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.
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