Back home in Iowa, we love quotes. Or maybe it's just me. Regardless, I have compiled a list of the top ten quotes so far to emerge from local and national reporting on the 2008 Iowa Floods. My commentary is italicized. Enjoy.
10. Honesty is the best policy.
“We've pretty much just abandoned any effort to try and protect the Arts Campus because we are just overwhelmed by the amount of water…It's just too unsafe.” University of Iowa spokesman Steve Parrott, as quoted in the Wall Street Journal.
9. Anonymity is not.
“Let stupid people drown. How many other lives were risked saving the lives of 8 real dumb people? I sure hope they don't reproduce.” Anonymous online comment left in response to the Des Moines Register article 8 people pulled from river in Ottumwa.
8. Jesus better get busy...
“I better get to heaven soon before every church gets flooded.” Iowa City resident who has attended two churches destroyed in the floods.
7. ...but he can skip the water into wine miracle for the time being.
“Man hit with public intox after falling into creek.” Daily Iowan headline
6. Politics of Public Policy, Fall 2008, Week 1 Assignment: In 1250 words or less, analyze the economic and political impact of the following scenario:
“The American farmer, we feed the world…We’re going to be short on corn and we’re going to be short on soybeans.” Iowa farmer, as quoted in the New York Times
5. I hope he brought a saddle.
"This is my first rodeo." Iowa City resident describing the extent of the flood damage.
4. I graduated too early.
“Student workers should not report to their campus jobs next week. They will continue to receive full pay for the week.” Official University of Iowa Flood News Blog
3. June 15, 2008: The first-ever recorded hurricane in Iowa.
“This is our version of Katrina.” Johnson County Emergency Management spokesman Mike Sullivan, as quoted in the Wall Street Journal.
2. If they were about Nietzsche, they’re screwed.
“I guess I will just leave [100 philosophy books left behind after flood evacuation] to their fate.” UI graduate student, as quoted in the Daily Iowan.
1. Amen
“We're in the land of the Hawkeyes…We'll rise above the flood. We just have to deal with it as best we can.” Iowa City business owner, surveying the damage to his property.
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