SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 27 March 2022

He said what is on the minds of nearly everyone. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee where it's always news, politics, opinion and sometimes a dash of religion just to keep it interesting. As always, should you have a comment go ahead and launch in the comment section. Ready? Let's go!

The Nine Words

Yesterday, in Warsaw, following a speech about unity and support for Ukraine and NATO President Biden added nine, unscripted words to his address saying, "For God's sake, this man cannot remain in power". Of course the talking heads went into overdrive with the left stumbling over themselves saying he didn't mean anything like "regime change" and the right chanting in unison that the president has lost his mind and should not be the president.  

But...Biden said exactly what you have been thinking for weeks as you watch the carnage rain down on the people of Ukraine by the war criminal Vladimir Putin. The Russian army has been targeting civilians since the war began and all of it at the direction of the dictator Putin. I've been fortunate enough to have visited with Joe Biden many times over the years, mostly on a personal level, and those nine words came from the heart of a man who speaks truth...and you know it and you know he is right. (Photo NBC News)

Iowans Supporting Israel

Back in 2013 leading members of the Iowa Democratic Party and the Iowa Republican Party created the non-partisan group known as Iowans Supporting Israel (ISI). Over the years I've been to several of the lunches that have featured some high-powered political and thought leaders all dedicated to supporting the only democratically elected government in the Middle East and long time ally of the United States. This past week ISI held what they hope to be an annual gala and honored two of the founders of the organization: The late Ed Skinner and Bud Hockenberg. It was standing room only in the Prairie Meadows Ballroom as people from many faiths and political persuasions came to celebrate and to listen to the keynote speaker, Yinam Cohen Consul General of Israel to the Midwest. (Photo) It was quite the mix. I had the opportunity to visit with former Governor and Ambassador to China Terry Branstad about being back in Iowa and his family...if that gives you a taste of what this was like. Of course Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) was there as was Attorney General Tom Miller (D-IA), State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald (D-IA). It was an impressive list.  So, why am I sharing this with you?

Coming up there will be a luncheon featuring all four members of congress, Cindy Axne (D-IA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Marinnette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) discussing issues that surround Israel and Iowa. If you are so moved you might consider becoming a member. It really is an interesting and enlightening group.

Iowa Unity with Ukraine

On Saturday there was a march to the statehouse, a presentation of a check and speeches in support of Ukraine.  There was also a call to end the war and urge the governor and the legislature to do more and welcome refugees and take a stand against the Russian aggression. This too was quite a mix of people. Former refugees from Liberia and Ukraine were there. Jews, Christians and Muslims attended and spoke.  And there was a check presentation of $2,500, a down payment on $10,000 pledged by a West Des Moines group known as Coffee FC made up, mostly, of Liberians. My good friend Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad (D-DSM) fired up the crowd with his pledge of support for both peace and power, "Because when the people have power we can push for peace!" There is so much going on....

A quick observation: I have the sense that the war in Ukraine may, in some way, galvanize our nation and cause us to unify this divided nation.  We can do so much more...together.

Meanwhile some students from Waukee and Des Moines Roosevelt are raising funds for Ukraine Relief. My friend Mike Draper and his crew at Raygun are selling t-shirts at cost with the profits going to these young people.  You can get yours here.

Partly Personal

Just half-a-cup of Sunday Morning Coffee today...sorry.  There are rumblings that the Windsor Heights Chamber of Commerce will no longer exist but be rolled into the Clive Chamber of Commerce. If that happens I fear my business community will suffer.  The Windsor Heights Chamber was founded back in 2004. Long time member and original founder of the Chamber, Kris Gregersen will tell you it was about, “having a seat at the table of the local government”.  The city had recently been “improving” University Avenue and some in the business community were concerned that there was a lack of representation.

Over the years the Windsor Heights Chamber has had a hand in many important aspects of our community. From fun adventures to working with our business members with our Shop Small Campaign to the serious work of spearheading the drive to, again, reconstruct University Avenue into the great showplace it is today to spending time and money to support the Local Option Sales Tax effort which passed by a wide margin.

When the next major effort comes about to improve Windsor Heights and our business community will the Clive Chamber show as much passion?

I've sent a letter to each member of the Windsor Heights Chamber asking them to reconsider and work with me to reignite this group. I hope they listen.  If you know of a local influencer I hope you'll reach out.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday.

  

Sunday Morning Coffee 20 March 2022

I know you've got stuff to do and appreciate that you take a few minutes to check out Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly commentary on politics, business and the occasional bit about religion...just to spice things up.  The past week has been a whirlwind of activity with continued geo-political stress taking center stage.  Let's go:

Ukraine 

I really thought that after the 2020 election I wouldn't be reaching for my phone every morning before getting out of bed. For the four years the mad-man was in office it was like a never ending bad dream. Each morning I'd have to check what the lies the guy was spewing or tweeting. But then COVID-19 and now Ukraine. Not a break. 

Things in Ukraine, as of this morning, are dire as the city of Mariupol is not only surrounded but there is fighting going on in the streets. The invading army of Russia continues to target civilians while denying their murders. Are we doing enough? I don't know but the world seems to have come to its senses regarding our dealings with the killer, Putin.  Let us never forget.

Still In Russia

There are a number of businesses still doing business in Russia. While many have left and closed their facilities, further isolating the Russian economy these companies remain using the excuse that closing down would hurt innocent Russians. What...BS. Look what the Russian military is doing to the innocent Ukrainians.

The LA Times is reporting that among the consumer companies identified as staying in Russia are the fast-food chain Subway; Reebok; Bacardi (maker of rum, Dewar's Scotch and Grey Goose vodka, among other brands); the electronics companies LG and Asus; and Natura, owner of Avon cosmetics.  McDonald’s is still there so too is Burger King.

Koch Industries, which is known for its support of far-right politicians in the U.S. says it’s subsidiary, Guardian Industries that employees 600 workers at two glass factories in Russia…is staying put.

Just so you know.

St. Patrick's Day and Purim

I'd never been to a Des Moines St. Patrick's Day Parade and really had not planned on attending this past Thursday. It was, after all, Purim. But got a message that the Polk County Democrats needed a truck to haul the trailer with Daisy on top. So at 11PM on Wednesday night I got the approval of my bride to take her truck and what a day.

And, because it was Purim I sort of felt like it worked out...and was able to wear my green kippah. The neat thing about the parade was that so many in the crowd were cheering us on.  Not one heckler did I hear.  Anyway...it was great to "represent" and thanks for the opportunity.

The Race for Governor

Early this morning I was scrolling through my Facebook Feed and noticed several posts bemoaning the fact that one or two (un-named) Democrats had turned down the opportunity to run. One person wrote, "What are we going to do? Somebody needs to run!"

Uh...we DO have a candidate in this race and she is running a fantastic campaign. Diedre DeJear is...everywhere and she is speaking truth to power and she is articulating a solid message that resonates with working families, rural folks, urban people and even business. Yesterday I heard Sen. Claire Celsi (D-WDM) speak on her behalf. It was a passionate call to get out and support our candidate. I would ask you to do the same. Join me in chipping in what you can to Diedre.  You can do that here.

Meanwhile Momentum is Moving

If you asked me two months ago who would be the Democrat to take on Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) in November I would have suggested it would be a tossup. However I can sense victory is in the air for Admiral Mike Franken. He too is everywhere. His campaign staff has re-organized and there is measurable excitement among supporters, staff and even those who are, for the first time, meeting him.

Look, in these troubled geo-political times we need experienced leadership that has been on the front lines of critical decisions. Mike is not a career politician but a tested and wise leader. If you've not yet chipped in to his campaign you can do that here. 

Admiral Franken is the real deal,. He resonates with folks all across the state. Taking out Chuck Grassley is job one...and with your help it's game on!  The photo is from my friend Julie Gammack who was with Admiral Franken in Pocahontas at the Aspen Leaf Café.

Supervisor Matt McCoy

Last week I sat down for over an hour to visit with Polk County Supervisor Matt McCoy.  It was enlightening. Much has been written about the toxic environment swirling around Polk County Leadership and I asked the tough questions. Not the hearsay stuff folks like to talk about the the facts to a case that may someday go to trial. I came away from that meeting believing that "change" is not something many county supervisors want to talk about.  Because of that Matt has been...sidelined. 

He recently picked up Windsor Heights in his district and he will be speaking to the Windsor Heights Democrats yet this month. I'm looking forward to having so many more people hear the story. 

Did You Know?

OK, I'm about to share something with you I found appalling. Until yesterday I had no idea that folks who are sent to jail in Polk County pay for their time behind bars. Now while that may sound like just the "law and order" system we need let's take a deeper dive. Let's say you are picked up for some infraction. Maybe it's pot possession or perhaps a drunk and disorderly charge and the decision is to hold you in jail and because you work paycheck to paycheck you can't make bail or perhaps they just don't want to issue bail.

The first day you are in jail it costs you $75. Each day after that it's $60. So, if you're in the pokey for a week pre-trial you owe $435. But, now you've lost your job because your employer fired you for not showing up.  Worse than that you are now "in the system" a system that sends more and more poor people to jail or to prison. 

I think we need to really look at what we're doing and how it impacts so many people. There has got to be a better way.  And, that is why I'm supporting Kimberly Graham for Polk County Attorney. With over 20 years as a defense attorney she has seen the criminal justice system from both sides. Imagine what that might do to help fix what seems to be a broken system. Want more? Head to her website and learn.  With echoes of what is going on with a defense attorney headed to the Supreme Court this makes sense. Thanks...in advance.

Partly Personal

In reality this has been mostly personal. However today, the first day of Spring marks the anniversary of the death of my Mother z"l. Six years ago today she died in our home at 93 and seven months.  As her primary care-giver during the final eight months of her life I've often thought back to those days and wondered how I did it. Juggling work/life and care is something not foreign to many of you who are experiencing the same things.  Please know there are people out here that understand what you are doing and why.  

I remember that after the funeral I spent nearly two weeks in my office unable to do much of anything. It wasn't sadness but more like emptiness. For so very long I had "job one" and now that was gone.  It was tough to get back.  Not telling you this for any other reason than I know many of you are going through the same things.  Have...faith and may you find the strength to carry on.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 13 March 2022

Grab a cup of Sunday Morning Coffee a bit of politics, religion and commentary on this "Spring Forward" day in March. You did remember to set those clocks ahead an hour...right?

Ukraine

There is nothing really more to be said. The West must crush this brazen attack by the mad-man Putin. We have, for too long, been playing nice with this tyrant. Both Democrats and Republicans have looked to other way and the result is Ukraine.  Next it will be Latvia or Estonia or perhaps Poland. If President Zelensky wants it...get it to him.  The Russians are now guilty of war crimes and  you all know it.

Meanwhile I saw a post that rings true: "In the blink of an eyeball we have gone from being infectious disease experts to military strategists."  He / She was posting on Facebook.

Mother Russia

I spent Friday and Saturday with my congregation in Mason City. What a treasure it is to turn off everything and spend that time learning and teaching.  During one of our sessions a member of our study group said this, "I have very good friends, educated friends, who support Russia and long for the days of Mother Russia."

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. My follow-up question was this" "Which 'Mother Russia' would they like to see? The Czarist Russia, the Lenin Russia, the Stalin Russia?  Go ahead...pick one because they were all corrupt and the people suffered."

Yes, Russia has a long and complicated history. But to "long" for something that is a made-up fairy tail is irresponsible and naïve.

Meanwhile the Russian leader of the Orthodox Church is banging the drum in favor of the attack on Ukraine because, in his words, "They fill the streets with gay people and parades. They must be stopped."  How Christian of you...reminds me of some Iowans.

Time To Move?

Speaking of Iowa. I know many of you do not get the Des Moines Register or really any newspaper. I'm not sure why that is. I suspect ignorance is bliss. So, you might have missed the most recent Iowa Poll that indicates that the majority of Iowans do not favor mandatory childhood vaccinations.  Just 34% of Iowans in the poll support vaccinations, that have been going on for decades, for pre-school kids and 25% of Iowans say there should be no vaccinations at all. It's a stunning story by reporter Tony Leys. 

Iowa is becoming a loony bin.  Take for example this observation by Poll participant Brad Purscell, of Creston who thinks the government has no right to require anyone to be vaccinated against anything. Ready?

“None of those vaccinations should be required. If you’re going to get sick, you’re going to get sick,” said Purscell, a Republican who works as a truck driver. Purscell said he believes diseases such as polio have waned mainly because people’s bodies built up their own immunity.  Purscell doubts the shots are the reason for polio's defeat. "It's nature. It's evolution. It's God," he said.

And, just in case you think our buddy Brad is an outlier. Consider that "46% of Iowa Republicans say the state should have no law on childhood vaccinations, compared to just 5% of Democrats and 27% of political independents."

See what happens when you fail to fund public education?

The Business Impact

The current governor and the GOP controlled legislature believe that the magic wand that will bring young, well educated workers to the State of Iowa is low taxes or no taxes. Never mind that we don't much cotton to them people of color or those who may be gay or transgender or who want to vote. It's not about educating kids, investing in the arts and respecting teachers.  Nope not in Iowa.

The impact on business will be dramatic. If you are an employer and you're having trouble finding workers...strap in bubba.  You get what you vote for.

Partly Personal

Maybe it's because I'm such a dog lover. Maybe it's because I know how much it hurts to lose one of your best friends. Maybe it's because one of the reasons we now have an Aussie is because of the wonderful Miss Maggie the faithful companion of my friend Mark Cooper. Maybe.  I was crushed the other day when Mark sent me a note that Maggie died, in his arms early on Saturday morning. I understand that pain.  Maggie was indeed special.

 

Thanks for reading...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 6 March 2022

Take some time and have a cup of Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly look at the political news stories of interest all laced with my commentary. Why? What the heck else are you going to do on a Sunday Morning? Ahead of the snark: We had some vicious storms roll through Central Iowa last night resulting in the deaths of several. Gov. Reynolds did offer an emergency proclamation. 

Ukraine

The fighting continues but the aid is not enough nor, does it seem, the sanctions against the dictator Putin have not yet taken him down. Today there are reports that the Russian people are quickly turning to China for credit cards. Meanwhile the Russians continue to be bogged down in many areas so Putin has ordered the obliteration of cities and towns. Think Aleppo during the push to retain Assad yet another brutal dictator. This is what it has come to.  Meanwhile Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) this past week said somebody in Russia should "take him out", speaking of Putin. The saber rattling is getting real.  There is now also a request from Ukraine to "lend it" some fighter jets and France is considering the plan.

The human toll there is awful and are we doing enough? (Image: BBC News)

State of the Union

Yes, I watched the entire event including the ramblings of the Republican response squeaked by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. President Biden did, in my view, a masterful job in not only speaking about Russia but also laying out his domestic plans step, by, step. Then, following his address Reynolds, who clearly did not listen to the speech or know what was in it, used typical GOP talking points and simply lied. Of course she is auditioning to become the VP choice for a second run at the presidency by her idol "45" so it all fits.  Lie enough and people will believe you.  Awful to be an Iowan these days.  I'm not sure who came up with this photo but it is clearly spot on. If you want to read what it says, just click the image. Well done!

Gas Rationing

Recently I've seen, on Facebook, the whining of people about the price of gas. One, who once did the weather on a local TV station bemoaned, "Like 81 million people voted for this..." With an image of gas being sold for close to $5 a gallon. Like his guy would have done better?  Well, he would have lied about everything and some people can be duped.

This got me to thinking about the war and whining about gas. During WWII there was gas rationing which, if implemented today would drive down the use of gas and allow us to export oil and gas to Europe. Then you too would have some "skin in the game".  So, how did it work?  Check this from Hemmings Motor News:

"Americans needed fuel for their cars in order to get to work, so a system was developed and implemented to regulate the purchase of gasoline. Car owners were issued a Gasoline Ration Card—like the one shown here—that had One Unit tabs on the bottom that were punched when used. Along with the card, a windshield sticker with a specific letter was issued. The most popular was an “A” card/sticker that allowed the car owner to purchase about 4 gallons of gas each week. If you were employed in a factory that supported the war effort, you were issued a “B” card, while doctors, nurses, farm and construction workers, and mail employees were issued a “C” card, each of which allowed them to buy up to 8 gallons of gas per week. There were other specific cards, too, such as an “X” card for members of Congress, “E” for emergency vehicles, “R” for non-highway farm vehicles, and “T” for truckers."

And, today with all the technology we have might it work?  Sure...  But I know we ain't going there it would be too much of a disruption and we have more important things to do like drive around aimlessly. (Image Hemmings Motor News)

Good News for Deidre DeJear

The Des Moines Register this morning released the latest Iowa Poll regarding the race for governor. It surprised me. According to the numbers the liar who resides at Terrace Hill leads Diedre by only eight points.  That, my friends is astounding given the low visibility and name recognition of DeJear. 

Digging deeper into the numbers the GOP and Democratic voters are pretty even in their support for their parties candidate. It is the unreliable "Independents" who sway with the wind. Frankly, I've never understood how somebody would register as an "Independent". What? Can't make up your mind?  Anyway, this is where it gets tough for Deidre as 49% support Reynolds while 41% support DeJear. But still...that's not too bad at this point given, again, the high visibility of Reynolds who is...everywhere.

Meanwhile DeJear continues to press the "kitchen table issues" Iowans want from a leader. Her passion, wit and love of this state is solid and, when she finds a place to talk about it, she shines.  This ain't over by a long shot. Join me, today in supporting her by donating to her campaign. Chip in a couple of bucks and take a stand.  You can do this. 

Admiral Mike Franken

Well now things have gotten shaken up a bit over at the Franken for U.S. Senate race. Last week the campaign changed up leadership and hired veteran campaign operative Julie Stauch. For those of you who may not know her Julie was the political director for now Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg when he was running for president in 2019.  And...as you know, Pete won the Iowa Caucus ahead of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

I can't spill the beans but I do know the campaign will take on new energy and will push out in many directions to bring this home in June Watch my friends.

Partly Personal

I was almost in "Facebook Jail" this past week. Anger about what was going on in Ukraine prompted me to say something quite bad about the Russians. I should have directed my insult to Putin. I took responsibility and said "I'm sorry..." But the lesson was great. So there old dogs can learn...

Busy week ahead with a city council meeting on Monday. I'm really liking our new mayor, Mike Jones. There is a movement being discussed about local ID cards. There are some folks living among us that do not, for some reason, have a government issued identification card. So, it's hard to get a bunch of things from a checking account to a library card (depending on the city). So, the idea is that various communities can issue ID cards. The details are yet to get worked out but this is the kind of progressive thinking our Mayor does.  Bravo!

Finally, I've been asked to moderate a candidate forum in Clive on Tuesday evening. The event will take place at 515 Brewery and will feature the candidates running to fill a city council seat that had been appointed but the people of Clive rose up and demanded a special election. Good for them.  Beer and politics Tuesday evening...nothing better.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday!