SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 26 December 2021

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

Human President

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

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

Meanwhile

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

Desmond Tutu

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

Build Back Better

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

Iowa

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

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

Des Moines Register

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Partly Personal

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

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

But, which Jesus?

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

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

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

We have work to do....

Have a great Sunday and thanks for reading! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 12 December 2021

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

Bye, Bye Constitution

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

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

Careful what you wish for...

Gotta Brag More

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

I Hear You

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

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

What do you expect? 

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

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

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

Where Are The Workers?

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

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

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

Worker Shortage IOB SMC 12 December 2021

Partly Personal

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 14 November 2021

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

John Deere

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

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

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

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

You Can Help

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

The Iowa Poll

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We Need You

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

Partly Personal

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

  

Sunday Morning Coffee - 7 November 2021

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

Aaron Rogers

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

Infrastructure

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

GOP Backlash

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

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

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

John Deere Strike

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

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

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

Partly Personal

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

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

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

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 24 October 2021

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

Portugal 

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

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

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

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

Fiddling

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

But, But...

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

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

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

Partly Personal

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

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

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 5 September 2021 - Labor Day

It's the Labor Day Weekend...the time that was created for mattress sales. It is supposed to be about celebrating the efforts of labor
unions who have made the lives better for millions of Americans but, for some reason you have allowed corporations to dictate and in many places ceded our right to organize. Congratulations. Jeff Bezos wins and you...don't. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee...warning, I'm in a mood today.

FreeDumb

And it continues as millions of people deny the rights of the majority and demand their FreeDumb from vaccination efforts. It's September and soon we'll head back inside there will be Halloween Parties, Thanksgiving Dinners, Christmas Gatherings and funerals. It makes no sense...none. Meanwhile businesses are starting to get the hint that vaccinated people contribute more to the economy than dead people so they are doubling down on vaccine mandates. Some are even hiking insurance premiums for those who are unvaccinated. Good for them. You want your FreeDumb from vaccination?  Pay up.

Ya gotta wonder how long it will be before Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) or Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) ban that practice...right?

Speaking of Texas

This is interesting. The Texas anti-abortion bill is causing all sorts of issues…one of the latest involves Uber and Lyft.

Lyft executives plan to create a legal-defense fund for drivers in response to a Texas law that severely restricts abortions, and rival Uber Technologies is doing the same. Lyft CEO Logan Green made the announcement on Twitter adding that the ride-hailing company would also donate $1 million to Planned Parenthood.

Less than two hours later Uber released a statement that they too were starting a legal fund for drivers.

They Cheered

Recently Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) was in Iowa stumping for the 45th president. He's the guy who talks to "45" often but can't remember if he spoke to him or how many time he spoke to him on the 6th of January. Anyway, he was in the Hawkeye State for a GOP event and when he said that he believed "45" will mount another campaign for president the people cheered. So, nope, like COVID it ain't over. Weary...

Oh yeah...guess who introduced Jordan?  Dan Gable...I wish I had better news.... (Image: KCCI TV8)

Unemployment & Jobs

Very soon lots (millions) of people will lose their enhanced unemployment benefits. It's the way we force people to get off their lazy butts and get a job. Except it doesn't seem to be working that way. In the states that have already stopped benefits the job numbers are about the same as the states that did not. In other words that stick ain't workin'.

On Friday the Labor Department released the August Jobs Report and the U.S. added only 235,000 jobs last month…well off the mark set by Wall Street economists…they had predicted the creation of 720,000 jobs.  Getting the blame in all of this is the rising cases of the Delta Variant of COVID19 as employees and employers continue to register concern about getting back to normal.

Meanwhile record numbers of Americans are voluntary quitting their jobs. Why? Because they have had it with low wages, lousy working conditions, crappy benefits...what they should be doing is organizing. (Image: Yahoo News) 

Nursing Home Training

Back in the day I was taken to task by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals because they saw me delivering food trays to people in the long term care facility where I held the license. Actually, it was more than that.  They witnessed me actually feeding a resident who could not help herself. They took me aside and said, "You can not do that you are not a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)." No, but it's my name on the administrators license... No matter, rules are rules.  "You have to be trained to do direct patient care."  You see, the State of Iowa requires 75 hours of training time, including 30 hours of clinical work. CNAs must then take and successfully pass the CNA competency exams.

Except now you don't. 

The nursing home industry has successfully, for years, been guilty of underpaying staff and running their facilities with fewer and fewer CNA's. Now, rather than actually pay the people more they have convinced the state that folks don't need that mandated education to do direct patient care...so it's been scrapped. So if you're tired of cutting up meat at the packing plant head on over to the nursing home. You're still an "essential worker" who will be  paid...squat.

House District 37

Hello Ankeny...we're talking about YOU!  Friday night saw folks flocking to the stadium as Ankeny took on Ankeny Centennial in a football game. Centennial won 14 - 7. Lots of folks turned out for this the first head to head local match up.  They were, shall we say, motivated.

In my time knocking doors for Andrea Phillips, who is running for an open seat in the Iowa Legislature there, I was (not) surprised at how many people had no idea there is a special election on September 14. But there is...and we've got a great chance of flipping that seat. Andrea has name recognition, she's a seasoned campaigner and she has veteran organizer Mary McAdams running the show there.  The issue is not lack of "want" the issue is a lack of motivation...or maybe people just do not...care.

I do...and so should you. We've seen what happens when the state puts their future in the hands of the back-sliding Republican group who is in the majority in both the House and Senate. Iowa moves in a very bad direction from health care to voting, to education. You can make a difference Ankeny.  You. Here is the website for Andrea Phillips...go...volunteer. 

Partly Personal

Later today it's Flash Dine Des Moines. My Bride and her friend Carla Pope have been up to their necks in planning the event. It's not a huge crowd and everyone is expected to be in their "pod". Last year the event was cancelled...this year it's on.  Perhaps we'll see you? Rules are pretty simple: 1) Everybody wears white; 2) You bring your own table, chairs, decorations; 3) You bring your own food and drink and we're out of there by 8PM.  Where is it going to be held?  You need to head to FlashDineDSM on Facebook.

Heading to Mason City tomorrow for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. And, nope there will not be hats and horns. It is the start of the ten days that leads up to Yom Kippur the Day of Atonement and the most holy day on the Jewish Calendar. We did not meet last year and this year social distancing and vaccinations are required.  Sorry governor. 

Have a great Sunday and let's try to remember what Labor Day really means.  Thanks for reading.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 8 August 2021

I think today is the final day for the 2020 Olympics. "I think" because I've not seen a minute of the games this year. Not to say I don't enjoy sport and I do get the news highlights.  Looks like I'm not alone. Last Sunday’s NBC audience of 13 million was down 51% from the 26.7 million who watched the corresponding night in Rio.  It's been that way from the start. Let's move on....

Infrastructure Week

Looks like this is it. 18 members of the GOP Senate voted with Democrats to end debate and more on to a vote. Trouble is there are still some outliers. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) he is against speeding up the vote because of the dollars this adds to the deficit. He was the U.S. Ambassador to Japan when the 2017 Tax and Jobs Act was passed that cut taxes and added trillions to the deficit. Didn't make a peep.  Can't trust them...not one bit.

Should this roll through, and I think it will, we've got a real chance at building back our country from rural to urban. This will mean great jobs for so many people and just what we need. It's a big deal folks.  Next up: Much needed help for working families. (Image: Engineering News Report)

Black Unemployment

The U.S. added nearly one million jobs back in July said the Labor Department on Friday. Champaign corks were popping all over. But, there is a but.  Black unemployment numbers are still terrible. Stay with me on this because it matters.

Nearly 250,000 African Americans left the workforce and the total number employed fell by 12,000 - a measure that rose solidly for whites, Hispanics and Asians.

The numbers indicate the drop in the Black unemployment rate was driven not by more people finding jobs, but by a rise in the number of people setting their job searches aside. The share of Black people either working or looking for work, known as the labor force participation rate, also fell 0.8 point last month to 60.8%. 

Equal opportunity remains...unequal. (Image: Brookings Institute) 

No Shot, No Service

We’ve all seen the signs…No Shoes, No Shirt…No Service.  Well, you can now add something else to that well known sign:  No Shot…No Service.

It’s becoming more popular all across the United States but the question is…how do you “prove” you are vaccinated?

You can carry around one of those flimsy CDC pieces of paper but, what if you lose it or leave it at home?  Here is a quick tip. Take a photo of it with your smart phone and then keep it in your favorite file. That was, if you lose it, you can go back to the clinic or department and request a new one. And, in these early days of providing proof many businesses are accepting the image. But...some may not. There are apps out there one is VaxYes.com and here is the link. Please know that I get nothing for that suggestion...just passing it along. (Image - Atlanta Journal-Constitution) 

Richard Trumka

Last week we lost a giant in the battle for working families and a fair shake at work. Richard Trumka the AFL/CIO President died suddenly of a heart attack while camping with his family. He was 72. Trumka rose through the ranks of the labor movement the "old school" way. He worked and worked to defend organized labor no matter what group. I remember watching him beam in to several Iowa AFL/CIO meetings where he could not attend in person. What happens next? Stay tuned.

Schools in Iowa

School starts soon. Good luck with that as Iowa continues to see higher infection rates of the Delta variant. But, don't expect Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) to adjust her wishes that despite science we should allow school districts to use their best judgement. It ain't gonna happen unless Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) tells her to do it. Who, by the way, has a mess on his hands regarding immigration. But it does make one wonder what really goes on at those governor conferences....

The Great Iowa State Fair

On the show Friday we were talking about the Iowa State Fair, something that I truly love, and I was asked if I was going this year. The answer is a clear...nope. Not gonna do it. As much as I would love to hang around the cattle barn and have a beer or three at Stockman's just can't bring myself to mix and mingle that much. Besides the fair is installing metal detectors at the entrances. What about my pocket knife and.... Have a great time sorry to miss out again this year. 

Flipping Ankeny!

We've got a real shot come September 14. Recently John Landon (R-Ankeny) died in office from what I'm told has been a long battle with cancer. The governor has set September 14 as a special election day for the Ankeny, Iowa seat. And, we've got a great candidate ready to roll. Andrea Phillips who raised all kinds of cash in her 2020 bid is back and she needs all of our help. Doesn't matter where you live you can make calls, knock doors, chip in. We can flip this seat and Andrea is the person to do that. Don't put this off, we've only got a month.  Go now to AndreaForIowa.com and sign up. It's critical my friends. 

Partly Personal

I have a hand-held Sony voice recorder that has been with me for years. I had a bit of time last week and plugged it in to my computer and up popped dozens of interviews I'd done going as far back as 2014. Among them was then Vice President Joe Biden as he rode into Des Moines with the Nuns on the Bus. Remember?  What a hoot as he explained why he said yes for making the trip. The clip below is just three minutes long. Enjoy.

Joe Biden September 2014 DSM Nuns on the Bus

Gotta go. I hear my Bride has a long list of projects.

Have a great Sunday and remember...Andrea for Iowa!

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 20 June 2021

Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee! Some politics with a bit of religion sprinkled in, just for fun. In addition today is Father's Day an event that pales when it comes to Mother's Day but...hey, we'll take what we can get.  Right?  Grab a cup and let's go!  And, thanks for reading...

Juneteenth

Well, that was fast! Yesterday was Juneteenth, which is now a federal holiday. They say the wheels of congress turn slowly but not in this case. Businesses and states didn't have much time to alter their schedules following the quick vote and signing. But, we'll take it. Now the work really begins. We must use this opportunity to teach about the racial history of our nation. Otherwise it's just another day to have a mattress sale.

Liberal Baptists?

Last week, in a closely watched election for president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), two prominent far-right candidates lost to a more mainstream conservative named Ed Litton, blunting the momentum of a Tea Party-style group aiming to lurch the SBC in an even more right-wing direction.

For years the SBC has been a reliable lap dog for rightwing politicians while having to grapple with sexual abuse in some churches. But to think this election is a signal that Southern Baptists have had a change of heart and now will move in a more moderate direction is, in my view, a mistake. This group is firmly opposed to any progressive agenda be it racial, ethnic, workers rights, abortion...the list gets long...and they have been at it for a very long time.

You Can Vote...If You Are White

I'm not sure why the Republicans just don't come out and say it, "We'll allow you to vote if you are a white person." There...done. But they know that's just a bridge too far so they cling to the insane notion that voter suppression is really something called "voter integrity". In every Red State those two words are shouted as a mantra to make it harder to vote especially if you are a person of color. It's quite shameful because nobody is free until we are all free to vote. Politicians should make it easier, not harder but...when you have not a hint of policy agenda (other than obstruction) the worst thing is having people vote. 

Now What Joe?

Last week Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) laid out his objections to the voting rights bill passed by the House and offered some "amendments" that he said he could support. It didn't take a hour for Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to step to the microphone and proclaim that GOP senators would not support the Manchin Proposal (or really any voting rights bill). The United States goes to war in other countries so that people there can vote (Remember Iraq and blue fingers?) but here elected officials are dead set against voting. The world is watching and figuring out that we are not the nation we say we are.  Meanwhile in West (By Gosh) Virginia well over 60% of the people there support voting rights.  Now what Joe? (Image: Denver Post) 

The U.S. Threat Is Not China...But Us.

There is a great article out today by former Secretary Robert Reich that speaks to the real threat we face...and that threat is complacency. He writes that post WWII the U.S. was lulled into a false sense of security and superiority. After all we won a world war. But then came the launch of Sputnik in 1957 and the United States, fearing that the Soviets would dominate, set off a host congressional funding bills dealing with money for infrastructure, education, scientific research and development. 

Once again America led the world in those areas and then came Japan innovation in technology and vehicles. Many in the U.S. saw this as a threat to our national security as Japan rolled out electronics and cars Americans wanted and bought. Japan...a nation that was in ruins just 30 years earlier made the decision to plow government money into...you guessed it...education, infrastructure, research and development. 

Today we are there once again. As politicians rail against China folks on Wall Street line their pockets funding investment in China while decrying investments in the United States as government overreach and more importantly having to actually pay taxes to fund infrastructure, education, research and development. And, once again...we are faced with a major threat but it comes from...us.

Want to read the article in The Guardian?  Here you go.

We Love You Joni!

The Iowa Poll was released this morning and Iowans are in love with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA). Never mind that none of them can come up with any policy she has endorsed that would make their lives better.  The Iowa Poll says that "men and rural Iowan's" have boosted her standing since the last poll in March of this year. Isn't that nice?  Aw, shucks, us guys think you're cute and the rest of us..." This is what you get when you defund education me thinks.

Bye Chuck!

The same Iowa Poll tells us that only a third of Iowa voters would like to retain Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) the 87 year old senior senator from the Hawkeye State. Back in the day Chuck was sort of the GOP answer to President Harry Truman. A rural, no-nonsense politician that fought against waste and corruption while playing off his "Aw, shucks" persona. In recent years Senator Grassley has become a hanger-on when it comes to anything the former president says or does. But my guess isn't politics that is taking down the Grassley Appeal but more to do with ageism.  Just my guess.

Ras Smith

Last week Rep. Ras Smith (D-Waterloo) announced his candidacy for governor. The young representative has an uphill battle but he has struck an inclusive cord in his message by saying that he doesn't care what party you belong to but, "you deserve better" and that he will fight for everybody. But one thing is certain, Jeff Kaufmann is a jerk. Just hours after Smith announced the head of the Iowa GOP came out with a scathing condemnation about everything associated with Rep. Smith. You've got to hand it to them. Republicans are masters at saying tough, and false, things about their opponents while the Democrats always want to play nice.  We have a problem. (Image - KWWL)

Partly Personal

Last week I ventured out of my office and spoke at EntreFEST in Cedar Rapids. It was the first public outing since March of last year. As I got into the elevator to head to my room a woman entered...also without a mask. I said, "How are you doing?" She looked at me, smiled and said, "Isn't science wonderful?". I was with a friendly.  It was a good time and if you've never been and you are at all interested in the entrepreneur and startup community and economy make plans to go in 2022. There were, I am told, about 80 speakers at the event and several hundred attendees on-site and others online. I spoke about "Podcasting for Business" and had a great time.  Would do it again.

Ah, the rain! It's still raining here in Des Moines and we've needed this break. Right now I was to have been at a softball field watching our granddaughter in a 12-U championship game as well as "calling" the game on an app called Game Changer. We're not sure if the event will take place today or not but...the delay gave me the opportunity to write Sunday Morning Coffee so...all is good.  Just got word...tournament has been cancelled. Not the way we wanted to end the season. 

Thanks for reading...and Happy Father's Day!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 23 May 2021

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

The Day It Dies

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

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

Sine Die

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, yeah...sine die...

I've Got Mine, Screw You!

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

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

Partly Personal

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

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

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

Thanks for reading and have a good Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 9 May 2021 - Mother's Day

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

"Bo" Obama

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

Iowa - "The Fearful State"

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

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

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

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

Transgender Sports

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

IOB 8 May 2021 Keenan Crow

Partly Personal

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

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

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

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