SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 13 June 2021

If it's Sunday you've got to have your SMC! Welcome back to the weekly blog about politics with a dash of religion and a dose of my commentary. Coming to you each Sunday Morning for over 15 years. What else do I have to do this early?  Let's go:

G-7

Normal is good, or so it would seem. President Biden is with world leaders at the G7 Conference in the UK and, from all reports, things are going well. Nobody is having to put up with the tantrums and childish mistakes of the former president as the nations sit down to discuss some thorny issues from COVID-19 to China and Russia. The message our president is sending is that truly America is back and the world can trust the leadership and the direction. Meanwhile the leaders at the conference vow to cut forced labor practices out of global supply chains in a shot at China, as well as efforts to stop ransomware attacks and root out corruption. Normal is good.

Meanwhile China has pushed back with a statement saying, “The days when global decisions were dictated by a small group of countries are long gone." 

Infrastructure 

Make no mistake about it, the Republican opposition to the $1.7 trillion infrastructure plan is all about preserving wealth. Full stop. They care not about jobs or roads or bridges or lead in pipes or rural broadband this is all about making sure the wealthy don't have to pay more in taxes.

They do not care about American families who are struggling and they, frankly care little for the economy. They believe that as long as the top "one-percent" are fat and full everything is just fine. Think about that for a moment.  Also, we've seen this playbook before and the writer then is the same as today. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was brazen enough to say in 2008 that he would stand against any progressive legislation offered up by President Obama and he did.  Same story kids and unless the Democrats win a wider majority in the Senate look for this to become a lousy history for our nation. 

The Manchin Effect

How many millions of dollars do you have in the stock market?  Go ahead and ponder that for a bit. My guess is that your tiny nest-egg doesn't come anywhere close to, say, Warren Buffett or Carl Ichan or Michael Bloomberg. Those are the folks who make billions while paying a lower percentage on their earnings than you.  Meanwhile Wall Street is moving right along and some are calling it The Manchin Effect. Why? As hope of an infrastructure deal starts to melt away the rich and powerful are loving it because that means no higher taxes and because Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is leading that charge the rise in the market gets his name associated.  Isn't it nice?

Speaking of Taxes

The ProPublica report last week naming who, among the oligarchs of America, paid little or no federal income taxes is getting the full wrath of the Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service. Both agencies have begun investigations into who leaked the information tied to the tax returns of the most wealthy. See how swift justice is when money is involved?

Meanwhile many who were names in the report are pushing back. Warren Buffett (who has called for higher taxes for the wealthy) said in a statement that the reason he doesn't pay much in taxes is because there are "no dividends" and he is "someday going to give all his money to charity".  Michael Bloomberg, who paid $71 million on $1.9 billion of income and who called for higher taxes for the rich when he was running for president in 2019, said he saved taxes because of 75% of his income "goes to charity". But the best excuse for paying little to nothing in taxes has to go to billionaire Carl Ichan who said because he, "...invests in business that activity should be protected".

So there you have it. Next time you are asked to fill out a 1040 just write on it that you are investing in the economy and you don't owe a dime.  That's how the 1% lives kids.

Lazy Americans

I was at a conference this past week...my first outing since March of 2020 and it was very cool to be among people...and when I was checking out of my hotel I asked the guy working the front desk about occupancy. He told me the hotel was running 100% on the weekends and during the week sixty to seventy percent full. My new friend runs the front office so he should know.  I then asked him about staffing and he said, "It's awful. We can't get people to work but thanks to Governor Reynolds cutting the enhanced unemployment benefits we'll be back to full staff within a month."

The message is clear. You lazy, shiftless workers have been sitting on your butt for months lapping up government handouts and now we'll force you to seek low paying jobs without benefits so the wheels of the economy will once again roll.  Except that isn't the case.

The pandemic has exposed the reality about "essential workers" and "essential pay". One is real the other is a lie. We  pay "essential workers" squat and they are expected to love it.  Studies, one that we aired just last week, point to what is really going on and why workers are not returning to the hospitality field and its not because they are collecting government checks.  Here is what is really happening:

• During the pandemic employers failed to check in with their staff;
• Workers are seeking higher wages in jobs outside of hospitality;
• Workers are seeking better health benefits;
• It's cheaper to stay home with the kids than pay child care;
• Many still fear COVID-19 and want to protect their health;
• They are seeking out jobs where they too can work from home;
• Applications are archaic and difficult to navigate.

My new friend behind the hotel desk doesn't know any of that but he believes his staffing troubles will be over in thirty days.  Don't worry. I have his name and phone number and I'll be checking back in a month. 

Congresswoman Cindy Anxe

Last week I had the opportunity to have a sit down interview with Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D-IA). She is the lone Democrat in the U.S. Congress and represents the sixteen counties in Iowa's Third Congressional District.  We talked about a host of business issues from child care to transportation to taxes to farming to drug prices to cyber-security and more. It was a wide ranging conversation and if you are at all interested in her take on those issues click through and listen to that interview.

IOB 9 June 2021 Cindy Axne

I think you'll find it important and on point.

Grimes, Iowa

Yesterday there was a parade in Grimes, a small but growing community near Des Moines. Democrats lost two important statehouse races there in 2020 by just a few votes. Determined to fix that the Polk County Democrats reached out to some activists and within a month there was a new neighborhood group the Grimes Area Democrats. Yesterday we walked in the Governor's Day Parade and outnumbered the Polk County GOP by two to one. Our group was so large that my friend and the President/CEO of the Grimes Chamber and Economic Development group Brian Buethe remarked to me, "Wow you've got a whole bunch of people here!"  We did and coming along for the walk was Iowa State Auditor, Rob Sand, State Party Chair Rep. Ross Wilburn (D-Ames), Polk County Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald, Dr. Glen Hurst the Third District Chair coming all the way from Council Bluffs and a number of Democrats running for office in Polk and Dallas County.  It was a mighty force...and people noticed. (The photo was long before a bunch more joined the crowd.)

Partly Personal

I've got more but need to get going. Many of you know that I've spent years in broadcasting. Still doing it. But in all of those 40+ years I have never, not once, called a sporting event. It just wasn't my jam.  That changed yesterday during our granddaughters softball game. Our daughter, Hunter, thought it might be kind of cool to have me announce the game over something called Game Changer. It's an app where folks can stream the ballgame. Trouble is that while the stream is clear you really can't see much beyond the infield and folks watching may not know the players and other details of the game.  So, yesterday I sat down and with some stat help from Hunter called the five innings of the game. It was a blast and yes, headed back today for more. BTW the Valley Tigers 12-U won that game over the Muscatine Monsters by a score of 3 - 2. The winning run was made by our granddaughter who beat the tag at home catch the video here. Catch you on the stream.

Finally, it would have been the 101 birthday of my Mom last week. Think of her daily.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 6 June 2021

And, Good Morning! Grab a cup of Sunday Morning Coffee some of the political and social news you might have seen, or missed, all laced with my, usual, acerbic commentary. It's what I get to do once a week.  Let's go:

No Apology

It was a stunning piece of news. Between 1890 and 1969 some 150,000 indigenous children of Canada were forced to attend state-funded Christian schools, the majority of them run by Catholic missionaries. The idea was to subject these kids to indoctrination so they could be assimilated into Canadian society.

Recently ground penetrating radar was used to confirm the remains of 215 children at the Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia...operated by the Catholic church. For its part the Canadian government has admitted that physical and sexual abuse was rampant in the schools with children beaten for speaking their native languages and has made apologies.

Meanwhile Pope Frances, today, said it was "a sad affair" and "This sad discovery increases the awareness of the sorrows and sufferings of the past."  But, no apology for the actions of the church. 

So, the U.S. isn't the only nation guilty of such things...  Remember though "Manifest Destany"...so it must be OK.

15%

It's a big deal. Last week the G-7 met and agreed to a minimum of a 15% tax on sales and profits by corporations that are selling or located in what has been called "low tax sanctuaries". Those would include many nations in the Caribbean. In Europe the corporate tax rate is all over the board from Hungary at 9% to France at 31%. The goal here is to tax companies such as Facebook and other internet corporations who have managed to set up shop in one location or another to avoid paying up. The proposal now goes to roughly 21 other nations for approval.  The Biden Administration has wanted a higher tax rate but asked that 15% be the minimum.  

Back On Stage

Well that went...well. Former President 45 was back on stage yesterday kicking off a national tour to promote lies. (It's what he does best.) Of course, he continued to spread the "Big Lie" and give himself credit for a whole bunch of stuff that either never happened or was a major failure. Think COVID-19 reaction and "Infrastructure Week".

The amazing thing is that people still fawn over him. Look, this is not only scary but dangerous for our nation. We have seen this playbook before in 1930's Germany where the people who felt they had been given a raw deal fawned over a hateful man with crazy ideas. I suspect the former president has Mein Kampf bookmarked. No, wait...that would assume the man can read. (Image: BBC)

Those Crazy Democrats

Meanwhile it's pretty nutty in the U.S. Senate as today CBS Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) was asked about his stand on bipartisanship. Here is what he said, "I think Senate Republicans want bipartisanship." Host John Dickerson: "Well, they haven’t shown that yet, McConnell says he’s 100% focused on blocking Biden agenda & the GOP restructuring of voting laws state-by-state is..."  Manchin: "Yeah, but I think deep-down they want it."

Denial is a river in Egypt. 

Making the Rounds...

The first announced Democrat to run against Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), Dave Muhlbauer is making the rounds of Polk County Neighborhood Groups. Muhlbauer, a farmer from Southwest Iowa announced his candidacy last week knows he's got to be out there early and often. An interesting side-note. Grassley who is 87 has served in the U.S. Senate since 1981 which is longer than Dave Muhlbauer has been alive.

So, there is that.

Thank You Todd Pritchard

Last week Iowa House Minority Leader Rep. Todd Pritchard (D-Charles City) announced that he was leaving that leadership position following three sessions in the minority. It was rough duty having to go up against the anti-democratic group in the majority. Imagine every day having to face people who are simply not lined up with reality. From health care to taxes to guns to education the Republicans continue to tear down this once great state.  Democrats will choose a new leader on June 14 and I have a suspicion of who that might be but keeping my thoughts quiet until she lets me know she is in the running.  Hint, hint...nudge...nudge. 

Just Being There...Works

Last week I had the opportunity to hang out with the Clive Democrats and the amazing Lila Starr who chairs that group. She and Hope Johnson, who is running for the Clive City Council, were working the booth during Food Truck Friday sponsored by the Clive Chamber of Commerce. 

This is just one of dozens of registration events going on in Polk County each week.  Are we signing folks up?  Sure. But, what is so powerful about this is simply being seen.  Letting folks know in places that had been "ruby red" for a very long time that Democrats are alive and active and working on the issues the vast majority of Iowans believe it and desire.  Change can happen we've just got to stay at it.

Partly Personal

My Bride left me on Thursday. Well, it's not really that dramatic. She and some other "ladies" went to Arkansas to go...camping. Arkansas! Camping! I have no idea where she went but it took her nearly 10 hours to get there. Due home sometime later today.  Safe travels.  BTW...for their last day of "camping" one of her new friends had a contact so they spent the final day and night at a resort...with a hot tub and all the finer things of life. No...charge.  Pretty sweet. THAT'S the kind of "camping" I could go for.

While the cat is away the (very cool) Cats will play. My brother, Yoni, came over last evening and cooked supper. I didn't have to do anything but mix the drinks. He is a wonder in the kitchen. The meal was amazing: Roasted and stuffed Portobello mushrooms, seasoned baked potatoes, stuffed and roasted onions and flank steak that had been pounded very thin, rubbed and marinated for 24 hours.

I gotta tell you...it was delightful.

We then watched a couple of episodes of The Kominsky Method featuring Alan Arkin and Michael Douglas. If you get a chance...watch. It is part comedy and part drama but it is all good. I was turned onto the series by a member of my congregation in Mason City who raved about it and said, "Oy, it is such a reminder of so many of my friends. You have got to see it!" Thanks Peter. One thing to know. If you have some reference to older Jewish men and can appreciate the humor...it is  priceless. 

Finally our son, Aaron, was over on Friday afternoon when it was 90 degrees to install a "motion detection security light" on the side of the house. Georgie wanted one and on Monday she and I attempted to put it up but...fail.  I asked Aaron to do it (he is way more handy than I and 30 years younger) and BAM!  Took him about 20 minutes. But, yes, it was hot and yes...it does work.  Thank you! 

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday!

 

Sunday Morning Coffee - Memorial Day Edition 30 May 2021

Welcome to the Memorial Day Edition of Sunday Morning Coffee. To be honest with you I was going to skip it this week. Why? Let's say the wacky Republicans are starting to wear me down. I'm starting to wonder if those whom we honor this weekend and this day may have died in vain. Once upon a time we believed in this experiment in democracy. That seems not to be the case today.  Need proof?  Read on.

54 vs 35

If you ask any elementary school kid which number is larger: 54 or 35 many (depending on where the school is) would say the larger of the two numbers is 54.  If you asked somebody who won with a basketball score of 54 to 35 you would be looked at like a dummy. "What do you mean who won? The team with the highest score, you idiot!"  All true...except in the U.S. Senate. You see the losers there...won.

We all saw it unfold. The former president was whipping an angry crowd into a frenzy and telling them he would join them as they marched to the U.S. Capitol.  We watched as an armed group of angry white men and women stormed the Capitol seeking to over-turn the election, commit murder and destroy property...your property. 

So, what happened?  Democrats in congress asked the Republicans to join them to do an investigation into the how, what and why these thugs attacked.  Sat down with them to create a system where nobody had the upper hand. Negotiated so that the GOP could be an equal partner in seeking the truth.

But Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) would have none of that and said so. Only six Republican senators joined all the Democrats and the effort went down as the losers won the day by filibustering the bill.

The losers won...35 to 54.

Why?

Let me suggest that if that mob had been "colored folks" we would have rushed to the aid of those under attack. If they had been a black, brown, Asian or Muslim group even a quarter of the size of the "White Christian Patriots" that stormed the Capitol our reaction that day would have been swift and deadly.

And then the nation would demand an investigation into the riot and we would all be clutching our pearls as the House and Senate joined together to seek the truth.

But...they were not and so there will not be that honest look at our history.  The losers...won.

The Original Sin 

You see, my friends, we have not come to grips with the original sin of this nation. That is what drives our collective thought. White Christians founded this country and then drove out and killed or enslaved anybody who was not just like them.

And you're just fine with that.

You're fine with creating a narrative that is taught in every classroom. We have a "manifest destiny"...a calling directly from God to create a nation of White Christians. 

And you are just fine with that.  Want proof?

Greg Ganske

You might remember him. He is a plastic surgeon who won a seat in congress back in 1994 defeating Rep. Neal Smith (D-IA) by six points. He stayed in congress until 2003 when the wise voters of Iowa's 4th District elected a guy we all know and love, Rep. Steve King (R-IA).

When not doing "nips and tucks" Greg is writing opinion pieces for the Des Moines Register.  He recently wrote about "Critical Race Theory" and opines that we've beat back racism in America...after all we elected Barack Obama as president. Typical GOP reasoning.

Oh But Wait...

Meanwhile we, in Iowa, and several other states ban the teaching of critical race theory and things like the 1619 Project developed by an Iowan, Nikole Hannah-Jones. Who, by the way, was just denied tenure at North Carolina University because Republicans rushed in to demand that she was a problem. Now, Hannah-Jones has let North Carolina University know that she is planning to file a discrimination lawsuit over its decision to deny her tenure.  The letter, sent this past Thursday, is from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. (Image: New York Times)

But, yeah, Greg...we have beat back racism in America.

Fear - A Great Motivator

It is you know. White Christians in the United States are feeling more threatened as they lose their power grip. The tide has been turning for some time and so it has been met with new immigration rules, voter suppression laws and laws that give the police more power to deter First Amendment Rights. And all of it is happening right in front of you.  But, you're just fine with that.  After all the losers...won.

Bipartisan Bullshit

So you know...it really is. Democrats believe that if we are "nice" that Republicans will play fair and join them in fixing what is wrong with America. Bullshit. If Republicans don't support looking into the genesis of the January 6th Insurrection do you really think they will vote to clean up our land and water? Do you really think they will support the working family? Do you really think they will work on behalf of good paying jobs? Do you really think they will support an infrastructure bill that will do all of that and more?  Do you really think they will vote to allow more people easy access to the polls?

Really?

It is time for Democrats to quit hoping for a miracle. It ain't coming. It's time for Joe Biden and the House and Senate Democrats to start acting like winners.  The losers are.

Memorial Day 2021

And so we come back to Memorial Day. Did all of those we honor die in vain? Is this the end of our democracy?  You see, for it to work you need political parties that live in a state of reality.  We do not have that today.  Look around. From Arizona to Michigan to Pennsylvania to Georgia to Texas the GOP is not here to uphold democracy...but it is here to uphold fascism. Something that those we honor fought and died to prevent.

Partly Personal

Watched some baseball this weekend. That was good.

Finally, I usually write Sunday Morning Coffee early and cover several stories. Not this week...maybe next week I'll feel more...positive.

Thanks for reading! 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 23 May 2021

Politics and Opinion...welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee my look at the stories you've seen or, perhaps, missed. All laced with my commentary. Hey, it's what I get to do on Sunday Morning...thanks for reading.

The Day It Dies

I just read an opinion piece about January 6, 2025. The writers, in USA Today, suggest that is the date when the "American Experiment in Democracy" will die. While no one could predict exactly what would happen on December 7, 1941 or September 11, 2001 we can, with almost clear certainty, predict that unless Democrats get off their ass and win in 2022 and 2024 we're done. You see, on January 6, 2025 congress will gather to count and certify the electoral votes and if the House is controlled by Republicans and a Democrat is elected as president you can be assured that, the current slate of House Members, would block the vote, invalidate the Electoral College and put the selection of the president into the hands of the House of Representatives where Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and his gang of insurrectionists will install their preferred candidate. (Image: KCRG)

You think that is just hype? Look at what they have already done. They continue to parrot the "Big Lie", they support the crazy "audit" in Arizona, they boot Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) from leadership and install a lover of "45" in her place. The GOP is so firmly in the grasp of for former president and the evil he delivered to this nation that they will stop at nothing...even destroying our democracy. Chew on that and if you want to read the entire article here you go.

Sine Die

It means "without day" in Latin. And it's really, really popular among Iowa Legislators. I saw it in a number of their posts this past week. You see the tragic 2021 Iowa Legislative Session adjourned (sine die) last week. And, the session was...awful.

Bill after bill after bill ripping away "local control" of schools boards, cities and counties were signed into law. Voting rights were stripped away. Tax dollars for public education moved to private schools and "charter schools" that have zero oversight. Passing a law to prohibit masking during a pandemic. A number of tax cuts that now will be used to tell Iowans that we "can't afford to work on your behalf".

They passed a bill saying government and businesses can not issue "vaccine passports" and even condemned businesses from asking about vaccination. Even during a pandemic.

Yes, there was a bill that approved a million dollars for broadband and there was an increase in tax credits for affordable housing. But we didn't get anything to help families deal with a lack of child care or keep us safe from police over-reach. 

Meanwhile the Iowa Secretary of State removed thousands of people from the voting rolls which, sadly, impacted Democrats more than Republicans...but that was the goal.

I could go on and on...and on.  However now the future rests with you. Change can happen if we do the work.  If we are not successful this fall in city and school board elections. If we fail to elect more Democrats in 2022 Iowa is...cooked.  

So, yeah...sine die...

I've Got Mine, Screw You!

That's the way it is. So many of you have this figured out. "I've worked and saved and made sacrifices to get where I am at. For those who are scraping by...screw you.  I've got mine."

Never mind that many of you went to church this morning (fewer buy the way than at any time in our history) and committed yourself to the teachings of Paul and what he said a young Jewish rabbi stood for. Cherry pick what you want to follow and do.  It is astounding but comes as no surprise.  Greed is so very powerful.

Partly Personal

This is late.  I slept in this morning. I'm sorry. The list my bride has for me continues to grow and me, sitting here striking my keyboard, ain't getting stuff done.

BTW if you are interested in working families, unions, wages, benefits and more. Check out this piece which airs later today on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. It features Charlie Wishman the president of the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL/CIO. We talk about a bunch of stuff that you might find interesting.  But...if you've already "got yours" feel free to give it a pass.

One other thing for my Christian and Jewish Friends...you might want to check to see what your discipline has to say about unions and worker rights. No, really. It will surprise you greatly. Consider it homework.

Thanks for reading and have a good Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 16 May 2021

Today is a very special day...for a couple of reasons. First it is the day before Income Tax Day 2021. Makes you feel warm all over. Secondly, for us Jews, it is the 49th day since Passover and tonight, at sundown begins the Festival of Shavuot. Important for several reasons: 

In the Bible the holiday is known as "the harvest festival". It commemorates the end of the grain harvest, which began with barley during Passover and ends with wheat at the time of Shavuot. So, there is that.

In addition the literal translation of the Hebrew word “shavuot” is “weeks” and this name first appears in the verse, “You shall observe the Feast of Weeks, of the first fruits of wheat harvest…” Exodus 34:22. 

The it is called “weeks” is because we are commanded to count seven days of seven weeks from the second day of Passover, and to celebrate the fiftieth day as a holiday. (Lev. 23:15). The also explains why the English name for this holiday is Pentecost, which means fiftieth in Greek.

Now let's really get to the "Reason for the Season". The most significant aspect of the holiday of Shavuot is that, according to Jewish tradition, this is when the Almighty gave the Torah to the Jewish nation. This was the day that Moses ascended Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments.  And, that is a big deal.

See what you learn here.

Liz Cheney

But you didn't come to Sunday Morning Coffee for a lesson on religion. You came for the politics, the opinion the grit. I get it. Nothing makes the blood boil like politics in this age.  So, let's start with what is real. The 45th President of the United States is firmly in control of the Republican Party. Full stop. The cowards in the GOP refuse to accept reality that the guy lost and they are scared to death of him so they boot Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) and replace her with a loyalist. I'm no fan of Cheney or her politics but what the Republicans have done is to magnify her voice. She will not be silent and she will continue to "out" the crazy that has taken over her party. (Image: CNN)

Remember

But, we've seen this before. Those that dared to speak against the wacky German corporal in the 1930's were also removed. The hold "45" has on this party is exactly like what we've seen when other despots are elevated and admired...

Mask On, Mask Off

I get it you want your freedom. Many of you have had your freedom for months and have been flaunting the pandemic protocols risking the lives of the people you contact. So, now nobody has to wear a mask and "social distancing" is but a memory...for those who are fully vaccinated. However (and this is a big deal) those who refuse to get a vaccination can now run around and potentially spread the plague. How do we know who we can interact with? Do we take your word? Do we demand to see your card? What about kids in families who are not going to get a vaccination?  Do they spread it to others of like mind?

I dunno...you?

I'm keeping my mask.  Of course if I wear it people will think that I'm not vaccinated...so there is that. Weary. (Image - Times Union) 

Sleeping With Teens

Well now...the Party of Family Values may be about to take a hit. Seems that this Joel Greenberg guy, the  GOP tax collector from Florida, has pled guilty to six federal crimes and prosecutors have made a deal to put aside the other 27 charges if Greenberg tells the truth and rats out he buddies who were, it is alleged, passing around a 17 year-old girl for sex. Of high interest is Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and how deep that story goes. 

Of course there are others out there who are very worried...and should be. 

Partly Personal

I'm out.  My Bride is out back-packing with a friend near Harpers Ferry in Northeast Iowa. She says it is "fun" and has asked, several times, if I would like to go.  If I had...my weekend would have been at the local bed and breakfast.  But I admire her for her sense of adventure. Are there bears...there? But, it does look...GREEN! 

We very well may have had our last Virtual Midrash (study) session with my congregation Adas Israel in Mason City. We, on Saturday, set aside a weekend in June for in-person services there. Of course we'll continue to take precautions as many members have some sort of underlying condition so, we've got to be careful.  It will be nice to go back. We've not been in the shul since March of 2020 with the exception of examining the Torah Scrolls several months ago.  Which, was a great adventure...

Have a wonderful Sunday.  Thanks for reading! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 9 May 2021 - Mother's Day

Welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee and to Mother's Day 2021. At least this year Mother's Day seems a bit brighter...but my sense of relief is tempered by the realization of how many mothers are not with us. A sad reflection of our past year. If you are among those who lost your Mom...I am truly sorry and may her memory be a blessing.

"Bo" Obama

It was a sad day yesterday as well as we learned that the Obama family dog, Bo had died. The former president and First Lady offered their own tributes along with photos on Instagram and Twitter. It was a reminder of the humanity that occupied the White House before terror struck in 2016.

Iowa - "The Fearful State"

I'm going to submit that as the new state slogan.  Forget about all this happy talk about "Fields of Opportunities" that's old news from Governor Tom Vilsack (D-IA). We now are awash with fear.

Fear is a powerful motivator. We all know that to be true but in Iowa we have fear on steroids. You don't believe me?  Allow me to offer you this list of what some folks in Iowa fear:

• Public Education - It seems that an educated public can be a danger so the Iowa answer to that is to throttle education, punish teachers and make it more difficult to get a solid education. An educated public is a danger;
• History - Iowa fears telling historical truths. We know that because the Iowa Legislature was quick to take up bills that disallow the teaching of slavery or racial bias. In fact Republicans actually targeted the 1619 Project a creation of an Iowan from Waterloo;
• Black and Brown People - We all know that if black and brown people get educated and get a chance to join society in the mainstream that they will become "uppity" and lord only knows what would happen then. So making sure the police, and not the people, have the power we pass bills to keep "those people" down and off the streets;
• Voting - It's really a simple concept. If more people vote stuff might happen that benefits all people and not just the privileged so clearly we fear that. So the answer is to make it harder to vote and make sure the state tosses thousands of voters off the rolls. Right Secretary of State Paul Pate (R-IA);
• Women - Look, it's Mother's Day but in reality we, in Iowa, fear those who are female. We fear they may be able to make health care decisions they deem is in their best interest so, no problem, we'll simply make that a crime. And, while we're at it Iowa makes sure that businesses get a wink and a nod for unequal pay;
• Transgender Youth - Well we all "know about those people" and we fear transgender youth will invade school sports and these "trans-people" will have an unfair advantage in rowing or something.  Just because we have no proof of the situation doesn't mean that we shouldn't have a law that bans them from sporting activities;
• Poor Sick People - Iowa has it figured out that if you keep poor folks sick and simply don't deliver medical care there is money to be made while having the ability to "cull the herd". So Iowa cooked up a plan to put private corporations in charge of paying for services to poor sick people.  Fear and the ability to make money...powerful;
• Other Iowans - You never know what might spark a gunfight at the local grocery store so that fear motivated Iowa to allow you to open carry just to make sure other people will fear you and let you cut into line;
• Asians - True there are not that many Asians in Iowa but we've made sure that we elect only white people for the Iowa Senate and have only one Asian in the Iowa House.  You never know what "those people' are thinking;
• Home Rule - This is something that we really fear so the Iowa Legislature has passed bill after bill to throttle local governments from making decisions that impact their citizens. We can not have cities and school boards running amok;
• Labor Unions - Iowa fears the power that working families might enjoy if they were to join and pay union dues. Fair treatment, fair wages and the power to negotiate their working lives. That is far to dangerous for our "Iowa Values" so we pass laws to keep working families begging from the master's table.  

I'm sure we have additional fears and Iowa will be able to come up with legislative solutions to deal with them.

Transgender Sports

Last week Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) surprised even her own party when she announced, on Fox News, that she wanted a Transgender Sports Bill on her desk by the end of the session.  This while every business group in the state is clamoring for more "highly educated and motivated workers".  I was on a press conference conducted by the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa where Keenan Crow from One Iowa spoke about this issue. I invited Keenan for an interview that will air today in the Noon Hour on News/Talk 1540 KXEL.  Here is that conversation and yes, there is a business connection. Click the player to listen. 

IOB 8 May 2021 Keenan Crow

Partly Personal

My brother has been doing some sleuthing into the family tree.  Last week he found an old fountain pen in a box of things long forgotten
that had inscribed on it our grandfather's name. Our grandfather, it is well known, was an avid union member. In the 1920's he was a member of the Industrial Workers of the World, a pretty radical group of folks with major socialist ties.  He then went on to the Congress of Industrial Organizations as an organizer. That is where the story stopped. Until last week. After digging around he learned, for the first time that our grandfather joined and was elected in 1941 as the president of the United Auto Workers Local 184 based in Racine, Wisconsin. HUH? But there it is in print...and we suspect the fountain pen was a gift from the union because there is more. He is listed in the UAW paper as an "staff" to Richard Frankensteen who then headed up the aviation division of the UAW that had successfully organized the Douglas Aircraft Assembly plant in Chicago.  Here is part of the article from December of 1943. Go ahead and click to read.

Like many other things our family never discussed this. Never. In the 1940 Census my grandfather lists his occupation as "Mechanic". What is really odd is that my bet is Frank never turned a wrench in his life. Besides, I'm sure there wasn't room to write "Socialist Union Organizer".  Amazing and I am sure there is more to come as Yoni continues digging. And this clearly gives depth into our own liberal views of the world.

As a final shot, and because it's Mother's Day, an image of our Mother z"l as she visits with the casher at a local Walgreens while digging through her purse for a couple of pennies. Yep, she was "THAT Woman".  You can tell how amused the people standing in line were while she completed her transaction.  Too fun!

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday and Happy Mother's Day!  

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 2 May 2021

Welcome to May. Back in the day "May Day" was a big deal. Nope, not for "May Baskets" but for organized labor. It started on May 1, 1886 when 300,000 workers across the U.S. walked off the job in a show of worker solidarity. It was an organized shutdown. Since then business leaders and politicians have done everything they can to throttle unions.  And, it has worked. That's why the middle class has not seen wages increase since the early 1970's. But the wealthy?  Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee...opinion coming to you each Sunday for...years. 

Keeping You Poor & Stupid

That, my friends, is the goal of the GOP. Do everything you can to keep people in the dark. Cut funding for education or, better yet, tell local school districts what they can and can not teach. Then pass law after law that makes it more difficult to organize a union. Unions that will work on behalf of middle class families for wages and benefits. What you get is throngs of people who are feeling left out but don't have the wisdom to figure out what has happened to them so they just pray for "crumbs from the table" of their masters. It's a really sick society.

I've Got Mine...Screw You

When you live in a society that is "me centric" that is what you get. Oh sure, folks will go to their local house of worship, get some entertainment and maybe even a slice of religion. But then they go back about their business without heading the words of their faith to care for the poor the down trodden. the widow the orphan. "Nah, I got mine, screw you! Lift yourself up by your own bootstraps!" Trouble is many simply don't have...boots. 

It's Time to Pass the PRO Act

Millions of Americans would join a union if they could. Research says some 60 million workers are out there waiting. But over the years policymakers, lobbyists and CEOs have stopped at nothing to keep worker power at bay. They weakened the National Labor Relations Act. They attacked collective bargaining rights. It's a disgrace for the American worker.

But, at long last, we have within our sight the ability to turn things around with the passage of the PRO Act. Protecting the Right to Organize would hold employers accountable and institute civil penalties for violations of the law, including back pay and damages. 

As my friend Charlie Wishman from the AFL/CIO wrote, "The PRO Act would put the decision of whether or not to form a union back where it belongs—in the hands of workers, free from employer interference." I'm in...you?

Building Back Better

The speech on Wednesday evening by President Biden was a master stroke. It was transformational. I have friends on the "Left" who cringed at the thought of listening to Joe as he, in their words, "...would try to sooth us with more of the same middle of the road Pablum". What they got surprised and amazed. The president tied every single issue from climate change to removing lead pipes to...JOBS. In his words, "Good paying union jobs...".

Joe Biden, speaking to the people and not the politicians, scored major points. It wasn't about hand-outs but it was about offering hope and, yes, jobs.  Good paying jobs that would usher in a new era of American prosperity for the working families of this nation. Best of all even the rank and file among Republicans approve. So the best the GOP could do was call it "over-reach" and "socialism". And then trot out Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) who couldn't tell the truth and started out his rebuttal with the words, "Joe Biden seems like a good man..." Seems like? Tim, you couldn't even give this most compassionate of presidents that? He went on to say that Republicans are working hard to make sure Americans can vote even as they gut voting rights in nearly every state.  It was all...lies. Even the "Christian talk" fell flat. Weary...

Take It Back...

Last week Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA), who is working day and night to become more Alabama than Alabama, said Iowa didn't need the $95 million that was to be used for testing and contact tracing among schools because, "Our students are just fine and we're back in school full time." What an idiot. What is difficult to believe is that the press fails to pin her to the wall. As new variants show up and appear to be more contagious to young people this governor simply looks the other way and lies. One has to wonder if she's not back on the bottle. Awful...simply awful.

Meanwhile Those "Trans-People"

Also last week Reynolds said she expects a "Transgender Bill" on her desk before the session ends. What she is saying is that, just like Arkansas, she would make it a state crime for a trans-person to participate in sports according to his/her self gender identification. Expect the lemmings under the Golden Dome to act with haste even though their daily cash payments ended last week. Gotta do whatever we can to protect the Iowa way of life.  And, all of this goes on while the Iowa Business Council, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry begs for more people to come to Iowa because they need workers.  Good luck. (Image - Brian Duffy)

Partly Personal

It's been a tough week. Our little Tinker has been going downhill for a couple of weeks. Over the past two months we've tried everything from traditional vet care to acupuncture to water therapy, to physical therapy to adding more calories to her diet, more vitamins...but nothing worked. So we made the decision to end her suffering. Thursday was awful and, to be truthful, I wasn't able to do much in the way of "work".  Friday was better but the sadness remains.  Those of you who have gone through that know exactly what I'm saying. We go into becoming a "pet parent" with the full knowledge it is not a "forever" deal.  And, that sucks. So very grateful to the staff at Avondale Pet Hospital for all they did and their kindness this past week. When you see your vet shed a tear...

It was a remarkable day. Last week I put on a pair of "real" pants complete with a belt and "real" shoes. It was such a momentous event that Georgie did a double take and asked if she could take a photo. The photo also shows something that I swore I would never do and that is to wear brown/tan shoes with blue pants. While I still think it is unholy in the true sense of the 1975 book, "Dress for Success" by John T. Malloy I caved. 

I shouldn't have because it was a dark omen. I went to Von Maur, dressed like a real person, and learned that they no longer carry Agua di Geo men's cologne. It seems Lancôme pulled their products from many department stores. (Pandemic, no doubt)  Then it was on to Principal Park to pick up my Iowa Cubs "Season Opener" shirt. But the merch place was closed.  So, dressed in blue and tan, I went 0 for 2.  It's a sign...

Thanks for reading...have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 25 April 2021

Welcome back and glad you're here. I've only got about a hour to get this out. My Bride is camping so I get all of the farm chores. Today in Sunday Morning Coffee there are so many questions and the answers, it would seem, may be the same.  Those damn Republicans. Let's go!

Val Demings

Last week I was on Clubhouse (an amazing platform by the way) for a session of what is called "News, News, News". It's where a couple of hundred people are on the call and the moderator asks for somebody in the room to call out a news headline and then it is discussed for, like, sixty seconds. As you can imagine...it moves pretty fast. One of the headlines was, "Congresswomen Val Demings (D-FL) is said to be eyeing a statewide office." So we launched into the discussion: Would it be against Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) or Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)? The pundits on the call leaned toward Rubio citing the current senate makeup and her time in congress. I like that link. Demings has had experience in education and she was the police chief for Orlando before going to congress. And, if you remember she was one of the folks vetted by President Biden to serve as Vice President.  Her tiff a week ago with Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) made national news too.  Hmmm.... (Image: US News)

Vice President Harris

By now y'all know that I was a Biden supporter during the primary. That decision was made based on some personal experiences as well as the urging of my friend, former governor and now Secretary of Agriculture (again) Tom Vilsack. During that primary campaign I went to a number of events that featured then Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) and I was so impressed with her raw passion and her ability to connect. So when she was chosen by President Biden to become the Vice President...that was a good thing...for me.  And, it is turning out to be a very good thing for the nation.

It's being reported that as the verdict in the Derek Chauvin was being read that Biden and Harris were together (as they often are) and it has been reported there was a visible sense of relief when the three guilty verdicts came in. Then the president and vice president went to the Oval Office to call the Floyd family. It was then, where Vice President Harris's words of comfort and understanding of the situation, shined like no other Vice President before could have done. She spoke as a person of color who knew, exactly, what the family was feeling and what millions of others face each day. It was a moment.  (Image: 3 July 2019 Media Scrum West Des Moines, Iowa)

Voter Suppression

Isn't it odd what is going on in Arizona as the Cyber Ninjas, selected by the Arizona GOP to "audit" the 2020 ballots, do their work. Mind you the Florida company is headed by Doug Logan a supporter of "45" who has repeated all manner of conspiracy theories about the election and was an advocate of the "Stop the Steal" movement. The Arizona Democrats, on Thursday, filed suit to stop the sham and on Friday, Judge Christopher Coury of the Maricopa County Superior Court granted their request for a pause until evidence can be presented at an 11:00 a.m. local time hearing on Monday. (Image: Crunchbase)

Mind you this "audit" has no legal ramifications. Joe Biden still won Arizona. It is being done, I believe, as a test case to see just how far these Republicans can go to make sure your vote is tainted. It's that simple.

Meanwhile in Iowa

Looks like Secretary of State Paul Pate (R-IA) has broken the recent voter suppression law here by marking perhaps thousands of voters "inactive" because they failed to vote in the November 2020 election.  Linn County Auditor Joel Miller found that Pate had been tossing voters from active to inactive when the law that was passed did not consider the 2020 election but elections in the future. I swear these Republicans will do anything to make sure you don't vote.  It's a big story and one that you won't find anywhere other than Bleeding Heartland.  So...read it. 

Nah, Keep 'Em...

It seems that thousands of Iowans are getting their wish. They don't want to get the vaccine so the state, late last week, informed the Feds that they didn't have to ship some 21,000 doses into the Hawkeye State. Nice. Thank you for being idiots. Thank you for not giving a damn about your fellow citizens. Thank you for making sure our economy tanks.  And, thank you Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) for making this a political football so your base continues to follow you.  Sure, on Thursday she opined to Iowans, "So, what are you waiting for?"  Strong words governor.  You are so...strong.

Partly Personal

Sorry this is so short this morning. "Farm Duty" here as my Bride decided to leave town and go...camping. Camping...in a tent. Outside. In the woods. Camping. She said, before leaving on this latest round of pioneering, "So, why don't you go with me?"  Me in a tent in the woods?  Nope ain't gonna do it. As I've said many times before, "My people camped for 40 years in the wilderness. We've had enough of camping thank you very much."  But she is having a great time...so there is that. Meanwhile our granddaughter was here, baked me a cake and cleaned the Cowboy Room and the Kitchen...spotless. Wondering if "G" might consider staying in the woods for an extended period of time. I've got Jovie.

Finally, did you know you do not have to refrigerate butter? No, really. I had no idea until last week when I read this. To be honest, I should have known. When I was a kid we always had butter on the table in a round dish with a cover (I have searched and searched for that dish here but...no luck...and had to go buy one.) And on the farm, where we made our own butter, we had it sitting out but not as long because it was not pasteurized.  My brother makes bread each week and I put a schmeer on a piece and WOW!  Restaurant quality my friends!  But, remember it's got to be real butter and not margarine.  You are welcome!

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 18 April 2021

Grab a cup of Sunday Morning Coffee brewed up fresh each week as I share the political stories you may have seen, or missed, all laced with my commentary. You are welcome let the games begin!

Frustration

Last week I was reading a story about how frustrated the Republicans are because they can't seem to find the right message that will get Americans to loath President Joe Biden.  "Nothing sticks", said one prominent GOP senator. "I don't think sometimes our messaging is as sharp as it should be because a lot of the things they're doing are things that are popular—when you’re spending money, you’re popular." Said Sen John Thune (R-SD). No, senator, the issue is that you and your minions have nothing when it comes to policy. You're policy is the be against...everything. You don't want people to vote. You don't want to fix infrastructure that is broken, or in the case of broadband, nonresistant. You don't want to improve the economy. You don't think Black lives matter. You detest immigration. You don't believe women are capable of making decisions...about themselves. You don't think there are way too many guns available and too easy to get. You don't think granting asylum is something important for humanity. You don't think it's important to tackle climate change and you don't think President Biden...won the 2020 election. 

America has "moved on" while you in the Republican Party have nothing but..."No!".

And...Fear

One of the things Republicans are good at is stoking fear. Be afraid of...everything. Be afraid of those "brown people" they are coming to take your job. Be afraid of those "black people" they are mean and angry. Be afraid of people who vote. Be afraid that "they are coming to get your guns".  Be afraid...just be scared...is not policy Sen. Thune and we know that.

Did I Mention...

Last week CNBC reported that Joe Biden begins his presidency having achieved out of the gate what his predecessor could only do once during his four years: a positive approval rating.

The CNBC All-America Economic Survey finds that 47% of the public approves of Biden's handling of the presidency, with 41% disapproving. A substantial 12% say they are not sure. (Wouldn't you love to meet one of those folks? "Gosh the economy is booming, people are going back to work, there is a functioning government with able people in charge. I just ain't sure about that...") Weary.

The former president managed to get above the breakeven level just once in the survey, in March 2020.

Key to Biden's support is a 62% approval rating for his handling of the coronavirus. A 46% plurality approve of his handling of the economy with 41% disapproving.  So there is...that.

Watch That Waistline!

The big news out of Mar-a-Lago last week was that "45" is starting to trim down a bit. Perhaps passing on the fourth or fifth cheeseburger and opting for celery?  This does not bode well for folks like Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) or Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) who see themselves as the contender to take on President Biden in 2024. The report is that "45" is eyeing his return to the campaign on behalf of himself.  It's gonna be hard to out crazy...crazy especially if he is the new "slim and trim" nut case.  Right?

Git Yer Gun!

Meanwhile in Texas legislators there have passed a bill that does not require a permit to get a gun. It's the same measure that failed to pass the Texas House in 2015 and in 2017 but the wacky gun lobby has won a big victory and the bill now goes to the Texas Senate. And, yes even some Democrats (seven) voted for the "constitutional carry" bill.

They are a bit behind Iowa where a similar bill was signed into law. Never mind that people are killing people in astonishing numbers. Hell, it's easier to "git a gun" than it is to...vote. More on that below. My brother is highly skilled in firearms. In fact his training exceeds that of even the Marines. He has a permit to carry and does especially now that so many nut cases have permission to run around armed. Just what we need Gov. Reynolds (R-IA). Of course my brother is white and so is about 96% of Iowa so...nothing to fear.

Indianapolis

Eight people were gunned down there last week. Eight people, with families, shot to death by a white guy with, what I understand, was not one but TWO "assault rifles". The 19 year-old hate monger purchased them legally last summer even after the Indianapolis police and the FBI issued warnings about his mental health.  They even made a home visit and confiscating a shotgun when his mother called police to say her son had "suicidal tendencies".  Failure is, it seems, an option when it comes to protecting the lives of Americans. Among the dead are four members of the Sikh faith. People who fled India because of persecutions there only to be murdered. It should be noted that, according to news sources, 70% of the employees at the FedEx establishment where the murders took place are Sikh.

Searching, Searching...

I was on a call last week listening to State Senator Sarah Trone-Garriott (D-Windsor Heights) talk about stuff going on with the Iowa legislature. Of particular importance, to me and many others, is the new law that restricts voting in Iowa. Perhaps you didn't know that that bill just "showed up" in the Iowa Senate and was passed by both chambers and on the governor's desk in a scant seven days. That's what happens when one party controls the legislature and Terrace Hill. It's an awful law that, sadly, many Iowans know nothing about mostly because they don't care or they figure the "Big Lie" is accurate. "Oh my! We must make sure voting is safe and secure so let's make it harder to vote!"  So I had to ask my senator what was the rational for the bill and the, now, new law. "They really didn't have much to say about that." So, there you have it. No rational just in search of a cure to a problem that does not exist.  Well, it does, only in the minds of those who believe the "Big Lie". Weary...

Partly Personal

Thank you for the many warm wishes. I celebrated a birthday last Sunday and it was a good day.  Thanks for the kind words...even from those who are not, often, too kind.

Last week was also Yom Ha' Atzmaut or Independence Day for the State of Israel.  As is my new custom the U.S. flag that flies in front of our home (correctly by the way with a light on it for after dark) is replaced the the Israeli flag on Jewish holidays.  Just a heads up for my neighbors who are, often, confused as to what day it is and why that flag is flying. Israel is now 73 years young.

Finally, I received my second dose of COVID19 vaccine last week. In the runup to the event I had been on the phone with dozens and dozens of my friends and co-workers who had already been "jabbed" twice. The vast majority reported very little when it came to side affects.  There were a couple who reported fatigue, which is what my Bride experienced after her second dose. And, to be honest, there were a couple of people who said they spent the day after their second shot in bed with headache and a bit of a fever.  So, I was expecting...well, I didn't quite know...but I was a bit anxious.  Turns out...nothing. My arm was a bit sore for a couple of hours and I was a little tired the next day but powered through with my work.  Now, maybe, I'll soon be able to hug my grandchildren and go out to dinner with my Bride to celebrate our anniversary.  Perhaps...

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 11 April 2021

Welcome back! If you missed SMC over the past two Sundays it was because both were during Passover. The first two days and the last two days of the holiday week are considered highly important and so...no SMC.  By the way we're now counting the Omer, the 49 days between the final day of Passover and the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai.  See what you learn here?

The Lie Continues

Last night at a gathering of Republicans at Mar-a-Lago the former president was in top form as he continued to lie about the election, throw shots at Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and even said some nasty things about McConnell's wife Elaine Chow, who served as the Secretary of Transportation during 45's one-term administration.

Of course he continued to say he actually won in Georgia and in Pennsylvania and blamed everybody, other than himself, for the loss. And, from news accounts, those in attendance (high ranking senators from the GOP) ate it up.  The National Republican Party paid $100,000 for the use of the resort. That after the former, twice impeached, president sent the party a cease and desist letter banning the RNC from using his name or image on any fund raising. Masochists I guess?

Speaking of Raising Funds

It was nice that the former president paid back millions of dollars to supporters who were tricked into taking their one-time donation and turning it into a recurring donation and even increasing the amount each month.  He did it by using a "Mob Boss" tactic of intimidation which so fits his style. What an awful man.

Meanwhile

Yesterday there were 4.6 million COVID19 vaccinations given. A new record. But, and this is a big BUT, infections continue to rise.  In seven days the U.S. totaled 68,000 new cases and it is particularly alarming in Michigan and Minnesota where scores of young people are now being admitted to hospitals.  You might ask "Why?".  People say they are tired of wearing masks. They whine that social distancing is too hard. They want to be with their friends. They want to be normal.

Yeah, and Darwin will handle the rest.  Idiots.

"Guns Will Make You Safe!"

We hear that all the time. And as Americans long for some sense of "normal" we're back to killing each other at a rapid pace...which, when you think of it, is normal for the U.S. Meanwhile states like Iowa will soon allow you to carry without a license and gun sales between friends and relatives no longer need a background check. Meanwhile President Biden is trying to do something about it by issuing several executive orders. However, and you know this is true, those orders will be challenged and ignored as Americans hold on to their precious Second Amendment while trampling on the rights of others.

I'm reminded of other words written above the entrance of Auschwitz, "Work will make you free."  Another lie.

Christian Compassion

Last week Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) said at her press conference that Iowa has no room for any of the migrant children who are being detained at our southern border.  She then added it was not Iowa's problem it was, "The president's problem." How very thoughtful and Christian like.  Pastor Mike Householder is the guy behind the mega Lutheran Church of Hope where, it is reported, the Governor attends. Nice work Mike...doing a hell of a job there.  Weary....

Voting Rights

Last week television sports guy Keith Murphy wrote on his Facebook Page this factual message. "Major League Baseball will move the All Star Game and the 2021 Draft out of Georgia because of the voter bill signed into law." He simply wrote the facts as an solid reporter should do.  Oh but the comments from others....  It would seem to me that the vast majority of people who were commenting had no idea of what is going on in Georgia...and for that matter here in Iowa. "What's the big deal?" "Ya gotta have ID to drive a car." "Shortening voting by a couple of days....get real!" They have no idea...none. The real issue is that Republicans do not want you to vote and they will do anything in their power to make it more difficult. And they are using "The Big Lie" that their "Dear Leader" lost in 2020 because the vote was rigged.  No proof mind you it's just easier to deny you the right to vote. Words, "Work will make you free." just another lie.

Black Lives Matter

Well, not so much it would seem.  When demonstrators come to the Iowa State Capitol and interact with the State Police, asking for names and badge numbers, they are thrown to the ground, handcuffed and sent to jail. That is the reality here. Meanwhile the racist media and their enablers refer to the demonstration as an attack at the Iowa Capitol..."an insurrection" where police were "mobbed by protestors". While at the same time saying the folks who showed up at the U.S. Capitol on the 6th of January were peaceful, law abiding people.  

The difference is that people died as a result of that angry, out of control mob in D.C.  But, at least they were...white. So they get a pass. Face it, black people are just too scary. That's why police profile them. That is why cops follow them when the cop decides this black man shouldn't be driving in a white neighborhood. It happens all the time and it happens to my friends.  None of us are truly free until we are all free.  Anything else is simply bullshit.

Partly Personal

For two weeks I didn't write Sunday Morning Coffee and I got calls and messages asking if I was OK.  Thank you for that...and I did feel a bit guilty.  But, that is the Jew in me....or the Catholic in me (well, that's not accurate but we do share that guilt thing).

Today my Bride gave me the most beautiful birthday card. No, really...and I cried. It was that powerful

Oh, and I get my second shot this week.  So there is that.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday.