SundayMorningCoffee

Politics, Religion and Mom - Sunday Morning Coffee 8 May 2016

Sunday Morning Coffee is my weekly piece about the stuff Mom said to never talk about...politics and religion. Sometimes I even throw in a little gossip, just for flavor. So, let's dig in and hope Mom isn't too offended.

Morally Bankrupt

I was visiting with a volunteer for the Iowa Republican Party last week and I asked him who he had supported before Donald Trump steamrolled in. He told me he supported Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL).  I had to ask, "How is it that you are now supporting Donald Trump whom Sen. Rubio, just 40 days ago, said of him,  'We're going backwards here. This is a frightening, grotesque, and disturbing development in American politics." My new friend said to me, "Oh that. Well, that was just politics and now the Republican Party must unite behind Trump to beat Hillary."

Do you realize how morally bankrupt the GOP is today? The seething hate that has spewed from the mouth of Donald Trump is now the calling card of the Republican Party. The GOP has lost all credibility and has touched a nerve that, perhaps, needed to be exposed. In internal dislike of women, minorities, the LGBT Community, immigrants, the government and our Constitution has all manifested itself in the form of the new voice of the Republican Party of the United States, Donald Trump.  

Nice going...

The Iowa GOP

The other day it was made clear by Iowa GOP chair, Jeff Kaufmann that Iowa Republicians will unite behind Trump. Why? In the words of one activist, “I’m not going to say I’m excited or enthusiastic about Donald Trump. I’ve always said I was going to vote for the Republican nominee, and I think Hillary Clinton would give us a third term of Barack Obama.” And, there you have it. She could not even utter the word "president" in front of his name. This is not about policy. This is not about winning. This is about the hate the GOP has for the President of the United States. This is why Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) has made it clear that he is above the Constitution by not holding hearings for the vaciency on the Supreme Court. The hate these people have for the president is on full display.

And, now we get to tie that to a person the savior of the GOP. Yikes. No,not Jesus...but "Just Kidding". (Cartoon by Tim Lloyd)

So Let's Start Here

They say all politics is local. So, let's start in my little community of Windsor Heights with the Majority Leader of the Iowa House Rep. Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights). I present the first of many "Birds of a Feather" images.  One just like the other. Mr. Hagenow would like you to think he is a "nice guy" and that his politics are not right out of the hate mongering of the Far Right...but it's all an act. He is, after all..one of them.

OK, So What do YOU Do?

For those outside of Iowa House District 43...hang on for a moment. Let's keep it in Windsor Heights, Iowa for just a moment. It is truly time for a change. Polling of this community says it is overwhelmingly fair and decent. But, for too long they have had to subject themselves to the embarrassment of Mr. Hagenow.

Your job is to unite behind one of several women running for the Iowa House. You can do it. Jennifer Konfrst is right on all the issues. She supports increased funding for education. She supports allowing women to choose their health care option. She supports economic stability for working class families. She supports the things you care about. It's a long time between now and November but now is the time to get involved. Write a check, sign up to volunteer to make phone calls, talk to people...you can make this happen. I truly hope you'll energize yourself and defeat Mr. Hagenow...he's just like, well you know who.

Meanwhile in West Des Moines

Last week I attended a fund-raiser in Cumming, Iowa for my dear friend Claire Celsi who is
running for the Iowa House to actually represent voters in District 42. I asked Claire why she was inviting people to head to Cumming. She said, "I've been listening to voters from across the district and they tell me that Rep. Peter Cownie (R-WDM) never shows up at anything. I want people to know that I hear them and I will be there before, during and after the election." Good enough for me.  Those of you in House District 42 have a real opportunity here. She is right on all the issues you care about. She is not afraid to take on Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) and she will be an active voice in the Iowa Legislature and, most of all, be able to get things done. You can not do any better friends...get involved today.

Then There is Mason City, Iowa

The people of Mason City pushed and pushed their city council to reject a $240 million hog slaughtering facility being proposed by North Carolina company Prestage Farms. In the end their concerns about environmental issues, water quality and infrastructure won the day and the council voted, in a 3-3 tie. To deny the facility. So, what does backer Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) point to? Racism! No, really. He and the spokesperson for Prestage Farms counter that racism played a significant role in the demise of the project. Let me get this straight...Gov. Branstad has no problem in supporting the racist slogans and policies of Donald Trump but he wants to blame Mason City residents for being racist? I know the people who were behind this effort and there was not a hint of racism. If anything Rep. Sharon Steckman (D-Mason City) is one of the most fair and honest people in the Iowa House. I'll take her word over Mr. Branstad...any day.

Moms Demand Action

Yesterday I was with Desmund Adams who is running for the opportunity to represent Iowa's Third Congressional District at a march organized by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense. It was a great opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with women (and a few men) who can not tolerate the gun violence that is the scourge of the United States. It is amazing that the same people who support voter identification because they say there is huge amounts of "voter fraud", when there is not, are the same people who do not want comprehensive background checks and logical, sense-able steps to crack down on gun violence in the United States. Every day 297 people in the United States are shot. Every day, on average, 89 people lose their life to gun violence. What in the hell are we doing?  We were proud to be with you.

  

Partly Personal

It's Mother's Day...wishing the best to each Mom...my Bride our Daughters and those Mom's who are not with us any longer.  Happy Mother's Day...we honor your service.  And, Mom...thanks for giving me the opportunity to care for you those many years. 

 

Politics, Religion and Gossip - SMC 20 March 2016

The day after the First Day of Spring...when it snowed in Iowa. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my attempt to share some stories you may have missed in the area of politics and religion with a little gossip thrown in for flavor. Some of you will love this, and I'd ask you to share, others of you will hate this.  And, to be fair, I'd ask you to share as well. This gets a bit long but...stay with me? The week start with:

The Supreme Court

It's come to this: The farmer from Iowa says "No!" and the rest of the GOP falls in line. We have been witness to the most obstructionist congress in history. From the day that President Obama was elected your elected Republican officials in the United States Senate and in the United States House of Representatives have done everything they could to thwart this president and any progressive agenda. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) is at the top of the ticket in the area of obstruction with regard to filling a vacancy on the Supreme Court. Not in history have we been witness to such disrespect of the civics of our nation. Shameful and Sen. Grassley, who just confirmed he is running again, needs to go. After all he's already thrown the Constitution into the burning barrel. (Cartoon - Tim Lloyd) 

Clinton vs. Sanders

Among many I speak with, Sec. Hillary Clinton has the nomination in the bag. Just yesterday a friend was commenting to me about how she is "...now sounding correct in issues of income inequality and the middle class..". No kidding but how did she get there?  If Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) was not in the race and pushing Sec. Clinton to the left I suspect many progressives would be disappointed.  Many still are. The news last week that Sen. Sanders has had more people under the age of 30 vote for him in the primaries and caucuses than both Sec. Clinton and Donald Trump put together should be concerning to Establishment Democrats. If they leave out of frustration you can kiss the November election goodbye. 

Voting Against Their Interests

It's remarkable how working-class white voters continue to vote against their interests. The blame game the GOP has put together over the past decade has taken solid root. Working class white voters continue to be shoved to the side by many employers who refuse to offer a livable wage. Working class white voters continue to pay a higher and higher percentage of their income on basic housing. They have been convinced that unions are evil and their only salvation is Jesus and a prayer that crumbs will, somehow, fall from the tables of the wealthy into their outstretched hands. Amazing but well done my Republican friends. They know how to spin it.

When Democrats Fail to Win

I'm going to borrow a line from my friend and U.S. House of Representatives candidate Desmund Adams of Clive, Iowa. "When Democrats fail to win, people get hurt." The challenges we face in the General Election demand that we focus on the threats posed by a Republican field that threatens the quality of life for everyone. The top of the ticket hurts our children, our families our communities and so does the bottom. 

In 2008 and 2012 the G.O.P. fielded establishment candidates in Sen. John McCain and former Gov. Mitt Romney. They did not excite libertarians, tea party people and evangelicals - the, now, soul of the Republican Party. However, in state after state, the GOP fielded candidates that marched in lock-step with exclusionary right-wing policies and now people in Kansas, Michigan and Iowa are feeling the pain of their ascendancy. 

It is not an accident it is the price you people pay for sitting on your butt and not voting for Democrats. The party, that embraces people of all colors, faith backgrounds and economic status needs you to get involved in your local, county state and federal elections. This rabid attack on our way of life needs to be stopped. Only you can make that happen.

In Case You Missed It

There is an open revolt among Polk County Democrats here in Iowa. That matters because Polk County is the strong-hold for Democrats in Iowa. The party is still reeling from a botched county convention that lasted some eleven hours, saw an autistic young man tossed from the meeting and delegates who left feeling frustrated and cheated. It was so bad that a leading Democratic blogger Patrick Rynard in The Iowa Starting Line wrote, "... it is time for new leadership in the Polk County Democrats. To start that process, Tom Henderson should step aside from his longtime role as chair of the party." You can read that entire piece here. Go ahead, I can wait.

Patrick is correct. The Iowa Democratic Party, the Polk County Democratic Party needs a new direction. What they have done in the past has not worked and the GOP is loving every minute of it. The Iowa Democratic Party leadership lost touch with its base years ago. The most startling was when they refused to back Iowa House Candidate Susan Judkins in Polk County and she lost by 22 votes to the man who is now the House Majority Leader, Rep. Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights). Lack of leadership matters.

In that same year the Iowa Democratic Party had the chance to build on it's Iowa Senate majority here in Polk County but they squandered the opportunity and are now in a fight to hold their slim 26 - 24 lead in the senate. Lack of leadership matters.

You can not win when the leadership does not mirror the base. The base of the Iowa Democratic Party and the Polk County Democratic Party is not made up of elite leftists. It is made up of hard working regular people who are now at risk of getting decimated by the GOP juggernaut aimed at our core values of equality, justice and economic stability. 

Why This Matters

At the end of the day there are four major areas where the philosophical differences between Democrats and Republicans makes a difference in your life:

Feeding and Protecting Americans: Historically Democrats have supported programs like food stamps, lunch programs for children, energy assistance programs for the elderly, educational initiatives and protecting our environment including clean water and climate control. Republicans have advocated cutting these programs and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), the establishment's choice for President, has promised to defund several key agencies including the Department of Education and the E.P.A.

Medicine and Medical Care: Democrats, with the passage of the Affordable Healthcare Act, took a major step towards fulfilling our promise as a nation and both Sec. Clinton and Sen. Sanders have a legacies of fighting for healthcare as a right. Every major Republican has called for the repeal of "Obamacare" and the defunding of child health programs.

Jobs Versus Tax Cuts: Democrats have historically advanced proposals that create good-paying jobs for Americans arguing that is the way to grow national prosperity. That is a main reason we enjoy overwhelming support from organized labor. We have also argued fighting poverty is a moral imperative. Republicans have historically advocated tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations arguing that prosperity will trickle down. They have also historically dismissed fighting poverty as a governmental obligation instead asserting it is the church's responsibility to do so.

Human Rights and Civil Liberties: Democrats have defended gay rights, a woman's right to choose, the rights of humans to live in dignity and have hope, even if they are undocumented, and civil rights like the right to vote without impediment. Republicans have opposed gay rights, abortion, called for massive deportations, the construction of a wall, and supported voter obstruction measures like voter photo I.D.

And while Donald Trump has been singled out for his failure to denounce the Ku Klux Klan, his hateful words about Mexicans and his call for a ban on Muslims the GOP has, as a party, embraced those sentiments. 

Nothing illustrates this more than last November's Quinnipiac University Poll where 6-1 Iowa Democrats favored welcoming Syrian refugees while 5-1 Iowa Republicans wanted to deny them entry into our state.

It is time to unite this party and turn aside the zealots on the right.  Here is Iowa we have a chance to do just that but we can not do it by beating the same old establishment drum.

What do we do? We can, if you live in Iowa's Third Congressional District, unite behind a person who has the ability to build a broad coalition of voters from every aspect of our state.   

If you have gotten this far...take a long, hard look at Desmund Adams for Congress. Leadership that has a history of uniting not dividing.

With so much at stake "a Democratic house united" will not fall.

Partly Personal

Yesterday our son, Aaron Libbie, turned 36 years old. I was not in town to celebrate with him but spent Friday night and Saturday (the Jewish Sabbath) in Mason City working with the tiny congregation of Adas Israel and its many friends in prayer and study and visiting the sick. I will, hopefully, get the opportunity today to visit, laugh and love our wonderful son.  He is a much better man and father than I...and (know what?) that should be the goal of each of us. Raise children that exceed our own ability.  Happy Birthday Aaron!

Have a wonderful Sunday and a great week! 

Let's Talk Religion, Politics and Gossip - SMC 13 December 2015

Good Sunday Morning to you and time for religion and politics with a little gossip thrown in for flavor. This is Sunday Morning Coffee, my opportunity to move into the world you love to hate...come on admit it. Mom said. "Never talk about those things". because she knew so many people don't know much about either. Mom was right. But, why linger here...there is so much below.

National Politics

The Republican Party is going nuts and there is even rumor it may reach out and draft Mitt Romney, or some other sane individual, to carry the banner in 2016. Not making this up. The current crop of candidates sound more like they are running for office in 1930 Germany than in the United States. And the folks whose lives depend of saving the party know that if Mr. Trump ends up being the nominee they will not win an election, even on the local level, for years. It's what you get when you coddle the Tea Party types, openly tell your minions that government is evil and continue to block progress of any sort.  Nice going.

The Result You Love

I was at a Chamber of Commerce function Waukee this past week and there was some guy sporting a very large Trump for President button. The only political button in the room of 75+ people. I was on a tight timeline but would have loved to have snapped a photo of him chatting with several members of the Clive City Council.  Anyway the result of the growing hate in America is evidence that you are connecting. Recently Don Black, a founder of Stormfront, a prominent white supremacist group said of Donald Trump, "He's certainly creating a movement that will continue independently of him even if he does fold at some point. He has sparked an insurgency and I don't think it's going to go away!" Black added that Trump's words and actions have created such a dramatic increase in traffic to his website that he's considering upgrading his servers. Fear, my friends is powerful. (Cartoon - Tim Lloyd)

Rep. André Carson (D-Ind.) has linked the rising number of attacks to Trump’s Demagogy:

“You have other politicians who are joining the bandwagon and who are fanning the flames of bigotry. That concerns me because we’re putting people — i.e. Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and others — into the line of fire exposing them to death threats, discrimination at the workplace and assaults.”

But he would say that...he's a Muslim you know. Can you imagine that? A MUSLIM serving in the United States House of Representatives. No doubt speaking up for sharia law.

Pay to Play

Last week I paid $25 to go to a Legislative Breakfast sponsored by the Windsor Heights Chamber, West Des Moines Chamber, Clive Chamber and the Waukee Chamber. First time I can remember paying money to have the opportunity to ask questions of legislators. If you want to know how successful the GOP is in "The Burbs" consider that of the seven legislators invited to attend only one, Sen. Matt McCoy is a democrat who serves the one or two people in West Des Moines who are progressives. Even without Sen. McCoy it was truly a bi-partisan love fest.  Rep. Peter Cownie (R-WDM), who actually showed up, told the group how much he, "Loved being a representative for the people of West Des Moines". Rep. Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights) said he is committed to working with everyone. Rep. Rob Taylor (R-WDM) whom I understand is a Ben Carson supporter, said some nice things. Rep. Ralph Watts (R-Adel) was there but I hardly recognized him, it's been a long time. State Senator Charles Schneider a Republican who represents most of the Western Burbs said nice things too. The major talk was about education and the budget. Each promised to work to make sure education was funded and a priority rather than wait until the last minute. There was also talk about the under-funded public pensions in Iowa. IPERS and the 411 Pension Fund, according to Sen. Schneider, are both severely underfunded and he promised to "get answers".  The crowd was nice too. See...I can get along.

Let's Talk Religion

Last week my friend Desmund Adams called me to ask my opinion about faith. We have these conversations often. Desmund said, "I feel as if God is speaking to me to do something to bring faith groups together and to honor Him." You see, Desmund was baptized a year ago today. He and his church friends chopped a hole in the ice on the river and that experience touched him greatly. The sticky part is that, as you may know, Desmund is running for the United States Congress in the Third District. "I do not want this to be political", he told me. To prove that point he went to the office of Rep. David Young (R-IA) to personally invite him and called his Democratic Primary opponent Jim Mowrer and asked him to attend. The event, scheduled for today at 2:00PM on the west steps of the Iowa State Capitol will be attended by Christians, Muslims, Jews and I know he has reached out to members of the Sikh and Hindu faiths as well. He asked that each come and pray, in their own way, to honor God and to show unity in a belief in a higher power.

By the way he is doing this off site of his campaign and asked his staff not to  mention a word on social media. "It's not about me; it's about honoring God and asking for peace and understanding." Always a class act...always.

Partly Personal

Gotta go! It's been a busy weekend. I was with my congregation, Adas Israel, in Mason City Friday and Saturday and during the, nearly three hour, study session on Saturday that brings together people from various faith groups I did hear words of concern regarding Islam. I asked the people there if the conversation would be different if several members of the faith were present so that we could all learn. I think that will happen next month. 

Also three of our six grand-children were with us last night as we lit the 7th light for Chanukah. That was special. May the light of the holiday shine brightly on you...and yours.

Have a great Sunday and thanks for reading. 

Politics, Religion, Gossip SMC 6 December 2015

Each week I get to write about politics, religion, gossip and I never seem to run out of material...mostly because of the jaw-dropping reality of where we all get to live and the amazing people who run our lives. Some of you will hate what is here and others may agree. And that's just fine with me. So snuggle up with your electronic device and enjoy this week's Sunday Morning Coffee.

The Terrorists in Congress

This past week the United States Senate, 100 semi-powerful people, voted to allow individuals who are on the Terrorist Watch List to buy guns. Just about any gun. Right there in lock-step was Iowa's two leaders of Guns in the Free World, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Jodi Ernst (R-IA). Republican trolls, who follow some of my writing, last week denied there was even a Terrorist Watch List. I love how they obfuscate the issue. Refugees are not the problem congress is. Oh, and by the way, of the terrorist attacks in the United States...over half of them were born here. What we really have is a lack of leadership. You would think that if a person is banned from boarding an airline that same person would be banned to buy a firearm. Cowards. By the way did you know that Rep. David Young (R-IA), a guy folks say is "nice", received $4,950 from the NRA in the most recent cycle. Only Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) received more...$9,900 bought her. (Cartoon - Tim Lloyd)

It's Time

It is time for the United States to start banning firearms. Oh sure, we'll let you keep you pea-shooters but semi-automatic weapons...gone. High capacity magazines...gone. Our friends in Australia took this measure after a mass shooting there back in 1996 and guess what? No more mass shootings.  We are a nation of fools being goaded into a misrepresentation of the Second Amendment by the NRA and their ilk. Weary. And if you really, really want to change this mess the first step is to toss every single Republican from office. Every local politician, every county office holder, everyone in congress...gone.  But you won't because you too...in the end...are cowards.  

And then there is this 2015 Christmas Card from Michele Fiore a member of the Nevada State Legislature. She must have taken notes during Sen. Joni Ernst's election. While it isn't shocking, because nothing these folks in the GOP do shocks me any more, what is stunning is that she takes the time to ID each individual and call out what type of gun they are holding. No baby Jesus...just guns. Ya gotta love it.

Speaking of Congress and Cowards

Iowa State Senator Mark Chelgren (R-Ottumwa) is no coward when it comes to the death penalty. He recently called for the extermination of individuals who try to re-enter the United States illegally. No...really. And, he is pro-life.  But there is more. His call to execute people came after he said that Iowa's early childhood programs are like Nazi indoctrination camps and that recipients of child support (read that again...child support) should be drug tested at the request of the person who is paying child support. When I suggest to my friends that Republicans are crazy they look at me in disbelief.  Ladies and gentlemen I offer you Exhibit A - Mark Chelgren. (Photo - Fairfield Ledger)

Speaking off Crazy Republicans

My friend State Representative Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights) received some bad news this week. Chris, as you may recall, had one heck of a legislative session last go around. The Bill he said he was most proud of was his wacky Convention of the States campaign. That is where Republicans, who hate government, opt out of federal rules, regulations and laws...at their pleasure. You see, Chris hates government...well not all government he loves his type of government.  His reward for being so ineffective with that Bill? The GOP controlled House of Representatives rewarded him with the title of House Majority Leader. See, the more wacky you are the more the GOP loves you. Anyway, I digress...Chris got some bad news last week. My friend, and one of the brightest people I know, Jonathan Neiderbach announced that he was not going to run for the Iowa House District 43 and rather offer his support to the other Democratic candidate Jennifer Konfrst (photo) thereby allowing Jennifer to skip a primary and start to focus directly on Mr. Hagenow.  I saw Jonathan on Tuesday evening and again thanked him and praised his decision. Well done my friend. Now let's double down and defeat Mr. Hagenow because we need less...wacky.

While We're on Wacky

It looks like Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) will get his way, even though he is facing lawsuits and rejection on his desire to privatize Medicaid in Iowa. You see what happens when you vote for somebody you "think" is "nice"? You didn't want to vote for former State Senator Jack Hatch (D-Des Moines) because...  I'm waiting.  Because... Could it be because you were duped? Could it be because you long for crumbs to fall to the floor in the form of corporate give-a-ways?  You reap what you sow. Congratulations Iowa and he's just getting started.

New Blood

The Village of Windsor Heights is primed for some progressive government action. This past Tuesday the citizens here elected Zac Bales-Henry to the City Council. It was his first attempt at politics and he bested incumbent Charlene Butz by winning over 60% of the vote. Sixty percent. He did it by knocking on doors, activating a progressive base of support, using social media and working hard. Even on election day, not taking anything for granted, Zac and his supporters were out in force waving signs and signals about the election. That, my friends, is how you win. Zac joins the other new city council victor Threase Harms who also ran a very professional campaign and worked the progressive side of the community. 

The election was easy...now comes the hard part, governing. 

Partly Personal

I had lunch this week with a Christian. No, really. An honest, born-again, home schooling Christian. And it was a pleasure. We talked about parents, children, business and religion. While there was not one word about politics, but I'm sure he saw my Bernie Sanders bumper sticker, we agreed on nearly every topic. It was a meaningful conversation. To give you a flavor of the discussion I offer you this video.  It really touched me.

 

Have a great Sunday and thanks for reading and Happy Chanukah!

 

 

 

   

 

 

Politics, Religion, Gossip - Sunday Morning Coffee 25 October 2015

Thanks for coming by for your weekly dose of politics, religion and gossip (and maybe a sex story just to spice things up!). It's not that all Republicans are bad, heck, I have even been in the same restaurant with one or two. It's just that, as a progressive, I'd like to move forward and not back to 1955. Oh wait, that was a good economic year...the government was actually spending money on projects...let's get to it.  

The Benghazi Circus

It's pretty interesting when conservative media Fox News kicked off their commentary on the hearings featuring Hillary Clinton. It was Ed Henry speaking with Greta van Susteren as the hearings crawled to their finish, 11 hours after they began. 

“In terms of the narrative on Benghazi, there was no major new development that rocked her side of the story, that changes this in some way,” he said. “What you have here is another big test for Hillary Clinton, and another big test that she appears to have passed.”

Henry cited a source inside a top GOP presidential campaign who said Clinton “looked presidential and was in command” and called the hearings a “total wipeout” for GOP members. Van Susteren agreed, saying Clinton’s performance was closer to the politician she had watched over the years than the tentative, stumbling Clinton of this campaign so far.

I know you hate it. You were so hoping that the nearly five million dollars spent on this "investigation" would yield something, anything.  Well, it did. Hillary Clinton will not only be the nominee but also will be elected president.  Thank you...thank you very much. (Cartoon - Tim Lloyd)

Gasp!  A Shooting in (Gasp again!) Ankeny?

The Poo-lease tell us that two men were shot outside of a McDonald's in Ankeny! No names yet but everybody is expected to survive...which is more than what can be said of those folks eating that stuff.  More guns...less burgers!

99 Days

We've got 99 days before the Iowa Caucuses. Get ready. Over the next three months there will be phone calls, door knocking, radio and television ads all pointing out attention to Monday, February 1st.  That will just about pull all the oxygen out of any other political agenda and it's exactly what the GOP is hoping for. You see, the Governor of Iowa and the Iowa House have done such a masterful job of screwing up education, mental health, jobs, wages and taxes they are betting that you'll forget all about it as they forge ahead to screw you over...more. However, your job is to get fired up and make some real changes in government come November of 2016.  I'm here to help.

Chris Hagenow

And it starts right here in my town with booting Rep. Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights) out of office. As one of the most radical in the Iowa House, equally radical, Rep. Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake) and Speaker of the House made sure one of her ilk became House Majority Leader. Make no mistake about it. Mr. Hagenow hates government...unless it is his government. Anybody who makes a Convention of the States the center piece of an unremarkable legislative session is not a friend of teachers, health care, women, voting rights...he needs to go.  Besides he's been in office...too long. 

The Jews, Hitler and Haj Amin al-Husseini

Last week Prime Minister Netanyahu took some flack for a comment that he made regarding the Arab Hag Amin al-Husseini and the Holocaust. Mostly from folks who know little about the issue or, in all honesty, are too lazy to learn what happened. In the broader context Mr. Netanyahu was correct. Hitler had long advocated, since the 1920's, the extermination of the Jews and al-Husseini knew it. What the Arab was most upset about was that Germany was allowing 10,000 Jews to flee Germany for Israel...then the British Protectorate of Palestine...each year. That stopped after the visit and the result was thousands of men, women and children were murdered because they were...Jews.  I know this flies in the face of my liberal friends who see the Arabs as peaceful and law abiding citizens of the world.  Sorry...

Kill the Jews!

Meanwhile the peaceful and law abiding Arabs are knifing, shooting and running over Jews in Israel. But that is because they are...oh...stressed.  They don't really mean it. The Arabs are just frustrated because there are Jews in Israel.  It's all pretty simple. kill the Jews, open up the borders and return Israel to the Arabs and everybody will be happy.  Simple no?  Weary...

Meanwhile in Europe

Everyday thousands...thousands...of people are fleeing the "hot mess" that has been created in the Syria.  Oh, I've heard about the conspiracy that this is not a refugee issue but an "invasion" of Muslims who will take up arms against Germany and Austria just as soon as they get something to eat. Meanwhile the United States...bombs.  And Russia...bombs.  Look, at some point we've got to realize that those nations want nothing to do with democracy. Nothing. Perhaps letting people out...who want to be free and live in a democracy...get out and then let the tribes of Arabs shoot it out.  The place was much more peaceful when we had dictators in power...well...it was.  I'm sorry...I've got to move on.

Puppy Mills and Iowa

I had no idea that Iowa was awash in puppy mills until I visited with Mindi Callison from Bailing Out Benji. It seems, according to Mindi, that the Iowa Legislature is unable or unwilling to crack down on the puppy mill business.  I asked why... "Because they are afraid that by passing legislation that roots out puppy mills they will be impacting (get ready) agriculture."  Huh? Look, I don't know but that might sound odd if it were not for our states continued support of just about anything agriculture wants to do...even if it's not a good thing. Here is a photo of Iowa showing puppy mill locations, according to Callison and her group. So...now what?

Dog Fighting in Iowa

And it gets worse. Last week we added another family member to our "farm". His name is Oscar and he was just hours of being murdered in a kill shelter. He was rescued by P.E.T.S. (Protecting Even The Strays) out of Panora. Melanie, the young lady who brought Oscar to our home for a "meet & greet" rescued a Pit Bull who was used as a "bait dog".  A what?  It seems, here in Iowa people use submissive Pit Bulls as "bait dogs" to urge more aggressive dogs to attack. How does Melanie know?  Her rescue has only half of his bottom lip. The rest was chewed off in fights.  Seriously people?  I asked the who, what, where and why and was told dog fighting is very popular but hard to find...the people who love to torture dogs hide pretty well.  No doubt in plain sight.  But, no doubt, our elected officials are "on it". Weary....

Partly Personal

OK...So, now I'm depressed...enough bad news!  Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit with over 170 small business people in Mason City at the Midwest Social Media Marketing Summit held at the North Iowa Area Community College. It was electric and I truly hope folks left that full day conference with a plan in place to boost their brand by using social media. Go get em...I'll post a video soon on FB. (Photo of my friend Darcy Maulsby showing off her metallic boots to one of the classes yesterday.)

The big personal news of the week was Oscar coming to his forever home. That was really quite enough.

I did hear that somebody by the name of Katy Perry was in town...I have NO idea who that is but some said she wore a flag.  

Thanks for coming by and have a great Sunday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah, Stuff Happens - Politics, Religion, Gossip 4 Oct 2015

My real job does not allow me to take "mental health days" so I spend some time each Sunday Morning writing about politics, religion, sex, gossip...you know, the stuff your Mom said, "Never discuss this in public!". It helps me cope with the crazy nation we live in. So grab a cup if you dare...but careful, it's HOT!

Another Mass Shooting - Yawn

Dead people. Students, teachers, folks just in the way of a nut-job who carried out evil. Nine people who left their homes and never returned because they were murdered in cold blood...in a school...again. But, what the F*CK...you don't care.  The nut-job that did this did not kill 9 people with a bomb. He did not kill them with a knife. Poison? Nope. Oh, let's see, he killed them with a...wait for it...GUN. Yeah, those precious instruments of death and destruction that Americans love. The response? "Aw shucks, let's pray for them."  This is a sick nation and you...you who are reading this and don't have the guts to
demand change in our crazy gun laws are the problem. You keep electing these screwballs who will do nothing. Nothing about the love of violence in this country.  I guess we deserve it after all, "Stuff happens."

Meanwhile, as my friend Tim Lloyd draws...might that whole Jesus thingy turned out different if he just had a gun.  

I dunno...but worth thinking about.

 

Sensible Gun Laws

So, if you've caught the news cycle you know the gun-nuts out there are saying, "Well, there is nothing we can do. Nobody has proposed a sensible answer. The President failed to offer any specifics as to exactly what he would propose." That is right because they are all cowards. So let me, once again, offer a specific answer to the issue. Ready? This is really hard so pay attention:

• Gift Gun - The Constitution of the United States says that we have the right to bear arms. I'm in 100%! I would propose that we distribute a (let's say) Glock 43 (You should see them...really very cool!) to every child born in the United States starting on January 1, 2016. 
• Cost? - There are roughly 4 million births in the United States each year. A Glock 43 costs about $500. 500 x 4 million= $2 billion. Chump change, after all we spend $610 billion on defense. We could get stuff done for $608 billion...no?
• Bullets - Now, and stay with me, we move the price for each round (That's "gun talk" for bullets...) from $.20 to $1,000. So, you want to buy a bullet for your gun...it will cost you $1,000 or if you really want to kill a bunch of people we might make it 10 rounds for $9,000 and give you a deal.

Problem solved!  Wait, what?  TOO EXTREME? Well then let's do this:

We could start handing out muskets (I would prefer the American Pennsylvania Long Rifle and it is way patriotic! It's also known as the Kentucky Rifle 'cause we don't want to piss them Southerners off.)

Or we have an exchange program: Bring us your high-power weapon and we'll give you a musket.  Then we keep the price for a musket ball at the current penny each. Yep, I looked it up at Balls & Bullets. Now, if you have a mind to do a mass killing you're going to have to round up a bunch of your buddies to "go with".

You are welcome...how hard was that?

Jim Hightower on Gun Safety

This weekend former Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, Jim Hightower was in town stumping for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Thanks to the Sanders Campaign we were able to score an interview with this author, speaker and radio host which will air on Wednesday afternoon. But this question about guns and what we might do about them...seemed timely. Have a listen. 

Jim Hightower on Guns

Justice Steven Breyer & The Death Penalty

In the same Constitution that gives us the right to have muskets there is the pesky 8th Amendment which forbids "cruel & unusual punishment". Justice Steven Breyer has an interesting take on this as it applies to the death penalty. Specific to that is, "Cruel-Lack of Reliability" - Can we talk about the many sent to death-row who have been found to be innocent? "Cruel - Arbitrariness" - How states dole out sanctioned murder that often impact race, gender and worse, failure to condemn the "worst of the worst". "Cruel - Excessive Delays" - The length of time the condemned wait on death row...so is there a purpose? "Unusual" - The death penalty is unusual among civilized nations and becoming more unusual as states back away from the practice. "All that put together convinced me that there is a good case to be made" under the Constitution against the death penalty, Breyer said, and "that the court should hear the case."

Hmmm...

Oops!  Dead Doctors!

And yet more news from the "Department of Stuff Happens" we learned this weekend that NATO forces bombed a hospital that housed Doctors Without Borders in Afghanistan. The response from the mighty?  "Oops we'll hold an investigation!" This ghastly, back-water, stone-age country has been at war since 1978...lemme do that math on that...oh, like 37 flippin years! What the living hell are we doing there?  MOVE the folks that don't want to live under crazies OUT. 

I've got a stake in this. Our son-in-law is over they training the Afghans to fly airplanes. This is his 5th or 6th deployment and this past week a C-130 fell out of the sky...killing all 11 on-board. That hits pretty close to home.

I know, wild talk from a progressive right?  Exactly.

Alabama - Again

Speaking of backward places let's cast a progressive eye toward Alabama. Last week, "because of budget concerns" Alabama closed 31 drivers license facilities. OK, fair enough. However the majority of those closed state facilities are in counties that hold the highest percentage of African Americans. So?  Well, Alabama has a law that to vote the citizen must show a valid ID. And, what counts as a "valid ID"?  A state issued drivers license. This is happening now in the state that so shocked the nation in its brutal treatment of it's black citizens that President Johnson used those attacks to push forward the Voting Rights Act.  Which the Supreme Court gutted when they said, "Hey, there isn't any discrimination anymore. We are a healed nation." And they removed Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Shameful. So, as long as we're moving the good people from Afghanistan out of that hell-hole we might want to start making room for the refugees of Alabama. I know you want to read more....so here's a good piece from The International Business Review.  And this my friends is going on...now...today and being driven by (wait for it) REPUBLICANS. Now don't you feel proud to be in the party that gave us Abraham Lincoln...who, by the way would have no chance to get elected to anything by this crowd.

Speaking of Republicans

The legislative season in Iowa will get interesting soon as the House Republicans recently elected one of their most conservitave, radical, far-right members as the House Majority Leader. Yep, Rep. Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights) the guy who pushed hard for a wacky "Convention of the States" during last session now has more power to lay out laws that will restrict health care access, ease gun laws and give more money to already rich and wealthy companies.  I get to live in Mr. Hagenow's district and, once again, I will work hard to turn him out of office.  Promise.

GOSSIP!!!

I know you love this part. Story is that some Democrats are not happy with the two candidates running for the 3rd Congressional District here in Iowa and more may...just may join the field against Desmund Adams and Jim Mowrer.  This week I heard Gov. Chet Culver is still mulling the race and I was told that at a recent Dallas County Democratic Meeting another person, Michael Sherzan, who announced back in February of 2013 but dropped out of the race, due to health issues, in April of that same year. Word on the street is that Mr. Sherzan has "More money than God!" and he's willing to spend it. If true this would dent Mr. Mowrer more than Mr. Adams or so some are saying. 

Partly Personal

Yesterday the City of Windsor Heights held an Octoberfest event in Colby Park. Lots of fun. I got to MC a pie eating contest. (Yep, it's come to this friends.) One day your ___________ and the next day it's a pie eating contest.  Loads of fun and a huge thank you to our friends at the Windsor Heights HyVee and David Baruthio from Baru 66 for the prizes. 

Also, I get to go to a Windsor Heights City Council Meeting tomorrow. Now that we've made some broadcast adjustments with the Business News Hour I can get out of the studio by 6PM which allows me the opportunity to "represent". Should be fun...because I love transparent government!

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday!!! 

 

Politics, Religion, Gossip - Sunday Morning Coffee 30 August 2015

Grab a cup of Sunday Morning Coffee it's all politics, religion with a touch of gossip to sweeten the deal.  Nothing here will change your mind but, it just might make you think.  Let's go!

Katrina

We are "celebrating" what the Economist is calling "The Shame of America". While there is much to celebrate with regard to the positive movements made in New
Orleans there is an ugly backside that many want to forget or "wish away". The United States has always treasured the concept of "women and children first". However in the aftermath of Katrina this country turned it's back on hundreds of thousands of victims of the disaster. The day before the storm struck Mayor Ray Nagin issued the first ever mandatory evacuation order in the history of the city. However 112,000 people, mostly poor, had no vehicle or ability to leave. The Superdome was to be a place of shelter. But within 24 hours 25,000 people without food, water and sanitary facilities turned the "shelter" into a nightmare.  Today in the Crescent City the level of PTSD continues to plague many, especially the children. So badly that during President Obama's address this past week a member of the audience shouted, "Mental health! Our children need mental health."

Today New Orleans is still struggling with low wages, job inequity, gun violence and crime.  There is still much to do.

Joe Biden

Will he?  Will he not?  Friends and family of Vice President Joe Biden offer mixed clues as to if he will take a shot at running for president. Yesterday the Vice President surprised Delaware Democrats by showing up, unannounced, to the  Sussex Democratic Jamboree in Lewes where he spent ten minutes saying "thank you" to his friends for sticking with him through the good times and the bad.  Meanwhile a recent poll says Biden does better against several of the GOP front-runners than does Secretary Hillary Clinton.  Me?  My gut tells me is is not going to run but, who knows. This I do know he is truly a class act. (Cartoon - Tim Lloyd)

#UniteIowa

Yesterday in Storm Lake, Iowa at Buena Vista College Kyle Munson of the Des Moines Register moderated a forum dealing with immigration issues and...Iowa. What is #UniteIowa? From the website we read, "We aim to create an oasis for thoughtful dialogue in the middle of another presidential caucus cycle when the rhetoric tends to divide us."  It worked. While GOP National Committeewoman Tamara Scott did her best to scare folks about the "evils of the illegals" the conversation was truly thoughtful and offered up some real-world examples as to why this nation needs to find a way to deal with the issues of immigration reform. Every presidential candidate from both sides were invited to speak. Only Gov. Lincoln Chafee (D-RI) and Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-MD) made the trip. Both did well but it was O'Malley that offered some concrete examples of what he would do and what he has done.  That strong showing prompted this Tweet from my friend Christian Ucles:

If you can get through the pay-wall here is the piece from Grant Rogers in the Des Moines Register. 

Mental Health

The cold killing of two Virginia news professionals last week shocked even gun rights activists. Within days of the shooting Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D-VA) said he would introduce gun-control legislation and that, gun-control legislation that requires background checks is "common sense" and "is right thing for Virginia and the right thing for the nation."

Of course he is right and it is also true that the shooter, Vester Lee Flanaggan, purchased his gun legally. And so we'll talk about it and the "gun-lobby" will fight any attempt to control firearms and this week more people will die from gun violence in the United States.  Nothing changes.  Oh...mental health?  Screw that too. While Flanaggan might have purchased his gun legally he, according to reports, was a "walking time bomb". Full Tilt Bozo...but hey we also "talk" about mental health. Or in the case of Iowa...we cut funding for mental health.  Weary.

Wage Theft

So ever hear of Wage Theft?  This is something else most people just don't give a damn about because it only impacts "them".  A new study out from the Iowa Policy Project says that thousands of Iowans are robbed of the wages due them.  But, hey, they are only "low-wage workers" and no doubt they ain't got good schooling and ain't got nowhere to turn so...screw them!  What do you bet that some of these same "wage robbing employers" are in church this morning being all holy and stuff. Double weary.  Here's the article on Wage Theft in Iowa.

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

Two very cool things are going on today. The Windsor Heights Foundation has several dozen homes hosting an ice cream social on their front lawns. This is such a cool thing. Friends, neighbors and family gather on lawns across The Village and have a chance to visit with each other.  Solid and, yes, we'll share some photos!

Earlier in the day Progress Iowa is holding the first Corn Feed and speaking on behalf of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will be...ready?  Ben and Jerry...yes, THAT Ben and Jerry. I'm honored that Progress Iowa has asked me to take part in the event and what could be better than Jews and Ice Cream?  You can still get tickets here.

Jennifer Konfrst for Iowa House

Speaking of "The Village of Windsor Heights" my friend Jennifer Konfrst announced last week that she will run against Rep. Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights). This is pretty exciting, positive and full of opportunity. My long-running distain for Mr. Hagenow is stuff of legend.  Mostly because they don't get any more far-right-wing than he. Last year, rather than spending time trying to pass legislation that would improve the lives of Iowans he ran around trying to get legislation passed that would call a "convention of the states" so we could turn back the clock to 1862. But he impressed his GOP bosses, who are equally wacky, because they made him Assistant Majority Leader of the Iowa House. If he stays in office expect more of the weird.

Bicycles and Iowa/Des Moines

For those of us who enjoy cycling this news comes as no shock.  The Des Moines Register is reporting today that Iowa and Des Moines continue to slide when it comes to being "Bike Friendly". Odd when Iowa hosts the largest bicycle ride in the world...RAGBRAI.  But this falling out of favor is understandable. There is no will to create a better bike friendly community or state. None.  We would much rather give millions of dollars to already successful companies like Kum & Go to build a new headquarters building.  Here is the article from the Register and, if you are interested in hearing what ISU Economist Dave Swenson has to say about "corporate tax give-away" here is a great piece from Bleeding Heartland. 

Partly Personal

Last evening there was a celebration for the finalists of the health and fitness program from the Des Moines Cycle Club - Pedal Off the Pounds. In total the folks that finished the 18 week planned program lost a combined 919 pounds.  Many now off of meds, buying new clothes and keeping their butts on a bike. It is progress and so proud of my Bride who leads the Des Moines Cycle Club along with a great group of volunteers. Well done...everybody! 

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

  

Politics, Religion & Gossip 5 July 2015

Good Morning and Happy Birthday America! Hope you are enjoying a
meaningful holiday full of friends and family.  I was reading a Facebook Post that was authored by a friend. In it he wrote that a person was complaining that the 4th of July should be free of politics.  Darling, everything is political however, in deference to her concern...you get Sunday Morning Coffee on the 5th of July.  See how politically correct I can be?

The Thirty-Seven Percent

It's true that 63% of the country is behind marriage equality. It's true that supporters have won a great victory with the Supreme Court case a week ago. It is also true that as victors in this battle we need to civil. The 37% of the population that, for whatever reason, believe marriage equality is wrong will, at some point turn into 30% and then 24%... It's important, I believe, that we are careful not to marginalize those who oppose. Calling folks bigots doesn't help some kid, who is gay, come out when his parents may be one of the 37%.  I think we need to accept this victory with some class.  You in?

Speaking of Class...

Classrooms in Iowa are about to get larger. Programs in Iowa's schools are about to get cut.  The governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad lacks...class. Following months of legislative negotiations that took the General Assembly well past their adjournment date the Democrats caved to the 1.25% growth figure demanded by the Republican controlled House.  Then they negotiated a one-time funding package of $55.7 million for K-12 schools. Gov. Terry Branstad, out of town and out of touch, vetoed that compromise. I asked the House Majority Whip, Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights) if he would urge his party to come back to the State House and override the veto. He said, "We're talking about it. I am hearing from the same people you are." Talking about it.  My bet is they don't have the guts.  You?

Oh, You Want More?

My friend Sharon Steckman (D-Mason City) offered up this list of the other items Governor Branstad vetoed. It's quite a list:

HF 666 – One-time funding bill (all vetoed below)
• $55.7 million for k-12 schools
• $1.8 million to keep Clarinda MHI open
• $2.3 million for substance abuse treatment
• $310,000 for transition costs to new Ft. Madison facility
• $2.5 million for community colleges
• $2.8 million for the UI
• $2.2 million for ISU
• $1.1 million for UNI 

HF 651 – E911 
• Vetoed language to improve communication between local emergency providers. 

SF 499 – Economic Development Budget
• Vetoed language to ensure administrative law judges can operate free from political influence. 

SF 505 – HHS
• Vetoed language to prevent a private managed care company from charging additional fees for services;
• Vetoed expanding eligibility for child care assistance to more Iowans;
• Vetoed language that could have kept Clarinda open under private management;
• Vetoed funding for Mt. Pleasant MHI.

This is on you people who held your nose and voted for Mr. Branstad because you believed Sen. Jack Hatch was a poor choice.  Silly people.

And he calls himself "The Education Governor" and "The Job Creator". Please...and YOU fell for it.  I suspect, and would hope, this election cycle you remember this cowardly act and who sided with...who. It is all shameful.

Blackface?

Star Trek actor George Takei took it to Justice Clarence Thomas last week saying, the Justice was a "clown in blackface" because of his decent in the recent Marriage Equality case. Justice Thomas had written, "Human dignity cannot be taken away by the government. Slaves did not lose their dignity (any more than they lost their humanity) because the government allowed them to be enslaved. Those held in internment camps did not lose their dignity because the government confined them."

Takei, a Japanese-American who is openly gay and was held in an internment camp during World War II, blasted Thomas's remarks in an op-ed published Wednesday on MSNBC.com entitled, "George Takei to Clarence Thomas: Denying our rights denies our dignity."

Here is the full story from CNN.

Takei backed off of his statement saying that his "words were not carefully considered".  Emotions run...hot.  Careful what you write in the heat of the moment.

Billy Joel Gets Married

He's 66 and his bride, long time girlfriend Alexis Roderick (33) were wed yesterday. Presiding was New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The bride and groom have been dating since 2009 and are expecting a child this summer. Why is this is Sunday Morning Coffee?  I dunno...figured you needed a break.

Like Old Times...

Yesterday was parade day and my friend Desmund Adams who is officially running for Congress in the Third Congressional District toured the Downtown (Des Moines) Farmers Market, the Windsor Heights parade launch and walked a bit in Waukee. It was a relaxed day before all the world changes. Here he is courting the canine vote.

Partly Personal

I'm really proud of my Bride and her legions of friends. Two weeks ago the Mayor of Windsor Heights, Diana Willits asked Georgie if she would get some bicycle riders together for the parade. The call went out and over 40 members of the Des Moines Cycle Club turned out...and, I think, was the largest contingent of folks in the parade. Here is the "after photo" at the end of the route. The Mayor is pictured just to the left of the rocket.  Well done "G" and thank you everybody...she (Georgie) the "nice one" of the two of us...

Have a great Sunday and thanks for reading!   

 

Politics, Religion & Gossip 28 June 2015

I know, it's been a long time.  In the opening months of 2014 I was the primary care-giver for my Mother z"l who lived in our home. That took a bunch of time and after she died on the first day of Spring that same year...I longed for some time off. Sunday Morning seemed like a great time to "take it easy". So, that's the excuse.  But that's not why you stopped by so let's go!

Justice Antonin Scalia

It was a rough week for the Supreme Court Justice with stuff like the Court upholding the Affordable Care Act, Fair Housing and Marriage Equality. Former Des Moines Register writer Regina Zilbermints who now is based in Golfport, Mississippi (I'm sorry...) said in her Twitter Feed, "Seriously guys, can someone buy Scalia a cookie or a spa weekend: Sounds like he needs it after this week. #SCOTUS." BEST line of the day!

The UNITED (Wait for it) States of America

Perhaps the most emotional speech I have seen our president give was the eulogy for Pastor Clementa Pinckney.  While some may focus on his singing of Amazing Grace...which was perfect...his last line was over the top. In case you missed it:

 

I know, those of you who hate this president...hate a bunch of things like equal rights, health care for all, people of color, different religions...even folks in "your religion" that just have not figured out the "right way".  I get that and hey...it's OK with me.  But, have you figured out that, on so many of these things, you have been on the losing side of the people? So, keep hating.  We'll simply continue to march forward.

Two Blogs Worth Following

Earlier this year former State Senator Jack Hatch and some investors created the Iowa Daily Democrat. If you don't want to be bothered by facts or if you prefer the flamethrower approach to political discourse DON'T click through. Solid group of writers including former Associated Press reporter, Mike Glover.  Another interesting read is The Starting Line by my friend Patrick Rynrad.  Lot's of Iowa Caucus and Iowa Political stuff.

Gossip & Rumor & Facts

This often is my favorite part.  Story is that former Governor and life-long politician Chet Culver is all but IN to square off against (Yet to announce - but traveling all over the Third District.) businessman and community service volunteer, Desmund Adams.  Other names include Jim Mower who recently moved back into the Third from the Fourth District and U.S. Attorney Nick Klinefeldt. Other name mentions, Staci Appel (out) and State Senator Matt McCoy...I don't think so and State Senator Janet Peterson...nope. Why spend the money on a tough primary when you're a lock for your existing seat? Ain't gonna happen.

Want More?

Looks like there will be another race in House District 42 (Windsor Heights/Clive).  Not sure if, yet to announce, Jon Neiderbach will have a primary but whoever faces Rep. Chris Hagenow count me in.  I'm still trying to figure out what Mr. Hagenow has done for his district in the three terms he's been here. His "hot button issue" last session was some goofy "Convention of the States" radical right-wing agenda item.  Education? Nah. Minimum Wage? Nah.  Equal Pay/Equal Work? Nah. But wait! He was all over requiring women to have an ultrasound before having an abortion. No word on if Chris will support a bill requiring men to view their testicles on a large video monitor before having a vasectomy.  Weary.

Meanwhile In Urbandale

She's IN! My friend State Sen. Brad Zahn (R-Urbandale) has, at least one challenger in former combat veteran, author, activist, model and public speaker Miyoko Hikiji. She will be a formidable opponent given her background and abilities. Urbandale is not as "red" as it once was...Rep. John Forbes (D-Urbandale) and the Democrats need to add to their senate numbers.

Urbandale also has a very active neighborhood group, as do other cities and counties.  Democratic neighbors are banning together and forming activist organizations with the express idea to push progressive policies on the local level.  I know...I belong to the Windsor Heights Democrats. 

Business and Politics?

Some of you may know that I do a daily business radio broadcast (which I own) and some have said that it is impossible for a Democrat to be pro-business. Huh?  As a business owner (three) I am all over capitalism. Because we may disagree on legislation that is progressive does not mean I'm anti-business. Silly people.

OK..SHORT for a re-introduction of Sunday Morning Coffee...but need to get about the business of...Sunday.  May you have a wonderful day! 

 

 

 

Politics, Religion, Gossip, SMC 11/10/13

My name is Michael P. Libbie and I get to write Sunday Morning Coffee a weekly rant about stuff nobody is supposed to talk about.  You know, politics and religion.  I throw in a little gossip just to make the conversation sweeter.  If you have a comment, feel free to post here or let's connect on my PERSONAL Facebook Page and/or my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie but, remember, play nice.  Let's get started. (Oh yeah..."Twitter is a waste of time!"...uh huh $41.65 at the close of last week.)

Immigration Reform

Well now it seems like even Rep. Steve King (R-IA) may be on the wrong side of this issue...too.  Politico is reporting that a poll, due out on Thursday, conducted by a, "trio of GOP friendly groups" indicates that, "...indicate that voters will be warmer toward politicians who favor immigration reform, an effort that faces an uphill battle in the Republican-led House."  Well now, ain't that special.  If you would like to read the entire piece here is that link.  Question: How come, if Congressman King is wrong on this, wrong on health care, wrong on marriage equality...how come you people in Western Iowa continue to vote him in?  Must be his TV ads...

Technology and Obamacare

Well now isn't this interesting.  Recently, as reported by ARS Technica a technical research reporting agency, it seems that "somebody" out there has created a tool to put extra strain on the website HealthCare.gov.  The report says the hackers have created what they call a "tool to slow down the site".  My, my...somebody isn't playing nice.  Meanwhile Fox News continues to lie about the Affordable Care Act by parading one phony family after another onto their screen.  Look, I don't like the fact that the president bought into this insurance company, GOP program any more than others.  But, it is clearly a start toward a more humane way of dealing with health care in this country.  You want to read the report?  Sure, here is the link. 

Small Business & The Economy

You do know that small business people fear the future and that they are not at all sure about the economy today or tomorrow.  And that they are so unsure of the fragile US economy that they are ready, at any point, to shutter their manufacturing plants, retail stores, etc.  You do know that because every talking head on every toxic right-wing radio and television station has been pounding that drum for two years.  Right?  Uhm...nope.  From the Department of Don't Confuse Me With The Facts comes this recent study by our friends at The Principal which says small business people are optimistic about the economy and their ability to grow.  Sure, just like in farming there is uncertainty but where isn't there.  Dang!  Now what Chicken Little?

Oh, Did I Mention Farming?

Still no Farm Bill.  Why?  Because "The House That Says No" say that poor people, people who were affected by their cut and burn mentality with regard the budgets, are using too many food stamps.  And know what?  According to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack if the "Do Nothing Congress" fails to get busy on the Farm Bill, farmers, who are really tied to this piece of legislation, may stop buying machinery, vehicles and upgrading their business.  What happens then?  The rural economy goes into a downward spiral.  And for those of you living in urban areas in Iowa think, "So?"  Tell that to the workers at John Deere who were recently laid off.  This is all silly, silly, silly. Weary my friends...weary.

Now For Some Good News!

We have a new mayor in Windsor Heights, Iowa.  It is Madam Mayor too.  Diana Willits was elected last Tuesday along with a couple of other progressive candidates to the City Council.  Some of the other candidates choose to go negative right out of the gun and...they lost.  Here's the deal kids, when running for public office it is much better to run FOR something than against something.  Hint: Running for office to oppose sidewalks near a school is not a good idea.  It might have been attractive back in 2010 when our Tea Party Friends were running all over the country with fear and doom reports...but it ain't that way today...at least on the local level.  Congrats Diana and Company!  A pleasure to call Windsor Heights...home. (Yes, I know, I voted for a registered Republican AND a woman!  The horror...)  BTW, first female mayor in city history.  I have NOT done the research but...could she be the first female mayor in the Des Moines Metro?  Anybody?  I should ask my friend Bob Santi.  He knows EVERYTHING!  Bob?

What?  More Good News?

Congratulations to my friend Susan Judkins (left with Sen. Jack Hatch) who was recently appointed to the Clive City Council.  Susan ran an impressive campaign against Rep. Chris Hagenow but lost by 22 votes. (The ghost of Kevin McCarthy still haunts me.) She recently changed jobs and had some time to spend working for the public in a new way...as an appointed city council person filling former Councilman Steven Brody's vacant seat.  Brody resigned unexpectedly on October 3rd, citing, "personal reasons".  BAM!

Sorry for such...LOCAL news...but it seems that the stuff on the state and national scene is so....ick.  Like...this:

 

The Shutdown...Blows

Moody's Analytics estimates the Des Moines Metro saw a 0.27 percent, or about a 22.1 million dollar drop in gross state product as a result of the partial shutdown of the federal government for 17 days in October.  The Quad Cities, including Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa and Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, were hit even harder, experiencing an estimated 25.3 million dollar loss.  Iow City took a 7.1 million dollar hit, while the Cedar Rapids, Ames and Sioux City Metros saw losses of 3.8 million, 3.4 million and 2.4 million each.  Uhm..."damn gobment ain't good for nothin'"...right?  Weary...double weary.

Partly Personal

OK...week four with having Mom at our home.  Friday night we had another nosebleed and spent from midnight to 6AM at the ER in West Des Moines.  That was fun.  Mom takes rat-poison (Warfarin) as a blood thinner.  Each month we check her I&R levels at her doctor.  That test takes about thirty seconds.  Meanwhile that test at Mercy West Lakes ER takes four hours.  I dunno either.  But got stuff stopped and back home in time to watch the sun come up.  She was grumpy yesterday.

Have a wonderful Sunday and thanks for coming by!!