Community

To the first-century Jews who first heard Jesus tell the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the decision to include a Samaritan at all – let alone, to cast him as the hero of the story – was utterly shocking. Jews in Jesus’ time considered Samaritans to be mongrels, heretics, and interlopers. They were typically portrayed as violent, savage criminals who were just waiting for an opportunity to take what was rightfully Israel’s. No one stopped to wonder if these labels actually applied to an individual Samaritan because they were all considered part of the group. Thus, if a Jew saw a Samaritan, they would cross to the other side of the street, mutter some insult as they passed by, or worse. In fact, if a Jew saw a Samaritan injurred on the road, he was more likely to kick the Samaritan than render aid because, as a whole, Samaritans were loathed by the Jews. For the typical twenty-first century American evangelical, two groups perceived in a similar way are Palestinians and Mexican immigrants. Therefore, if Jesus re-told the Parable of the Good Samaritan today, in order to achieve the same effect, it would be the Parable of the Palestinian or Mexican Immgrant.

DART and all of the various government, corporate, and private entities that have a stake in a thriving public transit system (hint: that’s all of us) must come together to find solutions for both the immediate problem and the longer-term concern of sustainability.

On November 7, Ward 1 voters went to the polls to select a new city council member. As the results rolled in, however, I could not help but think that the real winner was the people of Ward 1.

Councilperson Sheumaker has resigned, and her resignation marks the end of a curious chapter in the history of our ward and city. Yet, there remains much work to be done. As we begin to look once again to the future, let us make sure to do these three things to ensure a vibrant future for Ward 1 and the city of Des Moines.

The fact of the matter is that it is profoundly encouraging that the city council is now potentially moving to act. Yet, we are still a long way from the goal. The next days and weeks have the potential to set a real precedent for our city, state, and even the nation. We all must play our part to ensure that precedent is done right and well.

At its August 7 meeting, the Des Moines city council will be asked to act under Iowa Code 66.29 to remove one of their colleagues from office. They have the opportunity to rectify an injustice that is happening right here in our community. One-quarter of Des Moines’ population – approximately 50,000 people – is underrepresented in its government. If there was ever a reason to be bold, this is it. Move to act according to Iowa Code 66.29 so that private citizens do not need to bear that burden, to send the message that Des Moines really does take seriously the need for all of its citizens to be represented, and to open the door for a special election this November.

On December 16, 1773, the Sons of Liberty boarded ships in Boston Harbor and destroyed an entire shipment of tea in protest of the Tea Act of 1773. Their mantra, “no taxation without representation,” became a foundational principle of our government. Americans elect individuals to represent them in a “government of the people, by the people, [and] for the people.” If our local, county, and state governments really value this American system of democracy, and if our officials really take seriously their responsibility to represent the people, then they must act now on our behalf. If Councilwoman Sheumaker will not resign, then it is time to remove her. Let us call upon our city council, the Iowa attorney general, and the Polk County attorney to act today.

Dear editor, Greetings. My name is Jeremy Geerdes, and I am the president of the Lower Beaver Neighborhood Association in Des Moines, IA. On July 11, Axios – Des Moines ran an article highlighting the absence of Des Moines Ward 1 Councilwoman Indira Sheumaker from city council meetings and the difficulties neighborhoods have had in […]

Let us, therefore, redouble our commitment to loving mothers and children of all ages. Let us renew our love for women who have experienced abortion. Let us rekindle our compassion for families in need of food, diapers, friendship, and more. Let us be known by our love for God, and let us reflect his love for people. Let us be more concerned to be beacons of compassion and hope than we are to celebrate this very minor victory.

The following is adapted from a devotional I delivered to the Regenerate 7 ministerial alliance June 30, 2016. This morning, my city officially tallied its 14th homicide of 2017. In 2016, we had a couple of high profile murders – two police officers were executed in their patrol cars – but we had only 13 […]