SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 27 December 2020

This is the last Sunday Morning Coffee for 2020. That, perhaps, is a good thing. I've been writing this piece for well over twelve years and while I've shared a bunch of stuff this year has been tough for so many reasons. Most of all the utter failure of people we elect to lead and keep us safe has been depressing and embarrassing. Let's go and hope 2021 is better. 

Failure = Death

Over 300,000 Americans have now died due to COVID19. Daily death tolls are larger than what we saw on 9/11 yet the lack of caring, much less leadership, is astounding. This president only thinks of himself and he, and his enablers, have decided that is OK. By whose book is that OK?  And now, because of that same failure millions of Americans are going to face growing poverty and the nation will grind to a halt on Tuesday. Disgusting and vile. Do not talk to me about "moving on". I can not wait until this evil is gone and states take up the challenge to "lock him up".

Meanwhile

The difference between what we've had to suffer through for the past four years and what the promise of a Biden Presidency is offering is palatable. Mostly ignoring the antics of "45" and his followers Joe Biden and Kamala Harris continue to work on the serious business of leading this nation back. Putting serious people in charge of key positions and making sure those folks mirror America. It is astounding and welcome and gives us hope.

Nashville Bombing

I dunno. But, I do know that IF the person who committed this crime were a "person of color" or from a religion other than "Christian" we would be quick to call it an act of terrorism. Still shifting this one out but conspiracy theories are working overtime on both sides of the political/cultural divide.

Twitter Profiles

I spend a bit of time on Twitter for personal and professional reasons and it's always entertaining and, at the same time, confusing, to view the Twitter profiles of people who offer their rabid support of "45" and buy into the conspiracy that the election was "stolen". Sure, I read some of the posts and then love to click on those profiles and to a person they identify themselves as a devout "Christian" or "Follower of Jesus" or "Saved by His Grace". Really?  You wouldn't have a clue what it means to be a "Follower of Jesus" because if you were confronted by who/what he really was you would delete the reference. It's a cover used to give a "secret handshake" to others who are xenophobic sociopaths. I can understand why so many people are turned off by religion but enjoy spending an hour a week at a "show" rather than truly understanding what their faith requires of them.  Weary...

Governor Kim Reynolds

Had enough yet?  I'll just leave it there and oh my are the Democrats lining up to take her on in 2022.

Rural Iowa Politics

Last week I had the opportunity to talk business and Rural America with a sprinkling of politics and how Democrats need to start listening rather than telling folks we have all the answers. Why? Because our answers, often, are not the answer to the issues that come from living in rural parts of our nation. For example, consider that families living in 24 of Iowa's 99 counties are living below the federal poverty line of $26,200 a year for a family of four. This is not about politics it is about economics. It is also about racial and social issues that have many living in Rural America frightened because their "way of life" is being threatened. Right or wrong...that seems to be the crux of many voiced concerns.  But there is hope and here is a link to just one of many conversations I've had over the past week. This is the non-political piece...because Insight on Business the News Hour stays away from the political fray...however the trends do make for an interesting bit of conversation.

Thanks...

Partly Personal

What a weird Christmas. While millions of Americans traveled for the holiday we...didn't. Our goal is to buy as much time as possible so that we can get back to the holidays in 2022. Time is what each of us needs to survive. And, no matter what you think of yourself think also of those around you.  Deal?

i'm stressing out a bit.  For over a year I've known that my 12 year-old computer is on the edge but, not being able to just go out and buy something new, I've had to save up for the switch. Today may be that day but I am supper stressed that not everything that is important is going to make the transition. Sure I've backed up files and photos but...my email system is awful and I can only access it through this computer. (You see, I don't have "the guy" who is in an office down the hall that knows all about this stuff.) And, yes, I have long ago forgotten what my password is which is why I have not been able to access email via my phone. Yeah...I'm a bit stressed and hope that my guru, Patrick Palmer, can make it all better.  

That's it...and thanks for reading! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 20 December 2020

It's the week of Christmas and may those of you celebrating have a meaningful event. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly look at the political (and sometimes religious) news stories out there and offer my own, usually acerbic, commentary. Hey, it's what I get to do long before the sun comes up.  Let's go!

Bye Mike

Last week, in the first official word from the U.S. Government Secretary of State Mike Pompeo put the blame of the massive security breach squarely on Russian hackers and orchestrated by that government. Then along comes "45" and says, nope..."China!". In a classic move the president, who prefers Twitter to actually having a policy wrote:  “The Cyber Hack is far greater in the Fake News Media than in actuality. I have been fully briefed and everything is well under control,”. He also claimed the media are “petrified” of “discussing the possibility that it may be China (it may!).” Expect Mike to be packing his bags and joining the massively incompetent Attorney General William Barr as the revolving door continues to spin. (Image - Financial Times) 

Money, Money, Money, Money...

If we can believe what we are hearing from the U.S Senate it looks like we're on track for an agreement on yet another stimulus roll out. As of this morning the final stamp is being put on a $900 billion package that will include an additional $300 in weekly unemployment benefits, funding for schools, small businesses, health care workers and another round of stimulus checks. Out of the deal is money for state and local governments and liability protections for businesses and other entities operating during the pandemic. In celebration I bring you the 1973 hit by the O'Jays. You are welcome and TURN IT UP! (And, I promise it will be an ear-worm for you all day.)

What may have moved the ball is that last week the U.S. added yet another 885,000 new requests for unemployment benefits. That is up by 23,000 over the prior week and a clear sign that the economy is in rough shape.  Money in the hands of people who will actually spend it, rather than buy stock, moves the economy forward. It ain't that hard to figure out.

Careful What You Name It

It looks like "Operation Warp Speed" hit a speed bump. Seems that states are getting a fraction of the number of Pfizer vaccine vials they were first promised. There was lots of finger pointing going on including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) who has a Pfizer production plant in her backyard but was shorted about 40% of what was promised. After several days of "Whack-a-Mole" we learned, on Saturday, that, well, we goofed.  General Gustave Perna, chief operating officer of Operation Warp Speed, apologized for a "planning error" that caused dozens of states to expect more vaccine doses than they'll actually get. He took full blame and said he is fixing it. Meanwhile the Moderna vaccine has been approved by the FDA and it, unlike the Pfizer model, can be shipped and stored at temperatures much less than the -75 degrees celsius...which should be much better news for rural areas of the country.

Careful What You Name It II

Just so you feel better Vice President Mike Pence last week rolled out the answer to a question that nobody has been asking. We now know that the couple of dozen people who are the United States Space Force will be called "Guardians". Isn't that nice and don't you feel so much more, well, protected?  For the record, you might wonder what the duty of the Guardians might be so, here you go: "Provide freedom of operation for the United States in, from, and to space. Provide prompt and sustained space operations." Sort of like NASA and the Air Force but hey...we needed more drama in 2020.

More Help for Georgia

In case you had not heard "45" is headed back to Georgia to help the two crooks running for re-election there. Birds of a feather I suspect. If it's like the last time he will give the candidates a couple of minutes to state their case and then rail against the election, the media other members of the GOP...you know the drill.

Iowa Will Remain Red...Forever

Not to scare the hell out of you but in talking with several folks this past week, who are connected Democrats, I'm being told that Iowa will remain firmly in the GOP fold for decades to come. The conversation centered on the miserable job Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) is doing here. Favorite under the desk deals for cronies, the mishandling of the COVID19 response, her continued attack on collective bargaining all get a "I don't care" response from Independents, Republicans and even a few Democrats. "People like her because, just like many of them, she reflects their inability to understand the role of government and voters have been told for decades, in Iowa, that government is bad and we just need to do the right thing as individuals."

While two or three counties in Iowa will remain Democratic strongholds that ain't playin' in the rest of the state. And, when you figure that, even in Polk County, we lost two Democrat seats in the House.  Ouch. "I really don't see any person being able to take on Reynolds and win much less Grassley. Stick a fork in it...or maybe move."  Looks like we might need the Guardians.

What Will Win?

The Democrats are, right now, working on plans and policies aimed at Rural Voters. No, not kidding. We've really got to have a better policy brief other than, "You folks are dumb shits." That never plays well. Here's something that you might not realize. There are, right now 24 counties in Iowa where the majority of folks are living below the federal poverty line of $26,200 for a family of four. Let that sink in. And, if you are counting we don't have that many urban counties so...it's not that we city folk are all causing so much economic pain. Nope the win-win is in a number of economic efforts that we can and should be talking about. Want a quick list:

• High-Speed Internet - Look, I've been on this for well over a decade. This can be a game changer for everything from entrepreneurs who live in rural Iowa but do business on a global scale to hospitals and schools that are, often, the backbone of our small communities. In addition we're seeing remote work as a big win for people and corporations. You don't have to shell out $4,000 a month for a studio apartment in San Francisco to work in Silicon Valley. Ask the folks in Jefferson, Iowa. 
• Food Security Measures - We've all heard that, "Iowa feeds the world..." But, it seems that we can't feed ourselves correctly. Fast, cheap food from the local convenience store only increases obesity and health problems associated with a lousy diet. We can do better;
• Life Skills Education - Oh yeah....we're hot on STEM but can you balance a check-book or understand the economics of money? How about learning how to actually cook something rather than heat it up in the microwave? (See point two above.) I think we can educate folks on both life skills and stuff like science, technology, engineering and math.  Ya think?
• Reimagine Crumbling Infrastructure - We should have a "Marshall Plan" to rescue our small towns that are crumbling along with the roads and bridges that connect them. This is going to take money and more then lip service. Think of how we can be helpful rather than hurtful. Having lived in Rural Iowa I can tell you there is a solid quality of life there...but you've got to have access and infrastructure for it to be successful.
• Embrace Small Faming - I've lived on what once called a "diversified farm". There was a time the only reason we would go to the grocery store was to buy a box of Fruit Loops. Not kidding. I'm not suggesting that we get back to "Green Acres" but our current agricultural policy is "big is better". Think of that for a moment. The farmer needs to get bigger and bigger so that he/she can beg massive agricultural corporations to offer pennies on the dollar when it comes to commodities. Who is getting wealthy here? It ain't the farmer. And what is being produced from the commodities is, once again, high calorie/low nutritional value products. There is a market for good food but these farmers need a lane in which to sell it.  The road-side stand doesn't cut it...we need transportation answers and market stability measures for small diversified farmers".

Hey, just me...spitballing. You are welcome to join the conversation.

Partly Personal

This would have been the weekend when our home would be buzzing with activity. Family and friends would pour in from several states and we would celebrate the holidays with massive food events, tell stories, share some wine (and booze) and catch up on our lives. Not this year. We, like so many other families, have made the decision to avoid the crowded space. The safety of others is, frankly, more important than having a two day party. Will it work? I hope so. You see, now that we're seeing vaccines roll out...our job is to buy time. We do that by staying out of harms way refusing to "roll the dice" and by doing that slow the spread and get the time we need to create a solid holiday gathering in 2022.

Here is wishing you your family health and happiness.  Thanks for reading. 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 13 December 2020

Hope this edition of Sunday Morning Coffee finds you and yours well. Who would have thought THAT would be top of mind for each of us
but it is and...that is what we've been dealt. Let's get into our conversation, and you are always welcome to comment, on politics with a dash of religion.

Sedition

We've heard that word often over the past several weeks. It means it means, "conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of the state".  Exactly what the elected attorneys general of seventeen states did when they signed onto the case against the election of Joe Biden by the attorney general of Texas Ken Paxton. Obviously, they are Republican politicians who would like to see "45" remain in the White House. But, consider for a moment these are people of legal stature. They deal with complex legal issues every day and they tossed out ethics and reason to jump on the train that crashed and burned. We should remember.

But, it gets worse. There were 125 Republican members of Congress who also signed on to the doomed Supreme Court case designed to toss out the votes of Americans in four states won by Joe Biden. They may feel safe because of their districts but we should all remember who they were and work like hell to vote these tradiors out of office in 2022.  Sedition, my friends has a price to pay. (Image - Dallas Morning News)

Reality

Her name is "Kilda" and she lives and writes from Aberdeen, South Dakota. I don't know her but when I saw this Tweet it stuck. "Aberdeen - where you get to see 4 well-known republicans sitting at a 4 top at a cafe area, no masks, all well above senior discount status and then 2 weeks later an obit (due to covid) about what a proud Republican he was." That was somebody's father, grandfather, uncle, brother...dead because of bad decisions and following the failure of people elected to lead and keep us safe. Nice job Kristi Lynn Noem (R-SD).

Opportunity Missed

As I write this millions of doses of a vaccine are being rolled out across the nation. You would think that the White House and the current president would take this opportunity to lead and to engage America in lifting up this accomplishment. But, nope. All day yesterday "45" railed against Attorney General William Barr because he sat on information about a probe into the tax affairs of Hunter Biden...like that would have made a difference.  It is yet another example of the callous nature of this man and it was/is a missed opportunity. But, we should have expected that.  

Tomorrow

On Monday the electors will meet to formally name Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. the 46th President of the United States. It has been a struggle to get here. However, if you look beyond the foolishness of "45" and his minions and focus on what Biden has been doing you can see the promise of a brighter tomorrow. He and his team have ignored the tantrums coming from the White House and have been busy building a bench of capable leaders and advisors who already have been working to care for Americans...all Americans. Steady, focused and compassionate. Get ready...because even with all the ugliness that is out there, fresh air is about to take the stink out of the swamp.

Work To Be Done

On Friday, at noon, I was on a call with other Democrats who lead various groups in Polk County, Iowa. (Earlier in the week it was a session with volunteers from Iowa's Third Congressional District.) These are all volunteers who give their time and talent to progressive causes and to see that we elect Democrats who will serve in the best interests of the citizens here and across the state. What were we discussing?  Our plan of action going into 2021. I can tell you it is broad and ambitious and it dives into the mission of expanding our base into areas where the GOP "believe" they are "safe". Make no mistake this, the largest Democratic stronghold in Iowa, is out to turn more of Iowa blue. We lost several elections in November but also gained a state senator. I can share with you that 2022 is on the horizon but so too are city and school board elections in 2021...we've got work to do...and while some wish to wallow in the filth that has become the Republican Party...we're moving forward.  Always forward.

I'm Calling Bullshit

Last week, on my very active Facebook Page, I was taken to task by enablers and appeasers who support the failed leadership of Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA). Some chastised me for "spewing hate during the holy season" (what "holy season" they reference is lost on me) while others said, "She did the best she could in the face of her party and the president." Bullshit. She has failed the people of Iowa by downplaying the seriousness of COVID19. By not demanding from those members of the GOP in the U.S. House and Senate that they take action to help struggling Iowans, and the cities and towns they live in with stimulus money, that could assuage the pain of further shut-downs that may be necessary as our case and death tolls mount. She could have demanded that the state move forward in spending the over $700 million in our "rainy day fund" to assist schools and cities in dealing with increased costs due to the pandemic. She could have invited respected scientists and physicians to attend her "briefings" rather than cast them aside and then cast blame on the media. She could have refrained from back-room deals with cronies and no-bid contracts. But...no. She has failed, period, hard stop. (Image - Kevin Duffy)

Look, if my business, or for that matter your business, failed who would be responsible? Whoever is the leader...that is the right answer. So, don't give me this BS about how the governor "tried to do the right thing against the odds"...it doesn't work. 2022 is coming and we'll remember.

Partly Personal

Some have suggested that in victory we should be magnanimous to those who are vanquished. This while they call for secession and continue to impede our democratic ideals. Nope. While you might "turn the other cheek" that ain't happening here and let me share why:

Lost to many of my non-Jewish friends (and some Jews) is the real meaning of Chanukah.  Many look at this holiday (non-Biblical by the way) thinking it's all about something warm and fuzzy. "Oh it's the Festival of Lights..." Please, don't let Hallmark fool you. Chanukah is the marking of a military victory over an oppressive regime that denied religious freedom to the Jews. 

It all starts out when the evil Syrian-Greek king Antiochus Epiphanes, hatches a plan to destroy Judaism. After his army sacked Jerusalem, murdered thousands of Jews, took over the Temple and made it a barn he forbid the practice of some very interesting things: No longer could the Jews study Torah the bedrock of life. His second command was the outlawing of three mitzvot: No celebrating Shabbat, no sanctifying of the New Month and the prohibition of circumcision.

Over impossible odds a small group of Jews revolted and beat, what was then, the largest army on the planet.  In celebration of their victory they cleaned and "rededicated" (Chanukah) the Temple. That's the short version and it ain't warm and fuzzy.

But, there is something unique about Chanukah that is different from any other Jewish celebration: Chanukah is very...public. Our many other holidays and festivals are done quietly and often out of sight. But during Chanukah we place a menorah outside or in the front window of our homes to proclaim we are Jews, we are here and even though, through the centuries, you have tried to obliterate us...we ain't going nowhere. Other Jews see those candles and know they have a home and that oppression will not be tolerated.

So...thanks for reading and Happy Chanukah!  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 6 December 2020

I promise to keep Sunday Morning Coffee brief today.  Why? I got up late!  I know, no excuse, right? Rather than catching a few extra Z's I should have been thinking about you...not me.  Maybe a little of "45" is rubbing off.  So, enough with that let's see what we've got for today and thanks for coming by!

"Will you shut up man!"

Remember when President-Elect Joe Biden, during the debate, shook his head and said to "45", "Will you shut up man". It was one of the greatest lines ever but so deserved. Yesterday "45" flew into Valdosta, Georgia (been there many times) to stump for the two back-room, stock-dealing crooks currently in the U.S. Senate. And, he did mention their names, but went on a long rant with the same baseless lies about the election that he's been spouting since the 4th of November. Never have we seen this before. He cares for no one but himself. And it is being reported that he's calling governors demanding that they overturn the votes of the people by calling a special session of the state legislature. Despot.  Just...shut...up...man.  And, go away.  If you would like to buy this mug, well why not right?  Here is a link to the maker on Etsy.

Georgia

You know why this matters. Without winning those two seats we're screwed because Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will continue to block the Biden/Harris Agenda. You know that.  So, today, please...send some cash to Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock. Do it today, please. The future of your kids and grandkids depend on it. I know it's tough this time of the year...with everything else but, this is really, really serious.  Also if you can phone-bank that too is being done by folks all over the country.  Thank you!

"Did you see that? Did you?"

Last week I was meeting with a very successful business person who asked me if I saw what was going on in Georgia with the election counts. "Did you see that? Did you? Did you see how they were pulling suitcases of votes out from under the tables? You know what you call that?" I usually try to avoid political conversations in business but, I had seen the video and I had looked at the facts so I said, "No, tell me what do they call that?" The answer, "Well, I'm a conservative and I call that stealing the election." To which I replied, "And I call that delusional."  We didn't go any further. Here is the back-story from Snopes. 

Death Panels

Remember back when President Obama was working on the Affordable Care Act and the Republicans said the measure included "death panels"? Remember that? Remember who was out in front telling America that the Democrats wanted to, "Kill gramma with their death panel". It was the senior senator from the State of Iowa, Charles Grassley (R-IA). Now that we have COVID19 the real "death panel" where nearly as many people die DAILY that died on 9/11 what do you hear? Crickets. You Sen. Grassley and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) are spineless and shameful. But, then that is understandable, you come from a state that voted for not only "45" but installed a bone-headed, over-her-head, person as governor. You get, I guess, what you vote for. (Image - Des Moines Register)

176,000

Last week the Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) gleefully told the public that Iowa was to receive 176,000 vaccines to fight COVID19 by the end of December. I understand they are going to be given to, "front-line healthcare workers". Which, by the way, we should have been caring for nine months ago. But, I digress.  Two things about that: 1) That means we only need another three million doses and 2) The message came from Governor Reynolds so I don't believe a word of it. Not, one, word.

Not For Profit

Last week I saw a post that called for, "All non-profits to be abolished!" It was from an Iowan who was pissed that the salary of the non-profit CEO who he worked for was hundreds of times higher than those who were delivering the mission of the non-profit. I think he is wrong about his statement but right about the issue. And, I know a bit about running a large non-profit health care facility. Back in the day when I was the President/CEO of the largest long-term health care facility in Iowa my annual pay was about $125,000. I saw "about" because, frankly, I can't remember. But I do remember that my salary was one of the lowest for the industry and often lower than like facilities who had fewer patients/residents/staff. I didn't bitch...because I loved what I did and it was truly a mission. However, maybe it's time that the Board of Directors or the Board of Trustees at these non-profits take a solid look at leadership wages and benefits. That Broadlawns Medical Center pays its CEO a very hefty salary might be a place to start. By the was looks like a lawsuit was filed against the Board there. Here's a link to the Business Record. 

Partly Personal

Last night spent some time sending "welcome cards" to new Democrats in Windsor Heights. We were able to pick up quite a few in Polk County and thanks to the efforts of so many at least we "Stayed Blue".  However there is still work to be done.

Told you this would be short.  This week, on Thursday after sundown, is the start of Chanukah the eight night celebration of freedom and the liberation of the Temple. No, it is not the "Jewish Christmas" although some small gifts are usually exchanged. And the decorations usually consist of the Chanukah Menorah with nine places for candles rather than the traditional seven. Chanukah lasts for eight days and we light a candle on each evening. The ninth candle is a "servant" candle that lights the others.  There is no mention of Chanukah in the Torah which means the religious significance does not measure up to say, Passover or Rosh Hashanah or Succott. But because it is celebrated close to the Christian holiday of Christmas...it's become, for some, a pretty big deal.  Here we'll light the candles, tell well known Chanukah stories, play dreidel and eat latkes. One thing we'll truly miss this year will be the annual Vodka Latke Party that has been the "go to" event of the season with Lil & Jared Bernstein.  But, given the pandemic...

The story behind that image can be found here from Newsweek. It's quite remarkable.   

For those of you celebrating may you have a joyful and meaningful Chanukah 2020. Let's stay safe so we can do this right in 2021.

Thanks for reading.