SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 26 April 2020

Hello and welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee!  It's my look at some of the news stories you've seen or, perhaps, missed all laced with my commentary.  It's what I get to do on Sunday Morning and this has been a regular Sunday feature for twelve-plus years.  Lots to talk about...let's go! 

OPEN IT UP!

Americans are a strange lot. The cry is to open up for business and the reason is solid. We're going through the worst economic crisis we've seen in decades. According to White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett the decline in the second quarter of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could be the worst...ever. But, here's the deal:

When the politicians start going out shaking hands and kissing babies...maybe, just maybe, we'll go back to normal. The problem is they won't and neither will we. Americans know the hit we're taking. We feel it every day.  Yet 70% of us approve of some sort of restrictions or shelter in place orders.  And, what is interesting, is that 70% crosses party lines and age demographics. 

It would seem the majority of us are smarter than the politicians.

Happy Birthday!

Today is the birthday of the First Lady of the United States. My wish for her is that she knock some sense into her husband. We would, then, be much better off.  Happy Birthday!

Those MAGA Rallies

Each day for weeks we've had to endure "45" speaking to the nation about COVID-19 except much of what he says are outright lies. No different than what we've witnessed during his MAGA Rallies. Trouble is...now he is playing with the lives of people across the planet with phony ideas like shoving light down your throat and injecting you with bleach.  YIKES!  As usual there is no science just blubber.

But, the good news is that yesterday the president said those daily briefings "...aren't worth the time." So maybe...just maybe we'll be spared.

Lack of Leadership

By now, after 12+ years of authoring Sunday Morning Coffee, you know that I have zero tolerance for the lack of bold leadership and empathy by those that we elect. Recently a Facebook Follower took me to task because I criticized Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) and her total lack of leadership regarding the people of Iowa who are facing increasing threats of COVID-19.  The person wrote: "So, tell me what would you have done differently?"  It's a good question and here is the answer:

• Make a Phone Call - Long before the first case showed up in Iowa you would think the governor would have reached out to Gov. Jay Inslee (D-WA) or Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and asked them, "What the hell is going on and how are you taking measures to keep your citizens safe?"  Asking for input and help is not a weakness it is a strength;
• Enlist the National Guard - We have a standing army ready to work on behalf of our citizens. They and the U.S. military already have pandemic plans in place. We should have, long ago, been asking for direction;
• Get Personal Protection Equipment - Long before there was a run and long before the U.S. government started "stealing" PPE a leader would have started the ball rolling to get what we need stockpiled for our front line medical professionals;
• Get a Doctor - I would have held news briefings with a doctor on the platform. This idea that a lawyer knows anything about public health is a joke. One or two trained experts in medicine speaking truth would have gone a long way toward protecting and explaining;
• Embrace Science - What does science say?  Get the best minds in Iowa and across the nation to offer input. Telling Iowans that light and bleach might be effective ain't...science.

This isn't "Monday Morning Quarterbacking" this is what leaders do...or should do. Mouthing garbage is not leadership. (Image - Carroll Broadcasting)

The Republicans Hate Voting

This is so rich that if it were not so serious...it would be a hoot. We all know that a giant part of the GOP playbook is to restrict voting and voting access. Look what they did in Wisconsin where now at least seven people have come down with COVID-19 because they were forced to stand in line for hours to vote.

Now the GOP is telling Americans that voting by mail (VBM) is a danger to our democracy. Bull!  It's not. The United States Military has been voting by mail...forever.  Not once have we heard a call to cease VBM there.  So, why now? Because the Republican Party knows Americans are wising up and we realize their answers are not in the best interest of the vast majority of us.  If you want proof just look at where so much of the Paycheck Protection Program money went.

According to the Congressional Budget Office the majority of loans amounted to no more than $150,000 but...and this is important...those loans amounted to only 17% of the total dollars out. Meanwhile Delta and United Airlines are getting billions and promise to layoff staff. 

Tell me again how much the GOP loves Main Street. (Image - NY Times)

Admiral Michael Franken

For those of you who are following the U.S. Senate race in Iowa you might want to listen today at Noon Central to an exclusive two-part interview with Admiral Michael Franken one of five vying for the opportunity to crush the current junior senator from our state. That conversation will be on News/Talk 1540 KXEL today. You can listen live by going to their website: www.KXEL.com and clicking on "Listen Live" or say to your smart speaker: "Hey Google/Alexa play KXEL Radio!" There may not be a better candidate out there.  Check it out.

Think of it as a public service.

Partly Personal

Recently I've made the decision to stay away from Social Media on Shabbat. I had gotten away from that practice in recent years. While I like the interaction I'm really not wanting to "mix it up" on the Sabbath. So, that's why I've been absent over the past several weeks.

However...here are two issues that came up last week and I'll address them here.

Guns and Gun Ownership

Last week my campaign received recognition that we are a "Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate". What does that mean? In short it means that I support things like:

• Background checks for all gun sales;
• So called "red flag" laws which give family or law enforcement a way to temporarily suspend a persons access to guns if they pose a serious threat to themselves and others;
• Prohibiting domestic abusers from purchasing or possessing firearms.

In addition I do not believe "military style" firearms have any place in our society. Some argue they are good for hunting. If you need a semi-automatic weapon to kill a critter you need to become a better shot. Finally I oppose the ownership of large capacity magazines. Again if you need 20 rounds to shoot a coyote you need to go back to the range.  

If that's a deal breaker...so be it.  But, you need to also know that I am a gun owner who enjoys range and trap shooting. OK?

Legalizing Recreational Cannabis

I was asked, via email, my position on this issue. Let's go: Years ago I sat down with the then Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey and we talked about this. To be sure, my politics and his are vastly different but we are still friends. I suggested that Iowa should, as we do with other items, regulate cannabis growth and sales and then...as we do with cigarettes and booze...tax the hell out of it. And, what do we do with those tax dollars?  Plow them into our public schools so that we can regain our educational superiority that we once had. Again, if that is a deal breaker...so be it.  I think you deserve a straight answer.

Meanwhile, if you want to help this effort to regain the Iowa State Senate and put into place a check on a governor that is failing to keep us safe...you can donate here and learn more here.  

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 15 March 2020

Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee a look at some of the political/social news stories you may have seen or, perhaps, missed all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to do before the sun comes up. As always you are welcome to contribute your thoughts and reactions and if you wish, feel free to share with others.  Let's get started:

The Failure of Leadership

For weeks the President of the United States and his minions in conservative media have downplayed the danger of the coronavirus. They, and he, have called it  a hoax, compared it to the flu, said it would simply disappear as if by magic, blamed the media, President Obama and Democrats. But on Wednesday, during his often flawed Oval Office speech to the nation, he finally told the nation in somber, if not halting tones, that this is a serious pandemic and you need to take action.

You would think that Republicans, who on social media, are still calling all of this an attempt to take down this president might have listened. However that does not seem to be the case. This divided nation can not even agree on hand washing.

Seriously Folks

According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted March 2-3, 21 percent of Democrats (compared to 14 percent of Republicans) said they were taking steps to avoid physical contact with others. Forty-eight percent of Democratic respondents said they were washing their hands more often to prevent transmission of the virus, compared to 38 percent of Republicans. And the fact is that Republicans have been watching a different story unfold on right-wing media than the rest of the country is seeing.

Maybe now...maybe.

Iowa Is Not An Island

Here is the stark, stunning reality: The COVID19 is here however we have no idea how many people are infected and we have no testing available. Last week I started calling various health departments across the state and while this is not a scientific study I can tell you we are woefully prepared. Some counties have five or six testing kits others had no idea. 

The governor has, at least, been keeping the public informed from her location "north of Des Moines". Overnight we learned that a person in Dallas County contracted the virus by "community spread" and another person in Johnson County has been admitted to the University of Iowa Hospitals in "critical condition". That person had been in self-imposed isolation.

The Iowa Legislature

Meanwhile, if you remember, the Iowa State Legislature is in the control of the same Republicans who have been denying the seriousness of the virus. Last week Sen. Rob Hogg (D-Cedar Rapids) called on the legislative leadership to postpone the general session. Republicans denied the request and it is "business as usual".

If you have not been to the gathering under "The Golden Dome" let me share with you that it is a perfect place for community spread of the virus. There are hushed whispers, lots of handshakes and hundreds of people wandering the halls. This is insanity. 

Public Schools

Last week Dr. Tom Ahart the Superintendent of Schools said in a press conference that the Des Moines Public Schools would remain closed after spring break and until 30 March in an "abundance of caution". I know Dr. Ahart and his family. I know that this was not an easy call. I get it that parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles are now faced with extended care for kids unless they can work remotely. But it was the right call.

Meanwhile the arrogance of the suburban schools to not extend spring break was shocking. We have an 11 year-old in the West Des Moines Schools and while children are not as much at risk (or so we are told) than adults the fact that hundreds of children will be attending classes in these petri dishes of potential community spread is misguided and arrogant.

We are learning that a person can be asymptomatic of the virus and still be contagious. There are no words...

Apple Stores

That is why, yesterday, Apple announced that it was closing all of their retail stores in the United States. The company said they had learned a valuable lesson from their experience in China and that lesson was "to flatten the infection rate curve we must avoid contact". That is pretty stark and clearly they get it while others have not received the memo.

An Abundance of Caution

That is the line we've seen over and over from people who are taking this health crisis seriously. Some of you know that I am running for the Iowa State Senate. On Thursday afternoon I received a note from Jacob Becklund who is the Director of the Iowa Majority Fund for the Iowa Democratic Party. Here is that communication:

   Candidates,

As the world and Iowa deal with COVID-19, we recommend you adapt your campaign to protect your health and the health of others. Obviously we hope things return to normal as soon as possible, but until then, please see our current recommendations:

1)  We recommend postponing all public events (IE town halls, fundraisers, etc.) until further notice.

2)    We recommend moving fundraising away from large scale in-person events to fundraising by phone, email, and letters.

3)    We recommend shifting voter contact efforts to phones. In other words, we suggest you avoid canvassing under the current circumstances.

Notice the third recommendation. Canvassing or going door-to-door is what we do. Even that, forget large gatherings, made the list. Spreading fear? No, it is what we do in our own way to protect ourselves and our fellow citizens. Perhaps others will take note. And, BTW here is a link to my campaign webpage and if you are so moved a link to my fundraising page.

Partly Personal

I know, not a lot of fun stuff here. I get it. I understand that child-care centers are struggling. I get it that our nursing homes and rehab centers are struggling keeping people safe and healthy. Friends, this is not a joke and it is no time to have a cavalier attitude.

Many of you know that I do Insight on Business the News Hour a daily business newscast, which will air today on News/Talk 1540 KXEL at 2PM. Last week I made the decision to cancel meeting with my guests to record their interviews and will be doing those by phone. (I have several already done and you may hear those next week.)  That is not the preferred method because, as journalists know, when you have a guest sitting in front of you the interview is much more impactful. But, it is out of an abundance of caution for me and my family and my guests.

Also there is opportunity here. There is the opportunity to slow down a bit and enjoy reconnecting with family. Taking the time to be together without the distraction of "other things" and a vast calendar of "stuff to do".

Finally, this health crisis also allows me to finally sent down some policy regarding healthcare and what our state should be doing. I have already been reaching out to healthcare professionals who I hope will be candid and be willing to talk about issues that we have, for too long, swept under the rug.

Stay safe and well.  And, as usual thanks for reading. 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 8 December 2019

I know...if you are dialing up Sunday Morning Coffee and it's now lunch time...I take full responsibility. The past 24 hours are a blur from services in Mason City to bell ringing for the Salvation Army to a hockey game to getting our radio program out the door because of an early broadcast at 11:30...yikes.  Excuses...right? Let's go!

Disappointing

We have become so tribal and none of that is good for our nation. While members of the Republican Party continue to deny what "45" has done and seek to obfuscate the reality of a corrupt and dishonest president. His base continues to believe that what he has done to obstruct a co-equal branch of our federal government is just fine. We have seen this before friends and it is not that different to what we saw take place in Germany in the 1930's. For those of you who think things like that can not happen again...beware. It is on our doorstep.

Russian Bots?

As the Iowa caucuses heat up there has been a growing number of hateful remarks about various Democratic candidates. Usually those remarks have to do with ageism, sexism and homophobia. If I didn't know some of the people who are writing these insults, on Facebook or other platforms, I would think they were Russian Bots. 

The fact of the matter is that it is highly unlikely that your prefered candidate will become the nominee of the party. Then what do you do? Take your campaign lit with you to the basement and fail to work for the eventual nominee following the convention? 

Take a breath. You are not doing your candidate any favors. In fact, some of the comments made would embarrass your prefered candidate and my bet is they would disavow them and censure you in a heartbeat. We are better than that.  And, sure it's easy to click off a 20 word insult...but think before you send.  Are you really shedding a positive light on your candidate?  No...and it is more than disappointing.

Mayor of Des Moines

It was an expensive race. The two main candidates spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the contest. In the end the incumbent, Mayor Frank Cownie squeaked out a narrow win over former state senator and developer Jack Hatch. It was not only expensive but also toxic. While nobody asked my advice...had they...I believe the outcome may have been different. Both are friends of mine and I truly hope fences will be mended. But, fear that may take some time.

We Have a Race

Last Sunday I attended a house party for Kimberly Graham one of four running to become the next United States Senator from Iowa. I have watched this contest and over the past several months and noted how Graham has grown as a candidate. While not the favored one by many in the establishment circle she has become a solid campaigner and speaker. I was impressed.

I also know the other candidates and I'm personal friends with two of the three. I've yet to meet Admiral Franken but look forward to that opportunity. One thing is certain Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) is in trouble and that's more than me saying so...the polls also indicate she will fall in November.

Neighborhood Groups

Democrats all over the state are organizing what are being called "neighborhood groups". Geographical parts of the cities to rural towns are not only working with their county organization but are working at a more grass-roots level to encourage Democrats to mobilize. It's really refreshing and it's brought so many more people together.  Stunning.

Immigration

Last week, while campaigning, I heard a troubling story I'll share here. We have known for some time that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have been targeting hispanic folks and that has led to many staying out of sight. Even those in the country legally are avoiding community gatherings and events because they fear being caught up in the hysteria that has infected our nation. 

Imagine that you are an immigrant who is in the process of securing a Green Card. It's something that takes time and money. You have a job and you are doing everything right. But, one day, in a convenience store, you are confronted by ICE. Before you know it you are on a bus to Omaha and a detention center. There you are informed it will cost you $7,000 to be reunited with your family. No, you've not done anything wrong. You have been in the process but now you are told pay up of get shipped out. You call your family and they pony up the 7K and you are released.

Think it doesn't happen?  My sources tell me this is fairly common and that many immigrant families hord a stash of cash just in case.

Really?  Yes...really. What have we become?

The Jobs Report

It was a blockbuster. The U.S. added 266,000 jobs in November. That is nearly 100,000 more than what was projected. But, what kind of jobs are they? Yeah, you guessed it. Many are low pay jobs in health care, food service and hospitality. 45,000 jobs were GM workers going back on the job following their successful strike. 12,000 were government workers and a mere 1,000 in construction. 

Of the jobs created 80 out of 100 pay above average and while you might think that is pretty good consider that just ten years ago 94 out of 100 jobs created paid above average.

At the same time new data indicates that fully one-half of Americans are earning the median income of $18,000 a year.

One more stat for you. There is not one state in the United States where a person can work 40 hours a week and live "comfortably". Every state, based on numbers from the Labor Department for wages and then adding 20% for a "comfort factor", requires more hours of work. In Hawaii it is 91 hours a week. In Iowa a worker must log 48 hours a week to make $44,000 a year.

Yeah...but the economy is...booming.  For...who?

Partly Personal

It has been a busy weekend. Friday saw me driving to Mason City for my work at Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa. I go there once a month to do their services and to lead a two hour Torah (Bible) study session with folks from many religious backgrounds...and even several Jews.

Rolled back into town in time for Jovie and me to head to the Iowa Wild hockey game to raise money for the Salvation Army. What? Wait! A Jewish guy raising cash for a Christian group that many of my friends in the party don't much care for?  Yeah...it's what we do for each other.  We had a blast and a big thank you to my friend Tamyra Harrison for calling me and asking for some help.

From the campaign... I was able to speak at the Southeast Dallas County Democrats forum this past Tuesday. That was great fun and I'm grateful for that opportunity. This Tuesday I'll be speaking to the Clive Democrats for their December meeting. 

Between working, knocking doors, and "call time" it sorta keeps a person busy.  But, I've been encouraged by the number of people who sense that I have a solid message for working families and a solid background in working on behalf of others. Thank you. Here is the campaign website. 

Coming up on 21 December at the West Des Moines Library at 10:00AM I'll kick off the first of many "Listening Posts" that have to do with various issues confronting Iowans. This session will be about "Finding Common Ground with Common Sense on Gun Laws". 

Hey, sorry, once again this is so late...think of it as Sunday Morning (Brunch) Coffee.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 17 November 2019

Sitting here writing this long before the sun comes up on a November morning. It's Sunday Morning Coffee with the political news you may have seen, or missed, all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to do before the house comes alive on a Sunday Morning...

Impeachment

It's no secret. I loath our current president. Clearly unfit to have been elected he has continued to abuse his power and bring disgrace to the Oval Office by his constant lies and his demeaning of others. None of it is "presidential". The man can not be trusted, unless you wish to place your trust in evil. He has surrounded himself with others equally evil...think Stephen Miller...and the American people are now being treated to the unvarnished truth of what he has done and how he has tried to conceal his acts. If he were in the military, rather than its Commander in Chief, he would have been drummed out of the service long ago.

Whatever comes from this impeachment effort one thing is certain. The Democrats will not face the backlash that they had once feared. Why? This isn't about a president who perjured himself over an encounter with a White House aide this is about how the President of the United States pressured another government and held back vital military aid in an attempt to feather his own political nest. While both are wrong one is sexy and the other clearly an abuse of power and an impeachable offence. (Image: U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch at the Friday hearing from CNN)

It is telling, in this instance, that the president did not act alone but was assisted by others, not only in the demand, but also in the coverup. While the Democrats may not get a single Republican to join them in the vote for impeachment the GOP will be led into the 2020 election by a mortally wounded politician at the top of the ticket. Bring it on.

Oh yeah...Roger Stone is going to jail. How many does that make my friends? "Lock him up!" 

Louisiana

While you were sleeping another one of 45's minions went down in defeat. Gov. John Bel Edwards (D-LA) defeated Eddie Rispone in a close election. 45 had made two trips to Louisiana in support of Rispone who fawned over the president at every turn. Edwards is now the second Democrat to defeat a Republican who was closely tied to the president. And, both won in southern states that went heavy for 45 in 2016. To be clear, Edwards isn't my "flavor" of a Democrat but last night in his victory speech he promised to increase workforce training, invest more in education, including early childhood education, work to improve health care, raise the minimum wage and advance major infrastructure projects. (Image: John Bel Edwards victory speech from L.A. TImes)

Iowa is Diminished

As word spread of the untimely death of Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady people of faith and values struggled to come to grips with the fact a true champion of thoughtful and compassionate justice is gone. We are all diminished to have lost such a fine person. I knew Justice Cady long before he went to the Supreme Court from our time together in Fort Dodge, Iowa. We often met at like minded events that championed justice and equality. It was no surprise that he wrote the decisions of the Court on gay marriage and abortion rights. Justice Cady was a person who truly felt equal means equal and believed that it was wrong to foster social conservative religious beliefs onto others. We last spoke at a holiday party where the conversation was not on legal matters but on family and the future of Iowa. He will be missed.

Now we will face yet another gut check as Gov. Kim Reynolds (D-IA) a champion of "45" and Rep. Steve King (R-IA) will move to replace Justice Cady.

The Death Penalty

Capital punishment has been banned in Iowa since Gov. Harold Hughes (D-IA) signed a bill that abolished the death penalty in 1965. Yesterday during a meeting of the West Des Moines Democrats attorney Ivan Webber told the group about the non-partisan, Iowans Against the Death Penalty and offered a warning that even though many do not remember a time when the death penalty was enforced there are still people in the Iowa Legislature that are more than willing to bring it back.  (Image: Gov. Harold Hughes from the Des Moines Register)

It is, my friends. a chilling reminder that elections do have consequences. It would serve us well to keep informed and to fight any attempt to bring the death penalty back. I get it that it's not top of mind right now...but we should be prepared.

Gun Violence in Iowa

Here is another issue for you to chew on. Over the years I have attended more than my share of vigils commemorating the deaths of people who were gunned down in mass shootings. Each time the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa called for people of faith and various backgrounds to come together and stand against gun violence be it mass shootings or domestic shootings or suicide. In answer to the latest round of mass killings Connie Ryan from the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa met with others including Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad (D-DSM) and made the decision that while vigils are important...action must replace the activity of prayer and supplication. Over the past several months people have been gathering to work together on economic and political answers to stem gun violence. 

I recently sat down with Connie and recorded this interview which will air later today on News/Talk 1540 KXEL and is part of our Radio Blog. Again, if you want to listen, just click the player:

Partly Personal

I truly believe that life does not consist of haphazard coincidences but that things happen for a reason. This past week I had several personal interactions with people who enriched my life. One of those dealt with what was supposed to be a business conversation that turned into a heartwarming discussion of faith, family and friendship. I think the message here is to always be mindful and responsive to those seemingly random events that can put us in touch with others and allow us to grow.

Suspect you realize that you'll be hearing more and more about my campaign to represent you in the Iowa State Senate District 22 (Clive, Waukee, West Des Moines & Windsor Heights). It's what consumes a great deal of my time. I'd like to thank the Iowa Landlord Association and the West Des Moines Democrats for allowing me to speak this past week. More of those events will happen on a regular basis. If you would like to learn more about what this campaign is about I'd invite you to drift past the campaign website: LibbieForIowa.com and if you are compelled to help a guy who is "Working for Working Families" let's visit and perhaps you might consider a donation to the campaign.

My thanks to Cityview's Business Journal for naming me one of the "19 People Who Made a Difference in 2019" the award event was held over a week ago but I failed to mention it last week. If you would like to see the list of people with whom I shared this honor with here is a link to the article in the most recent issue.

Finally (gosh this section is getting sorta long!) I'll be a guest tomorrow morning in the 8:00AM hour on Iowa Live which can be seen online and on CW-Iowa 23. I'll be chatting with Michele, Lou and Jackie about a host of items including how podcasting has become a "go to" media of choice for many who are time starved. And, how Insight on Business the News Hour came to be and how it continues to grow.

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 10 November 2019

Hey and good morning! Sit a spell as I get to share some stories you may have seen or missed but all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to do early each Sunday Morning while the rest of the world sleeps. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee all hot and fresh. Let's go!

Virginia & Kentucky

Well now...THAT was interesting. "45" was handed a couple of defeats last week...or so it seems. Now that the Virginia legislature has turned blue Gov. Ralph Northam (D-VA) will propose, what he is calling, "Eight common sense gun laws" that when the legislature was in GOP hands received a full 90 minutes of debate before they tanked the bills. Asked if he expected any Republican to cross over and vote for them Gov. Northam was doubtful. "You would think they would listen to the voters rather than the NRA. We'll see." 

This is no small deal and one to watch carefully. My bet is that the bills will pass and become a model for other states. BTW Northam is a gun owner...as am I...but we recognize some basic facts that will help keep people safe and start to stem the tide of gun violence. 

Meanwhile in Kentucky it's no surprise that Gov. Matt Bevin (R-KY) and a huge supporter of "45", is doing exactly what his "Dear Leader" would want him to do. Telling the world that the election was rigged and there was "election fraud". Even Republicans are urging Bevin to prove it or step aside. Weary.  BTW elected to become the next Attorney General in Kentucky is Danial Cameron. He is the first African-American to be elected to that post. He is also a Republican and calls Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) his mentor. "Moscow Mitch" is pretty pumped and Cameron may well run for the U.S. Senate...in time.

Isn't That Nice...

Last week the Iowa Republicans held their annual dinner and "packed" a room with about 600 people. Isn't that nice?  Meanwhile the prior Friday say nearly 14,000 engaged Democrats who are eager to turn this state blue in 2020.

On hand for the "big" GOP event was Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) who offered up all sorts of "raw meat" to the adoring fans of hate and bigotry. Lindsey has flipped so often his nickname should be "Pancake".

Oh, one other thing: Proof that sexual orientation does not mean you will represent the people of your state equally is right here. Exhibit A: Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA). (Photo - Iowa Starting Line)

Let's Get Local 

Yesterday during a Polk County Democrats Leadership Meeting it was reported that prior to the Tuesday election about 37% of the municipal office holders in the county were Democrats. At the close of the election on Tuesday make that 60%. Seats were flipped all over the county. An interesting note, the Polk County Democrats really did have a hand in that. We not only knocked doors but sent out mailings and made over 10,000 phone calls, chased absentee ballots and more.

There were Democrats on the ballot that did not wish to participate in our efforts. They...lost.

Meanwhile the Polk County GOP is fuming. And come 2020 they will remember our efforts. As in the words of our County Chair, Sean Bagniewski, "Bless their hearts."

Final interesting item for you to ponder. Here is a look at the Polk County Democrats website.

Here, in contrast, is a look at the Polk County Republican website.

Notice that the Polk County GOP is STILL selling tickets to an event that was held in August. Yep, this is the party that wants to always take us back...way...back. They make me giggle...just a bit.

Outreach

One of the things we discussed during our leadership meeting are ways to reach out to other communities, not only in Polk County but in other parts of the state to see if we can be of some assistance with organization and GOTV. Not to take over but to help in some way. As Iowans know, it's all about organization and follow through. Just a thought. And, yes, we'll remain focused on Polk County as we've got some places where we believe we can help local candidates continue to flip seats and build on our values.

Work For Welfare

Here is something that will make you sit up straight. GOP political hack Todd Blodgett has an opinion piece in the Des Moines Register this morning that uses all the dog whistles available to argue that requiring welfare recipients to work is really good for Iowa.  He talks about how work will,  "...make folks too tired to make babies they can't afford and lack the ability to properly raise." And he gins up the old stories of people on food stamps buying steak while hard working Iowans purchase "bread, beans and hamburger". (Photo - Globe Gazette)

But it gets worse.

"...beneficiaries of Medicaid and other programs are lazy, irresponsible, entitled and ignorant."

Or this bit of crazy talk: "Electrical power like that created by wind turbines throughout Iowa can be produced, even by illiterate Medicaid recipients; they can jog or walk on treadmills, and/or stationary bicycles which are wired to inverters...so they can send electricity to the power grid." 

Bat-Shit Crazy....

But then again Blodgett is from Clear Lake, Iowa...in the heart of Rep. Steve King (R-IA) country so it all figures.

Here is where Blodgett is dead wrong. Most recipients of Medicaid are children and the elderly. Others are working two and three low-wage jobs just to get by. You want to talk about being "tired" Todd?  How the hell does that make a strong family.

And who...Todd...is responsible for your reprehensible screed? Your GOP allies who have created a low wage state and who fawn over those that have and seek to punish those that have not.  But I get it. You and your kind fear and loath those who are different than you. 

Dog whistles Todd...and I hear them.

Partly Personal

I'm about to roll out seven listening posts as I continue my campaign to "Chuck Chuck in 2020". The first will be in December and will focus on guns and gun violence. My goal is to listen to the people of Iowa Senate District 22 about their concerns for safety including suicide, family gun violence, high capacity magazines, and "red flag" laws.

Watch this space and my campaign website for details. I'll be holding one each month for the next seven months. They will center on mental illness, the for-profit managed care issue, voting rights, affordable housing, education, jobs and small business issues. It should be fun and informative.

My goal is to become the legislator that actually works for working families in Iowa. And that, my friends, will make a difference.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day...the reality of those two words are compelling. May the memory of those who died in defence of our nation be bound up and may we recognize their sacrifice...and never forget. 

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 3 November 2019

Hope you got to enjoy an extra hour of sleep this morning! Wish I could report that I did. Up at 2:30...I guess really 3:30 and headed to the office. So much going on these days it's great to get a jump on the day.  And to kick things off...grab your cup of Sunday Morning Coffee and let's roll.

The Liberty & Justice Dinner

 

There are few words other than tremendous to describe the Iowa Democratic Party Liberty & Justice Event/Dinner. Nearly 14,000 people packed Wells Fargo Arena. There were Democrats up to the rafters and the excitement was amazing. Sure it helps when there are 13 candidates and their supporters but...WOW!.  The optics were fantastic and the staging was amazing. While it cost plenty to do the event the party raised lots of money...money that will go toward electing Democrats up and down the ballot in November of 2020.

While I've heard each of these presidential candidates at some time during the past few months there were some surprises:

• Troy Price, Iowa Democratic Party Chair - I have never heard Troy speak with such passion. It's tough being the opening act on a stage that is being watched by millions but Troy nailed it. He started out talking about how the party, in 2017, asked Democrats to believe in our values and Democrats from across the state rose up and answered the call and in 2018 we elected Rep. Cindy Axne, Rep, Abby Finkenauer, State Auditor Rob Sand, picked up eight seats in the Iowa Legislature. It was done with the message about our shared values: Supporting Working Families, Supporting Education, Supporting Unions, Supporting Science on Climate Change, Supporting Planned Parenthood, Supporting Diversity, Supporting Refugees and being welcoming to all. BAM!
• Tom Perez, Democratic National Committee Chair - I had never heard Tom speak but he gave a stemwinder echoing the idea of values for all Americans and saying, "The worst fear for the GOP is our unity and, make no mistake we are united in this mission." People were on their feet and the arena reverberated with approval. Again...BAM! His final statement, "This is a defining moment in the history of our nation as we, Democrats, determine the fate of our great nation. It will be remembered and people will ask, 'What did you do?' And we will answer, 'We, together, did this!" Yeah....

If you were unable to make it you can see the entire, nearly five hours, of the event on CSPAN. Just Google "Iowa Liberty & Justice" and you can enjoy the afternoon.

One other interesting item: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) opted out of bringing his nearly 1,600 supporters to the arena and instead gave the Iowa Democratic Party $20,000.  He held a rally prior to the speeches. I didn't make it buy my brother who is an avid supporter was there and he said it was "electric".

Beto Out

I was with the John Delaney camp when it flashed across the screen that former Congressman Beto O'Rourke bowed out of the 2020 race. The group of nearly 50 people were...stunned. After all there were scores of Beto volunteers all along the route to Wells Fargo Arena. He came into the race with so much promise and crashed out in a dramatic form as he told his supporters who had gathered just yards away from the event that he was done. It was stunning.

While there I ran into a couple of friends. Jared Bernstein and Chuck Offenburger were in the house. Jared was working with me on a project and Chuck has been a big supporter of John Delaney for some time.

Democratic Majority for Israel

My job, that afternoon, was to visit with as many presidential candidate supporters as possible and get them to commit to the group working to support the Democratic Majority for Israel. It was pretty simple really. Go from campaign to campaign and ask caucus goers if they would pledge their support for Israel and a two-state solution working toward peace. It was a great time and worthwhile.

Local Elections on Tuesday

By now you know that the Polk County Democrats have been working hard to turn out the vote for Democrats running for City Council and School Boards. Lot's of folks have asked me why we've taken a stand here and the simple answer is that Democrats have finally gotten smart and realize that for years the GOP has been packing school boards and city council chambers and it was time to work for the values we support. Meanwhile some long-time members of the GOP are telling voters they are Democrats. If you doubt that...you might ask Liz Cox who is running for the WDM School Board. We can't find any switch in her party. But, hey Liz...it's never too late.

Partly Personal

I am both honored and humbled to have been chosen as one of nineteen people "who have made a difference" by the Business Journal of Cityview Magazine. The event to honor the 19 folks who were nominated and then chosen by the publication will be on Thursday the 7th. I'm really a bit stunned...but grateful. 

I've gotta go!  Sorry for the "half-cup" but working on several items today including my race for the Iowa State Senate. Weekends are made for "Call Time" as well as policy statements and other campaign work. 

Finally, if you have a desire to help in this campaign here is a link to my website, LibbieForIowa.com. You know me. You know that I've been working for Democrats for decades. I'm not new to this effort and I'll not need any on the job training once we, together, "Chuck Chuck"  in November of 2020.

One more call out...here is a link to my fund raising site with Act Blue. Any donation is appreciated...and thank you!

Have a great Sunday! 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 8 September 2019

Sunday Morning Coffee is about the political (and sometimes religious) news stories you may have seen...or missed...all laced with my commentary. Why? I've got nothing better to do at 6am on a Sunday?  This should be pretty short because, after all, there isn't all that much going on....  Right.

The United Kingdom

Ain't so united. Proving, once again, that major decisions, like leaving the European Union, shouldn't be made by the electorate especially if they get wrong and/or misleading information. That's what happened as voters there decided, by a slim margin, to leave the EU. Trouble is, nobody knows how to make that work. Then an unelected wild card (sound familiar?) assumes power and attempts to bully his way to a Brexit Crash. So glad that only they have such political upheaval and not us...

Well, Not So Fast...

Last week "45" announced that soon we would be leaving Afghanistan and bring some 14,000 troops home from our longest war ever. The buzz was that the United States and our crack diplomatic corps had secured an agreement with the Taliban and all that was left was to put ink to paper and....we're out!  Then another terror attack by the Taliban killed eleven citizens and an American soldier. The president, yesterday, said he cancelled a "secret meeting" with Taliban leaders that were supposed to gather today at Camp David.

Who knew that this governing and winning could be so...complicated. Weary.

Meanwhile In Other Third-World News

One of the hallmarks of third-world nations is that they routinely cancel elections. I mean, who in the hell would want people making decisions regarding leadership...so the folks in power just decide to scrap the vote. That's what they do in places that the president says are "sh*thole countries".

Fast forward to the thriving beacon of liberty...South Carolina where yesterday the Republican Party cancelled any plans to hold a primary in that state. They are a bit concerned that former Governor and Congressman Mark "I Was Just Out Hiking" Sanford (R-SC) might challenge "45" there. Meanwhile the same story in the pro-democracy state of Kansas. "No need to hold a primary, our dear leader is firmly in control."  Two other states are also considering the same move.

Free and fair elections? Not on the GOP watch....

Rearranging the Deck Chairs

This week, in Iowa, we learned that Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) has decided that it is better to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic of Managed Health Care rather than stick a fork in it.  You all know the story: Just before former Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) took a slow boat to China he, on his own, moved the Iowa Medicaid program from state control into the hands of several for-profit health care management companies. The results have been a disaster for not only the companies but also the patients and the providers. However Iowa has done everything it can to assuage at least the corporate concerns by giving them an 8.6% raise this year...on top of another hefty raise last year. 

But, I digress...

This week the governor appointed Kelly Kennedy Garcia to head the Iowa Department of Human Services. Kelly hits Iowa following a rocky road in Texas when it comes to their for-profit managed care program that has, according to published reports, also denied health care to patients.

Perhaps little known by Iowans, who gaze at the newest import, is the fact that Kelly Kennedy Garcia worked for the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, which studies whether state agencies should be abolished. Wanna read that again?

Bottom line is that these folks all hate government so the theory is to starve government offices and then transfer those duties to private-for profit groups. We see it all the time. The result...be it health care or prisons...that the bottom line is all that matters and damn the workers and the people who they are to serve.  Grover and the bunch at ALEC are proud of the work you are doing on behalf of the corporations that are here to care for us... Weary.

Worst Job in America?

Last week I aired a story that might scare the hell out of you. There are, in the United States, roughly 2.5 million home health care aides. That is a 150% increase over the past ten years. It's no wonder as America ages and our health care gets worse somebody has to be there to care for folks. Trouble is the average rate of pay for these folks is $11.52 an hour. Not only is the job one of the lowest paid jobs in the nation the physical and emotional toll of being a part-time social worker, cook, cleaner and diaper changer catches up with them.

Why is this such a low-pay job? Experts say that it's because most of these workers are immigrants and women of color.  Who in the hell cares about them...right?

Partly Personal

My goal is to always get this out by 9am on Sunday. I've failed in that task over the past couple of weeks. Holidays and "stuff going on". So, I'm going to put a fork in this edition in just a couple of minutes. But first...

I was in Jefferson, Iowa yesterday covering a story that could very well be part of an answer to the recovery of Rural America as civic leaders, educators and corporations gathered for the grand opening of The Forge. I'll have the story out on Monday or Tuesday on Insight on Business the News Hour but it's about how technology can open up the future for people in so many parts of the country. It's a great story and it's happening in Iowa. 

After announcing for my Iowa State Senate run in 2020 we've been a bit busy...now I'm hoping that somebody in Senate District 10 will jump in. Currently that seat is held by Jake "Never Saw a Gun I Didn't Like" Chapman (R-Adel). I know there is somebody out there that must be willing to take this guy on. His voting record, like that of Sen. Chuck "I Hate Puppies" Schneider (R-WDM) stinks. Knock, knock...anybody?

Finally I'll be speaking Tuesday to the Carlisle Chamber of Commerce over lunch. I know, out of my district but I'm here for Iowans no matter where they are. Then on Tuesday evening at a business gathering in Urbandale (NOT my district either) but it is home to Mayor Bob Andewig who yesterday, according to a Twitter post by Polk County Democratic Chair Sean Bagniewski, joined the Democratic Party and became the campaign chair for Rep. John Forbes (D-Urbandale). I've known Mayor Bob for a very long time and he has always been a stand-up guy.  Welcome!  Later on Tuesday I get to speak to the Clive Democrats at their regular monthly meeting.

There is a movement happening my friends...you're invited to come along.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday!  

Sunday Morning Coffee - The Labor Day Edition

"All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from a speech on March 18, 1968 in support of the sanitation workers strike in Memphis. He was murdered less than three weeks later in that same city. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee the Labor Day Edition. Thanks for coming by. Rather then spend today talking about "45" and his cruelty that is exhibited daily and upheld by those who cling to the "Party of Me". I'm going to spend our time focused on labor and why millions of Americans, today, are a flat tire away from financial chaos and better yet, what we can do about it. 

It's Not About Mattress Sales

If you get weekends off, a lunch break, a paid vacation, work an eight hour day, receive overtime wages, pay into or receive social security you can thank the labor unions and the U.S. labor movement. Many of us forget that fact and today pay more attention to the deals at the mattress store and the dogs on the grill.

That's really sad and because so many are focused on "me" rather than "we" America has found itself adrift when it comes to our quality of life due to the politics of greed.

Memphis...Still

Let's return to that day in Memphis as Dr. King spoke about work and labor saying to the men and women who were supporting the strike of the garbage collectors:

"You are demanding that this city will respect the dignity of labor. So often we overlook the work and the significance of those who are not in professional jobs, of those who are not in the so-called big jobs. But let me say to you tonight, that whenever you are engaged in work that serves humanity and is for the building of humanity, it has dignity, and it has worth. One day our society must come to see this. One day our society will come to respect the sanitation worker if it is to survive, for the person who picks up our garbage, in the final analysis, is as significant as the physician, for if he doesn’t do his job, diseases are rampant. All labor has dignity."

And this: "But you are doing another thing. You are reminding, not only Memphis, but you are reminding the nation that it is a crime for people to live in this rich nation and receive starvation wages."

We Have Forgotten

Today our situation is just as it was in Memphis fifty-one years ago. The wealthy individuals and corporations continue to pay little or nothing in taxes and, by law, they have shifted that responsibility on to the backs of working families. The "tax break" of less than a thousand dollars a year you received through the 2017 Jobs and Tax Act was crumbs from the table of your master and has been eaten  up by higher costs that can be traced back to the current trade war with everybody.

You know that to be true.

The wealth gap in the United States is today the highest it has been for nearly 100 years. The median U.S. household wealth fell between 1983 and 2016 from $80,000 to $78,100 while the average wealth of the top 1 percent of households more than doubled, from $10.6 million to $26.4 million.

That problem was put on steroids with the 2017 tax cuts which will make income inequality even more extreme -- with 82.8 percent of the gains from those tax cuts going to the top 1 percent by 2027.

How Did We Get Here?

First of all, American corporations fell into line with the idea that it was wasteful for them to spend any time or money upholding their workers or their communities. Economist Milton Friedman cooked up the, now accepted but flawed, theory that corporations had only one duty and that was to enrich the standing of their shareholders. The rest be damned.

He said that as corporations flourish the riches will naturally take care of the employees and the community. However Friedman failed to take into consideration...greed.  And it is that greed, fueled by tax and social policies enacted by GOP controlled legislators, that has led us to where we are today: Broke and hungry.

Labor Unions

At the same time the constant drumbeat of demonizing labor has resulted in fewer workers represented by unions. It's no coincidence that the vast amount of factory jobs have moved from northern states to anti-union southern states. 

Last year union participation in the United States fell once again. Only 10.5% of wage and salary workers belong to a union. In 1983, the first year the Bureau of Labor Statistics measured labor participation, 20.1% of workers or 17.7 million people were unionized. 

You have been duped by very powerful anti-worker voices and the impact on America has been chilling.

$200 A Week

Why does your Republican legislator and the business groups who serve as their master despise unions? It's simple...greed. The average union worker makes $200 more each week than the non-union worker. For working families that is an extra $10,400 a year. That increase in wages would go a long way toward calming the fears of Moms and Dads who struggle to pay the rent, put food on the table, pay for child care and it would allow thousands to be freed from government assistance programs they now receive.

But the GOP says why should business "suffer"? Better it is for taxation, which they are not paying, feed, cloth and care for families.

So much for the dignity of work.

What We Must Do

Here is a Working for Working Families checklist:

• Repeal Right to Work

Currently, in the U.S., there are 27 "Right to Work" states...which really means "Right to Fire" and it has been a stranglehold on labor unions. Workers don't have to pay for the representation and benefits they receive from the union...and employers find it easier to fire people for no cause. That is not a value you or I should uphold and it is why I will work to repeal this draconian law in Iowa.

• Tax Equity

Pro-business groups have lobbied for and received massive tax cuts while shifting those taxes on to working families. They maintain, without offering any credible evidence, that businesses will not locate in Iowa because, on paper, we show a higher corporate tax rate than neighboring states. That is pure bull. They know that any corporation that is currently paying higher tax rates needs to fire their accountant...not burden working families. But your Iowa GOP controlled government was all to happy to comply.

• Raise the Wage

Those same pro-business groups have fought and paid out thousands of dollars to Republican legislators who once demanded local control to deny local control and pass laws that cities and counties can not raise their wages above the poverty rate of $7.25 an hour. They say, "Let the market decide" and "Your burger will cost ten bucks". The market (business) has decided and working families find themselves holding down two or three jobs just to pay the ever increasing cost of living. That, in the end, leaves us with more kids in poverty than ever before. Shameful.

• End The Child Care Crisis

Working families today are faced with higher child care costs along with fewer child care options. It is a drain on our economy and our overall mental health. Moms and Dads struggle to pay for child care and some simply leave the work force. Those that stay are forced to find child care they can afford which, sadly, can end in tragedy as we've seen time and time again. When, and if, they find acceptable child care options parents are driving long distances to centers that will accept their kids.  Iowa must raise the eligibility level for child care assistance. If Iowa were to alter our state funded child care assistance program and increase the eligibility from the current ceiling of $37,337 for a family of four to 200% of the federal poverty level or $51,500 it would do a number of things from increasing productivity, assuage the anxiety of working families and create a safe harbor for Iowa's kids.

All of these things will cost money. Money your Iowa Republican controlled legislature says we can not afford. Yet it seems Iowa can afford to spend millions of dollars in fines to pay men and women who have been sexually harassed or wrongly terminated. Iowa can shovel millions of dollars into a for-profit health care system that, by all accounts, is failing to deliver quality health care to our most vulnerable families.

Those are not the Iowa values we should accept. It's time to put working families...first.

Partly Personal

Whoa...sorry for the long Labor Day piece but these are things that I believe to my core.

When my grandfather traveled through out the Midwest organizing labor groups on behalf of the Congress of Industrial Organizations working families were in tough times. Pay and benefits sucked and working families ralled and supported the labor movement. It wasn't easy. My mother told tales of hiding in their basement as gun-shots rang out hitting their home. My grandfather, on more than one occasion, came home with his face bloodied from confronting the goons hired by business to bust the union.

I fear we are at that point again and workers must unite and select champions who will fight like hell for them even against staggering odds.

This week, in honor of my grandfather, working families and the people who understand that we need change, I will announce my candidacy for the Iowa State Senate. This is not something I have lightly considered. It will put great pressure on my family and my business but if we are to turn the direction of this state and nation toward a more just society that honors the labor that brought us Labor Day...I'm in.

Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful Labor Day Holiday and...we just might meet up later this evening at FlashDine DSM. 

Sunday Morning Coffee 7 April 2019

Back from New York and, from what it looks like, I missed all kinds of stuff here in Iowa. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee, politics and religion all wrapped up in one blog. Lucky you...right? No doubt you've seen some of these stories others, maybe not...  Let's go!

New York Press Association

Last week I traveled to Albany to address this massive organization that represents newspapers in New York. It was really interesting to talk to publishers and editors of, mostly, community based papers. Papers that represent their cities, towns and boroughs. While the dailies are shrinking their editorial staff, selling off property and facing ever shrinking circulation it seems these community based papers are doing pretty well and expanding.

On the political front it was hard pressed to find friends of "45". I never asked, but I was, many times, told how much they dislike this guy. Especially those who own papers in NYC. They may not write about their dislike, remember they are hyper-local, but the people that opened up about the guy were clearly not a fan.

Brooklyn

For my Iowa readers check this: Brooklyn, one of five boroughs in NYC, has close to 2.7 million residents. The land mass of Brooklyn is 69 square miles. Meanwhile Polk County, Iowa with a population of 498,000 represents 592 square miles. So, you could fit 8 "Brooklyns" in Polk County. No wonder there are no less than 12 newspapers serving Brooklyn alone. Wow....

Tax Returns

I see that it ain't gonna happen. Acting (no doubt because they all are and not doing a good job of it) White House chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney said this morning that Democrats will "never" see "45's" tak returns. Besides the only reason the Democrats want to see the president's tax returns is because they do not want a debate over "popular policy issues of this president". Huh? 

Yes! That's it. Democrats are trying to obscure any conversation about locking up kids, deporting innocent people, ending health care, continuing trade wars, putting farmers in bankruptcy, giving massive tax breaks to the wealthy, cutting off food for the poor. Yep, we are demanding tax returns so we don't have to talk about...policy. Weary...

Israel

Meanwhile "45" is telling, anybody that will listen, that the Democrats hate Israel and if it were not for him Democrats, "...very well would leave Israel out there on their own." Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) countered this morning by saying, “I hate to even dignify those remarks, but look, it’s not the Democratic Party that believes that there are good people on both sides of a Nazi rally. There’s just one party and one party leader who believes that, and that’s Donald Trump.” Schiff, by the way, is one of the highest-ranking Jewish members of Congress.

He went on,  “If there’s anything that is likely to cement the relationship between the Democratic Party and the Jewish community, it’s the presidency of Donald Trump. The lack of character and values that are certainly inconsistent with Jewish values, I think, are only consolidating support in the Jewish community and I think the president needs to look inward when it comes to the rise of anti-Semitism in the country and his own actions and his own words and how that may fuel some of the rise in hate that we see."

Yep...

Israel Two

Last week I attended a rather historic gathering. The Israeli Ambassador to the United States visited Iowa for the first time in the 70 year existence of the Jewish State. Ambassador Ron Dermer (born and raised in Miami) made a swing through Iowa meeting with elected officials, economic development folks, business leaders and the Jewish Community. He spoke for about 40 minutes and then took questions from the hundreds of invited guests. It was a very controlled environment. Security was tighter than anything I've been to in a very long time. Des Moines Police were clearly visible as were the two Shabak agents with him who, like Secret Service Agents in the U.S., faced the crowd, hands at the ready, watching movement.

Ambassador Dermer spoke about some hot-button items like recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the recognition of Israel annexation of the Golan Heights and the U.S. pulling out of the Iran Deal. You would have gotten the impression that "45" is the "best buddy" for Israel. But, while the Israeli government applauds those moves, it's a bit complicated among liberal Jews. But then again the liberal Jews I know do not have to seek shelter from rockets, knife wielding murders and others who wish only to drive Israel into the sea.

Voting Rights

I see that the GOP led Iowa Senate put a knife in the back of a constitutional amendment to extend voting rights to felons who have served their time. That, even though their leader, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) supports the move. But, let's be clear...she really doesn't. She could, at a stroke of the pen, restore voting rights just as her "dear leader" Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) took them away with an executive order. It's all BS.

Meanwhile my friend Sen. Chuck Schneider (R-Clive) and his group have cooked up a way to deny votes on college campuses. They now want to deny voting rights unless students sign some sort of goofy "pledge" they will remain in Iowa as residents following college. Even more BS. Weary...what are you people thinking about when you vote for these fools?  But it is in keeping with Chuck's policy. He hates voting no doubt because he has seen the numbers in his senate district. In fact, they are so bad that I often wonder if he will run in 2020.

Stay tuned...

The Iowa Death Penalty

I see that we're killing off lots of people at the Glenwood, Iowa Resource Center a state run institution that "cares" for 200 of the most disabled of our citizens. According to people employed at the center staffing is low, care is missing and 14 people have died since June of last year.  So, it would seem that Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) is getting her wish to reimpose the death penalty in Iowa. But, your crime? Be one of the people who has a significant disability... The level of moral decay among the GOP is staggering.

Moral Decay Part Two

There are a bunch of Christians out there. In fact Christianity is the prefered or adopted religion of over 70 percent of Americans. So, tell me why (and you have the floor) so many "Christians" are opposed to paying a living wage and against unions?

I'll give you a moment to think about that.  Why are you, as a Christian, against unions and paying a living wage to Americans?

Because of greed? How would I know?  Because it can't be that your faith group opposes paying a living wage or that your faith group is opposed to the rights of workers to unionize.  How do I know?

I'm working on a story about that. The issue came up when my brother was talking about why there needs to be a union at Simpson College to protect educators and staff there from cuts to programs, cuts to wages, unfair labor practices...the list, he says, is pretty long. So he went looking at what the United Methodist Church says about living wages and unions. And....WHAT? The Book of Resolutions from the UMC says the church supports unions. In case you want to check it out...here is a link about the "Rights of Workers". 

So, what about the Catholics? What might the Holy See..say...about the issue? Oh...golly let's look... Why YES, the Catholic Church has decades of docturne about support of livable wages and the right to organize. I know...you want a peek. Here is a link.

OK...so much for a major protestant group and the Catholic folk. But what about them Baptists? After all the states that are most anti-union reside in the South the bedrock of Baptists.

Oh my...look what I found: In 1938 the Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution on the rights of workers to unionize and to be paid a "fair and living wage".  I know...you want proof.  Here you go.

I'm still working on the rest of my Christian friends and what they have to say about living wages and workers rights to unionize. 

But...it's becoming pretty clear that there is a significant decay in the moral leadership of businesses and electeds who oppose the rights of workers to organize and receive a living wage. 

Go ahead...your turn. Tell me, again, why you are not supporting your Christian belief system...you have the floor. And this blog allows for your comment.

Partly Personal

I was waiting, in Chicago, to board a plane for New York when I spotted this young man who was wearing the robe of a Franciscan Friar. Because this issue of workers rights and a living wage was on my radar I decided to introduce myself and engage in a discussion. We talked for thirty minutes as we waited to board and then, on the plane, he was seated in front of me and to the right. Nobody else in his row or mine so we had the opportunity to further engage in a host of religious issues.

In the span of two hours Fr. Giles Gilbert, Parochial Vicar of Holy Family Catholic Church, Peoria and I made a lasting friendship. I was so moved by his devotion and his sense of duty to others. We spoke long about a homely he is giving today regarding the "Thirteen Attributes of Mercy" something key to the Jewish faith. You can find them in Exodus 34: 6-7.  He believes that in the story of Jesus writing in the sand when confronted by people who wish to stone a woman accused of committing adultery (John 8: 1-11) that Jesus was writing the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. Not as a condemnation but as a reminder that if G-d can forgive following a major sin...shouldn't we?

I was completely blown away at his understanding of the Torah. 

Look, we can all agree to disagree about many things but shouldn't there be some reflection on what we are told to do...not by humans but by the G-d many worship? 

I gotta leave it there. This is already too long...go have a great Sunday.  Thanks for reading. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 17 February 2019

Time to dash off a quick Sunday Morning Coffee and thanks much for coming by. Some of these stories you may have seen others, perhaps you've missed...Let's get started.

Kamala Harris

The word is that Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) is off to the best start among those who have announced their candidacy for the 2020 presidential race. While she still trails former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) she has surged ahead of others who are currently in the race including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). 

In a new poll out regarding likely Iowa caucus goers by Emerson College she trails only Biden. 

Since announcing a White House bid last month on Martin Luther King Day, Harris has built on that momentum. She raised $1.5 million in the first 24 hours, drew an arena-sized crowd to her launch speech in Oakland and has generated enough media appearances — including a well-received CNN town hall— to keep her name at the epicenter of the 2020 conversation. Time...will...tell.

Fake Emergency

In typical style for the current occupant of the White House we now have a National Emergency which, of course, is totally made up. Even when saying it was a "national emergency" the president said he really didn't have to "do this". Oy... Our national nightmare just continues to roll on and on and on. But "45" did have time to squeeze in some golf right after declaring us all to be in harms way.

Boys and Toys

I was at a legislative forum yesterday when Iowa House Member, Marti Anderson (D-Des Moines) said, "What is it with boys and their toys?" She was talking about how the GOP dominated House seem to be fixated on stuff like guns and snowmobiles while hoping to break teachers, mess around with women's health and look the other way when dealing with anything that would start to actually improve the life of Iowans. It's a mystery but, time is running out. 

Lip Service

The next time a politician tells you that our greatest treasure are our older Iowans tell him/her they are simply lying. There is a crisis in health care in Iowa and it starts with a lousy Medicaid Reimbursement Rate. Today, in Iowa the average rate for nursing homes comes in at $159.70 a day. Sounds like a bunch but when you figure that the rack rate to stay at the Des Moines Downtown Marriott is $176 the Iowa Medicaid Reimbursement Rate is a joke. Remember, that $159.70 must pay for EVERYTHING from caregiver wages to meals, to therapy, social work...on and on and on. 

But, at least at the Marriott  you get "free Wi-Fi". 

Gosh, what if....we were to pay a LIVING Wage to people who care for people? Wouldn't that be amazing. Today the hourly rate for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is $11.96 an hour. That's $24,881 a year...before taxes. 

Meanwhile this governor and this legislature and nearly every business group in the state is demanding more tax cuts so that "Iowa can be competitive". 

Just don't bring Mom or Dad here.

Partly Personal

I'm really sorry...you're only getting half-a-cup this week. I've got a meeting this morning at 8:30 and there is still snow to move off the driveway. Looking forward to visiting with the Governor of Montana over breakfast.

I had the chance to sit down with Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D-iA) yesterday and talk about several of her top issues. Watch for it later this week on The Business News Hour.

Today on News/Talk 1540 KXEL in the 1:00PM Hour I'll be chatting with Rick Smith of Citizens Climate Lobby about climate change and it's impact on business. And, yes...it streams.

See you at Soul Food Sunday?  No, really! It's a thing today at 2pm being held at University Church of God in Christ, 1639 East University in Des Moines. Saw it yesterday and thought it might be good to stop in.

Finally...that "dream job" didn't happen. Disappointed? Yep...but I look forward to working with the new executive director of the Polk County Democrats.

Gotta go...sorry for the quick piece. Have a wonderful Sunday!