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!
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