gdp's Comments

MilitaryAdvantage.Military.com : Many Will Lose TRICARE Prime on Oct. 1, 2013

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:51:59 +0000

The first thing people should do is start researching SUPPLEMENTAL plans to aid in covering costs that might burden the new shift. Here is a good website to start from: --- http://www.tricare-supplemental-insurance-compari... ---- Hope this helps!

GazetteOnline.com : Marriage amendment vote unlikely

Mon, 2 Aug 2010 20:03:14 +0000

When the "public" Free press is producing biased articles and legislation is breaking Constitutional duties to balance the powers of a Supreme Court decision, it is "MY" business! Hetro/Homo unions do not "need" Government approval, but if they intend to utilize Government benefits then it is a public matter. Gay unions have existed way before this Court decision, but now they want Government interaction without the consent of the Government (We the people). It is time that this issue is addressed by the Citizens who support and defend the Constitution, not just a select few.

GazetteOnline.com : Gudenkauf, Carol Ann

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:16:14 +0000

Carol Ann E. Gudenkauf, 74, of Dyersville died in the presence of her family at her daughter’s house Saturday, July 24, 2010. She was a 50 year survivor of diabetes. Friends may call from 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at the Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a parish scripture service will be held at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 29, 2010, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville. Rev. Richard Ament will officiate. Private inurnment will be held at a later date at St. Francis Cemetery. Carol was born May 27, 1936, in Monticello, Iowa the daughter of Herman and Frances (Grace) Ament. She married Godfrey “Fay” Gudenkauf on April 24, 1957 in Torrance, CA. She had worked at the Physical Therapy Department at Mercy Health Center in Dyersville. Carol had been a caretaker for Fr. Peters at Boys Town and for the Dyersville Progress Home. Carol loved cooking, taking care of children, playing cards, bowling, gardening, working, and being with her family. Carol is survived by 6 children: Douglas (Deb) Gudenkauf of Dyersville, David (Mireille) Gudenkauf of Cascade, Keith (Catherine) Gudenkauf of Cedar Rapids, Kevin (Kathy) Gudenkauf, Ann Gudenkauf and Karla Gudenkauf, all of Dyersville; 11 grandchildren: Kurt Gudenkauf, Carmen (Tony) Fagan, Bob (Kim), Jeff , Dan, Lisa and Julie Gudenkauf, Alex, Wesley, Travis and Kayla Gudenkauf; 2 great-grandchildren: Ian and Erin Fagan; 1 brother, Rev. Richard Ament of Otter Creek, and 1 sister, Helen (Don) Meyer of Dyersville; brothers-and-sisters-in-law: Lois Fangmann of Manchester, Edna Wolter, Donna Richards and Lloyd (Lois) Gudenkauf of Dubuque, Bernice Gudenkauf of Carol Stream, Ill, Mae Ella (Jack) Vennemann and Florabelle Ornales of Tucson, AZ, Joyce Peterson of Phoenix, AZ, John (Barb) Gudenkauf of Cedar Rapids and a close friend, Shirley Gaul of Dyersville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fay, in 1972, an infant daughter, her father and mother, Herman and Frances (Grace) Ament, a brother, Paul Ament, his wife, Alice (Then), a sister, Doris Ament, Father and Mother-in-Law, Carl Gudenkauf, Salome (Jaeger), Margaret (Cairy), Elsie (Zimmerman), brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Carl Jr. (Mary) Gudenkauf, Edwin Fangmann, Gerald Wolter, Alfred Gudenkauf, Keith Peterson, Joe Ornales The family would like to thank Dr. Whalen, Sue Wagner and the Tri-State Dialysis team for their exceptional care over the years. Memorials are preferred to the American Diabetes Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Information available and condolences accepted at www.kramerfuneral.com

GazetteOnline.com : Marriage amendment vote unlikely

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:03:47 +0000

"we’re not convinced that most are hungry for a continuing battle on marriage equality."-- The Citizens do not have to "convince" the Free Press of anything. The other classic argument is that there is "more pressing issues" which is why this last legislation ignored the constituents in their right to be represented. That is why "important" issues like Texting Ban, Seat belts, Grain Weight Limit for Farmers, and Military Spouse Benefits were put before this issue! people are demanding better accounting of our Representatives and the media and politicians are creating propaganda that diverts the wishes of the Citizens. It is time that Citizens participate in setting Priorities in our State House and exercise their "right" to put in People who will support their wishes instead of telling them "they are not convinced".

GazetteOnline.com : Say goodbye to the Sinclair smokestack

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:29:32 +0000

A smart (and Green) idea would be to preserve the bricks for a "historical" project. That way it can carrying the historical legacy with the new project and keep the community reminding of its impact in the community. Thereby saving costs to maintain and unusable icon and turning it into a legacy tourist attraction.

GazetteOnline.com : Branstad picks Sen. Reynolds as running mate

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:24:39 +0000

Good Choice!

GazetteOnline.com : Branstad, Culver trade charges over budgets. Really

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:36:00 +0000

For those that are complaining about the "choices" then I suggest that you involve YOURSELF in a campaign! The people that stand up and try to make a difference are the people that count, not the critics! The failure of the loss of our Freedoms and rights is directly Responsible to the inactive participation of the CITIZENS to support and Defend the CONSTITUTION. They got lazy and figured their "Vote" (or lack of) was the end of dealing with protecting our Government (we the People). Elected Officials are only Representatives, not Royalty or any other Tyrant that can impose actions on the people without consent. Own YOUR role in this fiasco we call Government!

GazetteOnline.com : Defense says proposed 27-year sentence for Rubashkin 'excessive'

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:28:32 +0000

The message should be clear, just like Al Capone. Businesses that think they can evade hiring ILLEGAL people and profit off their misfortune should be prepared to pay the price for getting caught. It is also the first signal to Illegal Immigration that this country takes this matter seriously! I only hope that a "pattern" emerges out of this trial and some Employers start sweating! It is time to take back our Nation and ensure that CITIZENS are the people we protect, not the ILLEGAL community!

GazetteOnline.com : Students want University of Iowa to stop burning coal

Sun, 9 May 2010 13:23:39 +0000

Don't forget, this is "sensationalism" media! It was intended to deliver this type of outrage. People can "want" all the time, but it is what they need that really counts. I am sure there are people who "want" 6 lane Interstate 80 down by Iowa City and Coralville also (and if the newspaper could make an article about it, they would). The point is if this newspaper was doing good journalism they would have dug deeper and asked the "important" questions. Like how do you plan to replace the coal with a more efficient technology at this time? How would you handle the cost difference through out the campus? What length of time would it take to transition into your new technology to ensure you meet the same efficiency as the current system? That is just a few question to ask "these students" with their plan. But good journalism did not play out and it did not report the results, it just wanted to stir up the community and allow some students to spout some words without any substance.

GazetteOnline.com : School food addressed at meeting in Cedar Rapids

Sun, 9 May 2010 13:10:28 +0000

if the Governmental Guidelines are as screwed up as the "labeling" system, it is no wonder why our nutritional meals are terrible in our Government establishments. We can easily see how terrible the FDA is on managing and correcting health issues. It is about time that Parents and Citizens get involved and start demanding that better food service be given to the youth and better guidelines be established. The poor excuses that are given are unacceptable and need REFORM! I hope they continue with more reality shows and start exposing more educational institutions on the poor meal management that is given to children. It might force Government to change their food purchasing patterns instead of stating their "budgets" are the problem. The real problem is the corruption in the food purchasing, look at the recent exposure in this.

GazetteOnline.com : District judge supports cameras in the courtroom

Sun, 9 May 2010 13:00:52 +0000

Maybe Judge Reade would have to be "exposed" to her illegal action in taking Rubashkin across State lines to manage a trial for crimes in Iowa. Because they said, they could not find an impartial jury in the State of Iowa. The Constitution states that a Criminal MUST be prosecuted in the State that they committed the Crime in. That would have been an interesting "sunshine" action to see the breaking of the Constitution to give a break to a criminal.

GazetteOnline.com : Cedar Rapids ITT dean caught in Internet sting

Mon, 3 May 2010 15:03:25 +0000

SDCLAW said it best! The "intent" was there! Do you think the Minor "searched" for this guys computer? No it was the other way around. This pervert was "hunting" for a MINOR thinking that the internet would "hide" him as a predator and he hit a site that catches these people. Just like people that cruise a strip looking for prostitute and end up getting an undercover cop. If you are "looking" then you are committing the crime, whether the act is completed or not. Because then it becomes RAPE!

GazetteOnline.com : Solid Waste Agency not ready to drop fees for Sinclair debris

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 13:57:25 +0000

The FAILURE to properly put in a liner has resulted in a substandard dump site, yet they want to charge "premium" dump prices for an unprepared area. If this area becomes corrupt, the first place they will go, is to the federal Government for Financial Assistance in the cleaning up of the site. So I would call that "double dipping" from the taxpayer. Linn County has a DUTY and a RESPONSIBILITY to aid in the disposal of material from the disaster. It doesn't have a right to be GREEDY and be a part of the problem in creating the 1.9 TRILLION dollar debt that is consuming this Nation.

GazetteOnline.com : Waterloo West High School teacher arrested for acts involving student

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:50:37 +0000

This is the second teacher in the last two weeks identified of being a pedophile. The Iowa Public School System is worse than the Church because it has the ability to continue to operate with these predators and keep their contracts still in place within the Government System. To top it off they still get paid by the TAXPAYER and get representation all the while the victims are still worried if these predators have other "friends" in the school system. The State Government does nothing to protect the children from these educational Institutions because of the powerful Unions and Special Interests that control Des Moines. So parents worry everyday as they send their children into these places, knowing that Unions will take care of the predators more than the Government will protect the children. How sad is that?

GazetteOnline.com : Justice not served by dismissal

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:27:57 +0000

Well written article! The COSTS of this Immigration issue far exceed the Court Costs, Northeast Iowa had to bear the burden of detention and family support while the prosecution held these Illegal immigrants here for the "potential trial"! This COST was sustained through non-profit organizations and church support groups and communities were DRAINED of precious resources while the GOVERNMENT played political football with human right issues. What is worse is how the GOVERNMENT ignored the Businesses abusing labor laws to "import" illegal/undocumented workers! This is a pattern of BEHAVIOR with this new ADMINISTRATION and also reflects the poor security from the Department of Homeland Security! This is also a tragic tale of IOWA Justice being taken away from Iowans! A federal Judge has ILLEGALLY broken the Constitution (Article. III. The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed). Now we watch as this judge allows the crimes of immigration slip the hands of Justice.

GazetteOnline.com : Health care reform bill only increases deficit

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:08:58 +0000

This current passed healthcare bill has a LOT of problems with it... BUT.... you don't throw out the baby with the bath water. REFORM IS NEEDED IN HEALTHCARE! The public option is a bunch of crap! Having the Taxpayer fund abortions is outrageous and WRONG! Not making Stricter enforcement on undocumented people/ illegal aliens is also wrong. But this Bill also has some GREAT things in it (and needs some more). Insurance Companies MUST be held more ACCOUNTABLE and also must break up their monopolies on controlling the market. Individuals should be able to get cheap/reasonable Insurance without being in a Risk Pool called "employer insurance", at the same rates or lower. Insurance companies have to stop double digit inflation (that is where the HEALTHCARE businesses have to be held ACCOUNTABLE for their actions)! Pharmaceuticals Companies have to stop "influencing"/controlling the practice of medicine (they are basically "drug pushers" promoting a new product). Government has to be more of a REGULATOR instead of a "franchise owner"

GazetteOnline.com : U.S. wasted millions on marijuana fight

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:55:40 +0000

The key word here is DRUG! Whether it is legal/ illegal the point is that it's not designed to be "recreational". It is like the new "prescription pill" parties that young kids have, "to make them happy" from taking from their parents/other people's cabinet, these drugs serve a biological purpose. If they are taken incorrectly they can cause HARM to a person in ways that might not seem transparent or even immediate. I had my share of laughs with Cheech and Chong and those days, but what got lost was the cause/effect relationship that happens when you are "happy" (influenced by a chemical). Something to think about.

GazetteOnline.com : Why won’t Johnson put up deer signs?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:45:15 +0000

I think you would have better success at writing to your elected officials and DEMANDING that deer population be harvested/culled to a lower level. Because like the other bloggers suggest the problem is not in the crossing but the AMOUNT of deer that are creating safety issues. I am a hunter and still am frustrated by the huge amount of herds that roam agricultural land and communities. The "recreational opportunities" should not outweigh the safety of commuters, nor should it allow the vast consumption of resources planted by our farmers. There should be an eco balance that allows growth of game animals and safety within a State. Two people are being buried today because deer have exceeded that eco balance.

GazetteOnline.com : Survey finds harassment of gay students common

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:44:31 +0000

When SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS run surveys, it is bound to be "biased". This is how funding and special interest support is routed from the Government into programs. This is what is truly wrong with the rational of how our legislature justifies its actions. These statistics are just as random as some ice cream company promoting their flavors. The problem is that "gay" is the word of the day, and a political soundbite. Well let's see how well this issue flies among the voting population ,when the "special interest group" tries to sell their bogus statistics. The Parents and Students know the real truth.

GazetteOnline.com : Neocons fill coffers at the people’s expense

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:02:39 +0000

Redistribution of wealth is happening at many different levels (to include your corporate issue). The problem is WHO is doing the redistribution....... the GOVERNMENT! They are doing it through bailouts and new programs that TAXPAYERS are funding! The worst part is that this money is no longer the responsibility of ours, IT IS OUR CHILDREN/GRAND CHILDREN/GREAT GRAND CHILDREN! We have changed generations of incomes for the sake of current policies. The GOVERNMENT is still lying to us about who is receiving the benefits also. UNIONS and Corporations are the Benefactors along with illegal/undocumented workers. The average citizen is funding everybody but their family and watching their income disappear into the GOVERNMENT reallocation funds. It is time to either remove the elected officials that are causing this problem or make them fix it.