SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 31 May 2020

My name is Michael Libbie and welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee a look at some of the news stories you've seen and/or perhaps missed all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to do early on Sunday Morning. I've been writing this piece for well over 12 years. This morning I sat down to write one of the most painful blogs I've ever authored. Read on and, nope, no snark from me today. This stuff is deadly serious.

A Nation In Turmoil

There are so many aspects to this. The pain of people in social and economic misery. A president who is AWOL from his duty. Cities on fire. Police out of control. Families of police officers fearing for their safety. Agitators who use unrest to incite violence.

It's a mess.

And we have a choice.

We can work for purpose and change or we can turn out backs and say "This isn't about me." Oh, but it is.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "A riot is the language of the unheard." For generations the majority culture in this nation has not been listening and, today, we are all witnesses to what that sin has wrought.

The murder of a black man in Minneapolis in broad daylight at the hands of police officers who have had numerous complaints lodged against them is nothing...new. It is the same footage we've seen played out time after time in great cities and in small towns.

I get to live in the Greater Des Moines Metro (Polk County, Iowa). It has been well documented how blatant the economic injustice is here. Prior to the pandemic this region boasted the nation's lowest unemployment rate. If you were white and/or privileged. Meanwhile at the same time the unemployment rate among African Americans stood at 16.9%. Not my numbers but those from a study done in 2017 and highlighted here in Bleeding Heartland.  And here is the full study.

Meanwhile, those folks who had jobs were spending up to 50% of their income on housing. Throw in transportation and food you don't have much left for the enjoyment of life. And it's worse when you are working not one but two jobs leaving little time for any sort of "family life".

So, yeah, we knew and we made the choice to remain silent.

And Then The Pandemic

While nothing has changed since 2017 one thing did lay bare the economic injustice of the United States, COVID19. Only the blind fail to see what is playing out in front of each of us. Workers forced to exist in dangerous conditions. A nation/state unwilling to adhere to some basic protective responses. Workers in nursing homes, celebrated by the many, working for low wages because we have decided that "essential workers" are not valued workers.

Because the coronavirus does not care if you are young, old, black, brown or white it is stunning that the vast majority of people dying, now over 100,000 Americans, come from already economically disadvantaged households. It is these people who can not "work from home" but must report for duty that continue to suffer in greater numbers.

Are you seeing a pattern?

It all comes down to, dare I say it, economics.

While people are dying executives at J.C. Penny racked up $10 million in bonuses before declaring bankruptcy. The executives at Hertz just collected $16.2 million before filing for Chapter 11. The new CEO of Hertz, Paul Stone, got his $700,000 bonus three days after getting the top job.

Our nation is morally bankrupt.

What Is The Answer?

Look, I don't have all the answers but I think we have some tools to unlock the change we need. Perhaps it will come too late for some but not too late for the future.  Let's tick down some potential answers:

• You Must Vote - While there are some who will continue to attempt to rob you of this privilege you must make the decision to vote them and their kind out of office. And, this is not a partisan issue. Both parties are guilty of messing with you and your vote. Big money and big politics are in play right now, today, in the Democratic Primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Iowa. 
• Work Must Be Valued - Work is done by workers and not the executives cloistered in their C-Suites. What part of that do you fail to understand? That corporate CEO's make 300% more then their average employee is criminal. CEO pay has increased 1,008% between 1978 and 2018, while typical worker pay has edged up 12%. Know why? Because here in Iowa and across the nation you have been fooled into believing that unions are bad and corporations are good. Hell, we even make judgements that corporations are people.
• Unionize My Friends - Even as the State of Iowa enacts new laws making it more difficult to join and stay a union member you must resist. Collectively we will gain more power over the economics of our lives. This isn't easy and it will take mountains of work and you will make powerful enemies along the way. Demand livable wages and benefits for all workers. We have the history that proves this point. When unions were powerful wages and benefits increased.  It isn't rocket science.
• Treasure Empathy Over Callous Disregard - Who is standing with you and who speaks to your heart? At the outset of this piece I mentioned that we have a president who is AWOL from his duty as "Comforter in Chief". In our recent memory we have had presidents who are true leaders, no matter their politics. President Bush who stood on a burned out hulk of a police car after 9/11 and called on us to come together. President Obama at a church singing Amazing Grace following a mass shooting. We have seen the best and the worst in our leadership and it all flows downhill.
• Don't Tell, Do Show - I have so had it with the self identified righteous people who point to their faith for some rational in doing evil. This isn't difficult. If you are a person of faith you know what is right and wrong. You know, by reading your Holy Book what is called for. If you don't then you are a fraud. The work of righteous people is to care for others not to marginalize them. We, in this nation, have plenty of places in which to worship but once we walk out of the building what are we doing to embrace those teachings?

So, what are you going to do?  Will you continue to "sit it out" or become engaged?

You do have a choice.

Take care and be well. 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee Memorial Weekend 2020

Another week...right?  Welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee my look at some of the news stories you've seen or, perhaps, missed and all laced with my commentary. Proud to be disliked by members of the Republican Party and their enablers. Lots to chat about so let's go.

Tired? I Am

It is debilitating caring for people. I know you feel it too. Every morning we wake up and before getting out of bed hit the news button on our phones to see what insanity took place in the hours we, fitfully, slept. It's hard work shouting into the wind fighting for equality and respect for our fellow humans not fortunate enough to lap from the golden trough. It makes a body weary doing the good work that needs to be done to protect and uphold people who may not be white or straight. 

Meanwhile some of my Christian friends who tell us, over and over, that life is the most important of all things don't seem to mind when the elderly continue to die in massive numbers, alone in nursing homes, separated from their family. "They were going to die...anyway."  They don't seem to mind when COVID19 takes the lives of those people who languish in our for-profit prison system. "They are guilty...so what?"  They don't seem to mind when this pandemic takes a disproportionate number of Black and Brown Americans or those immigrants who are forced to labor so others can eat. "They made the choice, not my problem."  Or when people can be beaten and killed because they are Gay or Muslim.  The image says it all. I've gotta suspect this guy will be so ready for church to re-open...or maybe not.  

One can get...weary. But we must continue to fight. Darkness can only be defeated when a light shows the way forward. 

Voter Suppression

It's no secret; the president wants fewer of you to vote and I believe he is setting the stage for refusing to acknowledge his loss in November. He threatens to withhold federal funds from Michigan and Nevada because those states sent out requests forms that had to be filled out if people wanted to vote by mail. Meanwhile Iowa did the same thing...but no condemnation.  That could mean that Iowa doesn't really matter or it would look bad if "45" said something bad about his "lap-dog" Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA).

The play-book is set and we're going to see more of this activity in "battleground" states.  We've already seen what the GOP tried, and failed, when it comes to suppressing the vote...say in Wisconsin. This is going to be a violent campaign and the stage is being set right in front of us all.

Go to Church!

It's so refreshing to have a president who truly respects the First Amendment and is willing to punish elected officials who refuse to allow churches to open their doors to the masses. Oh...wait. It says...what?

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Finally we have a devout man of deep faith in the White House.  Heads up kids...this is just another ploy of the president. It is meant to froth up his base.  You want to go to church?  Please go...and while you are there you might want to follow the example of Jesus. You know, actually read what it was that is he is purported to have said.  But you won't it will not fit in with your world view. But, what do I know...I'm just one of them Jews.

Open It Up!

You first.

You do know why states are clamoring to "open up" right? It's money. Pure and simple. Think of the tax revenue that has been lost due to businesses being closed. This really isn't about jobs or workers this is about taxes.  Meanwhile the president says "no more money" to help states and communities.  Why?  It's all about politics and taxes. 

So you wanna go out, mingle and help out your city and state?  Have at it my friends.  You first.

Meanwhile, Iowa House District 44

Wanna know how wacky things get over on "The Right"? There is going to be a primary among "Republicans" in the communities of Clive and Waukee.  One of those running is, perhaps, a bonafide member of the GOP who is facing a not-so-much Republican. My friend Kenan Judge (D-Waukee) flipped that seat in 2018 and I predict that he'll hold it given the awful way in which the GOP has preformed over the past several years.

But, back to the primary. I'm surprised that the Des Moines Register didn't dig a bit deeper into the story of the newly minted Republican Paul Knupp. Some of us remember when Paul was running for congress as a...wait for it...Democrat.  And, quite a liberal Democrat at that. I know that, as do some of my friends, because we hosted Paul during the Windsor Heights Democrats meeting in June of 2017. Damn cameras and notes...right?

By the way the guest speaker for the Windsor Heights Democrats meeting this week will be the Chair of the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus, Al Womble.

Justice for Quan

Yesterday several friends put together a live and Facebook event "Justice for Quan". For those of you who don't know or perhaps missed it DarQuan "Quan" Jones was savagely beaten on the 16th of May. He suffered a broken bones and had it not been for a couple of women who heard the screams and came to his aid...he may have been murdered.

What was it that might have been the reason for the beating? "Walking While Black" pretty much sums it up. The attackers have not been found but they were, from accounts, white folks who pretty much resented some uppity black person walking in public.

The rally was about "No Hate in our State" which is a nice thing to say but there is hate in Iowa. And white folks need to get the message and join with our brothers and sisters in demanding justice and stamping out the violence. That only happens when people who know something say something.  Be brave my white siblings...be brave. (Photo: Des Moines Register)

Thank you to friends, Rob Johnson, Al Womble, Vicki Brown and Ashley S. Jewett for organizing the event yesterday. 

Another Dead Baby

This morning Des Moines, Iowa police say that 17 year-old Ishmael Muhammad died of a gunshot wound to the neck. Police have charged a 16 year-old with involuntary manslaughter, carrying weapons and interference with official acts. The story is that the teens were together in a house when an illegally possessed handgun was "unintentionally fired" and struck Muhammad. 

Where do these guns come from? Why is it so easy to obtain them? I don't know but a family is, once again, grieving. 

Partly Personal

I know, this is late...again. I was doing so good to get Sunday Morning Coffee out by 9AM but since Netflix.  Damn Netflix!

The other day I was looking for something and ran across a couple of mementos that go back several years. One of those items was my name badge when I served as the Chaplain for the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce. It was, really, the best job ever and I believe I may have been the only Jew (and Democrat) to have ever held that position. That experience took me all over the United States as well as other nations and I will be, forever, grateful for that opportunity. I learned so very much and it was wonderful to minister to so many in such a meaningful way.

That "search" was begun because my friend Newton Standridge asked about some campaign items from my successful run for President of the Iowa Junior Chamber. Little did I know that a couple of days later I would learn that Newton and Carol's son, Steven Newton Standridge, had just died.  Stunned...and saddened. May his memory be a blessing.

Thanks for reading..and let us remember why Memorial Day...is.

Sunday Morning Coffee 17 May 2020

And, Good Sunday Morning to you...  Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly look at some of the news you might have seen, or missed, all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to do each Sunday now for well over a decade. BTW if you use Twitter you can find me @MichaelLibbie and on Facebook I'm here. 

It's Just Economics...

Here is why we're totally confused. Last week Fed Chair Jerome Powell (who was hand-picked by "45") told the nation we're in for a helluva ride.  In a speech Tuesday, Powell urged lawmakers to set aside concerns about the mounting national debt and provide the fiscal support necessary to keep the economy from spiraling deeper into the worst downturn since the Great Recession. And urged congress to move forward on more economic stimulus. 

Meanwhile "45" said if the House $3 trillion package gets through congress he would veto it. And this morning Stephen Moore, a member of the White House coronavirus economic task force, said he thinks the “worst economic news” has passed and urged Democratic governors and mayors to expedite the reopening of their respective states and cities amid the pandemic. (Image: CNBC)

Leadership friends...leadership.

Obama Is Back

And it's about time. The former president gave a stirring virtual graduation speech yesterday to more than 27,000 graduates from 78 "Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBUC). Here is just a small bit of how President Obama started: (Image: CNN)

"...these aren’t normal times. You’re being asked to find your way in a world in the middle of a devastating pandemic and a terrible recession. The timing is not ideal. And let’s be honest — a disease like this just spotlights the underlying inequalities and extra burdens that black communities have historically had to deal with in this country. We see it in the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on our communities, just as we see it when a black man goes for a jog, and some folks feel like they can stop and question and shoot him if he doesn’t submit to their questioning." 

"Injustice like this isn’t new. What is new is that so much of your generation has woken up to the fact that the status quo needs fixing; that the old ways of doing things don’t work; and that it doesn’t matter how much money you make if everyone around you is hungry and sick; that our society and democracy only works when we think not just about ourselves, but about each other."

Not once did he reference "45" but the message was clear.  If you want to read the whole speech here is a link to the New York Times. Or, if you can't get through here it is on The Hill. 

And Guess Who's Pissed...

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said this morning that he was, “glad Mr. Obama has a new job as Joe Biden's press secretary.” 

The comment came after ABC's George Stephanopoulos asked Navarro to respond to the former president saying during a commencement address that things are “screwed up” because leaders are doing “what feels good, what’s convenient, what’s easy.”

The former president also lit up social media last week with a one word Tweet: "Vote" Suspect you can figure out what he was telling America. Meanwhile "45" is out there spewing conspiracy theories about stuff.  Weary.

He Said...What?

It's sorta sad when the leader of the free world says stuff like, "We've got a super-dooper missile..." He was out promoting his non-existent "Space Force", complete with a fancy new flag that, frankly we thought would have a phallic image on it, but doesn't...dang it. No doubt too...small.

We Vote No

Yesterday the U.S. House voted to move forward a massive $3 trillion stimulus bill. There were 14 Democrats that broke with their party and voted no. Among them were first term Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (D-IA). Both said they could not support the bill because the bill did not focus on working families and Axne said, "I am deeply troubled by numerous provisions in this bill that could see large amounts of taxpayer dollars allocated to helping those who are not hurting at all."

It should be noted that both consider themselves "Moderate Democrats". But it was interesting that "Progressive Democrat" Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) also voted no.  In her remarks she said, "At the core, our response from Congress must match the true scale of this devastating crisis. The Heroes Act—while it contains many important provisions—simply fails to do that," she said, adding that the bill "does not keep workers in their jobs and guarantee the certainty of paychecks." Jayapal was the only member of the Progressive Congressional Caucus (PCC) to vote "no". However nine other PPC members did not vote.

You First...

Well, Iowa is "Open for Business" as the governor mandated that a whole slew of businesses could resume getting back to work. Malls are open, restaurants are open but restricted at 50% of occupancy, gyms, barbers, hair salons and more have been told to get our economy going. That's nice. Meanwhile Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) who has been the official lap dog of "45" is semi, sorta self quarantining because she was in contact with staff from Vice President Mike Pence who visited Iowa to proclaim what a success we have here. (Image: Des Moines Register)

Governor, I know you really, really want to lead the way so here's the deal...you first.

Kim's Covid Casino

If you've not heard Todd Dorman of The Gazette you should. Three days ago he penned this article about how all Iowans are gamblers in Kim's Covid Casino. It's spot on.

And, as an interesting aside...the board of Prairie Meadows Casino voted not to re-open.  Seems like the gamblers know better.

Meanwhile in Manufacturing

The news has all been about how COVID-19 has invaded meat packing facilities causing a major disruption in the meat supply chain. But, we've not heard as much about how the pandemic has also invaded manufacturing facilities in the U. S. And the tragic story that centers around the death of Kyle Brown, 54, who worked at TPI Composites, a manufacturer of wind turbine blades in Newton, Iowa.(Image: Newton Daily News) 

Brown, who began to feel ill on 17 April and went to an urgent care clinic and requested a test. He was told he did not qualify because he did not work at a meatpacking facility and was not over the age of 65. (You can't make this stuff up!) But, of course, because nobody seems to know what's up the clinic, it seems was unaware of the Iowa Testing Framework, which was released on that same day, did not require employment at a meatpacking plant to be tested for the virus. Essential services personnel with fever or respiratory illness were among those who fit the criteria for testing.

He finally did get tested and tested positive but was refused hospital admission. He was granted admission to a Marshalltown hospital on 24 April and flown to a hospital in Des Moines days later where he...died.

And this is playing out all across the United States...not just here in Iowa.

Iowa AFL/CIO

Last week the Iowa AFL/CIO put out a statement and a petition that Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) put into place state mandated OSHA protections for Iowa workers. You can imagine that landed like a brick.  I interviewed Iowa AFL/CIO President Charlie Wishman about that and more.  If you would like to listen, click the player.

And, if you are so moved to sign the petition here is that link.

Partly Personal

Whew...sorry, a bit long today.  So much stuff going on...right?  Last week our crew was out placing a bunch of yard signs that make for an excellent lawn upgrade.  If you live in Clive, Waukee, West Des Moines or Windsor Heights (Senate District 22) and would also like to show your colors.  You can connect on my website Libbie for Iowa and we'll make sure we get you on.  I think we've got about five or six left. If you would rather shoot me a private message on Facebook you can do that...too.

I get tons of calls and emails asking me to support various issues and make them part of the campaign. Last week I got a call from "Jeff" who lives in Michigan who supports federal congressional term limits and wanted to learn my position. Well, besides the fact that I'm running for the Iowa State Senate, I wanted to learn more about his position.  Here is that conversation:

Me:  "So, tell me Jeff why are you doing this?"

Jeff:  "Well, our governor has us locked out of work (red flag) so I've got to do something with my time."

Me:   "I see, it is tough for folks. What is it that you do?"

Jeff:  "I move pastors when they are going to a new church." 

Me:   "Got it. Tell me why I should support term limits."

Jeff:   "Because once these people get into office they are bought by lobbyists and they do their bidding and not ours. That's why our federal budget is out of control The deficit is killing America. These career politicians vote the way their buddies who are buying their vote want them to. Government should work like a business and only spend what they take in."  (There is so much wrong with that statement and if you want my take...let me know.)

Me:  "Well, Jeff, I suspect you were not in favor of the $1.7 trillion tax cut that the president pushed through congress in December of 2017 which added billions and billions to the federal deficit. Would that be accurate?"

Jeff:  "Well, not exactly. The free market needs to be free and that tax cut is exactly what we need to be strong..."

You can guess where it went from there. 

Have a great Sunday...and thanks for reading!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee - 10 May 2020 - Happy Mother's Day

Welcome to Mother's Day 2020 and what a different holiday we're all experiencing. Good wishes for those of you who have been blessed to be Moms.  It's a big job...way bigger than just a day set aside. This is Sunday Morning Coffee a look at some of the political and religious stories you've seen, or missed, all laced with my commentary.  My name is Michael Libbie and it's what I get to do. Let's go!

There Is No "Rule of Law"

The United States has always seemed to flirt with being lawless. While we say we respect the "rule of law" we often use the law to benefit one group over another be they Native Americans, African-Americans, Hispanics, immigrants, or people of a faith group we don't recognize as being equal. We use the law to destroy working families, unions, women...the list gets pretty long.

However this past week we saw how lawless the Department of Justice really is as Attorney General William Barr has decided to drop the case against self-confessed criminal Michael Flynn.  Flynn admitted lying to the FBI, which used to be a federal crime. But, it seems no longer.  Brace yourselves...there is more to come.  In a related development Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) has demanded that Barr step down. We'll see how that goes. 

The Second Wave

While states across the nation have relaxed or are getting ready to open their economies nobody seems to be paying attention to the "Second Wave" of COVID19 cases that have sprung up in Seoul, South Korea. Today President Moon Jae-in warned the pandemic is “not over until it’s over,” as the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) confirmed 34 new cases, the greatest number since April 9, in a nightlife district. Officials responded to the outbreaks by temporarily closing all nightclubs in the Seoul area.

What is stunning is that of the new cases 24 of them have been traced back to one individual. Think about that as you head out to the mall to shop. Lowering our guard on this enemy is not the responsible thing to do and those political leaders who are clamoring to "open up" are simply reckless and irresponsible.  Make no mistake it's all about politics and November. (Image - Politico)

Meanwhile In Iowa

What a perfect segue into the failure that is Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) and her mishandling of COVID19 in Iowa. On the very day she was playing "lap-dog" to "45" Iowa was seeing a spike in new cases and more deaths. Every day she struts to the podium and fails to address things like our meat processing infections, state OSHA guidelines and tells Iowans it's OK to piss in the pool.  I did an interview with the Des Moines Register on Friday and did not hold back when asked about my rating of this governor and her leadership. "On a scale of one to ten I would rate Reynolds a minus on this issue..."  That's how I see it and if you really want to know what she SHOULD have done.  I'll be happy to help you out.  The Register said the three things I outlined might not make the editorial cut. (Photo - Des Moines Register)

No Mask For Me

The Vice President of the United States came to Iowa to fawn over our governor and the "fantastic job" she has done. He also came to underscore his deep and abiding love for his fellow Christians while refusing to "mask up".  I do know there was at least one religious leader who addressed the Vice President while wearing a mask. Rabbi David Kaufman entered the Urbandale Presbyterian Church to explain to Mr. Pence the reason why his congregation is not "opening up".  I'm sure it was impactful. (Photo - C-SPAN)

At Least We're Not South Dakota

On Friday the feckless governor of South Dakota Kristi Noem (R-SD) told Native American tribes to take down their coronavirus checkpoints along state and U.S. highways within 48 hours or face legal action. The Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes have put up traffic checkpoints to monitor highway traffic and contain the spread of COVID-19. The tribes closed their borders as soon as they detected their first case. Leaders of both tribes told South Dakota Public Radio they do not plan to comply with the governor’s orders and said her requests lack legal merit.

As of Saturday afternoon, the South Dakota Department of Health has reported 1,234 cases of COVID-19 and 34 deaths.

Nursing Homes

You're not going to like this but here goes:  Americans are fond of warehousing our elderly. As the former CEO of the state's largest long-term care retirement community I can tell you it's true. Oh sure there are pangs of pain and some families do show up to visit their loved ones but...many don't. It's a cultural issue. This young nation simply does not value the elderly. Here, unlike Japan, China and other Asian cultures where families care for their aged family members we prefer to "send them off". Where we "send them" depends on the financial ability of the resident. Those that can afford the luxury of Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC's) do so. Others must "spend down" so they can reside in facilities that grant Medicaid payments.

The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the cruelty of our system. Nursing homes are "hot-spots" of the virus where the illness sweeps through the population and the overwhelmed and, often under paid, caregivers must deal with it. 

The reality now is that some nursing home owners are seeking protection from being sued. Ya can't make stuff like this up.

So, what should we have done...years ago?  If we really, really care about our aged Americans we should immediately increase the Medicaid reimbursement level so that nursing homes can pay a livable wage to those front-line workers. We should professionalize their work. Think of this: To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) you are required to go to school, to take a test, to show that you are competent.  Once you do that you "get to" sign on for a career as a low-wage worker that is denied the professional distinction that say...your barber has. How wrong is that?  Weary.....

Partly Personal

I've been an orphan for six years. My Mother, of blessed memory, died on the 20th day of March in 2014. I think of her daily. Often, as my Facebook Friends can assert, I get regular "Memories" that I share.  "Mom and Me Photos"....at the grocery store, the hair salon, the doctors office, her apartment, the rehab facility and her home here with us. It seems like I built up a pretty good running photo journal of our times together.  In this photo she is experiencing pesto for the very first time during one of our trips to HyVee.

I often wonder how I did it while operating a business, doing the daily business news broadcast, running others for political office, keeping my Bride and other family members engaged... I'm not bragging but I am grateful for those memories and for being the last person Mom saw as she died. I'm not trying to be maudlin it's just this is "top of mind" as we mark Mother's Day.

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 3 May 2020

Hi, my name is Michael Libbie and here is your invite to grab a cup of Sunday Morning Coffee now serving in our 12th year of commenting on the news stories you may have seen or may have missed all laced with my, usually, acerbic commentary. There is much to share so let's go.

Vietnam

Remember the Vietnam War?  Many of you reading Sunday Morning Coffee do and many of you faithfully served your country during the twenty-year war that didn't end so well. The fall of Saigon took place on April 30, 1975. By that time hundreds of thousands of combatants, on both sides of the war, were killed. The United States suffered 58,318 military personnel killed. As of last year 1,587 are still listed as missing. 

I share that story with you as a back-story to what we learned this past week. Vietnam is home to 96 million people and, if you remember, the country borders China. According to a report from Reuters, Vietnam reports a total of 270 cases of COVID-19 and zero deaths. Zero deaths.  How can that be?  In a country that has a GDP of $261 billion and ranks 44th in the world for Gross Domestic Product?

The answer is they did what the U.S. failed at. In late January the first two cases of COVID-19 were discovered and the government went straight to a major national testing program and a lock-down.  Public health experts say Vietnam was successful because it made early, decisive moves to restrict travel into the country, put tens of thousands of people into quarantine and quickly scaled up the use of tests and a system to track down people who might have been exposed to the virus.

It seems that we are no closer to learning a lesson...the U.S. now reports over 1.1 million people infected and over 67,000 deaths. 

They Protest Too Much

Last week saw about 200 armed militia members storm the Michigan State House complete with American flags and Nazi signs. Let that sink in for just a moment. Beyond the fact that Michigan is home to roughly 9.9 million souls and that this group hardly registers a blip you should know that the group called on to provide "security" for the event is, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, an anti-government organization.  The rally was an effort to get Michigan Republican legislators to pressure Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) to back down from the "Shelter in Place" order that she has now expanded to 15 May.

Perhaps missed in all of this was the call from "45", who has been criticized in the past for condoning extremist views, called the protesters “very good people” and urged Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to “make a deal.”

Let's see...what if...just what if an angry group of African-Americans weary of being pushed to the side when it comes to COVID-19 testing and represent an outsize number of deaths stormed any state house in America brandishing firearms. Anybody wanna guess how that might turn out? 

Oh, But Let's Bring It Home

The failed leadership of Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) goes on unabated. Against the advice of scientists she is sticking firm to her idea that 77 of our counties can open or partly open up for business. Never mind that the CDC is now saying rural parts of the United States are weeks away from seeing a spike of COVID-19. And, it is these very rural counties that are ill prepared to deal with hundreds of very sick people.

I didn't come up with this but I like it.  Opening up 77 counties for business is sorta like having a designated pee location in a swimming pool. It's gonna circulate but at least in a pool we have chemicals to deal with that.  Oh, wait...how about that ingesting of bleach?  Now it all makes perfect sense. 

But, We Can Pray About It

Iowa is a Christian State...just ask the governor. It wasn't bad enough that a week ago she called for a "Day of Prayer" invoking only the Christian perspective. Last week she invited members of The Family Leader to join her on the podium. It's all about pandering to her and her presidents's base. 

It is kinda cool how she and "45" are working in lock-step. Of course we're all the guinea pigs here. And, no guinea pigs are not kosher.

A reporter asked her if she was going to Sunday Services today. She publically identifies as a United Methodist but attends the Lutheran Church of Hope.  The governor, it is said, "demurred". Which is a nice way of saying... "Well, you should go to church and mix it up with the faithful. Me?  I think I'll stay home."  But...it would have made some great video.

Partly Personal

Tired?  Me too. It's been pretty non-stop for weeks now.  Sure, I'm fortunate that I "get to" work from home and I've done that for 15 years or so. But, it's a significant issue not having personal interaction.  Sure I'm on Zoom and Lifestyle and other group meetings much of the day...but still.  What is interesting, and I've mentioned this before, conversations with people tend to get longer.  Folks, it would seem, still wish to connect.

When it comes to campaigning it's really a struggle. Sure there are phone calls and the delivery of yard signs (thank you!) but keeping focused when there is so much pain is difficult. Each day I hear from folks that are truly struggling and many times they take it out in hateful speech.  Last week I wrote my weekly Torah Thoughts for my congregation Adas Israel in Mason City, Iowa. If you have the time (and who doesn't?) you might take a few moments to read. It has to do with how we are commanded to deal with others particularly those who are in want and need. I'll leave it there and here is a link to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel - The Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa.

Finally a shout out about the campaign. Look, this effort is about leadership: Experienced leadership. The kind we do not see coming from the governor's office. You don't "just get" to be an experienced leader. It takes time and talent and the desire to make a difference. If you will allow me...I've been doing that for decades. Leadership and action on the progressive side of politics didn't just come to me last month or last year or a couple of years ago.  You know me and I've always been there.  More detail is here and thank you, in advance.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday!