Where to Find Political Humor in Iowa: Try the High Schools!
by Linda Thieman
In
these bright, sunny, warm days of Iowa winter, when Spring Fever
sprouts early because of global warming, it’s good to know where an
Iowan can find a cheerful place to go.
Perhaps you took notice of a news story
that came out this week that said that “Laughter is good for the heart
because it prolongs life, … according to two new studies.”
As a matter of fact, one of the studies recommends 15 minutes of
laughter per day. [Oh, heck, yet another thing to add to the
schedule.]
Blog for
Iowa would like to contribute to the heart health of our dear readers,
and since you’re probably not going to find anything funny to watch on
TV, how about trying the two Iowa websites below.
According to the Des Moines Register, funny in and of itself although not usually intentionally, West Des Moines Valley High’s official school newspaper, The Spotlight, is satirized in an online publication called The Stoplight. The Stoplight skewers everything from the dress code to national politics.
WASHINGTON–
Days after an astonishing election in which Feudalist Party Candidates
for President, House, and Senate lost elections nationwide,
Presidential Candidate Maximillian XXIII and leader of the Feudalist
Party issued a concession speech….
Political
analyst Art Vandalay told the Stoplight, “The Feudalist Party simply
was not able to connect to voters at the most basic level. Their
platform of abolishing income taxes, cities, last names, and generally
returning to 'ye good olde days' did not resonate with voters in the
way they thought it would….”
Also in the fine tradition of Iowa high school satire, according to the DMR, students at Dubuque's Hempstead High School started the online satirical EqOnion two years ago. Their motto: “We jump to conclusions so you don't have to!”
Since
all the original satirists have graduated from high school, Josh Lichti
still updates the site from Iowa State University, where he is now a
freshman. Hard to find good satirists, says Lichti, when most
high school students don’t pay any attention to the news.
Bush Preemptively Attacks Caribbean Sea
Strategic strikes will end hurricane assaults.
“We
will no longer stand for the complete lack of concern for human life
recently displayed by the Caribbean and its weapons of mass
destruction,” declared [George W.] Bush earlier today at a press
conference at his ranch in Texas.
While
the scientific principles behind the attack are still uncertain,
advisers to [Bush] are certain the preemptive measure is not only
necessary, but possible.
”The
United States will no longer stand for blatant attacks by freedom
haters like Ivan, Francis, and Charles. If we weren’t meant to do this,
God Almighty would not have given us this power. Now, let Operation
Soaring Eagle commence!” exclaimed a lively John Ashcroft at the Bush
ranch.
Blog For Iowa 
Great post! Truly inspiring that there are young people out there writing…and absolutely no one can top the teen-ager's unfettered ability to deliver biting sarcasm that cuts to the quick…I agree with the Feudalist Party idea and would carry that one step farther…how about Futile-ist Party…..
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The Futile-ist Party? Now THAT'S a party I'd have to join! You crack me up!
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On second thought, Trish, my dear, maybe I won't join the Futile-ist Party. I mean, what would be the point?
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Umm, John Aschcroft no longer works for the administration.
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