Des Moines residents demand real police reform
As we stand on the brink of selecting a new chief of police for Des Moines for the first time in nearly a decade, it’s essential we don’t just cover up cracks in our system with cosmetic changes, like placing new drapes over a broken window. We need a genuine fix, not an illusion of progress.
In the past 10 years, Des Moines has paid over $10 million in settlements for police misconduct. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a symptom of a system in desperate need of reform. Our city cannot afford to choose a leader who will continue the status quo.
The community has made it clear: We want someone transparent, compassionate, and committed to real change — such as eliminating racial profiling and establishing a community advisory board. Community voices matter, and we can no longer afford to sideline those most impacted by these issues.
It is critical that the city select a leader with a proven history of anti-racist leadership, who genuinely works for all segments of the community, not just a select few.
The city’s future demands bold leadership, not a return to old failures. The time for real reform is now — our city’s future depends on it.
Antwonette Shade, Des Moines
More: Des Moines' police chief finalists not top picks for commission tasked with ranking them
Iowa restricts early voting too much
I’m planning on being out of the state Oct. 15 through Nov. 7. This is the first time I considered using absentee voting; early voting is not an option because it begins Oct. 16.
I submitted my request for a mail-in absentee ballot and later checked on its status. My request was received, but absentee ballots won’t be mailed out until Oct. 16. (In reality, it could take one to three days after they’re mailed to get the ballot. The weekend could also cause further delays).
When my ballot finally arrives, I will be in Utah. Luckily, my husband is meeting me in Vegas on the 29th. He can bring the ballot, but I'm fretting because there could be issues mailing the ballot from Vegas. I’m not confident it will arrive in Polk County by Nov. 5.
When you look at the overall voting process this year, Iowans only have around 2½ weeks, or less, to go through the absentee voting process. For anyone out of state, your right to vote may be taken away from you. My husband and I are now considering changing our travel plans so I can be back in Iowa on Nov. 5. My vote is too important this year to not have it counted.
When you look at the absentee ballot voting process, and early voting in Iowa, neither provide Iowans with enough time to vote. Our right to vote has been suppressed. Kim Reynolds and the state Republicans pushed for changes to Iowa election laws after unproven election voter fraud claims were made following the last presidential election. Now, because of these changes, Iowans are limited in the amount of time they can be out-of-state during the voting cycle or risk not being able to vote.
Debra Martinez, West Des Moines
More: How to register to vote in Iowa or check your registration status in Iowa
Only one candidate demonstrates compassion
One presidential candidate hawks expensive wrist watches — perhaps to remind and encourage wealthy supporters to understand the importance of political loyalty — and says that it would be very good to utilize tariffs, tariffs, and more tariffs to improve the economy.
Is it not true that an increase in the cost of living, which tariffs pose, would be less critical to those with sufficient wealth to bear them as compared to the burden upon those with far fewer financial resources?
Then again, there is a candidate with a track record of legal success and social compassion who has worked to hold accountable those who often maliciously and callously demonstrate they care mostly (or perhaps only) for themselves.
Contrast the character of the candidates; hold them against the backdrop of two Jesus parables: “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37) and “The Rich Man and Lazarus” (Luke 16:19-31).
Considering millions of people, from several faith traditions, believe humans are created in God’s image, let’s be honest with ourselves. Which candidate better shows that the Scales of a blindfolded Lady Justice are balanced and fair? With whom is America likely to be better guided toward our national motto – “In God We Trust”?
Jim Barnett, Jefferson
Abortion is health care
I’m writing in response to a latter about the “reproductive rights” of aborted girls.
First, I’m surprised by the lack of education in his content. He describes “reproductive rights” as a concept limited to females of child-bearing age. This is incorrect! It is the legal and personal right to make decisions about one's body and reproduction, and it includes ALL genders, not just females. It’s retrograde to think the sole purpose of a person identifying as female is to procreate.
Second, I wonder if the writer is aware of the maternal mortality rates in Iowa, where Black mothers are six times more likely to die than their whiter counterparts. Iowa ranks last in the nation in access to OB-GYNs, making it a maternal health desert.
Additionally, why does he refer to “aborted girls” when an embryo does not have enough chromosomes to be classified as a “girl”? It’s evident that some people prioritize personal beliefs over medically accurate information, often intruding on matters they don’t fully understand. They may believe they are engaging in activism, but they are actually contributing to a cycle that endangers pregnant people.
Everybody is unique and deserves access to health care without stigma. Abortion is health care, and it’s time to recognize that.
Gabriela Fuentes, West Des Moines
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Letters: Des Moines residents demand real police reform with new chief
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