Democracy is being threatened from within

On Monday’s call with author John Dinges, we had readers from Algona, Burlington, Bussey, Clear Lake, Spirit Lake, Davenport, Jefferson, Sioux Center, Waterloo, Washington, D.C., the Des Moines metro area, southwest Iowa, Decorah, and others from unidentified parts of the state. I was surprised to discover that over 60 participants joined the call during the noon hour Monday. Why? Democracy is in peril, and many on our call have been trying in vain to leave a message for their members of Congress. Their offices are not answering the calls. Below is a list of phone numbers for the Iowa Congressional delegation. John Dinges is an American journalist and author known for his investigative reporting on U.S. involvement in Latin America, particularly during the Cold War. He grew up in Emmetsburg, Iowa, and later reported on human rights violations and military dictatorships in Chile. He’s also a friend of mine, and a regular teacher during the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Dinges compares Chile’s democratic collapse in the 1970s and current threats to U.S. democracy. He highlights polarization, weakening democratic institutions, media suppression, and the demonization of political opponents as key similarities.Dinges covered the Chilean coup of 1973, where a democratically elected Marxist president was overthrown. He witnessed firsthand the repression, mass firings, and censorship that followed. His reporting focused on human rights abuses and the loss of democratic freedoms.Dinges fears rising authoritarianism in the U.S., citing threats to the justice system, the FBI, and media independence. He warns about the strategic dismantling of democratic checks and balances, comparing it to Chile’s military dictatorship tactics.The conversation noted the decline of legacy media and the fragmentation of trusted information sources. Dinges mentioned how the lack of a unified media voice has contributed to polarization and misinformation, drawing a parallel to Chile's suppression of the press post-coup.Participants discussed the frustration of trying to engage legislators and the importance of persistence. Dinges emphasized the need to focus on illegal actions threatening democracy and human rights violations, encouraging nonpartisan efforts and unity.Despite the grim outlook, Dinges referenced Chile’s eventual return to democracy after 17 years, achieved through persistent political organizing and coalition-building across the political spectrum. He stressed the importance of calm, strategic action in protecting democracy.Dinges' new book, Chile and Their Hearts, investigates the murders of two Americans during the Chilean coup. He challenges previous narratives, asserting that while the U.S. government wasn’t directly responsible for the killings, their cover-up efforts fueled suspicion. The book also explores themes of youthful idealism and the dangers faced by those pursuing democratic change.What are you up to today? Do you have anything better to do today than trying to save democracy? If not, here is a list of the Iowa Congressional delegation. Also, please share this podcast interview with those who might not think there’s anything to worry about regarding the fragility of our country. There’s food for thought here. Back in the good-ol-days, members of congress would hold town halls to meet with constituents. Maybe you can ask the person who answers your members’ phone - if or when they do - when the next town hall will be held. If there isn’t one scheduled, ask to meet with the member when they are next in town. Always be polite. Always. Speak from the heart. Have you ever been persuaded by someone yelling at you? The answer is ‘no.’ U.S. Senate:Senator Chuck GrassleyWashington, D.C. Office: 135 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510Phone: (202) 224-3744Des Moines Office: 721 Federal Building, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309Phone: (515) 288-1145Senator Joni ErnstWashington, D.C. Office: 730 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510Phone: (202) 224-3254Des Moines Office: 733 Federal Building, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309Phone: (515) 284-4574U.S. House of Representatives:Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (1st District)Washington, D.C. Office: 504 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515Phone: (202) 225-6576Davenport Office: 201 W. Second Street, Suite 705, Davenport, IA 52801Phone: (563) 232-0930Representative Ashley Hinson (2nd District)Washington, D.C. Office: 2458 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515Phone: (202) 225-2911Cedar Rapids Office: 118 Third Avenue SE, Suite 206, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401Phone: (319) 364-2288Representative Zach Nunn (3rd District)Washington, D.C. Office: 1410 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515Phone: (202) 225-5476Des Moines Office: 400 Locust Street, Suite 250, Des Moines, IA 50309Phone: (515) 400-8180Representative Randy Feenstra (4th District)Washington, D.C. Office: 2434 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515Phone: (202) 225-4426Sioux City Office: 320 6th Street, Room 112, Sioux City, IA 51101Phone: (712) 224-4692There is a story in everyone. Your story matters. Let us help you tell yours. The Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 28-October 1, 2025. Come! Think: summer camp school for creative adults, with better food, excellent speakers, and no grades. What is the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative? I am one of over 70 independent professional writers who are members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Here is a roundup of our columns delivered to subscriber inboxes Sunday morning. On Wednesday mornings, we now have the Flipside edition, which includes a calendar of events where our members hold public meetings or concerts. We have top meteorologists, an Arctic explorer writing and talking about climate change, and a Pulitzer-winner opining about immigration and agriculture in the heartland. This is a bold experiment where writers in one state have come together under a collaborative umbrella to provide much-needed commentary. Together, we find the Iowa angle to global issues. Please check it out and tell your friends. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe