SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 13 March 2022

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

Ukraine

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

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

Mother Russia

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

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

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

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

Time To Move?

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

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

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

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

See what happens when you fail to fund public education?

The Business Impact

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

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

Partly Personal

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

 

Thanks for reading...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 6 March 2022

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

Ukraine

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

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

State of the Union

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

Gas Rationing

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

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

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

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

Good News for Deidre DeJear

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

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

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

Admiral Mike Franken

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

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

Partly Personal

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

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

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

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

Sunday Morning Coffee 30 January 2022

Welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee politics, opinion and a slice of religion just to keep it interesting. Here is something to chew on. "The U.S. spent $5.8 trillion on a 20 year war in Afghanistan. In the end the same Taliban that we ousted in 2001 now control that nation. Meanwhile America has spent $0 on reparations to the descendants of the enslaved Africans held in bondage for 246 years and who built this nation." - Bishop Talbert Swan.  Let's go!

The Threat

While you were doing something else the former president known as "45" was in Texas at a rally where he said that there should be violent protests if he is found guilty of wrongdoing and that, if reelected, he would pardon the protesters and all of those responsible for the 1/6 insurrection. He must be feeling the heat and well he should. What a stain this man is on our nation.

Meanwhile in Honduras

Vice President Harris got back to Central America for the inauguration of Xiomara Castro who was sworn in as Honduras' first woman president in front of a cheering crowd who also cheered the Vice President as she entered the stadium. Harris pledged U.S. government support to stem migration and fight corruption.

Castro, flanked by her husband, former President Manuel Zelaya, was sworn in at a packed soccer stadium where supporters applauded her vows to fix the country's massive debt burden.

Castro, who describes herself as a democratic socialist, has vowed to tackle corruption, poverty and violence, chronic problems that have fueled U.S.-bound migrants. (Photo: New York Times)

Let's Talk Economics

Don't leave just because I wrote the word..."economics" because there is something really odd going on in the U.S. right now.  The U.S. economy is growing, the GDP is hitting highs we’ve not seen in decades, unemployment claims have started to tumble, homeowners are seeing the values of their homes skyrocket, workers have the upper hand when it comes to jobs and pay…yet U.S. consumers are NOT happy.

What’s going on?

CNN is reporting that even with all the good news about the economy consumers are worn out, tired and grumpy as we enter year three of COVID-19.

We’re still managing the risks of going out to eat, attending your house of worship…sending kids to school…it is a drain on the emotions.

Couple that with higher prices…a supply chain problem and you start to get a picture of why people are…not happy.

Consider this…

Every positive headline has a downside to match.

-- Yes, the economy is the strongest in 40 years, but so is inflation.

-- In the red-hot housing market, rents rose more than 10% last year, five times faster than the year before.

-- Wages are up, but so are bills. Moody's Analytics estimates the typical family is paying $200 more a month to buy the same goods they did two years ago.

Curiously, Americans complain about inflation, but the higher prices have not hurt their spending just yet. Many CEOs on earnings calls report strong customer demand, even after price hikes.  And…that GDP number of 6.9% growth in the 4^th quarter of last year??  Two thirds of the GDP is from…consumer spending.  Read that last sentence again...  Odd…friends…odd.

Confusion

There is some confusion in the U.S. Senate Race here in Iowa. Last week I received an email from a friend who spent time in the Iowa State Senate. (I share that because my friend remains very connected to the political world.) In that note to me he said, "I thought the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) was staying out of the Iowa race prior to the primary. What's going on?" He sent along what looked to be a funding request sent by the DSCC but if you dig a bit deeper you see that it came not from the DSCC but from Finkenauer campaign. THAT then caused some to speculate that the folks in Cedar Rapids were playing loose with their emails and the Franken campaign got on the phone to ask....what the heck? 

Another friend made the comment that one might think there was only one candidate running against Grassley if you watched any MSNBC because it seems they are fixated on Finkenauer while ignoring the other candidates Dr. Glen Hurst and Admiral Mike Franken. Hmmmm.

What a Scoop!!!

On Friday veteran Des Moines Register Reporter, Donnelle Eller had a story about water trails and funding. In the first paragraph she writes, "A central Iowa water trails group's efforts to build a $125 million recreational mecca for kayaking, fishing and surfing got a big boost Friday as Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the state would provide up to $15 million for the project."

Isn't that nice?  The Governor is into water stuff! One would think she swooped in and personally took a chunk of cash out of the budget to send off for water recreation. But then we get to the last paragraph and in particular the last sentence: "Reynolds made the water quality and infrastructure announcements in Sioux Center. The money comes from Iowa's share of the federal American Rescue Plan."

Wait! What? The American Rescue Plan? The Joe Biden American Rescue Plan? The Democratic American Rescue Plan? Yeah...that. Weary.

Where is J.D.?

Last week my friend J.D. Scholten quit his job with Vote Rural a political action committee that pushed a Democratic message to rural voters. In a cryptic sign-off J.D. wrote something about not being able to work for a PAC as he began another adventure. THAT got heads spinning and there was conjecture that J.D. might swoop in and save the top of the Iowa ticket and run for Governor. I dunno...just reporting. Meanwhile a group called The American Economics Liberties Project lists J.D. as a "Senior Advisor". Don't you love Iowa Politics?  Anybody???

The Iowa Caucus

It is my understanding that today the Iowa Democratic State Central Committee is meeting to chat about the upcoming caucus scheduled for February 7. If you've paid attention to the national news the Democratic Central Committee (DCC) is all about ending the caucus system and more than one news outlet returns to the tired story about the Iowa Caucus in 2020 not being able to report correct numbers. Forgetting the fact that Iowa was told by the DCC to use a system that...didn't work.

Anyway, it's said that the meeting today will be about allowing a virtual caucus. Several counties have looked at the science and said they will buck the state party and hold their caucuses in a virtual format. With the COVID-19 positivity rate hitting 34% in Polk County I'm all in on a virtual event. We shall see if the party that believes in science will now trust it.  Stay tuned.

Partly Personal

Last week I was in Kansas City on an assignment and I'm still not unpacked. When you take a truck load of audio gear out of town...it takes awhile to get back to "normal".

Meanwhile, yesterday I spent a couple of hours at a Windsor Heights coffee shop, Grounds for Celebration for something we've dubbed "Coffee with Council". It's where my fellow city councilors rotate into the coffee shop between 9AM and 11AM to chat with residents and business people about Windsor Heights. I can report back to you that 1) The coffee was wonderful; 2) The breakfast veggie sandwich was delicious and 3) I didn't have any takers.  My bride, who made this great looking sign for me, suggested that I dress down a bit. No slacks and sweater but go more casual so folks feel comfortable to approach me. Great...my new "brand" jeans and flannel...the Paul Bunyan Look. 

That's a wrap...thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

Sunday Morning Coffee 26 December 2021

No, this isn't the "Christmas Edition" that was yesterday. Hey, thanks for clicking through for a bit of politics and opinion laced with a smattering of religion just to keep it all interesting. Sunday Morning Coffee is now served and when are you gonna take down those lights? But, seriously...I hope you had a truly meaningful Christmas.  Oh, one other thing: If you remember last week you just got half-a-cup. This week you're going to get a full pot.  Let's go! 

Human President

This was the first Christmas with President Biden and what a refreshing holiday it was now that we have a human as president. The lead up to the holiday wasn't all about him but about us. The White House Christmas airing was masterfully done but more than anything it was about compassion. Yep, it's pretty neat to have a human as president and First Lady again.

Then there was this bit that was so very cool: During a White House NORAD Santa-tracking call, a MAGA father says “Let’s go Brandon” to the president, code for “F*ck Joe Biden.” Without missing a beat, Biden jokes “Let’s go Brandon, I agree.” Refreshing that we have a president that is so secure rather than thin-skinned like "45". Ya gotta love it. (Photo: Yahoo News)

Meanwhile

Over at the Supreme Court the former president is taking his cover-up case to his hand-picked court to block congress from getting to his communication about the insurrection. So far the lower courts have sided with our human president and said there is no "presidential privilege". So, you've got to know this crook has something to hide but it won't stay hidden forever. Also, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) it's time to come clean. I realize that will be difficult for you. "Clean" is not a word you are accustomed to utter. 

Desmond Tutu

Back to humans. The cleric that stood in opposition to apartheid in South Africa has died. He was 90.  He was the Bishop of Johannesburg from 1985 to 1986 and then the Archbishop of Cape Town from 1986 to 1996, in both cases being the first black African to hold the position. Looking up to real hero's is something we can all do. (Photo: The Guardian)

Build Back Better

My friends in the GOP got what they wanted for Christmas. No passage of the proposal that would massively and positively impact the working stiffs of this nation. It's really something when people campaign against kids, education, health care, jobs, rural development, urban development and a host of programs that would create real wealth for the Middle Class. Even the mine workers in West Virginia came out to implore their senator to get on board. But to no avail. Massive tax cuts for the wealthy get a pass but taking care of people? Nah, it's just not what moves Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV). That a senator who represents just 1.7 million people holds up what millions of people in the rest of the nation are crying out for just does not make sense. And...just so you know the population of West Virginia has dwindled by over 5,000 people in the past year. 

Iowa

Well now...let's consider Iowa. You know, the state that has been run by Republicans for years.  Economist Dave Swenson from Iowa State University posted this bit of news last week: "IA had a mere 233 more births than deaths last year. 89% of population growth was driven by migration, the bulk of which was international migration." And then posted the details in this photo from U.S. Census documents. Go ahead and click on it...to enlarge.

If you dig a bit deeper you'll find that 80 percent of the growth is happening in the state's four largest counties — while 68 counties posted population losses. That means your GOP leaders are squeezing you to death. Now you have to drive further for medical care as rural hospitals shut down services. Schools must do even more consolidation to stay in business. Longer bus rides, less time with family. It's awful and it's about to get worse.

Des Moines Register

I realize that many of you do not get the Des Moines Register and if you do you might have been more tempted by the Christmas ads than what was written recently by Sen. Joe Bolkcom (D- Iowa City). So, giving him and the Register credit read...this complete with links. (Photo: The Daily Iowan)

Are rural Iowa communities better off today then they were 5 years ago?

Iowa Republicans' tax and economic policies have hollowed out Iowa’s small communities and rural landscape. Their big-business approach to every problem has resulted in everything getting bigger: worker shortages, farms, packing plants, chemical and fertilizer companies, tractors, consolidated schools, convenience store chains, food and child care deserts, water quality problems, floods, wind storms, COVID-19 deaths, and agricultural subsidy payments.   

The global corporations that have bankrolled their campaigns have sucked the money and jobs out of small towns and turned Iowa farmland into an expensive out-of-state investment. The “run government like a business,” “tax cut” party has made it much harder for rural Iowans and farmers to live and prosper.

The new 2020 census data highlights the problem. Sixty-eight rural counties continued to lose population over the past decade.

Since Republicans control state government and represent virtually all rural Iowans, they have had a front-row seat to rural decline. They have failed to adequately support their local schools and health care workers and services, the backbone of life in every community.

Gov. Kim Reynolds and legislative Republicans created teacher shortages in rural communities by habitually underfunding local schools and gutting collective bargaining and stable good jobs for educators, state, city and county public servants in every school district, city and town in all 99 counties. Plans to send public money to private schools will only make the teacher shortage worse and consolidate more rural public schools. 

Reynolds and legislators hurt rural health care jobs and hospitals when they turned the management of Iowa’s $6.2 billion Medicaid program over to large out-of-state insurance companies. Medicaid privatization, another corporate-get-rich scheme, has not saved money or made people healthier. That sucking sound is the tens of millions dollars annually (that used to provide good jobs for people taking care of Iowans with mental health and medical problems) funneled to fat-cat CEOs and shareholders. 

Climate change is a major threat to all of us and has really hurt Iowa rural communities and farmers. Virtually every county in Iowa has had multiple floods or droughts or extreme weather disasters resulting in more than 1,000 presidential disaster declarations in the past 30 years. Iowans have suffered billions in damages to homes, businesses and farms. Reynolds and legislative Republicans have made things worse by denying and delaying action. 

Just recently, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra, Ashley Hinson and Mariannette Miller-Meeks all voted against rural Iowa communities and farmers when they voted "no" on generational funding for rural internet, roads, bridges and water systems. Democrats passed the infrastructure bill that will bring blue-state money to fix our dilapidated red-state infrastructure. What are they thinking?

Reynolds and legislative Republicans have controlled all of Iowa government for the past five years. Every decision. Are rural communities better off today than they were five years ago? More consolidated schools? Longer bus rides? More closed businesses? More low wage jobs? Poor internet services? Population decline? More COVID deaths? More anger. Massive tax cuts for Des Moines millionaires and big corporations time and time again have only made things worse for the average rural Iowan.  

If their policies were working, why are they not telling rural Iowans how great they have it? Instead, they peddle rage, grievance and victimhood to Iowans with racial fear, anti-immigrant, anti-government slogans and constant name-calling.  

In 2022, Kim Reynolds and legislative Republicans are proposing more tax cuts and more rural austerity. Tax cuts have failed to grow jobs or quality of life in rural Iowa. Tax cuts will not educate our kids or keep them from leaving, create higher wage jobs, solve the teacher or workforce shortage, create more health care services for rural Iowans, improve internet services or clean up our filthy rivers and lakes.

How much longer will Iowans tolerate Republicans' rhetoric and record of failure? 

We must rescue this state and it starts by defeating these people...we've got work to do friends.

Partly Personal

Last week I went to church. It's not something I'm fond of doing especially when "church" is one of these new types that is heavy on entertainment and light on critical thinking. But, I'll admit it was quite the show complete with a rockin' band, video, a light show...it was a great production.

Yes, there was preaching. Oh...my. The engaging young preacher was able to mix religion, politics and health care in his twenty minute speech. There was the oblique denial of COVID and vaccinations and face coverings. (Of the 175 people there I saw five or six people with masks.) But what really struck me was his constant demand that we've got to have "more Jesus" in our lives. "When you have more Jesus all the darkness of the world will be conquered by His light" was the over-arching theme. He, and his congregation, really, really want "more Jesus" in the public schools. Jesus...not teachers I guess.

But, which Jesus?

The Jesus that cared for widows and orphans and the downtrodden? The Jesus that knew nothing of the faith we, today, say is Christian? The Jesus that pointed to the Torah for truth? The Jesus that demanded religion and state be separate?

Or is it the Jesus that sees science as evil? The Jesus that believes paying low wages is essential for corporate profit? The Jesus that preaches prosperity over equality? The Jesus that sees sin in who you love? The Jesus that demands more births but then abandons the children once born?

I listened to every word that this gifted preacher said and I came away from that experience with a better understanding of how out of touch with reality so many people are.  And, it's pretty scary.

We have work to do....

Have a great Sunday and thanks for reading! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 21 November 2021

Chilly day in Central Iowa so it's time for some hot Sunday Morning Coffee! Politics and opinion with a dash of religion to make it all interesting. Thanks for coming by!  Let's go!

Open Carry

It was interesting how the defense attorney for Karl Rittenhouse played the jury. Oh, no, wait. That was the judge the "other" defense attorney for Rittenhouse. What the decision says is that open carry at a protest wrought with unrest is lawful and if you want to exercise your Second Amendment rights go for it. And, if somebody objects just shoot to kill. It's no wonder other nations look at the U.S. and shake their heads.  However that rule is only for white folk vigilantes who wish to engage demonstrators with deadly force. You people of color...don't be pickin' up them arms you is likely to be killed first and questions be asked later. Questions like, "What the hell did that boy think bringin' a gun to our insurrection? Well, we ain't gonna know 'cause the somofbitch is dead." Welcome to America....

Meanwhile in Georgia

The trial against the three white men who ran down Ahmaud Aubrey and killed him with a shotgun blast while he was jogging in his neighborhood mirrors what happened in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It's yet another case of white folks going hunting. That is bad enough but when, in jury selection, perspective jurors were asked if they supported Black Lives Matter or thought the Confederate Flag was a racist symbol. Well, you get a panel of eleven white folks and one African-American. "See we're fair down here in Georgia!" Oh, and please we need "more bubbas" and "less black pastors in the courtroom" says the defense attorney.  Welcome to America...Part Two.

Roads, Bridges and Economics

It's comforting to know that the three Republicans representing Iowa in congress voted against fixing our dealbated bridges. After all, we need that money for tax breaks for the rich. Same goes for roads, "Roads? No this is a giant government take over of our fair system of states rights." Where have we heard that before?  And, as for delivering broadband to rural parts of Iowa the Republicans, Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Ashley Hinton (R-IA) think it's better to keep Iowa out of the economic opportunities broadband represents. They, it would seem, long for a time when the roads were dirt and the bridges were covered and that pesky internet stuff didn't exist. Back when America was...great.

The Insurrection 

What insurrection? To give you a glimpse at how far Iowa has slid into the abyss allow me to bring you some of the results from the latest Iowa Poll that was published in the Des Moines Register this morning. I'm doing this for you because I know you don't read the Des Moines Register...hardly anybody does. But, I digress.

The headlines reads, "Half of Iowan's say Jan. 6 riot at U.S. Capitol was 'an insurrection and a threat to democracy". That would indicate that about half of Iowans either don't care or they think it's just fine to storm the capital and kill folks. Sobering?  It gets worse.

Twenty-two percent said it was, "...an unfortunate event, but it is in the past and we should move on". Eighteen percent of Iowan's believe it was a "political protest protected by the First Amendment". Another nine percent of Iowan's don't know what to think. So, let's do the math kids.  (Remember when Iowa had math?) That would be 49% of the people surveyed are pretty much OK with what happened when a bunch of folks where whipped into a frenzy by Republicans to subvert the free and open election of the President of the United States.

But...it gets better...or worse...if you will.

From the Des Moines Register: Kevin Butters, a 57-year-old poll respondent from Ankeny, is among the Republicans who say the events of Jan. 6 were protected political protest. He concedes that people probably should not have entered the Capitol that day, but he questions who exactly the intruders were. “I want to know who those people are, that were breaking in,” he said. “It could be BLM. It could be antifa. I don’t know who it is. … I don’t think they were (Trump supporters), but I don’t know that.”

Right...those hysteric people carrying flags with the name of the 45th president were from BLM.

Not to worry kids...our educational system is in great hands.  Let's move on.

Ban the Books!

As long as we're talking about education, or what is left of it in Iowa, let us turn our attention to the rantings of one state senator by the name of Jake Chapman (R-Adel).  Adel, by the way, is best known for its sweet corn feed than its ability to elect competent government officials. Jake was at a Johnston School Board Meeting. Remember, Chapman is from Adel about 27 miles away but Johnston is now fertile ground for "silly talk" given the recent school board elections there. (Photo: Des Moines Register)

Anyway Chapman says he thinks books that raise serious questions about racial division in the United States are obscene and that there should be penalties for teachers who distribute this information. Meanwhile other folks are wringing their hands over books that contain stories about LGBTQ children and parents. They too must be banned from the school library.  Chapman says his next stop with his "Ban the Book Bus" will be Waukee.  

While Iowa is banning books and throwing teachers in jail we might want to break out the "brown-shirts" and have us a good old book burning.

Partly Personal

It's Thanksgiving Week and Polk County, Iowa is trending at an 8% positivity rate for COVID-19. Should make for a nice family gathering with folks that are unvaccinated.

Meanwhile, I was in Mason City this past Sabbath for my work with the Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa. Two interesting things from that adventure: 

We had a really nice group of people visit the synagogue from a nearby church. Kids and adults sat through the Friday evening service and got a quick overview of what Jews do and believe. I honestly love having folks come to learn and I recently taught a five week class for the North Iowa Area Community College on "Judaism - Faith & Culture" I've been doing things like this for over 35 years or more. Anyway one of the adults asked me this, "Do Jews celebrate Thanksgiving?" I was a bit taken back. My simple answer was, "Well, yes I believe that most Jews in America do celebrate Thanksgiving because it is an American holiday. They unlikely celebrate Thanksgiving in France or Israel."  Another person wanted to know why there were no crosses in the sanctuary but there was a Star of David. That too was pretty easy.

The second thing that happened is scary. On the Sabbath (Shabbat or Saturday) we hold a two hour study of the Torah Portion of the week. We've been doing this for years and the people who come consist of Jews and non-Jews. It's a non-threating environment designed to allow people to learn and share their experiences and to point to how the bible impacts our lives today. We were about twenty minutes into the class when a woman joined us who is an outspoken anti-vaxxer in the community. The Board of Adas Israel has said that only those who are vaccinated may come to the study.  I asked the woman if she was vaccinated and she said, "No I am not." I shared with her the Board's rule and she stood up and said, "I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will protect me from everything and I do not need a vaccine in my body."

OK...

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday...and may you have a safe and meaningful Thanksgiving. 

Sunday Morning Coffee 14 November 2021

There's a cold wind blowing...a perfect morning to read a bit of commentary and opinion sure to make you a bit "hot under the collar". Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee! Let's go!

John Deere

They are still on the picket line and the company has sent its "third and final" offer to the UAW workers who have been out on strike since 14 October. The most recent contact was turned down by 55% of the union members on November 2nd. That's pretty close and I hope they stay out on strike. Want to know why? Because the company is offering squat and the latest offer is worse than you might imagine. 

From the Des Moines Register this is the "tweak" offered to the workers: "Under the plan, known internally as CIPP, Deere assigns workers at its factories to teams. The company gives those teams performance targets. If teams hit 115% of their goal, those workers receive a 15% pay increase for the week." 

It's called pay for performance I guess. However why not share the wealth Deere?  Make John Deere a place where people really want to work and love it there.  I suspect the folks that run Deere love it there.  Why?  Well, when you lump the compensation of the four top executives at John Deere they make in excess of $31 million dollars. FOUR PEOPLE make in EXCESS of $31 MILLION DOLLARS. (Image: CNN)

And Deere wants its workers to produce 115% of some goal...like 100% isn't good enough.  Ugh....

You Can Help

The working families could use your support be it non-perishable food or a donation so folks can pay their rent. Here is a LINK for contributions. They will go to the Polk County Democrats and the money will then be given to the folks in the UAW strike. We've nearly hit $5,000 just from Polk County alone.  Thank you!

The Iowa Poll

OK, I know many of you don't get or read the Des Moines Register but the article today should make you sit up a bit. In a match up against the guy who screwed up everything...that would be "45"...President Biden would lose that vote in Iowa by 11 points.  Good Old Ruby Red Iowa.  

The Iowa Poll suggests that the win for "45" would come from "Independents". The very people Democrats often fail to engage. 

But when you run on a lie and your life is a lie and you tell that lie often enough...people believe it.  Take this bit of wisdom from the Des Moines Register article:

"Justin Lindsey, a 36-year-old poll respondent from Sioux City, said he’d vote for Trump in a hypothetical rematch with Biden. He said Trump put in place policies that worked.

“The reason is: He is more of a businessman than a politician,” said Lindsey, a registered Republican who works as a skilled carpenter. “When he got into office, he actually ran the country like a business, and he’s had great success with businesses.”

See what I mean? All of what that guy said is...false. But "45" and his minions repeat the lie so often...folks like poor Justin believe it's gospel. 

Welcome to Iowa...where we once had an educational system that was the envy of the nation.

We Need You

Look, it's no time to "take a break". I know how exhausted many of you are. While we had some great victories in some areas of Polk County and Waterloo we also suffered defeats in places like Johnston and Ankeny. Where the state GOP pushed their candidates hard. We're up against a real fight in the new First Congressional District and we've got our work cut out for us in the Third and Second as well. Later today I'll be in a meeting with other leaders in the Third Congressional District where the goal should be to energize our base as well as do some active outreach to those "Independent" voters.  Lots to do!

Partly Personal

I was digging through a box in my office and came across several treasures. One of which is this
photo from April of 1983. It was taken during a March of Dimes fund raising event and the radio station I was at was the media sponsor. In the photo (L-R) are some of the folks on the air at 94.5 KKEZ: Cal Bierman, Charlie Chase, Dave Haldin and me. Cal is quite the fashion plate. Those were some heady years as the station dominated in over 20 counties.  Fun times...

I also found a tiny booklet from my congregation Adas Israel up in Mason City. It is the Adas Israel Sisterhood and Hadassah listing and projects from 1969-1970. Reading through those names brought back so many memories. Many are now on our Memorial Boards inside of the shul.

I met a man last week from El Salvador. His name is Miguel...same as mine it would seem. We were chatting about his day and I told him I was grateful he was here in the U.S.  I asked him why he made the move and he told me that a gang in El Salvador had murdered his 16 year-old son because he was dating a girl...and the gang didn't like that.  Imagine that...  Miguel told me they never found his son's body. It was a shocking conversation. 

I had the opportunity to sit down for an extended interview with Rep. Ras Smith (D-Waterloo) last week and also met his bride, Amelia.  She is a special education teacher in Waterloo.  Now that is one tough job and thank you!  What a great conversation. I'll be posting that up on the Business News Hour next week.  In case you don't know Ras is running to be the next governor of our state. We covered lots of ground in the 24 minute recording. You might want to listen when it comes out...I'll give you a heads up.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

  

Sunday Morning Coffee 26 September 2021

It's the final Sunday of September...yikes, where did that month go? Welcome to politics and opinion or u Sunday Morning Coffee. Some of the stories you might have seen or, perhaps, missed but all laced with my commentary.  Why not...what else is there to do before the sun comes up.

Full Grassley

The expected news came in my Twitter Feed at 4AM last week that Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) was running for a sixth term in the U.S. Senate saying that there is so much more to do for Iowa. Well, Senator, you might also work on stuff like voting rights or how about condemning the attempted coup on January 6th or how about calling out the "Big Lie" that fuels you and your GOP base. How about supporting the House Bill that would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices? Then you can get busy and support the infrastructure bill. That is if you are really serious about doing more for Iowa. The jobs that would create the help that would give to thousands and thousands of Iowans would be...helpful. But, I'm not holding my breath Senator because you and the people you support aren't really inclined to do much of anything for Iowa unless they are the "fat cats" that you once railed against. My memory is long and you are not up to the job. (Photo - Des Moines Register)

President Biden

I see that the pundits are all over the falling approval ratings of President Biden. That's what happens when you actually do something rather than sitting on your hands. The one poll question that caused me to, really, laugh out loud was the one that took the president on because he doesn't "show empathy". That is just too kooky to even comment on. Please.  If anything the president has tried and tried to get Republicans to join him in some noble efforts and that has failed. It's what happens when you believe in the fairytale that anybody in the GOP gives a damn about the vast majority of people in this nation. Better, sir, to go it alone.  You're going to have to...anyway.

Arizona

We waited for what...over six months for the results of the sham Cyber Ninja election audit? In the end it showed that President Biden won even more votes than previous counts. But we knew that would be the result. However, even in light of that, states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan are thinking about doing their own "independent audit" of the 2020 election results. No, the goal here has been met. That goal is to sow seeds of distrust in the election process and pass laws that discriminate against voting.  Which, again, reminds me...Senator Grassley if you really want to do something about this mess. Pass the voting rights bill in the Senate. I know...you're not really interested in that. Shame...

Meanwhile in Iowa

Get ready for a major face palm. Not only does Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) have an approval rating of over 50% she is joined by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) who also has an approval rating north of 50%. What is it with you people? Is it because they look good in jeans? I don't get it. Both of these women have failed to support voters in Iowa. Both of these women have bought into the "Big Lie". Both of these women are unfit for office...it's that simple.  Maybe it's because they were living at the Iowa State Fair for days? I dunno...you?

Meanwhile in Iowa Part Two

Is that all there is? The two major Democratic Candidates for governor have been busy crisscrossing the state drumming up support. Rep. Ras Smith (D-Waterloo) and Deidre DeJear are both running a great PR campaign. They are everywhere. But, the other shoe has not yet fallen.  State Auditor Rob Sand (D-IA) has been, for months, running his own campaign but is it for re-election or for governor? Last week I was with some folks who seem to think Rob is going to take a pass and attempt to keep his current job. That he'll wait until Governor Reynolds becomes a U.S. Senator (I kid you not) and then he'll run for the, sort of, open seat.  Then there is the other "camp" who believes that Sand will run but he is wisely waiting and will swoop in to save the Democrats of a spectacular defeat in 2022. I don't know but I do know the GOP fears Rob Sand.  Ask them.

Meanwhile in Polk County

This is getting hyper-local huh? I understand there are now, roughly, 52 candidates for city council or school board who are active Democrats in this county. Fifty-two! That is an amazing job of recruiting on behalf of the party. None of this happens by accident. The Democrats have finally figured out what the GOP has known for decades. You run party faithful in non-partisan races to build your bench going forward. Want to know why the 4th Congressional District is so ruby red? They have been playing that game for years. Here in Polk County the party is actively working on behalf of each candidate. It's good to see and it's good for Iowa in the long run.

Partly Personal

Sort of a half-cup of Sunday Morning Coffee today. Still much to do and I've got to get at it.  My Bride and granddaughter are in Lanesboro, MN for "Tour de Fall" an annual bike and camping trip sponsored by Bike World of Iowa. She tells me it's pretty chilly there so not a bunch of riding but lots and lots of...shopping. Safe travels home.

The Okoboji Writers Retreat was...spectacular. Julie Gammack and her husband Richard pulled off a major event with writers and would be writers coming together to hone their craft. And it wasn't just Iowans who made up the 150+ people who attended. Folks came from all over the country and those that couldn't make the trip "Zoomed" in for their part. For nearly three days it was my pleasure to be part of this group. I learned much. Des Moines Register columnist Rekha Basu wrote a really great piece about the event and if you can get through the pay-wall here it is.  From the welcome party to the sessions on writing to the time with literary agents to the screening of "Storm Lake" to the Q&A with the Cullen Brothers from the Storm Lake Times (with Kyle Munson) to the boat ride and final dinner it was masterful. Best news is that the Okoboji Writers Retreat 2.0 is already planned for 2022.

Finally...I believe in the democratic process of voting. It's important that the people elect their representatives rather than somebody or some folks appointing a person. It matters. I live in Windsor Heights, Iowa where there are three open seats on the City Council but only two people running and I support them both. Joseph Jones and Lauren Campbell are both friends and capable, concerned folks. But nobody filed for the third open seat. So, with a great deal of thought and conversation, first with my Bride, I've decided to mount a write-in campaign for that third seat. It's a very long-shot but I think it's important for the citizens of this community to have the opportunity to vote and fill the City Council. I've got a couple of weeks to pull this off and would love it if you could support this effort.  Thank you in advance.

Off to register voters at the Latino Festival...have a great Sunday and thanks for reading! 

 

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 21 March 2021

Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee the political and social stories you may have seen (or missed) all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to do and thanks for reading.  Let's go!

Darwin

I see that the City of Miami Beach issued a state of emergency due to the huge number of people crowding the bars and beaches for spring break. What is wrong with people but the better question might be, "Parents, what the hell are you thinking?" The city has had to impose a curfew of 8:00PM and restrict traffic. Some businesses have voluntary closed all in an effort to stop the spread. Now those wonderful young people will travel home and what happens to their friends and family there?  Yeah...but it is "Free-Dumb!".

Atlanta Killings

Not my original thoughts but it fits. When a mass shooting takes place and it involved a Muslim we say it is terrorism. When there is a mass killing and it involves a Black person it is terrorism. When a White person does the killing we say, "He had a bad day..." or other nonsense. We have far to go when we deal with our bias...far.  This was, yet another, tragic event even more disturbing it seems, from accounts I've read, that the Christian Congregation this man belonged to had some very strict teachings that were anti LGBTQ and anti any sexual orientation. Troubling...

Compassion

What a difference an election makes. To see both President Biden and Vice President Harris travel to Atlanta to meet with and console Asian Americans there was so...human. There was more than one national news correspondent that teared up while reporting what the president and vice president had to say. Compassion and the White House.  Step back a year. There is no way that would have happened under his watch. No way. (Image: LA Times) 

We've Seen This Movie

Meanwhile in the U.S. Senate Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is warning about a "scorched earth" policy should the Democrats make the move to kill or alter the filibuster. We remember, Mr. McConnell, how you employed every trick in the book to negate any movement by then President Obama and came right out and said you were doing so to block any attempt of governing by that administration. And now the GOP is at it again. How do you Republicans sleep at night? This nation is hurting. People simply want to live and to vote and to work and to exist and...  Weary.  The filibuster has got to go and be bold Democrats because the Republicans truly are. They don't give a damn.  The Voting Rights Act must pass along with an infrastructure bill that will put people back to work and get our economy back.

Think of the past. If President Franklin Roosevelt had been timid and not taken bold action the nation would not have exited the Great Depression and our country may have been overrun by our enemy. Democrats were elected to fix this mess...fix it!

They Have No Shame

Meanwhile 21 Republican state attorneys general sent a letter to the Treasury Department threating legal action over a provision in the American Rescue Plan that they say infringes on states' rights. Here is the deal. There is a provision in the law that says the states can not issue tax cuts by using the $195 billion of federal money being sent to boost the economy of U.S. states and cities. The GOP, it would seem, would like to take that money and enact any manner of tax cuts where, as you well know, the wealthy would benefit the most.  Now, if states wish to enact a tax cut or a tax increase that is entirely their choice. However using federal funds to do that ain't kosher. Ugh...

Ya Gotta Ask

Random thought: "Why is Louis DeJoy still the Postmaster General?" OK, I know the answer and while the Biden Administration has much to do you would think they would move on that Postal Commission and fire those loyalists of "45" and fix that mess too.  Weary...

Vlad Is Our Guy!

Last week President Biden, correctly, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was a killer. Well, he just answered "Yes" to a question as to if the president thought Putin was a killer. Well, he is. Killing or attempting to kill political opponents in Russia is like a national sport. They do that when not working day and night to mess with out democracy and spread disinformation and doubt here in America. And, support the guy that was just defeated.  What do the Republicans do? The chastise President Biden and hold up Putin. You see, Putin challenged President Biden to a debate. (First of all...let that sink in...) Of course that is not going to happen but it didn't stop Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) to deride the president and put his faith in Putin.  Even the eldest son of "45" tweeted, "Putin just challenged Joe Biden to an unscripted debate. The whole world knows that we have no leadership at the top just an empty suit with a teleprompter (and he can't even get that right). They look at Americas weakness now and are salivating." They are such patriots. (Image: New York Post)

Open Up Damn It!

Meanwhile here in Iowa we have beaten back COVID19. We have won! And, I'm really grateful because, try as I might, I can't seem to get the vaccine in Polk County. Like many residents here it looks like I'll have to travel to Rural Iowa to those places that are infested with Pandemic Deniers who are overstocked with vaccine.  BTW this morning the Des Moines Register is reporting that 27% of Iowans will refuse the vaccine if offered. That from the Iowa Poll out this morning.

Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) is crowing about the state-wide low positivity rate of 3.6%. Meanwhile places like Dickenson County has a positivity rate of over 13%. Interesting is that in far Northwestern Iowa there are seven counties that have high positivity rates. Hmmm any idea as to why other than it's a GOP stronghold and masks be damned?

Going to Court

The State of Iowa loves to spend your tax dollars on court fees. Make no mistake...it is your tax money. As you know the latest Iowa voter restrictions are being challenged in court. Meanwhile the Iowa Poll finds that a majority of Iowans oppose changes that have shortened the voting period and put roadblocks into voting by mail. But who the hell cares...right?

Partly Personal

Last Friday was our sons Birthday. Every year, for years, we've met to go out for lunch and take the time to talk about family, business and more. Not this year and that is sad. A bike ride from a couple of years ago and yep...matching bikes. 

In just a bit I'm headed north to Mason City. We have a scribe coming from Chicago to inspect our Torah Scrolls at our synagogue there. It's quite the detailed process. You see, a Torah is all written by hand using a special ink and a quill for a pen. If there are letters that are smudged, due to a century of use, it renders that entire scroll non-kosher and can't be used.  I know that, over the years, we've had to retire one or two and now we want to make sure what we have can be used. Yet another adventure!

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 14 March 2021

Hello and welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee the personal and the political blog that I get to write early each Sunday Morning. Here you'll find some news stories you've seen or, perhaps, missed along with my commentary. So, let's go and remember don't spill!

PORK!

I wonder what drives the trolls to post on a Facebook Page where they know the author is a liberal. The drive to argue? To show some superior nature? To feed their bully ego? I dunno but if you follow my page you've seen them. I don't make it a point to follow and then post my opinions on their pages which are riddled with falsehoods and conspiracy theories. Why do they? But when things get out of hand I move to the "Block Button". I've had to do that more and more lately as the attacks on my friends and family become more intense.

But...back to PORK! One of the constants from the those who pay homage to the Republican Party. When the American Rescue Plan was signed into law by President Biden they came and decried "Pork!" or "If Americans really knew what was in that Bill they would be ashamed!"

Of course nobody can back up their assertions because there is no defense. It's simply the talking points they have been told to utter, driven by their cadre of talking heads that spew garbage. You know...it's true.

The American Rescue Plan (ARP)

Many folks are laser focused on the $1,400 stimulus checks being sent out this weekend. Even as early as Friday we fielded reports that money was already being deposited into accounts. But, what else is in the Act that may be overlooked?  How about COBRA payments. For many Americans who have lost their job, and their health insurance, have the choice to enroll in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA). The problem is that if you've lost your job COBRA is just too damn expensive. So families opt out and go without. Tucked into the ARP is a provision that the government will cover your COBRA payments at 100% through September of this year.  Pork? Hardly. (Image: Getty Images from CBS News)

If you have children the Feds will send you $250 per child for kids between the age of 6 and 17. Those benefits could be coming soon and Democrats are pushing to make this Child Tax Credit...permanent.  It is said this, alone, will lift millions of children out of poverty and cut child poverty by 50%.

There is also the impact on taxing forgiven student loans. Until the ARP if your student loan was forgiven (good luck) you would have to pay taxes on that amount based on your tax bracket. Now that is not in place and so if your student loan is forgiven you will owe zero in taxes.

How about unemployment insurance benefits? Under the ARP unemployment benefits that you may receive is non-taxable up to $10,200. That is huge. Many families were not aware that their unemployment benefits were taxable and they will receive a surprise tax bill. Now that threat of families hit with another unexpected bill get a benefit. But, remember this is only for Federal Taxes your state may be taxing unemployment payments so beware.

And how about the $5 billion in the bill that will go to socially disadvantaged farmers of color? This is for farmers who are Black, Hispanic, Native American or Asian. There is $4 billion that will cover up to 120% of outstanding debt and another $1 billion designed for outreach, training, education, technical assistance and grants.  Yeah....so there is that!

And then there are the billions of dollars flowing to local schools so they can reopen. Billions of dollars being spent on ramping up vaccine and vaccine distribution sites.  Pork?  Hardly. What a difference an election makes!

Meanwhile in Kentucky

The Republican controlled legislature there just passed legislation that would strip the governor (who happens to be a Democrat) from being able to appoint a U.S. Senator should one of the two offices become empty. That has fueled speculation that Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) or Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) may be ill and unable to fill their terms.  However both, this past week, stated they are fine and moving forward. But...still.... It seems "Revenge Politics" are a staple in places across the nation where the GOP are in control of statehouses.

George Floyd

Meanwhile the family of murdered George Floyd just settled with the City of Minneapolis for $27 million. That isn't "chump change" and represents a huge settlement and pay pave the way for other cases to move forward. Hit 'em where it hurts. But, of course cities, counties and states will simply pay their legal bills and their fines with your tax dollars. So, who the hell cares...right?

They Are Very Afraid

Republican controlled legislatures across the county are passing all sorts of measures to reduce your opportunity to vote. Voter suppression is top of mind awareness for the GOP. In Georgia alone the legislature is taking a direct attack on Black voters there and doing away with Sunday voting. For those of you unaware the Black Community, for a very long time, has pushed something called "Souls to the  Polls" where people, following Sunday Church march to polling places to cast their vote.  Now that is in jeopardy. Georgia is also making it a crime to deliver water to people standing in line to vote in person. What kind of bullshit is that?  It is driven by fear. Republicans know that when people vote...they are in serious trouble.

Meanwhile here in Iowa the legislature passed and Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) signed into law a major voter restriction act. Of course it is going to court as LULAC countered with a suit. I wonder if Attorney General Tom Miller (D-IA) is going to defend the state?  Anybody know?

Asian Attacks

Remember when "45" began his awful attacks on Muslims? His lemmings followed up with attacks and even murder. Now attacks on Asian Americans are on the rise...up by over 150% last year. In his national address on Thursday President Biden said it was unacceptable and said it "must stop" and has directed the Department of Justice to prioritize convictions. What sort of animals are out there...weary.

Children and the Border

On Saturday President Biden said he would deploy FEMA to care for minors crossing border. What's going on?  Thousands of children, some with but most without, are crossing the U.S. Southern Border. It's the result of repressive economics, politics and a failure of their home country to deal with COVID19. One of my "right wing trolls" delighted in posting (and calling on me to respond) an NBC News story about how Border Patrol, the Health & Human Services Department are struggling to take in these kids and placing them in temporary detention centers. Of course he only reads the headline, which is typical of these folks. Reading seems to be something that escapes them. The reality is that the U.S. is working at a fever pitch to unite these kids with relatives in places like California, Texas, Washington D.C. and other locations. Often paying for flights. But it is complicated. Many family members are here without documentation and the Biden Administration is also confronting issues of social distancing. However the places where the kids are being moved are not the cold stone and wire cages of the  prior administration. The government is setting up tent cities on government land and in those tents are teachers, nurses, social workers, games, and a clean safe place to wait. So...please. (Image: WBUR)

Partly Personal

The birthday of our son, Aaron is this week. We, in past years, made our way to the Urban Grill for lunch. Looks like not quite yet. You see, Polk County, Iowa is a Vaccine Desert. People have been traveling long distances from here to get their vaccine. Me? Nothing yet. I'm told that "maybe next week or the week after".  

This is also the week that marks the First Day of Spring which is 20 March. That is also the date of my Mother's z"tl death some six years ago at the age of 93 and seven months. I remember it so well....and may her memory be a blessing.

Finally I fully expect to see Polk County Attorney, John Sarcone (D-Polk County, Iowa) to be in a primary if he decides to run for re-election. This is the prosecutor who tried Des Moines Register Reporter who was pepper sprayed and arrested during a demonstration that turned ugly. The reporter, Andrea Sahouri, identified herself as press but that didn't stop Des Moines Police Officer, Luke Wilson from arresting her testifying that she resisted arrest. Wilson failed to activate his body camera and failed to report the incident to his superiors. A violation of department policy. Yet, on flimsy evidence Sarcone pushed ahead and Iowa made, once again, national and news. Yet more embarrassment. Names have already been floating around to primary Sarcone, should he decide to run, who has held that position since 1991.  

Gotta go...long post today but hey...I'm trying to make up for some shorter entries.  Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday!