SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 6 March 2022

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

Ukraine

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

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

State of the Union

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

Gas Rationing

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

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

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

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

Good News for Deidre DeJear

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

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

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

Admiral Mike Franken

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

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

Partly Personal

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

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

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

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

Sunday Morning Coffee The Halloween Edition 31 October 2021

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

Monster Mash Complete

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

Paid Family Leave

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

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

Child Care Support

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

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

Climate and Arnold

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

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

School Boards and City Elections

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

Partly Personal

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee Memorial Weekend 2020

Another week...right?  Welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee my look at some of the news stories you've seen or, perhaps, missed and all laced with my commentary. Proud to be disliked by members of the Republican Party and their enablers. Lots to chat about so let's go.

Tired? I Am

It is debilitating caring for people. I know you feel it too. Every morning we wake up and before getting out of bed hit the news button on our phones to see what insanity took place in the hours we, fitfully, slept. It's hard work shouting into the wind fighting for equality and respect for our fellow humans not fortunate enough to lap from the golden trough. It makes a body weary doing the good work that needs to be done to protect and uphold people who may not be white or straight. 

Meanwhile some of my Christian friends who tell us, over and over, that life is the most important of all things don't seem to mind when the elderly continue to die in massive numbers, alone in nursing homes, separated from their family. "They were going to die...anyway."  They don't seem to mind when COVID19 takes the lives of those people who languish in our for-profit prison system. "They are guilty...so what?"  They don't seem to mind when this pandemic takes a disproportionate number of Black and Brown Americans or those immigrants who are forced to labor so others can eat. "They made the choice, not my problem."  Or when people can be beaten and killed because they are Gay or Muslim.  The image says it all. I've gotta suspect this guy will be so ready for church to re-open...or maybe not.  

One can get...weary. But we must continue to fight. Darkness can only be defeated when a light shows the way forward. 

Voter Suppression

It's no secret; the president wants fewer of you to vote and I believe he is setting the stage for refusing to acknowledge his loss in November. He threatens to withhold federal funds from Michigan and Nevada because those states sent out requests forms that had to be filled out if people wanted to vote by mail. Meanwhile Iowa did the same thing...but no condemnation.  That could mean that Iowa doesn't really matter or it would look bad if "45" said something bad about his "lap-dog" Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA).

The play-book is set and we're going to see more of this activity in "battleground" states.  We've already seen what the GOP tried, and failed, when it comes to suppressing the vote...say in Wisconsin. This is going to be a violent campaign and the stage is being set right in front of us all.

Go to Church!

It's so refreshing to have a president who truly respects the First Amendment and is willing to punish elected officials who refuse to allow churches to open their doors to the masses. Oh...wait. It says...what?

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Finally we have a devout man of deep faith in the White House.  Heads up kids...this is just another ploy of the president. It is meant to froth up his base.  You want to go to church?  Please go...and while you are there you might want to follow the example of Jesus. You know, actually read what it was that is he is purported to have said.  But you won't it will not fit in with your world view. But, what do I know...I'm just one of them Jews.

Open It Up!

You first.

You do know why states are clamoring to "open up" right? It's money. Pure and simple. Think of the tax revenue that has been lost due to businesses being closed. This really isn't about jobs or workers this is about taxes.  Meanwhile the president says "no more money" to help states and communities.  Why?  It's all about politics and taxes. 

So you wanna go out, mingle and help out your city and state?  Have at it my friends.  You first.

Meanwhile, Iowa House District 44

Wanna know how wacky things get over on "The Right"? There is going to be a primary among "Republicans" in the communities of Clive and Waukee.  One of those running is, perhaps, a bonafide member of the GOP who is facing a not-so-much Republican. My friend Kenan Judge (D-Waukee) flipped that seat in 2018 and I predict that he'll hold it given the awful way in which the GOP has preformed over the past several years.

But, back to the primary. I'm surprised that the Des Moines Register didn't dig a bit deeper into the story of the newly minted Republican Paul Knupp. Some of us remember when Paul was running for congress as a...wait for it...Democrat.  And, quite a liberal Democrat at that. I know that, as do some of my friends, because we hosted Paul during the Windsor Heights Democrats meeting in June of 2017. Damn cameras and notes...right?

By the way the guest speaker for the Windsor Heights Democrats meeting this week will be the Chair of the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus, Al Womble.

Justice for Quan

Yesterday several friends put together a live and Facebook event "Justice for Quan". For those of you who don't know or perhaps missed it DarQuan "Quan" Jones was savagely beaten on the 16th of May. He suffered a broken bones and had it not been for a couple of women who heard the screams and came to his aid...he may have been murdered.

What was it that might have been the reason for the beating? "Walking While Black" pretty much sums it up. The attackers have not been found but they were, from accounts, white folks who pretty much resented some uppity black person walking in public.

The rally was about "No Hate in our State" which is a nice thing to say but there is hate in Iowa. And white folks need to get the message and join with our brothers and sisters in demanding justice and stamping out the violence. That only happens when people who know something say something.  Be brave my white siblings...be brave. (Photo: Des Moines Register)

Thank you to friends, Rob Johnson, Al Womble, Vicki Brown and Ashley S. Jewett for organizing the event yesterday. 

Another Dead Baby

This morning Des Moines, Iowa police say that 17 year-old Ishmael Muhammad died of a gunshot wound to the neck. Police have charged a 16 year-old with involuntary manslaughter, carrying weapons and interference with official acts. The story is that the teens were together in a house when an illegally possessed handgun was "unintentionally fired" and struck Muhammad. 

Where do these guns come from? Why is it so easy to obtain them? I don't know but a family is, once again, grieving. 

Partly Personal

I know, this is late...again. I was doing so good to get Sunday Morning Coffee out by 9AM but since Netflix.  Damn Netflix!

The other day I was looking for something and ran across a couple of mementos that go back several years. One of those items was my name badge when I served as the Chaplain for the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce. It was, really, the best job ever and I believe I may have been the only Jew (and Democrat) to have ever held that position. That experience took me all over the United States as well as other nations and I will be, forever, grateful for that opportunity. I learned so very much and it was wonderful to minister to so many in such a meaningful way.

That "search" was begun because my friend Newton Standridge asked about some campaign items from my successful run for President of the Iowa Junior Chamber. Little did I know that a couple of days later I would learn that Newton and Carol's son, Steven Newton Standridge, had just died.  Stunned...and saddened. May his memory be a blessing.

Thanks for reading..and let us remember why Memorial Day...is.

Sunday Morning Coffee 17 May 2020

And, Good Sunday Morning to you...  Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly look at some of the news you might have seen, or missed, all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to do each Sunday now for well over a decade. BTW if you use Twitter you can find me @MichaelLibbie and on Facebook I'm here. 

It's Just Economics...

Here is why we're totally confused. Last week Fed Chair Jerome Powell (who was hand-picked by "45") told the nation we're in for a helluva ride.  In a speech Tuesday, Powell urged lawmakers to set aside concerns about the mounting national debt and provide the fiscal support necessary to keep the economy from spiraling deeper into the worst downturn since the Great Recession. And urged congress to move forward on more economic stimulus. 

Meanwhile "45" said if the House $3 trillion package gets through congress he would veto it. And this morning Stephen Moore, a member of the White House coronavirus economic task force, said he thinks the “worst economic news” has passed and urged Democratic governors and mayors to expedite the reopening of their respective states and cities amid the pandemic. (Image: CNBC)

Leadership friends...leadership.

Obama Is Back

And it's about time. The former president gave a stirring virtual graduation speech yesterday to more than 27,000 graduates from 78 "Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBUC). Here is just a small bit of how President Obama started: (Image: CNN)

"...these aren’t normal times. You’re being asked to find your way in a world in the middle of a devastating pandemic and a terrible recession. The timing is not ideal. And let’s be honest — a disease like this just spotlights the underlying inequalities and extra burdens that black communities have historically had to deal with in this country. We see it in the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on our communities, just as we see it when a black man goes for a jog, and some folks feel like they can stop and question and shoot him if he doesn’t submit to their questioning." 

"Injustice like this isn’t new. What is new is that so much of your generation has woken up to the fact that the status quo needs fixing; that the old ways of doing things don’t work; and that it doesn’t matter how much money you make if everyone around you is hungry and sick; that our society and democracy only works when we think not just about ourselves, but about each other."

Not once did he reference "45" but the message was clear.  If you want to read the whole speech here is a link to the New York Times. Or, if you can't get through here it is on The Hill. 

And Guess Who's Pissed...

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said this morning that he was, “glad Mr. Obama has a new job as Joe Biden's press secretary.” 

The comment came after ABC's George Stephanopoulos asked Navarro to respond to the former president saying during a commencement address that things are “screwed up” because leaders are doing “what feels good, what’s convenient, what’s easy.”

The former president also lit up social media last week with a one word Tweet: "Vote" Suspect you can figure out what he was telling America. Meanwhile "45" is out there spewing conspiracy theories about stuff.  Weary.

He Said...What?

It's sorta sad when the leader of the free world says stuff like, "We've got a super-dooper missile..." He was out promoting his non-existent "Space Force", complete with a fancy new flag that, frankly we thought would have a phallic image on it, but doesn't...dang it. No doubt too...small.

We Vote No

Yesterday the U.S. House voted to move forward a massive $3 trillion stimulus bill. There were 14 Democrats that broke with their party and voted no. Among them were first term Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (D-IA). Both said they could not support the bill because the bill did not focus on working families and Axne said, "I am deeply troubled by numerous provisions in this bill that could see large amounts of taxpayer dollars allocated to helping those who are not hurting at all."

It should be noted that both consider themselves "Moderate Democrats". But it was interesting that "Progressive Democrat" Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) also voted no.  In her remarks she said, "At the core, our response from Congress must match the true scale of this devastating crisis. The Heroes Act—while it contains many important provisions—simply fails to do that," she said, adding that the bill "does not keep workers in their jobs and guarantee the certainty of paychecks." Jayapal was the only member of the Progressive Congressional Caucus (PCC) to vote "no". However nine other PPC members did not vote.

You First...

Well, Iowa is "Open for Business" as the governor mandated that a whole slew of businesses could resume getting back to work. Malls are open, restaurants are open but restricted at 50% of occupancy, gyms, barbers, hair salons and more have been told to get our economy going. That's nice. Meanwhile Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) who has been the official lap dog of "45" is semi, sorta self quarantining because she was in contact with staff from Vice President Mike Pence who visited Iowa to proclaim what a success we have here. (Image: Des Moines Register)

Governor, I know you really, really want to lead the way so here's the deal...you first.

Kim's Covid Casino

If you've not heard Todd Dorman of The Gazette you should. Three days ago he penned this article about how all Iowans are gamblers in Kim's Covid Casino. It's spot on.

And, as an interesting aside...the board of Prairie Meadows Casino voted not to re-open.  Seems like the gamblers know better.

Meanwhile in Manufacturing

The news has all been about how COVID-19 has invaded meat packing facilities causing a major disruption in the meat supply chain. But, we've not heard as much about how the pandemic has also invaded manufacturing facilities in the U. S. And the tragic story that centers around the death of Kyle Brown, 54, who worked at TPI Composites, a manufacturer of wind turbine blades in Newton, Iowa.(Image: Newton Daily News) 

Brown, who began to feel ill on 17 April and went to an urgent care clinic and requested a test. He was told he did not qualify because he did not work at a meatpacking facility and was not over the age of 65. (You can't make this stuff up!) But, of course, because nobody seems to know what's up the clinic, it seems was unaware of the Iowa Testing Framework, which was released on that same day, did not require employment at a meatpacking plant to be tested for the virus. Essential services personnel with fever or respiratory illness were among those who fit the criteria for testing.

He finally did get tested and tested positive but was refused hospital admission. He was granted admission to a Marshalltown hospital on 24 April and flown to a hospital in Des Moines days later where he...died.

And this is playing out all across the United States...not just here in Iowa.

Iowa AFL/CIO

Last week the Iowa AFL/CIO put out a statement and a petition that Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) put into place state mandated OSHA protections for Iowa workers. You can imagine that landed like a brick.  I interviewed Iowa AFL/CIO President Charlie Wishman about that and more.  If you would like to listen, click the player.

And, if you are so moved to sign the petition here is that link.

Partly Personal

Whew...sorry, a bit long today.  So much stuff going on...right?  Last week our crew was out placing a bunch of yard signs that make for an excellent lawn upgrade.  If you live in Clive, Waukee, West Des Moines or Windsor Heights (Senate District 22) and would also like to show your colors.  You can connect on my website Libbie for Iowa and we'll make sure we get you on.  I think we've got about five or six left. If you would rather shoot me a private message on Facebook you can do that...too.

I get tons of calls and emails asking me to support various issues and make them part of the campaign. Last week I got a call from "Jeff" who lives in Michigan who supports federal congressional term limits and wanted to learn my position. Well, besides the fact that I'm running for the Iowa State Senate, I wanted to learn more about his position.  Here is that conversation:

Me:  "So, tell me Jeff why are you doing this?"

Jeff:  "Well, our governor has us locked out of work (red flag) so I've got to do something with my time."

Me:   "I see, it is tough for folks. What is it that you do?"

Jeff:  "I move pastors when they are going to a new church." 

Me:   "Got it. Tell me why I should support term limits."

Jeff:   "Because once these people get into office they are bought by lobbyists and they do their bidding and not ours. That's why our federal budget is out of control The deficit is killing America. These career politicians vote the way their buddies who are buying their vote want them to. Government should work like a business and only spend what they take in."  (There is so much wrong with that statement and if you want my take...let me know.)

Me:  "Well, Jeff, I suspect you were not in favor of the $1.7 trillion tax cut that the president pushed through congress in December of 2017 which added billions and billions to the federal deficit. Would that be accurate?"

Jeff:  "Well, not exactly. The free market needs to be free and that tax cut is exactly what we need to be strong..."

You can guess where it went from there. 

Have a great Sunday...and thanks for reading!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee - 22 March 2020

Shaved, showered and in the office before 6:00AM. Yikes!  Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly look at the political (and sometimes religious) news you may have seen or missed all laced with my commentary. Why? Because it's what I get to do and have been for well over a decade. BTW: Thanks to all of you who have been faithful readers forever. OK, let's go!

No Words

It escapes me how rudderless our nation is. Every day the president gets up to present an "update" on Covid-19 and every day his staff or the real leaders in the room have to walk-back or "clarify" what he just said. Last week was a real trip when NBC White House correspondent, Peter Alexander asked the president what he would say to Americans who are "scared". What happened next was astonishing as "45" lit into Alexander. Instead of answering, the president responded by rejecting the question ("nasty"), attacking Alexander ("terrible"), and assailing NBC News' parent company Comcast ("Con-Cast").

Trouble was the question was what we call a "softball". Alexander was lobbing a question that would have allowed the president to be, well, presidential. But, as usual..."45" failed.  When the very same question was put to Vice President Pence, the very same question, Pence answered it with calming tones. (Image - NBC News)

Fox News About Face

I have friends who accuse me of never paying attention to their favorite network. "I bet you've never even seen Fox News!" and "Me? I play Fox News 24/7 it's the only news I trust. I wish you would too, you might learn something." Little do they know that I do pay attention...big secret kids...I'm in the news reporting business so, yes, I do pay attention. 

Two stunning developments over the past three weeks: 1) The talking heads on Fox have gone from denying the seriousness of Covid-19 to declaring it real and a danger. You, no doubt, have seen the tape. 

No wonder my Fox loving friends have, for weeks, disputed the danger. 

Fox News Part Two

And, this one is also pretty good. This morning Fox News had this breathless headline, "Cuomo's Coronavirus TV Briefings May Have Biden, Sanders Worried" with this lead: "Have Democrats found an alternative to Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders for the party's 2020 presidential nomination?" 

Uhm, the answer is..."No" but it does sow some hope in the minds of those who are scared to death that their great leader will go down in November to (gasp) a Democrat.

Two Weeks Behind

Meanwhile why is Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) always two weeks behind in her handling of the Iowa outbreak? At first I figured she was taking her ques from Fox News but lately it's becoming clear that she may be hoping this will all go away. Here is what she should be doing: 1) Call on the National Guard to implement more bed capacity it's what they do, 2) Take a lesson from Washington State and start, now, taking over additional bed space in hotels, casinos, etc. 3) Put the state on a lock-down as has been done in other states.

I get it she does not want to panic the public but...guess what...they already are.

Meanwhile this pandemic is accelerating a divide in our state and nation. Those that can "work from home" are doing so but there are thousands of individuals who can not. In addition we have a vast homeless population where "staying isolated" is not an option. Homeless shelters and workers there are in grave danger. Maybe I missed it...but what's the plan there?

Hand Sanitizer

I've gotta ask: So if a number of Iowa distilleries can produce gallons of the stuff and hand it out for free where is the commercial grade stuff? I get it that panicked citizens have hoarded it in their garage (along with boxes of toilet paper) but...seriously? Folks that usually make booze seem to be able to get this done and long lines of people show up to get a bottle in places like West Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. Good PR for them but still...

BTW just what the hell are you folks going to do with all that toilet paper? Really. The other day I watched two women fighting over the last package of 24 rolls...

Guns & Ammo

Folks are also hoarding ammunition. Last week we had a story about how retail centers are running out of ammo as worried citizens rush out to buy what they can. Because I'm sort of curious about that I called a couple of folks I know who might have been among those stocking up. When I asked "Why?" this was my answer: "I've got to be prepared. You know once they shut down the grocery stores I've gotta protect my stuff from looters."  Nah, governor...nobody out here is panicked at all.

The Republican Primary

Usually my friends in the GOP march lock-step together however I recently learned that in Iowa State Senate District 22 there will be a primary. District 22 is made up of Clive, Waukee, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights...and yep, I'm a Democrat running there. Anyway, on the final day candidates could announce a woman by the name of Porsha Hart filed. Porsha lives in Waukee and is challenging the current mayor of Clive.

Iowa Restaurants

Yesterday I interviewed Jessica Dunker the President/CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association about that industry and the hit it is taking because of Covid-19. I'll air that segment tomorrow but here are some stunning take-a-ways: 

• There are 155,000 restaurant workers in Iowa;
• Second largest employment group in the state (Healthcare #1);
• Roughly 80,000 of those people are now unemployed.

And that is in the first week. She told me that if you are unemployed due to closures that the Iowa has waived penalties and you should, immediately, file for unemployment. In addition she is working on finding a way for restaurant owners who have business disruption insurance being able to make a claim. It seems that pandemics are not covered. What this will take would be a waiver and then the federal government to step in and assist. Stay tuned.

Partly Personal

I am on the phone a ton. I make at least fifty to sixty calls each day, sometimes more. I've noticed something interesting. Phone calls that might have taken three or four minutes to complete are now stretching seven to ten minutes in length. This isn't scientific but it is, I think, a reaction to people wishing to stay connected.

I've taken part in a number of Zoom conferences last week. One was with leadership from the Iowa Democratic Party on strategic ways in which to engage voters ahead of the primary election in June and the general election in November. Lots of ideas and there needs to be as we are restricted in voter contact including speaking opportunities and door-to-door canvassing. It's a whole new world. But, we must continue to work, daily, on voter interaction. I know I've ramped up not only calls but also other ways to introduce myself to voters and share the message that we must...must find ways to work for working families in Iowa. If you are interested here is my website.

Finally, on Friday night my friend Max Wellman held a "virtual jazz session" from Noce a great club in Des Moines. He and bassist Steve Charlston and singer Tina Haase Findlay performed for three hours on a live stream from the club. And, yes, people watched. During the event there were over 300 people tuned in to watch and listen. That, by the way, is more people than what the club holds. It was very cool. There are a number of these virtual sessions going on and it was great that some "locals" could also join in. Thank you.

Thanks for reading and stay well.

 

Sunday Morning (Brunch) Coffee 26 January 2020

I know...late! Yesterday (Saturday) was a campaign and family day and because I had the Business News Hour - Week in Review to produce for airing today on News/Talk 1540 KXEL at 1PM.  I'm way behind. But, then again, you already know what I'm going to share with you...right?  Grab a seat and some Sunday Morning Coffee:

On the Chopping Block

Well now...as you know the GOP has long looked at Social Security and Medicare as places where they can slash the budget and claw back some income that was given away by the 2017 Tax and Jobs Act. You know the little "deal" that gave corporations in the United States a windfall of $150 billion that, mostly, went to stock buy-backs that enriched CEO's and major shareholders. That "deal" has helped balloon the deficit to over $1 trillion and the Republicans are starting to feel the bite. After all it was that group that crowed at every budget from the Obama Administration that it was "adding to the deficit".

Last week in Davos for the World Economic Forum "45" was asked this question as it pertained to the budget: “Are entitlements on your radar?”

Now, to be clear Social Security and Medicare are NOT entitlements. You and I have been paying into these systems for decades. But, true to form this is what the president said:

"At some point they will be. We have tremendous growth. We’re going to have tremendous growth. This next year I — it’ll be toward the end of the year. The growth is going to be incredible. And at the right time, we will take a look at that. You know, that’s actually the easiest of all things, if you look, cause it’s such a — “

The president then wandered off into a string of false claims about the economy repeating things like... “We’ve never had growth like this.” Even though economic growth during Mr. Trump’s term is nowhere near a record pace. (Photo: LA Times)

Brace yourself...

Impeachment

It's been quite a week and coming up even more fun as the U.S. Senate continues the trial of the president. Last week the House Managers gave compelling reasons for the Senate to bring in more information and witnesses. Given the fact that over 60% of Americans feel the same way it should have mattered. However the GOP Senate is moving in lock-step with Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in ignoring the evidence and playing with fidget spinners. Weary... (Photo: National Post)

Meanwhile the crew defending the president continues to say, "Nothing wrong. He didn't do what he did. Never mind. Move along there is nothing to see here."  And the official network of the president is only too happy to continue that defense. And about 45% of you agree. Yikes!

Canada?

Last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos there was a report out about the best place in which to live if you really want to experience the "American Dream". Turns out the study says you need to move to...Canada. The World Economic Form’s index of global social mobility finds that people born with less wealth have a better chance of home ownership, quality education and a better life than their parents if they are born in Canada rather than the United States. See what you learn here? 

Economics & The Des Moines Metro

Which brings me to this and it's on a much more local scale. I just finished reading the "2020 Economic Outlook" published by the Business Record a publication that highlights business in the metro of Des Moines, Iowa and guess what...everything is just fine. The economy is booming and people are happy and we are on a growth curve that will continue to have a positive impact on the entire state.

Business leaders from across the Metro chimed in with much the same message: "Oh sure other places are having a tough time and we could use some more workers and, well, there is no need to worry...we've got this handled."

Some of those quoted used the ink to highlight their own business and how, if you use their services, they can create magic and you too will join the ranks of the winners.  

I did read it...twice.

Look, I get it. It is the "job" of the Business Record to boost business and it is the job of those who were quoted to boost the line that everything is just fine and could not be better. I get it.

However if that is the case why are over 90% of the kids in school on free and reduced meals?  How come thousands of folks are working two and three jobs and are paying over 50% of their income on housing and transportation? Why is it that thousands of working families must resort to child care that is not certified safe and leads to tragic circumstances? Why is it that rural health care delivery in Iowa continues to degrade? And, why is it, that if business is so great, why would the governor of this state float a sales tax increase which will have a negative impact on working families rather than actually collect the taxes that so many businesses are...avoiding?

Yeah...that.

The Des Moines Register

Today the DMR endorsed Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) for president. You could see that coming from a mile away.  Senator Warren has a massive set of plans to tackle just about every ill that currently faces America. She is smart, energetic and would be a fantastic candidate for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Totally understand.

Meanwhile she and Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-South Bend, IN) are "surging" in New Hampshire. Which is interesting because on some major policies they differ greatly. 

Where will voters land? The Iowa Caucuses will be held on February 3rd and we are all expecting a massive turnout. So large it is starting to scare some folks and perhaps keep them from attending. I will tell you that the Iowa Democratic Party and your local county have been working on this for months and months. Will Iowa nominate the eventual winner of the nomination? Odds are, we will not. However it's been a great ride for those of us who follow and engage in the political system.

One more thing: Back in 2012 the Des Moines Register endorsed Mitt Romney now Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT). Never did understand that but it was a powerful endorsement.

Should she be the nominee or, frankly, anyone currently running, I'll work there.

Partly Personal

It's been quite the week. Just getting back from a four day business trip that required 17 hour days...yikes...and then back in the saddle here. Meanwhile, our Big Oscar has been having some leg issues. So bad that I've been sleeping on the couch in the same room as he because he's so used to sleeping in our bedroom. Not complaining. Tomorrow it's back to the vet. Fingers crossed.

Friday night I joined my fellow Democrat Lila Starr from Clive at the Iowa Wild Hockey Game. We were there to help staff a booth on behalf of the Polk County Democrats our job was to talk up the Iowa Caucuses, voting and more.  It was a good evening but, must confess we had...one interaction. One. It would seem that voting and hockey just didn't match up that night. But, it was great to spend the evening with Lila and hear about the efforts going on in Clive with the Clive Democrats.  YAY! 

It could be due to the fact that folks are overwhelmed with "Stuff to Do" or it could be a precursor that consumer discretionary spending is getting a second look...by you the consumer. This weekend I attended two free public events. One was the Annual Bicycle Trade Show held at the Iowa Events Center and the other was the Annual I'll Make Me a World in Iowa an event highlighting opportunity and progress among the African American Community.

Both events were down in the number of people displaying and the attendees. On the bicycle side of things it could be that the rift between RAGBRAI and the new Iowa Ride has had an impact. Both groups were in attendance but I can't help but think this, along with the economy, had an impact. 

One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the Karras/Kaul bronze statues that will grace a new monument in the Des Moines Water Works Park. John Karras and Donald Kaul (both reporters for the Des Moines Register) are credited for starting the annual Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) years ago. It was special to have John there to do the reveal. Along side of Carl Voss who, along with others helped make this possible. Carl now is a newly elected Des Moines City Councilman. Later in the day the RAGBRAI route was announced. It starts in La Mars (think ice creme) and takes a northern route ending in Clinton. If you want to see the route here is that link. That would be Jovie between the two bronzes.

Meanwhile, going on at the same time, the I'll Make Me a World in Iowa (IMMAWIIA) a festival that celebrates the history, culture and food of the African American Community through art, education and performance was another stop. It's a major event, not just for Black folks but for everybody, that...once again...did not have the number of vendors as in past years. However I did get to connect, again with some of my great friends, learn about the African American Museum in Cedar Rapids, hang out with Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. (if you are EVER where he is speaking go!) and see an amazing display that focuses on the voting rights of African Americans in the United States. It's a struggle and continues to be decades after the Voting Rights Act which has now been diluted by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Next is was on to a basketball game in Waukee. Our grand-daughter Taylor and her team split a double
header. Great times and so happy to be there. 

And now...it is Sunday Afternoon! Whew!

Thanks for reading and a reminder....if you would please donate to my campaign for the Iowa State Senate we, along with others, can make a difference for working families from across this great state. You know me as a long-time progressive voice who will work on behalf of working families not only in the DSM Metro but across the state. We've got to do this my friends...the future depends on it.  However, I can not do it alone...need your help. 

Thank you!! 

Have a fantastic 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 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 18 August 2019

It's the final day of the Iowa State Fair where, according to the count of corn kernels placed in mason jars outside the local NBC affiliate the current occupant of the White House has an approval of 49.2%. Within striking distance of a lock on a second term. Just in case you've run out of stuff to worry about. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee! You know what we do here so...let's go!

"It's Like a Fire Hose!"

Those are the words to describe the political news cycle. "45" and his gang of swamp-dwellers feed us so much crap that it's hard to keep up and make no mistake this is a thought out strategy. If you drown people in wacky stuff 24/7 enough people will believe some of the lies (just enough) and others will tune it out.

Already I've seen this among some pretty well informed people who have told me, "I'm out. The news is way to depressing. The lies and the hate and the trampling of the Office of President is more than I can take. I just don't watch, read or listen much anymore and my life is much happier."

Have you ever read "Mein Kampf"? Perhaps you should...it is a blue-print for much of what we see today.

(Photo Credit - Scot Duke Marketing)

The Ultimate Hypocrisy

Last week "45" traveled to Pennsylvania for, what was supposed to be, a major policy address on jobs. It was really just another campaign rally that more resembled the 1940 Rheinmetall-Borsig Works Speech where the then leader of Germany attacked everybody from the media to his political opponents and laid blame of the Second World War on the British. Oh...the lies.

Seems that workers at the Royal Dutch Shell petrochemical plant were told to show up and if they didn't attend they had to use paid time off or go without pay. A memo obtained by CNN from a worker laid out the issue. Of course Shell is denying that. The White House has no  comment but this is what was said by the Union: "This is just what Shell wanted to do, and we went along with it," Ken Broadbent, business manager for Steamfitters Local 449. (Photo Credit - Daily Sound)

So the guy who leads the party that has made every effort to strangle organized labor gets labor to say, "...we went along with it". Where is the guts?

BTW this plant does employ lots of people....and when they are finished with the construction the giant factory will turn out tons and tons of...wait for it...PLASTIC. Just exactly what we need.

Remember: Money Talks - Principal Takes a Back-Seat.

Wind and Cancer

Last week Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA), a day after she was at the Iowa State Fair touting wind energy, told the media that she needed time to gather together, "...stakeholders to take that information and then try to confirm or deny or whatever we need to do with it going forward.” 

She was talking about the Madison County (Iowa) Board of Supervisors who swallowed, in total, the fraud sputed by "45" that windmills cause cancer. Earlier this year Reynolds declined to say that "45" was wrong. Meanwhile Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) said the president's statement was "idiotic".  Well, there is that.

Speaking of Energy

As you know farmers LOVE "45". They voted in massive numbers to elect the man who has been called the "most dishonest person ever to occupy the office" given his passion for lying about nearly everything. Now what is so interesting to watch is how this president has "played" our friends in agriculture. Just this week the administration more wavers to oil companies to avoid blending billions of gallons of ethanol into their products. (Photo Credit - Washington Examiner)

The wavers were to have been directed to small oil refineries however "45" and his cronies in the EPA have been granting massive numbers of exemptions to large companies which will contribute, even more, to the hollowing out of Rural Iowa. Farmers are already under pressure from the tit-for-tat trade war with China and by China finding other sources for communities. This is just another knife in the back. You can not trust...ONE WORD.

Hates Puppies

I think it is important for you to know that Chuck Schneider (R-WDM) the current president of the Iowa State Senate refused to allow a bill that would protect companion animals to come up for a vote in the Iowa Senate. Why does Chuck hate puppies? I dunno...maybe because his "minders" have some sort of twisted logic that dogs and cats are somehow tied to pigs and cattle? This is a photo of our rescue dog, Yofi, who had boiling water poured on her when she was just 8 weeks old. That's why no hair on one side of her body and a lack of an ear...yeah...that. 

The GOP loves to use the "slippery slope" argument. You know, "If we allow the government to mandate seat-belts it's a slippery slope to other regulations that will cause  automakers to go out of business." Yeah...that logic. And I was there...from Detroit...remember?

It's this sort of "logic" that is so out of touch with the values of Iowans. Just like Jake Chapman (R-Adel) representing Senate District 10 out of Adel, Iowa who never met a gun he didn't love even though the vast amount of people in our state want to see some restrictions.

From hating puppies, education and working families to loving guns this crowd has got to go. They do not represent us.

Voting...matters.

Partly Personal

I was at a couple of political events this past week. There was a fund-raiser with the Southeast Polk County Democrats in Waukee, the selection process of which 2020 hopeful to support going forward for the Asian Latino Coalition...Congratulations Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), the West Des Moines Democrats monthly meeting, the fund raiser for Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D-IA) the Clive Democrats monthly meeting, the Urbandale Democrats Fearless Fighter Women's Award Event and another presidential town hall last evening for 2020 hopeful Admiral Joe Sestak which was held at Fox Brewery in West Des Moines.

It's what one does I guess....I don't play golf.

My friend Jerry Uhlman who travels to nearly every Democratic Event in Polk County took this photo of our eleven year-old granddaughter Jovie as she was listening to Admiral Sestak. She is not only a beautiful young lady her heart is also full of love. Thank you Jerry!

When people ask me why I would run for the Iowa State Senate and put myself out there...this is the reason. It is all about making sure families...all families...have a shot at a better life. If we, as a state, don't start to put families first we'll continue to see a decline in our our values. That has got to stop.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday and final day of the Iowa State Fair!   

Sunday Morning Coffee 11 August 2019

Like they say, "It ain't the heat, it's the humidity!" and we've got plenty of that this morning! Time for politics and religion the two things that, more than others, impact our life and I get to share that each week here with Sunday Morning Coffee. So much going on...let's get started.

Me, Me, Me

The petulant child that serves at the 45th president was at it again. On trips to Dayton and El Paso it wasn't about comfort and caring...it was all, and always is, about him. He whined when the public talked truth to power and commented about the photo of him and FLOTUS with a newly orphaned child giving "thumbs up". He was angry when word got out that many who were injured in the shootings didn't want to see him. And after conciliatory remarks by the mayor of Dayton, Ohio he shot out an angry tweet that did not, in any way, resemble the comments by the mayor. Tired of winning yet? I am so very done with this guy...but that is nothing new. (Photo Credit - CNN)

Speaking of Orphans

Last week Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rounded up 680 workers at chicken processing plants in Mississippi. It was the largest single raid since the Agriprocessors raid in Postville, Iowa back in
2008 where ICE arrested 400 workers. However, there seems to be a major difference. In Postville the Agriprocessors manager, Rabbi Shalom Rubashkin was also arrested, tried and spent time in prison. That ain't gonna happen in Mississippi. Why? Could it be because none of the owners or managers there appear to be Jewish? 

It's unlikely that any of the people that actually hire undocumented workers will ever be charged in the Mississippi raid. It's just not done. How do we know? A study by Syracuse University looked at the number of prosecutions against employers and they found that from April 28 to March 29 of 2019 only 11 individuals, not companies, were prosecuted for hiring undocumented workers. At the same time during that period more than 120,000 undocumented immigrants were charged for illegal entry or illegal reentry.

Other than the fact that employers face little punishment when they hire undocumented workers what's the reason they do so? Simple: economics.

Undocumented workers can be paid less and employers know they won't complain so the "Chicken Gang" in Mississippi gets cheap labor from folks who are not going to complain and profits go up. Pretty simple... Sort of like Mississippi in 1859.

Workers Wanted!

Dear disgruntled men and women who feel that the reason you can not get a piece of the pie because brown people are taking away your jobs. I happen to know of 680 open positions available...right now. You would have to relocate to Mississippi but I hear it's really pretty there.

Wall Street & Guns

It was a lousy week on Wall Street. But, what the hell do we care, most of us don't care seeing how we're not loaded down with "blue chips". However one segment of the market did well. Ready? Companies that manufacture guns did pretty well last week. They always do after a mass murder by domestic terrorists. The reason? Folks will buy more guns because they fear there will be restrictions. But, not to worry, that ain't gonna happen and the stocks will realign. See what you learn here?

Thoughts and Prayers vs. Action

Last week I was invited to attend a gathering hosted by the Iowa Interfaith Alliance that was held at the First Christian Church in the Drake University area. I was a bit hesitant. What I didn't want to do was go to yet another gathering where we would hear words of comfort, sing a couple of songs, offer up prayer and leave feeling better about ourselves. 

Imagine my surprise when the nearly 200 people did not meet in the sanctuary but in the social hall. It was standing room only as Connie Ryan from the Iowa Interfaith Alliance and Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad (D-Des Moines) led the group in creating several action plans to deal with gun violence in Iowa. It was refreshing. Some of the final points included:

• Work to defeat pro-gun legislators who continue to defy public opinion on gun legislation and in fact continue to loosen gun restrictions;
• Support legislation that restricts the sale of military style rifles and high capacity magazines;
• Work on informing the general public as to the importance of "common sense gun legislation;
• Unite with marginalized citizens to build coalitions that uphold basic human rights.

It was time well spent. Now the challenge is to continue to mobilize and get stuff done. I know I signed up.

Time to "Shuck Chapman"

This weekend was the Annual Adel Sweetcorn Festival. Thousands of folks descended on the small town just west of Des Moines to take in music, a huge parade and eat...sweetcorn. But one thing was missing. What Democrat in Senate District 10 will be willing to take on the pro-gun state senator there Sen. Jake Chapman (R-Adel). Who, just this past week, voiced his opposition to any sort of "red-flag" legislation where friends and family members can alert authorities about specific behaviors that might lead to gun violence. Ya know, sort of like the grandmother in Lubbock, Texas who alerted authorities about her grandson and the weapons he was collecting. They arrested him.

But, Jake doesn't want that sort of thing to come to Iowa. I figure it's time to "Shuck Chapman". I reached out to Bryce Smith the Chair of the Dallas County Democrats who told me there is an individual that is "considering" a run against Chapman.  I've just given you a campaign slogan.  You are welcome. (Photo Credit - Des Moines Register)

Speaking of Gun Violence

There was something very special that happened in Clear Lake, Iowa on Friday. Campaigns were in town for the Annual Democratic Wing Ding. Before the event Beto O'Rourke, who skipped the event to stay with his community in El Paso, asked Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad (D-Des Moines) to lead a moment of silence. Candidates and campaigns came together for this emotionally charged event. If you have not seen the video you must...here is a link to the Twitter account of Beto O'Rourke. They have pinned that video to the top of their page. But, promise to come back.  

The Great Iowa State Fair

I've been going to this celebration for years and part of the adventure has always been to volunteer at the Iowa Democratic Booth in the Varied Industries Building. Usually only a couple of folks show up, we're doing voter registration on some paper and talking up candidates in what was a pretty bland booth.

That has all changed. Dozens of volunteers sporting shirts saying, "Democrats Have 20/20 Vision" were signing up voters at a frenzied pace. The booth is a testimony of positive messages welcoming immigrants, people of color, people of diversity...people. It was a charged atmosphere.

I hear that the Iowa Democratic Party may just offer these shirts as a fund-raising opportunity in the near future. Stay tuned. 

Public Policy Time

Time for working families to catch a break. If you are still with me let's talk, for a moment, about the horrible idea of "Right to Work" legislation. It's time that Iowa overturn what has become a baseball bat used against employees. The GOP does a great job in naming things to make you think something is in your benefit. Sort of like the "Jobs and Tax Cut Bill" that awarded the mighty with more money. The same is true of "Right to Work" it is not "just employment" it is one-sided employment. It means that you have zero rights in the workplace. It means that your boss can fire you for reason...or no reason at all. It limits your right to organize and it removes your opportunity to make more money.

I know there are more workers and employees than there are employers. It's time we end this hurtful policy and create a more even field moving forward. It once was common that employers held to three basic principals: 1) Profit, 2) Community and 3) Employees. We've seen what happens when companies focus on only one of those issues. It's time for real wins for families. That is something I'll work toward over the next year and I hope you'll join me.

Partly Personal

Last week, during the Great Iowa State Fair, a lovely young lady by the name of Brianna stopped me in the Varied Industries Building and said, "My I ask you a question?" Being the sort of person who attempts to be helpful and open to folks I said I'd be happy to answer. She said, "Are you going to heaven?" I looked at her in the eye and answered calmly answered "Yes."

She said, "That is so wonderful that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior!" My answer was, "Well, Brianna, I've not. I'm Jewish and we've got a slightly different take on that subject."

What ensued was a fifteen minute, rather respectful, conversation about the Torah her Bible and people of other faiths. While she accused me, and the Jews, of going against "The Word" and said Buddhists were idol worshipers and denied any knowledge of the Orah Torah or what exactly Isaiah was talking about when he railed against the Hellenized Jews of his day it was a fun interaction. We parted with a handshake and I wished her well as she worked the crowd trying to find "true believers".

Such is life.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday!