Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly piece on politics. Before we get started I have a confession to make. I found Netflix. I get it, it's been around forever but because I don't often watch MUCH TV I just didn't get around to checking it out. OMGosh! The original series programs are amazing! So much so that Sunday Morning Coffee is late today because I was up until after 1AM on that damn Netflix series The Punisher. I've got to find a support group...soon. But, you didn't come here to hear my addiction troubles...let's get into it.
We Should Be Joyful
If you look at all the things that are right...right now...we should be a very happy nation. Unemployment is lower than it has been in decades, wages and benefits are starting to catch up, the economy (for some) is roaring, we don't have thousands of troops on foreign soil, we are making up with old enemies and yet we are not joyful or happy or united. Why is that? Why is it that our prosperous nation is on edge? It doesn't make sense unless we consider the underlying anger and frustration of the various factions actively working against unity in our republic.
We have a leader who seems to delight in confrontation and division. Saying and doing anything to support an angry base of supporters who, following the recession, still feel as if they are being attacked and pushed to the side. Meanwhile the conversation over public policy that should be agreeable is not moving forward. We can't agree on anything and each faction is safe in their own bubble as they poke and prod the faction "over there".
It's not working America. It's not working for the Republicans it's not working for the Democrats and it sure as hell isn't working for those of you who call yourselves Independents. We are a broken and divided nation and if we don't come, quickly, to a decision to fix this republic I fear for the future. We should be joyful...but we are not and it's been brewing for a very long time.
Kidnapping Made Legal
If I were a defense attorney and I had clients who were sent away to prison for kidnapping I think I would appeal their sentence. The defense would be, "If it's OK for the federal government to kidnap kids then my client should not have been found guilty. I move for a dismissal of all charges."
Sounds reasonable...right? This administration has made, as a cornerstone of its immigration policy, the kidnapping of children and separating families. Their crime is not much different than my grandparents or, perhaps, yours. Families who want better for themselves come to America because we do "lift our lamp beside the golden door". Snuffing out that light is tragedy.
Decisions, Decisions
Here in Iowa Tuesday is Primary Day. What so many have been working toward for so very long. I think it's really impossible to understand the how it feels leading up to election day if you've never run for office or been deeply involved in a campaign. The energy and and passion that drives a candidate can be all consuming. What to say, how to say it, who to meet, what to focus on and raising the money to get that message out is a full time job. For those of you who are out there working to get elected and to those who are working along side you, no matter the party, thank you. It really does matter.
In the end we, the electorate, need to make decisions based not only on issues and personality but also, in a primary, need to establish who can best win the general election in November.
My choice for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Iowa was made early and it was made based on the realization that the candidate needs to be a winner for the entire state and all the people. We are not urban or rural we are Iowa and I believe the best candidate to move us forward must have a broad understanding of the issues that confront us all. And, must be ready, on day one, to lead with passion and compassion. I will cast my vote for John Norris for those reasons. He will make an excellent candidate who will repair our broken and broke state.
The Secretary of State candidate best positioned to make an impact on voting and business is Deidre DeJear. She has said from the very beginning that her mission is to assist in making voting possible and easier. She has, from the beginning of this race, said her focus will be on assisting small businesses in their ability to grow and prosper. Two simple but impact-full objectives.
The Third Congressional Race is more nuanced. The "safe money" is on Cindy Axne. However character does count and how she and her campaign threw Theresa Greenfield under the bus didn't play well with me. And it shouldn't play well with you either. Using "sharp elbows" to pile on another Democrat will be remembered. Pete D'Alessandro is right on all the issues from health care to a living wage to trade to immigration he can make a significant difference in Congress. Meanwhile Eddie Mauro is a great choice and has worked his heart out in all 16 counties. Tough call and the goal is to win in November.
Partly Personal
I got a call early this morning from my son, Aaron who told me Captain Jack died. And, yes, we cried. Jack was 13 and lived a great life. Congestive heart failure took him down. Aaron and his bride and two kids are having a really rough Sunday. It is at times like these that we so often ask ourselves, "Why do people get pets knowing what lies in the future?" And, the answer for those of us who love critters is, "We focus on the love".
Jack, who was never a lover of the "outside" will rest on the mantle of the fireplace I'm told. "He's an inside dog", my son said. My bet is that soon another fur kid will be brought into their home. All in time... Tough Sunday.
Thanks for reading and don't forget to vote on Tuesday.
Comments