Doesn't feel like September does it? Temps in Iowa hitting 92 yesterday...but it was quite a football game in Iowa City. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee and that's about all the pop-culture you're going to get today. We've got political stories to share. Some you may have seen others, not so much...but all laced with my commentary. You are welcome...now: Grab a cup!
It's The Economy Stupid
Last week, as "45" said the number of deaths from the hurricanes in Puerto Rico were "made up by Democrats" meanwhile there was another lie being told but this time by GOP House members. They are telling America that there will be no "Blue Wave" because the economy is surging and people have so much more money in their paychecks. Who in the hell are they kidding? It is true that "Help Wanted" signs are everywhere. It is true that if you have lots of cash in the stock market you've seen some great returns. But hold on...inflation is eating up any wage growth and you know it. The only thing that is saving our economy right now is low gasoline prices. If that were to change...
The reality is this: Wages are up, year over year, to at 2.9% but INFLATION is up, year over year, to 2.7%. If it feels like you are treading water...you are.
But, it gets worse. Teachers in America are paid 18.1% less than comparable professions. You have got to be freakin' kidding me! Why the hell all teachers don't, tomorrow, go on strike is stunning. Sure it's "against the law" in many states but there are not enough jail cells.
Nothing changes until something changes and in November YOU have the opportunity to start that change.
The Supreme Court
This is stunning. There has never before been a person nominated to the United States Supreme Court that is in as much trouble as Judge Brett Kavanaugh yet Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) continues to push for a vote on getting his name out of committee and to the full senate. For those of us living in Iowa Chuck Grassley is an embarrassment. He has gone "Full Monty" on being a partisan hack rather than a senior senator with honorable intentions. Sad...I knew him when he wasn't.
The Trend
Notice something about the television commercials for Republican candidates? Actually, they are not "for" anything but rather against their challenger.
Over and over we hear that the electorate (you) want to know WHAT the HELL the candidate is going to DO. But the ads coming out from Rep. David Young (R-IA) and Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) are not about what they are going to do positive it's all about creating a sense of fear and distrust about their opponents. But, emotion rules and so too does fear.
That's why I'm waiting for Cindy Axne to use her "sharp elbows" and tell voters in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District about the failure of the policies of Congressman Young and highlight what she will do in Congress to change that. It ain't hard but when you are paying attention to the DCCC and not your gut you get...Iowa Nice and that ain't gonna get the job done. Sorry...
Same goes for Fred Hubbell. We have, sitting in the office of Governor of Iowa the most inept person outside of "45" that there could be. She has trashed education, trashed health care, trashed pay opportunities, trashed collective bargaining, trashed protection of seniors and she stands there and smiles. Meanwhile Democrats are, once again, playing "Iowa Nice". Please...voters are looking for a solid and vocal difference. End of rant...what the hell do I know...right?
Hillary Clinton & Nancy Pelosi
If there is anything the GOP is good about it is their ability to create pariahs out of women. Think about it for a bit. Still, today, thousands of people shout "Lock her up!" when there is the mention of Hillary Clinton. A women who has more experience and ability than the dolt in the Oval Office but people hate her. The same with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Every single GOP candidate for congress uses the same hate message about the evil Nancy Pelosi...
What is the common thread? Well, both are women (which in America can be a problem). Both are capable leaders (another big problem). And, both are moderate democrats...which is a problem for a faction of the party. Oh...and Rep. Pelosi is from California...which is more progressive than 49 of the other states and that causes folks a bit of jealousy.
Weary...
Jill and Joe Biden
This weekend it was Jill Biden who made the news when she spoke about bullies. Here is what she said as she was introducing her husband (who is, many say, considering a run for president in 2020), “There is nothing that makes either of us more angry than a bully. There’s nothing that’s more unfair or unjust than people using their power to try to make other people feel small, to tell them who they are or what they are capable of, to say their identity doesn’t belong.”
Gosh, who might she be talking about? And she continued by saying she and her husband want to "pick a fight" with bullies.
Go...Joe and Jill!
Bridging the Gap
This is getting really, really local...sorry friends outside of Des Moines! Tomorrow at the Des Moines Central Library the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission will reveal nine items designed to "Bridge the Gap" with regard to education, policing and equality in the capital city.
Last week I went "Out to Lunch" with the director of the DSM Civil and Human Rights Commission Joshua V. Barr and talked about the effort that has been going on for months as he and his staff gather input from thought leaders, civic leaders, educators, faith leaders, police department leaders and more. If you are into such a thing, CLICK ON THIS LINK to visit my Radio Blog. Enjoy. I'm looking forward the the free event starting at 6pm...with food...hope you can join us.
Partly Personal
Today is Game Day! Our grand-daughter has two softball game this afternoon. Should be fun...
The Asian-Latino Coalition is, perhaps, has become on of the most influential non-profit groups in Iowa. While based in Des Moines the coalition has many members outside of the capital city. So, why do I mention them? Because of their ability to garner some of the biggest names in politics to come and speak. This month there is a reception with Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA). Congresswoman Jayapal is an outspoken progressive who represents the Seattle area. This is just the latest guest to come before the Iowa Asian-Latino Coalition that has so much to say about the direction of our county. Here is the Facebook Page for the group. You should join.
NHL coming to Des Moines! Yes, this is exciting. The Minnesota Wild will welcome the St. Louis Blues to the Wells Fargo Arena on Wednesday evening with the puck dropping at 7:00pm. I understand there are just a few tickets left which means it is going to be a sold out event. Who says Iowa isn't a hockey state? For me there is one drawback. Wednesday is Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish faith, and I'll be in Mason City for services. However...I might be able to make the final minutes of the 3rd period...we'll see. For more information about the game and for tickets...here is that link.
OK...thanks for reading and have a fantastic Sunday!
Comments