SundayMorningCoffee

Politics, Religion, Gossip, SMC 01/05/14

Politics and Religion...the two things you Mother said you should never discuss.  That's why I'm here, to help. This is Sunday Morning Coffee my regular rant on those two items with a little gossip thrown in for flavor.  My name is Michael Libbie and you may leave a comment here, on Twitter I'm @MichaelLibbie and my Facebook Page is here...  It's going to be a depressing week so let's get started.

Nice Work (If you can get it)

The United States House of Representatives (according to Rep. Eric Cantor R-VA) will, sadly, gavel to order this week.  No doubt high on their priority list will be another attempt to de-fund or otherwise mess with the Affordable Care Act, make sure nobody messes around with raising the minimum wage, continue to mess with a woman's vagina and make sure they yank food off the tables of the poor and unemployed.  Hey, it's all in a days work.  Which, by the way, if you look at the House Calendar, the folks making $174,000 (plus perks) will be working 113 days this year.  Down from 126 working days in 2013.  But, maybe that is a good thing.  If they ain't there...

Then Sen. Grassley Said...

You've got to hand it to Sen.Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for looking out for agriculture and those dirt poor farmers.  He said, last week, that he believes there is room to compromise with regard to the USDA Farm Bill, that can't seem to get out of committee.  "But, if not we're going to have to dig in and pass the House version of the Farm Bill."  And, what is that?  See above.  Weary...

Sometimes I Think...

...that the GOP wants violence.  It must fit into their overall belief in "The End of Days" and if they can hasten that along...so much the better.  My point is when you cut safety net programs like unemployment, food assistance, medical care folks get angry.  And, those folks who get angry will find their way to...say...West Des Moines and simply take what they need.  It causes a back-lash when somebody steals your Lexus and justice must be served.  It's all great for the prison and firearms industry. Hey, it's just a theory.

Workplace Loans?

I had not heard of them until last week.  It seems that some business folks want to reach out to their employees who need some cash so they are floating loans to them...with an interest rate of about 300%.  Oh, the company doesn't actually make the loan but they do work, it seems, through "Payday Loan" sharks to make it happen.  I found this article interesting...perhaps you will too.

Politics in Iowa

Man, it has been a very, very busy week here!  State Sen. Janet Peterson (D-Des Moines) said she is not going to run for Governor and gave the greatest reason in the world when she said last week, "I'm struggling with taking on a governor who has been governor forever and doesn't miss a parade or ribbon cutting.".  Also out is Bob Krause and he told us on Facebook that he was ending his campaign and supporting State Sen. Jack Hatch (D-Des Moines) and would likely work on his campaign.  Bob is a stand-up guy with great ideas.  I'm sure Sen. Hatch will welcome his efforts.  Saying "he's in" at least to explore the possibility of running for governor is Jonathan Narcisse.  We've scheduled Jonathan for a segment on The News Hour next week.  We'll see.

Meanwhile for Congress

Since Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) said "I'm not going to run for re-election." it's really shaken up the Iowa GOP and the far-right of the party isn't going to let this opportunity go by.  Already announced is my friend State Sen. Brad Zaun (R-Urbandale) and David Young is abanoning his effort to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and taking aim on Iowa's 3rd District.  Also said to be considering a congressional bid is Iowa's Secretary of State Matt Schultz (R-IA) who best figure out what he is going to do other than get trounced in 2016 by Democrat Brad Anderson who announced months ago a progressive candidacy for Secretary of State.  You know...actually helping more people vote rather than work toward voter suppression. But...hey...I'm not biased.

What Should Happen

State Senator Joni Ernst (R-Red Oak) should abandon her senatorial campaign and throw in for Iowa's 3rd District.  She would win...big.  But sometimes the glitter of the Senate is too much of a lure.  Rep. Bruce Braley, according to all the polls I've seen, beats all of the Republican candidates and, I think, he'll win.  Not because he is a Democrat but because he is a great thinker with a fantastic personal story.  But, once again...that's just me.

No Time

To share with you the lawsuit between some Iowa Legislators and Gov. Branstad who...may have overstep his authority in closing the home in Toledo.  We'll see how this plays out.

Gotta Go!

My Bride has made reservations for Beatles Brunch as what was voted the best in DSM.  Cafe di Scala.  And then do a little more "wood work".   Have a wonderful Sunday!

 

Politics, Religion, Gossip, SMC 11/17/13

This is Sunday Morning Coffee, my name is Michael Libbie and I get to write a weekly piece about politics and religion with a little gossip thrown in for fun.  If you would like to comment here, go ahead.  And/or we can connect on my Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie and my personal Facebook Page is right here.  Let's go!

"I Screwed Up!"

Shame of President Obama for caving on the health care issue of allowing folks to keep their flawed and sub-standard policies for another year.  It's not been a good week for progressives who pushed for and elected this president because we had hope for real changes in health care.  He should have simply delayed the time limit...but he did the political thing and not the right thing.  He should have said, "I screwed up when I said you could keep your crappy insurance policies from these blood-sucking  companies who have been raking in billions in profits.  But, for the good of this country and for your health, you can't continue to throw money down a rat-hole."  THAT is what he should have said.  That is something President Reagan might have said...well, might have.

60 Minutes & Benghazi 

The bigger the lie the bigger the fallout!  Nope not exactly.  When Laura Logan "reported" for 60 Minutes, following her year-long investigation into the Benghazi Attack, that a "witness" had been on the scene.  Right-wing media outlets and conservative politicians (think Sen. Lindsey Graham) seized on the story, claiming it validated their extensive effort to turn the attack into a political scandal for President Obama and Hillary Clinton.  Trouble was...the story was fabricated.  Fabricated even to the point that now reporters are looking into the background of Ms. Logan to learn what exactly was her role in pressing the phony story.  CBS is doing a "journalistic review" on the pulled story.  She should have been...fired.  It's the biggest blunder for 60 Minutes since the 2004 controversy surrounding a story on President Bush's Air National Guard service.

Rural America in Trouble

The latest economic news out of Rural America is not good and not getting better. According to a report issued by the National Rural Assembly the economic conditions in non-metro America shows fewer jobs, more poverty and a declining population.  Why should you care?  Because so much of Iowa is...rural.  However, according to this study things are not very good "out there".  And, with our "Do-Nothing Congress" and still no Farm Bill it ain't gonna get better.  Sad... Here is that report.   

Bruce Braley and Obamacare

Speaking of Iowa...it seems that Rep. Bruce Braley has joined with members of the GOP in  pushing for significant changes in the Affordable Care Act.  What?  Well, it's all politics.  Braley is running for the US Senate in a state that is over the top in right wing toxic radio broadcasting and that plays a part in how citizens of the Hawkeye State look at Obamacare.  So much so that last week Congressman Braley joined the GOP majority in the House and voted for Rep. Fred Upton's bill that the White House said would "gut" the ACA.  Here is that report from our friends at the National Journal. 

Sarah Palin & Iowa

The former Governor of Alaska was here recently spouting some of the most silly things since being able to, "...see Russia from my front porch".  Now she is after the Pope.  Palin is out hawking her new book which contends there is a "War on Christmas" and made her comments to CNN about the Pope being too liberal.  But she really added fuel to the fire when she compared the "social safety net" to slavery, "Our free stuff today is being paid for today by taking money from our children and borrowing money from China.  When that note comes due it's going to be like slavery when that note is due, right?  We are going to be beholden to a foreign master."  And to think she was on the presidential ticket.  Oh...my.

No Noise!

I like hockey.  I like to go to the Iowa Wild hockey games at the Wells Fargo Arena.  I was there this weekend when officials asked my friend Michael Leo to refrain from blowing his "hockey horn" because they had received emails saying it was "too loud".  Meanwhile the arena announcer, Mark Pierce, urges the crowd to "Get Loud!".  I dunno either.  Here is a photo of Michael with his now banned horn.

Tyler Olson

Just wondering if anybody has seen him.  We've had Sen. Jack Hatch on our businss broadcast as well as Bob Krause.  Would love to give him some equal time to talk about why he should be the Democratic nominee for governor. We've been trying to wrangle Tyler but must not have the right connections.  Do you?

Partly Personal

Short cup of coffee today.  While I've been up since 5AM I've also been on "Mom Duty".  She is determined to take pills she doesn't have to take.  So we've been having that discussion on and off for the past several hours.  Hey...what the heck huh?

Also, took our granddaughter Taylor to the Iowa Wild Game this weekend...she had a great time and was very, very busy. Have a wonderful Sunday and thanks for coming by!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Politics, Religion, Gossip - SMC 09/15/13

It's Sunday and Sunday Morning Coffee my personal input on politics and religion with a little gossip thrown in for flavor.  My name is Michael Libbie and if you want to leave a comment here, feel free.  We can also connect on my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie and my personal Facebook Page is right here.  Just back from Yom Kippur...feeling...cleansed.  That being said, let's see what my friends have been up to:

The Rich People's Movement

It has always baffled me as to why a family who makes, say, $60,000 a year would join the Tea Party and work, diligently, for the interests of the Rich People's Movement. I've always thought it was because they hope for "crumbs from their masters table" or they have bought into the fear being spread by the right.  Imagine my shock when I learned the history of the Rich People's Movement which goes back...decades.  In short, each time the wealthy feel threatened (think taxes) they will, according to this very interesting article by Isaac Martin of the Oxford University Press, "use the traditional tactics of the poor on behalf of tax cuts for the rich. They will behave like outsiders, but demand policies designed to benefit people who are consummate insiders in American politics." Stunning reading...here is the link.  Oh, and yes, there is mention of our own Rep. Steve King (R-IA)

Jessie Helms & Ted Cruz

Many of you may be too young to remember Sen. Jessie Helms (R-NC) an unabashed racist who, among other things:

• Sang the confederate anthem “Dixie” in an elevator with Carol Moseley-Braun, the African-American senator from Illinois, and told Sen. Orrin Hatch in front of her that he was trying to make her cry.
• Opposed integration, or “mixing of the races,” and called the University of North Carolina the “University of Negroes and Communists” because it was integrated.

The list goes on and on...and Sen. Helms, unlike other like minded Southern politicians such as Sen. Strom Thurmond and Gov. George Wallace, never disavowed his racist, segregationist beliefs...ever.  So what has this got to do with the new darling of the Right Sen. Ted Cruz? Last week he stood before a crowd and proclaimed, "The willingness to say all those crazy things is a rare, rare characteristic in this town, and you know what? It’s every bit as true now as it was then. I wish we had 100 more just like him." Ahhh, yes.  Take us back to 1950.

Bat-Crap-Crazy Not Limited to the South

Let's say you want to keep young boys "pure of any thoughts of homosexuality".  What might be the best way for a pastor to work this magic?  If you are former youth pastor Brent Girouex of Victory Fellowship Church of Council Bluffs, Iowa you simply have sex with them.  Oh and never mind that after you admit that fact to the police you won't do any jail time.  Maybe it was the "Jesus Connection" that reduced his sentence from 17 years to probation?  Yep...makes Dixie look normal huh?  I know you won't believe me so here is the news story from our friends at KRMG.  And, let us say...Amen.

Let's Stay in Iowa?

The Republican Party of Iowa was busy last week.  Seems state party chairman A.J. Spiker decided that moving the 2014 GOP State Convention from June to July would be a great idea. Why?  Well, there are lots and lots of people wishing to run for the US Senate Seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and because there are so many it's unlikely any one candidate will get 35% of the vote for the nomination.  That being the case, the nominee would come out of a party convention.  And, because the state central committee is made up of lots of Ron Paul types pushing the convention back gives them time to lobby for their choice.  Besides, when the process goes to a convention the usual result is "bat-crap-crazy" wins because they can gin up their base.  In the end it all fell apart and should you wish to read the entire story...here's the post from our friends at Bleeding Heartland.

The Film Flap

There is a tea party guy by the name of Dave Davidson here in Iowa who spent several years trailing presidential candidates around the state and taking candid photos.  Those photos turned into a movie titled, "Shooting the President".  Mr. Davidson and some fellow Republicans were about to kick off a 32 day national bus tour promoting the project but the bus company, Champion Coach said...."Nyet!" and added it did not want to be associated with any suggestion of violence against President Obama.  My conservative friends don't see it that way...of course not.

The Governor Does Not Get to Decide

Sometime ago I wrote about a piece of legislation that passed during the wacky 2013 Iowa Legislative Session which gave the governor of Iowa the power to decide if the state would reimburse abortion providers in Medicaid cases.  Looks like the University of Iowa Hospitals, where most of the 22 abortions last year took place, will not bill the state thereby leaving Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) off the hook.  That's nice...but I bet he is disappointed.  I suspect he really wanted to be "decider-in-chief". There is a bunch of background to this story again...from our friends at Bleeding Heartland. 

Vice President Joe Biden

Is in town today for two events. The first is a deal in downtown Des Moines for about 300 folks.  It is not being billed as a campaign stop because the Vice President is not a candidate...yet.  Then, later today, he will make his way to the fairgrounds in Indianola for the 36th Annual Tom Harkin Steak Fry.  Vice President Biden, whom I like and admire a bunch, will share the stage with the Mayor of San Antonio Julián Castro who did much to improve his recognition during the Democratic National Convention last year.

Partly Personal

Friday night and Saturday we had two new folks in the Adas Israel Synagogue of Mason City for Yom Kippur.  The two nuns, members of the Sisters of Presentation, came and stayed for the four services that mark the holiest day of the Jewish Calendar.  Last night at the Break-Fast I sat with them, talked politics and religion and we had a wonderful time. The Jewish guy and a couple of Irish Catholic Nuns...there has got to be a joke there someplace.

Did you notice the "new coffee cup"?  It's kind of the way things go around here Sunday Morning.

Thanks for coming by...and have a fantastic Sunday!

 

Politics, Religion, Gossip - SMC 09/01/13

Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my regular rant about politics and religion with a dash of gossip to ad flavor.  My name is Michael Libbie and if you would like to post a comment here, feel free.  And/Or let's connect on my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie and my personal Facebook Page is right here.  I welcome most visitors...but play nice OK?

Syria

I thought it was interesting that when the United States says we are going to do a "strategic strike" against Syria because they have used chemical weapons on their citizens killing over 1,400 of them Syria responds with, "If you attack us we will join with Iraq, Iran and Egypt and attack Israel!"  Whoa...Israel?  So, that is how you want to play this?  Maybe you should have a second thought on that...it would not end well for you.

It's Labor Day Weekend

Time to sit back and be grateful for stuff like the 40-hour work week (anybody do that anymore?), weekends off, minimum wage, holidays off, vacations...you know, the stuff everybody takes for granted.  It's all stuff that was paid for with broken bones and bloody heads as unions fought for the rights of workers against the "job creators" of yesterday.  What is confounding to me is that today union membership is at an all time low while the middle-class continues to sink lower and lower on the economic scale.  Think there is a coincidence there?  No me.  And, I know some of you have horror stories about unions.  OK...so?  Nothing is perfect however, I'm thinking we'll see a rise in union membership in the coming years because...you can fill in the blank.  Going to the Labor Day Parade in your city?  (Click on the photo to enlarge...and read.)

Immigration Reform and Business

Last week The Center for American Progress released a state-by-state estimate of the economic benefits associated with comprehensive immigration reform.  The report says that Iowa would see 867 additional jobs annually, a $3.3 billion cumulative increase in the earnings of all Iowa residents and $2.8 billion cumulative additional earnings for immigrants who live in Iowa and who will pay an additional $283 million in state and local taxes over the same period.  Yeah..but...they "look funny".  Weary my friends.

Speaking of Labor Day...

I understand that Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) will be the grand marshall of the Des Moines Labor Day Parade that kicks off tomorrow at 11AM from the State Capitol.  Just so you know.

The Grocery Store Story

Last week I met Satpal Singh who owns Namaste India Supermarket in Clive, Iowa.  Satpal tells me it is the largest in the state.  When talking with him I noticed some cloth under his baseball cap and I asked him if he was Sikh.  He looked a little surprised, smiled and said, "How did you know?"  I told him I pay attention to minority faith groups a bit because I am Jewish.  He said, "Then you know too?"  He was talking about how others talk about minorities and told me the story about his liquor store and the time when some new military people come into his store and say, "We're headed over to your county to blow the crap out of your people.  You should give us that bottle for free!"  Maybe along with marching we should inform new recruits about...the world?

Governor Kim Reynolds?

Two years ago I heard that Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) would not run for re-election because of several factors.  It was repeated often in hushed tones.  I don't think that is the case but what has been interesting is how he and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds have been "joined at the hip" at nearly every event and clearly in every message coming out of the governor's office.  They have been busy branding the "Branstad/Reynolds Team" for...years.  That, along with the governor continuing to drag his feet regarding a formal announcement of his candidacy fuels the rumor that Lt. Governor Reynolds will be a "last minute replacement" in the spring.  I do know my friends at Bleeding Heartland have written about it more than...once.

The ROI of Football in Iowa

Well now...yesterday was interesting as the highest paid state employee took the Iowa Hawkeyes to the field and lost...badly...to Northern Illinois.  Whoops.  Then in Ames the second highest paid state employee saw his team go down in defeat to Northern Iowa. Hmmmm...  Maybe there is some truth to the Chamber of Commerce claim that raising the minimum wage isn't a good idea because it will ruin productivity...

Partly Personal

Short cup of Coffee today.  I am bushed.  We've been putting in 16 hour days all week as we launched the News Hour.  Then it was a trip to Mason City on Friday to do services at Adas Israel and stay for Shabbat and our Midrash Group and visit some hospital patients, back to Des Moines to see Mom and finally home around eight last night.  Yikes...sorry for the short cup.

If you want to check out the new Mom & Me story about Danish Kringle...here you go.

Have a fantastic Labor Day Weekend!  Thanks for coming by! - Michael

Politics, Religion, Gossip - SMC 08/18/13

Politics, Religion and a little Gossip thrown in for flavor...welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee!  My name is Michael P. Libbie and if you wish to comment on anything here feel free.  And/Or we can connect on my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page which is right here.  So much to cover...here we go!

The RNC vs. NBC & CNN

The party of transparency voted last week to sever relationships regarding the upcoming GOP Primary Debates with both NBC and CNN because of planned programing which will feature Hillary Clinton.  What a waste of time and effort.  When it comes to uniting Republicans nothing beats their visceral dislike for the former First Lady...unless it is immigrants, middle class families, affordable health care, food stamps, a clean environment, voting...gosh the list can get pretty long.  Meanwhile the "debates" will be worth missing anyway.  What the GOP needs to do is strike ALL of the networks other than Fox News as they will be speaking to themselves anyway.

Why?

I've thought of this often:  "Why would the Republican controlled US House of Representatives vote 40 times to undermine the Affordable Care Act?"  Tim DeLong of Des Moines has this answer:  "Because it would be an object demonstration of the wrong-headedness of right-wing ideology."  In other words, the fear of it actually helping the middle class; the fear of it reducing health care costs; the fear of losing the austerity battle is too great.  It is better to kill it than allow it to work. Remember that the next time you go vote.

Speaking of Voting

While you were sleeping the enlightened folks in North Carolina who in the Tea-Party Take Over of 2010 elected Pat McCrory (R-NC) may be having a case of buyers remorse.  Last week Gov. McCrory, who is holding an approval rating of close to 35%, signed into law the most restrictive voting act in the nation.  It goes beyond showing a voter ID.  The new law eliminates same day registration and reduces early voting (gosh...sounds like Florida) and the ability to vote a straight party ticket.  If you live in Iowa those same issues are championed here by Secretary of State Matt Schultz (R-IA) and Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA).  These are not isolated cases but rather a very stratigic plan by the GOP to supress the vote.  Why?  Because they can not win moving forward and in case you doubt that see the piece above regarding who they...hate.

But, It Gets Worse

The North Carolina story is bad at its face.  However, dig a little deeper and you'll find that on the local level the Republicans have worked tirelessly to block the vote.  They have closed polling places, challenged residency status of candidates and done whatever they can to make sure only white folks vote.  No?  I implore you to spend ten minutes and watch this piece by Rachel Maddow and pay close attention to the final segment regarding Montravious King.  Shocking...

Nothing Funny About It

Last week my friend State Senator Jack Hatch (D-Des Moines) and his campaign released this video and I've had the them to Smokey and the Bandit running through my head for...days.

 

Of course Gov. Branstad doesn't think it's funny and described it as an "attack ad" and brushed it off as being, "...way too early for this...".  Well, governor, it's not.  You, sir, have not made Iowa proud.  You have used your office and your power to hand out millions of dollars to already successful companies while thumbing your nose at the middle-class.  You have refused to take responsibility for the lack of health care for thousands, continue to ignore our polluted water issues, turn a deaf ear to the misery of young women at the Iowa Juvenile Home and push your religious views down the throats of Iowans. There is nothing funny about any of that...sir.  I'm looking forward to the campaign.

Americans for Prosperity

Our friends David and Charles Koch have brought their bewildering idea to Iowa and will spend millions in an attempt to discredit Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA).  A guy by the name of Mark Lucas drives around in a purple SUV telling folks that Bruce is the enemy of the people because he "loves big government".  Now, think about this for a minute.  Americans for Prosperity spent $3 million in Iowa trying get Iowans to believe that what is best for our state are "big money job-creators" who see the rest of us as pawns and serfs and Bruce, who grew up in Brooklyn, Iowa the son of a teacher is somehow...the problem.  Not sure what you guys are smoking Mark...but it stinks.

Speaking of Smoking...

The annual Indianolia event known as the Harkin Steak Fry is nearly here.  Coming by for a chat will be Vice President Joe Biden and we're looking forward to the visit.  There is not another political figure in the nation who is more in tune with the public than Joe. He will spend time talking to everybody and anybody and he takes the time to listen...intently.  Back in 2008 then Senator Joe Biden was one of many Democrats who made the Harkin Steak Fry.  Long after the others were gone Joe stuck around holding court with anybody who wanted to talk (photo).  Class guy.

Equal Rights...

My friend Connie Ryan Terrell is the executive director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa and in this morning's Des Moines Sunday Register she writes there is "No room for discrimination by businesses".  She is referencing a Grimes facility, The Gortz Haus and owners Dick and Betty Odgaard who are being sued because they denied service to a gay couple planning a wedding at the facility.  What is stunning about this story is the lack of knowledge some business people have regarding public accommodation.  It is against the law to deny protected class citizens the right of public accommodation...for any reason especially religious.  Mind numbing.  Here is the national story from our friends at the Huffington Post. As my friend Desmund Adams has said over and over, "Equal is equal there are no shades of equality."  Weary...

Partly Personal

Today is the final day of the great Iowa State Fair.  Tickets are 1/2 off during Extreme Sunday and thousands will take advantage of the savings and the amazing weather.  We've been several times and it's always the very best.  What a great place to share family and friend face-time.  Enjoy.

We had an impromptu party with Mom on Friday afternoon.  Used the oven at Edgewater to cook up some pizza and two of her great-granddaughters and a great-grandson spent some time chatting, eating and laughing.  We are blessed.

Have a wonderful Sunday! - Michael

Politics, Religion, Gossip - SMC 08/04/13

Sunday Morning Coffee is my regular piece on politics and religion, two things your Mother said you should never discuss.  Stir in a little gossip for flavor and BAM!  My name is Michael P. Libbie and you can leave a comment here, join me on my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page which is right here.  OK, so much to share.  Let's get to it:

Time To Waste...

Late last week the House GOP voted for the 40th time to gut the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  How nice.  I'm pleased the Republicans have so much time on their hands that they continue to ignore critical economic issues and play games with the public.  Even some of those who voted for the ACA now love to demonize it.  Never mind that the vast majority of Americans support Obamacare. But we don't hear much about that.  Here's a piece by Jack Bernard for Insurance News "Only 35 Percent of Americans Oppose ACA  as Too Liberal".  You are welcome.

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

My president...and yours...is celebrating his 52nd birthday today.  I know that really, really bothers many of you and I could not be happier to share the good news.  Oh...and he was, Mr. Trump, born in Honolulu which is in (wait for it)...the United States of America.  But you already knew that.

Congressman Steve King

I have a friend who is in the radio business in Western Iowa who "...loves Steve King (R-IA) because he is honest".  Yes, I will give him that.  He is honest about being an odd duck.  Last week the self proclaimed "Champion of States Rights" decided that states should not be allowed to protect their citizens with regard to food safety.  As if the Farm Bill wasn't already a mess Rep. King slipped in an amendment that effectively bars states being able to enforce laws which may be more stringent than others.  For example fertilizer use, cage-free eggs and a host of other state mandated regulations would be against the law if they "infringed on states that have lesser regulations".  OK then...which Steve King do you really like the "states rights" King or the "federal rights" King?

Media Cuts in Des Moines

Last week two media outlets cut staff.  The Des Moines Radio Group cut several positions as did the Des Moines Register where five from the newsroom and another four employees were given the pink slip. Saga Communications (SGA) has seen their stocks increase over the past twelve months from $30.60 to $51.84 but the bean-counters decided heads must roll.  Meanwhile Gannett (GCI) who owns the Des Moines Register has seen their stocks grow by 44% over the past year but still whack jobs across the board.  The "Job Creators" over at Gannett are on a roll.  Meanwhile, I got a look at the new digs for the Des Moines Register.  Here Editor-in-Chief Rick Green (I think he's still there) shares his take on the "Control Center" in the newsroom.  Now, with five fewer journalists, they'll have room for another big-screen TV or two.

Iowa Department of Corporate Health

Once upon a time Iowa had an entire staff of folks who looked out after the public health of its citizens. Not any longer.  For weeks hundreds of citizens have fallen sick due to what public health officials said was the result of contaminated bagged salad.  Well over 100 had to be hospitalized. Last week the Iowa Department of Corporate Health said they knew where/how people got sick but decided not to inform the public regarding the source of the illness. "All the products are off the shelf..." was the rational.  The Federal Drug Administration, yesterday, made it clear the diarrhea salad came from Mexico and had been served at area Red Lobster and Olive Garden restaurants. Note to director Mariannette Miller-Meeks, your department failed in allowing consumers to make the choice of supporting or not supporting facilities which import cheap food at the risk of public health.  The endless salad bowl, for some, became the endless toilet trip.  Sad.

Iowa Workforce Development

While you were sleeping thirty folks lost their jobs at the place that helps folks find jobs.  At the same time the Branstad/Reynolds Campaign is saying Gov. Branstad (R-IA) has created 160,000 jobs well on his way to making good on his 200,000 jobs promise of 2010. Last week I shared with you the bad news that we'll not make the 200,000 jobs number because there are not enough people in Iowa...or so says Debi Durham of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.  Don't ya love the spin?  Here's the Workforce Development story from our friends at the Des Moines Register.

Wonder what church

...this fellow goes to.  Last week in Ames, Iowa there was a panel discussion regarding the DREAM Act and this guy shows up with about as cruel a sign as I've seen.  I get it that people have every right to protest something they feel so strongly about but being cruel at the same time?  On hand for the panel were Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and yes the event took place in the congressional district of Steve King (R-IA) on purpose.  Well played my friends...  On the bright side when the DREAM Act does pass we will be much closer to that magic number of 200,000 jobs.  Look at the bright side!

Speaking Of Senator Harkin

He will be in Des Moines this Wednesday at a press conference regarding Social Security.  Seems some folks in the "Do-Nothing Congress" want to put an end to Social Security while others wish to expand it. Sen. Harkin is on the correct side of that debate.  Meanwhile we've just celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the signature law made possible by Sen. Harkin.  I remember how opponents lobbied against the bill saying it would crush businesses and people would lose their jobs.  Familiar huh?  Here is a piece from the senator about work that needs to continue...23 years later.  It's why I like him...

Bruce Braley and Israel

Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) is headed to Israel next week with 37 other members of congress.  The trip, sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation, is timed to coincide with the resumption of peace talks between Israel and Arab leaders regarding Judea and Samaria.  I'm hoping he returns with a more clear understanding of what democracy looks like in an area that has too little freedom.

Partly Personal

It is Georgie Birthday Month around here.  My bride celebrates each day of August because...she can.  Of course I am invited to take part in the daily celebrations.  Think of Ramadan but without the fast.  Ramadan, by the way, ends this Wednesday.  You are welcome.

For those of you who follow Mom & Me you know she is doing much better now that she's off several medications.  Being involved in the daily care planning of a loved one is well worth the time and effort...for everybody.

Thanks for coming by and have a superior Sunday! - Michael

 

 

Politics, Religion, Gossip - SMC 07/14/13

This is Sunday Morning Coffee, my weekly brew about the world of religion and politics with a little gossip thrown in for...flavor.  My name is Michael Libbie and if you want to leave a comment here, feel free.  And we can also hook up on my personal Twitter Feed @MichaelLibbie and my personal Facebook Page is here.  Let's get to the coffee:

Food Stamps & Respect

Last week Congress gutted the food stamp program from the Farm Bill.  Why?  Mostly because Republicans hate people.  Let me clarify that.  Republicans hate people who are of color, poor, disadvantaged, urban, young, old...  In other words folks who are disposable.  Yet it is this same gang of politicians who demand "respect for life".  I'm often asked why I dislike Republicans and the simple answer is their duplicity.  Let's not feed the people...even when they work several jobs and still can't make it.  How do you folks sleep at night?  Never mind...I know, it's easy when you are so out of touch with reality.

Speaking of Reality

Here is something for you folks living in the GOP suburbs to consider.  When the folks you dislike so much don't have food.  When the people you don't see in your grocery stores, country clubs, neighborhoods can't eat because for some odd reason you think it is not the responsibility of the government to assist the the disadvantaged and only right when the government subsidizes the wealthy...they are coming to your part of town to take what you have so they can sell it.  Sure we can build more prisons, and we do, but that's not going to solve the problem.  But you can move...further away.

MSNBC Ratings

Last week my friends from the Right were nearly orgasmic as they crowed about the recent ratings drop from Left leaning MSNBC.  Stuff like: "MSNBC is not fair and balanced and America knows it." and, "There simply are not enough libs out there to support the ideology." and, "The hosts are simply too smart and well educated for the liberals to understand." and my personal favorite: "This proves America is a Christian nation that disapproves of the liberal agenda!".  No, what this proves is that it's hard to gin up rabid support of a progressive agenda when 1) The progressive base is more than disillusioned by a president who continues to seek compromise rather than carry out his mandate; 2) lousy decisions by the screwballs who make programing calls like moving Ed Schultz to weekend duty and 3) the lack of major political issues that can mobilize people like the run up to the 2012 election.  Is MSNBC done?  Nope, because somebody there must realize the mid-term elections are just around the corner.  Watch my children...

Time Out

Let me give you a breather from all the hot stuff and offer up this graphic done by my friends at Raygun of Des Moines.

I thought it was fun.  My conservative friends think not.  That's the other reason I don't mix well with conservatives...they can't seem to loosen up and have a little fun.  Speaking of Governor Branstad (R-IA) he has been on vacation in Europe.  Miss him?

Told Ya...

Weeks ago I wrote that State Senator Jodi Ernst (R-Red Oak) would throw her purse in the race for the US Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA).  BAM!  At the urging of her fellow Republicans, and no doubt Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) who proceeded Ernst in the state senate, she is in the hunt.  Along with being a proud member of the NRA Senator Ernst, in 2013, co-founded the Iowa Prayer Caucus. It is what she calls a "bipartisan caucus devoted to protecting the religious liberties of Iowans".  Unless, of course, you happen to be a Muslim?  Never mind...

Meanwhile - Where is Bruce Braley?

Everywhere.  Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Waterloo) is running for the US Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and during the recent congressional break he cross-crossed the state to meet, march and raise funds from supporters. Braley raised $1.25 million for his campaign in the second quarter of 2013 and continues his single focus on getting elected.  Meanwhile the crowd of Democratic contenders in the 1st Congressional District is getting more crowded.  Along with State Rep. Pat Murphy (D-Dubuque), Cedar Rapids City Councilwoman Monica Vernon and Cedar Rapids attorney Dave O’Brien are running, while Rep. Anesa Kajtazovic (D Waterloo) and former legislator Swati Dandekar of Marion have formed exploratory committees. Braley says he is not endorsing anybody and that is wise given the field. However, Monica Vernon has surprised some with her aggressive fund raising and the list of folks supporting her. This could be fun to watch.  BTW, professionally, I'm a little surprised by the lack of any solid websites by O'Brien and Vernon.  Odd...and unfortunate.

Simply Irresistible

Last week the Iowa Supreme Court said it was OK to fire a long term employee if that employee is found to be sexually irresistible by the employer. (I was wondering why Hooter's closed.) The all male high court had decided to take another look at their ruling from December and decided they made no error even though the original decision caused a public outcry. Justice Mark Cady, whom I know, described the "relationship" between Fort Dodge dentist James Knight and his long-term dental assistant Melissa Nelson as a "consenting personal relationship" even though Mrs. Nelson continued to object to the flagrant sexual advances.  Knight fired Nelson after his wife found out about text messages they had shared.  Justice Cady said those harassing messages from Knight were simply (ready?) "banter".  Women already walk a fine line in the workplace and it's an awful ruling that, no doubt, businesses welcome?

Water, Water Everywhere...

...but not a drop to drink...goes the "old saw".  The Des Moines Water Works has spent over $375,000 since this past spring on nitrate removal.  Last week Bill Stowe, CEO and general manager of the utility asked Central Iowa residents to restrict their water usage because they can't keep up.  What's the problem?  Nitrate levels are climbing to 10 parts per million a level the EPA says is a danger.  The high nitrate levels were caused by the state's soggy spring following a drought. A deluge in water washed fertilizer off the farms and into the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers which are used to provide drinking water to the Metro.  A friend of mine suggested the state needs to "get tough" with regulations aimed at reducing chemical fertilizer applications.  That ain't gonna happen...not in Iowa.

Don't Eat Your Vegetables!

I was going to title this, "Got the Runs?" but...nah.  At least 45 Iowans have gotten sick by eating, what public health officials say is fresh vegetables tainted with cyclospora a nasty bug that can give you diarrhea for up to two months.  Yikes!  The story is that the produce was likely shipped into Iowa from another state or...country where the human feces laced veggies originated.  Nice huh?

Des Moines Farmers Market a Hoax?

It seems that not all the "farmers" at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market are...farmers.  My friend and long-time real farmer Larry Cleverley tells me that, by his estimate, about 30% of the "farmers" selling produce each Saturday actually buy their stuff from wholesalers or low cost grocery centers and then jack up the price and pretend it's home-grown.  I asked Larry to point out the real farmers and he was happy to do so.  Gosh...if you can't trust a farmer what is this world coming to?

It's Cool to be Rich!

In today's Des Moines Sunday Register there is a great article by my friend Donnelle Eller that tells us that "wealthy Iowans" saw "...a nearly 82% income boost from 2000 to 2010".  Best quote is from Charles Leibold, senior managing director of Bankers Trust wealth management services who said, "Over the last couple of years, they've (the wealthy) clawed their way back pretty nicely."  Uhm... "clawed their way back"?  Here, if you can get through the pay-wall, is the exclusive story.  Meanwhile those shiftless, lazy folks making $49,000 and less saw their income go down by 7.1% during the same period.  Let them eat cake!  (But don't buy it with food stamps!)

Partly Personal

By this time next week RAGBRAI will have started its 407 mile trek across Iowa.  My bride is doing the entire route...again.  In training for the event she has lost over twenty pounds and is feeling great.  Congrats!

We have a wonderful family and last week our son Aaron did something I was really proud of...he purchased a new road bike.    He said he was frustrated that I was doing 20+ miles and averaging 13 mph while the best he could do was maybe 7 mph on his off-road bike.  He visited with Justin at Bike World and BAM...new bike.  What is really neat, at least for me, is that his new bike is a carbon copy of mine.  That's just pretty cool. Here's a photo of the new wheels along with his first set of wheels from the mid 80's.  Check those SHORTS!

Mom is headed home!  Looks like we'll spring her from the skilled nursing facility at Edgewater mid-week.  She's anxious to get out and, frankly, I'm anxious to see how she does "on her own".  Which really isn't but we'll see how it goes.  At least the daily commute for me will be down to less than five minutes.  I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for coming by and have a wonderful Sunday!  -  Michael      

 

 

 

 

 

 

Politics, Religion, Gossip - SMC June 30, 2013

Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly look at the world of politics and religion with some added gossip just for fun.  My name is Michael P. Libbie and if you want to leave a comment here, feel free.  Or we can connect on my personal Twitter Feed @MichaelLibbie and/or my personal Facebook Page is right here.  Just play nice.  Not much happened this past week...

Giveth and Taketh Away...

Last week the Supreme Court gave millions of LGBT people the right to marry in states which have accepted same-sex marriage by striking down the Defense of Marriage Act.  In some states equal is now equal.  Yet they upheld the rights of states who wish to pass laws which seek to discriminate against their citizens.  Here in Iowa the GOP foes of equality vowed to overturn the progress in the next legislative session.  Meanwhile the SCOTUS said all is well with regard to southern racial relations.  Over the past 40 years the south has mended their ways and should no longer be subject to portions of the Voter Rights Act.  That is crap.  In many areas the rural, and often suburban, south still hold racial disparity close to their hearts.  In these places, and I have been there, it will take several more funerals to wipe out the old Jim Crow way of life.  Watch....

Speaking of Jim Crow

Can we be done with Paula Deen?  Not quite yet.  The sponsors and networks that shuttered Ms. Dean over-reacted to her admission of using the "N-Word" decades ago.  The back-story was that Ms. Deen was being sued and rather than pay up the million or so and move on  (she made about $22 million a year) she decided to fight and admitted in a deposition that at one time in her life, raised in the Jim Crow South, she did use "the word".  And, the sponsors and the Food Network ran...  They should have given her the boot years earlier for pushing fat causing, diabetes related foods while also getting paid $6 million in a two year deal to shill for Novo Nordisk a Danish pharmaceutical company that makes drugs for diabetics.  BTW, Deen developed Type 2 diabetes yet kept it quiet for several years...it might have cramped her style?  That, my friends, was the real "sin".  Bye...Paula.

Nelson Mandela...

Then we have this man.  A world-wide hero.  Born in a dung-floor hut, jailed for 27 years in apartheid South Africa he rose to become the president of his country and the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.  Unlike so many African leaders he voluntary stepped down after one five year term (the Constitution allows for two five-year terms) in a show of humility.  As I write this the 94 year-old leader is gravely ill.  President Obama is, this week, in South Africa.  It is said he will not visit President Mandela but will have a private meeting with his family.  Nelson Mandela...now stop for a moment and consider what other great leaders you can name from the past twenty years.  Go...  Short list huh?

Pay Up!

Tomorrow the interest rate on federal subsidized student loans (Stafford Loans) doubles from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent because the "Do Nothing Congress of the United States" did...nothing.  The inaction of these "leaders" will mean a person who has a loan will pay an additional $3,000 on a $23,000 loan over ten years.  Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) offered a way out last week but...  But wait!!!!  Maybe we can spend some additional time trying to find a way to halt Obamacare for like the 40th time in two years.  Weary my friends...weary.

My Gal Michele

Did you hear that the lawsuit against Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) was dropped?  Out of the blue the lawsuit against Rep. Michele Bachmann's presidential campaign over allegedly stealing home-school supporters email information was resolved. It had been brought by Barbara Heki, a longtime board member of the Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators who had volunteered or Bachmann's 2012 Iowa caucus campaign.  Nobody is talking.  Wonder how many pieces of silver that cost?

With Jesus As My Drivers Education Teacher...

I missed this.  When looking for background regarding the Barbara Heki/Michele Bachmann story I learned that if you home school your kids in Iowa you do not need to enroll them in the drivers education class offered by public schools.  Nope...no longer.  Anybody, really anybody, can teach those kids to drive.  I suspect this is so they will not have to be under the thumb of the Anti-Christ who has invaded the public school system.  OK then...  (At this point I was going to write something about Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) and his new role as "Decider-in-Chief" with regard to Medicaid funded abortions but...decided not to bother.  Two odd topics in row are just too much.  See, I have spared you.)

Let's Get Local

For those of you who do not live in The Village of Windsor Heights feel free to skip to the next story.  Seems our village of 4,800 people will no longer have Mayor Jerry Sullivan or City Council Member Diana Willits to kick around any longer.  Both shared with me last week they will not stand for re-election this November. When I asked..."Why?" I got the standard, "I've been in a long time and it's time to move on." line.  When pressed I learned, from others, there are some major non-progressive issues going on within the city council.  Should be fun to watch.  OK...you may re-engage.

The Iowa Farm Bureau

Otherwise known as "The GOP Voice for Agriculture" wants you to know that Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) is "no friend to Iowa farmers".  In a desperate attempt to halt the Braley campaign for the US Senate The Iowa Republican penned a negative piece accusing Mr. Braley of being out of touch with agriculture and for being (hang on kids...this is awful) a trial lawyer.  Shudder....  Here is the deal.  The Iowa GOP needs to do something to prop up their list of "B-Players" many of whom are unknown outside of their county seat.  Hang on this is going to get really good.

Then There Is Texas...

Texas, when I was growing up, was a place of almost mythical proportions.  They had cowboys, Texas Rangers, Lyndon Johnson, the Alamo and swagger.  Oh they had segregation, lynchings and the Klan too but we didn't pay that much attention to such things.  Today Texas is a bat-crap-crazy refuge for white Christian Conservatives who don't see any problem with denying the poor access to medical care, deciding the fate of women, their hate of the LGBT community, and executing prisoners. Last week as the Texas State Senate "debated" an abortion bill favored by Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) that would ban the practice after 20 weeks and close hundreds of legal, safe clinics because "...we value all life" Texas executed it's 500th prisoner.  Why anybody would want to volunteer to live or visit Texas is a mystery to me. We would have been better off to have, long ago, allowed them to form their own country.  Last week, following a failed attempt to pass a new "compassionate" abortion bill during a special session, they are back at it on Monday and say they have the votes and the damn public can go to hell.  Nice.  In case you are interested here's an story of Gov. Perry jabbing State Sen. Wendy Davis the woman who stood for eleven hours to filibuster the abortion bill.

Partly Personal

Last week I conducted a memorial service for Gilbert "Skip" Fleming z"l of Charles City.  Skip and his wife Rose worked hard to secure a solid family structure and pass along their Jewish faith to their three boys.  Education, they felt was critical to success, so they helped Jon, Jerry and Jim get to college (Iowa State) where they started on the road to a combined 35 years of post-high school studies.  I knew Skip for over 25 years as a quiet man who loved his wife, his boys, the house he built by himself and the flowers that graced its lawn.  During the meal at Adas Israel a friend of the family asked, "I remember so well how beautiful the yard was. Did the flowers bloom this year?".  Jon Fleming said, "No, Dad wasn't there to plant them."  Skip and Rose did plant the seed of learning and love with their family.  Love of all people, no matter the color of their skin, their faith, their personal orientation or their economic standing.  They were...liberals.  Suspect you might have guessed that. 

Have a blessed start to a new week!

Politics, Religion, Gossip - SMC 06/23/13

Gather around kids the pot is on and it's time for Sunday Morning Coffee my opinion on politics and religion with a little gossip thrown in just for flavor. If you wish to comment here, feel free. (Due to spam I have to approve...sorry!) and/or we can connect on my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie and my personal Facebook Page is right here.  OK!  Enough! Let's get into it.

Let Them Eat Cake!

If you are poor and you live in the United States...tough!  We will hold your wages to a minimum where you must work two or three jobs just to survive and if that doesn't put food on the table...tough!  Last week the dysfunctional United States Congress failed to pass a Farm Bill.  The sticking point?  No...not farm-welfare...not peanuts vs. corn.  It was those stinking welfare cheats who take every opportunity to bilk the taxpayer out of money so they can drive Cadillacs and have more children just so they can get more welfare.  Never mind that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is good for small business, good for growers and good for those who use the program.  Nah...let them eat cake.  We're going to cut our way to sustainability!

Well, Maybe Not...

A week ago the International Monetary Fund held a press conference in Washington, DC and told the United States that the biggest barrier to sustained growth of our economy is...(hold on...) the Sequester Cuts.  Well, no kidding!  From the transcript: "... repeal the sequester and adopt a more balanced and gradual pace of fiscal consolidation. This would help the recovery at a time when monetary policy, which has been very helpful, has now limited room to support it much further. The sequester cuts not only reduce growth in the short term, but they also hurt the most vulnerable and they produce very undesirable effect in that regard."  In other words we are idiots to expect a robust economy when we're cutting and slashing expenses that, by their very nature help the overall economy grow.  Meanwhile folks like Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) crow about how many government jobs have been slashed.  Really?  Those workers buy, or used to, buy stuff and they were working for me and you.  But...nope cut, cut, cut!  It is an insane policy.

Speaking of Governor Branstad

The governor last week decided that he, and not the Iowa Legislature knows better when it comes to the state budget so he slashed spending by nearly $100 million.  Pension fund for the police? Nah...don't wanna do that.  Even though state government has welshed on their commitment for years forcing cities to take up the slack. It all reminds me of what my friend Desmund Adams has said over and over and over: "There is no such thing as a tax cut; there is only tax shifting."  Which is exactly what this legislature and this governor have done to cities and homeowners.  Watch my children...or better yet, ask the number crunchers in your town or county.  

Bruce Braley & Those Other Folks

The field for the Iowa Republicans attempt to capture a US Senate seat is getting more crowded by the day.  The latest two names are both GOP insiders who worked for the Ron Paul campaign in 2011/2012.  That should not be surprising because the Iowa GOP is pretty much run by the "Paul Movement" and the Christian Conservatives.  I miss Gov. Bob Ray (R-IA).  The man would not have a snowball's chance in Hell of getting elected to anything by this crowd.  It's a shame.  Meanwhile Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) continues to work the state to become better known.  "The Iowa Problem Solver" as he has been dubbed, is not worried about GOP bloggers who say that because of the looming Republican Primary his name recognition will continue to suffer because the media will be talking about the bat-crap-crazy Republicans who are running. No...they will always refer to the Democrat in the race...always.  It's wishful thinking from my bat-crap-crazy friends.

Women Owned Businesses

At least the $50,000 is going to a female-owned business in Iowa. The back-story is that Iowa ranks last, dead last, in the growth of female-owned businesses and the Iowa Economic Development Authority wants somebody to figure out what can be done and so...surprise...they actually hired an Iowa company to figure it out.  Lydia Brown hopes to find ways to overcome the embarrassing problem.  Lydia, here is a tip and it comes from my friend Desmund Adams. (Gosh, that is twice I've quoted him today.)  Ready? Require the Iowa State Legislature to actually live up to the states promise to buy stuff from minority/women owned businesses.  That's something that could be done quickly...well maybe.  Seems the state loves to pass out cash to already successful companies. Such as...

Project Mountain

The state will give Microsoft $20 million in tax credits to create 30 jobs in West Des Moines.  See...we got no problem giving already successful corporations your tax dollars.  However, if you are a start up.  Tough.  It's sort of like, "let them eat cake".  Where have I seen that before?

Remember What I Said?

Remember when I shared with you that Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA), an avowed abortion opponent, will now decide if a poor woman in Iowa who is on Medicaid will be granted an abortion. ("Oh, He Already Did" - June 16, 2013)  My friend Rekha Basu from the Des Moines Register puts it well, "Such a paternalistic intrusion by Big Brother into the most private of health care decisions is the unprecedented way the Republican-controlled House and Democrat-controlled Senate chose to settle differences between those who would prefer there be no legal abortions and those who believe in a 40-year old constitutional right."  Here is a link to her article.  Again, Sen. Jack Hatch (D-Des Moines) and Sen. Mike Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs) what the hell were you thinking?  I dunno...maybe you can explain it to me?  I'll be asking next time we visit. (Great photo of Rekha taken by our mutual friend Julie Gammick near DC last year.)

Partly Personal

Sunday Morning Coffee is....late.  Why?  Because last night my Bride had me involved with the second annual Moonlight Classic to benefit Orchard Place.  I was up way past my bedtime.  Way past.  As soon as it is uploaded I'll share the video from the event that raised $70,000 according to my friend Nancy Bobo.  And...fun?  Yep.

 

Have a Superior Sunday...