SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 26 September 2021

It's the final Sunday of September...yikes, where did that month go? Welcome to politics and opinion or u Sunday Morning Coffee. Some of the stories you might have seen or, perhaps, missed but all laced with my commentary.  Why not...what else is there to do before the sun comes up.

Full Grassley

The expected news came in my Twitter Feed at 4AM last week that Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) was running for a sixth term in the U.S. Senate saying that there is so much more to do for Iowa. Well, Senator, you might also work on stuff like voting rights or how about condemning the attempted coup on January 6th or how about calling out the "Big Lie" that fuels you and your GOP base. How about supporting the House Bill that would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices? Then you can get busy and support the infrastructure bill. That is if you are really serious about doing more for Iowa. The jobs that would create the help that would give to thousands and thousands of Iowans would be...helpful. But, I'm not holding my breath Senator because you and the people you support aren't really inclined to do much of anything for Iowa unless they are the "fat cats" that you once railed against. My memory is long and you are not up to the job. (Photo - Des Moines Register)

President Biden

I see that the pundits are all over the falling approval ratings of President Biden. That's what happens when you actually do something rather than sitting on your hands. The one poll question that caused me to, really, laugh out loud was the one that took the president on because he doesn't "show empathy". That is just too kooky to even comment on. Please.  If anything the president has tried and tried to get Republicans to join him in some noble efforts and that has failed. It's what happens when you believe in the fairytale that anybody in the GOP gives a damn about the vast majority of people in this nation. Better, sir, to go it alone.  You're going to have to...anyway.

Arizona

We waited for what...over six months for the results of the sham Cyber Ninja election audit? In the end it showed that President Biden won even more votes than previous counts. But we knew that would be the result. However, even in light of that, states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan are thinking about doing their own "independent audit" of the 2020 election results. No, the goal here has been met. That goal is to sow seeds of distrust in the election process and pass laws that discriminate against voting.  Which, again, reminds me...Senator Grassley if you really want to do something about this mess. Pass the voting rights bill in the Senate. I know...you're not really interested in that. Shame...

Meanwhile in Iowa

Get ready for a major face palm. Not only does Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) have an approval rating of over 50% she is joined by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) who also has an approval rating north of 50%. What is it with you people? Is it because they look good in jeans? I don't get it. Both of these women have failed to support voters in Iowa. Both of these women have bought into the "Big Lie". Both of these women are unfit for office...it's that simple.  Maybe it's because they were living at the Iowa State Fair for days? I dunno...you?

Meanwhile in Iowa Part Two

Is that all there is? The two major Democratic Candidates for governor have been busy crisscrossing the state drumming up support. Rep. Ras Smith (D-Waterloo) and Deidre DeJear are both running a great PR campaign. They are everywhere. But, the other shoe has not yet fallen.  State Auditor Rob Sand (D-IA) has been, for months, running his own campaign but is it for re-election or for governor? Last week I was with some folks who seem to think Rob is going to take a pass and attempt to keep his current job. That he'll wait until Governor Reynolds becomes a U.S. Senator (I kid you not) and then he'll run for the, sort of, open seat.  Then there is the other "camp" who believes that Sand will run but he is wisely waiting and will swoop in to save the Democrats of a spectacular defeat in 2022. I don't know but I do know the GOP fears Rob Sand.  Ask them.

Meanwhile in Polk County

This is getting hyper-local huh? I understand there are now, roughly, 52 candidates for city council or school board who are active Democrats in this county. Fifty-two! That is an amazing job of recruiting on behalf of the party. None of this happens by accident. The Democrats have finally figured out what the GOP has known for decades. You run party faithful in non-partisan races to build your bench going forward. Want to know why the 4th Congressional District is so ruby red? They have been playing that game for years. Here in Polk County the party is actively working on behalf of each candidate. It's good to see and it's good for Iowa in the long run.

Partly Personal

Sort of a half-cup of Sunday Morning Coffee today. Still much to do and I've got to get at it.  My Bride and granddaughter are in Lanesboro, MN for "Tour de Fall" an annual bike and camping trip sponsored by Bike World of Iowa. She tells me it's pretty chilly there so not a bunch of riding but lots and lots of...shopping. Safe travels home.

The Okoboji Writers Retreat was...spectacular. Julie Gammack and her husband Richard pulled off a major event with writers and would be writers coming together to hone their craft. And it wasn't just Iowans who made up the 150+ people who attended. Folks came from all over the country and those that couldn't make the trip "Zoomed" in for their part. For nearly three days it was my pleasure to be part of this group. I learned much. Des Moines Register columnist Rekha Basu wrote a really great piece about the event and if you can get through the pay-wall here it is.  From the welcome party to the sessions on writing to the time with literary agents to the screening of "Storm Lake" to the Q&A with the Cullen Brothers from the Storm Lake Times (with Kyle Munson) to the boat ride and final dinner it was masterful. Best news is that the Okoboji Writers Retreat 2.0 is already planned for 2022.

Finally...I believe in the democratic process of voting. It's important that the people elect their representatives rather than somebody or some folks appointing a person. It matters. I live in Windsor Heights, Iowa where there are three open seats on the City Council but only two people running and I support them both. Joseph Jones and Lauren Campbell are both friends and capable, concerned folks. But nobody filed for the third open seat. So, with a great deal of thought and conversation, first with my Bride, I've decided to mount a write-in campaign for that third seat. It's a very long-shot but I think it's important for the citizens of this community to have the opportunity to vote and fill the City Council. I've got a couple of weeks to pull this off and would love it if you could support this effort.  Thank you in advance.

Off to register voters at the Latino Festival...have a great Sunday and thanks for reading! 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 19 September 2021

Politics, Opinion and a little Religion to spice things up.  Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee a regular feature done each Sunday for years. Advance Warning: This is going to be rather short today. Packing up to head to the Okoboji Writers Retreat later today. Lots of gear to pack up and then there is that drive. Yikes!  Let's go!

Money, Money, Money

This past week I was with my congregation for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and there is, in the liturgy, a host of readings from the Torah about turning to "false gods".  In 2021 we're not talking about idols carved out of wood or stone but those "false gods" that we bow down to...and there are many.  However, the most powerful god is...money. It trumps...everything.  Want proof?

Money, in this case, is much more important than say...democracy. This week in Russia there are federal elections. The leading opposition party to Valdimir Putin, which is all but banned and has had their leader Alexei Navalny imprisoned, joined with others and encouraged Russians to band together to vote Putin out of office.  They had a website (which was promptly shut down) and an app on Google and Apple where they could share information and encourage others to vote.

Well our buddy Tim Cook (Apple) and his counterpart over at Google Sundar Pichai looked this over and decided that money was worth much more than the right to vote in a "democratic" election. So they shut down the apps. It seems that taking care of your shareholders and a little pressure from Valdimir won the day.  How typical...

Nothing, Just Nothing

So, those of you who are Republicans I have a question: What policies are important to you? I can help you answer that. Obstruction is the official policy of the GOP and it has been since 2008. Now, you might think the party really does have some policy goals but when Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) just comes out and says, "Hey, we're not going to support anything..." that pretty much sums it up.  So, the "Do Nothing Party" is once again lining up to deny Americans the right to vote (see Russia), a living wage, education, health care... Yeah...you get...nothing.  Nothing, just nothing.

But, It Works

Here in the (once) great state of Iowa pandering to the idea that nothing is a winning formula is working. Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) is, according to a recent poll, enjoying a 53% approval rating. So, the majority of Iowans really believe that doing nothing about COVID-19 is a solid win. The majority of Iowans believe that doing nothing to stop voter suppression is a positive. The majority of Iowans believe that doing nothing about the health care of thousands of people on Medicaid works. I could go on but you get the picture. Meanwhile Iowa Democrats are out there attempting to push legislation that will make a positive difference in the lives of working families but, of course, when you are in the minority...nothing...wins. (Image - Des Moines Register)

Great At Lies

There is one thing Iowa Republicans excel at...lying. The recent special election vote in Ankeny (House District 37) proved that once again. The "Reynolds Lap Dog" Mike Bousselot beat Andrea Phillips by 377 votes. Of course he lied his way to the victory claiming shady deals by Phillips and that she wanted to "defund" the police, threw in the word "China" and that she was tied to a "socialist agenda". All bullshit. The China charge is the most awesome of all lies because it was Bousselot who was Chief of Staff for former Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) who became the Ambassador to China.  And, of course we all know what a stellar job he did while cozying up to his best friend Xi.  Please....

Polk County

The first draft of the District Maps are out and I suspect they won't fly. Depending on who you talk to it's a boost for Democrats and Republicans. No, really. I've heard from both.  We'll see how that flies.

Meanwhile the great Polk County Steak Fry happened yesterday. It was a bit surreal as a small group of Democrats came together to eat steak, chicken and/or a veggie burger. My choice. Two years ago in the midst of the presidential primary fight thousands of people came out along with their preferred candidates and it was huge. Last year we stayed in our cars and watched a big screen. This year we sat in lawn chairs in the sun (and yes it was damn hot) to listen to one candidate or office holder after another decry the state of Iowa and the politics of the nation. Two of us, me and Nancy Bobo were sporting Mike Franken shirts.  Hey...there were TWO of us.

We had to show proof of vaccination and wear a mask when not eating. We were doing the "social distance" thingy and there were not a ton of hugs. Have to be careful you know. It was great to see so many friends again and to chat it up a bit about politics. The people cheered when we were reminded that Federal Judge Robert Pratt ordered the state of Iowa to immediately halt enforcement of a law that prevents school boards from ordering masks to be worn to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. But, perhaps not realizing that Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller (D-IA), who announced to the crowd that he was seeking another term as AG would defend Iowa and the Governor in court.  Ironic...no?

I couldn't stay for the entire event. Had a girls softball game to attend.  My granddaughter was playing.  Somethings are really important. But it was worth every effort...now the work begins...again. Daily but it is an uphill slog. 

Partly Personal

Are the unvaccinated guilty of...murder?  Stay with me on this. It's something that I brought up to my Mason City congregation on Yom
Kippur.  Let's say a person decides not to get the COVID-19 vaccine and they are asymptomatic. But they give the virus to another person be it a parent, child, friend, co-worker. And, let's say that that person gets very sick so sick they must be cared for in the Intensive Care Unit. Because there are so many COVID patients in the ICU that when a person has a heart attack, stroke or serious injury and there is no room to care for him or her...they die. They die because the unvaccinated person made a decision to not get the vaccine and that decision resulted in the death of another. Murder?

That's not too far from the issue of AIDS. If a person who has aids knowingly passes it on to another they are held criminality responsible. Sure the person who has COVID but is not showing signs may not know he/she has the virus. But...let us take this one step further. Let's say the unvaccinated person does become very sick and needs an ICU bed that same bed that could have been used by another person who has a medical emergency but...there is no room. Murder?

Chew on that....

I'm outta here. Headed to Arnold's Park on Lake Okoboji for the Okoboji Writers Retreat that was put together by Julie Gammack. I get to present and learn and it's "sort of" a vacation. I'll still be working but also taking in the wisdom of some wonderful writers. 

Have a great Sunday and thanks for reading!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 12 September 2021

I was able to, last night, catch up with some of the moving tributes to the 9/11 victims. Presidents Bush, Clinton, Obama and Biden and their remarks. So many emotions. And, remember their families live with this reality every day.  Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee politics, opinion with a dash of religion.  Why not....

The Debt Ceiling

Well, here we go. In days gone by raising the debt ceiling was (mostly) a bipartisan given. Sure the GOP would grumble but in the end. This time it may be different. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is saying that his caucus will not vote to raise the debt. So what happens if we default because of politics?  If the debt ceiling is not lifted, then the federal government will technically default on some of its obligations. It would be forced to prioritize payments, deciding who will get paid and who won't.

Ultimately, someone will lose out, whether it's federal employees, veterans, Social Security recipients or defense contractors. Bless his heart.

New Poll

There is a new poll out that indicates Republicans want "45" to run for president in 2024.  The Hill is reporting that Fifty-six percent of registered Republican voters said they'd consider casting their ballots for the former (and failed) president in the next GOP primary.

Twenty-eight percent said they would consider former Vice President Mike Pence, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sen. Ted Cruz tied for third place. Weary...what a cast of clowns.

The Religious Exemption

Last week President Biden took off the gloves in an effort to save more American lives. New orders are that people must be vaccinated or face some tough choices. The same with employers. Good.  For those of you who decide to not become vaccinated you are doing a number of things: 1) Putting others in danger; 2) If you get sick you rob a hospital bed for others who have had a stroke, a heart attack or serious injury; 3) The death of another person in on you...yes...you.  

Meanwhile, and this is interesting, Keiser Health News is reporting that this idea of a "religious exemption" to the vaccine is pure...bunk. "No major denomination opposes vaccination. Even the Christian Science Church, whose adherents rely largely on prayer rather than medicine, does not impose an official policy. It counsels “respect for public health authorities and conscientious obedience to the laws of the land, including those requiring vaccination.”

In other words...crackpots and charlatans, once again, using "religion" as an excuse. Shameful...

Dave Muhlbauer 

I have learned, from a good source, that Dave Muhlbauer has suspended his campaign for the U.S. Senate due to a recent death in the family. It seems that taking care of the farm is going to take more time than campaigning. This doesn't mean that he is out but, as they say, watch this space.

This, if it is accurate, may open the door for former Admiral Mike Franken who came in second during the 2020 Democratic Primary losing to Theresa Greenfield. The Polk County (Iowa) Steak Fry is just a week away. If Franken is going to announce it will, or should, happen before that major event.  Stay tuned.

BTW, if you have not yet gotten your 2021 Steak Fry Tickets here is that link.

49+ Candidates

Speaking of Polk County it looks like there are 49 or, perhaps, 50 Democrats running for city council or school board seats. Following years of letting Republicans have free rein across the county when it comes to city council, boards and commissions the Democrats are fighting back in a big way. For those of you who complain and whine that "these are non-partisan races" that is complete nonsense. 

Among the GOP candidates there are  plenty of anti-maskers, conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxers seeking your vote and that...is just scary.

Andrea Phillips

Here's the deal: We have a major shot at gaining a seat in the Iowa House. Andrea Phillips of Ankeny has been working like crazy as has her entire team. The special election is 14 September...like TUESDAY.  Please if you can knock doors, call, text...let's do this.  You can reach Mary McAdams and the campaign right here.  Go...now...do.  It is all about getting out the vote. We have this...go!

Partly Personal

It is the Sunday before Yom Kippur which begins on Wednesday evening at sundown. I'll be out and with my congregation in Mason City. Here is wishing you a positive and meaningful holiday. 

I'll be out of pocket today as well. Headed to Indianola to "call" a game for my granddaughter's team. Not sure how long this will go but will be back to work for Andrea later. I know...right? There is an app called "Game Changer" and last year I was tapped to do the play-by-play. It was fun...even though I've never called sports.  Anyway our daughter, Hunter, created this stats book with all the players information and a host of "color" commentary.  It's really cool.  So, yeah...see you soon Indianola.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 5 September 2021 - Labor Day

It's the Labor Day Weekend...the time that was created for mattress sales. It is supposed to be about celebrating the efforts of labor
unions who have made the lives better for millions of Americans but, for some reason you have allowed corporations to dictate and in many places ceded our right to organize. Congratulations. Jeff Bezos wins and you...don't. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee...warning, I'm in a mood today.

FreeDumb

And it continues as millions of people deny the rights of the majority and demand their FreeDumb from vaccination efforts. It's September and soon we'll head back inside there will be Halloween Parties, Thanksgiving Dinners, Christmas Gatherings and funerals. It makes no sense...none. Meanwhile businesses are starting to get the hint that vaccinated people contribute more to the economy than dead people so they are doubling down on vaccine mandates. Some are even hiking insurance premiums for those who are unvaccinated. Good for them. You want your FreeDumb from vaccination?  Pay up.

Ya gotta wonder how long it will be before Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) or Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) ban that practice...right?

Speaking of Texas

This is interesting. The Texas anti-abortion bill is causing all sorts of issues…one of the latest involves Uber and Lyft.

Lyft executives plan to create a legal-defense fund for drivers in response to a Texas law that severely restricts abortions, and rival Uber Technologies is doing the same. Lyft CEO Logan Green made the announcement on Twitter adding that the ride-hailing company would also donate $1 million to Planned Parenthood.

Less than two hours later Uber released a statement that they too were starting a legal fund for drivers.

They Cheered

Recently Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) was in Iowa stumping for the 45th president. He's the guy who talks to "45" often but can't remember if he spoke to him or how many time he spoke to him on the 6th of January. Anyway, he was in the Hawkeye State for a GOP event and when he said that he believed "45" will mount another campaign for president the people cheered. So, nope, like COVID it ain't over. Weary...

Oh yeah...guess who introduced Jordan?  Dan Gable...I wish I had better news.... (Image: KCCI TV8)

Unemployment & Jobs

Very soon lots (millions) of people will lose their enhanced unemployment benefits. It's the way we force people to get off their lazy butts and get a job. Except it doesn't seem to be working that way. In the states that have already stopped benefits the job numbers are about the same as the states that did not. In other words that stick ain't workin'.

On Friday the Labor Department released the August Jobs Report and the U.S. added only 235,000 jobs last month…well off the mark set by Wall Street economists…they had predicted the creation of 720,000 jobs.  Getting the blame in all of this is the rising cases of the Delta Variant of COVID19 as employees and employers continue to register concern about getting back to normal.

Meanwhile record numbers of Americans are voluntary quitting their jobs. Why? Because they have had it with low wages, lousy working conditions, crappy benefits...what they should be doing is organizing. (Image: Yahoo News) 

Nursing Home Training

Back in the day I was taken to task by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals because they saw me delivering food trays to people in the long term care facility where I held the license. Actually, it was more than that.  They witnessed me actually feeding a resident who could not help herself. They took me aside and said, "You can not do that you are not a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)." No, but it's my name on the administrators license... No matter, rules are rules.  "You have to be trained to do direct patient care."  You see, the State of Iowa requires 75 hours of training time, including 30 hours of clinical work. CNAs must then take and successfully pass the CNA competency exams.

Except now you don't. 

The nursing home industry has successfully, for years, been guilty of underpaying staff and running their facilities with fewer and fewer CNA's. Now, rather than actually pay the people more they have convinced the state that folks don't need that mandated education to do direct patient care...so it's been scrapped. So if you're tired of cutting up meat at the packing plant head on over to the nursing home. You're still an "essential worker" who will be  paid...squat.

House District 37

Hello Ankeny...we're talking about YOU!  Friday night saw folks flocking to the stadium as Ankeny took on Ankeny Centennial in a football game. Centennial won 14 - 7. Lots of folks turned out for this the first head to head local match up.  They were, shall we say, motivated.

In my time knocking doors for Andrea Phillips, who is running for an open seat in the Iowa Legislature there, I was (not) surprised at how many people had no idea there is a special election on September 14. But there is...and we've got a great chance of flipping that seat. Andrea has name recognition, she's a seasoned campaigner and she has veteran organizer Mary McAdams running the show there.  The issue is not lack of "want" the issue is a lack of motivation...or maybe people just do not...care.

I do...and so should you. We've seen what happens when the state puts their future in the hands of the back-sliding Republican group who is in the majority in both the House and Senate. Iowa moves in a very bad direction from health care to voting, to education. You can make a difference Ankeny.  You. Here is the website for Andrea Phillips...go...volunteer. 

Partly Personal

Later today it's Flash Dine Des Moines. My Bride and her friend Carla Pope have been up to their necks in planning the event. It's not a huge crowd and everyone is expected to be in their "pod". Last year the event was cancelled...this year it's on.  Perhaps we'll see you? Rules are pretty simple: 1) Everybody wears white; 2) You bring your own table, chairs, decorations; 3) You bring your own food and drink and we're out of there by 8PM.  Where is it going to be held?  You need to head to FlashDineDSM on Facebook.

Heading to Mason City tomorrow for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. And, nope there will not be hats and horns. It is the start of the ten days that leads up to Yom Kippur the Day of Atonement and the most holy day on the Jewish Calendar. We did not meet last year and this year social distancing and vaccinations are required.  Sorry governor. 

Have a great Sunday and let's try to remember what Labor Day really means.  Thanks for reading.