Sunday Morning Coffee 29 April 2018

Before you get up and get going let's have Sunday Morning Coffee together. Here is where I get to look at some of the political news you've seen, or perhaps missed, and then offer up my own commentary. Why? Because I get to...and what the heck else am I going to do at 5:30 on a Sunday morning?  Ready?  Let's go!

White House Correspondents Dinner

For the second year in a row "45" skipped the Washington D.C. event. In reflection, I should have too. I don't know Michelle Wolf. I, clearly, am out of the loop. What started out as, pretty much, a snore (with the exception of the emotional reflection on immigration by WHCA’s current president, Bloomberg News’ White House reporter Margaret Talev about her father and Bulgaria) things heated up when headliner Wolf hit the mic. In a profanity laced thirty minutes Wolf shredded "45" from the start with  “Like a porn star says when she’s about to have sex with a Trump, let’s get this over with.” to how much money "45" doesn't have, “He’s so broke . . . he has to fly failed business class” and “he looked for foreign oil in Don Jr.’s hair.” But she was off the rails when attacking Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee-Sanders. That was, I thought, a bridge too far. But maybe it's because I'm "Iowa Nice"?

But I did love this jab: “Trump is also an idea guy. He's got loads of ideas. You've got to love him for that,” she said. “He wants to give teachers guns. And I support that because then they can sell them for things they need — like supplies.”

Final thought. The First Amendment is important...always.

Dr. Feelgood

Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont) must be doing pretty well because twice last week he came under a withering attack by "45" over the news regarding Dr. Ronny Jackson who pulled out of contention to head the VA. The president said Tester should "resign" and "I know things about Tester that will cause him to lose his election!" "45" went so far as to say that the Montana Senator was outright lying about Ronny being drunk, causing disturbances in hotels, passing out drugs like candy, wrecking a government vehicle, drinking on the job...the list was pretty long. But, you must admit, Dr. Jackson does look like he came out of central casting. No matter if the guy has never had any experience at the level of running the second largest department in the government.  He looks good. And, as has been documented so many times...that's all that matters to "45". (Cartoon - Tim Lloyd)

The Rant

Last week on Fox and Friends "45" when on a thirty minute rant. Sometimes screaming into the phone while the dumb-struck hosts...listened. All you need to do to better understand that this man is not fit for the office is to take a listen to that tape. We once were a proud nation. He is making us look like idiots.

Stumbling Into Diplomacy?

The world is talking about the bromance between "45" and French President Emmanuel Macron. Of how Macron won over the president, offered him guidance and looked like a true leader. Then, in a stunning change "45" who just last year refused to even shake the hand of German Chancellor Angela Merkel he kissed her on both cheeks. What? Couple that with the North and South Korea thingy and "45" may have just stumbled into diplomacy. However, it would be nice to actually have diplomats in charge.

One other thing about "45" and Macron is the way they treat their wives. It must be a very lonely place for Melania. Some day we'll get the real story. But, it's refreshing and healthy to watch how President Macron gets on with his bride Brigitte. BTW did you know she is 24 years older than he? I didn't. Good catch Emmanuel!

Where Do They Go To Get...

These people who frame "45" at his rallies? I suspect that if I feared everything from "brown people" to Europe (or frankly if I knew nothing about either) I might be willing to be the backdrop at these events. It's astounding. Just yesterday I was sitting with a woman who was sharing an article written by a psychologist about the characteristics of "45" fans and those of us who are not. The striking similarity among "45" supporters is their fear and misunderstanding of just about...everything. Fear is a very powerful motivator.

White Folks

One of the biggest push-backs I get, when visiting with my Caucasian friends, is the response to "White Privilege". It happens all the time. "How dare you suggest that the color of my skin is responsible for my success and status!" Or, "My great-grand parents were immigrants to this nation and they worked hard raise themselves up. To become independent and successful and to make sure their family continued to make great strides."  Yeah...that. Totally misses the mark. The conversation about privilege has to be looked at from the starting point. Who, among my Caucasian friends, were brought to this nation as slaves to do the bidding of their white masters? To be sold, at auction? To be traded as cattle? Ahh...yeah. That's what I thought. It's not about disparaging your history or your family work ethic it is about where they, and you, and I started. One of the problems with teaching and confirming "white privilege" is that not enough Caucasian people talk about it. Maybe we should. Willing to listen to your thoughts.

Workers Memorial

Last week families, friends and supporters gathered just west of the Iowa Capital to remember the 32 Iowa workers who left for their job but never returned. It's an annual event which is sponsored by the AFL/CIO. Of the people who died on the job were three firefighters and one a deputy sheriff the others were fellow workers who were going out to do their job just like us all. It's always an emotional event. Among those greeting mourning family members were Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) and Lt. Governor Adam Greg (R-IA). I think, based on this image, and from what I saw, Gov. Reynolds was moved by the event. Iowa Federation of Labor AFL/CIO president Ken Sagar, who himself lost a family members to a job accident, said,"We must put aside our politics and find ways to fund the very departments who are tasked with keeping Iowa workers safe." The question is...can we? Judging by what is being reported as a deal struck between the Iowa House and Senate that doesn't look promising. More tax cuts are coming...more cuts in services are ahead. Listen, for a moment to what Mark Cooper, South-Central President of the Iowa Federation of Labor told me at the event when I asked him if we could get beyond politics. Click the audio.

IOB 27 April 2018 Cooper LOCAL

 

They Can't Do Math

Yesterday, during his swing through the four Democratic District Conventions John Norris made a simple statement when it comes to the GOP controlled legislature and governor. "The problem with the people who control the Iowa legislature and the governor's office is they can't do math!" He was speaking to the reckless spending and tax cuts the Republicans are saying will save Iowa from fiscal ruin. They are loath to explain how we went from a near one-billion dollar surplus to having to borrow money to balance the budget. And now, it seems, the House and Senate GOP leaders have reached a grand bargain that will further cut taxes for corporations and individuals while still shelling out large sums of money to already successful businesses. The bill, which is not yet drafted and still being worked on, also says that "this year" Iowa will reimburse the state's cash reserve fund. What happens when, as proven time after time, that corporations fail to increase wages, fail to add more jobs, fail to re-invest in their business rather than take the profits? What happens is the folks making the most money will continue down that road and, as I've suggested before, "If you like Kansas, you'll love Iowa."

Partly Personal

This month I'll travel to Washington D.C. representing my community and businesses during the Greater Des Moines Partnership Des Moines to D.C. trip. It's an opportunity to speak with congressional leaders and other business people about issues that are important to Central Iowa. You all know my political feelings...and while it might surprise you that I love business...I think there is a place for care and compassion in the business model. We can not have a region, state, nation that continues to reward the few over the health of the many. It doesn't work for us all. It will be an interesting trip.

Meanwhile my friend Chef David Baruthio of Baru 66 and Saison fame will be opening up two new locations in the tiny community of Earlham, Iowa. I was there yesterday and took a look at the building and what has become a $2.5 million dollar reconstruction of a 118 year old structure spearheaded by the Krause Family and Friends of Kum & Go fame. It is striking. If you want to hear the story of what's about to hit Earlham in late May click through here.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Michael Devine]

Conversations around white privilage are boring and predictable. How many Black people care about the struggles and pain of my ancestors? That would be none. The struggels of their ancestors was more difficult so my ancestors don't count? That is a self serving narrative that looks and sounds like serving a constiuant group liberals can't afford to lose.

[Michael Libbie]

Hello Michael and thank you for your comment. This is not a liberal or a conservative issue it is an issue embedded in our society. It is also something that my Caucasian friends can not absorb unless they spend time understanding the original sin of our nation. This does not degrade your ancestors story but it does bring to the front a conversation that...is difficult to have but have it we must or we will continue down this path. - Michael