It's been an interesting week watching the election that keeps on giving. You would think that a nation such as ours would have it figured out how to run an election. The patch-work of rules and regulations from state to state is astounding. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee just more political stuff to get you started into the week before Thanksgiving...
Thanksgiving Shopping
OK, so it isn't political but really? While more and more national chains have figured it out that Thanksgiving really should be about the holiday, friends, family and lots and lots of carbs there are some stores that put profits ahead of tradition. Or maybe it really is the tradition to shop on Thanksgiving? But, in case you're wondering here is a list from People Magazine stores open and closed. You are welcome!
Remember to Rake
How nice. After hurling insults at the National Park Service, firefighters, the State of California and the people who chose to live in the hills "45" made a trip to Northern California to survey the area being blackened by the deadly wildfires and the scene of over 70 tragic deaths. He offered some advice to the people who are in charge of the earth. “You gotta take care of the floors. You know the floors of the forest, very important,” "45"told reporters, as Gov. Jerry Brown and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom stood nearby. “You look at other countries where they do it differently and it’s a whole different story. I was with the president of Finland and he called it a forest nation, and they spend a lot of time on raking and cleaning and doing things and they don’t have any problem. And when they do, it’s a very small problem.”
He did not mention anything about climate-change or the $1 billion Gov. Brown had already authorized to clean up the forest. Or that the fires in Southern California are not in forests. Or that the climate in Finland is a bit different than in drought plagued California. Never mind...just send in the rakes. Weary...
The Master Race
Just when you thought it could not get more odd. Last week Leavenworth County (Kansas) Commissioner Louis Klemp sparked some outrage as he made a statement about a "master race". Klemp, who was appointed by the Republican Party, made the comments, which were recorded on camera, as an African-American woman was presenting for a landscape and architectural firm.“I don’t want to think I’m picking on you because we’re part of the master race,” Klemp said last Tuesday. “You know you got a gap in your teeth you’re the master. Don’t ever forget that.”
Gov. Jeff Colyer (R-KS) called for the resignation of Klemp who, it appears, has been in some trouble before. Like when he he said Confederate General Robert E. Lee was a “wonderful part of history.”
Isn't That Nice?
Days after the election here in Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) who was elected to her own four year term (She had been elevated from Lt. Governor when then Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) decided to take a slow boat to China and accept an ambassador job.) said that Congressman Steve King (R-IA), the bombastic racist the folks in Northwest Iowa love to listen to and re-elect, should make a decision about who he should support, “I think that Steve King needs to make a decision if he wants to represent the people and the values of the 4th District or do something else, and I think he needs to take a look at that.”
The funny thing is that she did not dare say anything like that prior to the election because the folks who love Congressman King may have turned on her. Besides, the congressman was part of her election team. Say it with me...Weary.
We've Got a Problem
Several months ago I was visiting with a non-profit leader in a very white part of the Des Moines Metro about race. This person told me that when the issue of racial tension was brought up during a board meeting a board member said, "Racial issues? Here? We don't have any racial problems in our community."
Sort of reminds us now of Facebook, "Russians using Facebook. Nah, not here. Not us!" Even when they knew the truth.
Trouble is, my bet is that the person who made that remark doesn't have a clue. However now that we've had two incidents of implicit bias in the western suburbs involving citizens and the police maybe it's time we recognize the problem?
Black folks walking in white neighborhoods seems to spark concern. So, white folks call the police about "suspicious activity". The black folks are simply doing their job and before you know it we've got body cameras, cell phone video and folks going to jail.
We've got a problem.
Now What?
The democrats have taken the majority in the U.S. House. Now what? Are we going to get our shit together and move some mountains or are we going to do business as usual? We elected you to do something and if you need some starter ideas...here you go:
- Gun Safety - Call it out. This nation is crazy-nuts when it comes to guns. There is no reason that we should have semi-automatic weapons in the public. If that is too much for you step aside;
- Climate Change - The rest of the world gets it. When will you pass legislation that demands the United States gets serious about this? If that is too much for you...step aside;
- Education and Student Debt - Tell us why the federal government should profit on the backs of students and be one of the forces that puts so many young people on the wrong side of debt. If it is too much for you to write legislation that fixes this...step aside;
- Economic Pornography - Really? You think it's OK for executives in this nation to make 359% more than the average worker? Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) have a bill that changes that. If that is too much for you...step aside;
- Health Care - You ran on it. Now...fix it. Tell us why it is OK for insurance companies to profit off of a healthcare system that is sick and killing people. Tell us why it's OK for pharmaceutical companies to rip off consumers in this country when the same drugs can be purchased in Canada for a fraction of the cost. It is time for Medicare for All. If that is too much for you...step aside.
That is just a tiny list. I have more if you really want it. We worked for you. We campaigned for you. We now want you to get to work. If that is too much for you....step aside. (Cartoon - Tim Lloyd)
Partly Personal
This weekend I was in Mason City doing my work for Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and checking out of the hotel late on Saturday when a man approached me and said,"When is the next edition of The Business News Hour?" I was surprised to learn that he not only subscribes but also knew about our Sunday broadcast on News/Talk 1540 KXEL out of Waterloo. Nice...and thank you. And, just because....here is a link to the Radio Blog and a link to one of the podcast platforms on Podbean. We're on....like six.
Last week I learned that I'll be traveling to Mobile, Alabama for some work. Never been there and doubt I'll see much. Usually have to stay in the hotel working...but hey, it's a living. Also grateful to be headed to New York for the New York Newspaper Association annual meeting. Thank you.
Have a great Sunday and thanks for reading.
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