Iowa and Midwest News for the Day - Reality TV Isn't Real Life

Have you ever had one of those moments when you can’t believe what you’re reading? Well this is one of those days.

REALITY TV ISN’T REALLY REALITY

Creston, Iowa – The first news item available is from Creston, Iowa where the news report is of an 18-year-old who while attempting to climb a utility or power pole was electrocuted and died. It appears the young man was with friends and while attempting to climb this utility pole came into contact with a power line. Grinnell, Iowa – Two freshman attending Grinnell College were filming themselves jumping onto a southbound freight train when one of them must have missed and fell under the train’s wheels. One of his legs was severely injured, described as almost severed. Perhaps the lesson here is that reality television has little to do with real life. When you think it does it’s perhaps time to examine your common sense button and make sure it’s engaged.

LAW AND DISORDER – Main Street and Wall Street are on different planets.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Several people who allegedly committed an armed robbery and must have escaped in a van were soon appended when the police spotted the van in the parking lot of a convenience store. It seems the van was very hard to spot since it was covered in advertising for Big Earl’s Goldmine, a local strip club in Des Moines. The lesson here is that get-a-way cars easily identifiable are not really get-a-way cars.

Burlington, Iowa – A man allegedly sought permission from the cops and then after being given the green light (allegedly) did torch his own house, was then charged with arson. Apparently the cop offering the advice was wrong when he said it would only be a crime if the man later filed an insurance claim.

Des Moines, Iowa – An alleged robber found out that drinking in the bar and letting everyone know your name, especially the bartender that is robbed at gunpoint, isn’t the way to make a clean getaway. If that wasn’t bad enough after the getaway car sped away the patrons simply turned over the business cards the man left advertising his contracting business. Police continue to seek information as to his whereabouts. If you know call Des Moines police at 515-283-8144 or make an anonymous tip to Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400.

Orange City, Iowa – A woman accused of identity theft may have mixed up her identities when stopped during a routine traffic stop. Oops, if true that’s a felony. The lesson here is that Main Street crime really doesn’t pay. I know there are a lot of examples of criminals on Wall Street getting away with it, but Main Street is really different than is Wall Street.

THE U.S. TRADE DEFICIT STARTS WITH YOU

Davenport, Iowa – Drivers of foreign manufactured cars in Davenport for some reason can’t figure out why the city hasn’t the money to fix more than 100 sinkholes along the road. The holes may have something to do with a cracked pipe; the lack of funds may have to do with good import that creates a trade deficit.

COMMON SENSE ISN’T SO COMMON

Dubuque, Iowa – While the rest of Iowa (and the nation) can’t figure out what to do to stop drivers distracted by cell phones or texting while driving, the City of Dubuque is now handing out citations (tickets) for any person behind the steering wheel who is holding a phone or talking into a phone. You mean it’s that easy to outlaw acts with little or no common sense? Under the ban, it's illegal to talk into, or hold a phone while you're behind the wheel in Dubuque. You can use your phone if you have a hands-free device, if you are calling 911, if your gear is in park, or if you are on the side of a road. Public safety officials on duty are exempt from the ban. If you're caught, it's a $50 fine and $250 fine if it resulted in a crash. KWWL.com. Meanwhile the Iowa House and Senate delayed enactment of their version for one year. I wonder why a year? Why not immediately? Is the Iowa DOT holding common sense classes in the next 12 months?

DRINKING TO EXCESS KILLS BRAIN CELLS

West Des Moines, Iowa – If you’re having trouble waking up you could always sleep at John Renda’s house. Just past midnight a 21-year-old man drove his car, lost control, through the wall and into Renda’s living room. I wonder if large quantities of alcohol were in any way involved. Ya think?

CONCLUDING REMARKS The world is full of hypocrisy; just look around you and see the lack of common sense. Just because others lack common sense doesn’t mean you have to. Say what you mean and mean what you say and if we do then the USA’s economy will work a whole lot better. And remember there aren't too many lawsuits, there are too many people being injured and killed; and there are too many people lying to the working man in order to take the little he/she has saved.