SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 30 January 2022

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

The Threat

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

Meanwhile in Honduras

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

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

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

Let's Talk Economics

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

What’s going on?

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

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

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

Consider this…

Every positive headline has a downside to match.

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

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

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

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

Confusion

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

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

What a Scoop!!!

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

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

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

Where is J.D.?

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

The Iowa Caucus

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

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

Partly Personal

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

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

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

Sunday Morning Coffee 1 August 2021

Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee and to a brand new month. If it doesn't "feel" like a new month it's no doubt because we're fighting the same stuff we did two months ago, six months ago...last year. But read on there is plenty of politics and opinion just ahead.

Deja Vu...Yet Again

So, let's see...let's talk pandemic. The number of COVID cases are up from last July. On July 30, 2020 the U.S. reported 69,604 cases. On July 30, 2021 the number of cases reported totaled 101,098. Yeah, so Deja Vu.

Meanwhile we're still fighting about voting. It was last summer the former president said that if he loses the voting system is "rigged" and "dishonest" setting the stage for what was to follow. Fast forward to this past week and he's still saying that and the My Pillow Guy is planning to "prove it" in a syndicated TV event starting on August 12th. And he is predicting that, "because of this revelation President Biden and Vice President Harris will resign on August 13th." Ok.... Meanwhile Mike Lindell pulled all of his My Pillow ads off Fox News. Why? Hell, even they wouldn't run ads promoting the event.  (Photo: CNBC)

Remember when every week last year was "Infrastructure Week". We're there again. Oh, and   let me echo Dr. Dr. William Barber II who said last week voting rights should take precedence over infrastructure. "If we can not allow people their constitutional right to vote than all the infrastructure in the nation will not matter because millions are shut out of the process." 

Yep...sorta feels like "Groundhog Day" eh Bill?

Taxes? My Taxes?

Last week we learned that the Justice Department told the Treasury Department that it "must" turn over former president #45's tax returns to the House Ways and Means Committee, which first requested them more than two years ago. Why and what's the big deal? Let us turn to the U.S. House Panel that made the request and said the tax returns could, "...reveal hidden business entanglements raising tax law and other issues, including conflicts of interest, affecting proper execution of the former President's responsibilities." So, there is that. By the way didn't we just learn that a close associate to the former president was actually a paid foreign agent for another country?  Nah...nothing to see here, move along now.

$200,000? Or $300,000?

There seems to be some question as to exactly how much it cost you Iowa taxpayers to have sent Iowa State Troopers to Texas last month. Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Baynes estimated expenditure to cost about $300,000. Of that, he said $100,000 was
regular salary cost, another $150,000 was for overtime costs, and the remainder covered other expenses. The move was all about optics as Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) continues to take moves out of the play books of Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX). Think not? Last week she also parroted the Abbot line that COVID19 cases in are going up because of infected aliens coming into the state. Look for her to start fortifying the border with National Guard troops especially if people are coming here from Missouri. More on that later.

When first reported the figure was said to be $200,000 so it looks like the governor shaved a hefty 100 grand from the number.  How? Well, she reasoned included in that $300,000 figure was regular pay of $100,000 so "really" it's only $200,000 more. Yesh!  But, then again if those 29 troopers were in Iowa rather than on a goose chase and photo op in Texas....might Iowans have been more safe? Hell, we might have raised more than $100,000 in traffic fines....right?  Anyway check this graphic from the Iowa Starting Line and learn what $200,000 might have meant for...Iowans.  Thank you Ty Rushing for the image!

Meanwhile - The Iowa State Fair

It's August and I know you have your little heart set on funnel cakes and corn dogs. Right? Just think of it...you and a million other folks
crowding around the Big Boar just to check out the size of his testicles. I get it. I love the fair and Stockman's and the Cattle Barn. No really. Some of my best memories come from there.  I was asked last week if I was going and said, "Nope. There is no way I'm going to go and put myself in front all those folks."  While Fair CEO Gary Slater says it is a "Celebration of Iowa" I am reminded that Gary is from Missouri and the nation has a pretty good idea of what folks there think about COVID and vaccines. (Hint: "The virus is fake and I don't know what's in that vaccine so it ain't goin' in my body!)

And another thing: There are reports that the Iowa State Fair will have metal detectors at the entrances. I suspect it's because they want to confiscate pocket knives? (If so they'll have quite a haul.) No, the reason is...guns. Which does not make a lick of sense because in Iowa you can carry now without a license. And, aren't those gun shows held at the fairgrounds anyway? Finally I ain't going because I was really looking forward to taking my bazooka. Have fun.

Partly Personal

My bride is off camping...again. I'm really glad she loves to do this stuff as it allows me to do my part to save the electrical grid. You see when she is home you can hang meat in our house. Before she left I was wearing two jackets and sweat pants. It sort of feels like the beer cooler at HyVee. (Not that I would know anything about....that!)

Then one of my granddaughters was off on RAGBRAI last week with about 28,000 of her closest friends. Now I get to wait another two weeks until I see her in person. I know you folks think it's nuts to be this concerned about the pandemic...but I also actually pay attention to the news...both sides.  And, yes, I've gone back to mask wearing in public. I sorta like it...that way I don't have to smile at other folk.

Gotta go...I figure I've got about six hours to get some other stuff done before the camper returns.  

Have a great Sunday and thanks for reading! 

 

 

   

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee - Memorial Day Edition 30 May 2021

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

54 vs 35

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

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

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

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

The losers won...35 to 54.

Why?

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

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

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

The Original Sin 

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

And you're just fine with that.

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

And you are just fine with that.  Want proof?

Greg Ganske

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

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

Oh But Wait...

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

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

Fear - A Great Motivator

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

Bipartisan Bullshit

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

Really?

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

Memorial Day 2021

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

Partly Personal

Watched some baseball this weekend. That was good.

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

Thanks for reading! 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 25 April 2021

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

Val Demings

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

Vice President Harris

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

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

Voter Suppression

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

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

Meanwhile in Iowa

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

Nah, Keep 'Em...

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

Partly Personal

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

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

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 21 March 2021

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

Darwin

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

Atlanta Killings

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

Compassion

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

We've Seen This Movie

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

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

They Have No Shame

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

Ya Gotta Ask

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

Vlad Is Our Guy!

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

Open Up Damn It!

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

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

Going to Court

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

Partly Personal

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

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

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 24 January 2021

Just ahead of what they say will be a blizzard in Iowa, welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee.  Here you'll find some of the political news stories you seen or, perhaps, missed all laced with my (usually acerbic) commentary.  It's what I get to do before the sun comes up each Sunday. Let's go!

Yes I Cried

It was an emotional moment to see Joe Biden become the 46th President of the United States and Kamala Harris become the Vice President of the United States. It has been such a long road for Joe and the optics of seeing Kamala become "the first" was overwhelming. For those countless workers and volunteers from every corner of our nation who spent so much time during the primary and after...every minute mattered...and in the end counted. Thank you. The inauguration event showed us what we could become and the days festivities took us all on an emotional rollercoaster. Be honest...how many of you held your breath as President Biden walked down the street to the White House? We knew D.C. was locked down but, maybe, I've seen too many movies. BTW the evening special with Tom Hanks was so much better than watching folks at the many balls. It was so well done. And, if you're looking for fireworks for the 4th of July...well, hope there are some left. Stunning! (Photo: The Guardian Leader)

Gone But Not Forgotten

When the petulant child who would be president left the White House and dishonored tradition by not attending the inauguration we knew the stain of his four years in office would remain. In his wake he has left a cadre of disciples who are hell bent to continue his slash and burn style of political revenge and disruption. His faithful say, "He did what he promised!" Oh really? The 2017 Jobs and Tax Act did little to nothing for 90% of Americans. "Oh, but he brought peace to the Middle East." Well, not exactly as much of that was well underway long before he glided down the golden escalator and into the bowels of the swamp.  No, there was not and is not a GOP answer to Health Care. No there is no massive infrastructure program in place. No there is no admiration of the United States by our allies. And those like Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will carry on because they fear the "Great Orange Man". Make now mistake the Republican Party is his party and people like Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) will continue to carry his water and obstruct our forward progress. Watch as they all conspire to be the obstructionist party they have become since 2008.  

Unity is a Nice Word...

In some wedding traditions there is the custom of lighting a "Unity Candle" symbolizing the coming together of two people to form one union. (We Jews smash a glass...) Of course five or ten years later when that union starts to dissolve that beautifully decorated candle ends up in the trash bin. But, perhaps there is still unity as the now divorcing couple seek mediation. It is, after all a compromise. My point is that it takes two to unite. Right now, as this is being written the GOP is working at a fever pitch to block or overturn or obstruct any forward progress. The Rescue America $1.9 trillion proposal that will move mountains to get us out of the economic and health disaster that is destroying our nation is already under attack. If legislators can not agree to salvage what is left of the United States through a massive effort like this we are doomed. It is up to you to write, call and move this bill forward. Joe and Kamala still need each one of us.

The Patriot Party

Have you heard? "45" has sent out messages that he is wanting to create a new political party called The Patriot Party. I can't believe I'm saying this but I hope that happens. It would be a gift to the Democrats and it would be the end of the GOP. THAT, my friends, is why so many legislators, governors and party people are shaking in their boots. Let 'em stew...

Meanwhile...

Did you notice the sea change? It is happening all around us. Look at the people who have been nominated to serve on President Biden's Cabinet. It is as diverse a group that has ever been constructed. It is...America,. Also the election of the new Chair of the Democratic Party, Jamie Harrison is sending a clear message. And, here in Iowa, where the Black population is less than 4% my friend Rep. Ross Wilburn (D-Ames) will chair the Iowa Democratic Party. Celebrate if you will...but we are not done. Now, the hard work must continue. (Photo: Daily Iowan)

Let me take you back to 2008. I was in a grocery check-out line and a woman, who I did not know, was just ahead of me. Barack Obama had just been elected as the 44th President of the United States. Overcome with a desire to celebrate I tapped this woman on the shoulder and when she turned around with tears in my eyes I said, "Isn't it wonderful about the new president? We have finally...overcome." The white man and the black woman hugged and we hoped. But it was not to be. Obstruction and racism intensified and the Obama Administration made the fateful decision that they could actually negotiate with the Republican Party.  The GOP fought every bill and many of these people, still in office today, publicly stated they would obstruct, delay and deny.

My point is that while we have moved the deck chairs in a striking fashion we can not and must not let up. We have not yet overcome and while there are powerful people in place with skin color different than mine...millions of black, and brown citizens in this country continue to struggle against an oppressive system.  We...have work to do.

Does This Make Sense?

I live in Iowa, a deep Red State where common sense and science are disregarded. If you doubt it consider the many bills the GOP House and State Senate are proposing. Where just last week the Iowa AFL/CIO filed an OSHA complaint against the Republican leaders of the two chambers in their failure to protect the health and welfare of Capitol workers and visitors by disregarding masks and social distancing.

Meanwhile the state wrestling tournament is going on but at 25% capacity. University and college sports play with few if any fans in the stands. So, it would seem some are taking the pandemic seriously. With over 4,487 deaths in Iowa and another 1,368 new COVID19 cases (as of yesterday) we should pay attention. 

Oh but...on February 2, 3 & 4 the Iowa Ag Expo will take place at the Iowa Events Center. For those of you not familiar with the event let me share with you that it brings thousands of people to Polk County.  I have been there many times as a displayer, as a facilitator and as a reporter. There are hundreds of displayers and thousands of farmers and their families who are drawn to the event. In fact it bills itself as the "third largest indoor ag show in the nation". On Friday I called the Iowa Events Center and asked about COVID19 protocols. I was told it was up to the promoter and in this case the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association. I know these folks and like them but I'll be darned if I can find one mention of COVID19 and the show on their website. Maybe I'm missing it...but on the Iowa Ag Expo site it's like, "Never mind...it's all OK."

Then there is the upcoming Iowa Deer Classic scheduled for March 5, 6 & 7.  Been there too but at least that group has PDF COVID19 Protocol list center on their website. However, having been there I'm not sure putting up to 30,000 folks in the building is such a good idea. I realize that this is the business of business but several friends of mine who are marketing to deer hunters in Iowa are concerned about sending staff.  I would be too.

Partly Personal

I got a gift yesterday!  Yes!!!! It is a belated Christmas gift from my Bride. And it is, as pictured a bar of soap that is called the Big Ass Lump of Coal. It's from the Duke Cannon Supply Company and not only is it high quality soap it is just one of many fun items on the site. Go ahead and have a look. You need a laugh at this point and what a fitting gift, "Smells Like Mischief & Shenanigans" on the box. Very cool and I'm here to help you.

Up top I indicated that I would share a story about Joe Biden. One that I have never shared in public. Yes, a few friends have heard the story and, I believe, it is not an uncommon story. My friend Dr. Bob Leonard a broadcaster and writer from Rural Iowa posted a letter he received from Joe following the death of his dear father.  And, I've seen the president console others at a time of grief.  If you want, you can listen because it would take way too long to write it out. Just click the player below.

Biden Memory January 2021

Thanks for reading and for listening.  Have a great Sunday!