Sex, Politics, Opinion & More - SMC - 01/15/2012

Grab a cup of Sunday Morning Coffee and we'll share stories that center on politics, sex, gossip and more.  My name is Michael P. Libbie, the thoughts and opinions are my own and you're free to connect with me here, on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page.  It has been a very, very busy week.  Ready?  Let's go:

President-Elect Mitt Romney

Last summer I said that former Massachusetts Governor Mitt "John Kerry" Romney would be the Republican Nominee for POTUS in 2012.  My prediction for election night, ten months away, is that Governor Romney will lose in a very close election to President Obama and (and this is important) there will be an "Anybody But Mitt" challenge.  If not from the rabid folks who follow Ron Paul it will come from the Evangelical Christians who cringe at the thought of voting for a member of a religious cult.  Late last week this powerful block of voters backed former Senator Rick "I Got Jesus You Should Too" Santorum.  I think too little, too late.  But the fervor that will be expressed from the pulpit over the next four months will give hope to a challenger if not a third-party entry.  Write it down.

Governor Branstad's Party

I was at the State of the State address last week and what an amazing speech from Governor "For Life" Terry Branstad!  Gone were references to "faith and values".  The speech centered on jobs, education and jobs.  He'll also be raising taxes...as he has always done.  But, we'll call it something else.  He spent the rest of the week going about pushing his education agenda, including the goofy idea that students who fail to hold a "B average" in high school need not apply to college in order to become a teacher.  Talk about out of touch with reality.  And, how will he pay for this?  Perhaps by limiting local schools access to millions of dollars of infrastructure funds collected by local option sales tax?  Nah...  Anyway, here is the Governor leaving the party last week:

 

They are chanting "Put People First"...in case you didn't catch it.  Oh, and a little taste of...education and Charter Schools:

 

Danny Homan & Buttons

It was an interesting morning.  Here we have Danny Homan from AFSCME Iowa 61 talking about the union's "No Branstad" buttons and the Iowa Department of Corrections. 

 

Lawsuits and Safety...   Following the Governor's speech the door to his office was locked.  Unlike in former years when protesters were allowed into the governor's office to read their letter of grievances "security forces" indicated the mood of the protesters was a "security issue" for the governor.  Told you it was an interesting "after party".

Chris Hagenow - Week #49

Yep, still no Chris "Ain't Got No Newsletter for You!" Hagenow Newsletter.  However, I did try to see him last week at the State House.  We'll connect...someday and then I'll learn more about how hard he is fighting for those of us who live in the Village of Windsor Heights.

I Am Not a Good Jew...

This is partly personal.  Each month I spend Shabbos (Sabbath) in Mason City, Iowa.  I've had the pleasure of working with a congregation there for over 25 years.  They are a group of kind, dedicated individuals who, if the lights are on, they are in the shul.  It's heartwarming...  This month we switched weeks and wouldn't you know it my business was required to attend a meeting in Sioux City, Iowa on Saturday morning.  So, I broke tradition and traveled from Mason City to Sioux City on Friday night.  It's along four hour trip, in snow.  Also, know what's open between Fort Dodge and Sioux City between 11PM and 2AM?  NOTHING!  Had to scoop snow for fluids.  Yikes!  No wonder Steve King is the Congressman from that part of the world.  Like the Congressman, it's sort of like 1952...all over again. (I am sorry, could not resist.)

Better Than...SEX?

I was going to share a sexy story with you.  You know, something you can really get excited about.  Some risque adventure that will get you engaged in sharing...  BUT I think economic development is better than...sex.  Just want to share with you where, if you live in Iowa, your tax dollars are going when it comes to supporting business and industry.  For all the talk about supporting small business, Main Street, "Mom & Pop", women and minority businesses...it ain't happening.  Here is a great story from our friends at the Des Moines Register as to where your dollars are really going.  Who your tax dollars are supporting and (what is really SEXY) who isn't paying taxes back to the state.  Now, don't you wish you had that Viagra handy right now?

Gotta Go - Brunch Date

Sunday is "Family Brunch Day"here.  Mom and our Des Moines Kids come over for a meal and some chatter about the week.  I also get to have my son help me lift stuff.  Actually, my Bride directs traffic and she has us lift stuff... 

Thanks for coming by for a read.  Enjoy YOUR Sunday! - Michael