SundayMorningCoffee

Politics, News, Opinion - SMC 03/03/13

Sunday Morning Coffee, a chance for us to gather together and visit about politics, religion, gossip...all the stuff you love to hate.  And, because I have an opinion on most of these things...you get that too.  My name is Michael Libbie and if you would like to comment here feel free.  Or, let's connect on my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page which is right here.  OK...let's get to the "good stuff"!

Glee and Sequester

With the excitement some only reserve for their wedding night my friends in the GOP welcomed "The Sequester".  Some of the more recent comments: "Finally we will take our country back from the brink of financial ruin."  "If this president wants a socialist society he'll now have to find another way.  We'll shut it down first."  Clear thinking from my conservative friends.  Meanwhile, outside of politics, there is a very human side of sequester as thousands of "lazy ass" government workers will accept furloughs and layoffs.  Meanwhile, thousands of factory and technical workers will lose their jobs as providers of military equipment.  The list is long and lousy.   And this is the real shocker, according to the Associated Press, a significant number of Americans know nothing about the sequester.  Huh?  Weary my friends...weary.

It's Official

A couple of weeks ago I shared with you my belief that Cong. Tom Latham (R-IA) would not attempt a run for the US Senate seat being vacated  by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA).  BAM!  Right again as Cong. Latham shared with his supporters that he is not going to make an attempt.  This now opens the door for Cong. Steve King (R-IA) who has expressed interest.  Meanwhile other names have surfaced Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey (R-Spirit Lake), former News Radio 1040 "WGOP" blow-hard Steve Deace, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and a guy who might be considered by my Tea Party friends to be a RINO, Doug Gross.  Four of the five share similar political views.  Sec. Northey, a personal friend, would run a good race. But, once his very conservative religious nature emerges that could be an issue.  Steve Deace can not win a state wide US Senate race and, frankly, neither can Cong. King or Lt. Governor Reynolds.  That leaves Doug Gross the "establishment candidate" who will be rejected by the wacky fringe.  So if Cong. Bruce Brailey (D-IA) does not stumble...he should win...big.

Speaking of the Tea Party

It seems to be alive and thriving in Iowa. There is a new webcast show hosted by Tea Party activist Ken Crow.  Two funny things last week on his show The Tea Party Community - Daily Brief: 1) He was naming the worst cities in the nation and said, "These cities are in three states, New York, Calfornia and Michigan all run by democrats."  Sorry Ken...Michigan is run by one of your darlings.  Then later in the broadcast (8:31) a listener "Karen" posed a question about how the Obama Administration is putting "...dihydrogen monoxide in the water".  And listed the dangers of government and how much "dihydrogen monoxide" there is in foods.  Ken, of course, bought right in...  However, dihydrogen monoxide is...water. Nothing more.  Smart cowboy that Ken.

The University of Iowa...

Is fast becoming a laughing stock.  If you have a kid going to school there just try to learn something from the school about his/her progress, attendance, etc.  You will be told "Sorry, we are not allowed to share that information with you."  However, should you be the sheriff all you need to do is pick up the phone or send an email and you get...everything.  It's the latest embarrassment faced by the University and uncovered by the Des Moines Register.  A president without a contract, a dean accused of sexual misconduct, a lousy football program (hey...we have priorities!) and this.  Weary...very.

Speaking of Higher Education

Looks like Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) really likes Craig Lang on the Board of Regents even though Mr. Lang has been accused of interfering and making political points in favor of his alma mater the Iowa Farm Bureau.  Nah...can't be.  There is nothing political about education.  But, if you want a good read from our friends over at Bleeding Heartland...here you go.  Good stuff!

Meanwhile Marcus Branstad...

Has been named to state commission that oversees hunting regulations.  Marcus is the youngest son of Gov. Terry Branstad and an avid hunter.  No doubt this will seal the deal for lead shot for dove hunting in Iowa.  What?  Yes, there was quite a dust up last year when the Department of Natural Resources ruled hunters should use steel shot vs. lead due to posoining issues among eagles.  The governor and Marcus disagreed and overruled the ban and it was Marcus who showed up in full camo for the annual "turkey pardon" by the governor on Thanksgiving.  That's my boy!

The Minimum Wage

Here it comes.  The "job creators" are warning that if the minimum wage is to be raised (the first since 1996) to $9 an hour nobody will ever find a job again.  That is such bunk.  Recently Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) suggested the minimum wage should be $10.25 an hour because even at $9 that's still under the poverty level.  Seriously...we need to protect business and reduce the minumum wage to $2 an hour...and start employing ten year olds in factories...again.  After all...that is the American way!

Partly Personal

It's been a tough week.  Koozie is, I think, 13 years old and has had back issues...something common to dachshunds. She had been recovering from an incident last week when on Wednesday night things got worse and it was off to the emergency room at the Iowa Veterinary Hospital.  My bride has written about the event in her blog, "Weiners, Wheels and Wine". "What Do You Do When Your Weiner Won't Stand Up".  Check it out...

Meanwhile my Mom has a new blog.  It's called Mom & Me and we just started writing down some of the opinionated things a 93 year-old says.  We'll keep that one going too.  Besides it shows the "softer" side of this Commie Bastard!

 

And then last night my friends raised over $1,200 for the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Bank.  I got to go and here's what went on.

Thanks for coming by... And, feel free to share if ya want.  Michael

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News, Politics, Religion, Opinion - 02/17/13

Sunday Morning Coffee is my weekly rant about the stuff you love to hate...politics, religion, gossip...all laced with my personal opinion.  If you would like to respond here, have at it.  Or, we can connect on my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page which is right here.  But...remember kids...play nice and if you say it, own it.  So, just what's been going on this week?

The Pope Quits

Just like US Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) quit to make room for new ideas and new faces Pope Benedict XVI called it quits this past week.  Usually not caring one iota for what the Catholics do or don't do...unless they cook up another Inquisition...this caught my attention. Will the faithful elect another religious conservative or will they move to the left?  Will the Vatican look to a non-European to guide the Church or will it continue with the status quo?  A developing country perhaps?  I dunno but the politics of the Church is always an interesting thing...ask the Methodists. (Photo: Natursports / Shutterstock.com)

Living in Fear and Loathing

I love Facebook because it brings out the crazy in so many people who clung to the promise of a new world order under Gov. Mitt Romney believing with all their soul the "Dark Night of Obama" would end following the first Tuesday of November.  That didn't happen and rather than learn from their flawed approach to women, minorities, the middle-class, marriage equality and health care they have ramped up the shrillness of negativity and taken it to new low levels.  Let me be clear:  I believe in dissent and your right to voice opposition.  However being disrespectful to the President, showing contempt for our nation and continuing to drink from the "Well of Conspiracy" only distances rational conversation. When I read comments from my ill informed friends who parrot Breitbart/Hannity/Limbaugh/Fox News sound bites it is no wonder you can't get your folks elected.  Nobody can live in fear and loathing for that long and be positive about anything...can they?

Boy Scouts & Gays

"...it would be the beginning of the end for the Boy Scouts.", intoned Chuck Hurley, vice president of the Family Leader, the same group which said marriage equality in Iowa would forever doom marriage.  I don't think so but something should be done....but what?  Most scout organizations are sponsored by religious groups any "local option" compromise which leaves it up to the "sponsor" will create a "patchwork" of opportunities.  While my more orthodox religious friends may ban gays the liberal wings would welcome them.  Creating...choice.  However, "separate but equal" is a problem especially when an organization like the Boy Scouts seeks to appeal to the general public.  I know, I was president of the Iowa Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) when the state organization lost, in court, it's attempt to remain a male only group.  Correctly that error was judged to be in violation of public accommodation.  There are no easy answers here but, I suspect, in another generation folks will scratch their heads and ask, "What the hell was the big deal?".

The Shell Game

Among street cons one of the best known is the "shell game" where the "performer" places an object under a "shell" tells the dupe to "keep you eyes on that shell", moves them around quickly and then proves to the watchful dummy...they failed to see what could not be seen.  Same goes with the new Egyptian owned Orascom fertilizer plant which was given millions of tax dollars to build in Iowa.  All the while playing a "shell game" of sorts with the Iowa Department of Economic Development.  You see, my friends Debi Durham, Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) and a host of others failed to notice a federal lawsuit alleging that one of the company's off-shoots defrauded U.S. taxpayers out of millions of dollars.  Oops...  Never mind that the company has billions of it's own money.  Iowa decided, in the same year Gov. Branstad line item vetoed $500,000 from the Iowa Food Bank Group and then is on a mission to deny Medicaid coverage to thousands of poor Iowans, the rich business needed just a little more.  Gotta watch them...shells.

 

Speaking of Shell Games

My friend Iowa State Senator Jack Whitver (R-Ankeny) was crowing, on his Facebook Page, about introducing legislation which would eliminate the Iowa income tax and replace it with _________.  I asked how he hoped to replace the lost revenue from income taxes and he responded: "Michael - that is why the first step is the study. The first thing to look at is the sales tax exemptions. We have over 15 pages of exemptions to sales tax."  I'm smelling a "flat tax" a darling of the GOP. Of course, his "friends" lapped up his regressive tax proposal while denying the reality: It ain't going anywhere. Sen. Whitver may have joined folks like Herman Cain (remember him?), Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX), Dick Armey and our old friend Steve Forbes who has been pushing for a flat tax for years. The problem is, The Flat tax is a fraud.  It raises taxes on the poor and middle-class while decreasing taxes on the wealthy. "Wait! How can that be?", you may ask.  Because folks who are wealthy spend less, as a percentage, on living than do the poor and middle class.  Besides, we already have a "flat tax" system.  It's called "tax brackets" which treats everybody in that particular tax bracket the same. Next?

Who Should Vote?

During the State of the Union speech President Obama spoke about 102 year old Desiline Victor who made several trips to her Florida polling place and had to wait hours to cast her vote.  Hours.  Why?  Florida cut its early voting period from 14 days to 8 which resulted in longer lines and longer waiting periods. Why?  Gov. Rick Scott (R-FL) decided to experiment with voter suppression.  But it didn't work.  In fact it may have backfired as former Gov. Charlie Crist (D-FL) is making a run to return to Tallahassee.  Legislators and elected officials should be working to improve the voting experience and encourage more people to vote.  However some would limit that right to only those who "pay taxes".  Seriously, now in the minds of some of my Tea Party friends "only those who pay taxes should be allowed to vote".  Wonder what my 92 year old mother would say to that?  Oh, by the way I found it sad that Cong. John Boehner (R-OH) didn't make an effort to stand and salute Desiline Victor.  At least the 102 year-old woman made an attempt to stand and accept the applause of the Chamber.  

The Minimum Wage

The State of the Union speech wasn't even finished before my friends in the "pro-business" world decried the president's proposal to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $9 an hour as "hurting small business" and "causing more people to become unemployed". Let's take a look at the folks who employ the most people at minimum-wage jobs from our friends at Business Insider.  MOST small business people want their employees to do well because they understand that folks who can make a living contribute to the welfare of the entire community. However, those 20 businesses listed on the chart? (Go ahead and click on the chart to read.)

 

Cowards in Windsor Heights?

On Friday I got this piece of mail that must have been sent to each mailbox in the "Village" of Windsor Heights.  The call to action is to oppose a pawn shop in "The Village" and asks the good citizens to contact their elected city council members to voice, what I take is, opposition to allowing this "type" of business to locate here.  OK...no problem with that but...WHO sent the mailing?  Nowhere is there an indication of who sponsored the mailing.  Could it be the Windsor Heights Klu Klux Klan?  Might it have been the Windsor Heights Communist Party?  Who is the coward?  I dunno...  But, this I do know:  We already have a Wal-Mart in Windsor Heights...a pawn shop can't be worse.

Partly Personal

Last night some friends had a "soft opening" of the 515 Brewing Company. The back-story to this opening is the hours and hours of work and investment Ryan Rost, Dave Ropte, Brandon Criger and Bailey Forrest (and their spouses) poured into their dream.  We went over to have a look and offer you this:

 

One additional bit of information:  The 515 Brewing Company is located less than 30 feet from one of the highly used bike trails that meander through the Metro.  That will bring a summertime boost.  See, I can enjoy and celebrate capitalism...too.

Have a wonderful Sunday and thanks for coming by! - Michael

 

 

 

 

 

 

News, Politics, Religion & Opinion - SMC 02/10/13

Welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly look at the world of politics and religion coated with my personal opinion and some gossip. My name is Michael P. Libbie and if you would like to comment here, feel free.  Or we can connect on my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page which is right here.  OK then...what devilment has been going on this week?

Religion & Work

Some Catholics and some Jews have their underwear in a knot as they continue to bitch about the Affordable Care Act, contraception and health coverage for employees. I get it...you folks have a deep and abiding belief and there is a very simple answer to this entire issue.  Hire ONLY "Religious Catholics" or "Religious Jews".  When you have a job opening from executive director to janitor just post these words, "Only religious ________ need apply."  Done, over...stop wringing your hands.  Besides working with additional xenophobic individuals who hold to the "only true belief" should offer everybody a sense of...grace.  But, then again, there is that dastardly idea of, free choice. You know...something that was given to us by...G-d.  Tough huh?  Oh, and while you're at it...pony up on property taxes....or a fee for service for police, fire and roads.  OR...hire your own fire and police protection.  (I can see it now...a badge, a gun and a shtreimel.)  I know...the horror! (Photo: paul prescott / Shutterstock.com)

Doctor...We Need a Doctor!

Seems there is a significant lack of doctors in Iowa and the only way to fix that issue is to put a cap on malpractice lawsuits and/or have a "review panel" take a look at the proposed lawsuit and rule if it has merit or not...all designed to bring down the cost of malpractice insurance. That is the view from Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) who says it's these kinds of things that keeps physicians away from the Hawkeye State.  Rubbish...  I have been, many times over the years, involved in attempting to lure physicians to Iowa and never, not once, have these issues been raised. What is more likely to come up is..."Iowa?  So, what do you DO in Iowa?" or "Let me visit with my spouse.  She/He is a little concerned that we'll be living in the 'Siberia of the Midwest'."  or "So, tell me again how many symphony dates there are in Red Oak?" And...oh this is good:  According to a recent article from the Des Moines Register the idea that high insurance rates are keeping physicians out of Iowa just ain't...true.  What is true might be, "So, tell me again about your Jewish Day School in Fort Dodge/Mason City...Des Moines."  While I happen to LOVE our quality of life in Iowa transferring that to a skeptical doctor from Philadelphia/Chicago/LA/NY/Charlotte is a tough sell.

Sen. Harkin & Iowa State University

If you read this from outside the Iowa border you may not know about the flap going on between Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and his alma mater Iowa State University.  Retiring Sen. Harkin had considered offering his papers from nearly 40 years of public service to ISU.  They would be used as the backbone of the Harkin Institute an educational/public policy program which, I would suspect, would continue further study in specific areas of interest dear to the liberal lion of the US Senate.  But...whoa down...Monsanto/Dupont/Iowa Farm Bureau/Iowa GOP we'll not have any "institute" be looking over our shoulder and into industrial agriculture. After all, ISU ain't no "liberal bastion of intellectual learning" like that Commie University of Iowa! Yet another black eye...weary.

Harkin, Hillary and POTUS

The announced departure of Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) from the US Senate shook up the politics in Iowa...big time.  Last week the Des Moines Register, in an Iowa Poll, said former Governor Tom Vilsack (D-IA) (and current US Secretary of Agriculture) held a big lead over announced candidate Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA).  Two things are wrong with the idea of Secretary Vilsack running for congress:  1) Tom Vilsack loves policy and he's an administrator. I can't see him running for office on the perpetual two year cycle for US House of Representatives and 2) Tom Vilsack will be the running mate for Hillary Clinton in 2016, sewing up Iowa early.  Go ahead...write it down.

Meanwhile "The King of Iowa" Will Win

The "Harkin Shake-up" has the Iowa GOP in a lather.  It also has Karl Rove (Remember him from election night?  He was convinced Gov. Romney was winning...and "...something must be wrong with these numbers".)  Anyway Rep. Steve King (R-IA) wants to be a US Senator and Mr. Rove views Rep. King as a danger to the "kinder, nicer, happier GOP". (Think Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)...)  The "Happy Wing of the Republican Party" would much rather have somebody, oh say, like Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA).  After all, Tom is "happy".  He has a nice tan and he doesn't come across as bat-crap-crazy.  However if it comes to a primary... Rep. King will win.  Primaries tend to bring out the faithful and there are none more faithful that the "Bat-Crap-Crazy Wing" of the Iowa Republicans.  Want more proof?  Look who is running the Iowa GOP.  It's them "Paulists"...  Who just last week said, "If you are looking for marriage equality don't look to the Iowa GOP."  Translation: While our tent is big it just ain't big enough for them queers! - Thank you A.J. Spiker...you have made my point.

Guns & Iowa

(Personal note to my friends outside of Iowa:  I am truly sorry this has become "The Iowa Blog" but there is so much going on in our little state and the Iowa Legislature is in session which makes everything here so much more...crazy.  Besides, you would be surprised at how many Iowans don't know what the heck is going on...either.) Back to our regularly scheduled program:  Well, well...looks like the majority of Iowans support President Obama and more controls on firearms.  You know...CRAZY stuff like universal background checks, banning assault weapons and that nutty idea of limiting the number of rounds in a magazine. (No silly...not THAT kind of magazine...this kind.)  If you want to read more...here is a link to the Iowa Poll and the Des Moines Register.

Partly Personal

It was a busy weekend for family.  Our daughter Holly come up from St. Joseph so grand-daughter Sailor could compete with the Midwest Storm Cheer a competitive cheer leading squad at a HUGE event called the "Get Loud Tour" from Great Lakes Championship Company (GLCC) based in Louisville.  Hundreds of girls, loud music...lots of shrill screaming and...GLITTER...everywhere!  Here is Sailor getting her "glitter on" just prior to the event.  I've got film of this and we'll do a story on an upcoming show.  The back-story of the business is very interesting.

Then, last night it was the 4th birthday party for our grand-daughter Taylor.  Nice time.  Taylor, by the way, is convinced this is...Batman. I dunno...  Anyway, wanted to share this photo with you. It's Gramma June (92) with her great-grandson Carter. (I swear he looks like the E-Trade Baby!)  You know...it's moments like this that are simply fantastic.  I am blessed.

Have a wonderful Sunday and thanks for reading!  OH...and DO NOT FORGET VALENTINE'S DAY this week.  You will regret it...forever...if you forget.  That's a public service announcement. - Michael

 

 

Politics, News, Opinion - A Super SMC - 02/03/13

I dunno...something about todays Sunday Morning Coffee just seems...super!  Thanks for coming by to read my personal opinion on the stuff you hate:  Politics, Religion, Gossip. My name is Michael P. Libbie and you're invited to comment here, follow me on my personal Twtter Stream @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page.  Lot's on tap kids...let's go:

Pinch Me...

Could it be?  Last week members of the sane wing of the Republican Party floated a couple of trial balloons...just to watch the GOP Wacky Wing make more threats.  A bi-partisan group from the US Senate suggested we need to get serious about immigration and offered up several proposals.  The ever-wacky Robert Ussery of the Iowa Minutemen condemned the plan as a "slap in the face".  Meanwhile former GOP chairman of the Republican National Committee, Ken Mehlman (Jewish and Gay...so there you have it...) came to Iowa to urge his party to support "gay unions".  (Please, no jokes about 'pipe fitters' we're talkin' marriage equality not labor unions.)  Framing the conversation along "limited government", "family values" and "personal responsibility" Mehlman attempted to shift the conversation.  This too will go down in flames.  Trust me the Republicans can't help themselves.  They wish, with all their might, to remain the party of frustrated, rich, white guys who fear everything.  Including the cute guy with the purple tie...I dunno...but just had a vision of my friend Dave Price of WHO-TV 13 who no doubt is reading this as he gets ready for his Sunday morning show, "The Insiders" or writing "Price of Politics".  BTW his guest today at 9AM is Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA).  Free plug Dave!

NRA Requests Repeal of Second Amendment

In a startling move leaders of the National Rifle Association yesterday announced  plans to ask it's members to contact congress in an effort to repeal the Second Amendment.  The abrupt change of direction occurred after the White House released a photo taken in August showing President Obama shooting skeet at Camp David.  "We had no idea he had or had ever shot a firearm.  We fear for our country when people like Obama, a liberal socialist who happens to be Muslim actually had access to a gun."  The White House did not comment.

More Wacky Than News Radio 1040 WGOP?

OK, that piece above was satire.  For those of you in the Tea Party that means it's not true and an attempt at being funny. However, this isn't.  This week I had the misfortune to spend some time listening to talk radio as I drove to Little Rock, AR. Oh My Gosh!  The morning guy at KCMO (which at one time was a great midwest station) was going on about how any talk of gun control by any member of the GOP was, "An attempt to kick the Republican Party to the fringe left; and we'll remember who they are so we can mount primary campaigns against them." And you wonder why sane members of the GOP sit out.  Meanwhile a little further down the road a talk show host was telling his listeners that, "I believe the attack on Sandy Hook school was done by terrorists hired by the federal government...if indeed there was any shooting at all."  Finally this from the "Rushbo": "The reason the Democrats want amnesty for all these illegals is because they need to replace all the Democratic babies they have killed with abortion."  These people are obscene.

Speaking of Obscene

Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy (R-NE) resigned yesterday following an Omaha World Herald newspaper report that he used his state-issued cell phone to place thousands of late-night calls to women. Whoa down now.  I happen to know that many of the faithful take part in "Prayer Chains" which involves phone calls at all times of the day or night seeking support for each other and calling on Jesus to right the wrongs of this nation and rein in liberal activists who trample on the Constitution.  I am sure Mr. Sheehy was just doing his part as a faithful Christian Soldier.  There is nothing at all to this story.  Move along now, nothing to see.

Speaking of Prayer...

This week I was asked if I would be interested in attending the Value Voters Summit in the future.  The man asking me was from Texas, wore a huge cowboy hat with two pins, (one saying "Pray for America" and the other "Impeach Obama!").  I asked him what goes on at a Value Voters Summit. "Why we listen to great speeches about what is wrong with America, how we can get our country back and we pray a bunch."  What do you pray for?  "We pray that Jesus will turn this nation back to it's Christian roots."  Christian roots?  What about all of the people in this nation who are not Christian?  "Them?  Well we pray they get changed 'cause they are all going to Hell, just like this country if we don't get control."  Do you feel, as a Christian, threatened?  "You're damn right!  These socialists like Obama want to take our faith, our guns and our liberty."  But, what about the faith of the people who are not Christian is Obama after them too?  "No because they ain't Christian.  It's us that's under attack.  You really need to come to one of our conventions...."  I said I would "think about it" while declining to tell him I am Jewish and a Progressive...I think his cowboy hat would have exploded. You see, I'm not too sure he has ever actually visited before with...Satan. 

Meanwhile in Iowa

I see State Senator Mark Chelgren (R-Ottumwa) wants to change the Iowa Constitution and allow women the opportunity to serve in the state militia.  Except Iowa does not have a "state militia".  It was disbanded in 1877 when the Iowa National Guard was created. But, none of that matters to the ""Bat Crap Crazy" because to guys like Sen. Chelgren and others like him it is the government we need to fear and saying words like "militia" rings solid with Tea Party folks like my new friend from Texas.  Here is the full story from my friends at Bleeding Heartland.

Oh Canada...

This week I visited with a friend who lives in Canada.  He asked me, "So what is it about you Americans and guns?"  We talked about how, in Canada, it is difficult to obtain a license for a firearm and once you get one it must be renewed every three years. "I don't want or need a gun", said Sid.  "But what many of us in Canada do not understand is how your people oppose even simple things like checking to see if a guy isn't a nut case before you hand over anything from a handgun to a military style rifle.  We find it...odd."  Me too Sid...me too.

Speaking of Guns...

I see where former Navy SEAL and sniper Chris Kyle of "American Sniper" fame was shot and killed along with a second man at a firing range in Texas.  Sad for the families and for so many other reasons.  But, you are right...guns don't kill...  I get it. Weary...very.  Here is the story from CNN.

Partly Personal

I made the Clinton Presidential Library while in Little Rock.  WOW...technology allows so much interaction.  A very cool trip. If you get in that area it is a MUST See.  Very near to the library is the Concordia Hall Museum.  What caught my eye was a plaque on the outside of the building with a "Star of David".  Seems the Christians who lived in Little Rock denied Jews from renting any social halls to hold large events.  So, the Jews of Little Rock got together and built a building.  It is now an art and cultural center associated with the Little Rock Public Library.  Inside they had a display of the Clinton Years in Arkansas.  That is where I found this photo of then Governor Clinton, President George Bush, Secretary of Education Lauro F. Cavazos, Jr. and our own Governor Terry Branstad.  No comment (but you should see the nutty stuff folks posted my FB page...Weary - Part Two.

Have a Super Sunday...and thanks for coming by! - Michael

 

Politics, People, Gossip - SMC 01/20/13

Sunday Morning Coffee...something to relax you.  Actually it's my look at politics, people, religion, gossip and more all tinged with my personal opinion.  You are entitled to yours as well and if you wish to comment here feel free.  Or we can connect on my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page is right here.  Lots of stuff this week kids...let's go:

It's A Horrible Day

Some of my friends are spending the next 24 hours in a continued state of shock or vegetative state. (Anyway, something really bad.)  Barack Obama will take the oath of office and become President of the United States of America...for a second term.  Republicans will sit in ashes while rending their clothing of sackcloth because, for them, this is a tragedy beyond comprehension.  After all Obama, "a socialist community organizer and worst person ever", trounced their "great leader" Gov. Mitt Romney who championed everything they stand for: Old Rich White Guys and their Corporations. Why is there so much misery?  Because these folks believed, with all their soul, that 2008 was a social experiment which would be corrected in 2012 by a GOP victory.  That didn't happen because the nation has changed.  America has become more diverse in culture, religion and gender identification. Oh and one other thing:  It's Martin Luther King Jr. Day and everybody knows he is a Communist.  To top it all off both are...African Americans.  Have a nice day.

Working Class Anger

I've been puzzled as to why a man or woman making a modest income would be so violently opposed to unions and this president. I see it every day.  Folks I know who work hard, just as hard as their union counterparts, yet cast stones on unions, any union as if they are the enemy of the middle class.  After some thought I believe the answer lies in...jealously.  They see union members receiving pay and benefits (all negotiated) which are better then theirs and they realize they are in this fight...alone.  Nobody has their back.  They see it as unfair if, for example, AFSCME Members receive health care benefits while they must pay all or a percentage of their insurance.  They see it as unfair if a steelworker, truck driver or electrician gets more per hour while their hourly wage has stagnated. And, they are right...somebody (a Union) has their back and they got...nuttin'.  No protection, no security...nuttin' other than hoping for crumbs from the well laden table of their overseers.  That would be depressing and I understand your anger.

Hope Congress Has Short a Short Memory

Last week there was hand wringing being done by Representatives Tom Latham (R-Iowa) and Steve King (R-Iowa).  They are so worried about government spending that they voted against financial aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy.  Oh, they might have voted for the $50 billion in aid had it been offset by other spending cuts.  (By the way, this is the first time the GOP House has tried to tie spending cuts to disaster funding and it didn't work.)  Let's hope Iowa never sees another flood or any serious storms and goes, hat in hand, to congress.  I wouldn't be surprised if even East Coast GOP leaders would deny their support.  Here's the story from our friends at Bleeding Heartland.

We Already Regulate Guns and Other Stuff

I would suggest to you that a grenade launcher is a firearm.  So too are fully automatic M-16's.  Sawed off shotguns are firearms.  Yet the government regulates each of these.  For the Gun Lobby and their friends in the Republican Party to suggest that the government should not regulate large capacity magazines, semi-automatic rifles, decide on who gets and who does not get a weapon is just...pandering to fear.  The government regulates the speed you drive your vehicle, the booze you drink, the guns you long for...already.  This entire arguement is an obfucation and will further marganilize the GOP.  Watch. In the meantime you'll find them in their bunkers...waiting.

Maybe Jesus Will Help Here Too

Iowa State Senator Kent Sorenson (R-Milo) might be in as hot a kettle of water as when he had some serious personal issues which almost derailed his political future. But all was made right as Jesus walked in and Sen. Sorenson was forgiven.  This time Jesus might have to do double duty as the Michele Bachmann campaign stands accused of making "improper paymments" of $7,500 a month to the Sen. Sorenson who was the state chairman of her failed presidential campaign.  You might remember the strong back-bone of Sen. Sorenson as he, on the eve of the 2012 Iowa Caucus, quit the Bachmann campaign gave his support to the failed campaign of former Texas Rep. Ron Paul.  But, hey...the gravey train was pulling into the station anyway so why not abandon ship at the 11th hour?  Classy...  This should be fun to watch.

I Was Wrong

Several weeks ago I wrote that Susan Voss and her cozy relationship with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield would result in a 9% premium increase rather than the  12-13 percent increase requested by the Iowa insurance monopoly.  I was wrong.  Iowa State Insurance Commissioner, Susan Voss, approved the full measure.  In four years Wellmark has had this "insurance commission" approve increases of 48.4%. We are to believe that somehow the Iowa Insurance Division provides protection to citizens rather than boosting the bottom line of insurance companies. Meanwhile Wellmark spends money like drunken sailors on lavish headquarters and multi-million dollar pay and benefits for executives.  Who gets screwed...you. It is another knife in the back of the middle class who have seen paychecks erode due to higher and higher costs.  Shame on you Susan Voss and Wellmark. But, if you want a laugh have a look at the Iowa Insurance Consumer Advocate blog which lists over 300 consumer comments on this issue alone. "Pissing in the wind" comes to mind.  But, there is more... Golden Rule Insurance a UnitedHealthCare company has requested a 15% rate increase...yeah baby, bend over, here it comes!

Jeff Danielson - Not A Chance In Hell

My friend Sen. Jeff Danielson (D-Waterloo) has introduced legislation to make all political contributions public and it doesn't have a chance in hell of passage.  Jeff, as much as I love the idea of transparancy the folks who roam the lobby just outside of your chambers will fight tooth and nail to make sure this never sees the "light of day" because when you follow the money you know who really makes the laws and who elects...who.  I support Sen. Danielson's effort 100% and you should too  For those of you who would like to take a look, here's the article from our friends at the Globe Gazette.

Dream Team?

OK let's turn the clock forward a bit to...say...Labor Day, 2013.  The back-room conversations have taken place and the Iowa Democrats have decided to pit, oh say, my friends State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald and Sen. Jeff Danielson (D-Waterloo) against Gov. Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds.  At that moment Gov. Branstad makes the decision not to run in 2014 and the party ordains Lt. Gov. Reynolds and...gosh...State Auditor Richard Vaudt hoping the GOP machine will win the day. But let's say the Iowa Democrats select Cong. Bruce Braley (D-IA) and State Senator Jack Hatch (D-Des Moines).  The landscape changes because we've got powerful people and a link between eastern Iowa and Des Moines; and Gov. Branstad decideds he's going to run again.  My point is this:  Gov. Branstad will decide on running only after the Democrats make their choice.  If the Iowa GOP feels "safe" he's out.  Watch my children...

In Yet Another Setback

The ink isn't dry on the deplorable and xenophobic attack on young undocumented immigrants beging waged by the Iowa Department of Transportation and their decision to not issue drivers licenses to them even though they have been granted "temporary legal status" by the federal program known as Defered Action for Childhood Arrivals.  Last week DOT Director Paul Trombino (anybody see his birth certificate?) defended the policy saying Homeland Security says these folks are not granted lawful status.  But, wait!  On Friday the Department of Homeland Security, according to a story from our friend Jason Noble in the Des Moines Register, updated their website FAQ's saying that undocumented immigrants allowed to stay in the United States through the program were "lawfully present".  Oh Oh...now what?  Now how do we make these young people pay for the sin of being in Iowa?  Maybe...brand their cheeks with two big "I" letters.  One for "Iowa" the other for "Illegal"?  Come on Paul...this is silly. (Photo: Ryan Rodrick Beiler / Shutterstock.com)

Speaking of "Branding"

The new "brand" for the Waukee Warriors High School is (drum roll)....."Marvin the Martian"! (Well it almost was.)  I tell ya what those Waukee folks know their stuff.  A couple of years ago, due to a large dose of "political correctness" the school took a hatchet (sorry) to their "Native American warrior symbol" and decided to "borrow" the "Flying W" from the University of Wisconsin.  Wisconsin lawyers got wind of that travisty (WHAT? Waukee didn't PAY us??) and the school was forced to alter the Flying W into a weak "Hovering W".  Who in the world wants a weak "Hovering W"?  Not Waukee!  So the branding wizards (I believe they were kids so I'm going easy here) got busy and came up with...a "Flying Marvin" who failed to inspire the faithful. OK, it's not like you would listen to me but...if the Washington Redskins and the Chicago Black Hawks can use Native American symbols isn't it time to bring back your...Warrior?  Or you can always change the brand to the Waukee Wildebeests and have a snorting African mammal as your logo.  Come on...think outside of the box people!

Partly Personal

I was at an event last night surrounded by Republicans.  Nice Republicans, not the wacky ones who want to invade every decision you and your family make.  These were "Fiscal Republicans" who don't much care about guns, marriage equality, tyrannical government, or abortion.  They care more about their pocketbook and, frankly, less about the national debt. These are people with whom I can have a conversation about politics.  Out of the blue I was asked, "So, Michael, what do you think the Republic ian Party needs to do to become more relevant to the people?"  I was shocked. (You mean these "thoughtful Republicans" KNOW their party has become a circus side show?)  Here is the answer: Yesterday President Obama called on Americans to dedicate some time to a National Day of Service.  Many people responded in a host of activities to help others.  I got to spend a little time encouraging people to buy food at the local grocery store and then donate it to the Urbandale Food Bank (yes...there is actually a food bank in, of all places...Urbandale).  Meanwhile my GOP friends were at the Capitol railing against a womans right to choose and praying for the "sins of America". While others were giving speeches about "protecting against tyrannical governments" by having a basement full of guns. Think Iowa Rep. Tom Shaw (R-Laurens). 

There is the difference.  The vast majority of Americans want thoughtful gun control. The majority of Americans want freedom to make a private, personal choice about health care and some of us actually believe that decision is based on...faith...but we're not going to pound our faith into you by law. 

The GOP needs to come to grips with the fact they are not speaking the same language as most Americans.  The proof is the fact President Obama, today, will be take the Oath of Office for...a second term.

And, a "shout out" to my old friend John Jacobs whom I ran into yesterday while doing duty for the National Day of Service.  John lives in Oskaloosa, Iowa and does afternoon radio at Hot Country Hits 104.9 FM / 740 AM.  It was good to see him and "remember" some of the "old days".  He even admitted to reading Sunday Morning Coffee even if it just pisses him off.

Thanks for coming by...and have a fantastic Sunday!

Politics, People, Gossip and More - SMC 01/13/13

Oh my, it's ALREADY Sunday!  An eventful past week in the world of politics, people and gossip and Sunday Morning Coffee brings it to you along with my opinion. My name is Michael P. Libbie and if you would like to connect here with a comment, feel free.  Or we can get together on my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page is right here.  So, what's been happening?  Let's go...

Cowards

Sorry, not sure I have another word to describe the way lawmakers are ducking their responsibilities.  The US Congress seems at a loss for how to deal with gun violence and most state legislators (think Iowa) are too gutless to even talk about the issue of mandatory background checks, halting the sale of semi-automatic weapons and large capacity ammo clips.  The NRA and their ilk have convinced their members the goal is to ban all firearms and nothing could be further from the truth.  The conversation needs to be focused on the rational use of firearms. I can think of no rational argument to own/use a semi-automatic rifle, own/use high capacity ammo clips and obstruct mandatory background checks including private sales.  If you want to give me some reasons...your turn.

Speaking of Guns...

On Friday during River to River, an Iowa Public Radio feature with Ben Kieffer, the president of the Iowa Firearms Coalition, Jeff Burkett said he objected to the use of the words, "gun violence" because it was "not accurate". Whoa...seriously? But it gets worse.  Burkett also objected to the term "shooter" to describe the killers in mass murders and went on to talk about knife violence in...China.  Burkett, and others like him, like to obfuscate the issue and turn the conversation into a battle of semantics.  If you would like to hear that podcast...and have the time...here you go.  Final thought:  It is impossible to have a thoughtful conversation regarding any issue if you start at, "I am right and you are the enemy."  Odd people...very odd.

But Then Again...

There is this:  Last week former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords (D-AZ) and her husband Mark Kelly launched Americans for Responsible Solutions. What Ms. Giffords and Capt. Kelly (USN-Ret.) bring to the table is a sensible discussion.  From their USA Today Op-Ed piece: "Forget the boogeyman of big, bad government coming to dispossess you of your firearms. As a Western woman and a Persian Gulf War combat veteran who have exercised our Second Amendment rights, we don't want to take away your guns any more than we want to give up the two guns we have locked in a safe at home. What we do want is what the majority of NRA members and other Americans want: responsible changes in our laws to require responsible gun ownership and reduce gun violence."  You can learn more here. 

Bullies...All

Governor Terry Branstad (R-IA) is a bully and he is playing politics with safety.  When the Iowa Department of Transportation decides they will not issue drivers licenses to young men and women because their parents brought them to this country illegally it is wrong and smacks of political bully behavior.  He should be ashamed.

When Secretary of State Matt Schultz (R-IA) defends his misuse of thousands of federal dollars to chase individuals who may have registered to vote illegally and then offers up an administrative rule to send threatening letters to those people his office "thinks" may be illegal voters...it is political bully behavior.

Ladies and Gentlemen, these two men are lock-step and need to be replaced what will be interesting is who will come out to challenge them for 2014.

Which Brings Us To Brad Anderson

My friends at The Bleeding Heartland say that it is a mistake to look to Brad Anderson to take on Secretary of State Matt Schultz and more prudent to consider former SOS Michael Mauro (D-IA) as a contender in 2014.  I don't think so.  Mr. Mauro, who currently is the Labor Commissioner for Iowa seems to enjoy his current job which, by the way, pays more and, I believe, he would love to stay in that position but under a new governor.  Your thoughts?  Here is the post from our friends at Bleeding Heartland.

Which Brings us to Bruce Braley

First District Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA) is said to be considering a run for governor.  The front page story from this morning's Des Moines Register mentions lots of reasons why he should run...and lots of reasons why he'll be beaten by Gov. Terry Branstad.  There are also lots of other names being tossed around in Democratic circles.  Time will tell, but my money is that he makes a run for it.  Which would make for some interesting primary battles. Here is a link to the Des Moines Register for more.

Chris Hagenow - 2014

The 2013 Iowa Legislature has yet to gavel to session so this may be too early.  However, a shout-out to my friend Rep. Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights) to not get too comfy in his chair. Wheels are already turning in a challenge for the 2014 race.  For those of you who follow these things Mr. Hagenow defeated Susan Judkins (D-Clive) by 22 votes.  Comfy is not a word I'd use to console Mr. Hagenow as he record on education and women's issues is...abysmal.  Watch...and wait.

Math

I believe Governor Branstad (R-IA) was not home-schooled so we can forgive him if he needs some remedial work in mathematics.  If you remember, way back in 2010, Candidate Branstad was telling Iowans that he would create 200,000 jobs and increase family income by $25,000 per year.  Lofty and pandering.  But, Iowans bought it.  Now, as governor, Mr. Branstad has to find a way (two years into his term) to convince these gullible Iowans that he is on track. Oh my...what to do???  "I KNOW! Let's just make stuff up!" So, Iowa's governor has created a "new category" not recognized by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and calls it, "Gross Over-The-Month Employment Gains".  Hell, Iowans will believe anything so if we just ignore "jobs lost" and replace that number with this new category, BINGO...we're on track!  Gotta hand it to my friends Governor Branstad and Tim Albrecht...they've got a way with...words.  Meanwhile they are still trying to figure out how to cook the books on that promise of $25,000 a year increase in family income.  Maybe that was ONLY if you were an Egyptian fertilizer manufacturer...we just didn't read the small print.

Warning

The 85th General Assembly gavels to order tomorrow.  You have been...warned.  What that actually means is that lots and lots of people will start making lots and lots of money.  They are called lobbyists and, while they have never left, it will be good to see them...work in public. If you don't have much to do it's always fun to watch what bills they support and what bills they do not.  For more on our friends who "live under the golden dome" here is a neat link to see who is who.

Kids...Win

Recently the Des Moines Public School Board listened to...kids. The Board had made the decision to hold classes on January 21 which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day because a day of school (funding) needed to be made up due to a December 20 snow storm. That decision came under fire from the NAACP Youth Council who, peacefully, protested and asked the School Board to reverse their decision.  Which they...did.  Nice...very.

Partly Personal

My Mom will be, G-d willing, 93 in June.  She is in pretty good health and lives on her own (with lots of daily "help").  Her major complaint is her knee.  She should have had it replaced 20 years ago because the "bone-on-bone" hurts like hell...until she found a doctor who treats it with an injection every six weeks.  This trip to the offices of Scott Neff, DO has become a highlight of her physician trips. Sure, Dr. Neff is great (even though our politics are different) but so too is the staff.  Everybody is friendly...everybody.  Everybody takes the time to talk to Mom...everybody.  The good natured way they banter is a blessing to an "old lady" who relishes conversation.  Nice...very.

Have a wonderful Sunday...stay warm!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Politics, People & Gossip - SMC 01/06/13

If it's Sunday it's time for Sunday Morning Coffee my look at the world of politics, religion, people and gossip all tinged with my personal opinion.  My name is Michael P. Libbie and if you would like to comment here, feel free (but if you say it...own it) or we can connect on my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page which is right here.  OK then...grab a cup!

The Deal

I am amused by my friends on the left who feel the deal struck between President Obama and Congress regarding the "Fiscal Cliff" was bad.  I am equally amused that my friends on the right also think they got the shaft.  To read the doom and gloom from both sides is to believe, "nobody got nutten".  Well hold on my partisan friends because that is how politics...works.  It is called negotiation.  Do both sides have a point.  Sure but getting "it all" ain't going to happen especially when our nation is so divided. Besides...I already told you what was going to go down well in advance.  Remember?  It's not that I'm psychic it's just this is what happens when people/ politics are so polarized.  Now comes the debt ceiling.  The president says he is not going to discuss it.  The GOP led house says they are going to demand more spending cuts or shut down the government.  Nope...ain't gonna happen there is far too much at stake.

Let's Talk...Guns

Another issue that will receive zero traction will be any meaningful decision regarding firearms. Zero. (Unless we can inject some sex here...hmmmm.)  Oh sure...we're going to talk about it.  Vice President Biden will talk about it and offer up some sound legislative objectives but in the end. Nothing will happen. You are too obsessed with guns and the boogie man.  Common sense will not prevail and nothing will happen.  In an interesting side note Des Moines Register editor Rick Green is falling all over himself (and on a sword or two) due to a Donald Kaul opinion piece written last week about guns, the NRA and Congress. It was a great article but, it seems, the satire my friend Donald included in his piece riled up the lunatic gun folks.  Not sure if you can catch all of this but it's worth a read. (Rick Green public apology here - Donald Kaul piece from today here.)  Anyway, all of this "hand wringing" brings me to this observation:

Cutting Social Welfare Programs

When I was a kid I watched The Untouchables.  Robert Stack, whom my aunt worked with in a US Navy gunnery class (or so the family story goes), played Elliot Ness the leader of this group of G-Men determined to root out evil gangster activity.  One of those activities was the "protection racket".  "Youse wanna do business in my town, youse gotta pay my boys for protection against bad stuff that could happen to you or youse family."  For my well-heeled friends who wish to cut social welfare programs my suggestion to you is that you...move.  Move far away from any folks who currently receive the benefit of social welfare because what they don't get from the various programs they will come and get from you. I know a very jaded look at reality huh?  Your comments are welcome.

Traffic Cameras & School Buses

For those of you who hate traffic cameras and believe they are an invasion of your Constitutional Rights please do not read the rest of this.  It will make you crazy(er).  In a recent story from the Des Moines Register regarding the number of people who illegally pass stopped school buses we learn that, here in Iowa, twenty school districts use CAMERAS to catch, "stop-arm violators".  Oh the HORROR!  I am hoping my friend Sen. Brad Zaun (R-Urbandale) will immediately set forth a bill to ban the use of school districts using these unconstitutional school bus cameras.  Where is the Iowa Department of Transportation who told the Village of Windsor Heights they could not install traffic cameras on I-235?  Yet THIS is allowed?  And, don't tell me it's about safety.  Come on people...where is the outrage?  Here, from my friends at the Des Moines Register, is the story.

Iowa - Can't Vote, Can't Drive, Can't Work

I dunno...maybe it's time to move.  Over the past several weeks the State of Iowa has become such an embarrassment that we're starting to look more like Florida without warm weather, oranges or Disneyworld. (We do have Adventureland...).  Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz (R-Iowa) received an ear-full during a public comment forum regarding his insatiable quest to supress the vote and seek out Zombie Voters. Meanwhile the Iowa Department of Transportation is not going to issue drivers licenses to kids who were brought to this state as undocumented aliens.  And, finally the Iowa Supreme Court says that being female and being attractive is enough to get you fired from a job you've held for ten years.  Comedy Central needs to spend some time here...oh one other thing:  The Iowa Legislature convenes in just days...hold on it will get better.

Do the Math

I was not home-schooled so I didn't get a good education.  The proof is that, even as a Jew, I've never been real good at...math. However, let me take a stab at this one. The insurance monopoly here in Iowa, Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield has asked the Iowa Insurance Division (Don't get me started on them...) to approve a 12 - 13% premium increase in 2013.  That is on top of a 9.4% increase in 2012, an 8.5% increase in 2011 and a whopping 18% increase in 2010.  (Now here is where it gets dicey...I gotta add.) In three years Wellmark has received a 35.9% increase in rates.  If they get 12% this time (they won't it will be scaled back to 9%) that would be a 47.9% increase in four years.  Now...take a look at your paycheck.  Unless your name is John Forsyth CEO of Wellmark who gets paid 3.1 million a year nearly double what he made several years ago. Never mind...  Just pay up people...somebody has to take care of the ruling class.

Speaking of Paychecks...

Last week Governor Terry Branstad (R-IA) named his buddy, former State Senator Stuart Iverson (R-Clarion), to a position on the State of Iowa Property Assessment Appeal Board at an annual salary of $137,000.  This means that Mr. Iverson will use his influence in...oh...gosh...what?  Lemme see... Persuade the Iowa State Senate to take a serious look at the GOP backed measure regarding commercial property taxes?  Nah...that would never happen. However, given this statement from Governor Branstad, "Stewart Iverson understands the complexities of Iowa’s property tax system, and will take a fair and measured approach on the board." it might lead one to believe that Mr. Iverson won't just sit in a room making decisions on my property taxes.  What do you think?

While You Were Resting...

No doubt you were resting yesterday during Shabbat and missed the re-election of A.J. Spiker as the chair of the Iowa Republican Party.  It is a move designed to further marginalize what was once a political entity in this state.  Here is the back-story: Mr. Spiker is a passionate disciple of former Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX). (You remember Congressman Paul.  He is the leader of the libertarian cult which means...well I dunno other than you, as an individual, get to make all the rules. Oh, and if you are upset at stuff, like losing an election, states should consider secession from the United States. Main stream sort of stuff.) Anyway Mr. Spiker and his libertarian followers have packed the state central committee and the result has been a financial blow as donations plummeted by 43% last year but insured the election of Mr. Spiker.  This is so fun to watch.  I used to think it was Democrats who ate their young...these guys are so much better.

Partly Personal

This is one of our granddaughters, Taylor.  Actually she is Batman (no kidding) we call her Bat Tay and she runs around the house bopping and popping all sorts of things.  This was taken as she wore her jammies to pre-school this week.  Can you tell she is excited?  The one thing that was missing was her mask...guess that was not allowed.

Have a wonderful Sunday and remember today is Beatles Brunch over at Cafe di Scala in Sherman Hills...  Just sayin'. Michael

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Politics, People, Gossip & More - SMC 12-30-12

Welcome to the final installment of Sunday Morning Coffee…for 2012.  I know… For a moment my Right Wing Friends were seized with…hope and change.  Nah…can’t let you get off that easy.  Sunday Morning Coffee is politics, religion, gossip all tinged with my personal opinion. My name is Michael Libbie and you’re invited to join in but if you say it…own it with a comment here or on my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page which is right here.  OK then…grab a cup!

That Will Teach Them

Last week the enlightened in Mother Russia decided to show the United States exactly who is in charge as lawmakers passed, and President Vladimir Putin signed, a bill that disallows American adoption of Russian children. It is estimated that 80,000 Russian kids are without parents and the US has been the country most involved in the adoption process. The new law is in retaliation to the US saying Russia is a “human rights violator”.  Guess this might just prove our point…  Here is the full story from our friends at CBS News.

See Ya Over the Edge

We are about to go over the “Fiscal Cliff” and won’t that be fun?  Right now, as you are reading this filled with fear and trepidation of the looming financial disaster remember one thing.  There is a “Fiscal Cliff” because the GOP made it so. Remember the old debt ceiling discussion from last summer? The Republicans, held hostage by the Tea Party, refused to raise the debt ceiling without concessions.  The hokey-pokey was a “deal” where IF there was not a financial compromise there would be spending cuts and tax increases. Tah…dah….  We are there.  Here is what is going to happen.  Once congress comes back look for the “Bush Era” tax cuts to be restored to those making under $400,000 a year.  We will also see cuts in the budget but those will be dictated by the president’s plan not the GOP.  Why? November 6, 2012.

Which Brings Us to Iowa…

If you are a political junkie (and you know you are) you are watching the jockeying going on in both the Republican and Democratic camps with regard to the 2014 Gubernatorial Campaign. Governor Terry Branstad (R-IA) is hinting at running and if the rumors of illness are correct (I truly hope they are not.) and the governor decides not to seek another term our Student Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds will make a pitch that she has been “connected at the hip” of Governor Branstad for the past three years.  If she runs…she will lose badly…no matter who takes up the banner for the Democrats.  There will be a call for popular Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey (R-IA) to run (that trial balloon was suggested three years ago but popped) and, of course there is always Doug Gross, Rep. Peter Cownie (R-Polk) or Sen. Elect Charles Schneider (R-Polk/Dallas).  Charles should have no trouble as he is an expert in short campaigns and big money.  On the Democratic side the list gets pretty long.  Former Governor Chet Culver (D-IA) has hinted at a run.  There is speculation that Sen. Jeff Danielson (D –Black Hawk) is looking at a run along with Sen. Jack Hatch (D-Polk).  But, then we have Secretary of Agriculture and former Governor Tom Vilsack and/or his bride Christie Vilsack who would be embraced with open arms by a party smelling blood following victories in November.  Who have I missed?

Ex-Cons & Iowa Voting

When Governor Tom Vilsack (D-IA) lived in Terrace Hill he issued an executive order which allowed felons who had completed their prison sentence to vote.  The thought process was that if they did their time their voting rights should be restored.  When Governor Terry Branstad (R-IA) came to power in 2010 one of the first things he did was rescind that order and replace it with a far more draconian ruling which included credit checks, payment of all penalties, etc. This week Governor Branstad changed course and dropped many of the discriminatory parts of the order…like credit checks.  And, as long as a person is current in paying restitution he/she may now apply for voting rights by providing less information. Congratulations to the NAACP, ACLU and others who helped the measure get this far. The Governor is an odd man…

Speaking of Voting

If you’ve got some extra moving boxes you might send them to Matt Schultz (R-IA) who will need them following the 2014 election for Iowa Secretary of State. Several days ago, during a taping of IPTV’s Iowa Press, Brad Anderson, who was President Obama’s Iowa Campaign Director, said he was having “serious conversations” about running for Iowa Secretary of State. While SOS Schultz has been seeking ways to suppress the vote and chase Zombie Voters in Iowa Mr. Anderson believes the SOS needs to not only protect the vote but encourage more people to become involved
in the process.  This will be a very good thing kids…very.  Thinking we should climb on this train…soon.  Here is the story from our friend Jennifer Jacobs of the Des Moines Register.

It’s Embarrassing

There is no other way to say it. The same (sort of) Iowa Supreme Court that upheld the rights of individuals to marry other individuals, no matter their sexual orientation, found it perfectly alright to allow a male employer to fire a female employee because the male employer could not control his sexual urges.  True, Iowa is a state that loves “Employment at Will” which means your boss can fire you for wearing different color socks…but this?  Embarrassing.  And, know what?  Leaders in the Iowa Legislature have signaled that this embarrassment is just fine with them. I don’t much like retribution but, I am hopeful that the good people of Fort Dodge and Webster County find a dentist who is not as creepy as Dr. James Knight.  Then they might consider a note to their elected representatives asking their opinion of this flawed logic.

But It Gets…Worse

As if the Iowa Supreme Court isn’t embarrassing enough…now we have to contend with the Iowa Department of Transportation who, last week, announced they will no longer issue drivers licenses or state ID cards to individuals who, as children, were brought to this country illegally. While this nation’s immigration policies are insane this decision by the DOT makes zero sense.  But, let’s frame this with regard to economics and perhaps them my Republican friends will rush to insure the DOT issues drivers licenses.  See, these undocumented immigrants are, often, cleaning your office, putting up buildings, processing your food…if they can’t get to work the economy takes a beating.  We have thousands of young people in this state who have gone to school, started families, taken jobs and for them Iowa is home. To deny these people the privilege of driving…is as insane as saying a male employer can’t control his "bulging pants" so the attractive female must be fired.  We are becoming a laughing stock….

Donald Kaul & The NRA

The Newtown school massacre has brought Donald Kaul out of retirement…again.  And, this is good…especially the part about declaring the NRA to be a terrorist organization and razing the organization’s headquarters.  Delightful reading and I offer you the opportunity to read this morning’s piece from the Des Moines Register.

Partly Personal

Last night we had a dinner party and invited some fellow commies over to enjoy a fondue meal (“fondue”…must be…Commie French?).  My bride worked ALL DAY on this little adventure and it was perfect.  We concluded the evening sitting by the fire extoling the virtues of Karl Marx and humming renditions of The Communist Internationale.  Hey, it’s what you would expect…right?  And, here for your humming, is the version we found delightful:

 

Have a wonderful Sunday & Happy New Year!

Politics, Religion, Gossip & More: SMC 12/23/12

Sunday Morning Coffee is politics, news, religion and gossip all wrapped in my
opinion.  My name is Michael Libbie and if you would like to respond to anything here, feel free.  But, remember if you say it, own it.  We can also connect on my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page which is right here.  Lot’s to visit about so grab a cup but…warning, the coffee is hot!

The Mayans Had It Right

Friday was indeed “the end of the world” and John Boehner (R-OH) gets an assist for ending any hope the Republicans have in retaining the House of Representatives in 2014.  With the looming “fiscal cliff” and the dogmatic intransient nature of the GOP with regard to increasing revenue by returning to the tax rates of 2001 but failing to shield the Middle Class they have just written their obit. You may hate/love this “class warfare” debate but it is working for President Obama and the vast majority of Americans who see the GOP to be largely out of step with “regular folks” while catering to their precious 2%.  Party on friends.

Speaking About “Out of Touch”

On Friday there was another “end of the world” party for the National Rifle Association as executive vice president Wayne LaPierre presided over what can only be described as the most screwed up public relations event of the past year.  Some, not me, expected the NRA to at least back some sort of real conversation regarding the prolific gun culture of the United States.  But, as I predicted, that did not happen.  In fact Mr. LaPierre doubled down in favor of firearms and suggested, in light of Newtown, that all public and private schools have armed guards. No talk about banning high capacity ammo clips. No talk about limiting the type of rounds used by the murderer in the rampage. No talk about the necessity of owning
automatic or semi-automatic weapons of carnage. Nope…more…guns. Like Speaker
Boehner, Mr. LaPierre is unable or unwilling to gauge the mood of the public.  They call it…blinders.  Time for the NRA to call it a night.

But Let’s Move On…

Not sure if you’ve heard but our friends at the Westboro Baptist Church have been "Outed by Anonymous" @YourAnonNews on Twitter and Facebook.  The “hacking group” Anonymous posted home addresses, phone numbers and hotel information of Westboro Baptist Church members when the Kansas group announced they were headed to Newtown to protest at the funerals of the children slain at Sandy-Hook School.  It seems Westboro thinks G-d sent the killer because the Connecticut has allowed same-sex marriage.  The Twitter response was to shut down @YourAnonNews.  No kidding… But within 24 hours it was back.  Meanwhile a protest is being planned by loads of folks on January 5^th.  You can follow all of that @OccupyWBC on Twitter. Here’s the story from our friends at the New York Times. (Photo: Rob Kints / Shutterstock.com)

Fired For Being…Hot

Iowa is an “Employment at Will” state.  That means your boss can fire you for wearing the wrong color socks or for being “too hot”.  Last week the Iowa Supreme Court (all men) upheld a lower court ruling that Fort Dodge Dentist James Knight had the right to fire his dental assistant Melissa Nelson because she was…too attractive.  Honest, I wish I were kidding you.  Seems Dr. Knight (for ten years) didn’t mind that Mrs. Nelson was “hot” but Mrs. Dr. Knight saw a problem.  She confronted her husband and demanded that he fire Mrs. Nelson because it made her “feel uncomfortable”. So, along with his pastor (anytime you get your pastor involved in business it ain’t a good sign) and his wife, Dr. Knight informed Mrs. Nelson she was done….fired.  And gave her a month of severance.  Mrs. Nelson sued and lost.  Appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court and they said…tough titties…er…I mean uhm… Dr. and Mrs. Dr. Knight did nothing wrong.  Because in Iowa…

Speaking of Jobs

Remember way back in 2010…the year former Governor Terry Branstad (R-IA) was campaigning to become governor…again?  He made headlines and garnered loads of votes with his promise of creating 200,000 jobs and lifting the annual average wage rate of Iowans by $25,000 a year.  Drunk with the promise of “easy money” Iowans
did what they do best…ignored the obvious pandering and elected Governor
Branstad….again.  Fast forward to the Year of Doom (according to the Mayans) and we find that…we’re not even close.  In fact Iowa seems to be going in the opposite direction.  My friend Donnelle Eller of the Des Moines Register has all the numbers in this very interesting story.  But, be warned…if you question anything Governor Branstad has done/not done be prepared to suffer the wrath of the GOP faithful who will, with glee, point to “Gitmo”. I don’t know either…but if it works for them to stray from the topic…

Unitarian Universalists

I had met them…but never sat down with them.  Last week I traveled to Mason City, Iowa to present to about 40 members of the Mason City Unitarian Universalist Church.  I was impressed by their lack of pious judgment of anybody who isn’t just like…them.  (As opposed to most other “Christians” I get to meet.)  They were thoughtful, respectful and pretty smart when it comes to the issue of faith…all
faiths.  Anyway, just thought you should know.

Draco Sucks…

The winter storm had a name, Draco.  I called it a “Pain-in-the-Ass” as thousands of folks across Iowa and Illinois lost power…some for several days.  We were lucky.  Here at “The Liberal Compound” our collection of Karl Marx books went unread for 24 hours as we suffered through the power outage.  We were connected to the outside world via our iPhones where we spent some time urging on the workers from
MidAmerican Energy.  However, even they (the phones) needed re-charging…so I headed to Polk County Supervisor Robert Brownell’s “other office” at Panera Bread on 86^th in Urbandale.  At “Hour 16” I shared this video.

 

At “Hour 17” some neighbors came over because we had a heat source that kept the downstairs at about 64 degrees. We opened up several bottles of wine and the MidAmerican crew returned us to power about 1:30AM. It was nice to rejoin the 21^st
Century. Thank you to the workers….all.

This Could Be…Interesting

Senator John Kerry (D-MA) is being tapped for Secretary of State to replace SOS Hillary Clinton as she readies a run for the White House in 2016.  Not that Sen. Kerry would be a bad choice but it opens up a seat in the US Senate which is being coveted by former GOP Senator Scott Brown who lost in November to Elizabeth Warren.  Look for Sen. Brown (who by the way disgraced himself by the wacky attack ads on the origin of Mrs. Warren’s ethnicity) to face another Kennedy.  It is rumored that the son of Sen. Ted Kennedy, Edward M. Kennedy, Jr. is seriously considering a run.  Here’s the story from the Boston Globe and a look at how much Junior looks like “The Lion of the Senate”.  Stay tuned.

Partly Personal

Being Jewish and being married to a Christian has it’s moments.  Like putting up with 60 days of Christmas Cheer.  However…I like it…a lot.  (But, I never let on…) This weekend is “Christmas for the Family” which means we celebrate the secular splendor of exchanging gifts.  Along with some neat stuff from our wonderful kids (really cool) I received two amazing gifts.  One was a Kirby Vacuum (no kidding and I love it!) and the other was a brick outside of the Iowa State Fair Cattle Barn.  Photo coming! Thank you to the best kids in the world…and to my Bride.  The brick was/is awesome.  PS:  Mom who will be, G-d willing, 93 in June was here for the celebration and that was a true blessing.

Have a wonderful Sunday and if you celebrate…Merry Christmas!  See, there is no “War on Christmas”...at least not here.

Politics, Religion, People & Gossip - SMC 12/16/12

Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee, the post-election edition.  Each week I get to take a look at the world of politics, religion, gossip and mix those things you love with my personal opinion.  My name is Michael Libbie and if you would like to respond here, feel free. Or we can connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page, which is right here.  All I ask is if you say it…you own it.  Let’s go:

Violence and America

In the words of Connecticut governor Dannel Malloy, “Evil visited this community today.” The evil resulted in the death of twenty children and six adults.  President
Obama shed tears as he asked the nation to come together in prayer and reflection.  My opinion on the violence America loves is that nothing will change.  The lunatics on the left will clamor for gun control while the equally wacky right will demand none.  This act on Friday is yet another in a long list.  A list so long that many have
already forgotten about “yesterday’s massacre”.   Our nation has become, over a very long time, a nation that is fascinated with violence and sadistic acts of cruelty. From games to television to movies to pulp fiction we cannot get enough.  Violence is the “crack of the people” and this is not going to go away until we face the fact there is no reason, none, to allow our society to sink further into the abyss.  There are no easy answers and having the will to pull ourselves out of this slime which is marketed as entertainment and freedom will take decades. The more complex answer is until you demand a change in our national obsession more will die and that, it appears, is just fine. 

Meanwhile Gov. Huckabee and G-d

In a jaw-dropping interview on FOX News former Arkansas Governor and GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said, “We’ve systematically removed G-d from our schools.  Should we be so surprised that schools have become a place for carnage because we’ve made it a place where we don’t want to talk about eternity, life, responsibility, accountability?”  OK Governor, how about that Sikh Temple in Milwaukee?  Or maybe we should not be surprised at that because, after all, they are worshiping the wrong G-d. And, clearly the movie theater in Colorado and the mall in Oregon failed at offering spiritual advice to their patrons.  That’s got to be it.  Thank G-d this man was not elected president.

The Politics of Money

I once was an idealist who believed that hard work, determination, strong ideas and a will to serve trumped everything else.  That was until Tuesday night when my friend Desmund Adams lost an Iowa State Senate race to Charles Schneider.  Desmund worked for nearly two years to listen and then create bold new ideas to assist in charting the course for Iowa.  His opponent campaigned for 34 days, never uttered an original thought, out raised and outspent Adams by three to one.  Other
than money, how does that happen?  Here’s a quick list:

• Voters are not engaged, are tired and woefully uninformed;
• The Media (outside of WHO-TV 13) failed to show;
• Democrats eat their young…ask Dallas County;
• Democrats, who control the Iowa State Senate by two seats, failed to understand that this election was really about 2014;
• Democratic coalitions from Planned Parenthood to One Iowa (and dozens in between)  were not interested and failed to deliver any more than lip service;
• Direct mail sucks…paid television wins;
• Persuasion trumps…math (ask me about that sometime).

Having been at the center of this event for the past 17 months I think I have a level of understand most folks don’t.  In the end I think we surprised many people with how well we did.  Congratulations to Mr. Schneider and his determined, well-heeled friends. 

High Speed Rail & Iowa

The word from my friend Jay Byers of the Greater Des Moines Partnership is that high speed, light rail between Des Moines and Chicago is getting a serious look.  When I reminded him that it is Governor Branstad who needs to change his tune before this moves forward I was told the governor is “keeping an open mind” about the issue.  Something then…has changed.  Last year the GOP controlled Iowa House took up the measure and denied funding for the transportation study.  The governor sided with the House majority and said the spending was wasteful and in light of the federal fiscal house not something he was interested pursuing.  We’ll see…but perhaps there has been an epiphany. Tis the season. (Maybe it was the video I did last year>)

 

Government & Business

What is the business of government? Think about that for a bit. Now, what is the business of…business?  I subscribe to the notion that the business of government is to provide a host of services to the citizens. Meanwhile the business of business is to…make money.  My Republican friends have convinced you that making money and then holding on to those dollars is really the business of government.  Unless, of course, the government wishes to give those horded tax dollars to already successful businesses who are encouraged to set up shop in…oh let’s say…Iowa.  Meanwhile government continues to squeeze workers, cities, counties and homeowners by denying funding for the business of…government.  And you are falling for it.  I truly find this amazing but hey…this tactic brought us:

Traffic Enforcement Cameras

Let’s think about this for a minute.  If state government (Iowa) continues to cut funding to cities and counties those same cities and counties are forced to reduce their payroll.  Some of those forced cuts are in “lazy ass” city and county workers like police and firefighters.  But, wait… What if cities and counties had to find alternative ways in which to fund their efforts and those new ways included technology like…traffic enforcement cameras?  Seems like a good idea.  But, wait…  The public hates automated traffic cameras, folks say they deny due process and are therefore unconstitutional.  Perhaps that is the price we pay for…hording tax dollars or shoveling those dollars to successful big businesses.  Nah…can’t be.

Rick Santorum for President

Oh, nothing…just reminding you of my fail-safe prediction.

Partly Personal

Today is the 8^th day of Chanukah (Hanukah, Hanukkah…it’s complicated…) and I get
to travel to Mason City, Iowa to speak to a group about the messy history between Jews and Christians and how that history led to, not only the Shoah, but other devastating historical events. The text they have been studying is Constantine’s Sword.  This should be fun.

Last night we had a bit of a family party to celebrate Chanukah.  This is Mom who will, G-d willing, be 93 in June with the youngest Carter and his mom Mandi.  Carter is not yet a year old. We are truly blessed.

Have a wonderful final day of the holiday and a spectacular Sunday!