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Iowa GOP using 'fear' to 'unleash a frenzy of book-banning across the state': analysis

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Republican legislators in Iowa passed intentionally vague laws that have spurred the removal of books from school libraries and classrooms.

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law in May a requirement for schools to remove books that depict a "sex act," a vaguely worded statutory term that that Washington Post columnist Greg Sargent says "has now helped unleash a frenzy of book-banning across the state."

"Their vagueness is the point," Sargent writes. "When GOP-controlled state legislatures escalated the passage of laws in 2022 and 2023 restricting school materials addressing sex, gender and race, critics warned that their hazy drafting would prod educators to err on the side of censorship. Uncertain whether books or classroom discussions might run afoul of their state’s law, education officials might decide nixing them would be the 'safer' option."

"What’s happening in Iowa right now thoroughly vindicates those fears," Sargent adds.

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The Iowa City Community School District issued a list of 68 books removed from the shelves to comply with the law, including The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood and “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, school districts in other parts of the state have removed such books as “1984” by George Orwell and “Slaughterhouse-Five” by Kurt Vonnegut.

“Many literary classics have sex in them,” said Jonathan Friedman, director of free expression and education programs at PEN America. “But now the term ‘sex act’ is turning into a blunt instrument to remove scores of books that have all kinds of literary merit and cultural significance.”

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'Deeply unhealthy': Trump's niece ties his growing 'feebleness' to weakening hold on GOP

Donald Trump's increasingly failing cognitive capabilities are causing Republican lawmakers to depart from the president more often, according to a member of the Trump family.

Mary Trump, the niece of the president and a trained psychologist, on Saturday published a video in which she talks about her uncle's "crumbling" hold over Republicans.

"Concerns over Donald's physical and mental decline are mounting even among Republicans," she said. "Donald is 79 years old and a deeply unhealthy person. His father had a very serious case of Alzheimer's that went on 15 years."

Mary Trump went on to say, "Every day, Donald seems increasingly feeble and unable to focus. Even the New York Times is starting to catch on to this. As he weakens, so too does his hold over the Republican party."

Mary Trump further mentions previous reporting that Trump's MRI results caused some GOP lawmakers to stand up to him, as well as reporting that the president accidentally boosted a post calling for him to be impeached.

"In other words, Donald promoted words calling for him to be removed from office," she said, noting that her uncle can no longer tell "his days from his nights."

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'You sir, are a moron': Ex-CNN host called a 'hate monger' after response to Dem's comment

A former CNN host Saturday came under fire for his response to New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's comment about the recent West Virginia shooting.

Mamdani said, "I'm devastated to learn of the passing of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the West Virginia National Guard. She was only twenty years old. As families across the nation come together today to celebrate Thanksgiving, let us take a moment to think of those in West Virginia who have been plunged into unimaginable grief."

That didn't sit well with Christopher C. Cuomo, now a host at NewsNation.

"Devastated? Sarah did not 'pass' ...she was murdered. And there is only one reason to write a passive response like this," the host wrote. "This is not about prejudice vs muslims...it is about calling out extremism. He should have stayed quiet...like the rest of the far left."

But reporter Ryan Grim was quick to call out Cuomo, whose brother recently lost to Mamdani in the race to become the NY mayor.

"The Mamdani post was simply an acknowledgment that she had not pulled through as hoped for, which makes 'passing' appropriate," Grim wrote. "Cuomo is a hate monger who is exploiting the death of a servicemember to fuel his pathetic grudge on behalf of his loser brother."

Reed Galen, co-founder of the anti-Trump group The Lincoln Project, also chimed in, saying, "You sir, are a moron. Lay off the 'roids and the Ozempic."

"Touch some grass, leave others in peace," Galen then added.

Music director T. Kareem Powell wrote, "Dude, I know your brother lost to him TWICE, but can you at least find something of substance to criticize him about?"

"The 'minority did not denounce this strongly enough for my (white) taste' approach really emphasizes your entitlement mentality," the user wrote on X Saturday.

'Very strange': Wave of speculation as MAGA congressman announces departure

Yet another Republican congressman announced he will be retiring, leading to speculation running rampant online.

Congressman Troy E. Nehls Saturday made his announcement on social media, following the lead of another recent departure from the GOP side of things: Marjorie Taylor Greene.

"After more than 30 years in law enforcement serving and protecting my community as a police officer, constable, Fort Bend County Sheriff, an Army veteran, and six years representing this district in Congress, I have made the decision, after conversations with my beautiful bride and my girls over the Thanksgiving holiday, to focus on my family and return home after this Congress," Nehls wrote on X.

But a lot of commenters weren't buying the lawmaker's reasoning.

Shea Jordan Smith, a popular user formerly associated with Empower Project, responded with, "Troy, it’s cute that you’re wrapping this up like some noble farewell, but let’s be real here: this ain’t about 'family time.'"

"This is about clocking out the second your congressional pension fully vests and your lifetime taxpayer-funded healthcare kicks in," Smith added.

Author Timothy Peterson agreed, writing simply, "Pension fully vested and lifetime taxpayer funded healthcare secured => got what you came for, time to leave."

A purported constituent of Nehls, Dawn Morrow, replied with, "This is the only thing you have done as my representative that has made me happy."

"Thank you," the user added.

A popular conservative influencer, Apple Lamps, wrote, "Must be lots of money flowing thru districts democrats want."

"Very strange that republicans in these districts suddenly decide not to run for re-election or end up resigning…" the user wrote.

Jesse Rodriguez of MS NOW made a different point:

"May 2024: Rep. Troy Nehls investigated over allegations he used campaign money to pay rent to his own company," he wrote, linking to a story about the investigation. "Today he announced his retirement."

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