Lawmaker uses satirical ‘Spinachgate’ video to address water pollution and cancer concerns
By Todd Magel
Click here for updates on this story
Iowa (KETV) — Dr. Austin Baeth, a Democratic lawmaker from Des Moines, is using satire to raise awareness about Iowa’s water pollution and its possible connection to the state’s growing cancer rates.
“I’ve actually been very vocal about the concern that Iowa’s water pollution, especially our high water nitrate levels, may be contributing to Iowa’s cancer crisis,” Baeth said in a new video on social media.
The short video, titled “Spinachgate,” begins with a serious tone but quickly shifts to humor, focusing on spinach and other leafy greens. “But all that time that I was pouring through the scientific literature, the real answer turned out to be literally right under my nose,” Baeth said in the video.
Baeth’s video was in reference to a floor debate, where Republican Rep. Ken Rozenboom of Marion County offered a surprising theory about nitrate levels in Iowa’s water. “Spinach and lettuce and other leafy greens. You will find they are very high in nitrates.”
Baeth’s video took a comedic approach in response. It includes lines such as “I thought cigarettes were bad. You know, cocaine, meth. But Iowans really love (expletive) spinach. Alison. You told me you quit. Hand me the fork. Come on,” he said, speaking to a woman eating a salad in the video.
Baeth explained his approach, saying, “Trying to add a comedic spin to it is a way to reach more people.” He emphasized that while the video is humorous, the water quality issue is deadly serious. “I was just trying to highlight the fact that when politicians talk about issues, but they aren’t fully informed on them, it’s dangerous,” Baeth said.
Rozenboom declined an interview but stated he did not want to be part of what he called a “silly slide show” and said the issue “warrants serious discussion.”
Baeth said his videos are raising awareness and getting results.
“Some call it my crusade to finally end Iowans’ addiction to this green, leafy killer,” Baeth said sarcastically in the video.
Baeth said he is interested in sitting down with Rozenboom for a serious debate about drinking water and cancer.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.