MONONA COUNTY, IOWA -- The thought of people living in Iowa for their entire lives was just too much for Steve "Colorado Guy" Garufi! While driving yesterday throughout western Iowa, Steve broke down in tears as he became overwhelmed with sadness and pity for people who live there.

"I have been feeling so sad for all the people in Iowa who live there. Good grief, what an awful life it would be for a person to live there for one's entire life!" reflected Steve (right photo).

Mark B. in Minnesota, a close friend, helped Steve puts his emotions in better perspective.

"Haven't you ever heard the saying that Iowa stands for 'I Owe the World an Apology.'" stated Mark, "Those poor people ... they can't help that they live there."

Jason Friesema, an addictions counselor in Colorado Springs, had a unique perspective on the matter: "Iowa is a big bore, it really is. It's really awful for Iowans. Many are fourth and fifth generation people who live there, and it's like their addicted to crack and they can't get away, even though it's destroying them."

Steve has driven through Iowa various times in his life and drove thorughout western Iowa enroute to a friend's home in Minnesota this week.

"I just kept seeing plains everywhere with nothing around. Occasionally there would be some rolling hills but that was about it." said Steve, "I just as well feel deep sympathy for people in places like Kansas and Nebraska, but something hit me while in Iowa. I was a blubbering, crying man out there."

Adjacent photo: Steve stands beside a barbed-wire fence and open field in Monowa County, Iowa.

Brandi D. in Tucson, Arizona encouraged Steve with her thoughts: "Oh man Steve, you look sad and desolate! (Your caring for Iowans) is an indication that you have compassion for people." she wrote.

"I do feel sad for Iowans and as a former Kansan, I feel their pain." explained Brandi, "I have been in Iowa and it felt like a continuation of Kansas ... only corn instead of wheat!"

Steve has been criticized over the years for coming off as arrogant and thinking he is better than others because of his obvious geographical superiority to most people in the country. Such is the life of Steve, who lives in a small friendly tourist town with grand views of mountains and western scenery in all directions.