Meet CCI Member, Bob Uetz
Bob and his wife Carla, both native
Iowans, have lived on 8 acres in rural Boone County since 2000.
They enjoy remodeling their farm house and just completed a wrap
around porch similar to the original. Recently they received a matching
grant from the Iowa Barn Foundation to repair the roof on their
barn built in 1928. They have 3 goats and lots of free range chickens.
Bob is a teacher at Ames High School, where
he is certified to teach World History, American History, Sociology,
Economics, Geography and Government. When not teaching he enjoys
working with his hands, especially doing gardening and carpentry.
He said, "It is important to have stuff to tend to."
Bob and Carla have three sons, Darren, Ryan,
and Tyler. Bob has been an active CCI members since 1998.
Why did you get involved with
CCI?
Already being involved and interested
in the factory farm issue, I ran into CCI at a farm rally at the
state capitol. CCI was the group I've been looking for all my life
and I think the factory farm issue brings everything together.
What has kept you involved?
CCI has the positive momentum right
now and there is always more that we can do. The Des Moines Register
uses the term "factory farm" now, the legislature has
taken up the issue. We are starting to win all over the place...and
the industry on the other side of this issue has run out of arguments.
Farm Bureau spent money on an ad campaign to discredit CCI. The
only argument they have left is us.
Meeting people like Brenda LaBlanc, Larry
Ginter, Porter Dimery to name three out of hundreds, has kept me
involved. I like these people and what they do. They have fought
long and hard for what they believe in.
What do you think is the key
to the success of CCI?
It's real democracy! I don't think
people realize that when they first join. Democracy is where people
actually participate, people have the power. CCI is a truly democratic
organization. That is CCI's secret. If you want change, get involved
with CCI. Link up with others locally and other groups nationally
to get power on issues and make demands of people in power to get
change. All of a sudden you are nationally connected and feel more
positive about the future.
Why do you care about Des Moines
CCI's issues even though you live in the country?
I think it is good that CCI has both
urban and rural, youth and adult members. We need to broaden those
connections. It may be hard to see, but we are all up against the
same thing -- same problems, same people, same enemy -- big money
and the power that comes with it. And ultimately it is the same
issue -- democracy. Through CCI you can reestablish connection and
become more aware of your 'neighbors' and feel a part of a real
community, not just throw the word around.
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