Monday, March 28

The Lunch 'n Learn today was with Jason Clayworth, a reporter for the Des Moines Register.  He explained that his goal is to have the legislators think of the media as the link between them and their constituents, which is pretty much how it is.  As the Iowa House reporter, he has a seat in the pressbox in the front of the chamber and has close access to the process.  It just so happens that a story of his ran today relating to the use of K2, a synthetic marijuana.  It goes like this:


Ron Ausbun wants Iowa legislators bent on making synthetic pot and other hallucinogens illegal to consider anther viewpoint: He believes the drugs are generally beneficial if used in moderation. "You and I both know that part of the human condition is to want to alter our state," Ausbun of Des Moines said. "Every kitty needs a ball of string. Every dog needs a stick."


Rep. Clel Baudler, R-Greenfield, has said for years that lawmakers have an obligation to stay on top of drug laws in the name of public safety. He was blunt about Ausbun's advocacy.  "His argument proves that he's an idiot, and he's too stupid to reproduce in my opinion," Baudler said in response to Ausbun's quote about a cat and string.


As I know Baudler well, I would expect nothing less from him.  I did go up to him today to tell him I enjoyed reading his quote in the article.  He said, "they left out the good stuff."

Bills debated and passed today include HF 596, HF 607, HF 616, and HF 590.  Not bad for a Monday.