House Journal: Page 9: Monday, January 8, 1996

However we might not be having be having this celebration had it
not been for some forward looking leaders in the Legislative
Assembly who decided to support statehood.

They were not without opposition.  The opponents of statehood
used the fear of the unknown, the fear of what the federal
government in Washington might do, and the threat of the loss of
federal funds.  They had predictions of doom of gloom.

Today, 150 years later, we still have those that want to use the
fear of the unknown, the fear of what the federal government in
Washington might do, and the threat of the loss of federal
funds, to defend their positions.  They have the same
predictions of doom and gloom.

Thankfully, our predecessors were forward looking people who had
faith in the future and were not afraid to lead.  They chose to
focus on the positive, the opportunities and the chance for
prosperity.  They decided in spite of the unknown, they had much
to gain by moving forward and much to lose by standing still. 
Pressing the pause button was not an option for our predecessors
and it is not an option now.

We can learn a lesson from lowa's first visionaries.  Just as
they moved forward 150 years ago, we need to move forward today.

This year we are celebrating our history, our accomplishments
and the important role individuals played in shaping our state's
character.

Carrie Chapman Catt, the leader of the women's suffrage
movement, Coker Clarkson the organizer of the Grange and Joshia
Grinnell, a leader in the underground railroad, are Iowans who
embraced the future.

These people were not afraid to lead.  In the face of opposition
and adversity, they moved this state forward.  And we are
fortunate they did.

For past few years it would have been difficult for Iowa to
celebrate.  The farm crisis, the flood, the deficit, and across
the board budget cuts gamed our attention and rightfully so. 
But we overcame each of these obstacles.

1996, however, is a year of celebration in Iowa.  But it will be
difficult for the people of Iowa to celebrate at all if all they
hear from their elected leaders is fear, doom and gloom.

Today we do not have the obstacles of the past.  We have a
substantial budget surplus, low unemployment, good prices for a
bushel of corn and an increasing population.  Good things are
happening in our state and we should be optimistic about our
future. 1996 is not the year to stand still.

Last year, I quoted President John F. Kennedy.  That quote seems
even more appropriate this year.  "Those who look only to the
past or the present are certain to miss the future."

In April, the Seventy-sixth General Assembly will have completed
it's work.  Will we be known for seizing the opportunities
presented to us or will we be known for squandering those same
opportunities.

Iowa General Assembly

Index: House Journal (76th General Assembly: Session 2)

© 1996 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

Comments? hjourn@legis.iowa.gov.

Last update: Fri Jan 12 20:45:01 CST 1996
URL: /DOCS/GA/76GA/Session.2/HJournal/00000/00009.html
jhf