SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 17 November 2019

Sitting here writing this long before the sun comes up on a November morning. It's Sunday Morning Coffee with the political news you may have seen, or missed, all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to do before the house comes alive on a Sunday Morning...

Impeachment

It's no secret. I loath our current president. Clearly unfit to have been elected he has continued to abuse his power and bring disgrace to the Oval Office by his constant lies and his demeaning of others. None of it is "presidential". The man can not be trusted, unless you wish to place your trust in evil. He has surrounded himself with others equally evil...think Stephen Miller...and the American people are now being treated to the unvarnished truth of what he has done and how he has tried to conceal his acts. If he were in the military, rather than its Commander in Chief, he would have been drummed out of the service long ago.

Whatever comes from this impeachment effort one thing is certain. The Democrats will not face the backlash that they had once feared. Why? This isn't about a president who perjured himself over an encounter with a White House aide this is about how the President of the United States pressured another government and held back vital military aid in an attempt to feather his own political nest. While both are wrong one is sexy and the other clearly an abuse of power and an impeachable offence. (Image: U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch at the Friday hearing from CNN)

It is telling, in this instance, that the president did not act alone but was assisted by others, not only in the demand, but also in the coverup. While the Democrats may not get a single Republican to join them in the vote for impeachment the GOP will be led into the 2020 election by a mortally wounded politician at the top of the ticket. Bring it on.

Oh yeah...Roger Stone is going to jail. How many does that make my friends? "Lock him up!" 

Louisiana

While you were sleeping another one of 45's minions went down in defeat. Gov. John Bel Edwards (D-LA) defeated Eddie Rispone in a close election. 45 had made two trips to Louisiana in support of Rispone who fawned over the president at every turn. Edwards is now the second Democrat to defeat a Republican who was closely tied to the president. And, both won in southern states that went heavy for 45 in 2016. To be clear, Edwards isn't my "flavor" of a Democrat but last night in his victory speech he promised to increase workforce training, invest more in education, including early childhood education, work to improve health care, raise the minimum wage and advance major infrastructure projects. (Image: John Bel Edwards victory speech from L.A. TImes)

Iowa is Diminished

As word spread of the untimely death of Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady people of faith and values struggled to come to grips with the fact a true champion of thoughtful and compassionate justice is gone. We are all diminished to have lost such a fine person. I knew Justice Cady long before he went to the Supreme Court from our time together in Fort Dodge, Iowa. We often met at like minded events that championed justice and equality. It was no surprise that he wrote the decisions of the Court on gay marriage and abortion rights. Justice Cady was a person who truly felt equal means equal and believed that it was wrong to foster social conservative religious beliefs onto others. We last spoke at a holiday party where the conversation was not on legal matters but on family and the future of Iowa. He will be missed.

Now we will face yet another gut check as Gov. Kim Reynolds (D-IA) a champion of "45" and Rep. Steve King (R-IA) will move to replace Justice Cady.

The Death Penalty

Capital punishment has been banned in Iowa since Gov. Harold Hughes (D-IA) signed a bill that abolished the death penalty in 1965. Yesterday during a meeting of the West Des Moines Democrats attorney Ivan Webber told the group about the non-partisan, Iowans Against the Death Penalty and offered a warning that even though many do not remember a time when the death penalty was enforced there are still people in the Iowa Legislature that are more than willing to bring it back.  (Image: Gov. Harold Hughes from the Des Moines Register)

It is, my friends. a chilling reminder that elections do have consequences. It would serve us well to keep informed and to fight any attempt to bring the death penalty back. I get it that it's not top of mind right now...but we should be prepared.

Gun Violence in Iowa

Here is another issue for you to chew on. Over the years I have attended more than my share of vigils commemorating the deaths of people who were gunned down in mass shootings. Each time the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa called for people of faith and various backgrounds to come together and stand against gun violence be it mass shootings or domestic shootings or suicide. In answer to the latest round of mass killings Connie Ryan from the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa met with others including Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad (D-DSM) and made the decision that while vigils are important...action must replace the activity of prayer and supplication. Over the past several months people have been gathering to work together on economic and political answers to stem gun violence. 

I recently sat down with Connie and recorded this interview which will air later today on News/Talk 1540 KXEL and is part of our Radio Blog. Again, if you want to listen, just click the player:

Partly Personal

I truly believe that life does not consist of haphazard coincidences but that things happen for a reason. This past week I had several personal interactions with people who enriched my life. One of those dealt with what was supposed to be a business conversation that turned into a heartwarming discussion of faith, family and friendship. I think the message here is to always be mindful and responsive to those seemingly random events that can put us in touch with others and allow us to grow.

Suspect you realize that you'll be hearing more and more about my campaign to represent you in the Iowa State Senate District 22 (Clive, Waukee, West Des Moines & Windsor Heights). It's what consumes a great deal of my time. I'd like to thank the Iowa Landlord Association and the West Des Moines Democrats for allowing me to speak this past week. More of those events will happen on a regular basis. If you would like to learn more about what this campaign is about I'd invite you to drift past the campaign website: LibbieForIowa.com and if you are compelled to help a guy who is "Working for Working Families" let's visit and perhaps you might consider a donation to the campaign.

My thanks to Cityview's Business Journal for naming me one of the "19 People Who Made a Difference in 2019" the award event was held over a week ago but I failed to mention it last week. If you would like to see the list of people with whom I shared this honor with here is a link to the article in the most recent issue.

Finally (gosh this section is getting sorta long!) I'll be a guest tomorrow morning in the 8:00AM hour on Iowa Live which can be seen online and on CW-Iowa 23. I'll be chatting with Michele, Lou and Jackie about a host of items including how podcasting has become a "go to" media of choice for many who are time starved. And, how Insight on Business the News Hour came to be and how it continues to grow.

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whew... Politics, Sex, Gossip - SMC 01/08/12

Sunday Morning Coffee is our escape from the world of business and into the world of sex, politics, gossip, religion, opinion...the stuff that makes you crazy(er).  All of these opinions are mine (Michael P. Libbie) and you can connect here with a comment or on Twitter it's @MichaelLibbie and here is my personal Facebook Page.  So...what's been going on?  Grab a cup, but careful...it's HOT!

Twice in One Day!

I actually SAW my Iowa State Representative Chris Hagenow twice this past Tuesday.  Proof he does...exist.  Tuesday I was scouting for a video location in the East Village and there he was crossing Locust Street.  It was cold so I didn't move through the intersection too quickly.  Then on Caucus Night he rushed past me on his way to the Mitt Romney love fest over at Valley High School in West Des Moines.  I was busy working...and without my camera to prove it.  Dang.  Week 47 and still no newsletter.

Iowa Caucus Thoughts

I know, you are TIRED of people thinking, writing, speaking, about the caucus.  I think it's because now that it's over people are just...nicer.  We've had to endure eight months of mean spirited people (and twenty years of Stephen Bloom) so once they left; Iowa just seemed...better off.  But, my job is not to help you stay comfortable.  Sooooooo...  We had an amazing Democratic Caucus at Valley High School. (And later in Waukee.)  Anybody that thought Tuesday night was just for the GOP would have been surprised at the turnout there and across the state.  It..rocked. Here is a photo of Iowa Senate District 22 canidate Desmund Adams ( Such a big crowd you have to play: "Where is Desmund?".) speaking to a packed room of energized Democrats.  That was...nice.

Note to the Polk Country Democrats:  SIGNS (that you can see from 30 feet away) and a lit entrance would have been cool.  Bet we lost 35% of the caucus goers...'cause they couldn't find the place.

Me and CNN

This was a hoot!  We spent several weeks gathering some folks together for the CNN Caucus Coverage:  "We want to speak to regular Iowans who are engaged in Social Media about business and the caucus."  So we delivered thirty folks they could video and re-play during Starting Point with Soledad O'Brien.  In return some of us got on camera live during Early Start @EarlyStartCNN with Ashleigh Banfield & Zoraida Sambolin where we talked about...the weather.  It was an added bonus having Ashleigh tell me to put on my coat.  ;-)

 

Anyway, fun stuff and it was a pleasure working with Lenny McAllister, Karrah Kaplin, Deb Brown, Claire Celsi, Larry Sailer and a host of others.  And, I can say I talked about the impact of social media (and the weather) on CNN.  So there Johnny Mac! (KCCI - TV-8).

Growing Some...

"Finally!"  That is the one word lead in from my friend Roland Martin from CNN in his piece about President Obama and the "Stonewalling Congress".  In case you missed it the President used his Constitutional Powers (read it) of recess appointments to fill vacancies in his administration.  Before you haul out your GOP Handbook on "Overstepping His Bounds" you need to know that the Bush presidents did the same thing.  With congress having an approval rating of about 7% the president is wise to "move on" and let the congress stay in their slime.  Here is Roland's article. (Photo: Randal Stevens/Shutterstock.com)

Speaking of...Slime

I did not believe it when I read these two stories but, when I saw the quotes came from my friends running for the nomination of the Republican Party...I understood.  Last week Newt Gingrich focused on food stamps and African Americans and again calling President Obama the "Food Stamp President".  Meanwhile Rick Santorum said that folks who are ill or have pre-existing medical conditions should be required to pay more for health care as he responded to questions of a mother who's son is a cancer survivor.  Seriously?  These are the type of people you want to be the president of our country?  One of these two clowns?  Do not get me started.  BTW did you know that Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) was named by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) as one of the most corrupt members of congress back in...2006?  My we have short memories.  Ya see what this world of politics does to us...makes us crazy(er)!

Let's Move On to SEX:

Hold on, we can't go to SEX without first taking a look at Governor Mitt Romney.  The Governor, who finally won Iowa, is keeping a secret.  So, WHO is funding his Super PAC "Restore Our Future"?  Do you know?  Nope you don't and Romney is determined to make sure you have no clue until after the Florida Primary.  After he has sewed up the nomination.  But, the cool thing is, once he does...it will be out.  Could it be the Koch Brothers?  Could it be Donald Trump?  Who???  Stay tuned. Here is the piece from CREW on this juicy tid-bit.

Thank You for Keeping Your Pants On...Time for SEX:

It's the new year.  Time to work on your weight.  You know, get into a new body that is the envy of your friends and family!  Slim and...sexy!  Just like a Holocaust Victim.  In, perhaps, the most outlandish piece of marketing I've ever seen a weight loss center/gym in Dubai used Holocaust images to market themselves.  I know...what else can you expect from...Dubai?  Sure, the whole thing may have been a PR event that was intentioned (I think it was) but seriously?  You can be the judge.  Here is the full story from our friends at the Huffington Post.

Fun With Food...

We were at a house party last night and these guys showed up.  I can't say who did this work but it rocks!  How very fun.  As one wag wrote on Facebook:  "Happy Feet meets Raiders of the Lost Ark".  Works for me!  March on...

Thanks & Happy Sunday!

Thanks for coming by for a jolt of Sunday Morning Coffee.  I needed TWO to get me through the morning. And, I am impressed with myself.  Wrote the whole thing and didn't use the word "lunatic" once.  I am becoming kinder and more gentle just like...Rick Santorum.   Have a superior day... Michael

 

 

The Holy Wars and Other Sexy Thoughts - SMC 12/11/11

Sunday Morning Coffee is a collection of stories; political news, gossip,religion, sex and opinion I get to write.  Sometimes serious...often not...it's the stuff that tends to make folks crazy(er).  You can leave a comment here or we can hook up on Twitter @MichaelLibbie and/or my personal Facebook Page.  OK...disclaimer out, let's get some coffee but, as always, be careful...it's hot!  Oh..yeah, my disclaimer:  "My name is Michael P. Libbie and I approve of this message."

The Holy War...On Christians

It raises it's head every year as folks become convinced that the "Great They" are attempting to take "Christ out of Christmas" or that "Christians in America are under attack". (Don't believe it?  Ask our friend David Duke - Photo)   Nonsense, the United States is the most religiously free nation on the planet, next to Israel, but the propaganda works.  The other day I was having a cup of coffee with a liberal friend (I have two.) and he was telling me about how "spot on" the latest Rick "Jesus Sent Me to Save America" Perry ad is:  "People believe Christianity and Christmas are in danger.  Look at what they did in Rhode Island."  Huh?  So, I did.  Seems the governor there proclaimed the blue spruce a "Holiday Tree" rather than a "Christmas Tree" and did so in the spirit of his state's history regarding religious tolerance and acceptance.  That was all it took for folks to go over the wall and hold their own events with their own Christmas Tree lighting.  Who?  You've got to read this story from our friends at USA Today but make sure you read the entire article.  Oh...my.

Obama - A Reform Jew?

When I heard about this...I didn't believe it but the latest story about Chanukah (or Hanukkah) seems to point in that direction.  Last week President Obama and Vice President Biden lit a menorah in honor of Chanukah.  Trouble is...Chanukah, this year, doesn't start until December 20th.  At it's core Chanukah is a holiday (though minor) that celebrates Jews turning back the assimilation process fostered by not only outside forces but also liberal Jews.  Lighting a menorah two weeks before the holiday seems about right...or, left.  But, the most important thing to remember is we MUST keep HAN in Hanukkah!

One More Religious Tale

In keeping with the spirit of the season I share this:  I wear a hat or a kippah.  It's a religious thing.  Last week I was in a grocery store shopping for my Mom and a lady (non-store employee) loudly says to me, "Merry Christmas!".  I was deep into trying to figure out what a Chuck Roast was (I've never purchased one in my life) so it took me by surprise.  Rather than shouting back the obligatory greeting I made the mistake of saying, "What?"  She says, "It's Christmas and I'm wishing you Merry Christmas."  My mind racing about dates (see above) I shamefully said, "Christmas..today?"  She countered with, "No, not until the 25th the birth of Baby Jesus!"  Standing there like a bump on a log I said, "Oh, thank you and Merry Christmas to you."  Here is where it gets...good.  We were in the meat section of the store where they were serving samples of stuffed pork chops. She countered with, "Have a pork chop they are delicious!"  The guy (store employee) was standing there pork-chop meat on a toothpick.  I declined saying, "Sorry, I don't eat pork."  She says, "What...no pork?"  It was then I decided to pull the "Jew Card".  "Nope, I'm Jewish.  We and my Muslim friends don't eat...pork."  My new friends laughed as if I were telling a good joke.  I honestly don't think they knew and what was even funnier to them was this Jewish guy saying "...my Muslim friends..."  We have some education issues... (photo: Me "shocked" at being with my friend, Iowa State Representative Ako Abdul-Samad)

Speaking of Education

Last week I faulted Governor "For Life" Terry Branstad and my friend Iowa Department of Education Director, Jason Glass for the goofy idea of keeping kids who don't pull a "B" from entering a teaching college.  This week I think they've got a pretty good idea in suggesting that kids who can't read by the time they are in third grade be held back and given remedial reading lessons.  Frankly, I've never understood the concept of "social promotion" where kids are simply passed along even if they are failing.  The details on how we're going to pay for this are a little sketchy...but I'm thinking it's a good move.  You?

Buy Local

I'm really into this "buy local" thing.  I figure the investors over at Target won't miss my dropping an average of $646 during the 2011 Holiday Shopping Season but...my friends on Main Street will.  I'm hoping you're thinking about that as well.  By shifting just 20% of your dollars away from Big Box and into Mom & Pop you will have a HUGE impact on real neighbors and friends.  You with me on this?

I Held My Nose & Did It

We've been without cable or satellite television for about five years and have been doing just fine watching local programming and Iowa Public Television.  However, when we moved the The Village of Windsor Heights our reception became very spotty.  Something about the huge trees in our neighborhood?  We wanted to hook up to DIrecTV but...the trees prevented a "clear light of sight".  I had looked into MediaCom but honestly wanted to avoid dealing with "Peggy" in Bangladesh and I had heard the "independent contractors" they use tend to pay less than minimum wage when you figure out all the hours it takes to do installs.  In the end...I made the buy but did so in person at their Des Moines office.   I'll let you know how it goes.

Got Time for...Sex?

I was watching the Iowa Debate last night and made a comment on Facebook, "Watching the debate.  GOP women are...hot!"  There was a lovely woman sitting just over the left shoulder of George Stephanopoulos who was very, very attractive.  Maybe it's because Republican Women have the money to dress well and get weekly botox treatments.  I dunno...but it seems like it's always been that way.  My bride, who was also on Facebook, countered, "Ahem..."  My friend Ed Weintrob commented, "Michael...don't forget the babe over YOUR shoulder."  Actually, she is a member of the Republican Party...so I'm covered. ;-)  But...no botox...she's married to a poor Democrat.

Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Festivus Card

Last week we did the photo shoot for our 2011 Holiday Card.  It's always a production but this time we added a new twist.  We video taped the shoot and we'll add the QR Code to the card so folks can watch the event unfold.  It's like reality TV but with a focus on "The Weiners".  You'll love it...here is a preview:

 

That's It & Thank You!

Week #43 without my Chris Hagenow Newsletter...in case you were counting.

Thanks for coming by!  Our son Aaron is headed over this morning to cook brunch.  Not known for his culinary expertise we're not sure what is in store.  However, Mom said she is coming too...so we're expecting another miracle.  It is the season...  Have a great Sunday!

 

 

Politics, Faith, Sex, Opinion - SMC 10/23/2011

Sunday Morning Coffee a collection of stories that we might talk about at the local coffee shop.  Always some politics, and a little sex sprinkled with religion.  Odd grouping huh?  A warning...it will make you crazy(er).  If you want to leave a comment here, feel free.  Or let's connect on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or here is my personal Facebook Page.  Grab a cup...let's visit!

Faith & Freedom

I'm amused at the title used for the Iowa GOP event last night.  You know, the one that the future Republican nominee Mitt Romney wisely skipped.  Not being a Christian I have some difficulty understanding how you can have "faith" but yet be..."free".  I suspect it means that as long as you have the "faith" and you keep your decisions based around some tiny personal understanding of that faith you are almost free to do...stuff?   I dunno.  But I do know infusing religion into politics isn't in our best interests.  Ask the folks in, oh gosh...pick a Muslim nation.  Scary.

Speaking of Scary...

"I made a major mistake and opted to use Mediacom for my 91 year old Mom."  How's that for an marketing line?  The sad thing...it's true. Knowing that she loves watching QVC we made sure here television was hooked up before she got to Iowa.  Because I didn't know better we also chose Mediacom for her phone and Internet.  That was thirty days ago.  Since then it's been bad...  The phone would drop calls, be garbled or simply not work for days at a time.  We've had three techs out trying to fix the problem.  To be fair Mediacom did say their phone system would go out if there was a "power outage".  But that is rare and Mom has a cell phone.  Last night I got a frantic call from her.  She had fallen but couldn't contact us because...the phone was out.  I was there in less than two minutes.  She's fine.  However the fear in her eyes when she said, "I couldn't use the phone..."really got me.  So, heads up. If you must rely on phone or Internet communication and it's for a loved one pass on Mediacom.  Let them stick to QVC.  A side thank you to my friend Patrick Palmer, a really smart computer guy out of Hampton, who warned me...I should have listened.

Liquor & Surprises

Long ago I worked at a station in Paducah, KY.  One night several of us went out to get some beer.  We didn't have to go into a store because they had drive up liquor stores.  I was...shocked.  Here's a kid from Detroit shocked by the fact you could buy booze while behind the wheel of a vehicle.   Last week I was at a Kum & Go near I-80/35 that, while there was no drive up window, there was plenty of beer, wine and liquor.  Along with this nifty display.  You can't see it well, but the video is about "how to drink and enjoy wine".  In a convenience store, next to the Interstate.  My, Iowa has evolved and gotten classy at the same time.

Back To An Even Rhythm

Once each year Jews leave the ordered rhythm of the secular world and enter into the "High Holidays".  It's rhythm but syncopated. September 28 & 29 - Rosh Hashanah.  October 8th Yom Kippur. (all three "no work" days).  Then October 13 - 21 is Sukkot with the first two days being celebrated (no work) and the final days, Shemni Atzereth and Sinchat Torah (also...no work). Sprinkled in between would be several sabbaths.  It's been...a whirlwind and often difficult to explain to my non-Jewish friends that, "I'm off". I swear they must think I'm independently wealthy; as all Jews...are...right?

This Is...Impressive

In front of the western most Urbandale Fire Station is this...memorial.  I'd seen it from the road but never took the time to go visit.  Last week I did.  It's a touching reminder of the fidelity between fire fighters and the work they do to bring some sense of "safe" into our world.  Thank you!   Big thumbs up to the folks who provided funding, materials and the work.  If you're in the area...make a stop. One more thing...check out their Photo Page.

Gov. Rick Perry & Guns

I got a huge kick out of this article from the Washington Post.  It's almost as if whomever wrote it had never, in his or her life...actually been on a pheasant hunt or seen a gun.  (Note:  There are many in DC...just so you know.)  So Governor Perry can hunt.  Does President Obama...hunt?  I dunno.  I did and then I found out something amazing.  Many places in the United State have...ready...grocery stores!  And the meat is already cleaned, cut up and you don't have to worry about dentist bills in case you bite into a piece of shot.  I know...who knew!

Israel & Gilad Shalit

The reaction to Israel freeing over 1,000 convicted murderers in exchage for Gilad Shalit, an IDF soldier captured captured by Gaza terrorists in 2006, has been...interesting.  Many of my friends "can't understand" the move and some have suggested it is all politics.  No...it's a different way of looking at things.  Israel is a tiny country where nearly everybody knows...everybody or at least has an opinion of others.  This mattered.  An interesting side story:  It is common for observant Jewish women to say selected Tehillim (Psalms) each day.  On the day that Gilad was released (Sukkot) that Psalm had the words, "Israel", "Sukkot" and..."Gilad" within the reading. 

Foreign Policy Success - But Who Cares

It's bittersweet. The foreign policy success, just this year, of the Obama administration are staggering.  Drawing down two wars, removing the world of two tyrants and now the latest news that all US service men and women would leave Iraq by the end of the year.  Stunning...but nobody cares.  It's the economy and proof that "creating jobs" is something government has a problem...doing.  My Republican friends tell me that all we have to do to create jobs is to let corporations go free. (Which has pretty much been the standard for the past twenty years.)  That work?  Meanwhile the president has outlined a jobs bill made up of GOP ideas...that, once upon a time they liked.  Now, because it is this president...they are awful ideas.  It's all...all politics and power my friends.  Sad that this is what we've become.

Let's Get Back To...SEX!

Here's something that would have my friends who attended the Faith & Freedom GOP event clutch their bibles more...closely.  Grinnell College, about 50 miles east of Des Moines has gone "Gender Neutral" in their dorms.  That means your sex or what you think is your sex...doesn't matter.  Bathrooms, locker rooms, bedrooms...  Here's the story from our friends at the Des Moines Register.  You'll like this line: “Ideally, we would live in a gender-neutral world where your sex wouldn’t define you."

And Speaking of Sex...

Our friends at Dr. Pepper have drawn some flack for this ad for Dr. Pepper 10:

 

"It's anti-women!", "It's smart marketing!", "It devalues women!"  To be honest, when I first saw it I did that "double take".  "Really?  That's odd."  But the second time I saw the humor and satire.  How many commercials have you seen or heard that play the guy as a dummy?   Lighten up...drink up...  Or...go genderless?

Thank You!

That's It!  I've been off for so long (see above) that I must capture the day and get some major tasks accomplished.  Including dinner at Mom's.  Have a wonderful day and thanks for reading.

 

  

Sunday Morning Coffee - August 14, 2011

Sunday Morning Coffee is politics, religion, gossip and news.  You know, the stuff  that makes you crazy(er).  I'll talk about what went on last week and take a peek into the next several days...offering my opinion along the way.  And I'm interested in yours.  You can leave a comment here or reach me on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page is right here.  Grab a cup...

Rick "I've Had A Calling" Perry

Well, what else could go wrong.  Let's elect another person from Texas as president only this time we'll get us a real "Bible Banger".  That should go over well.  Speaking of Governor Perry we thought this slam by Steven Colbert on WOI-TV5 was...great.  Steven wanted to run some "SuperPAC" ads in the Des Moines market that said folks shouldwrite in Rick Parry (with an "A") at the Iowa Straw Poll.  My friends at WOI-TV5 said the ads would "confuse our viewers".  Here is that clip:

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Colbert Super PAC - Confused by Rick Parry with an "A" for America
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog Video Archive

The gang at Channel 5 doesn't give Central Iowans much credit huh?  Well, maybe they have a point.  51% of the GOP likely caucus goers believed President Obama isn't an American Citizen.  And they gave Michele Bachmann the win during the Straw Poll.  Good call WOI-TV5...I think I would have done the same thing.

Speaking of Religion (I was you know...)

The Iowa Republicans had themselves quite a revival yesterday during the Iowa Straw Poll.  There was music, prayer, and collections.  Oh...and...Ron Paul came in second.  It is said that Bachmann purchased 6,000 tickets and Paul 4,000 for their supporters....at $30 each.  It's neat to see these "small government - anti-tax" folks write checks for themselves and pay for votes.  The really big winner yesterday was the Iowa Republican Party they made a boat-load of cash.  That's good news for my friends in the GOP...cause there won't be many fund raising events in the future. Right.  The odd thing was I didn't see any results for Butter Cow 2012....  Here is the full story from our friends at the Des Moines Register.  Oh...and Tim Pawlenty...quits.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame...

Last week I went to the Iowa Cubs baseball game as the invited guest of some really rich people who have a sky-box and...everything.  I was the "Token Democrat" who listened but spoke little.  I got to see some of my very Best Friends Forever...there was Linda Upmeyer and Governor "For Life" Terry Branstad and a slew of "heavy hitters" talking politics.  I was standing outside Principal Park when the Governor pulled up and the first to welcome him to the game.  We chatted for several seconds (He's not the same Terry Branstad I remember...) then he went to get his tickets to the game.  This is where it got...odd.  The Governor and his aide walked over to an Iowa Cubs employee working a computer.  The young man directed them to the "Will Call" window for their tickets.  So there's the Governor of the State of Iowa standing at the end of a 20 person line waiting to get tickets to a ball game.  I was stunned...had I been the young man I think I would have gone over and picked them up or opened the door or something other than send him to a line.   I tweeted about it (using @IowaCubs) and ten minutes later an Iowa Cub's employee was shouting in his phone, "We did WHAT to the Governor?"  Oh my.. (Photo: Yes, that is The Famous Chicken and the Cubs runner was safe.  Cubs won... 14 - 7...yikes!)

The Iowa State Fair

Today is the fourth of eleven days and the weather has been fantastic.  We went on Thursday and Friday afternoon to do some work for a client and have a little fun at the same time.  Friday was "East Side Night" and the police made only 40 arrests.   East Side Night brings out an interesting mix of folks, many sporting "mullets".  Last  year there was a "dust-up" at a nearby convenience store where some people were shouting "Kill Whitey!".   Last night some "copy-cats" from West Des Moines decided there should be a "West Side Night".  Folks showed up with vodka in their Gucci Handbags.   

I did notice something interesting Friday.  Boots.  Women of all ages wearing...boots.  It might have been due to the Grandstand act that evening (country act Jason Aldean) or it might be a new trend?  But why tell you about it when I can show you some images.  Yes, you can click on them to enlarge...  This just in:  Wonder if our friend KHenri might help these ladies with some additional glam for the boots?

Bottom line...we like.

Speaking of the Grandstand...

Tonight's show has been cancelled.  Sugarland, who was to appear tonight, was the headline act at the Indiana State Fair.  During the intermission the overhead rigging on the stage collapsed and four people were killed...40 injured.  Sad...very.  The band cancelled tonight's event.  Here is that story from our friends at the Detroit Free Press.

Partly Personal - Gale McKinney

Gale and I have been close friends for over twenty years and have had some great times.  I caught up with him at his State Fair Booth for The Iowa Sportsman where we shared gossip about some of the folks he works with and old friends from the Fort Dodge area.  His folks are well and still living on the family farm in Creston.  It was a great visit and we'll see each other soon when his son Patrick gets married.  We also talked about dove hunting in Windsor Heights.  I'm baiting right in front of the DNR... ;-)

Speaking Of The Iowa Department of Natural Resources

How is it that a government body like the DNR is in the business of publishing a magazine and butting into the private sector?  It was something we talked about.  Iowa Outdoors sells ads, sells subscriptions and competes with other Iowa based private businesses.  If we're going to have a little "less government" maybe we should start...there?

Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement

If you caught any of the major network newscasts last week you no doubt saw the clip of Mitt Romney being heckled by some folks.  At the center of the engagement was the question, "Are corporations people?"  Here is the clip...

 

The folks doing much of the shouting were these two guys.  On the left is Matt Denner of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement.  And, in case you're wondering they also heckled Debbie Wasserman Schultz the Chairwoman of the Democratic Party.  You might say they are "equal opportunity hecklers".   Anyway, I caught up with them on Friday afternoon as they made their way through the fair asking people if, indeed, corporations are people.  I couldn't find their video post but I'm sure it will show up.

The Morning After...

Like a "one night stand" they have left us.  Iowa has been awash with politics during the past two months and the Republicans have been everywhere. They are now headed east... (Overheard at the Des Moines Airport via Twitter:  "The security lines are really long.  Damn politics and their all headed east!")  Now that the Iowa Straw Poll is over and my friends in the GOP are counting the cash it's time for the Democrats to make some noise.  Coming up in September is the Annual Tom Harkin Steak Fry featuring special guest Paul Begala.  Should be fun. At least Tom holds things on Sunday so I can go...

Advertising & Politics

Here is something interesting.  I had coffee with a friend who is in the advertising agency business.  He told me two of his clients have decided to pull their ads from the local television evening newscasts.  "The air is so toxic that my clients want nothing to do with the six and ten o'clock news.  We're looking at spending that  money elsewhere maybe Iowa Public Television."  Hmmmm....

Thanks for coming by and having a jolt of Sunday Morning Coffee.  I get to have two of our grand-daughters over for Sunday Morning Brunch.  This is Jovie...who has in her mind that she'll become a State Fair Queen.  She is off to a good start.  And this is Taylor who was sharing some chocolate milk with Zaydee at the Patio Bar.  Precious...and we are so lucky. 

Have a fantastic Sunday! - Michael