Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee where I get to write about the political stories you may have seen...or missed...all laced with my
commentary. Why? What else are you going to do on Sunday Morning? So, let's get started and see where this goes.
We All Know...
It's becoming more and more clear that "45" is working more for Russia than he is for the United States. All you need to know is that the president has concealed meetings with Vladimir Putin even from his own administration. But, what is really telling is that when the story broke White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was very quick to say, "The liberal media has wasted two years trying to manufacture a fake collusion scandal instead of reporting on the fact that unlike President Obama, who let Russia and other foreign adversaries push America around, President Trump has actually been tough on Russia." The key words in that phrase are "liberal media". Remember if you can't deal with the facts...deflect and let the base know the media is the enemy.
Data and Russia
So, now we learn (through a redaction error) that former campaign manager for "45" shared polling data from the 2016 election cycle with a Russian with strong ties to Putin. That slip-up now has new allegations of collusion on the part of the GOP campaign. And, of course, according to Rudy Giuliani, there was nothing to it. "Should he (Manafort) have done it? No. But, there is nothing criminal about it," said the president's attorney. Of course not...there is nothing to see here...just move along.
Food for Workers
Today Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-Md) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) will provide free meals for furloughed federal workers at something called a Sunday Shutdown Supper. Borrowing a line from the Passover Seder Congressman Raskin said, “The labor Movement is reminding us of the kind of solidarity and community that America really stands for. Let all who are hungry from this Shutdown and Lockout come eat!"
All across the nation groups and individuals are doing charity work for people who have been cast aside by this cruel act of not paying them for their work. The president has decided that his base must be fed...not American families. I am sure that those of you who voted for this person are proud of the work he is doing on your behalf.
Even Canada...
Meanwhile, Air traffic controllers in Canada are showing solidarity with their U.S. counter parts impacted by the shutdown with a coordinated effort to buy them...pizza. Canadian workers in New Brunswick and Newfoundland ordered 32 pizzas this past Friday evening to be delivered to the traffic control center in Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Six other air traffic control centers in Canada, including in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, sent pizza to their American colleagues in Seattle, Boston and Cleveland.
Yes, we are now receiving foreign aid. Isn't that nice. Now maybe Canada will pay for the wall?
It's Getting Crowded
Sensing victory in 2020 the list of presidential candidates keeps growing. Last week we saw Julian Castro announce his candidacy for president. It will be interesting to have him back in Iowa...but then again, it could be his identical twin brother Joaquin and we'd never know the difference.
Meanwhile Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) also jumped in. But the flack between Gabbard and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) caught many of us by surprise. It seems the Congresswoman has an issue with the Senator over a judicial pick. In an opinion piece she wrote that her Senator and other Democrats are, “weaponized religion for their own selfish gain”.
Pundits are suggesting this is all about Gabbard attempting to court the Catholic vote in the runup to her race. Which is a bit odd because Gabbard is practicing the Hindu faith.
Honestly, I don't get it but it's too bad we all had to go down this path. BTW, and a personal note, I've worked closely with the new campaign manager picked by Gabbard. It will be nice to see Rania Batrice back in Iowa.
John Delaney
Former Congressman John K. Delaney (D-MD) was back in Iowa this past week opening up offices for his 2020 presidential run. Delaney was, if you remember, the first to announce his candidacy a year ago and has visited all 99 counties. At the opening for his Des Moines office an eager public was waiting and after a thoughtful stump speech took lots of questions from the attendees. One of the more interesting ideas he put forward was his plan, once elected, to go to congress each quarter, in public to debate issues that impact Americans. "I would go to congress for three hours and debate issues. For the first hour and a half we might talk about a single issue and then open it up for debate for the next 90 minutes." If this sounds, somewhat, familiar you may have seen this sort of thing happen in the British Parliament. I think it's kinda neat.
I was able to ask a couple of questions. Here is an excerpt from the Business News Hour which will air today on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. (Click on the link to hear)
IOB 13 Jan 2019 Delaney Interview
Tom Steyer
He was also in Iowa last week announcing that he isn't running but, I did get a question answered during the media scrum about corporations and their duty to investors, their employees and their community. I think you'll find this interesting. Go ahead and click.
Moving?
Every business group in Iowa talks about how wonderful the economy is. That Iowa is ranked number one by Newsweek. That things are just ducky especially for young workers. So, if that's the case how come, of all the people who moved out of Iowa in 2017, over 33% of them were between the ages of 18 and 34? Where did that come from? Each year United Van Lines issues a report as to where people are moving to and from. Here is that report. If you check the detail about Iowa you'll see that number. Also interesting is that 30% of the outbound moves involved people making between $75,000 and $99,000 a year. It is called the "hollowing out" of the Middle Class.
Questions?
Education in Iowa
Once upon a time Iowa was known for our prowess in Education. Hell, we even had a test named after us. Today, thanks to Iowa Republicans working at every level to starve our educational system, we are a shell of what we once were. It's not open for debate. You know this to be true. Every year parents (including us) are asked to contribute to our public schools. We get a list and so too do you. Teachers are working additional jobs, schools are cutting programs that contribute to a well rounded education. And it all lies at the feet of your Republican elected legislators and our "trickle down" Governor.
They do not care and they can not defend their position. That is why, yesterday, not one member of the GOP caucus showed up at an event hosted by the Des Moines Public Schools Legislative Action Team to discuss public school funding. Not...one. And, yes, every member of the Iowa Legislature in the Des Moines Metro was invited...that according to the organizers.
Now, before you start in by suggesting that a legislator from outside of the district shouldn't be interested in what the DMPS District has to say might I remind you that it is not a conversation strictly about Des Moines. It is a conversation about education in Iowa hosted by the largest district in the state. And, they didn't show.
That, my friends, is all you need to know about their contempt for public education.
Future Ready Iowa
I've got one more for you. Every business group in Iowa is clamoring for more tax breaks...and Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) has already said that cutting the corporate tax rate is a priority. Meanwhile the governor and others are holding up the program known as the Future Ready Iowa a program designed to deliver well educated young people to the doorstep of employers eager to hire. Every time Governor Reynolds mouth is moving she says, "Future Ready Iowa..." as if, by a wonderment of simply speaking those words it will happen.
Wanna know what the very first goal, outlined on their website, is? Sure you do, "Progress toward reducing the socioeconomic, ethnic and racial achievement gaps in kindergarten through 12th grade and increasing equity in postsecondary enrollment."
Isn't that nice.
But how the hell do you do that while starving public education, cutting funding for education, disparity in resources between say...Waukee vs. Des Moines...all while encouraging young people to attend college where they will rack up massive debt that will haunt them for decades.
I think, my friends, we have this ass-backward. Ya can't do stuff without having the cash to pay for it. And now your Iowa Legislature will again, because the corporate tax rate "doesn't look good on paper", will cut taxes to businesses like they cut taxes for the wealthy and reduced corporate property taxes. You in with all of that?
Partly Personal
Our daughter and grand-daughter have been living with us for the past 3.5 years. Last week they were able to secure an apartment close to our home. While I am delighted that they will have a "place of their own" I am saddened that being a "Full-Time Dad" is going to take a hit. Does the ten-year old make noise and do silly "girl stuff". Sure...but, to be honest, I'm going to miss that. But, I've been told she'll be here a bunch. Hope so.
Taking the Show on the Road this week as we head to Mobile, Alabama. That is IF the TSA is working. Never been there and because it's all work I doubt I'll get out of the hotel much. I'll let you know.
Thanks for reading and sorry this is late...have a great Sunday!
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