SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee The Halloween Edition 31 October 2021

It's a Spooktacular Edition of Sunday Morning Coffee. What could be more scary than a deadlocked Senate where the minority rules? Welcome to the news you may have seen or missed all laced with my, usually, acerbic commentary. It's what I get to do each Sunday Morning...let's go! But...before we do...a little "Monster Mash" for you:

Monster Mash Complete

Thank you Bobby "Boris" Pickett from 1962...and now you, too, have that as an "ear worm".
 

Paid Family Leave

There is nothing more damaging and scary for these United States than offering paid family leave for folks who are taking care of sick kids, parents, grandparents or friends. Why would we want to leave Bora Bora as the ONLY nation that denies paid family leave? They need company so whew...can't do that.

It's insane and disrespectful and wrong. There are people out there who run on the "family values" ticket but they have no conception of the values we really respect. 

Child Care Support

Can you imagine how frightening it would be if the United States augmented child care? Think of the horror imposed on millions of parents who would be able to trot off to work with the full knowledge their children were well taken care of in a licensed day care center. No! We can't succumb to something like that.  We must, at all costs, keep the current system that is costing large and small businesses any sense of productivity.

Really? I guess if you are a millionaire who has a seat in the U.S. Senate this kind of stuff is just too much.  Besides, if you've never had to deal with child care...why would you care?

Climate and Arnold

Did you see what The Terminator said about those who deny dealing with climate change and say that "green jobs" are, in reality, a job killer and will reduce employment world-wide?  No?  Here is what the former Republican Governor of California said in a BBC interview ahead of this week's climate meeting..."All of these countries that come and give speeches, 'We are not going to go and lose jobs because of going green,' and all this other stuff, they're liars or they're just stupid and they don't know how to do it. It's all about having the balls to do it." He went on to say that the environmental policies he enacted as California governor from 2003 to 2011 proved that "when you go green" it is "the best job creator."

That from Arnold Schwarzenegger ahead of the COP26 global climate summit that is convening this week in Scotland. Scary stuff...

School Boards and City Elections

I was visiting with a city council member the other day who said she was disturbed that the upcoming city council and school board elections have become so partisan.  But admitted that the Iowa GOP has been busy filling seats on school boards for years. And said, "When the governor of Iowa comes out and, in public, says that people should vote for the Republicans who are running for school boards and city councils because the Democrats have nothing but losing policies I was angry. We should expect more but sadly that is the state of affairs we are in."  Yep...everything is partisan...everything.

Partly Personal

I live in the West Des Moines Public School district and urge you to vote for Fannette Elliott and Ana Morgan and Lila Starr. Three well qualified folks. Also, running for the Clive City Council is Hope Johnson...yet another fantastic leader and you can help her and the others win in these important races.

I know...short this week. The election is Tuesday and I'm back on the doors all day stumping for write-in votes for the Windsor Heights City Council. By now you know there are three open seats but only two of my friends, Lauren Campbell and Joseph Jones, filed. And, yes, I voted for them both.  So...that left the third seat open and I'm working to gain the votes of the folks here in my community. 

I've been visiting with voters about the "Three E's of Effective Leadership": Experience, Economics and Empathy. Let me focus on empathy with this story:

 

Thanks for reading and watching...have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 24 October 2021

Hello...and yes, a bit late today. So much going on these days. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee on a rainy October day. Glad you're here for a bit of news and opinion all wrapped up in this weekly visit.  As always, should you have comments let them fly. Let's go!

Portugal 

While COVID19 infections continue to ravage parts of the U.S. and the U.K. the county of Portugal is giving us a glimpse of what the future might look like if only...we had the guts and willingness to do so.  According to a Wall Street Journal article out today Portugal is giving us some lessons. There close to 100% of the people over the age of 50 have received at least one vaccine dose. For those between the ages of 25 and 49 it is 95% and from age 12 to 17 the vaccination rate is 88%.  There are 10 million people in Portugal and 98% have had at least one dose.  If you want to read that article I've linked it on my Twitter account or you can click here. (Image: Yahoo News)

Meanwhile here in the U.S. only 65% have had one dose and in the U.K 73%. 

On October 1 Portugal ditched most of it's Covid containment rules...but masks are still required on public transportation, folks must show proof of vaccination at large events in this soccer crazed nation, handpumps for disinfectant gel are everywhere. Meanwhile the U.K. has abandoned COVID19 rules and cases and deaths continue to mount. Here in the U.S. doctors are saying that 100% of those who present at emergency rooms are not vaccinated and they are taking up beds that could be used for other serious illnesses and/or accidents.

How absurd and how selfish are we?  Please for others, for the economy for the health of our nation...get your vaccine.

Fiddling

In some ways our economy in the U.S. is starting to get back to pre-pandemic times. Yet some states lag. Meanwhile the most important piece of legislation that would have a positive impact on the lives of Americans languishes in the U.S. Senate because the of the awful idea of the filibuster where a minority can rule the majority. And, when it comes to voting...forget about it. It's clear the GOP does not trust you to vote and will do everything in it's power to make it more difficult or impossible...at least for "some people". That the two senators from Iowa disregard the economic future of this state and stand in the way of allowing people full access to the right of voting is unconscionable but...predictable.  Chuck and Joni...fiddle while our state and nation cry out.

But, But...

While the Iowa Legislature and the Iowa Governor have done their best to restrict voting many of us are fighting back but there are many hurdles.

Here is one: I was knocking doors and came across two women who vote regularly but had not gotten a absentee ballot request (ABR). I had some with me and it was just two days before the October 18 deadline to request a ballot. (a GOP suppression move.) One of the women had her state issued ID card. She is 88 and long ago gave up driving. We were able to fill out her ABR but the other woman, who is 94, did not have ID nor could we find her Voter ID card with her number.  I was able to take the complete VBR to the County Auditor and she did get an absentee ballot but my other friend...nope. So, yes, we will make it so she can get out and go vote and I will stand with her and testify that she is who she is... But really people at 94 you have to go through this crap just to...vote?  Shameful.

And you KNOW this story is being repeated over and over again all across this state and others that are in GOP control.

Partly Personal

So much to do today so cutting this a bit short.  As you may know the UAW is on strike against John Deere. Workers rejected a contract
that was not in their best interests. For example workers would not see a raise after five years on the job. Really? Meanwhile John Deere is
posting record profits.  Going out on strike isn't easy. Working families don't get a paycheck but life goes on.  That's why many of us have made donations to the cause. The Polk County Democrats have sent over $1,000 in non-perishable food, diapers and other items to the UAW Local 450 Union Hall in Des Moines. They asked for others to chip in and so I delivered about $200 worth of items to the hall and visited with the striking family members.  You can help as well. If it's not food and supplies how about a cash donation...folks still have to pay for heat and lights and rent. If you can...please do.  Here is a LINK for an ACT BLUE account where you can make that donation.  

One thing is for sure. The striking workers are doing this for you as well. The reduction in union workers has impacted the middle class in significant ways such as no real increase in wages since the 1970's when adjusted for inflation. That is a direct result of "Right to Work" laws...  But, people are starting to realize that record profits do not translate into higher wages and union participation is seeing a resurgence. Once again, if you can help...please do.  Any help is a BIG HELP.  

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 17 October 2021

Welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee my regular attempt to comment on some of the news you've seen or, perhaps, missed. Let's get into it and, as always, you've got a comment...feel free to post.  Thanks!

We Are Confused

It seems the pundits are convinced that the electorate (you and me) are "confused" when it comes to President Biden's "Build Back Better" program. They are telling us that we are focused on the price tag of $3.5 trillion dollars and that means there will be a massive tax increase. I ain't buying it. From the beginning the president has been clear that the package has a host of programs that poll very positive among us. Stuff like:

• Child Care - Funding for safe and secure child care so folks can get back to work...boosts the economy;
• Broadband - Funding for internet access so people and businesses can connect...boosts the economy;
• Clean Water - Funding to remove lead pipes and clean up ground water...boosts health efforts/economy;
• College - Funding for community colleges to create better opportunities and jobs...boosts the economy;
• Climate Change - Funding to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel & go sustainable...boosts life;
• Infrastructure -  A massive jobs program that will put millions into good paying jobs...boosts the economy.

I'm not confused...you?

The Cost

What are we willing to do to create jobs, put people back to work, build our economy? In 1936 President Roosevelt oversaw the creation of the Rural Electrification Act. The goal was to bring electricity to rural parts of the nation. At first it was labeled as being "socialist" but the benefits of having electricity in rural parts of the country was popular. Billions of dollars were spent running power to remote parts of our nation. Today, we take all of that for granted.  The Build Back Better Proposal is part of this history.

The Interstate Highway System - The 41,000 mile system was first funded by $26 billion in today's money that is $2.5 trillion.  How is/was it paid for? Gasoline taxes.  When it was proposed by President Eisenhower it was called "socialist" but the idea was sold as a defense program so, of course, that made it just fine.  The Build Back Better Proposal is also a part of this history.

The Space Program - Billions and billions of dollars were and have been spent on this over the years. The Apollo Program alone (1960 - 1973) cost $482 billion in todays dollars.  Anybody complain about that?  The Build Back Better Proposal is part of this history.

Taxes

No, if your family makes under $400,000 a year you will not see one dime more in income taxes. Done, plain and simple. BUT if you are wealthy the proposal is to increase your federal tax rate to...actually way less than it was in the 1950's and 1960's. Here are the facts for cryin' out loud:

• President Joe Biden has proposed a 39.6% top marginal income tax rate, up from the current 37%, to help fund the American Families Plan.
• That rate would affect single individuals with taxable income of more than $452,700 and married couples filing jointly with income over $509,300, according to a budget proposal.
• The top rate is slated to increase to 39.6% after 2025 even if Congress doesn’t pass Biden’s proposal.

So...stop it.  Just stop...this proposal will do more for the average working family than anything we've seen in our lifetime.

I'm done...

Partly Personal

Spent a great weekend in Mason City working with the congregation there.  Today it's knocking doors, planting signs and meeting voters in Windsor Heights.  Learn more about that at www.MichaelLibbie.com 

Gotta go..have a great Sunday! 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 10 October 2021

Now THAT was some football game! The Iowa Hawkeyes over Penn State by a score of 23 - 20. Two things: The Iowa defense was amazing, again, and their QB getting knocked out of the game with an injury...well.  The Hawks now go to 6 - 0 and the folks that know something about this stuff say they should go on to finish undefeated. But, one game at a time...right?  Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee (sorry got sidetracked) politics commentary.  Let's go!

The Big Lie - Back in Town

They were there fawning for "The King" as one person called the 45th president. Some guy from Ankeny said, "He loves America and he loves Jesus..." Really?  Married three times, multiple affairs, lawsuits for rape...  Then there is Dan Gable the former Iowa wrestling coach. Don't get me started. Meanwhile Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) was on hand to chum it up with her buddy. And then Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) was all in.  Here's the deal:

The elected have seen the poll numbers and they realize that 97% of the GOP love this guy and 53% of Iowans have a favorable opinion of the man who incited a riot at the Capital, soiled our international reputation, scoffed at a pandemic that has killed over 600,000 Americans, gave a massive tax cut to the wealthy and turned his back on working class families. Really?  Politics is amazing...

Big Lie Number Two

I was involved in a large virtual gathering last week. It was not political. Prior to starting I was listening to some cross-talk as somebody had their mic open and I think was speaking to somebody on the phone.  Here is what she said, "They don't want to work anymore. There are places who are hiring but those people are getting fat and lazy through all the money the government is throwing at them. It is awful, just awful..." She too has bought into the Second Big Lie. Here is the reality:

• Moved On - People who were employed at low wage jobs have decided they no longer can live that way and they have moved on to other fields;
• They're Out - Women have not returned to the workforce because...states like Iowa have made it impossible for their kids to go back to school...safely. When local or state government passes laws that keep schools unsafe Mom is not sending their kiddo back;
• Free Money - The expanded unemployment benefits have gone away. Remember how that was going to "drive people back to work"? Nope. People are tired of poor pay, lousy benefits, impossible schedules, angry guests...  See reason number one.

But, when all you do is listen to insurrectionist media...you get both Big Lies. However, if you are interested in the economics of what is really going on...here is ISU economist Dave Swenson with his take.

Partly Personal

I'm sorry...these are going to be really short for the next several Sunday's.  I'm running a write-in campaign for the Windsor Heights City Council and there is so much to do.  If you don't know the story here is that video:

If you know some folks in Windsor Heights, Iowa...remind them and perhaps a good word?

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday!

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 3 October 2021

Good Morning and welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee. Here are some of the political news you've seen or, perhaps, missed all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to do early each Sunday.  Warning...just a half a cup today. Softball and my granddaughter starting at 8AM. Yikes!  And the rest of the day is a workday. 

Biden Poll Numbers

It's the big beltway news story. "President Biden's Poll Numbers Drop"  For months the obstructionist Republicans have been on every insurrectionist media outlet crowing about how bad things are. These are the same people who kept silent when "45" was destroying everything from our standing in the world to the COVID-19 pandemic. No, what is happening is people are worried. We didn't see the ending of the pandemic in June...like everybody thought. Why? Because there are some who have been told not to trust the vaccine, not to wear masks, not to keep a safe distance. Meanwhile the shortage of workers has crippled the supply chain and prices are rising.  I get it but none of that is the president. In fact...

Build Back Better

In fact the president is trying to help the American people through the massive infrastructure bill that is going nowhere because of the GOP, who loves tax cuts for the wealthy but stand in the way of tax increases for them, dawdles. And then there is Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and that goofy senator from Arizona Kyrsten Sinema a Democrat that had to fly home on Friday to get money from wealthy donors rather than talk about what she doesn't like in the bills the House has passed. Who the hell is going to primary that woman?  Weary...

The New Book

It's out on Tuesday and the reporting has been hot. Stephanie Grisham, onetime press secretary for President Donald Trump and chief of staff for the first lady telling of her time in the White House. Excerpts are predictably juicy, but one unifying theme seems to be the administration’s brazen embrace of dishonesty.  NBC News writes: "Grisham reports, for example, that at the 2019 G-20 Summit in Japan, right before the video cameras started rolling, she saw Trump lean toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and overheard him say: “I’m going to act a little tougher with you for a few minutes. But it’s for the cameras, and after they leave, we’ll talk.”

"Grisham is famously known as the press secretary who never held a press conference. Hence the tongue-in-cheek title of her book: “Now I Will Take Your Questions.” The salacious nature of her work of alleged nonfiction should in no way rehabilitate her professional legacy.   But boy — she does have the goods."

Of course the former president and first lady have both issued statements that none of what is in the book is true. Right....

We've Got So Much Money...

What happens when you make the decision to not spend money on things like education, health care, child care, rental assistance? You might want to ask Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) who, along with her minions in the Iowa House and Senate are taking great pride in the fact the state has in excess of a billion dollars in it's "rainy day fund".  It's raining cats and dogs and the safety net for thousands of Iowan's is out of reach. They have been running out to the media on a daily basis proud of the fact they have choked off kids, teachers, families from help just to amass a chest of gold. Meanwhile Iowan's are hoping for crumbs from the table of their master...it's sick.

Iowa U.S. Senate Race

I have it on a good authority that things in Iowa are about to heat up...big time. Sworn to not chat about it but...whoa!  Stay tuned. But it is interesting that in one poll Iowan's say Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) should stand aside while another poll indicates people will continue to vote for him. We are a very confused state.

Early Voting in Iowa

The GOP effort to strangle to vote in Iowa will be in full view shortly. Right now you can request a ballot. Right now. I understand they will be mailed out on the 13th of October and then you've got just days to send it back in. It's all part of voter suppression. Meanwhile, Postmaster Louis DeJoy has announced first class mail will now be delivered much like it was in 1970 taking five days rather than three. Isn't that nice?  The only question is, "How in the hell is Louis DeJoy STILL the postmaster general?"  If you happen to live in POLK County and would like to help us track ballots get your early voting ballot from the Polk County Democrats here. 

Partly Personal

Told you this was just half a cup. I'm off to a softball game and then off for an interview with my friend Julie Gammick who led an amazing Iowa Writers Retreat a couple of weeks ago in Okoboji. She is going to share some reflections on her effort and announce the 2022 event. Be watching for it on Insight on Business the News Hour this week.

As you may know I'm running a write in campaign for the Windsor Heights City Council. My thanks to several of you for the help. My friend Dave Miglin is creating the website and we've had lots of folks ask for signs and postcards are coming out soon as well. If you live in, or know somebody in Windsor Heights all they have to do is write Michael Libbie or Mike Libbie on the ballot and boom.  We're golden. Thanks in advance and thanks for reading!