Tom and Ruth Harkin leaned forward in their Fleur Cinema seats in Des Moines in the early evening of July 17 as a film chronicling the civil rights journey of people with disabilities rolled across the screen.
Tom and Ruth are remarkable people who have accomplished remarkable things in their service to others who needed a hand up. And in this journey, they never lost sight of who they are and where they came from.
Doug, you did an outstanding job of reporting on two people who continue to give without a hook to people every where. They’ve done more ‘in retirement’ than is imaginable.
You did a great job of capturing these two remarkable people. For those who haven’t seen ‘Crip Camp,’ it’s an eye-opening film.
Tom and Ruth Harkin have served and represented Iowa in many good ways. Their stories are simple, relevant and remarkable. As a member of Nurses for Harkin I have always been impressed with Senator Harkin's commitment to the ADA. Tom Harkn's decision to move on from the Senate has created a void but I respect his decision to use his time and talents for other activities. Good piece Doug, I am looking forward to seeing Ruth Harkin this week in Iowa City and OWR IV.
It is an absolute shame that Sen. Harkin's official papers are not housed at his alma mater, Iowa State University. Senator Charles Grassley's official papers were accepted at HIS alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, earlier this year without a wisp of discussion or controversy. What's the difference? Harkin is a moderate to liberal Democrat. Grassley is a populist to conservative Republican. Conservative Republicans control state government in Iowa and have controlled state government for 14 years. Whether you agree or disagree with either of these men's political philosophies is irrelevant. Their official papers are HISTORY, and should be available for access and research by the people of Iowa at an institution of the people of Iowa, without restriction. Any debate regarding the availability of Sen. Harkin's papers for any purpose at a public institution which happens to be his alma mater is short sighted, mean spirited and petty. Maybe those who threw up roadblocks as to the accessibility of Sen. Harkin's papers at ISU should remember how Sen. Harkin stood by Sen. Grassley's side the day after the May 2008 killer tornadoes that devastated Parkersburg and Sen. Grassley's native New Hartford, claiming the lives of eight people. They should remember Sen. Harkin served honorably as a U.S. Navy pilot during the Vietnam War, as a proud product of Iowa State's Navy ROTC program. They should remember he was and is a champion of the rights of all people regardless of physical ability. They should remember that one of their own conservative icons, Republican former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, supported the memorial of Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Washington, D.C. accurately showing President Roosevelt's disabilities as an inspiration to others. Having the official papers of Sen. Harkin, the champion of landmark legislation benefitting people with disabilities, available at Iowa State would have been an appropriate tribute to one of his finest works of public service and a benefit to those following in his footsteps. Iowa State's loss was Drake University's gain, and those who impeded the availability and accessibility of Sen. Harkin's papers at Iowa State owe Sen. Harkin and the people of the state of Iowa an apology.
Tom and Ruth are remarkable people who have accomplished remarkable things in their service to others who needed a hand up. And in this journey, they never lost sight of who they are and where they came from.
Most excellent review. Thanks!
Doug, you did an outstanding job of reporting on two people who continue to give without a hook to people every where. They’ve done more ‘in retirement’ than is imaginable.
You did a great job of capturing these two remarkable people. For those who haven’t seen ‘Crip Camp,’ it’s an eye-opening film.
Tom and Ruth Harkin have served and represented Iowa in many good ways. Their stories are simple, relevant and remarkable. As a member of Nurses for Harkin I have always been impressed with Senator Harkin's commitment to the ADA. Tom Harkn's decision to move on from the Senate has created a void but I respect his decision to use his time and talents for other activities. Good piece Doug, I am looking forward to seeing Ruth Harkin this week in Iowa City and OWR IV.
It is an absolute shame that Sen. Harkin's official papers are not housed at his alma mater, Iowa State University. Senator Charles Grassley's official papers were accepted at HIS alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, earlier this year without a wisp of discussion or controversy. What's the difference? Harkin is a moderate to liberal Democrat. Grassley is a populist to conservative Republican. Conservative Republicans control state government in Iowa and have controlled state government for 14 years. Whether you agree or disagree with either of these men's political philosophies is irrelevant. Their official papers are HISTORY, and should be available for access and research by the people of Iowa at an institution of the people of Iowa, without restriction. Any debate regarding the availability of Sen. Harkin's papers for any purpose at a public institution which happens to be his alma mater is short sighted, mean spirited and petty. Maybe those who threw up roadblocks as to the accessibility of Sen. Harkin's papers at ISU should remember how Sen. Harkin stood by Sen. Grassley's side the day after the May 2008 killer tornadoes that devastated Parkersburg and Sen. Grassley's native New Hartford, claiming the lives of eight people. They should remember Sen. Harkin served honorably as a U.S. Navy pilot during the Vietnam War, as a proud product of Iowa State's Navy ROTC program. They should remember he was and is a champion of the rights of all people regardless of physical ability. They should remember that one of their own conservative icons, Republican former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, supported the memorial of Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Washington, D.C. accurately showing President Roosevelt's disabilities as an inspiration to others. Having the official papers of Sen. Harkin, the champion of landmark legislation benefitting people with disabilities, available at Iowa State would have been an appropriate tribute to one of his finest works of public service and a benefit to those following in his footsteps. Iowa State's loss was Drake University's gain, and those who impeded the availability and accessibility of Sen. Harkin's papers at Iowa State owe Sen. Harkin and the people of the state of Iowa an apology.