SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee - Congratulations!

Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my regular look at some political issues and what to make of the successes of President Joe Biden.

Dumbing Down of Iowans

The Iowa GOP mission to make Iowa dumber is a resounding success. If you want proof look at the most recent Iowa Poll by the Des Moines Register and Seltzer and Company. The polling of 650 likely Iowa voters turned up some fascinating results and tells us the 45^th president is the best choice for a majority of Iowans.  The first concern is the age of President Biden so let’s dig into that for just a moment.

The President is 81 years old which, according to these Iowans, is way too old to serve. However, these same Iowans made it a point to return Sen. Charles Grassley who is ten years older than Biden to the U.S. Senate.  Guess that’s not a problem.  Warren Buffett, who is 93, clearly is too adle-brained to run Berkshire Hathaway.  Well, not really after all he is the “Oracle of Omaha” who is worth $134 billion. This is purely ageism and of right-wing talk shows that dominate the Iowa landscape Plus the dumbing down of our once proud educational system.

In the Iowa Poll a Gregory Wrobleski, who is 44 and lives in Dubuque likes it that “45” is, “ a businessman” (although a failed businessman) who said the economy was booming during those years and there, “no wars across the world.”  Gregory must have forgotten about Afghanistan and the multiple wars in Africa. That is what a lack of education can do to a person. Oh…and the economy?  See below Gregory.

The poll tells us that 79% of Iowans say “things have gotten off on the wrong track”. What track are they talking about? If it is the economy they are simply misinformed (again a lack of education). The economy in the U.S. is booming, job creation is the highest its been in decades, inflation is coming down at 3.1%, wages last year jumped upward by 4.1%, the unemployment level is the lowest it’s been since the 1960’s. So, my dear voters…what track are you talking about?  I’d like to know.

And then there is Andrew Gull a 27 year-old independent voter who not only mentions the presidents age but also said that the President Biden has failed to deliver on key campaign promises such as student loan forgiveness. Andrew, let me help you with that…stay with me here. President Biden did propose sweeping changes to forgive student loans which the Trump Supreme Court said it was unlawful. And when faced with an extremist U.S. House of Representatives…good luck in getting that passed.

I realize it is difficult to truly understand the big picture when you are being spoon-fed nonsense by every right-wing talking head on the radio and television. However, being misinformed isn’t your fault. You have simply succumbed to the successful war on education perpetrated by the Iowa GOP.

Success of President Joe Biden

If you’ve gotten this far you might be interested in what President Biden has actually done for the United States.  Again, stay with me here. But first, that was one great speech the President gave on Thursday night. He was on fire and put his record up against his "successor" which I'll take any day of the week.  But let's move on...

President Joe Biden ended the longest war in U.S. history by pulling troops out of Afghanistan. 

Provided $10,000 to $20,000 in college debt relief to Americans with loans who make under $125,000 a year. This was struck down but the Supreme Court, however, the administration has announced a new plan to forgive billions in loans that were qualified under special programs but not done due to DOE mismanagement in previous years.

And, one more...just to keep you in the loop. He cut child poverty in half through the American Rescue Plan. 

Join me next Sunday Morning for more...isn't this delightful?

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 25 February 2024

Good Sunday Morning to you and welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly bit of news you love or love to hate. Before I share some remarkable news about President Biden and his accomplishments during his first term I've got a question, "Why does Iowa hate folks with disabilities?".

Early this morning I read a shocking story in the Des Moines Register authored by Rep. Josh Turek (D-Council Bluffs) about the abysmal record the Governor and the Iowa Legislature have when it comes to caring for the 15% of Iowans who are disabled. (If you want to do that math that means roughly 465,000 Iowans are disabled.) Josh should know a thing or two about being disabled as he is wheelchair bound and has been for years. He is also the only permanently disabled person in the Iowa Legislature. Some highlights:

• The Home and Community Based Services Medicaid waitlist grows by 1,000 people each year and is one of the longest in the country;
• Folks with intellectual disabilities are on a six-year waitlist plus an additional 14 months to qualify. These are people who need services such as personal care, food preparation and home modification. Who, while they wait, must go without or pay out of pocket;
• Median earnings for Iowa's disabled workers rank 47th out of 50 states largely due to the state's harsh Medicaid restrictions;
• Medicaid is severely limited in earnings to poverty and limited to $12,000 in total assets or $13,000 if married;
• "Iowa keeps our disabled in poverty and unemployed.";
• Defunding the AEA will keep services from children with disabilities and special education needs;
• "Last year Republicans  passed a bill to make it more difficult to receive SNAP food benefits. 46.7% of those on SNAP in Iowa have a disabled member in the household";
• The denial rate for wheelchairs and medical services has increased by 850% since the privatization of health care in Iowa.

He ends with, "Clearly the condition of the state for the disabled in Iowa is terrible. And until the focus in Iowa becomes on helping people instead of politics or profits, it will not improve!"

Chew on that with your toast and eggs this morning....

President Joe Biden

Meanwhile, President Biden has been working in support of the American People with policies and programs that actually make the lives of our people...better.  Consider:

He stopped a 30-year streak of federal inaction on gun violence by signing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that created enhanced background checks, closed the “boyfriend” loophole, and provided funds for youth mental health.

Joe made a $369 billion investment in climate change, the largest in American history, through the inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

And, yes, President Biden ended the longest war in American history by pulling the troops out of Afghanistan.

So, the next time somebody says, "Gosh, I'm not sure what this president has done for America.." Remind them that he truly is the best  president in our recent memory when it comes to getting stuff...done!

Enjoy your Sunday and keep the pressure on...

 

 

Back with Sunday Morning Coffee

About two years ago I stopped writing Sunday Morning Coffee. Not that I didn't love doing it but working the ad agency, the business newscast and a couple of other jobs made it tough to get up at the crack of dawn to get this out by 9:00AM.

Recently I've been moved to get this going again but in a slightly different format. Rather than comment on a host of news items I'll be writing about President Joe Biden and the things he's done for America in his first term. I hear folks whine about this election, about Joe's age and that he hasn't accomplished much. All of that is simply a bunch of malarkey and I figure you need some strong talking points as we work to re-elect the finest president in my, or your, lifetime.

The Arts & Culture Question

Before I get into that I'd like to share a confusing bit of reality. Recently I was at a gala that celebrates the arts and culture in Greater Des Moines. It wasn't a cheap event and there were lots of well heeled folks who paid a hefty price for a ticket. One of the winners at the event was the Des Moines Gay Men's Choir. The presentation and the acceptance speech were loaded with positive and profound examples of how the DMGMC impacts the LBGTQ Community as well as the community as a whole. It was truly moving and the hundreds who attended the event stood and clapped and celebrated. But, there is a but...

It is clear that this crowd appreciated the award and the inclusion however, it is in stark contrast to what the Iowa Legislature and the Governor of Iowa has been doing. For that body and this governor to continue their attacks on the LGBTQ Community is not in the interest of making Iowa a welcoming state. Of course the people at this gala appreciate the arts and culture. Perhaps not so much under the "Golden Dome"?

President Joe Biden - Two Things

The next time you hear a Democrat, Independent or Republican question what Joe Biden has accomplished in his first term consider these two points...just for starts:

President Joe Biden worked on and signed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package to increase investment in the national network of bridges and roads, airports, public transport and national broadband internet, as well as waterways and energy systems. This means JOBS for hard working American families. It helps our communities rural and urban travel and transport.  This is good for America and good for you.

President Biden helped get more than 500 million life-saving COVID-19 vaccinations in the arms of Americans through the American Rescue Plan. Do you remember the pandemic?  Who could forget as we hunkered down hoping we or our loved ones would not become the next victim of this disease. President Joe Biden took it seriously and helped save millions of Americans.

Yes, there are more but let's make sure we talk about the strength of this president and what a good and decent person, husband and father he truly is.

Thanks for reading and Happy President's Day!

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 27 March 2022

He said what is on the minds of nearly everyone. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee where it's always news, politics, opinion and sometimes a dash of religion just to keep it interesting. As always, should you have a comment go ahead and launch in the comment section. Ready? Let's go!

The Nine Words

Yesterday, in Warsaw, following a speech about unity and support for Ukraine and NATO President Biden added nine, unscripted words to his address saying, "For God's sake, this man cannot remain in power". Of course the talking heads went into overdrive with the left stumbling over themselves saying he didn't mean anything like "regime change" and the right chanting in unison that the president has lost his mind and should not be the president.  

But...Biden said exactly what you have been thinking for weeks as you watch the carnage rain down on the people of Ukraine by the war criminal Vladimir Putin. The Russian army has been targeting civilians since the war began and all of it at the direction of the dictator Putin. I've been fortunate enough to have visited with Joe Biden many times over the years, mostly on a personal level, and those nine words came from the heart of a man who speaks truth...and you know it and you know he is right. (Photo NBC News)

Iowans Supporting Israel

Back in 2013 leading members of the Iowa Democratic Party and the Iowa Republican Party created the non-partisan group known as Iowans Supporting Israel (ISI). Over the years I've been to several of the lunches that have featured some high-powered political and thought leaders all dedicated to supporting the only democratically elected government in the Middle East and long time ally of the United States. This past week ISI held what they hope to be an annual gala and honored two of the founders of the organization: The late Ed Skinner and Bud Hockenberg. It was standing room only in the Prairie Meadows Ballroom as people from many faiths and political persuasions came to celebrate and to listen to the keynote speaker, Yinam Cohen Consul General of Israel to the Midwest. (Photo) It was quite the mix. I had the opportunity to visit with former Governor and Ambassador to China Terry Branstad about being back in Iowa and his family...if that gives you a taste of what this was like. Of course Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) was there as was Attorney General Tom Miller (D-IA), State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald (D-IA). It was an impressive list.  So, why am I sharing this with you?

Coming up there will be a luncheon featuring all four members of congress, Cindy Axne (D-IA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Marinnette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) discussing issues that surround Israel and Iowa. If you are so moved you might consider becoming a member. It really is an interesting and enlightening group.

Iowa Unity with Ukraine

On Saturday there was a march to the statehouse, a presentation of a check and speeches in support of Ukraine.  There was also a call to end the war and urge the governor and the legislature to do more and welcome refugees and take a stand against the Russian aggression. This too was quite a mix of people. Former refugees from Liberia and Ukraine were there. Jews, Christians and Muslims attended and spoke.  And there was a check presentation of $2,500, a down payment on $10,000 pledged by a West Des Moines group known as Coffee FC made up, mostly, of Liberians. My good friend Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad (D-DSM) fired up the crowd with his pledge of support for both peace and power, "Because when the people have power we can push for peace!" There is so much going on....

A quick observation: I have the sense that the war in Ukraine may, in some way, galvanize our nation and cause us to unify this divided nation.  We can do so much more...together.

Meanwhile some students from Waukee and Des Moines Roosevelt are raising funds for Ukraine Relief. My friend Mike Draper and his crew at Raygun are selling t-shirts at cost with the profits going to these young people.  You can get yours here.

Partly Personal

Just half-a-cup of Sunday Morning Coffee today...sorry.  There are rumblings that the Windsor Heights Chamber of Commerce will no longer exist but be rolled into the Clive Chamber of Commerce. If that happens I fear my business community will suffer.  The Windsor Heights Chamber was founded back in 2004. Long time member and original founder of the Chamber, Kris Gregersen will tell you it was about, “having a seat at the table of the local government”.  The city had recently been “improving” University Avenue and some in the business community were concerned that there was a lack of representation.

Over the years the Windsor Heights Chamber has had a hand in many important aspects of our community. From fun adventures to working with our business members with our Shop Small Campaign to the serious work of spearheading the drive to, again, reconstruct University Avenue into the great showplace it is today to spending time and money to support the Local Option Sales Tax effort which passed by a wide margin.

When the next major effort comes about to improve Windsor Heights and our business community will the Clive Chamber show as much passion?

I've sent a letter to each member of the Windsor Heights Chamber asking them to reconsider and work with me to reignite this group. I hope they listen.  If you know of a local influencer I hope you'll reach out.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday.

  

Sunday Morning Coffee 20 March 2022

I know you've got stuff to do and appreciate that you take a few minutes to check out Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly commentary on politics, business and the occasional bit about religion...just to spice things up.  The past week has been a whirlwind of activity with continued geo-political stress taking center stage.  Let's go:

Ukraine 

I really thought that after the 2020 election I wouldn't be reaching for my phone every morning before getting out of bed. For the four years the mad-man was in office it was like a never ending bad dream. Each morning I'd have to check what the lies the guy was spewing or tweeting. But then COVID-19 and now Ukraine. Not a break. 

Things in Ukraine, as of this morning, are dire as the city of Mariupol is not only surrounded but there is fighting going on in the streets. The invading army of Russia continues to target civilians while denying their murders. Are we doing enough? I don't know but the world seems to have come to its senses regarding our dealings with the killer, Putin.  Let us never forget.

Still In Russia

There are a number of businesses still doing business in Russia. While many have left and closed their facilities, further isolating the Russian economy these companies remain using the excuse that closing down would hurt innocent Russians. What...BS. Look what the Russian military is doing to the innocent Ukrainians.

The LA Times is reporting that among the consumer companies identified as staying in Russia are the fast-food chain Subway; Reebok; Bacardi (maker of rum, Dewar's Scotch and Grey Goose vodka, among other brands); the electronics companies LG and Asus; and Natura, owner of Avon cosmetics.  McDonald’s is still there so too is Burger King.

Koch Industries, which is known for its support of far-right politicians in the U.S. says it’s subsidiary, Guardian Industries that employees 600 workers at two glass factories in Russia…is staying put.

Just so you know.

St. Patrick's Day and Purim

I'd never been to a Des Moines St. Patrick's Day Parade and really had not planned on attending this past Thursday. It was, after all, Purim. But got a message that the Polk County Democrats needed a truck to haul the trailer with Daisy on top. So at 11PM on Wednesday night I got the approval of my bride to take her truck and what a day.

And, because it was Purim I sort of felt like it worked out...and was able to wear my green kippah. The neat thing about the parade was that so many in the crowd were cheering us on.  Not one heckler did I hear.  Anyway...it was great to "represent" and thanks for the opportunity.

The Race for Governor

Early this morning I was scrolling through my Facebook Feed and noticed several posts bemoaning the fact that one or two (un-named) Democrats had turned down the opportunity to run. One person wrote, "What are we going to do? Somebody needs to run!"

Uh...we DO have a candidate in this race and she is running a fantastic campaign. Diedre DeJear is...everywhere and she is speaking truth to power and she is articulating a solid message that resonates with working families, rural folks, urban people and even business. Yesterday I heard Sen. Claire Celsi (D-WDM) speak on her behalf. It was a passionate call to get out and support our candidate. I would ask you to do the same. Join me in chipping in what you can to Diedre.  You can do that here.

Meanwhile Momentum is Moving

If you asked me two months ago who would be the Democrat to take on Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) in November I would have suggested it would be a tossup. However I can sense victory is in the air for Admiral Mike Franken. He too is everywhere. His campaign staff has re-organized and there is measurable excitement among supporters, staff and even those who are, for the first time, meeting him.

Look, in these troubled geo-political times we need experienced leadership that has been on the front lines of critical decisions. Mike is not a career politician but a tested and wise leader. If you've not yet chipped in to his campaign you can do that here. 

Admiral Franken is the real deal,. He resonates with folks all across the state. Taking out Chuck Grassley is job one...and with your help it's game on!  The photo is from my friend Julie Gammack who was with Admiral Franken in Pocahontas at the Aspen Leaf Café.

Supervisor Matt McCoy

Last week I sat down for over an hour to visit with Polk County Supervisor Matt McCoy.  It was enlightening. Much has been written about the toxic environment swirling around Polk County Leadership and I asked the tough questions. Not the hearsay stuff folks like to talk about the the facts to a case that may someday go to trial. I came away from that meeting believing that "change" is not something many county supervisors want to talk about.  Because of that Matt has been...sidelined. 

He recently picked up Windsor Heights in his district and he will be speaking to the Windsor Heights Democrats yet this month. I'm looking forward to having so many more people hear the story. 

Did You Know?

OK, I'm about to share something with you I found appalling. Until yesterday I had no idea that folks who are sent to jail in Polk County pay for their time behind bars. Now while that may sound like just the "law and order" system we need let's take a deeper dive. Let's say you are picked up for some infraction. Maybe it's pot possession or perhaps a drunk and disorderly charge and the decision is to hold you in jail and because you work paycheck to paycheck you can't make bail or perhaps they just don't want to issue bail.

The first day you are in jail it costs you $75. Each day after that it's $60. So, if you're in the pokey for a week pre-trial you owe $435. But, now you've lost your job because your employer fired you for not showing up.  Worse than that you are now "in the system" a system that sends more and more poor people to jail or to prison. 

I think we need to really look at what we're doing and how it impacts so many people. There has got to be a better way.  And, that is why I'm supporting Kimberly Graham for Polk County Attorney. With over 20 years as a defense attorney she has seen the criminal justice system from both sides. Imagine what that might do to help fix what seems to be a broken system. Want more? Head to her website and learn.  With echoes of what is going on with a defense attorney headed to the Supreme Court this makes sense. Thanks...in advance.

Partly Personal

In reality this has been mostly personal. However today, the first day of Spring marks the anniversary of the death of my Mother z"l. Six years ago today she died in our home at 93 and seven months.  As her primary care-giver during the final eight months of her life I've often thought back to those days and wondered how I did it. Juggling work/life and care is something not foreign to many of you who are experiencing the same things.  Please know there are people out here that understand what you are doing and why.  

I remember that after the funeral I spent nearly two weeks in my office unable to do much of anything. It wasn't sadness but more like emptiness. For so very long I had "job one" and now that was gone.  It was tough to get back.  Not telling you this for any other reason than I know many of you are going through the same things.  Have...faith and may you find the strength to carry on.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 13 March 2022

Grab a cup of Sunday Morning Coffee a bit of politics, religion and commentary on this "Spring Forward" day in March. You did remember to set those clocks ahead an hour...right?

Ukraine

There is nothing really more to be said. The West must crush this brazen attack by the mad-man Putin. We have, for too long, been playing nice with this tyrant. Both Democrats and Republicans have looked to other way and the result is Ukraine.  Next it will be Latvia or Estonia or perhaps Poland. If President Zelensky wants it...get it to him.  The Russians are now guilty of war crimes and  you all know it.

Meanwhile I saw a post that rings true: "In the blink of an eyeball we have gone from being infectious disease experts to military strategists."  He / She was posting on Facebook.

Mother Russia

I spent Friday and Saturday with my congregation in Mason City. What a treasure it is to turn off everything and spend that time learning and teaching.  During one of our sessions a member of our study group said this, "I have very good friends, educated friends, who support Russia and long for the days of Mother Russia."

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. My follow-up question was this" "Which 'Mother Russia' would they like to see? The Czarist Russia, the Lenin Russia, the Stalin Russia?  Go ahead...pick one because they were all corrupt and the people suffered."

Yes, Russia has a long and complicated history. But to "long" for something that is a made-up fairy tail is irresponsible and naïve.

Meanwhile the Russian leader of the Orthodox Church is banging the drum in favor of the attack on Ukraine because, in his words, "They fill the streets with gay people and parades. They must be stopped."  How Christian of you...reminds me of some Iowans.

Time To Move?

Speaking of Iowa. I know many of you do not get the Des Moines Register or really any newspaper. I'm not sure why that is. I suspect ignorance is bliss. So, you might have missed the most recent Iowa Poll that indicates that the majority of Iowans do not favor mandatory childhood vaccinations.  Just 34% of Iowans in the poll support vaccinations, that have been going on for decades, for pre-school kids and 25% of Iowans say there should be no vaccinations at all. It's a stunning story by reporter Tony Leys. 

Iowa is becoming a loony bin.  Take for example this observation by Poll participant Brad Purscell, of Creston who thinks the government has no right to require anyone to be vaccinated against anything. Ready?

“None of those vaccinations should be required. If you’re going to get sick, you’re going to get sick,” said Purscell, a Republican who works as a truck driver. Purscell said he believes diseases such as polio have waned mainly because people’s bodies built up their own immunity.  Purscell doubts the shots are the reason for polio's defeat. "It's nature. It's evolution. It's God," he said.

And, just in case you think our buddy Brad is an outlier. Consider that "46% of Iowa Republicans say the state should have no law on childhood vaccinations, compared to just 5% of Democrats and 27% of political independents."

See what happens when you fail to fund public education?

The Business Impact

The current governor and the GOP controlled legislature believe that the magic wand that will bring young, well educated workers to the State of Iowa is low taxes or no taxes. Never mind that we don't much cotton to them people of color or those who may be gay or transgender or who want to vote. It's not about educating kids, investing in the arts and respecting teachers.  Nope not in Iowa.

The impact on business will be dramatic. If you are an employer and you're having trouble finding workers...strap in bubba.  You get what you vote for.

Partly Personal

Maybe it's because I'm such a dog lover. Maybe it's because I know how much it hurts to lose one of your best friends. Maybe it's because one of the reasons we now have an Aussie is because of the wonderful Miss Maggie the faithful companion of my friend Mark Cooper. Maybe.  I was crushed the other day when Mark sent me a note that Maggie died, in his arms early on Saturday morning. I understand that pain.  Maggie was indeed special.

 

Thanks for reading...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 6 March 2022

Take some time and have a cup of Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly look at the political news stories of interest all laced with my commentary. Why? What the heck else are you going to do on a Sunday Morning? Ahead of the snark: We had some vicious storms roll through Central Iowa last night resulting in the deaths of several. Gov. Reynolds did offer an emergency proclamation. 

Ukraine

The fighting continues but the aid is not enough nor, does it seem, the sanctions against the dictator Putin have not yet taken him down. Today there are reports that the Russian people are quickly turning to China for credit cards. Meanwhile the Russians continue to be bogged down in many areas so Putin has ordered the obliteration of cities and towns. Think Aleppo during the push to retain Assad yet another brutal dictator. This is what it has come to.  Meanwhile Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) this past week said somebody in Russia should "take him out", speaking of Putin. The saber rattling is getting real.  There is now also a request from Ukraine to "lend it" some fighter jets and France is considering the plan.

The human toll there is awful and are we doing enough? (Image: BBC News)

State of the Union

Yes, I watched the entire event including the ramblings of the Republican response squeaked by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. President Biden did, in my view, a masterful job in not only speaking about Russia but also laying out his domestic plans step, by, step. Then, following his address Reynolds, who clearly did not listen to the speech or know what was in it, used typical GOP talking points and simply lied. Of course she is auditioning to become the VP choice for a second run at the presidency by her idol "45" so it all fits.  Lie enough and people will believe you.  Awful to be an Iowan these days.  I'm not sure who came up with this photo but it is clearly spot on. If you want to read what it says, just click the image. Well done!

Gas Rationing

Recently I've seen, on Facebook, the whining of people about the price of gas. One, who once did the weather on a local TV station bemoaned, "Like 81 million people voted for this..." With an image of gas being sold for close to $5 a gallon. Like his guy would have done better?  Well, he would have lied about everything and some people can be duped.

This got me to thinking about the war and whining about gas. During WWII there was gas rationing which, if implemented today would drive down the use of gas and allow us to export oil and gas to Europe. Then you too would have some "skin in the game".  So, how did it work?  Check this from Hemmings Motor News:

"Americans needed fuel for their cars in order to get to work, so a system was developed and implemented to regulate the purchase of gasoline. Car owners were issued a Gasoline Ration Card—like the one shown here—that had One Unit tabs on the bottom that were punched when used. Along with the card, a windshield sticker with a specific letter was issued. The most popular was an “A” card/sticker that allowed the car owner to purchase about 4 gallons of gas each week. If you were employed in a factory that supported the war effort, you were issued a “B” card, while doctors, nurses, farm and construction workers, and mail employees were issued a “C” card, each of which allowed them to buy up to 8 gallons of gas per week. There were other specific cards, too, such as an “X” card for members of Congress, “E” for emergency vehicles, “R” for non-highway farm vehicles, and “T” for truckers."

And, today with all the technology we have might it work?  Sure...  But I know we ain't going there it would be too much of a disruption and we have more important things to do like drive around aimlessly. (Image Hemmings Motor News)

Good News for Deidre DeJear

The Des Moines Register this morning released the latest Iowa Poll regarding the race for governor. It surprised me. According to the numbers the liar who resides at Terrace Hill leads Diedre by only eight points.  That, my friends is astounding given the low visibility and name recognition of DeJear. 

Digging deeper into the numbers the GOP and Democratic voters are pretty even in their support for their parties candidate. It is the unreliable "Independents" who sway with the wind. Frankly, I've never understood how somebody would register as an "Independent". What? Can't make up your mind?  Anyway, this is where it gets tough for Deidre as 49% support Reynolds while 41% support DeJear. But still...that's not too bad at this point given, again, the high visibility of Reynolds who is...everywhere.

Meanwhile DeJear continues to press the "kitchen table issues" Iowans want from a leader. Her passion, wit and love of this state is solid and, when she finds a place to talk about it, she shines.  This ain't over by a long shot. Join me, today in supporting her by donating to her campaign. Chip in a couple of bucks and take a stand.  You can do this. 

Admiral Mike Franken

Well now things have gotten shaken up a bit over at the Franken for U.S. Senate race. Last week the campaign changed up leadership and hired veteran campaign operative Julie Stauch. For those of you who may not know her Julie was the political director for now Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg when he was running for president in 2019.  And...as you know, Pete won the Iowa Caucus ahead of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

I can't spill the beans but I do know the campaign will take on new energy and will push out in many directions to bring this home in June Watch my friends.

Partly Personal

I was almost in "Facebook Jail" this past week. Anger about what was going on in Ukraine prompted me to say something quite bad about the Russians. I should have directed my insult to Putin. I took responsibility and said "I'm sorry..." But the lesson was great. So there old dogs can learn...

Busy week ahead with a city council meeting on Monday. I'm really liking our new mayor, Mike Jones. There is a movement being discussed about local ID cards. There are some folks living among us that do not, for some reason, have a government issued identification card. So, it's hard to get a bunch of things from a checking account to a library card (depending on the city). So, the idea is that various communities can issue ID cards. The details are yet to get worked out but this is the kind of progressive thinking our Mayor does.  Bravo!

Finally, I've been asked to moderate a candidate forum in Clive on Tuesday evening. The event will take place at 515 Brewery and will feature the candidates running to fill a city council seat that had been appointed but the people of Clive rose up and demanded a special election. Good for them.  Beer and politics Tuesday evening...nothing better.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

Sunday Morning Coffee 27 February 2022

After nearly fifteen years of Sunday Morning Coffee I had been considering putting it to bed. The reasons are many but the bottom line is that I have so much going on that it's nice to spend Sunday Morning away from the keyboard. However stuff needs to be said and the stories are many. So, let's get on with it.

Ukraine 

Clearly the number one topic is the invasion of Ukraine by the despot and criminal Vladimir Putin. The United States and our allies have, for too long, been playing footsie with this evil man. And, when you consider the actions of the prior administration, who slavishly lavished praise on the dictator, you can see why he thought invading Ukraine would bring no condemnation. 

But he was wrong as now the world is seeing what a small and evil person Putin is and has been.

However, we should have done more sooner. Not just about Ukraine but because of the evils this man has wrought among the Russian people. Poisoning people who don't agree with him. Casting aside freedoms of assembly. Making a mockery out of elections. Tearing down a free and independent press. Prisoning his adversaries.  This is what despots do and he should have been called out and sanctioned years ago. (Image CNN)

Weak

Last week a friend of mine, who makes no bones about the fact that he is a solid member of the Republican Party, shot me a note saying, "Your president is weak." He went on to quote several "sources" who are solid Fox News operatives. If he would change the channel he would know that his call to isolate Russia via removing them from SWIFT, an international payment system that facilitates cross-border transactions, takes agreements between many allied nations. In other words, it takes time to get everybody on board. And, just yesterday, two days after President Biden said invoking a ban from SWIFT was not yet on the table he had convinced our allies to make it happen. What my friend seems to forget is that the U.S. has interests that go well beyond the laser focused right-wing propaganda spewed by Fox News. 

Recruitment

Perhaps he might wish to take up arms against the Russians? Just yesterday Ukrainian president Zelensky announced the creation of a new International Legion of the Ukrainian army. That means that existing legislation in Ukraine allows foreign citizens to join the Ukrainian military. President Zelensky has urged those who wish to fight the Russian aggression to contact military attaches of Ukraine's embassies and volunteer. He added, "It's not just a Russian invasion of Ukraine, it's the beginning of a war against Europe. Against the unity of Europe. Against the basic human rights in Europe."

Final Thoughts

The leadership that is coming out of Ukraine is pretty amazing as is the awful rhetoric from the Russian criminal Putin.  The Russian dictator told the world that he is out to "de-nazify" Ukraine. That's pretty wild considering that the president of Ukraine is Jewish as is the prime minister and that Ukraine is home to hundreds of thousands of Jews who are being assisted by Israel and other nations.

Germany, long concerned of engaging in any armed support, has sent tons of lethal equipment to Ukraine. The same with Poland. The U.S. has committed hundreds of troops to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.  President Biden has authorized millions of dollars in military aid for Ukraine and has asked congress to approve millions more.

Finally this all could end very badly for Putin. Already thousands of Russians have taken to the streets protesting the invasion. They understand what is at stake. And soon they will feel the economic pressure that will force them back into the streets and, perhaps, take down the criminal. And, just this morning, two powerful and wealthy Russians urged Putin to end the war.  Watch this space...

Closer to Home

The madness in the Iowa Legislature continues and now the GOP has picked Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) to give the rebuttal to President Biden's State of the Union message on Tuesday. She better bone up on her international affairs rather than being the beacon of hate for anybody that does not conform to her idea of Christian superiority.  But, if anything she is a perfect match for Vice President on a ticket with "45" who continues to hold sway over the Republican Party. She would then become the "Sarah Palin of Iowa". Good riddance.

Everywhere you look Iowa businesses are consumed with the fact that they can not hire workers. Especially workers who are well educated. Why would they want to come to a place that ranks in the middle of all the states when it comes to public education? Why would they wish to come to a state that degrades people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ folk and others?

Iowa Taxes

Ah, but the salve that will heal our rural population decline and lack of employees will come from another failed idea that "trickle-down economics" will work.  As Kansas proved...it doesn't. Last week the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency (LSA) estimates the bill, which creates a flat tax of 3.9%, would result in a reduction of $1.9 billion per year in tax revenues going to the state’s general fund. It would mean a $1.7 billion income tax cut for Iowans and a $230 million reduction in the corporate tax rate when changes are fully implemented in fiscal year 2028.

Reynolds and the Iowa GOP are fixated on cutting taxes which will result in further cuts in government funding. But, my friends, that is the goal. Government is bad and big business is good.  And the Iowa Legislature rushed the bill through so that Reynolds could crow about it during her rebuttal to President Biden.

But, we all know that.  So let us turn to the math. Something that they really don't have to teach in private schools but can get paid for...anyway. While there are many "average wage numbers" for Iowa workers let's pick one that is in the middle say, $68,000 a year. The new flat tax will save this person $563 a year. Meanwhile those who make one-million dollars a year would see a tax savings of $1,286 each week.  Democrats in the legislature attempted to pass an amendment to lower the income threshold to $250,000 before higher taxes kicked in but the Republicans who control the legislature defeated the measure. Trickle down kids...trickle down.

Iowa Democrats

I keep hearing the talking heads saying that the Iowa Democrats are tired and not up for a fight. I do not get that sense. As a person deeply involved in the politics of the Democratic Party I see it just the opposite. We that work in the trenches are witness to a population that is growing weary of legislation that marginalizes others. Weary of failed policies that are hollowing out our rural counties. Weary of picking big business over main street. Weary of passing laws that make our state less safe and less attractive. Weary of a government that calls those who teach our children "sinister".  I ain't buying it that Democrats are demoralized. And, what had been suburban safe havens for Republicans are growing increasingly blue.  We keep fighting.

Deidre DeJear

My friend and fellow broadcaster Bob Leonard penned something that hit home. He was talking about how Iowa Democrats were scrambling to find a "great white hope" to lead the Iowa ticket in November. Suggesting that Diedre DeJear was too weak to take on the war chest that belongs to Governor Kim. Reynolds. 

What should be national news has been set aside. Here in Iowa a state that is 93% white has a serious black woman running for governor is amazing in itself. But when you combine the reality that DeJear is and always has been unwavering in her support of solid Democratic ideals and is able to, without notes, tick off exactly what she will do to make the lives of every Iowan better...you must support her.

What the hell are you waiting for?  You can join me and chip in right here.

Partly Personal

Sorry this has gotten so long.  I should make it into a podcast each week so you could listen...right? However, let me say "Thank You!" to so many of you who have written and hit me up in social media asking about Sunday Morning Coffee. That you missed my weekly rant was touching.  

We have work to do...and this nation is counting on you.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday.

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 30 January 2022

Welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee politics, opinion and a slice of religion just to keep it interesting. Here is something to chew on. "The U.S. spent $5.8 trillion on a 20 year war in Afghanistan. In the end the same Taliban that we ousted in 2001 now control that nation. Meanwhile America has spent $0 on reparations to the descendants of the enslaved Africans held in bondage for 246 years and who built this nation." - Bishop Talbert Swan.  Let's go!

The Threat

While you were doing something else the former president known as "45" was in Texas at a rally where he said that there should be violent protests if he is found guilty of wrongdoing and that, if reelected, he would pardon the protesters and all of those responsible for the 1/6 insurrection. He must be feeling the heat and well he should. What a stain this man is on our nation.

Meanwhile in Honduras

Vice President Harris got back to Central America for the inauguration of Xiomara Castro who was sworn in as Honduras' first woman president in front of a cheering crowd who also cheered the Vice President as she entered the stadium. Harris pledged U.S. government support to stem migration and fight corruption.

Castro, flanked by her husband, former President Manuel Zelaya, was sworn in at a packed soccer stadium where supporters applauded her vows to fix the country's massive debt burden.

Castro, who describes herself as a democratic socialist, has vowed to tackle corruption, poverty and violence, chronic problems that have fueled U.S.-bound migrants. (Photo: New York Times)

Let's Talk Economics

Don't leave just because I wrote the word..."economics" because there is something really odd going on in the U.S. right now.  The U.S. economy is growing, the GDP is hitting highs we’ve not seen in decades, unemployment claims have started to tumble, homeowners are seeing the values of their homes skyrocket, workers have the upper hand when it comes to jobs and pay…yet U.S. consumers are NOT happy.

What’s going on?

CNN is reporting that even with all the good news about the economy consumers are worn out, tired and grumpy as we enter year three of COVID-19.

We’re still managing the risks of going out to eat, attending your house of worship…sending kids to school…it is a drain on the emotions.

Couple that with higher prices…a supply chain problem and you start to get a picture of why people are…not happy.

Consider this…

Every positive headline has a downside to match.

-- Yes, the economy is the strongest in 40 years, but so is inflation.

-- In the red-hot housing market, rents rose more than 10% last year, five times faster than the year before.

-- Wages are up, but so are bills. Moody's Analytics estimates the typical family is paying $200 more a month to buy the same goods they did two years ago.

Curiously, Americans complain about inflation, but the higher prices have not hurt their spending just yet. Many CEOs on earnings calls report strong customer demand, even after price hikes.  And…that GDP number of 6.9% growth in the 4^th quarter of last year??  Two thirds of the GDP is from…consumer spending.  Read that last sentence again...  Odd…friends…odd.

Confusion

There is some confusion in the U.S. Senate Race here in Iowa. Last week I received an email from a friend who spent time in the Iowa State Senate. (I share that because my friend remains very connected to the political world.) In that note to me he said, "I thought the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) was staying out of the Iowa race prior to the primary. What's going on?" He sent along what looked to be a funding request sent by the DSCC but if you dig a bit deeper you see that it came not from the DSCC but from Finkenauer campaign. THAT then caused some to speculate that the folks in Cedar Rapids were playing loose with their emails and the Franken campaign got on the phone to ask....what the heck? 

Another friend made the comment that one might think there was only one candidate running against Grassley if you watched any MSNBC because it seems they are fixated on Finkenauer while ignoring the other candidates Dr. Glen Hurst and Admiral Mike Franken. Hmmmm.

What a Scoop!!!

On Friday veteran Des Moines Register Reporter, Donnelle Eller had a story about water trails and funding. In the first paragraph she writes, "A central Iowa water trails group's efforts to build a $125 million recreational mecca for kayaking, fishing and surfing got a big boost Friday as Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the state would provide up to $15 million for the project."

Isn't that nice?  The Governor is into water stuff! One would think she swooped in and personally took a chunk of cash out of the budget to send off for water recreation. But then we get to the last paragraph and in particular the last sentence: "Reynolds made the water quality and infrastructure announcements in Sioux Center. The money comes from Iowa's share of the federal American Rescue Plan."

Wait! What? The American Rescue Plan? The Joe Biden American Rescue Plan? The Democratic American Rescue Plan? Yeah...that. Weary.

Where is J.D.?

Last week my friend J.D. Scholten quit his job with Vote Rural a political action committee that pushed a Democratic message to rural voters. In a cryptic sign-off J.D. wrote something about not being able to work for a PAC as he began another adventure. THAT got heads spinning and there was conjecture that J.D. might swoop in and save the top of the Iowa ticket and run for Governor. I dunno...just reporting. Meanwhile a group called The American Economics Liberties Project lists J.D. as a "Senior Advisor". Don't you love Iowa Politics?  Anybody???

The Iowa Caucus

It is my understanding that today the Iowa Democratic State Central Committee is meeting to chat about the upcoming caucus scheduled for February 7. If you've paid attention to the national news the Democratic Central Committee (DCC) is all about ending the caucus system and more than one news outlet returns to the tired story about the Iowa Caucus in 2020 not being able to report correct numbers. Forgetting the fact that Iowa was told by the DCC to use a system that...didn't work.

Anyway, it's said that the meeting today will be about allowing a virtual caucus. Several counties have looked at the science and said they will buck the state party and hold their caucuses in a virtual format. With the COVID-19 positivity rate hitting 34% in Polk County I'm all in on a virtual event. We shall see if the party that believes in science will now trust it.  Stay tuned.

Partly Personal

Last week I was in Kansas City on an assignment and I'm still not unpacked. When you take a truck load of audio gear out of town...it takes awhile to get back to "normal".

Meanwhile, yesterday I spent a couple of hours at a Windsor Heights coffee shop, Grounds for Celebration for something we've dubbed "Coffee with Council". It's where my fellow city councilors rotate into the coffee shop between 9AM and 11AM to chat with residents and business people about Windsor Heights. I can report back to you that 1) The coffee was wonderful; 2) The breakfast veggie sandwich was delicious and 3) I didn't have any takers.  My bride, who made this great looking sign for me, suggested that I dress down a bit. No slacks and sweater but go more casual so folks feel comfortable to approach me. Great...my new "brand" jeans and flannel...the Paul Bunyan Look. 

That's a wrap...thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

Sunday Morning Coffee 16 January 2022

Welcome to 2022...which seems a bunch like 2021 so far. It's Sunday Morning Coffee back in the saddle after a couple of weeks off. To tell the truth, the political news is so weird that I had to "duck and cover" for several Sundays. NOT that it's gotten any better...right. So, let's get into some opinion, politics and a dash of religion just to keep things interesting.

We're Defending What Exactly?

In December President Biden signed the $770 billion defense bill which was $20 billion more than the pentagon requested. It struck me that while we can't get our crap together to support a host of domestic issues say like...voting...what exactly are we defending? Without the right to vote and hold politicians accountable and move this nation to a "more perfect union" what the hell are we doing?  Nearly two dozen states have passed voter suppression legislation (I live in one) and people like Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) have just said "No!" to carving out a filibuster change to get voting rights passed. So there is that...

Got It Yet?

If one didn't know better one would think that we're living in some crack-pot third world country when it comes to COVID-19. We live in a nation that has a patchwork health care system, that leaves the states to figure out what to do because we have failed to have a clear national response to this plague. To make matters worse it seems that the people in charge alter their recommendations on a regular basis. For example now the CDC says a cloth mask isn't enough and that people should wear a "surgical mask" and also a cloth mask over that.

Meanwhile one in five Americans have yet to get their first shot of a vaccine. All of this is tragic and it extends the life of this awful 21st Century Plague.

Empty Shelves

Last week I saw a political pundit post a photo of some empty grocery store shelves and take it with, #EmptyShelvesBiden. Weary. Want to know why some shelves are empty? Let's start with COVID-19 taking hundreds of thousands of "essential workers" out of the workforce. National economists say that although a precise count of the number of employees who are out sick or quarantining is hard to come by, about 5 million Americans could be isolating due to COVID-19.

Meanwhile we are more than 80,000 truck drivers short of full employment. That means only two of every sixteen loads are being claimed. And there is the Supreme Court decision that vaccine mandates  are not legal and that OSHA overstepped in that call to have employers of 100 people or more get their staff vaccinated. Then there is Matt Whitaker (who we in Iowa know only too well) the former Acting U.S. Attorney General and rabid supporter of "45", in a tweet, said the decision was a "big win for federalism". Oh...please. (Photo: CNN)

And you wanna know why I needed a couple of weeks off?

The Flat Tax

Well now Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) in yet another gift to the wealthy (who, by the way really make the rules) has just proposed a graduated Flat Tax System for this state. The proposal would get to a flat tax of 4% in several years. This has long been a goal of the rich and powerful as it would shift a larger tax burden to lower income individuals and Lord knows we don't need them to bog down progress.

In addition to gifting to the wealthy this would also, according to economists, lower state revenues which then allows the state to further restrict public education support. "Hey, look at our revenues. We can not continue to support public education in any meaningful way..." I can hear it now.

Work Force

And in another lofty proposal Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) has also called for reducing unemployment benefits to force people back to work. Like they are lazy folks sucking down bon-bons while watching day-time soap operas. I'm not sure where this woman dreams up this stuff. This sort of hard-hearted response to a plague is typical of her and her minions. It's just...awful.

But Wait, There's More

Meanwhile on the opening day of the Iowa Legislature the State Senate President Jake Chapman (R-Adel) used his time to call out teachers and journalists for having a "sinister agenda" that is threating the safety of children. You know, the kind of rhetoric that resulted in a guy shooting up a pizza joint because he was convinced there was "child trafficking" going on there.

Well, Jake, I got news. Enjoy the limelight because your time in the Iowa Legislature will soon be coming to an end.

Exhibit A: Here is a recent photo of legislators taken at a West Side Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast this past week. It was not that long ago that every legislator representing the suburbs of Des Moines where Republicans. Voters have finally come to the conclusion that those representing them were doing a lousy job and kicked the GOP to the curb. Legislating from a point of fear only goes so long. There is not a boogie man behind every tree and bush. While that playbook has worked in the past...the rational is getting mighty thin.  So, Jake get ready for a more quiet retirement as Sen. Sarah Trone-Garriott takes you on in your home turf. Know that thousands of us are working to that goal.  In the photo: Sen. Claire Celsi (D-WDM),  Sen. Sarah Trone-Garriott (D-Windsor Heights), Sen. Jake Chapman (R-Adel), Rep. Kenan Judge (D-Waukee) and Rep. Jennifer Konfrst (D-Windsor Heights). (Photo - Windsor Heights Chamber) 

Israel

It was a reminder of what once was. This past week I attended a luncheon put on by Iowans Supporting Israel a true bipartisan organization that seeks to strengthen ties between the two entities. It was a bit surreal as I sat next to the chair of the Grassley reelection committee and Attorney General Tom Miller (D-IA) and a host of people from both sides of the aisle who hold drastically different political beliefs all coming together in support of the State of Israel. The topic was the BDS Movement which seeks to Boycott, Disinvest and Sanction Israel saying that the nation's treatment of the Arab population is akin to apartheid in South Africa. The speaker was Jacob Millner from the Minneapolis office of the American Jewish Committee who shared the reality of the situation in Israel vs. what life was like in South Africa and other places that oppress minorities.  Thirty-three states, and Iowa is one of them, have passed anti BDS legislation that restricts investment in companies that support BDS. If you really want the full story...feel free to make contact with me. 

Partly Personal

We had to cancel services at my congregation Adas Israel of Mason City. Snow. But, if you want a peek at what we talk about each week in our Torah Study you can visit our Adas Israel Blog Post which looks a bunch like this blog posts...for obvious reasons. Yes, each week I get to do that...too.

It's will be my first City Council Meeting as a councilor. The Windsor Heights City Council meets on the first and third Monday. However because of the New Year Holiday we did not meet on January 3rd and we'll not meet tomorrow the 17th because of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. So...we're meeting on Tuesday. This morning I spent several hours going through the meeting packet...all 162 pages.

I'll be taking Insight on Business the News Hour on the road this week. Headed to Kansas City on business. Be looking for a long-form conversation over lunch with U.S. Senate Candidate Admiral Mike Franken. It was the return to my "Out to Lunch" segment that's been on hold during the pandemic. My thanks to managing partner Karl Wertzberger and his staff at Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio for hosting us.

Finally.....YES Mitch Henry I will be sending in my dues for the Iowa Unity Coalition...honest! 

Yikes this got long!  Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday...