SundayMorningCoffee

News, Gossip, Opinion - SMC 07/29/12

Sunday Morning Coffee our special time together sharing stories about politics, religion, gossip, sex...you know...the stuff you really care about.  All laced with my opinion. And, because there is no hiding here, my name is Michael P. Libbie. You can leave your thoughts in a comment here or let's connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page which is right...here.  OK then...let's grab a cup but, caution, the coffee is...HOT!

If You Can't Stand the Heat...

Get out of the country!  That's what Gov. Mitt Romney did last week as even members of his own party called on him to disclose more information about his taxes, tax sheltered businesses and Swiss bank accounts.  The governor decided he'd take in London (perhaps to reminisce about the Utah games where he accepted millions in taxpayer dollars but doesn't like to talk about) Poland (Seriously? Where I bet he takes in Auschwitz or another extermination camp.) and Israel (Where he hopes to gin up the support of "The Jewish Vote" which often marks their ballots for the Democrats.)  The trip has been marked by one mis-step after another...which is pretty much on par for this group of clowns.  But...remember he isn't black and doesn't have a funny name with ties to Islam.  That's all that matters. (Photo: Maria Dryfhout / Shutterstock.com)

Speaking of Religion

I was with a young lady last week who told me, "I'm a Christian but I'm ashamed to admit it."  She was sharing with me the fact that many of her "Christian friends" automatically suspect she is a card carrying member of the Republican Party because she identifies herself as a Christian. When they find out she is a Democrat they immediately dismiss her and call her "anti-Christian".  What an interesting group of people you Christians are...I can't keep up.

Which Gets Us to Chicken

The cows had a bad PR week.  Chick-fil-a President Dan Cathy filled the headlines last week when he said Americans have a “prideful, arrogant attitude” about gay marriage that risks “inviting God’s judgment on our nation.”  I have never eaten at a Chick-fil-a (I don't think it's kosher...) and I seriously doubt I will and I've now wondered, out loud, if that decision will hasten "the End of Days".  I dunno but, I have stayed at a Marriott.  Why bring that up?  Check this story from Bloomberg Businessweek on the difference between Mr. Cathy and Mr. Marriott regarding their "religious views".  Think of this as a public service....

Speaking of Public Service

I see that one (think...1) of Iowa's hard working, part-time legislators have picked up on Gov. Terry Branstad's call to contribute to the cost of their health care coverage.  Who? House Member Chip Baltimore (R-Boone) Meanwhile Senator Jerry "I Dunno" Behn (R-Boone) said he "was going to" but "somebody" said he couldn't. Meanwhile Senator Jack Kibbie (D-Emmetsburg) called it like he sees it a "political game" Dear Governor is playing.  So, you wanna know how much you are paying these folks who blow about public employees not contibuting to their health care costs...which they negotiated in good faith?  I knew you would so here is the full story from our friends at the Des Moines Register.

Speaking of the Des Moines Register

I was sitting with my friend, Polk County Supervisor E.J. Giovannetti (R-Urbandale) last week when the topic of the Register came up.  I had made a comment about how newspapers are using more and more video to bolster readership/viewership and mentioned the sagging Register daily circulation of about 115,000.  That's when E.J. said, "The real reason the Register is failing is because it's a bad paper."  Yikes!  He then went on to talk about taxes and "job creators" and "supply side economics".  E.J., change the channel for crying out loud.

Speaking of Urbandale

I wondered, out loud on my Facebook Page, if the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce had a new economic development plan that involved road work on nearly every major street in the city.  The unannounced plan would be to keep everybody who lives here...here and make it as inconvenient as possible to...leave. (I'm just kidding Tiffany.)  But it is nice to see all of this construction in the midst of an economy that is falling apart because of a "failed presidency". Yawn...

Speaking of the President

My GOP friends are...mum.  Hold on kids...this is really too good!  Last week the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (that means they side with...nobody) came out with their long anticipated report on how bad the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) would be to the overall national deficit.  You know, the deficit that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Gov. Mitt Romney, Cong. John Boehner (R-OH) and every member of the Republican Caucus including Gov. Terry  Branstad has said will ruin the nation with more debt.  Well kids...seems that that nasty Obamacare will actually cut the deficit while the Republican plan to "defeat Obamacare" would add $108 billion. Don't ya just hate this stuff?  Here is the story from the CBO.

Senator John McCain & The Tea Party

"Go to hell, Senator.  It's time for you to take your final dirt nap."  Those are the words of Tea Party Patriot and Arizona citizen Wes Harris angered by (ready for this?) that Senator McCain defended Huma Abedin a Muslim and Michigan born aide to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.  How did all of that get started? You may have seen this cartoon in your Facebook Stream...or maybe not.  It has to do with Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) and her recent insistence that Ms. Abdedin has close ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and has "infiltrated" the State Department.  I need to pause for just a moment.  You wonder why people look at Iowa with a raised eyebrow?  It was not that long ago that Congressman Bachmann won the GOP Straw Poll in Ames.  It's delightful to have such colorful people in our midst. You must read more:  Here is the opinion piece from my friend Rekha Basu for the Des Moines Register.

Congressman Leonard Boswell

It's no secret that I support Congressman Boswell in his fight to stay in congress. Yesterday the Congressman was busy blasting around the new 3rd District opening up a several campaign offices.  One of which is in the 1300 block of Walnut in downtown Des Moines.  I asked him why voters should send him back to Washington:

 

Thank you Congressman.  It's great to be on your team.  I admire your dedication and service to this country.  Do you always vote the way I'd like to see?  Nope.  But I believe you are the most honest and trustworthy candidate in this race.  Go get 'em!

I've Struggled With This

Two weeks ago, in SW Iowa, two men were charged with having sex with an underage boy.  Creston Police saw some suspicious activity in a local park...after midnight.  According to the police report the officer witnessed the three, in the back seat of a vehicle, putting on their clothing.  When questioned all said they were adults.  A further check showed the boy to be 16.  So, why have I struggled with this?  One of the men in the vehicle was Chad Upmeyer the son of Iowa House Minority Leader Linda Upmeyer (R-Garner).  I know Ms. Upmeyer and I was good friends with her father, former State Representative Del Stromer.  None of this might make Sunday Morning Coffee except that Rep. Upmeyer is one of the more vocal critics of Marriage Equality and just about anything...Gay.  The report, written by Jason Clayworth of the Des Moines Register, is from early in July and there have been no updates. 

Partly Personal

Thank you to the many people who responded with copies of the Wall Street Journal.  Last week my bride graced the front of the Saturday Edition talking about cycling, RAGBRAI and bike safety.  I put out a request on Facebook (and here) and we received many, many copies. Thank you all.

Have a great Sunday!!

 

Politics, Sex, Religion, Gossip - SMC July 22, 2012

Sunday Morning Coffee is that "take me away" moment where, rather than business, I get to visit with you about politics, sex, religion all with my personal opinion.  You know you love it!  Because there is "no hiding" here you should know my name is Michael P. Libbie and if you feel moved to comment here, feel free.  Or let's connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page is right here. OK...enough! Let's get some coffee...but...remember it's hot!

Teach Religion In Public Schools

I've done a 180 on this one.  We should be teaching religion in our public schools. Before you get your underwear in a knot I'm talking about equal time for a rational discussion about...faith...all faiths.  Two weeks ago, here in Urbandale, I heard a man say to a women, "Look one of those Arabs with the funny head-covering." Trouble was the guy was not an Arab.  He was Indian and of the Sikh faith.  This is what happens when society becomes "Christo-Centric"...spending too much time listening to News Radio 1040 - WGOP and buying into wacky faith-based crap that says "everybody else" is somehow...less.  The trouble is more and more Americans are buying into this xenophobic nonsense.  If you care...here's a look at what my Sikh friends believe.  It's a long way from the exclusive faith of my evangelical friends.

Iowa Unemployment Rate - Up

I'd like you to sit down for this one.  Governor Terry Branstad is responsible for the uptick in the Iowa Jobless rate and the Des Moines Register is happy to spread misinformation.  My friend Donnelle Eller must have bought into the double-speak of Kerry Koonce a spokesperson for Iowa Workforce "Think Kiosk" Development when she wrote, "Government led the state's job losses, shedding 5,500 positions as teachers and other school workers began their summer break." If you read that you may think to yourself, "Well, that makes sense as these 'double dippers' get out of school to rip us off by painting houses." Except...  When you turn the page you see this:

    Iowa Nonfarm Employment By Type of Work

        Education and Health Services - Down by 700 jobs last month

        Government - Down by 5,500 jobs last month

So is "education" not "education jobs" and "government" is "education jobs"?  I dunno. However one thing is painfully clear this Governor and his anti-middle class gang continue to peel off workers at an alarming rate.  But, what the hell...they are only lazy-ass government workers and eveybody knows how worthless they are. (Just ask the folks at News Radio 1040 - WGOP.)  Except, in reality, these are the people who buy stuff from your stores, pay taxes and contribute millions in economic benefit to the local economy.  But, hell...one Bruce Rastetter has got to be worth a thousand dead-beat government workers. Right...

Rev. Jeff Mullen for Iowa State Senate

An interesting development last week as Rev. Jeff  Mullen sent out an email to his...list. Rev. Mullen, you may recall, was defeated in the GOP Primary in Iowa Senate District 22 by Pat Ward.  He lost by 504 votes. The content of the email was not that surprising...it was simply more bible-thumping and political chest-swelling.  However the "signature line" was not as the Lead Pastor of Point of Grace Church.  The signature line was Jeff Mullen, Pastor & Patriot and gave his campaign url, JeffMullen.com.  So, is he in?  I sent the email to WHO-TV 13, the Des Moines Register and to the Waukee Patch and just asked them if they had heard.  The Patch reported on the oddity...but nobody else responded.  I do know that democrat Desmund Adams, who is being challenged by Pat Ward did call Pastor Mullen. (They have had a friendly relationship.)  Mullen, who loves attention, did not directly answer the question, "Are you in?".  If you want to read the email just click on the image.  What think...you?

Guns and Colorado

It was a sick act by a sick man.  I can not imagine the horror and the pain the friends and families of the victims must feel.  And...I am deeply troubled by the continued insistence by the NRA and others as to why this country continues to allow the sale of firearms such as the AR-15.  Look, I am not an anti-gun tree hugger.  I own several firearms from pistols to rifles but...seriously...an AR-15 whose sole purpose is to mow down as many living things as possible using a magazine which holds up to 100 rounds.  Why?  I know "the Second Amendment".  Really?  We can't go into a store and buy a mortar to go hunting.  This is absurd and needs to change.

"You People"

When you have offshore tax-dodging businesses and Swiss Bank Accounts and pay less in taxes than the vast majority of middle-class Americans it's easy to understand why Ann Romney would utter the "you people" line.  Besides, all we would do is find "more things to attack" poor Gov. Mitt Romney as he slips and slides his way to the presidency.  I'm not faulting Ann...in fact I think she's sorta hot (see I said there would be sex)...however the Governor's staff has got to be the most inept group of goons...ever.  They sent the "kinder, softer. hotter(?)" Romney to a national news show without ammo.  That led to the "you people" remark.  Astounding.

"Another Reason I'm Not Voting for Obama"

That was the simple Facebook post from a friend of mine who was in a lather because the non-profit board he sits on lost their 501 C-3 tax exempt status and must re-apply to the IRS.  His non-profit was one of 250,000 who failed to file the documentation necessary to retain their tax exemption status. And THAT OF COURSE was President Obama's fault.  Actually it was...his fault.  It was the board's fault.  It was the fault of their executive director. It was the fault of not understanding their fiduciary duty to their donors and the people they serve.  But...nope.  You see, "personal responsibility" is only for other people.  Oh...and it's been beastly hot! That too is President Obama's fault.  Weary kids...just plain...weary.

No Chris, Not "One of Us"

Late last evening I was on Facebook and came across a quick post from my friend Chris Hagenow.  (Who told me a month ago he was suspending his regular newsletter because "not much is going on".  I see...)  He was crowing about this video, "...the first of many".

 

Nice effects.  Loved the music.  However, given the politics Chris enjoys, I'd suspect something along the line of a Gregorian Chant which would be more in tune with his narrow vision of the future.  You know, the one that says the government needs to pry into your personal life, deny health care coverage, peek into your bedroom, and tell women "Rape?  Tough bounce".  It was nice to see him but a rewind will tell you...nothing. Other than he likes parades. Chris is facing a tough challenge for the Iowa House seat he's been renting from Susan Judkins...a moderate whom I hope you will support.  You know somebody in touch with...today and tomorrow.   One of us. 

I Need to Become a Republican

I've been thinking how easy it must be to be a member of the GOP.  You don't have to come up with much in the way of policy or thought.  (You know, "not much is going on".)  You simply must say "no" and look backward, ignore the reality around you and spout about your "faith"...which is always "under attack".  Exhibit A:  Gov. Mitt Romney is campaigning on the economy and jobs.  However he has laid the most minimal of plans for either...other than saying "no" to the middle-class, "no" to health care, "no" to women.  Gosh, how simple can it get.  Mrs. Regan was right....  "Just say no!" has a special ring to it.

Speaking of the Absurd

I see where 21 people were rushed to the hospital some with second and third degree burns on their feet.  Why?  They were attending a Tony "Think Charlatan" Robbins event called the "Firewalk".  Yep, that's where juiced up devotees walk on burning coals.  And they pay for the privledge.  I dunno either.  Just thought I'd share.  Here is the story from our friends at the Los Angeles Times.

Partly Personal

My Bride made the Wall Street Journal.  Seriously.  Last week it was the Sunday Des Moines Register...yesterday the WSJ.  I'm seeing an agent in her future or maybe a string of motivational events where we all walk on fire.  The article focuses on RAGBRAI and is written by former Iowan, Jeannette Naumann.  You know how difficult it is to find a day old Wall Street Journal in...Des Moines?  I'm on it.  If you want to take a peek...here is the full article.  Congrats Georgie!

Have a wonderful Sunday!    

News, Gossip, Opinion - SMC 07/15/12

Sunday Morning Coffee is that break from the world of business and into the, often, nutty world of politics, gossip, pop-culture, religion...you know the stuff that really matters. Or not.  And, because no hiding is allowed, my name is Michael P. Libbie and you can connect here with a comment or on Twitter it's @MichaelLibbie and my personal Facebook Page is right here.  OK then...let's get to it.

Bat Crap Crazy...

I couldn't make this up if I wanted to.  Randi Shannon, the official Republican nominee for the Iowa State Senate (District 34), quit her race against State Senator Liz Mathas (D-Marion) last week.  Why?  Because she is already a senator for the Republic of the United States of America.  Another government.  Or as Ms. Shannon says, "...the original government.".  She is not...alone.  Shannon said she's excited for her new position with the republic and will be one of two Iowa senators, four house members, a judge and several police officers that act as "American Rangers." OK, I'm going to stop right here and remind you, once again, that Ms. Shannon was, up until last week, the Republican State Senate Candidate for the area which represents the second largest population zone in the state.  That means the Republicans from Linn County actually selected her as their candidate.  You know, to represent them in the Iowa Senate.   For years now I've share with you how wacky the GOP has become and they don't get any more wacky then the Iowa GOP. This is what my friend and Polk County Supervisor E.J. Giovannetti (R-Urbandale) meant when he said he was embarrassed at what his party has become. Me too.  Here is the original story from The Marion Patch.  Or if  you want, here is the article from the Des Moines Register.

I Wish That Was All...

But it's not.  Iowa is awash with Bat Crap Crazy.  We have a Governor who wants the state to and deny medical coverage to 150,000 Iowans.  We have a congressman who isn't sure the President was born in this country. We have a Secretary of State who is convinced that voter fraud is rampant, while it is not. We've got state senators calling for the over throw of the government and others who are AWOL.  We've got House Members calling for the end of abortion even in cases of rape. I've got to go to a GOP meeting sometime just to witness folks with butterfly nets.  Iowa, you can do better...much better.

But Wait...There's More!

Last week my old friend Dolores "If It Flies It Dies" Mertz (Chairman Emeritus of ALEC) placed into nomination her friend, former State Senator Jeff Lamberti, as the Chairman of the Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission. Jeff, if you remember, ran an unsuccessful campaign against Con. Leonard Boswell (D-IA) and several weeks ago ran into trouble when he was pulled over and arrested for drunk driving.  Of course all of that is "booze under the bridge" as Governor Terry Branstad (R-IA) professed his confidence in Mr. Lamberti.  What is interesting, and what Bleeding Heartland points out, is that Mr. Lamberti gets a blessing after blowing twice the legal limit while a guy who stole a safe when he was a teen can't get his voting rights back.  Why?  The governor has no confidence...in the system?

But Not As Nutty As Maine...Yet

My friend Candace Karu sent me a note letting me know about her governor.  Seems Governor Paul Lepage (R-MA) considers the IRS to be like the Nazi Gestapo.  The fact that he said it...twice...shouldn't matter.  What should matter is that he said he was "sorry"...sort of.  I know, I know...  Here's the news story about this rising star of the GOP.  I need to take a break...

Toe Sucking at Walmart

Two words:  Walmart & Georgia  That should pretty much explain this story about a man who told a young woman that everything she purchased that day would be free if she would let him suck her...toe.  Here is the piece from our friends at MSNBC. I'm feeling better already.

 

The Big Eleven?

This past week we all learned how hard Penn State University coach Joe Paterno worked to keep Jerry Sandusky out of the spotlight.  And, it worked.  Nobody bucked JoePa and Sandusky went on to molest many more young boys.  If it had stopped with the coach, who is now dead, that would be one thing.  However, it looks as if lots of people knew and that could mean lots of money will be going to some victims.  One thing is sure.  The big time contract made between JoePa and the University will stand according to this story from CNN. "Contracts are contracts", said the Board of Trustees Chair Karen Peetz. Yep, and scumbags are scumbags. The better question might be...who will own Penn State University when all of this is over?  I never liked them...anyway.

I Wondered Too

If you've been driving around Des Moines and find yourself face to face with a blinking yellow arrow you might have said to yourself, "What the hell?".  Yep, they are new and according to this story from our friends at the Des Moines Register you (and I) have not been alone in our head scratching.

The Catholic Vote

Last week a guy by the name of Tom Quiner wrote a guest opinion in the Des Moines Register sharing his rational that President Obama is going to lose the Catholic vote because a bunch of his fellow lunatics marched around demanding their religious freedom back.  Earth to Quiner:  It's personal responsibility Tom.  (Not to mention the goofy idea that you, and you alone, have a cell phone connection to Heaven that starts in Italy.)  But, it would be just like you guys to turn a blind eye toward the only Christian running for president.  You've done it time and time again when it comes to priests and young boys.  Shameful.

Partly Personal

Last night we attended a wedding.  When I told my 92 year-old mother it was taking place at West End Architectural Salvage she burst out laughing and said, "Is that going to be outside around junk cars?  I hope you have enough water!"  That's Mom...  It was one of the very best weddings I've been to.  Maxwell Vincent Crabb married the beautiful Julie Bayliff in a ceremony that had nearly everybody in the place crying. It was simple and so pure.  Rather than a bunch of religious mumbo- jumbo the officiant, Atheist Mike, turned to the bride and groom and asked them to share their vows with each other. (Go ahead and click on the Wedding Program above...have a read.  Very creative.)  Wow...it was simply fantastic.  And me without my video camera.  Dang.  Congratulations Max and Julie and thank you for allowing us to witness a really, really nice event.

 

 

I Almost Forgot!

My Bride wanted me to share this with you.  She is a "Recovering Republican" but every once-in-awhile she is up for...this:

 

Jerry Behn...nothing could make you more happy...huh?

Have a wonderful Sunday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News, Gossip, Opinion - SMC 07/08/12

Welcome back and hope that your American Independence Day was wonderful. This is Sunday Morning Coffee where I talk about sex, politics, news all laced with my opinion. And, because there is no hiding here, my name is Michael P. Libbie.  If you would like to leave a comment here, feel free. And/Or let's connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie and my personal Facebook Page is...right here.  Alright, let's get to the "good stuff":

I Gave Money

Gov. Mitt Romney and my Republican Friends raised $100 million over the last reporting cycle.  They are now on pace to catch up to the the reserves President Obama has in hand.  So, I made a contribution.  It wasn't as much as if I were a corporation (because they are people too) it was a modest $25. But I figure if you help out as well we can raise a little more.  Here is the contribution page for Obama for America.  Yes, proud to do my part to keep a solid Christian in the White House.

Speaking of Gov. Mitt Romney

It's not been a good week.  First he was for having citizens be required to have health care insurance or suffer a "penalty".  But, that was when he was a Governor and not a candidate for the GOP...the same people who proposed the health care act but now say they didn't.  Anyway the Governor said it was not a tax but a penalty and within a couple of days the "penalty" became a "tax".  But...it wasn't...now it is. I'm glad my Republician friends have so much wealth they can hire psychiatrists to help them with their split personality disorder.

Polk County Sheriff Deputy - A Jerk?

I dunno but it sure sounds like it.  Early last week I posted, on Facebook, the story of Cathy Olson and her encounter with Deputy Dale Peterson.  According to her story Deputy Peterson was not only abusive but also damn rude to the two women riding their bikes on the HighTrestle Trail.  Not the kind of behavior you would expect from a uniformed officer.  Or is it?  Increasingly it's become an "Us vs.Them" mentality among certain police officers.  And that's not only in "The Hood" but also in "The Burbs".   "Serve & Protect" should be more than a motto.  Also found it interesting that finally the media picked up the story. KCCI-TV 8 had it first followed up by the Des Moines Register.  Here is the original post from Ms. Olson. (Photo of Urbandale, Iowa Police Department motto.)

What About Mike?

This week Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) thought it would be a cool political move to have the Administrative Services Bureau send out a letter to state employees requesting they follow the governor, Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northy (R-IA), Senate Minority (thank G-d) Leader Jerry Behn (R-Boone) and other assorted elected members of the Republican Party in volunteering to pay 20% of their health care coverage. Uhm...?  Guys (and gals) the state employees bargained for those rights giving other concessions to maintain health care insurance and you folks want to bully them into "voluntarily" cutting their pay?  Never mind that the governor makes 100% more than the average state worker that Sec. Northey is a big time farmer or Sen. Behn also in farming/agribusines.  Seriously?  While it "plays well" with the uninformed public (do not get me started there...) it's rubbish.  "Mike" is a state employee. He is married with three daughters.  Mike makes about $70,000 gross.  His bride, a social worker, elected to stay home with the girls because day-care is so expensive.  Besides she thinks that's a "...good place for Mom to be".  I asked him if he was going to cough up and be a good citizen and pay 20% of his health care. "No, not until I get a salary to equal the governor who is already double dipping".  Nuff said.

Dollars Come Back to Iowa

This past February I asked Debi Durham of the Iowa Economic Development Authority when the agency responsible for creating business in Iowa would move to hire an advertising/marketing agency based in...of all places...Iowa.  The department had outsourced that work to a Texas firm. (Don't ask...)  She said they would return the contract to Iowa.  Last month they did.  However, nobody is talking...much. The $3.25 million contract was given to ZLRignition.  None of us would know that from the agency website news.  It was a tiny blurb in the Des Moines Register last week. So, who is ZLRignition?  A long time Des Moines based marketing and advertising group founded by Louis Laurent, Jim Richardson and Kent Zimmerman back in 1987. The company has solid ties to Downtown Des Moines, Iowa State University and a host of Iowa businesses.  Nice move.

I Have An Answer

I'm a little stumped by my Catholic and Jewish friends who have their underwear in a wad about the requirement to provide funding for birth control. 2,500 religious folk, along with Governor Terry  Branstad took to the streets last week to demand access to their religious freedom.  (Notice nobody seems to talk about "personal responsibility" in this debate.) This is really simple.  Let's take Mercy Health Care Systems. All they need to do is require each employee be a solid member of the Catholic Church.  Each doctor, nurse, lab tech, housekeeper must sign off on a form that they not only believe in...but also live a correct life according to the principals of The Church.  Oh...patients too.  As for the Jews...open up your own damn hospital (there must be enough Jewish doctors around). Then, when done, just require everybody you care for is not, somehow, linked to the federal government but only religious centered health care insurance companies.  See how simple that was?  Gosh, do I have to do...EVERYTHING?

Where Was...Kim?

Wednesday evening a bunch of us attended a concert on the surface of the sun. Otherwise known at the west side of the State Capitol.  It was the Des Moines Symphony's annual music and fireworks party that is always a great show.  There is a point where the Governor speaks, welcomes the crowd and this year Governor Terry Branstad invited military members, past or present, to stand while the symphony played their branch hymn.  Missing from the governor's hip however was Lt. Gov Kim Reynolds.  I thought she was a permanent fixture somehow embedded into the governor?  Odd...just...odd.

Battle Ready?

Oh Oh...I knew this was going to happen.  It had to.  This morning the Des Moines Register reported that Capt. John Hintz the married boyfriend of married former Des Moines Schools and Omaha Schools Dr. Nancy Sebring, has been removed from his post and is under investigation by the U.S. Army.  Why? Perhaps "conduct unbecoming"? It's another nail in the coffin for these two love-birds who, for one reason or another, just couldn't help sharing sexy stories with each other using email. To be fair, Capt. Hintz did not, it seems, use his military computer or email address. He was smart enough to use a private account.  Uhm...not so for Dr. Sebring. Here's the full story from our friends at the Des Moines Register.

Another Bites the Dust...

After 26 years in office Thad McCotter resigned last week from the U.S. Congress.  I know...you missed it. Cong. McCotter (R-MI) wanted to be president.  He wanted to run the nation but, as Bleeding Heartland writes, "Couldn't find staff that could find 1,000 signatures to get his name on the ballot."  Ouch...  Of the 1,833 names submitted only 244 were valid. Seems that the staff simply made up, altered or photocopied names. Seriously? Like nobody was going to notice?  He and staff are now under...investigation for fraud.  Here is the story from that left-wing, commie group...ABC News.  Who knew? My friend Chris Rants (former Speaker of the Iowa House) however really, really liked Thad.  Chris is the president of The Legacy Foundation...a group that supports, "...creation of an entrepreneurial environment, education, labor-management relations, citizenship, civil rights and government transparency issues."  I see. (Photo: Christopher Halloran / Shutterstock.com)

Partly Personal

On Wednesday I walked the Windsor Heights 4th of July Parade with my friend Desmund Adams.  Actually I walked...Desmund rode on the back of a truck pulling a 30 foot float.  It was his third parade of the day having done Urbandale and Waukee in the 103+ degree temps.  The reason I walked was to shoot this quick video...along with a bunch of still shots for the campaign. It was...hot as I asked folks, "Who is THAT guy?"

 

Have a wonderful Sunday...they say we'll get a break in the heat after today. - Michael 

News, Gossip, Opinion - SMC 07/01/12

Each Sunday Morning I stray away from the world of business and enter the world of politics, gossip, pop-culture and religion through Sunday Morning Coffee.  Each story is laced with my opinion and, because hiding is not allowed, my name is Michael P. Libbie.  You can leave a comment here or I'm on Twitter @MichaelLibbie and here is my personal Facebook Page.  You don't have to agree...but it would be nice if you had a read. Enough of that...let's get some coffee:

The "Moral High Ground"

Last week my friend Jeff Bratz said I had "lost the moral high ground" when I "mock" the religion of Gov. Mitt Romney.  Actually, what I am mocking are my many Evangelical Christian friends who hate President Obama because (pick one, or two) - He is a communist.  He is a socialist. He is a Muslim. He is foreign born.  He is Black. He is sinking America.  He has a funny name.  He is causing economic collapse.  He is ___________ (go ahead your turn but limit your reason to less than five words).  And they prefer to believe that nonsense, hold their nose and campaign for a guy whose faith is challenged by Christians as not being Christian. Hey, I don't make this stuff up but my Southern Baptist friends...do.  Go ahead, The Christian Post is right here. If it walks like a duck...  Meanwhile...the Christian who is president gets slammed by...Christians.  Odd my friends.

The Iowa Documentary

Two of my friends, Frankie Meeink and Kristian Day, are working together on a documentary that traces both sides of the Marriage Equality Issue.  Frankie and I hooked up, finally, last week to talk about it.  He told me they are spending several days each with pastors, rabbis, political leaders who will all share their stories about this very divisive topic.  They hope to release the film early in the fall.  If you are interested in moving this forward let me know.  They are looking for investors and their return will be an 80/20 split in profits.  That's 80% to the investor(s).

Where Did She Go?

Pat Ward, who "moved" from her expansive West Des Moines home to a town-home in Clive so she would not have to face Matt McCoy in November seems to be AWOL. Since she won the GOP Primary (by about 480 votes) on June 5 her Facebook Page and Twitter stream have gone...dark.   Desmund Adams, who will face her in November, sent messages and made a call to her listed phone to congratulate her and request a series of public forums so voters can have a better idea of the beliefs and values each holds.  No response...nada, nothing.  Dark.

A Class Act?

Since the US Supreme Court held that, in fact, the Affordable Care Act is
constitutional heads down at News Radio 1040 - WGOP have been exploding.  It's been a daily "wringing of the hands".  But, we have to remember they are actors and former disk jockeys or real estate people...or something.  So we can expect them to go off the deep end.  However when Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) and State Senator Kent Sorenson (R-Indianola) use the language they did on Thursday. Yikes.  We really thought this comment from Sen. Sorenson sort of...typical, “Our supreme court chose to walk and urinate on our constitutional freedoms today. It is time to control-alt-delete the judicial system.”Bat Crap...Crazy.  Joining him would be my friends Sen. Jerry Behn (R - Boone) and Rep. Linda Upmeyer (R - Garner) in this thoughtful response found in the Des Moines Register. Warning if you want more of the same, old, tired "doom & gloom" read their piece.  Wonder if Rush is writing their talking points?  Get a feeling their "NO!" button is stuck.

Hey, It's Just Money!

Speaking of the Des Moines Register have a look at this story about Con.Tom Latham (R-Well Not Sure) and his being against the TARP rescue of banks but then he and his family raked in $2.4 million.  Yep...it's a good story.  See folks, it's only money.  Those of us who have money find ways to placate those of you who do not. So we, (as in Tom's case) rail against the "bailout" but then, with our other hand, grab the cash.  Related to this:  I wondered why Tom Latham moved to Clive (seems lots of "displaced Republicans move to...Clive) and now we know. Peoples Trust & Savings Bank huh? Interesting.

Blue Dogs - Last Dog?

Last week my friend Cong. Leonard Boswell voted with the House GOP to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of congress. Two things to consider here. He's in a very tight race where money has favored Tom Latham. (No...really?)  And, he needs votes in SW Iowa and the folks there tend to like their guns. Whoa...what do guns in SW Iowa have to do with "Fast & Furious"?  Enter the NRA.  They have been after Holder and President Obama for...years.  And this, according to our friends at Bleeding Heartland, is a "scorecard issue" for them.  The folks at Bleeding Heartland are some smart cookies...and worth a read.  

I Hear He Has A Temper

You could have fooled me but the word on the street is that my friend Rep. Chris  Hagenow (R - Windsor Heights) has a...temper.  If you remember he was one of the 41 Iowa House Members who recently signed off on a document to ban abortion in Iowa...under any circumstances.  Now, that is the kind of forward thinking we need in The Village.  Coming up next, witch burning.  I see Chris from time to time...I'll ask him.

Partly Personal

Our nations birthday is this week.  Let's hope it is not only safe but also a blessing for all of us as we remember and celebrate the freedoms we enjoy.  I may see you in the parade in The Village of Windsor Heights on the 4th.  Say howdy as the crew from Adams for Senate rolls through.

Last Friday we laid to rest Justin G. Chapman who served for 30+ years as the president of Adas Israel the Jewish congregation of Mason City.  Justin served in WWII in France, spent some time in California working on films and photography.  He came back to Mason City where he lived with his mother, Lena until her death in 1996.  All the while he was active in the Garden Club and his business of making something called LenJus a salve that he said would "cure just about any skin condition".  On Friday there was no family...but lots of "family" as we came to pay our respects.  Oh the stories.  One of the more intersting was that the police and many downtown Mason City folks knew Justin well for...falling asleep at stop lights. That's the story anyway.  He was one of a kind and a good friend to many.  

Have a fantastic Sunday...  Michael