SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 25 July 2021

On a hot and humid morning like this maybe your Sunday Morning Coffee should be...iced?  Hey, thanks for coming back to this weekly bit of news and opinion post. Always grateful that you take a few minutes to indulge in this effort. Grab a cup and let's go...

Disturbing

I caught a Tweet early this morning regarding the many, many incidents where former president "45" has been accused of sexual impropriety with women and even young girls. I'll admit I've not paid much attention to all of this because once the Access Hollywood tape came out and there was zero impact on his candidacy I figured nobody cared. And, that's true. But now the links between he and Epstein and others is back in...well...the "internet news". It's disturbing that all of this buzz is happening. I think it points out how the rich and famous just seem to be able to slip past law enforcement. The "long arm of the law" gets pretty short...it would seem. (Photo - The Guardian) 

Freedumb

There are demonstrations going on in Australia, France, Germany and of course here in the United States where people are demanding freedom from mask wearing, from lockdowns and from getting the COVID19 vaccine. Meanwhile there are daily reports about physicians in various parts of the world who report they are heartbroken when, just ahead of intubating a sick patient, the patient begs for the vaccine but the doctor says, "It's too late..."

I've often thought that if COVID19 had first been infecting children rather than older folks that our national response might have been vastly different. But, then again, one can not reason with some people. That and our overwhelming desire to have everything "right now" doesn't mix with the an issue that requires a "long term" fix.  Frustrating...and scary.

Bipartisanship - Dead

I'm sure that President Biden longs for the "good old days" when Democrats and Republicans could actually sit down and hammer out solutions to problems plaguing our nation. Somebody needs to take a simple message to Joe, "Mr. President, bipartisanship is dead and no matter what you try their is no hope for resuscitation." The GOP does not want certain folks to vote. The GOP cares not one bit about good paying jobs, health care, child care, education or the fiscal welfare of our nation. Last week Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said so when he started saying that if the Democrats want to raise the "debt ceiling" they are going to have to stop trying to pass legislation to help America prosper.  Voting for the GOP is a fast track to destruction.

Meanwhile - Charles Booker

As long as we're visiting about Kentucky you should know about Charles Booker who has just launched his U.S. Senate campaign to kick Sen. Ron Paul (R-KY) to the curb. Booker, a former state legislator, lost a primary to an "establishment Democrat" who then was trounced by McConnell. That has been the reality of Kentucky politics for decades. Democrats, wishing to play it safe, get swept aside because they play "Republican Light". Booker is different. He is coming out of the chute with a full on progressive agenda embracing a social and economic justice message, saying: “We can make freedom mean that every community across Kentucky is thriving with good-paying union jobs. That we’re not just working to struggle less, but that we’re owning, we’re creating, we’re building pathways to wealth all over Kentucky.” I like it! (Photo: WDRB)

Meanwhile - Abby Finkenauer

Also launching a serious campaign, this one against Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), (Maybe...he has not indicated he is running again.) is former Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer the one-term Democrat that lost to Ashley Hinson as Republicans swept Iowa. Former president "45" won the state by 8%, and Republicans secured three of four House seats. Hinson has since hitched her wagon to "The Big Lie" among other crazy stuff.  But, remember Iowa is now a "deep red" state.  So, how is Abby going to run?  Will she take a page out of the progressive wing of the party or stick to "GOP Light"?  Finkenauer is the second Democrat to enter the race. Former Crawford County Supervisor Dave Muhlbauer announced in May. On the other side, Iowa Sen. Jim Carlin, (R-Sioux City), announced in February that he would seek the GOP nomination for the seat...that ain't going to be successful but he says he's in. (Photo - Video Announcement Still from Bleeding Heartland)

Partly Personal

Last week I got to travel to Mason City for my work with Congregation Adas Israel. What was remarkable about this trip was that new people have found us...and they are...hold on...Jewish!  One of the interesting things about Adas Israel is the number of "seekers" who come to services and our Midrash (Study Session). Folks who just want to know more about being Jewish or, perhaps, have some story in their life that might indicate a long dead relative was Jewish or people who have a desire to simply learn. That new people have found us is really a big deal. Now the work to keep them active and engaged continues.  I'm just thrilled and it shows that a bit of social media work...works.  Here is a link to the Adas Israel Blog.

As I was writing this I learned of the death of Carla Offenberger the wife of my dear friend Chuck Offenberger. While it was expected, Carla has been battling cancer for several years, it is still painful. For those who were fortunate enough to know her and for those of who were touched by her writing...she will be missed.  May her memory be a blessing. 

Thanks for reading....

Michael

Sunday Morning Coffee 18 July 2021

And, a good Sunday Morning to you! Welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee a brief look at some of the political news stories you may have seen, or missed, all laced with my commentary. Why?  Why not...right? Let's go!

Really People?

A new Monmouth Poll showed that 64% of people who falsely think that Biden won because of voter fraud also have not received a vaccine dose. Think of that for a moment. How is this possible? Look to the media types that, without proof, are fanning the flames and not only killing people with their "news" but also continuing to divide this nation.  To break it down, according to this poll the folks that believe Biden stole the presidency AND have not gotten a vaccine amount to 32% of the country.  That...is staggering...and dangerous.

Smallpox

I suspect you don't worry much about getting smallpox. Back in the day, 3 out of every 10 people who got it died. People who survived usually had scars, which were sometimes severe. So what happened to smallpox?  Due to a major vaccination program taken up by the United States the last natural outbreak of smallpox in the United States occurred in 1949. And, in 1980, the World Health Assembly declared smallpox eradicated (eliminated), and no cases of naturally occurring smallpox have happened since.

That is science and think of this: If the misinformation of today had invaded the U.S. in the 1940's smallpox would still be with us and still killing millions. The same story is true with polio. Science helped this nation recover from that terrible disease that ran rampant in the 1050's.  Today, if would seem, we are way too dumb to realize what is at stake.  Weary...

Voting Rights

Let's face it, Republicans simply fear your vote. Well, they fear the votes that are cast by people of color so they work night and day to pass voting restrictions. In states like Iowa and sixteen others they cloak their anti-democracy work by lying and saying it's about "voter integrity". That is pure BS. They know it and so do you.  The next time you come face to face with a politician aligned with the GOP just ask them why they fear democracy. I promise you the answer is complete nonsense. Right Chuck and Joni?  We need the U.S. Senate to step up and protect our nation and protect the vote. The voting rights bill must be passed or, I fear we are doomed.

Speaking of Doomed

Red meat. Back in the day, before Iowa was such an awful place, we would hear, from time to time, partisan talk from our governor. But usually it was just lies to get the Democrats to buy into their legislation. Take, for example, the lies told by former Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) about the commercial property tax bill of 2012. He and his party conned the Democrats into voting for it by lying and saying, "If you pass this bill landlords will reduce the rent they charge so the working class folks you represent will get a break." Of course that didn't happen but the Democrats fell for it. Silly people...

That was usually how the GOP dealt with the Democrats...just lie to them but play nice about it. The outcome was that the governor could pretend that he was a governor for all the people and go on to get elected time after time by huge majorities. Well, welcome to 2021. Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) has abandoned that strategy and now baits her base with talk about communism and socialism and the danger of the Democratic Party. All lies but it does froth up the GOP. Given the fact that, in Iowa, there are now 49,557 more active Republicans than Democrats she feels pretty safe.

But, that's not all. The real reason Reynolds feels safe about baiting Iowans with red meat is because Democrats don't vote in numbers as strong as Republicans. Pretty simple. And, because the GOP have become such experts at lying...about everything...they swing many independent voters to their side.  Hey...I'm just hear to point out reality.

Your Job

So, what do we Democrats do? How about stop being weak. How about we stop playing nice. How about we call them for what they are? How about pointing to our lagging economic numbers? How about telling the truth that Iowa is not a good place for business because when business seeks to employ smart, educated workers one look at the goofy laws in this state tells them to go elsewhere.

Your job now becomes the back-stop to the continual dismantling of our great state. Remember when we had world-class public education? Remember when voting was a prized right for us all? Remember when Iowa showed the world how to treat immigrants with love and compassion? Remember when we had a good health-care system that actually treated Iowans and paid health care providers?  Yeah...that Iowa.

We've got several folks who are openly or hinting at running for governor. But, if we go at this by playing "nice" and we don't recruit folks to run for city elections, school boards, the legislature that will take the battle, with force, to the public. We are...doomed. Let that sink in.

Partly Personal

Only half-a-cup of Sunday Morning Coffee today. I've got to get on the road. I've been in Kansas City on an assignment for the past several days and need to get my butt back so I can see my Bride and the critters.  Especially little Yofi who sits by the backdoor waiting me me to get home. Georgie posted this last week after I left. Yikes!

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday...now...get to work!

 

 

  

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 11 July 2021

Damn you Netflix and Prime Video! Back in the day I would get up at 5AM, write Sunday Morning Coffee and have it out by 9AM. Now that I've discovered what is being offered by streaming I'm up until after 11PM so this is...late. I know "A little self control, Michael..."  Grumble. Welcome to the late edition of Sunday Morning Coffee...let's go!

A Failure

The Beltway Media is already calling President Biden a failure. "Mounting Issues Plague Biden" is the latest headline. Meanwhile my friends on "the far left" are ready to abandon ship and form some new party rather than work with the Democrats. Gosh we are a fickle bunch. Yes, there are problems. Ready?

• Getting a vaccination is more about politics than the nations health;
• Gun violence is out of control but weak politicians do nothing;
• Getting voting rights for Americans stalls;
• Climate Change is baking the globe;
• Russia is a hideout for crooks;
• There are more jobs than people.

Each of those issues are real but none are a reason to ditch working with the president. Every one of those issues demand that Democrats stick together and do the hard work. Of course if I were president I would have had a serious meeting with the likes of Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) and let them know about the reduction in federal dollars to their states until they got in line. Weary... 

Meanwhile The Middle Class

It may have gone undetected but last week President Biden, by executive order, touched the lives of every middle class American in a very positive manner. President Biden signed an executive order on Friday aimed at promoting competition across the U.S. economy — including measures that target big tech companies, aim to lower prices for consumers and call for greater scrutiny of mergers across industries.  

The order contains 72 initiatives by more than a dozen federal agencies and establishes a White House Competition Council to monitor the agencies' progress.  Like what things?

• Non-Compete Agreements - He wants those gone because it hampers people from better jobs and higher pay;
• Big Tech Companies - Rein them in because they are doing serious damage to small businesses;
• Reducing Drug Prices - Ordering the government to work with states and tribes to import drugs from Canada;
• Rural Hospitals - Review merger agreements that have resulted low quality of care in Rural America;
• Help for Farmers - Orders the USDA to assist farmers who are being crushed by "Big Ag";
• Right to Repair - Giving farm equipment owners the ability to repair their own equipment;
• Hearing Aids - Reducing the cost from thousands to hundreds of dollars giving more people access.

And those are just several of the high points.  But, maybe you were not paying attention?  Of course the U.S. Chamber of Commerce came out and condemned the order. You know they would they care not for you, your family or Main Street. Awful people...awful.

Speaking of Awful

Ever hear of J.D. Vance? He's kind of a big deal, wrote the book "Hillbilly Elegy" and was the featured speaker at the Greater Des Moines Partnership Annual Dinner in 2019 where he was lauded as being fiercely independent. Well, that only goes so far. He is now running for the GOP Senate seat currently occupied by Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) and in order to do that he has gone full MAGA.  But I digress... The reason he was lauded as being "fiercely independent" was because he became a very vocal critic of "45" during the 2016 cycle and after. He was not shy about calling "45" a disgrace and railing against him on everything from banning Muslims to standing in the way of immigration to questioning his moral compass. But...all of that is now gone because he is now fawning over the GOP base. Yet another simply awful human.  And is there really any reason to think that "45" is not in total control of the Republican Party? (Photo - Time Magazine)

Speaking of Republicans 

Ever hear of a guy by the name of Eddie Andrews? If you're not from Central Iowa that name might have escaped you. Eddie is now Rep. Eddie Andrews (R-Johnston/Grimes) after beating Rep. Karen Derry, a Democrat, by 415 votes in November 2020. Eddie is, perhaps, the best politician I've known. While he was running for office he didn't identify as a Republican while he was out knocking doors. He was simply a "nice guy" who wanted to do the right thing for Iowa. While the Iowa Democratic Party forbid door knocking during the pandemic the GOP, because COVID19 is a hoax, encouraged door to door campaigning. Hell, Eddie even knocked on the doors of Democrats and many, because they don't pay attention, allowed him to place yard signs right next to Biden signs.  Once elected Eddie fell right into line with the party leadership and helped pass voting restrictions, more guns on the streets, lower taxes for the wealthy, give tax dollars to charter schools...you know the drill.  Well, Eddie is up for re-election in 2022 and this time he has a record and you can believe the Democrats in Johnston and Grimes will be reminding voter who Eddie Andrews really is... (Photo - Bleeding Heartland)

Speaking of Republicans Part Two

Ever hear of a guy by the name of Russ Trimble? If you don't live in West Des Moines that name might not be familiar. However if you are a member of the Iowa Republican Legislature you are very aware of Russ. But...I digress. Russ is a City Councilman in West Des Moines and is on his way to becoming the next mayor of that fair city. It seems, even though Democrats outnumber GOP voters in West Des Moines the Dems are having a hard time coming up with a candidate. They should. You see, Russ is yet another "nice guy" who is keenly aware of the draconian laws passed by the Republican controlled Iowa State Senate. How? Well, Russ just happens to be a Legislative Analyst for the Iowa Senate Republican Caucus. Yep...but keep that on the down-low because he's running for Mayor and you wouldn't want to taint the water. Come on West Des Moines Democrats why are you giving up?

Partly Personal

OK, that's it. Sorry to ramble on but so much to visit with you about. I've got to get back to work.  As you know I get to take Saturday off...for the most part...it's that Jewish thing. But today is another work day and my Bride is off exploring a campground in Northwest Iowa so I get to tweak some recording equipment in the studio, do some writing and more.

Oh...one more thingy...writing about writing. Have you heard about the Okoboji Writers Retreat happening in September? No? You should...in fact you should really go.  No matter if you write for business or pleasure this is something that you should not miss. My friend Julie Gammack has put together an amazing event with world-class journalists, fiction and non-fiction writers and even literary agents. Here, once again, is the LINK to that website. Hope you will join us!

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday!

Sunday Morning Coffee - Independence Day 2021

I know, you're wondering what happened to the morning edition of Sunday Morning Coffee. Well, I decided to declarer my independence from an early morning rise and sit outside with a cup and read the paper. I know, how dare me!  Anyway, that's the story and let's get to it!

What No Paper Towels?

The tragic events of ten days ago at the Surfside Condo has riveted the nation. We now count 24 dead and still 121 people unaccounted for after the collapse of the building. Today efforts there paused so demolition could be planed for the rest of the building. Meanwhile, in stark contrast to what we have witnessed before, President Biden went to Florida and told the people there that he was there to make sure they received everything they need to get through this.  "Whatever you need. I think I have...no, I know I have the power to make it happen. Just tell me what you need."  Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), fierce critic of the president, looked shaken as he sat next to Biden who then touched DeSantis' arm and said, "No, really, whatever you need."

Come on Mr. President...all they really needed was...paper towels. (Photo: CNN)

So refreshing to see empathy from our leadership.

COVID-19 Surge

It's happening and we were warned. A number of states are seeing increasing numbers of hospitalizations and deaths due to the more highly contagious Delta Variant that is sweeping through states with low vaccination numbers. And, where are they? In mostly GOP states that rushed to "normalize their economy" ahead of getting the majority of people vaccinated. And, here we are at the 4th of July which, mark my word, will become a national super-spreader event. Good luck.

Deaths in Windsor Heights

Yesterday was "Parade Day' in the communities of Waukee, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights and Urbandale. Back in 2019 I was involved in several of those events on behalf of my friend former congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA) who waged what was nearly a one-man attempt to win the democratic nomination. I came to admire him and his family. 

This year I drove a truck in the Windsor Heights Parade. Next to me was a friend who lives in a senior community here. She told me that a husband and wife who lived in her community and were both fully vaccinated in March had just been hospitalized with the Delta Variant. She died four days ago and he is on a ventilator.  I should have asked about pre-existing conditions but I didn't. The message here is that we're not done with this yet. Social distancing, masks indoors and getting a vaccination matter.

Partly Personal

OK...I'm tired. My bride recently got a new puppy and I took two days on the couch while "Camper" was dealing with separation anxiety. Another reason Sunday Morning Coffee is late.  She (Camper) is doing better and we may be able to retire to the bedroom this evening.  Stay tuned.

Finally a huge shout out to my friends who make up the Polk County Democrats. After being humiliated at several other parade events because of their low numbers the Polk County GOP decided they would encourage their followers to
"show up" at the parades and beat back the Democrats. Well, so much for that. Yesterday, for example, in Windsor Heights (Where just four years ago maybe five of us would show up marching with a banner.) we had dozens of Democrats show up including Congresswoman Cindy Axne and her family. We had a great time and it was wonderful to see such a turnout. There were more of us...just off to the right. We couldn't fit them all in.  Thank you Sean Bagniewski, Polk County Democratic Chair, for your help.  And to each of the candidates and their supporters. It was quite the site in our little community!

At the end of the parade, and after depositing several people back to their vehicles at the start of the event, I was left with two teenage girls to lift Daisy off of the float and get everything back in the storage garage we've got. Uhm...could we do it without another accident which, back in 2019, resulted in Daisy having a broken leg and missing an ear?  Success! Sabrina and Jovie were major helpers and...Daisy isn't light. So a really good day all around.

Then it was off to the 4th of July Event at Colby Park where The Faculty Lounge Band had folks dancing.  My Bride is the person who organizes the bands, food trucks, etc. and it all came off without a hitch.  Nice job Georgie!

That's a wrap...I know...short.  But it is Independence Day!  Thanks for reading!