SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee 22 November 2020

Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly review of the news stories you may have seen, or missed, all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to do and, what the hell, it makes my Republican friends...angry.  Truth hurts. Let's go...

Fifty-Seven Years

Take another look at the date. It was 57 years ago today that President John F. Kennedy was murdered in Dallas. If you are old enough to remember that date you, no doubt, know exactly where you were when you heard the news.  I was in a 7th Grade English class when the teacher walked out of the room. She had been called out by the principal who was, I learned later, going to each classroom the share the dreadful news. When she came back in the room tears were rolling down her face and she told us, between sobs, that the president had been killed. School was dismissed and the nation mourned those four days until the burial on the 25th. Such was November 22, 1963.

What Is The Matter With You?

It is Thanksgiving week and millions of Americans are traveling for the holiday. Never mind that we're experiencing 200,000 COVID19 cases a day and that death is taking out roughly 2,000 a day. Yet...you are traveling for the holiday like nothing is going on? The denial is stunning but even more is the selfishness. "I wanna to see my kids." "I wanna have a nice dinner with friends and family." Well, know what? I would like to see you alive and not burdened with thousands of dollars in medical bills.  I would like you to actually think about others that you may come into contact with following your family-spreader adventure of turkey and ham or whatever you are planning.  Weary. (Image - Chicago Tribune)

Michigan

I've written before about how my home state of Michigan is a looney bin of right-wing nut jobs. Last week several GOP state legislators were summoned to the White House to talk...turkey.  It's the latest ploy of a desperate president attempting to stage a coup. After their meeting the Michigan legislators were photographed downing Dom Perignon at the Trump Hotel in D.C. The champaign goes for $750 a bottle. Two things stand out: 1) How much tax money went to the maskless party and who paid? 2) Do you see the hypocrisy of this crowd as thousands line up in a "bread line" in Dallas?  Here's the deal.  If you support this mob if you vote for these people you are enabling the worst of us.  Seriously?  How can you call yourself a "Republican"...you are part of the problem. (Image - KXAN)

The Election

I was going to write about the foolishness but decided against it. We've all been watching the clown show for days. The G-20 did have a meeting to talk about COVID19 and the world response. The president took a pass and went golfing.  And 70,000,000 voted for this guy. Says volumes.

North Dakota

You might have heard about this place. It is a country just south of Canada that is the leading the nation when it comes to COVID19 infections. In fact North Dakota last week reported more coronavirus deaths than any other state or nation. More than one in 1,000 people there have died. Nobody much cares because not many people live there...and there is soon to be even fewer.  Sad, but true. Right now there are 75 striking Teamster Local 120 workers on a picket line outside of Cash-Wa a food distribution center that supplies products for 10,000 restaurants, hotels,hospitals and schools in several states. The company is privately owned by the Henning family and Tom Henning is the CEO.  The workers there have been without a contract since March. They are working in unsafe conditions with no temperature checks, no hand sanitizer stations no social distancing. 

North Dakota, like Iowa, is a "Right to Steal" state where union activity is frowned upon and strikes are rare. The media is concerned about food shortages...now. Meanwhile we're learning that here in Iowa Tyson supervisors were making bets on how many people would test positive in their stinking meat processing facilities. Not caring one bit about the people working there. Let that sink in. 

Teamsters Local 120 represents 11,500 workers in the Midwest. There should be a way to contribute to their strike fund.  If I find a link I'll pass it along. 

Georgia

As long as we're talking about what is possible here, once again, are the websites so you can send a donation to Rev. Raphael Warnock and his election bid for 5 January and for Jon Ossoff. BOTH are solid Democrats and with their win we can move forward in the U.S. Senate and help Joe Biden and Kamala Harris carry out the work that needs to be done in this nation.  So...please take a moment and chip in for victory.

Partly Personal

I worry. Maybe it's a Jewish thing? I dunno but I worry about you. I worry about my co-workers, friends, family and the thousands of people I've come into contact with over the years. I just want you to be safe and healthy. And I worry that you are not paying attention. I worry that following Thanksgiving we'll see yet another surge of infections and then, because of the Christmas Holiday we'll see even more. Oh, yeah...then we've got New Year's....  Please wear a mask, refrain from gatherings, wash your hands. If you want to do something positive write and call your U.S. Senator and demand they take this seriously and pass a stimulus bill that can help America stay whole. We need...the time.

Thanks for reading.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 27 January 2019

Long before the sun comes up it's coffee and politics here. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly look at some of the political and economic stories you may have seen, or missed...all laced with my commentary. Why? Can't sleep and this is way too much fun. Let's dive in so much to share and the coffee is hot.

Thirty-Five Days

It took thirty-five days to get right back to where we were before the government shutdown. What that means is that in less than three weeks we'll face another temper tantrum thrown by "45" over a campaign promise that his base is demanding. So, who is "his base"? From this seat it seems they are made up of folks who are scared. Fearful of people who don't look like them, speak like them and worship like them. They seem to hate knowledge, factual discussion of the issues and compromise. The good thing is they make up about 30% of the population but it is a loud, angry, frustrated thirty percent. So frustrated that even the "mouth-pieces" of "45" (Hannity. Coulter, Limbaugh) are saying their dear leader caved and they are disappointed that federal workers are going back to work and going to be paid. It's an odd bunch.

Meanwhile in Florida

So, the buddy of "45" gets indicted by the feds, says he is innocent and will not speak against his dear friend. Yeah, yeah....heard that before.  But, once confronted with the facts, they are all singing like birds.  

But that's not the big story coming out of the "enlightened" state of Florida. (It is, but this is really much more...interesting.) The morality of our friends in the GOP was put on full display last week as photos of the now disgraced (and booted) Secretary of State...ya know the person who oversees elections and stuff...Mike Ertel surfaced. Mike, it seems, thought Hurricane Katrina, that resulted in the deaths of 1,833 people, was sooooo funny that he showed up at a Halloween Event in black-face saying he was a "Katrina Survivor". Such side-splitting fun seems to be a favorite pastime of tone-deaf Republicans. The photos were taken two months after Katrina, when Mike was the Supervisor of Elections in Seminole County, Florida.

Ironic that, according to the website for the Florida Secretary of State, the office not only serves as the "Chief of Elections" but also the "Chief Cultural Officer". Gotta love that GOP "culture".

He Said WHAT?

When billionaire investor and current Secretary of Commerce of the United States of America, Wilbur Ross said he just couldn't understand why federal workers were standing in food lines when all they really needed to do was go to a bank or credit union and get a loan...the nation did a collective face-palm. Oh...and he is the guy that encouraged "45" to place a tariff on steel and aluminum imports. That YOU are paying for through increased prices.

The Clown Car that serves as the Presidential Cabinet never ceases to amaze with how out of touch they are with Americans. But, we shouldn't be surprised. It is a mirror of their dear leader who thinks tossing paper towels to victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico is an act of humanitarian leadership. Weary....

The World Bank

Maybe you heard that the president of the World Bank, an organization that has been around since after WWII and always headed by an American, resigned last week. The reason the investment bank has always been headed by an American is because the U.S. is the largest shareholder. It's just been understood by the other nations this is the way things go. However, all of that may change given the openly hostile attitude toward multilateral organizations and our European allies that is a hallmark of the current administration. 

Some American names have been floated including David Malpass, a senior Treasury Department official, and Nikki Haley, former ambassador to the U.N. One other name was floated...and not kidding...Ivanka Trump was mentioned as a contender before the White House say..."Nyet!" But it is...funny.

Hang On For A Moment...

When Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) ousted the old guard many of us applauded. Some of us think Medicaid for All should be the standard in the only industrialized nation on the planet not to care for its citizens but turns health care into a privilege. And, yes, the U.S. should not be profiting from high interest rates charged to students when they take out loans to go to school. I get it. But somebody needs to sit down with Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and review some economics. She has been spewing off about facts and figures that are ...wrong. That's not just me calling it...but so too PolitiFact, The Washington Post, 60 Minutes...the list is getting pretty long.

We can "dream up" all sorts of worthy projects but, and at the same time, you've got to be creditable. And Rep. Ocasio-Cortez doesn't seem to want to go there and that is not a good thing for those of us who say we are progressives.

Trash, We LIKE Our Trash

Meanwhile the grocery store lobby, and their lap-dogs in the Iowa GOP, want more trash on our highways and in our parks. The beloved, by many, Iowa Bottle Bill that has resulted in a cleaner Iowa is under attack in the Iowa Legislature. Our friends at HyVee have never liked being forced to be a collection point for empty containers and they have fought it for years. And the Republicans in the legislature are giving it one more try to scrap the law and have you and I lug our empties to "redemption centers" that may or may not be anywhere close to you. Rather than scrap the law the legislature should be expanding it to include juice and water containers that were not around when the bill became law. But, nope...THAT would make too much sense. Elections have consequences...

Taking Money From Fools

If only Iowa would legalize prostitution we could become the "Las Vegas of the Midwest". Already the Hawkeye State applauds bilking millions from the folks that flock to our casinos. While that's bad enough the legislature now wants to approve sports betting. Sports betting, another way to separate fools from their money.

Let us not improve the quality of life for people suffering from disease with increasing the percentage of THC in medical cannabis. Let us not better educate our children. Let us not fix the broken, for profit, Medicaid System. But let us move forward with more gambling. Makes perfect sense...

Partly Personal

Our son and daughter-in-law have left the country. Just at a time when Iowa is looking forward to high temperatures that will be below zero they headed south to the Dominican Republic. I did not ask them if they were coming back. Frankly, I was fearful of their answer. BTW kids...if you run into Michael Leo say "hello" for me?

Last week we were in Mobile, Alabama and one of the surprising things I uncovered was this educational program done through the Mobile Public Schools. They, just like us, have loads of job opportunities but few people "job ready" so kids in high school pick a trade or occupation and the school then sets up mentors, job-shadow opportunities, apprenticeships and education opportunities to get them "job ready" at graduation. I got an ear-full about the economics in Mobile from David Rodgers the V.P. of Economic Development for the Mobile Chamber. If you want to listen...here is a link.

Thanks for coming by and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 25 November 2018

Right after the midterms several of my friends said, "Whew, that's over! Now we can get on with life..." Ah, but 2020 is here and for the politico folks there is always another campaign. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee, thanks for clicking through. It's 5:30 and very quiet around here so let's go!

Thankful for Me!

It was painful to read. "45" when asked what he was thankful for was able to include himself, “For having a great family, and for having made a tremendous difference in this country,” Trump said at Mar-a-Lago, his private Florida club. He went on: “I’ve made a tremendous difference in the country. This country is so much stronger now than it was when I took office that you wouldn’t believe it.”

I'm sure that the five words of his response were canned given the rest of the remark. Had to say SOMETHING about family...right?

Thankful for Him...

Meanwhile President Barack Obama went to a Chicago food bank loaded down with donated food and put on some plastic gloves and pitched in with some very surprised volunteers.

One of the hallmarks of Obama's presidency was combating hunger across the globe. In 2009, his administration pledged $3.5 billion over three years to Feed the Future initiative and in 2016 signed the Global Food Security Act to boost government efforts toward Feed the Future initiatives.

Not the first time Obama has volunteered during the Thanksgiving holiday. He and his family spent the day before Thanksgiving in 2015 serving dinner to homeless people and veterans in Washington. Back then Obama said, "It is our national obligation to make sure all those who serve and sacrifice for our county have a place to call home."

The contrast could not be more clear. (Photo: Barack Obama Foundation)

Explain That Again?

It's a daily grind. A journalist and legal resident of the United States is murdered in the Saudi Arabia consulate in Turkey. The CIA says the leader of Saudi Arabia is implicated in the plot. Congress wants answers. Meanwhile "45" says that if we employ sanctions on the kingdom gasoline prices will skyrocket.

So, there you have it. Justice takes a backseat to you driving to Grandmas for Christmas.

Weary. (Cartoon: Tim Lloyd)

The Rural Vote

There has been much written about why the Democrats lose the rural vote as it happened here in Iowa. Democrat Fred Hubbell lost the rural vote and lost the election. Congresswoman Elect Cindy Axne ran in Iowa's Third Congressional District and won...because she did well in Polk County (urban/suburban) but lost each of the other 15 counties in the district. And it goes on and on.

So, how do we get rural folks to climb on board the Democratic cause?

We need to start talking about things that concern Rural America and, frankly, all of us. Three areas: Education, Healthcare and Jobs.

And, they are all linked. School districts and rural healthcare facilities are the main sources of jobs for rural counties. So rather than allowing lousy policy designed to strangle our school districts and failed healthcare programs we should be speaking up against them and show where the Democrats have the right answer for both.  And, that creates...jobs.

For example according to a study by the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa 61 of Iowa's 99 counties will have an acute shortage of physician assistants by 2020. There goes your healthcare.

Going out on the stump and promoting Planned Parenthood, gun control and legalizing pot isn't going to play well. So why not have the conversations about stuff that matters?

Shot Dead

Police respond to a reported shooting at a mall in Alabama. Police shoot and kill an armed black man. Police say it was a mistake and that Emantic Fitzgerald Bradford Jr, 21,  was not the person who fired the shots that wounded two others. Alabama police say that Bradford may have been involved in the altercation. And the gun he had was legal and he had a permit to carry. The family has hired a civil rights attorney and the police say they will update the story today... 

Canada

I was having a conversation with a Canadian friend the other day about folks killing folks and the subject of guns came up. Canada, as you may know is a popular hunting, fishing and outdoor nation. Yes, they have guns. About 26% of the population there own one or more guns. Here is it 25%.  But what is interesting, because I looked at the stats, in 2016 there were a total of 130 homicides committed with a handgun in Canada. Meanwhile in the United States there were 7,105 homicides committed with a handgun. Maybe because we've got more people?  More guns? I dunno...  You can click on the image to enlarge. 

Just thought you should know.

By the way...have you ever heard of the Socialist Rifle Association?  Didn't think so. 

Passenger Rail Service

The Des Moines Register had a story last week that said ridership for Iowans on Amtrack is down 4% year over year and down 16% from peak usage back in 2010. Why? Remember what was going on in 2010? High fuel prices, a recession...low wages, lost jobs. But then again look at what we have to go through to get on Amtrack. There are no ticket agents in Osceola, the closest boarding site for Des Moines and ya gotta drive to Osceola for crying out loud.

One of these days we'll see rail service return to Des Moines. Wouldn't it be great to hop on a train in Des Moines and head to Chicago for the weekend?  Yeah...that.

Partly Personal

It was a great Thanksgiving. Enjoyed the day with family and the food was fantastic. My brother was here and we sat and swapped stories until nearly midnight. It was good. And, I didn't get out of my "comfy clothes" all day. And failed to shave. I know...right?

Congratulations to my friend Rep. Todd Pritchard (D-Charles City) for being elected Minority Leader in the Iowa House and to Rep. Sharon Steckman (D-Mason City) for being elected as Assistant Minority Leader in the Iowa House. 

OK, the sun is finally up and I need to get this out the door. Have a great week and thanks for reading.  

 

Sunday Morning Coffee - The Vacation Edition 27 May 2018

Happy Memorial Day Weekend. May you have a safe, memorable time with family and friends. I understand that in Iowa we're in the middle of a heat-wave. Here on Anna Maria Island it's rained for several days and some folks wearing sweatshirts. Go figure. Because this is the Vacation Edition of Sunday Morning Coffee I'm going to cut it a bit short. I know...slacking right?

Nothing Changes

I just read, this morning, that since taking office "45" has lied or misrepresented facts about 2,500 times. And so it goes. But here is something that should be an outrage among Americans on this Memorial Day. When this nation rips children out of the arms of their mothers and then admits they have no idea where the children have ended up it is as if we are lifting up Germany in the 1930's and 1940's. Not sure about you...but my Father didn't spend years fighting, in uniform, against this sort of tyranny and have this nation end up as it has. 

But, then again, there is so much to be outraged about. If only we cared as much for kids once out of the uterus. 

Obama in Re-Run

This morning NBC News reported that dozens of former Obama officials are running for office this year in opposition to "45" and his policies.

At least 64 former Obama staffers are running for federal, state or local office this year, according to the network, which cited numbers obtained from the Obama Alumni Association.

The group said it expects that number to rise as more Obama alums contact it about their bids. Some states also have yet to hold primaries, giving more former staffers the chance to announce campaigns.

At least 28 of those Obama officials are running for the House of Representatives, according to NBC News, which said five have won their primaries so far and one has lost.

The Blue Wave - A Ripple?

Over the past several weeks it is becoming more clear that the projected "Blue Wave" may turn out to be a ripple as polls suggest more Americans are becoming comfortable with the policies of this White House. Let it be said that the public is an informed public ain't quite accurate. But, that depends on who you listen to. And the Right-Wing Controlled Media is banging that drum loudly. One of the biggest concerns is that the Democrats can't create any traction beyond party regulars. "A lack of a unified message other than anti-Trump" seems to be one of several issues.

So, what do YOU do? Knock doors, involve people in sane and rational discussions, consider what America could be rather than what it is becoming. Point to the lack of progress and what it can mean if we back-slide. So much to do...and we don't have a bunch of time.

Endorsements

I see where the Des Moines Register has endorsed Fred Hubbell in the Iowa Democratic Primary. They did say if they could endorse for other offices they would: Andy McGuire for "Governor of Health Care" and John Norris for "Governor of Rural Development". Whomever wins in June needs to be able to bring along voters from Rural Iowa and that is going to take some solid work. I've committed to my long-time friend John Norris and because he was named as the "second choice" outside of Fred and Nate Boulton it might be enough for him to catch on. We'll see. 

The other endorsement was for Cindy Axne for Congress in Iowa's Third District. The winner of the primary will go up against Rep. David Young who, if Cindy wins the primary David will once again represent Iowa in Washington. What she did...and did not do when Theresa Greenfield fell into trouble with ballot signatures should be enough to disqualify her from consideration. It did for me. Sorry...but calling it as I see it.

Partly Personal

I'm out. Our final day on the Island and back tomorrow. While here I learned much about the business community here and governance. It's been fun and I'm grateful for my hosts here at The Island Coffee Haus. Bev and her crew have allowed me to write, record and post up the Business News Hour each day. Thanks so very much.

May you have a wonderful Sunday...and a memorable Memorial Day. Let us not...forget.

Thanks for reading...

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee - The Island Edition

On vacation with my Bride on Anna Maria Island. I know, took time off? Not really because we're together here in Sunday Morning Coffee a look at some of the political news you've seen, or missed, and my commentary. Hey, it's only once a week so even conservatives can join in. Let's get started! The coffee is on from The Island Coffee Haus.

The Wedding

It was amazing. The Royal Family got a jolt of what America can be if we focus on people over power. OK, I get it...lots of royal and rich people at the event. But there was also community leaders, people who are helping others each day. If you failed to watch the 14 minute sermon by Bishop Michael Curry you missed something remarkable. Because I don't want you to overlook what he said...here you go:

 

Told you it was amazing. Imagine...just imagine.

Service

This image was floating around on Twitter this morning. It speaks volumes as the writer said, "Some serve...others serve themselves". If you paid attention to Bishop Curry's address yesterday (above) that is exactly what he was saying. What would the world be like if we focused on others...and not ourselves? OK...sorry to get all mushy this morning. Or am I?

North Korea

It was all "full speed ahead" as "45" announced, a bit prematurely, that he had created the biggest international success with a summit in Singapore with North Korea dictator Kim Jong Un. It was going to be "beautiful" then National Security Adviser John Bolton said North Korea must get rid of all their nukes. It's called the Libya Policy. However, North Korea already knows what that means. Remember what happened when Muammar Gaddafi bowed down to the U.S. and trashed his nukes? Yep, he died a very public death following a U.S. backed attempt at nation building. That is not lost on North Korea. So...Singapore is, for the moment, off. Smart play and it shows the inexperience of this administration.  

In other words...it ain't gonna happen. I could be wrong but as we forget history others remember.

Numb

Another day, another school mass murder. What is so very common in the United States is virtually unknown in other countries. However, we are all so much safer because we've all got guns. Rest easy. Insanity is doing the same thing (nothing) time after time...and nothing changing. Carry on America. As the Lt. Governor of Texas, Dan Patrick (R-TX) said this morning, "It's not about guns it's about us." And went on to talk about personal responsibility and arming teachers and totally ignoring the real issue. It is about us. It is about us not wanting to face the reality that many in our nation are simply nuts. But...well, never mind.

Meanwhile in Iowa

The race to become the next governor of the Hawkeye State is heating up. Numbers are in from the recent campaign fund raising and Nate Boulton seems to be doing well raising a cool million but trailing in the Iowa Poll to front-runner Fred Hubbell. Yesterday the Des Moines Register reported that Hubbell has an 11 point lead over Boulton and a surprise that nurse and labor leader Cathy Glasson is running in third place. The rest of the pack well back in single numbers.

Yet it is being called "fluid" with nearly a quarter of registered and likely voters saying they have not yet made up their mind. I've already voted...did that before heading to Florida. But you? Make sure you vote early if possible. Don't contribute to the powerful Third Party...the "I Don't Vote But I Bitch" group. OK?

Iowa Voting

Speaking of voting...this is such a critical election. I know dozens and dozens of candidates are out pounding doors and talking with voters. From the Statehouse to Terrace Hill turning out the vote is going to be critical. It is NOT enough simply to bitch you must get involved. The Iowa Democratic Party offers real solutions to the budget mess in our state. They offer real solutions in education, health care, voting rights, human rights, inclusion, equal pay, our land and our water. Take the time and become informed. Join a neighborhood group and let's get this done in June and in November. Iowa, stop voting against your interests.  Commercial...over.  

Rob Sand

Yesterday Rob posted about College Graduates vs. The Trades and caught some flack. The premise is that while thousands of young people are lining up to incur debt and a degree thousands of jobs in the trades are going wanting. Jobs that, following training, pay well and create a strong middle class. Look, nobody is dissing college or an education but to put our heads in the sand and discount alternatives? Rob is correct and he is going to make a superior State Auditor. Yes, I already voted.

Partly Personal

Usually this piece goes for a bit. However, I promised my Bride that I would not be late to the "Island Party" here on Anna Maria Island. So...gotta go. Grateful that you came by for a quick read. Stay safe and thank you to our kids who are watching the fort back home. And, we did bring a photo of Yofi. It's because I'm such a softy. 

Carry on friends...and have a wonderful Sunday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee - The Vacation Edition

Usually I get to comment about politics and religion in Sunday Morning Coffee but today I'm on vacation at a beautiful place called Anna Maria Island located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. So, I've not picked up a newspaper, logged on to the Internet, followed much on Twitter and just out of touch.

I think I've found new life.

However, (and you knew there would be an "however") I've got a suggestion for the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Ready?  You should consider an ordnance that would restrict the development of any more real estate offices.  Picture this...along Pine Avenue, which is a mixed use street that leads from "Downtown" to the City Pier there are no fewer than 15 real estate offices/construction companies (I'm guessing a bit...because I'm on vacation.) They occupy these quaint 1920's homes and scream "Vacation Rentals" to visitors seeking retail outlets rather than real estate.

So, here's what Anna Maria Island should consider: Create a "Retail Zone" where the street is lined with shops, small restaurants and boutiques. In each there could be a display, purchased by participating real estate companies, that have contact information and "tasteful" renditions their offerings. (Imagine that...retail owners renting space to realtors!)

OK...back to the beach!

 

 

    

Politics, News, Opinion - A Super SMC - 02/03/13

I dunno...something about todays Sunday Morning Coffee just seems...super!  Thanks for coming by to read my personal opinion on the stuff you hate:  Politics, Religion, Gossip. My name is Michael P. Libbie and you're invited to comment here, follow me on my personal Twtter Stream @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page.  Lot's on tap kids...let's go:

Pinch Me...

Could it be?  Last week members of the sane wing of the Republican Party floated a couple of trial balloons...just to watch the GOP Wacky Wing make more threats.  A bi-partisan group from the US Senate suggested we need to get serious about immigration and offered up several proposals.  The ever-wacky Robert Ussery of the Iowa Minutemen condemned the plan as a "slap in the face".  Meanwhile former GOP chairman of the Republican National Committee, Ken Mehlman (Jewish and Gay...so there you have it...) came to Iowa to urge his party to support "gay unions".  (Please, no jokes about 'pipe fitters' we're talkin' marriage equality not labor unions.)  Framing the conversation along "limited government", "family values" and "personal responsibility" Mehlman attempted to shift the conversation.  This too will go down in flames.  Trust me the Republicans can't help themselves.  They wish, with all their might, to remain the party of frustrated, rich, white guys who fear everything.  Including the cute guy with the purple tie...I dunno...but just had a vision of my friend Dave Price of WHO-TV 13 who no doubt is reading this as he gets ready for his Sunday morning show, "The Insiders" or writing "Price of Politics".  BTW his guest today at 9AM is Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA).  Free plug Dave!

NRA Requests Repeal of Second Amendment

In a startling move leaders of the National Rifle Association yesterday announced  plans to ask it's members to contact congress in an effort to repeal the Second Amendment.  The abrupt change of direction occurred after the White House released a photo taken in August showing President Obama shooting skeet at Camp David.  "We had no idea he had or had ever shot a firearm.  We fear for our country when people like Obama, a liberal socialist who happens to be Muslim actually had access to a gun."  The White House did not comment.

More Wacky Than News Radio 1040 WGOP?

OK, that piece above was satire.  For those of you in the Tea Party that means it's not true and an attempt at being funny. However, this isn't.  This week I had the misfortune to spend some time listening to talk radio as I drove to Little Rock, AR. Oh My Gosh!  The morning guy at KCMO (which at one time was a great midwest station) was going on about how any talk of gun control by any member of the GOP was, "An attempt to kick the Republican Party to the fringe left; and we'll remember who they are so we can mount primary campaigns against them." And you wonder why sane members of the GOP sit out.  Meanwhile a little further down the road a talk show host was telling his listeners that, "I believe the attack on Sandy Hook school was done by terrorists hired by the federal government...if indeed there was any shooting at all."  Finally this from the "Rushbo": "The reason the Democrats want amnesty for all these illegals is because they need to replace all the Democratic babies they have killed with abortion."  These people are obscene.

Speaking of Obscene

Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy (R-NE) resigned yesterday following an Omaha World Herald newspaper report that he used his state-issued cell phone to place thousands of late-night calls to women. Whoa down now.  I happen to know that many of the faithful take part in "Prayer Chains" which involves phone calls at all times of the day or night seeking support for each other and calling on Jesus to right the wrongs of this nation and rein in liberal activists who trample on the Constitution.  I am sure Mr. Sheehy was just doing his part as a faithful Christian Soldier.  There is nothing at all to this story.  Move along now, nothing to see.

Speaking of Prayer...

This week I was asked if I would be interested in attending the Value Voters Summit in the future.  The man asking me was from Texas, wore a huge cowboy hat with two pins, (one saying "Pray for America" and the other "Impeach Obama!").  I asked him what goes on at a Value Voters Summit. "Why we listen to great speeches about what is wrong with America, how we can get our country back and we pray a bunch."  What do you pray for?  "We pray that Jesus will turn this nation back to it's Christian roots."  Christian roots?  What about all of the people in this nation who are not Christian?  "Them?  Well we pray they get changed 'cause they are all going to Hell, just like this country if we don't get control."  Do you feel, as a Christian, threatened?  "You're damn right!  These socialists like Obama want to take our faith, our guns and our liberty."  But, what about the faith of the people who are not Christian is Obama after them too?  "No because they ain't Christian.  It's us that's under attack.  You really need to come to one of our conventions...."  I said I would "think about it" while declining to tell him I am Jewish and a Progressive...I think his cowboy hat would have exploded. You see, I'm not too sure he has ever actually visited before with...Satan. 

Meanwhile in Iowa

I see State Senator Mark Chelgren (R-Ottumwa) wants to change the Iowa Constitution and allow women the opportunity to serve in the state militia.  Except Iowa does not have a "state militia".  It was disbanded in 1877 when the Iowa National Guard was created. But, none of that matters to the ""Bat Crap Crazy" because to guys like Sen. Chelgren and others like him it is the government we need to fear and saying words like "militia" rings solid with Tea Party folks like my new friend from Texas.  Here is the full story from my friends at Bleeding Heartland.

Oh Canada...

This week I visited with a friend who lives in Canada.  He asked me, "So what is it about you Americans and guns?"  We talked about how, in Canada, it is difficult to obtain a license for a firearm and once you get one it must be renewed every three years. "I don't want or need a gun", said Sid.  "But what many of us in Canada do not understand is how your people oppose even simple things like checking to see if a guy isn't a nut case before you hand over anything from a handgun to a military style rifle.  We find it...odd."  Me too Sid...me too.

Speaking of Guns...

I see where former Navy SEAL and sniper Chris Kyle of "American Sniper" fame was shot and killed along with a second man at a firing range in Texas.  Sad for the families and for so many other reasons.  But, you are right...guns don't kill...  I get it. Weary...very.  Here is the story from CNN.

Partly Personal

I made the Clinton Presidential Library while in Little Rock.  WOW...technology allows so much interaction.  A very cool trip. If you get in that area it is a MUST See.  Very near to the library is the Concordia Hall Museum.  What caught my eye was a plaque on the outside of the building with a "Star of David".  Seems the Christians who lived in Little Rock denied Jews from renting any social halls to hold large events.  So, the Jews of Little Rock got together and built a building.  It is now an art and cultural center associated with the Little Rock Public Library.  Inside they had a display of the Clinton Years in Arkansas.  That is where I found this photo of then Governor Clinton, President George Bush, Secretary of Education Lauro F. Cavazos, Jr. and our own Governor Terry Branstad.  No comment (but you should see the nutty stuff folks posted my FB page...Weary - Part Two.

Have a Super Sunday...and thanks for coming by! - Michael