonard Bartson’s law office and shouted, “I need to sue my neighbor!” “Calm down, Al, calm down,” Bartson gently replied with his hands held up. It was a warm spring day in 1885. The doors and … Continue reading

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A Different Kind Of Holiday Season

Two of my favorite holidays are celebrated this week, Pie Day (3.14) and Saint Patrick’s Day (March 17th). We began the week with corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots. You can never start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day too soon. Actually, … Continue reading

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Missing In Action

Upon being drafted by the U.S. Army in 1970, I figured that after two years, if was still alive, I would be discharged from military service and be done with the government’s intrusion into my life. But no, I hadn’t … Continue reading

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Legislative Liver

I spent ten years as a sausage maker at Farmland Foods in Denison, Iowa. I spent twenty-seven years as a lobbyist at the Iowa Capitol. “Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made,” quipped Otto … Continue reading

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Death Penalty Bill Moving in Iowa

Update on Senate File 14  A subcommittee meeting on Iowa Senate File 14 will be held this week on Wednesday, February 15, at 1:00 pm in Room 315 of the Iowa Capitol. Senate File 14, if enacted the bill would … Continue reading

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