SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 25 February 2024

Good Sunday Morning to you and welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly bit of news you love or love to hate. Before I share some remarkable news about President Biden and his accomplishments during his first term I've got a question, "Why does Iowa hate folks with disabilities?".

Early this morning I read a shocking story in the Des Moines Register authored by Rep. Josh Turek (D-Council Bluffs) about the abysmal record the Governor and the Iowa Legislature have when it comes to caring for the 15% of Iowans who are disabled. (If you want to do that math that means roughly 465,000 Iowans are disabled.) Josh should know a thing or two about being disabled as he is wheelchair bound and has been for years. He is also the only permanently disabled person in the Iowa Legislature. Some highlights:

• The Home and Community Based Services Medicaid waitlist grows by 1,000 people each year and is one of the longest in the country;
• Folks with intellectual disabilities are on a six-year waitlist plus an additional 14 months to qualify. These are people who need services such as personal care, food preparation and home modification. Who, while they wait, must go without or pay out of pocket;
• Median earnings for Iowa's disabled workers rank 47th out of 50 states largely due to the state's harsh Medicaid restrictions;
• Medicaid is severely limited in earnings to poverty and limited to $12,000 in total assets or $13,000 if married;
• "Iowa keeps our disabled in poverty and unemployed.";
• Defunding the AEA will keep services from children with disabilities and special education needs;
• "Last year Republicans  passed a bill to make it more difficult to receive SNAP food benefits. 46.7% of those on SNAP in Iowa have a disabled member in the household";
• The denial rate for wheelchairs and medical services has increased by 850% since the privatization of health care in Iowa.

He ends with, "Clearly the condition of the state for the disabled in Iowa is terrible. And until the focus in Iowa becomes on helping people instead of politics or profits, it will not improve!"

Chew on that with your toast and eggs this morning....

President Joe Biden

Meanwhile, President Biden has been working in support of the American People with policies and programs that actually make the lives of our people...better.  Consider:

He stopped a 30-year streak of federal inaction on gun violence by signing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that created enhanced background checks, closed the “boyfriend” loophole, and provided funds for youth mental health.

Joe made a $369 billion investment in climate change, the largest in American history, through the inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

And, yes, President Biden ended the longest war in American history by pulling the troops out of Afghanistan.

So, the next time somebody says, "Gosh, I'm not sure what this president has done for America.." Remind them that he truly is the best  president in our recent memory when it comes to getting stuff...done!

Enjoy your Sunday and keep the pressure on...

 

 

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 27 February 2022

After nearly fifteen years of Sunday Morning Coffee I had been considering putting it to bed. The reasons are many but the bottom line is that I have so much going on that it's nice to spend Sunday Morning away from the keyboard. However stuff needs to be said and the stories are many. So, let's get on with it.

Ukraine 

Clearly the number one topic is the invasion of Ukraine by the despot and criminal Vladimir Putin. The United States and our allies have, for too long, been playing footsie with this evil man. And, when you consider the actions of the prior administration, who slavishly lavished praise on the dictator, you can see why he thought invading Ukraine would bring no condemnation. 

But he was wrong as now the world is seeing what a small and evil person Putin is and has been.

However, we should have done more sooner. Not just about Ukraine but because of the evils this man has wrought among the Russian people. Poisoning people who don't agree with him. Casting aside freedoms of assembly. Making a mockery out of elections. Tearing down a free and independent press. Prisoning his adversaries.  This is what despots do and he should have been called out and sanctioned years ago. (Image CNN)

Weak

Last week a friend of mine, who makes no bones about the fact that he is a solid member of the Republican Party, shot me a note saying, "Your president is weak." He went on to quote several "sources" who are solid Fox News operatives. If he would change the channel he would know that his call to isolate Russia via removing them from SWIFT, an international payment system that facilitates cross-border transactions, takes agreements between many allied nations. In other words, it takes time to get everybody on board. And, just yesterday, two days after President Biden said invoking a ban from SWIFT was not yet on the table he had convinced our allies to make it happen. What my friend seems to forget is that the U.S. has interests that go well beyond the laser focused right-wing propaganda spewed by Fox News. 

Recruitment

Perhaps he might wish to take up arms against the Russians? Just yesterday Ukrainian president Zelensky announced the creation of a new International Legion of the Ukrainian army. That means that existing legislation in Ukraine allows foreign citizens to join the Ukrainian military. President Zelensky has urged those who wish to fight the Russian aggression to contact military attaches of Ukraine's embassies and volunteer. He added, "It's not just a Russian invasion of Ukraine, it's the beginning of a war against Europe. Against the unity of Europe. Against the basic human rights in Europe."

Final Thoughts

The leadership that is coming out of Ukraine is pretty amazing as is the awful rhetoric from the Russian criminal Putin.  The Russian dictator told the world that he is out to "de-nazify" Ukraine. That's pretty wild considering that the president of Ukraine is Jewish as is the prime minister and that Ukraine is home to hundreds of thousands of Jews who are being assisted by Israel and other nations.

Germany, long concerned of engaging in any armed support, has sent tons of lethal equipment to Ukraine. The same with Poland. The U.S. has committed hundreds of troops to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.  President Biden has authorized millions of dollars in military aid for Ukraine and has asked congress to approve millions more.

Finally this all could end very badly for Putin. Already thousands of Russians have taken to the streets protesting the invasion. They understand what is at stake. And soon they will feel the economic pressure that will force them back into the streets and, perhaps, take down the criminal. And, just this morning, two powerful and wealthy Russians urged Putin to end the war.  Watch this space...

Closer to Home

The madness in the Iowa Legislature continues and now the GOP has picked Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) to give the rebuttal to President Biden's State of the Union message on Tuesday. She better bone up on her international affairs rather than being the beacon of hate for anybody that does not conform to her idea of Christian superiority.  But, if anything she is a perfect match for Vice President on a ticket with "45" who continues to hold sway over the Republican Party. She would then become the "Sarah Palin of Iowa". Good riddance.

Everywhere you look Iowa businesses are consumed with the fact that they can not hire workers. Especially workers who are well educated. Why would they want to come to a place that ranks in the middle of all the states when it comes to public education? Why would they wish to come to a state that degrades people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ folk and others?

Iowa Taxes

Ah, but the salve that will heal our rural population decline and lack of employees will come from another failed idea that "trickle-down economics" will work.  As Kansas proved...it doesn't. Last week the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency (LSA) estimates the bill, which creates a flat tax of 3.9%, would result in a reduction of $1.9 billion per year in tax revenues going to the state’s general fund. It would mean a $1.7 billion income tax cut for Iowans and a $230 million reduction in the corporate tax rate when changes are fully implemented in fiscal year 2028.

Reynolds and the Iowa GOP are fixated on cutting taxes which will result in further cuts in government funding. But, my friends, that is the goal. Government is bad and big business is good.  And the Iowa Legislature rushed the bill through so that Reynolds could crow about it during her rebuttal to President Biden.

But, we all know that.  So let us turn to the math. Something that they really don't have to teach in private schools but can get paid for...anyway. While there are many "average wage numbers" for Iowa workers let's pick one that is in the middle say, $68,000 a year. The new flat tax will save this person $563 a year. Meanwhile those who make one-million dollars a year would see a tax savings of $1,286 each week.  Democrats in the legislature attempted to pass an amendment to lower the income threshold to $250,000 before higher taxes kicked in but the Republicans who control the legislature defeated the measure. Trickle down kids...trickle down.

Iowa Democrats

I keep hearing the talking heads saying that the Iowa Democrats are tired and not up for a fight. I do not get that sense. As a person deeply involved in the politics of the Democratic Party I see it just the opposite. We that work in the trenches are witness to a population that is growing weary of legislation that marginalizes others. Weary of failed policies that are hollowing out our rural counties. Weary of picking big business over main street. Weary of passing laws that make our state less safe and less attractive. Weary of a government that calls those who teach our children "sinister".  I ain't buying it that Democrats are demoralized. And, what had been suburban safe havens for Republicans are growing increasingly blue.  We keep fighting.

Deidre DeJear

My friend and fellow broadcaster Bob Leonard penned something that hit home. He was talking about how Iowa Democrats were scrambling to find a "great white hope" to lead the Iowa ticket in November. Suggesting that Diedre DeJear was too weak to take on the war chest that belongs to Governor Kim. Reynolds. 

What should be national news has been set aside. Here in Iowa a state that is 93% white has a serious black woman running for governor is amazing in itself. But when you combine the reality that DeJear is and always has been unwavering in her support of solid Democratic ideals and is able to, without notes, tick off exactly what she will do to make the lives of every Iowan better...you must support her.

What the hell are you waiting for?  You can join me and chip in right here.

Partly Personal

Sorry this has gotten so long.  I should make it into a podcast each week so you could listen...right? However, let me say "Thank You!" to so many of you who have written and hit me up in social media asking about Sunday Morning Coffee. That you missed my weekly rant was touching.  

We have work to do...and this nation is counting on you.

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 12 December 2021

Looks like Spring is on the way this week. Less snow to shovel. It's Sunday Morning Coffee some politics, opinion, religion...all the stuff that makes folks happy and gay. Let's go.

Bye, Bye Constitution

Well, that didn't take long. Just hours after the Supreme Court let stand a restrictive abortion law in Texas that allows private citizens to sue providers, people assisting with travel and the patient themselves for thousands of dollars Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has directed his attorney general to create a similar law that would, effectively, ban the sale, ownership and manufacturing of specific firearms. How,? By allowing private citizens to sue dealers, manufacturers and owners thereby working around the pesky Second Amendment.

I can see it now. Let's say the good people of Wisconsin really don't like having mosques in their state. So they pass a law allowing citizens to sue individuals who attend, run or lead those institutions. Or the fine people of Arkansas have had it with folks who are not white moving into a neighborhood. The city or state could pass a law that allows its citizens to sue realtors or homeowners who engage in that sales activity. The list is pretty long. Go ahead and dream up your own.

Careful what you wish for...

Gotta Brag More

The media is having fun pointing out the fact that President Biden's poll numbers are in the tank. Pundits have all kinds of reasons this is happening. Most suggest it is a disconnect from what the president has accomplished vs. what they are being told his administration has accomplished. What to do?  It's really simple, the president needs to take a page from the former president's playbook and brag more. Hell, even make stuff up. Then repeat the lie at every opportunity.  Within weeks his poll numbers will surge. Jen, you can thank me later.

I Hear You

Each day I do a business newscast highlighting the top business stories of the region and nation. Last week we got the report that inflation kicked up 6.8% over November of 2020. Fuel is more expensive, groceries are more expensive, dining out is more expensive. What is stunning is to look at what was the projected inflation rate for 2021 which was 2.8%. Of course that projection was  pre-COVID and, in truth the reason our inflation rate is so high is...COVID.  

Follow the logic: The Federal Reserve put their foot on the gas and kept interest rates at zero for months. That fuels the overall economy. Add to that the billions of dollars in stimulus checks that went out over the past year. That added to the buying power of Americans that, if they were able to keep and maintain a good job supercharged their disposable income.  Yet, because of the pandemic travel for business and pleasure tanked, people couldn't go to restaurants, the opera, Broadway...  So, they started buying stuff...lots of stuff. Then came the supply chain disruption, again, caused by COVID, early retirements and lousy transportation pay. 

What do you expect? 

Here is another issue: There has been a massive consolidation in the meat industry. Four major companies now control 82% of that industry. Twenty years ago it was 15%. Competition drives down costs and in this industry there is little.

Finally the tariffs that are in place need to go. I've been reporting for years that those tariffs only hurt consumers. How? Because suppliers simply pass those costs on to the end user/buyer...that would be you.

I see inflation ebbing in 2022 mostly because we'll be taking action on a number of those pain points. But...hey, I could be wrong.

Where Are The Workers?

Last week I attended a breakfast hosted by the Greater Des Moines Partnership where they ticked off their seven legislative priorities for 2022. Here they are:

• Fund the Des Moines International Airport Project - This has been on the burner for years. Maybe now with massive federal help we'll get this done;
• Talent - It's nice to see the Partnership concerned about attracting talent to the state. They might have some luck if we repeal "Right to Work", fight against discrimination in all forms, properly fund public education, actually pay people well, provide effective and responsive health care...maybe then folks might think Iowa could be a "place to grow";
• Pro-Growth Tax Policies - This is always a favorite of the business community. If they could pay zero in taxes they would be all in. That is why Winnebago Industries moved their corporate offices to Minnesota. Oh, wait...Minnesota has a higher tax rate.  Let me get back to you on that.  It's really about "trickle-down economics" that has been a proven failure but we've gotta stick this in to make big business like us more;
• Community Placemaking - "We don't have mountains or beaches..." is the line we often hear. This priority is something that will attract talent because it's all about "quality of life" that can and will attract and retain...talent. 
• Child Care - This is yet another "talent" related issue. Women have left the workforce at an alarming rate because they have figured out it's better to forgo that salary than pay for child care that rivals a house payment. Meanwhile we put children at risk as parents without means send their kids to unlicensed unregulated child care centers.  We can and should do better.
• Housing - The one word that escapes the rational is...affordable. When people in Iowa are paying up to 50% off their monthly income for housing...it ain't affordable.
• Broadband - Yes and yes. I've said for over a decade that support of broadband internet access is critical to the economics of any community. We'll see how the Feds handle this in the coming months.

That leaves the question that was asked during the Q&A session when a business person rose and said this to the legislative panel: "There are help wanted signs everywhere. Businesses are struggling to find workers. Where have all the workers gone?"  If you have a couple of minutes click on the audio from a recent newscast...and I'll share that answer.

Worker Shortage IOB SMC 12 December 2021

Partly Personal

It was a busy week but really interesting. From working on some new video projects to a long sit-down with my city administrator to a full weekend at my congregation in Mason City. Never a dull moment. 

Last night, after getting home from Mason City I had the pleasure of attending a kick-off event for my friend Suresh Reddy who has launched his campaign for the Iowa House. Suresh is currently on the city council for Johnston, Iowa and has been such a positive force there especially when it comes to issues of financial stability and diversity. He'll take those same talents to the Iowa Legislature. He is running in Iowa House District 43 against a guy that has his nose so far up into radical GOP politics that he is indistinguishable from the former president, whom he loves. Suresh Reddy is ready to lead and be a voice for all Iowans and you can help support him by heading to his website.

Also at the event was my friend Kimberly Graham who is running to become the next Polk County Attorney. I have long supported Kimberly because I see her as a real change artist for so many issues that revolve around inequality and injustice. And, last night, I learned my friend is engaged!  Yikes...I missed that memo.  Congratulations!  You can help support Kimberly by going to her website.

That's a wrap...gotta go. Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee - The Chanukah Edition 28 November 2021

Maybe it's the holiday. I'm not feeling snarky this morning. Sunday Morning Coffee is all about being a bit snarky...right?  But, to stay with tradition let's dive into a couple of the top of mind items.

COVID

We ain't done yet and the news out of Europe is troubling. Austria goes into a lock-down, a new variant out of South Africa. Flying restrictions and nobody knows...nothin'. This way of life has been with us for nearly two years and I fear so many people are letting their guard down. That some still refuse to get the vaccine is awful and something I can not understand. Now that the weather is colder and folks are congregating inside...well, you get the drift. Get vaccinated, wear a mask when out and keep the hell away from other folks. You never know.

Whining 

Meanwhile Americans are back to whining. President Biden's approval rating is lower than it's ever been. Another thing I don't get. We've just gotten a major piece of legislation passed that will have a huge impact on our ability to use roads and bridges and get parts of our nation connected and people are...whining. The president wants you to get vaccinated and you are whining. You can't go out and buy the latest gizmo and you are whining. We just passed Thanksgiving and rather than being thankful...you are whining. Weary.

Elon & Lauren

It seems Mr. Musk and Rep. Boebert (R-CO) have something in common at least when it comes to rich people and taxes.

Musk and Boebert tweeted out their disapproval of the Biden administration's proposal to expand the Internal Revenue Service's number of employees under the Build Back Better agenda. Under the proposal, the IRS would hire nearly 87,000 new workers over the next decade in an effort to close the "tax gap" by collecting unpaid taxes owed by large corporations, partnerships, and wealthy individuals.

Musk paid no federal income tax in 2018, the same year he was the world's second-richest person.

According to a May report from the Department of Treasury, the tax gap — the difference between taxes owed to the government and what is actually paid — will rise to more than $7 trillion over the next decade, or roughly 15% of taxes owed. (Photo - New York Post)

The report went on to say, "These unpaid taxes come at a cost to American households and compliant taxpayers as policymakers choose rising deficits, lower spending on necessary priorities, or further tax increases to compensate for the lost revenue. The tax gap disproportionately benefits high earners who accrue more of their income from non-labor sources where misreporting is common."

And, I think his EV truck is silly looking...so there.

Partly Personal

Told you I just wasn't in the mood today.  Maybe it's Chanukah or the combination of Thanksgiving and Chanukah? So let me leave you with this:

Tonight we will light the first of eight candles on the Chanukah Menorah. It's a holiday that is not in the bible but it is a holiday that marks an important historical event. So let me leave you with this, which I wrote for my congregation in Mason City:

"No, it is not the Jewish Christmas..." That is what I tell students who have no relationship with the festival, which, by the way, is not something that is ordained in the Torah. Sure, Chanukah happens around the same time as the Christian celebration and yes, there are lights being lit and yes some gifts are given but that ends the similarity. The rest is...history.

In 167 BCE, the Syrian-Greek emperor, Antiochus, set out to destroy Judaism and incorporate the Land of Israel and its inhabitants into his empire. His soldiers attacked Jerusalem, massacring thousands of people and desecrating the city’s holy Second Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs within its sacred walls.

However Antiochus knew that was not the way to destroy the Jewish faith. He had to work on destroying the entire structure of the Jew so he made studying and teaching the Torah illegal. Next, he issued a ban prohibiting the practice of three mitzvot: 1) Sabbath observance 2) sanctifying of the new month (establishing the first day of the month by testimony of witnesses who saw the new moon) 3) brit mila (entering the Covenant of Abraham through Torah-ordained circumcision).

He knew that by forcing the people to assimilate and be out of touch with their faith he could destroy the Jews once and for all.

Enter the Maccabees

A family of Jewish priests – Matityahu and his 5 sons, known as the Maccabees – would not have it. They started a revolt and three years later succeeded in evicting the oppressors. The victory was a true miracle – on the scale of present day Israel being able to defeat the combined forces of all of today’s super-powers. This also explains why the emblem of the State of Israel is a menorah.

Once the Jewish people regained control of the Temple in Jerusalem, they wanted to rededicate it immediately.

In order to do so, they needed ritually pure olive oil to re-light the menorah in the Temple, which was a part of the Temple’s nightly service. However, only a single cruse of oil was found, just enough to burn for one day though they needed oil for eight days – the time it would take for new ritually pure olive oil to be produced. A miracle occurred and the oil burned for eight days. Thus, the Temple was rededicated; in fact, Hanukah means “to dedicate” in Hebrew.

And so, starting on Sunday evening we will light the first candle in the nine-branch menorah. Why nine? One of the candles is a "servant" candle. It is used to light the other candles, adding one each night of the festival until all eight candles are burning...along with the servant candle.  Also each night we tell a story about Chanukah, play a game called dreidel and eat latkes...potato pancakes that are fried in oil. Yes, there is that oil connection again.

Even the dreidel game has a meaning. It's played with a "top" that has four sides. On each side is a Hebrew letter a nun, gimmel, hey, and shin. The first letters represent the phrase “nes gadol haya sham – a great miracle happened there.”

So, even in playing a game...we remember the miracle of Chanukah.

Happy Chanukah and thanks for reading!

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee - 7 November 2021

"Hey, what time is it...really?" Welcome to the "Time Change" Edition of Sunday Morning Coffee; politics and opinion with, sometimes, a
dash of religion to keep it real. Confession: I have a thing for clocks and watches so you know what I've been doing this morning. Let's go:

Aaron Rogers

Here we have a multi-million dollar football legend telling us that not only did he lie but he is also spreading lies about vaccines and testing. The Packers should fire the guy...today. Pay him whatever they owe him and send his butt packing. But they won't. It's all about money and Aaron Rogers is the ticket for more. I was once a fan...no longer. He and the "My Pillow Guy" rank about the same now.  Weary...  Speaking about the "My Pillow Guy" he is hosting a 90+ hour telethon on Black Friday and filing a brief with the Supreme Court to overturn the 2020 election and reinstate "45". Wacko.... (Photo - LA Times) 

Infrastructure

It passed and now to move forward with the bigger plan. The president says he is "confident" he has the votes. I hope so but the Democrats will find some way to screw this up. It's astounding that one party marches in "lock-step" while the other is such a mess. I guess that's what you get when you have a "big tent" but to turn aside President Biden's agenda is stupid and wrong. This next piece of legislation will be a major game changer for the middle class...if only we get our people in line.  But...what chance is there when we can't even pass a voting rights bill.  By the way...those of you who do NOT support the voting rights bill...wanna tell me why?  I'm interested.

GOP Backlash

The 13 Republicans who voted, late Friday, for the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill are facing backlash from members of their caucus. The tweets were amazing. Here's one from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA): "..they handed over their voting cards to pass Biden's Communist takeover of America via so-called infrastructure."  Nice huh?  BTW last week she also admitted she was not vaccinated and "...ripped the vaccine Nazis".  Georgia you must be so very proud. (Photo - NBC News) 

Meanwhile Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) who voted for the bill shot back, "Infrastructure - communism is a new one. Eisenhower's interstate system should be torn up or else the commies will be able to conveniently drive! Red Dawn in real life." Good for you and it's nice to see some of the GOP squabbling among themselves for a change. 

It should be noted that this infrastructure package makes funds available to modernize highways, rebuild water lines and billions for electric vehicle charging stations...it is the largest transportation spending package in U.S. history.

John Deere Strike

The UAW workers turned aside the latest offer from the company. Some might wonder why when the offer increased pay by 10% and
boosted their retirement and left health care alone.  Why would they vote no? It's simple friends...they did it for you and your family. Look the profits being extracted from American consumers are huge and those profits fall to the top of the economic order and do little for the struggling middle-class. 

John Deere is expected to earn $5.7 to $5.9 billion in 2021. That is net income. In other words...profit. Meanwhile the Deere CEO, John May pulls in $14.7 million in compensation. Rajesh Kalathur the president of John Deere Financial and Chief Information Officer makes a cool $5.8 million. Ryan Campbell, Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer rakes in $5.3 million and Mary K.W. Jones the Sr. Vice President and General Counsel hauls in $5.7 million. Four people make in excess of $31,500,000. 

Meanwhile the folks on the picket line earn $275 a week from the UAW strike fund. If they find outside work that $275 goes away. Hoping the UAW will allow workers to pick up extra income and still get strike pay.  Here in POLK COUNTY, IOWA you can help donate to the workers. Here is that link. Also, the Polk County Democrats have been taking food and other items to the UAW 450 Union Hall. Syrus Miller is the UAW 450's community service chairperson and has told me they are accepting drive up donations 24/7. You can help... Thank you! 

Partly Personal

Thank you. Back on October 5th I announced a write-in candidacy for the Windsor Heights City Council. Two of my friends, Lauren Campbell and Joseph Jones had entered the race leaving the third seat still open. Three open seats but only two people filed. After talking with my bride, Georgie, and others in the county we launched this long-shot campaign.

In the end there were 453 write-in votes and, with the help of so many of you, we came out on top with 273 of them. It was astounding and I am so very grateful. Since the win I've heard from many folks who live in Windsor Heights and those who don't...all offering their congratulations. Humbling. I can share with you that I've already been meeting with constituents and others that were elected last week. My goal is to be a positive yet progressive voice for all the people of our community.

Meanwhile it was a clean sweep for the registered Democrats running in the school board and city election. In the contested election for the West Des Moines School Board all three Democrats won their seats. Fannette Elliott, a first time candidate joined Ana Morgan also a first timer and Lila Starr the current chair of the Clive Democrats turned back some others that are not as progressive. They held an Election Night Event last Tuesday and invited several of us. Joining in the celebration was the President of the West Des Moines School Board, Lonnette "Lonnie" Dafney and  ISEA President Mike Beranek  in this photo on the far right. 

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee The Halloween Edition 31 October 2021

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

Monster Mash Complete

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

Paid Family Leave

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

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

Child Care Support

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

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

Climate and Arnold

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

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

School Boards and City Elections

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

Partly Personal

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 24 October 2021

Hello...and yes, a bit late today. So much going on these days. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee on a rainy October day. Glad you're here for a bit of news and opinion all wrapped up in this weekly visit.  As always, should you have comments let them fly. Let's go!

Portugal 

While COVID19 infections continue to ravage parts of the U.S. and the U.K. the county of Portugal is giving us a glimpse of what the future might look like if only...we had the guts and willingness to do so.  According to a Wall Street Journal article out today Portugal is giving us some lessons. There close to 100% of the people over the age of 50 have received at least one vaccine dose. For those between the ages of 25 and 49 it is 95% and from age 12 to 17 the vaccination rate is 88%.  There are 10 million people in Portugal and 98% have had at least one dose.  If you want to read that article I've linked it on my Twitter account or you can click here. (Image: Yahoo News)

Meanwhile here in the U.S. only 65% have had one dose and in the U.K 73%. 

On October 1 Portugal ditched most of it's Covid containment rules...but masks are still required on public transportation, folks must show proof of vaccination at large events in this soccer crazed nation, handpumps for disinfectant gel are everywhere. Meanwhile the U.K. has abandoned COVID19 rules and cases and deaths continue to mount. Here in the U.S. doctors are saying that 100% of those who present at emergency rooms are not vaccinated and they are taking up beds that could be used for other serious illnesses and/or accidents.

How absurd and how selfish are we?  Please for others, for the economy for the health of our nation...get your vaccine.

Fiddling

In some ways our economy in the U.S. is starting to get back to pre-pandemic times. Yet some states lag. Meanwhile the most important piece of legislation that would have a positive impact on the lives of Americans languishes in the U.S. Senate because the of the awful idea of the filibuster where a minority can rule the majority. And, when it comes to voting...forget about it. It's clear the GOP does not trust you to vote and will do everything in it's power to make it more difficult or impossible...at least for "some people". That the two senators from Iowa disregard the economic future of this state and stand in the way of allowing people full access to the right of voting is unconscionable but...predictable.  Chuck and Joni...fiddle while our state and nation cry out.

But, But...

While the Iowa Legislature and the Iowa Governor have done their best to restrict voting many of us are fighting back but there are many hurdles.

Here is one: I was knocking doors and came across two women who vote regularly but had not gotten a absentee ballot request (ABR). I had some with me and it was just two days before the October 18 deadline to request a ballot. (a GOP suppression move.) One of the women had her state issued ID card. She is 88 and long ago gave up driving. We were able to fill out her ABR but the other woman, who is 94, did not have ID nor could we find her Voter ID card with her number.  I was able to take the complete VBR to the County Auditor and she did get an absentee ballot but my other friend...nope. So, yes, we will make it so she can get out and go vote and I will stand with her and testify that she is who she is... But really people at 94 you have to go through this crap just to...vote?  Shameful.

And you KNOW this story is being repeated over and over again all across this state and others that are in GOP control.

Partly Personal

So much to do today so cutting this a bit short.  As you may know the UAW is on strike against John Deere. Workers rejected a contract
that was not in their best interests. For example workers would not see a raise after five years on the job. Really? Meanwhile John Deere is
posting record profits.  Going out on strike isn't easy. Working families don't get a paycheck but life goes on.  That's why many of us have made donations to the cause. The Polk County Democrats have sent over $1,000 in non-perishable food, diapers and other items to the UAW Local 450 Union Hall in Des Moines. They asked for others to chip in and so I delivered about $200 worth of items to the hall and visited with the striking family members.  You can help as well. If it's not food and supplies how about a cash donation...folks still have to pay for heat and lights and rent. If you can...please do.  Here is a LINK for an ACT BLUE account where you can make that donation.  

One thing is for sure. The striking workers are doing this for you as well. The reduction in union workers has impacted the middle class in significant ways such as no real increase in wages since the 1970's when adjusted for inflation. That is a direct result of "Right to Work" laws...  But, people are starting to realize that record profits do not translate into higher wages and union participation is seeing a resurgence. Once again, if you can help...please do.  Any help is a BIG HELP.  

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 17 October 2021

Welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee my regular attempt to comment on some of the news you've seen or, perhaps, missed. Let's get into it and, as always, you've got a comment...feel free to post.  Thanks!

We Are Confused

It seems the pundits are convinced that the electorate (you and me) are "confused" when it comes to President Biden's "Build Back Better" program. They are telling us that we are focused on the price tag of $3.5 trillion dollars and that means there will be a massive tax increase. I ain't buying it. From the beginning the president has been clear that the package has a host of programs that poll very positive among us. Stuff like:

• Child Care - Funding for safe and secure child care so folks can get back to work...boosts the economy;
• Broadband - Funding for internet access so people and businesses can connect...boosts the economy;
• Clean Water - Funding to remove lead pipes and clean up ground water...boosts health efforts/economy;
• College - Funding for community colleges to create better opportunities and jobs...boosts the economy;
• Climate Change - Funding to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel & go sustainable...boosts life;
• Infrastructure -  A massive jobs program that will put millions into good paying jobs...boosts the economy.

I'm not confused...you?

The Cost

What are we willing to do to create jobs, put people back to work, build our economy? In 1936 President Roosevelt oversaw the creation of the Rural Electrification Act. The goal was to bring electricity to rural parts of the nation. At first it was labeled as being "socialist" but the benefits of having electricity in rural parts of the country was popular. Billions of dollars were spent running power to remote parts of our nation. Today, we take all of that for granted.  The Build Back Better Proposal is part of this history.

The Interstate Highway System - The 41,000 mile system was first funded by $26 billion in today's money that is $2.5 trillion.  How is/was it paid for? Gasoline taxes.  When it was proposed by President Eisenhower it was called "socialist" but the idea was sold as a defense program so, of course, that made it just fine.  The Build Back Better Proposal is also a part of this history.

The Space Program - Billions and billions of dollars were and have been spent on this over the years. The Apollo Program alone (1960 - 1973) cost $482 billion in todays dollars.  Anybody complain about that?  The Build Back Better Proposal is part of this history.

Taxes

No, if your family makes under $400,000 a year you will not see one dime more in income taxes. Done, plain and simple. BUT if you are wealthy the proposal is to increase your federal tax rate to...actually way less than it was in the 1950's and 1960's. Here are the facts for cryin' out loud:

• President Joe Biden has proposed a 39.6% top marginal income tax rate, up from the current 37%, to help fund the American Families Plan.
• That rate would affect single individuals with taxable income of more than $452,700 and married couples filing jointly with income over $509,300, according to a budget proposal.
• The top rate is slated to increase to 39.6% after 2025 even if Congress doesn’t pass Biden’s proposal.

So...stop it.  Just stop...this proposal will do more for the average working family than anything we've seen in our lifetime.

I'm done...

Partly Personal

Spent a great weekend in Mason City working with the congregation there.  Today it's knocking doors, planting signs and meeting voters in Windsor Heights.  Learn more about that at www.MichaelLibbie.com 

Gotta go..have a great Sunday!