SundayMorningCoffee

Sunday Morning Coffee - Independence Day 2021

I know, you're wondering what happened to the morning edition of Sunday Morning Coffee. Well, I decided to declarer my independence from an early morning rise and sit outside with a cup and read the paper. I know, how dare me!  Anyway, that's the story and let's get to it!

What No Paper Towels?

The tragic events of ten days ago at the Surfside Condo has riveted the nation. We now count 24 dead and still 121 people unaccounted for after the collapse of the building. Today efforts there paused so demolition could be planed for the rest of the building. Meanwhile, in stark contrast to what we have witnessed before, President Biden went to Florida and told the people there that he was there to make sure they received everything they need to get through this.  "Whatever you need. I think I have...no, I know I have the power to make it happen. Just tell me what you need."  Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), fierce critic of the president, looked shaken as he sat next to Biden who then touched DeSantis' arm and said, "No, really, whatever you need."

Come on Mr. President...all they really needed was...paper towels. (Photo: CNN)

So refreshing to see empathy from our leadership.

COVID-19 Surge

It's happening and we were warned. A number of states are seeing increasing numbers of hospitalizations and deaths due to the more highly contagious Delta Variant that is sweeping through states with low vaccination numbers. And, where are they? In mostly GOP states that rushed to "normalize their economy" ahead of getting the majority of people vaccinated. And, here we are at the 4th of July which, mark my word, will become a national super-spreader event. Good luck.

Deaths in Windsor Heights

Yesterday was "Parade Day' in the communities of Waukee, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights and Urbandale. Back in 2019 I was involved in several of those events on behalf of my friend former congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA) who waged what was nearly a one-man attempt to win the democratic nomination. I came to admire him and his family. 

This year I drove a truck in the Windsor Heights Parade. Next to me was a friend who lives in a senior community here. She told me that a husband and wife who lived in her community and were both fully vaccinated in March had just been hospitalized with the Delta Variant. She died four days ago and he is on a ventilator.  I should have asked about pre-existing conditions but I didn't. The message here is that we're not done with this yet. Social distancing, masks indoors and getting a vaccination matter.

Partly Personal

OK...I'm tired. My bride recently got a new puppy and I took two days on the couch while "Camper" was dealing with separation anxiety. Another reason Sunday Morning Coffee is late.  She (Camper) is doing better and we may be able to retire to the bedroom this evening.  Stay tuned.

Finally a huge shout out to my friends who make up the Polk County Democrats. After being humiliated at several other parade events because of their low numbers the Polk County GOP decided they would encourage their followers to
"show up" at the parades and beat back the Democrats. Well, so much for that. Yesterday, for example, in Windsor Heights (Where just four years ago maybe five of us would show up marching with a banner.) we had dozens of Democrats show up including Congresswoman Cindy Axne and her family. We had a great time and it was wonderful to see such a turnout. There were more of us...just off to the right. We couldn't fit them all in.  Thank you Sean Bagniewski, Polk County Democratic Chair, for your help.  And to each of the candidates and their supporters. It was quite the site in our little community!

At the end of the parade, and after depositing several people back to their vehicles at the start of the event, I was left with two teenage girls to lift Daisy off of the float and get everything back in the storage garage we've got. Uhm...could we do it without another accident which, back in 2019, resulted in Daisy having a broken leg and missing an ear?  Success! Sabrina and Jovie were major helpers and...Daisy isn't light. So a really good day all around.

Then it was off to the 4th of July Event at Colby Park where The Faculty Lounge Band had folks dancing.  My Bride is the person who organizes the bands, food trucks, etc. and it all came off without a hitch.  Nice job Georgie!

That's a wrap...I know...short.  But it is Independence Day!  Thanks for reading! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 27 June 2021

Welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee a thoughts and opinion piece I've written for years.  The stories you've seen or, perhaps, missed all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to do. 

Dominion Voting Machines

The circus continues as the "My Pillow Guy", Mike Lindell and conspiracy theory lawyer Sidney Powell had their day in court last week. It's part of the one-billion dollar defamation suit brought against them and former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani  by Dominion Voting Systems. The three are accused of spreading tales that the machines were a design created by former Venezuelan  dictator Hugo Chavez and flipped votes from "45" to President Biden. That is was all a huge conspiracy. Rudy didn't go (He, no doubt, was licking his wounds for having his New York attorney license revoked.) but Lindell and Powell argued that what they said is true and the case should be tossed out.  

In November we'll celebrate the one year anniversary of the election of Joe Biden and we're still talking about this silliness?  Weary. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)

Oh, but wait!  I hear the Dickenson County GOP has as their headliner for a fund-raiser the one and only Sidney Powell.  Isn't that special?

"We have a deal!"

President Biden exited the White House with lawmakers last week to announce a deal had been struck for the trillion dollar infrastructure bill to pass the U.S. Senate. What happened on Wall Street?  The markets celebrated. Wait! I thought the rich folks would balk at the deal because it means higher taxes? Oh but there is, tucked into the language of the deal, an opportunity for private businesses to get a piece of the action and not buy building roads and bridges but by owning a bit of the action.  Folks on the left are worried this will mean if you want to cross the river you'll have to pay a toll to some venture capitalist group and not the state.  Stay tuned.

Mafia in Ohio

The former president, who speaks more like a mob boss, was in Ohio last night repeating his lies and taking swipes at everybody under the sun...but praising himself. It was the same old crap we have heard so many times in the past. We even got to hear chants of "Lock her up!" referring to Hillary Clinton. Really, is that all you've got? It was quite a show as "45" was in town to back a GOP congressional candidate in a Republican primary. The sitting congressman voted to impeach "45" so the mob boss comes out swinging. What a total disgrace to the presidency.  But, the good news? He may be returning to the campaign. Wouldn't it be great to beat his ass again?

Remember When?

It wasn't that long ago that the governor of Iowa, Kim Reynolds (R-IA) said the kids at the U.S. Mexico border were not something she was interested in. "It's not our problem.", said the governor and tool of the former president. But all of that changed last week as she seeks to score political points with the base she shares with "45".  She, "...at the request of Texas and Arizona" has sent state troopers to the border to "help with the situation there". What a joke but, hey we've got all kinds of cash in the bank because we're not spending any on education, health care, child care....you know the story.  My gosh people...this woman has got to go. (Photo: The Nation) 

Iowa, The Red State

Ruby red to be exact...if we are to believe the Iowa Poll that has been dribbling out results all week. It seems the majority of you love Sen. Jodi Ernst (R-IA). Well, if you are a man or somebody that lives in a rural part of the state. Why?  Not sure but guessing you guys think she is cute and the rest of you don't understand a thing about policy...or lack of it. Same can be said for the current governor. She gets high marks for making Iowa more like Alabama every day.  Isn't that...special?

Critical Race Theory

Gotta love white people...or maybe not so much. So many are getting their panties in a knot because black folks, and their allies, want to talk about the truth behind the Original Sin of America. So, they are running for school boards and packing school board meetings and passing laws (thank you Iowa!) to "defund education" in case somebody spills the beans. No matter the fact that no public school teaches CRT.  Meanwhile I had to explain to my granddaughter why there is a whole month devoted to Black American education and experience. I think she is starting to catch on. (Photo: New York Times)

Lack of Empathy

Last week my brother wrote me about this issue and I thought it was so profound.  The issue came up when we were discussion the theory that once somebody "get theirs" they then fail to care about others. The "I've Got Mine Syndrome". Check this...

When Noah came out of the ark, he opened his eyes and saw the whole world completely destroyed. Noah began crying for the world and said, “Master of the World! If you destroyed Your world because of human sins or human fools, then why did you create them? One or the other You should do: either do not create the human being, or do not destroy the world!…” 

The Blessed Holy One answered Noah, “Foolish shepherd! I lingered with you before the Flood and spoke to you at length so that you would ask mercy for the world! But as soon as you heard that you would be safe in the ark, the evil of the world did not touch your heart. You built the ark and saved yourself. Now that the world has been destroyed you open your mouth to utter questions and pleas.” Zohar (M’oray Ha’aish Parshat Noach)

 

Partly Personal

 

It was pretty amazing. I was last in front of my Mason City congregation in March of 2020. This past Sabbath I went back and it was rather emotional to be back in the synagogue. Services were special, new people came and our Midrash (Study Session) on Shabbat (Saturday) went much longer than usual. It was great to be back...

 

The that did take me out of circulation and I was not able to be home to great the newest member of the family..."Camper"!  Yes, a new puppy is here. She is a beauty and my Bride has plans to train her so she can take her...you guessed it...camping. Of course Yofi isn't too sure this is a good idea...but we think she will come around. We're becoming quite the multi-cultural family as this little Aussie will no doubt add to the experience.

 

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 6 June 2021

And, Good Morning! Grab a cup of Sunday Morning Coffee some of the political and social news you might have seen, or missed, all laced with my, usual, acerbic commentary. It's what I get to do once a week.  Let's go:

No Apology

It was a stunning piece of news. Between 1890 and 1969 some 150,000 indigenous children of Canada were forced to attend state-funded Christian schools, the majority of them run by Catholic missionaries. The idea was to subject these kids to indoctrination so they could be assimilated into Canadian society.

Recently ground penetrating radar was used to confirm the remains of 215 children at the Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia...operated by the Catholic church. For its part the Canadian government has admitted that physical and sexual abuse was rampant in the schools with children beaten for speaking their native languages and has made apologies.

Meanwhile Pope Frances, today, said it was "a sad affair" and "This sad discovery increases the awareness of the sorrows and sufferings of the past."  But, no apology for the actions of the church. 

So, the U.S. isn't the only nation guilty of such things...  Remember though "Manifest Destany"...so it must be OK.

15%

It's a big deal. Last week the G-7 met and agreed to a minimum of a 15% tax on sales and profits by corporations that are selling or located in what has been called "low tax sanctuaries". Those would include many nations in the Caribbean. In Europe the corporate tax rate is all over the board from Hungary at 9% to France at 31%. The goal here is to tax companies such as Facebook and other internet corporations who have managed to set up shop in one location or another to avoid paying up. The proposal now goes to roughly 21 other nations for approval.  The Biden Administration has wanted a higher tax rate but asked that 15% be the minimum.  

Back On Stage

Well that went...well. Former President 45 was back on stage yesterday kicking off a national tour to promote lies. (It's what he does best.) Of course, he continued to spread the "Big Lie" and give himself credit for a whole bunch of stuff that either never happened or was a major failure. Think COVID-19 reaction and "Infrastructure Week".

The amazing thing is that people still fawn over him. Look, this is not only scary but dangerous for our nation. We have seen this playbook before in 1930's Germany where the people who felt they had been given a raw deal fawned over a hateful man with crazy ideas. I suspect the former president has Mein Kampf bookmarked. No, wait...that would assume the man can read. (Image: BBC)

Those Crazy Democrats

Meanwhile it's pretty nutty in the U.S. Senate as today CBS Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) was asked about his stand on bipartisanship. Here is what he said, "I think Senate Republicans want bipartisanship." Host John Dickerson: "Well, they haven’t shown that yet, McConnell says he’s 100% focused on blocking Biden agenda & the GOP restructuring of voting laws state-by-state is..."  Manchin: "Yeah, but I think deep-down they want it."

Denial is a river in Egypt. 

Making the Rounds...

The first announced Democrat to run against Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), Dave Muhlbauer is making the rounds of Polk County Neighborhood Groups. Muhlbauer, a farmer from Southwest Iowa announced his candidacy last week knows he's got to be out there early and often. An interesting side-note. Grassley who is 87 has served in the U.S. Senate since 1981 which is longer than Dave Muhlbauer has been alive.

So, there is that.

Thank You Todd Pritchard

Last week Iowa House Minority Leader Rep. Todd Pritchard (D-Charles City) announced that he was leaving that leadership position following three sessions in the minority. It was rough duty having to go up against the anti-democratic group in the majority. Imagine every day having to face people who are simply not lined up with reality. From health care to taxes to guns to education the Republicans continue to tear down this once great state.  Democrats will choose a new leader on June 14 and I have a suspicion of who that might be but keeping my thoughts quiet until she lets me know she is in the running.  Hint, hint...nudge...nudge. 

Just Being There...Works

Last week I had the opportunity to hang out with the Clive Democrats and the amazing Lila Starr who chairs that group. She and Hope Johnson, who is running for the Clive City Council, were working the booth during Food Truck Friday sponsored by the Clive Chamber of Commerce. 

This is just one of dozens of registration events going on in Polk County each week.  Are we signing folks up?  Sure. But, what is so powerful about this is simply being seen.  Letting folks know in places that had been "ruby red" for a very long time that Democrats are alive and active and working on the issues the vast majority of Iowans believe it and desire.  Change can happen we've just got to stay at it.

Partly Personal

My Bride left me on Thursday. Well, it's not really that dramatic. She and some other "ladies" went to Arkansas to go...camping. Arkansas! Camping! I have no idea where she went but it took her nearly 10 hours to get there. Due home sometime later today.  Safe travels.  BTW...for their last day of "camping" one of her new friends had a contact so they spent the final day and night at a resort...with a hot tub and all the finer things of life. No...charge.  Pretty sweet. THAT'S the kind of "camping" I could go for.

While the cat is away the (very cool) Cats will play. My brother, Yoni, came over last evening and cooked supper. I didn't have to do anything but mix the drinks. He is a wonder in the kitchen. The meal was amazing: Roasted and stuffed Portobello mushrooms, seasoned baked potatoes, stuffed and roasted onions and flank steak that had been pounded very thin, rubbed and marinated for 24 hours.

I gotta tell you...it was delightful.

We then watched a couple of episodes of The Kominsky Method featuring Alan Arkin and Michael Douglas. If you get a chance...watch. It is part comedy and part drama but it is all good. I was turned onto the series by a member of my congregation in Mason City who raved about it and said, "Oy, it is such a reminder of so many of my friends. You have got to see it!" Thanks Peter. One thing to know. If you have some reference to older Jewish men and can appreciate the humor...it is  priceless. 

Finally our son, Aaron, was over on Friday afternoon when it was 90 degrees to install a "motion detection security light" on the side of the house. Georgie wanted one and on Monday she and I attempted to put it up but...fail.  I asked Aaron to do it (he is way more handy than I and 30 years younger) and BAM!  Took him about 20 minutes. But, yes, it was hot and yes...it does work.  Thank you! 

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday!

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 16 May 2021

Today is a very special day...for a couple of reasons. First it is the day before Income Tax Day 2021. Makes you feel warm all over. Secondly, for us Jews, it is the 49th day since Passover and tonight, at sundown begins the Festival of Shavuot. Important for several reasons: 

In the Bible the holiday is known as "the harvest festival". It commemorates the end of the grain harvest, which began with barley during Passover and ends with wheat at the time of Shavuot. So, there is that.

In addition the literal translation of the Hebrew word “shavuot” is “weeks” and this name first appears in the verse, “You shall observe the Feast of Weeks, of the first fruits of wheat harvest…” Exodus 34:22. 

The it is called “weeks” is because we are commanded to count seven days of seven weeks from the second day of Passover, and to celebrate the fiftieth day as a holiday. (Lev. 23:15). The also explains why the English name for this holiday is Pentecost, which means fiftieth in Greek.

Now let's really get to the "Reason for the Season". The most significant aspect of the holiday of Shavuot is that, according to Jewish tradition, this is when the Almighty gave the Torah to the Jewish nation. This was the day that Moses ascended Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments.  And, that is a big deal.

See what you learn here.

Liz Cheney

But you didn't come to Sunday Morning Coffee for a lesson on religion. You came for the politics, the opinion the grit. I get it. Nothing makes the blood boil like politics in this age.  So, let's start with what is real. The 45th President of the United States is firmly in control of the Republican Party. Full stop. The cowards in the GOP refuse to accept reality that the guy lost and they are scared to death of him so they boot Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) and replace her with a loyalist. I'm no fan of Cheney or her politics but what the Republicans have done is to magnify her voice. She will not be silent and she will continue to "out" the crazy that has taken over her party. (Image: CNN)

Remember

But, we've seen this before. Those that dared to speak against the wacky German corporal in the 1930's were also removed. The hold "45" has on this party is exactly like what we've seen when other despots are elevated and admired...

Mask On, Mask Off

I get it you want your freedom. Many of you have had your freedom for months and have been flaunting the pandemic protocols risking the lives of the people you contact. So, now nobody has to wear a mask and "social distancing" is but a memory...for those who are fully vaccinated. However (and this is a big deal) those who refuse to get a vaccination can now run around and potentially spread the plague. How do we know who we can interact with? Do we take your word? Do we demand to see your card? What about kids in families who are not going to get a vaccination?  Do they spread it to others of like mind?

I dunno...you?

I'm keeping my mask.  Of course if I wear it people will think that I'm not vaccinated...so there is that. Weary. (Image - Times Union) 

Sleeping With Teens

Well now...the Party of Family Values may be about to take a hit. Seems that this Joel Greenberg guy, the  GOP tax collector from Florida, has pled guilty to six federal crimes and prosecutors have made a deal to put aside the other 27 charges if Greenberg tells the truth and rats out he buddies who were, it is alleged, passing around a 17 year-old girl for sex. Of high interest is Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and how deep that story goes. 

Of course there are others out there who are very worried...and should be. 

Partly Personal

I'm out.  My Bride is out back-packing with a friend near Harpers Ferry in Northeast Iowa. She says it is "fun" and has asked, several times, if I would like to go.  If I had...my weekend would have been at the local bed and breakfast.  But I admire her for her sense of adventure. Are there bears...there? But, it does look...GREEN! 

We very well may have had our last Virtual Midrash (study) session with my congregation Adas Israel in Mason City. We, on Saturday, set aside a weekend in June for in-person services there. Of course we'll continue to take precautions as many members have some sort of underlying condition so, we've got to be careful.  It will be nice to go back. We've not been in the shul since March of 2020 with the exception of examining the Torah Scrolls several months ago.  Which, was a great adventure...

Have a wonderful Sunday.  Thanks for reading! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 18 April 2021

Grab a cup of Sunday Morning Coffee brewed up fresh each week as I share the political stories you may have seen, or missed, all laced with my commentary. You are welcome let the games begin!

Frustration

Last week I was reading a story about how frustrated the Republicans are because they can't seem to find the right message that will get Americans to loath President Joe Biden.  "Nothing sticks", said one prominent GOP senator. "I don't think sometimes our messaging is as sharp as it should be because a lot of the things they're doing are things that are popular—when you’re spending money, you’re popular." Said Sen John Thune (R-SD). No, senator, the issue is that you and your minions have nothing when it comes to policy. You're policy is the be against...everything. You don't want people to vote. You don't want to fix infrastructure that is broken, or in the case of broadband, nonresistant. You don't want to improve the economy. You don't think Black lives matter. You detest immigration. You don't believe women are capable of making decisions...about themselves. You don't think there are way too many guns available and too easy to get. You don't think granting asylum is something important for humanity. You don't think it's important to tackle climate change and you don't think President Biden...won the 2020 election. 

America has "moved on" while you in the Republican Party have nothing but..."No!".

And...Fear

One of the things Republicans are good at is stoking fear. Be afraid of...everything. Be afraid of those "brown people" they are coming to take your job. Be afraid of those "black people" they are mean and angry. Be afraid of people who vote. Be afraid that "they are coming to get your guns".  Be afraid...just be scared...is not policy Sen. Thune and we know that.

Did I Mention...

Last week CNBC reported that Joe Biden begins his presidency having achieved out of the gate what his predecessor could only do once during his four years: a positive approval rating.

The CNBC All-America Economic Survey finds that 47% of the public approves of Biden's handling of the presidency, with 41% disapproving. A substantial 12% say they are not sure. (Wouldn't you love to meet one of those folks? "Gosh the economy is booming, people are going back to work, there is a functioning government with able people in charge. I just ain't sure about that...") Weary.

The former president managed to get above the breakeven level just once in the survey, in March 2020.

Key to Biden's support is a 62% approval rating for his handling of the coronavirus. A 46% plurality approve of his handling of the economy with 41% disapproving.  So there is...that.

Watch That Waistline!

The big news out of Mar-a-Lago last week was that "45" is starting to trim down a bit. Perhaps passing on the fourth or fifth cheeseburger and opting for celery?  This does not bode well for folks like Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) or Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) who see themselves as the contender to take on President Biden in 2024. The report is that "45" is eyeing his return to the campaign on behalf of himself.  It's gonna be hard to out crazy...crazy especially if he is the new "slim and trim" nut case.  Right?

Git Yer Gun!

Meanwhile in Texas legislators there have passed a bill that does not require a permit to get a gun. It's the same measure that failed to pass the Texas House in 2015 and in 2017 but the wacky gun lobby has won a big victory and the bill now goes to the Texas Senate. And, yes even some Democrats (seven) voted for the "constitutional carry" bill.

They are a bit behind Iowa where a similar bill was signed into law. Never mind that people are killing people in astonishing numbers. Hell, it's easier to "git a gun" than it is to...vote. More on that below. My brother is highly skilled in firearms. In fact his training exceeds that of even the Marines. He has a permit to carry and does especially now that so many nut cases have permission to run around armed. Just what we need Gov. Reynolds (R-IA). Of course my brother is white and so is about 96% of Iowa so...nothing to fear.

Indianapolis

Eight people were gunned down there last week. Eight people, with families, shot to death by a white guy with, what I understand, was not one but TWO "assault rifles". The 19 year-old hate monger purchased them legally last summer even after the Indianapolis police and the FBI issued warnings about his mental health.  They even made a home visit and confiscating a shotgun when his mother called police to say her son had "suicidal tendencies".  Failure is, it seems, an option when it comes to protecting the lives of Americans. Among the dead are four members of the Sikh faith. People who fled India because of persecutions there only to be murdered. It should be noted that, according to news sources, 70% of the employees at the FedEx establishment where the murders took place are Sikh.

Searching, Searching...

I was on a call last week listening to State Senator Sarah Trone-Garriott (D-Windsor Heights) talk about stuff going on with the Iowa legislature. Of particular importance, to me and many others, is the new law that restricts voting in Iowa. Perhaps you didn't know that that bill just "showed up" in the Iowa Senate and was passed by both chambers and on the governor's desk in a scant seven days. That's what happens when one party controls the legislature and Terrace Hill. It's an awful law that, sadly, many Iowans know nothing about mostly because they don't care or they figure the "Big Lie" is accurate. "Oh my! We must make sure voting is safe and secure so let's make it harder to vote!"  So I had to ask my senator what was the rational for the bill and the, now, new law. "They really didn't have much to say about that." So, there you have it. No rational just in search of a cure to a problem that does not exist.  Well, it does, only in the minds of those who believe the "Big Lie". Weary...

Partly Personal

Thank you for the many warm wishes. I celebrated a birthday last Sunday and it was a good day.  Thanks for the kind words...even from those who are not, often, too kind.

Last week was also Yom Ha' Atzmaut or Independence Day for the State of Israel.  As is my new custom the U.S. flag that flies in front of our home (correctly by the way with a light on it for after dark) is replaced the the Israeli flag on Jewish holidays.  Just a heads up for my neighbors who are, often, confused as to what day it is and why that flag is flying. Israel is now 73 years young.

Finally, I received my second dose of COVID19 vaccine last week. In the runup to the event I had been on the phone with dozens and dozens of my friends and co-workers who had already been "jabbed" twice. The vast majority reported very little when it came to side affects.  There were a couple who reported fatigue, which is what my Bride experienced after her second dose. And, to be honest, there were a couple of people who said they spent the day after their second shot in bed with headache and a bit of a fever.  So, I was expecting...well, I didn't quite know...but I was a bit anxious.  Turns out...nothing. My arm was a bit sore for a couple of hours and I was a little tired the next day but powered through with my work.  Now, maybe, I'll soon be able to hug my grandchildren and go out to dinner with my Bride to celebrate our anniversary.  Perhaps...

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 11 April 2021

Welcome back! If you missed SMC over the past two Sundays it was because both were during Passover. The first two days and the last two days of the holiday week are considered highly important and so...no SMC.  By the way we're now counting the Omer, the 49 days between the final day of Passover and the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai.  See what you learn here?

The Lie Continues

Last night at a gathering of Republicans at Mar-a-Lago the former president was in top form as he continued to lie about the election, throw shots at Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and even said some nasty things about McConnell's wife Elaine Chow, who served as the Secretary of Transportation during 45's one-term administration.

Of course he continued to say he actually won in Georgia and in Pennsylvania and blamed everybody, other than himself, for the loss. And, from news accounts, those in attendance (high ranking senators from the GOP) ate it up.  The National Republican Party paid $100,000 for the use of the resort. That after the former, twice impeached, president sent the party a cease and desist letter banning the RNC from using his name or image on any fund raising. Masochists I guess?

Speaking of Raising Funds

It was nice that the former president paid back millions of dollars to supporters who were tricked into taking their one-time donation and turning it into a recurring donation and even increasing the amount each month.  He did it by using a "Mob Boss" tactic of intimidation which so fits his style. What an awful man.

Meanwhile

Yesterday there were 4.6 million COVID19 vaccinations given. A new record. But, and this is a big BUT, infections continue to rise.  In seven days the U.S. totaled 68,000 new cases and it is particularly alarming in Michigan and Minnesota where scores of young people are now being admitted to hospitals.  You might ask "Why?".  People say they are tired of wearing masks. They whine that social distancing is too hard. They want to be with their friends. They want to be normal.

Yeah, and Darwin will handle the rest.  Idiots.

"Guns Will Make You Safe!"

We hear that all the time. And as Americans long for some sense of "normal" we're back to killing each other at a rapid pace...which, when you think of it, is normal for the U.S. Meanwhile states like Iowa will soon allow you to carry without a license and gun sales between friends and relatives no longer need a background check. Meanwhile President Biden is trying to do something about it by issuing several executive orders. However, and you know this is true, those orders will be challenged and ignored as Americans hold on to their precious Second Amendment while trampling on the rights of others.

I'm reminded of other words written above the entrance of Auschwitz, "Work will make you free."  Another lie.

Christian Compassion

Last week Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) said at her press conference that Iowa has no room for any of the migrant children who are being detained at our southern border.  She then added it was not Iowa's problem it was, "The president's problem." How very thoughtful and Christian like.  Pastor Mike Householder is the guy behind the mega Lutheran Church of Hope where, it is reported, the Governor attends. Nice work Mike...doing a hell of a job there.  Weary....

Voting Rights

Last week television sports guy Keith Murphy wrote on his Facebook Page this factual message. "Major League Baseball will move the All Star Game and the 2021 Draft out of Georgia because of the voter bill signed into law." He simply wrote the facts as an solid reporter should do.  Oh but the comments from others....  It would seem to me that the vast majority of people who were commenting had no idea of what is going on in Georgia...and for that matter here in Iowa. "What's the big deal?" "Ya gotta have ID to drive a car." "Shortening voting by a couple of days....get real!" They have no idea...none. The real issue is that Republicans do not want you to vote and they will do anything in their power to make it more difficult. And they are using "The Big Lie" that their "Dear Leader" lost in 2020 because the vote was rigged.  No proof mind you it's just easier to deny you the right to vote. Words, "Work will make you free." just another lie.

Black Lives Matter

Well, not so much it would seem.  When demonstrators come to the Iowa State Capitol and interact with the State Police, asking for names and badge numbers, they are thrown to the ground, handcuffed and sent to jail. That is the reality here. Meanwhile the racist media and their enablers refer to the demonstration as an attack at the Iowa Capitol..."an insurrection" where police were "mobbed by protestors". While at the same time saying the folks who showed up at the U.S. Capitol on the 6th of January were peaceful, law abiding people.  

The difference is that people died as a result of that angry, out of control mob in D.C.  But, at least they were...white. So they get a pass. Face it, black people are just too scary. That's why police profile them. That is why cops follow them when the cop decides this black man shouldn't be driving in a white neighborhood. It happens all the time and it happens to my friends.  None of us are truly free until we are all free.  Anything else is simply bullshit.

Partly Personal

For two weeks I didn't write Sunday Morning Coffee and I got calls and messages asking if I was OK.  Thank you for that...and I did feel a bit guilty.  But, that is the Jew in me....or the Catholic in me (well, that's not accurate but we do share that guilt thing).

Today my Bride gave me the most beautiful birthday card. No, really...and I cried. It was that powerful

Oh, and I get my second shot this week.  So there is that.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 21 February 2021

This morning it's 47 degrees warmer than last Monday...so there is...that. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly look at the politics you may have seen, or missed, all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to start writing long before the sun comes up...and at 27 degrees...who's complaining?  Let's go!

They Really Don't Care...

It was both funny and sad. When Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) decided to abandon his duty and jet off to Mexico for a vacation, lied about why he went and then returned all "sorry and stuff" it was yet another reality check on what/who the Republican Party....is. They really don't care for you or the issues you are facing. They flat-out do not care. They don't give a damn about health care or the pandemic or struggling families. Nah, can't be bothered. It's sad that so many people still think the GOP is a party that has some sense of duty. Of course they don't keep up and are stuck thinking that somebody like Regan is in charge.  Nope...that boat has sailed...directly to Cancun.

Texas Should Secede

Not long ago the proud citizens of Texas had enough of a Black President and there were rumblings of secession going around. After all, they thought, the state had a large enough economy and "going it alone" is sort of baked into their DNA.  If you want proof of that all you need do is look the the latest man-made calamity that engulfed the Lone Star State. In 2008 power disruptions that left thousands in the dark. 2011 another cold snap that sent millions seeking shelter as the power grid, once again, failed. The federal government, thinking that they might find some responsible Texans in the GOP controlled...everything...issued some "recommendations" about winterizing their power structure.

True  to form Texas told the feds to buzz off. They knew better because, hey...they are Texans. So they doubled down and retained their proud heritage of ignoring science.  And they proudly held up the fact that Texas is the only state in the nation to not share a power grid with other states. "Take that you snowflakes!"

And then, last week the snowflakes...fell and Texas froze. Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) was quick to point fingers at the very commission that he appoints and said the problem really lies with Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortex (D-NY). You see, you don't have to be very smart to be governor of Texas...you just need somebody to blame.  Weary....

Got Popcorn?

The legal issues for the former president are starting to pile up. Investigations from New York to Georgia are happening. There is a lawsuit citing "45" with inciting an insurrection that has been filed by the NAACP and Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS). Which is really fun because the base of the lawsuit is what is called the Ku Klux Klan Act.  Anyway...should be a great show.

Come On Joe - Get It Together

It looks like Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is going to oppose President Biden's choice, Neera Tanden, to become the next head of the Office of Management and Budget. This is the same guy who said he opposed the $1.9 trillion Save America proposal because it was too costly. This really isn't about anything else but the survival of the political future of Joe Manchin.  Biden was able to beat some sense into Joe and he backed off his opposition to the Save America proposal but, because of some tweets, he is opposing the Tanden nomination. My bet is that it's political and the White House said, "Look Joe, get behind the Stimulus/COVID19 proposal and we'll let you dump on Neera." Anybody with me on that?

Just Like Mississippi Only Colder

As Iowa continues it's march to out Mississippi itself when it comes to educational attainment, family support, gun laws, abortion, LGBTQ issues, tax law and school vouchers. I could go on...but I need to get to my point. The state legislature and its governor are directly opposing the organized business community.

Let me make my point.

Let's start with the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. Their top legislative priority is: "ABI supports legislative efforts to recruit, retrain and retain talent in the state." Now, that sounds like a cool idea but what the hell is the Iowa Legislature doing to foster that climate? Oh...let's see: 

• Restrict Voting - Republicans hate it when you vote so let's screw down the process and say it is because of "voter fraud";
• School Vouchers - Let's take fund away from public schools and allow parents to pull their kids and spend state tax dollars on Catholic, Lutheran and Islamic religious schools. Oh, wait...strike that Islamic reference;
• Punish Public Schools - If the school district ignores science and opens up for all in-person education you get cash...if you don't you get punished;
• Underfund Education - This has been an ongoing problem for years and years and it's why we're losing teachers at an astonishing rate;
• Sideline Gender Identification - Nothing says "Welcome" better than bashing young people who have a gender ID different than their birth certificate. It makes our schools...safer. That should open up workforce opportunities for sure;
• Deny Choice - Look, we all understand that men know better when it comes to reproductive choice...ask them;
• Glock Love - Nothing says strength and safety more than making sure all employees are fully armed;
• Right to Be Poor - Well, this is one thing business groups really do love. The Right to Work laws that keep "The Man" in control and the worker begging for crumbs;
• Protect Intimidation - When it comes to the police make sure that they are allowed to beat and arrest as many folks of color as possible and then send them to prison so they can make furniture for the state at slave wages;
• Ignore Science - "Masks? We don't need no stinkin' masks!" Come on to the Legislature and breath on us and while you're at it please disregard that Iowa ranks last in the nation in vaccine distribution. That will impress future talent.

I know, I'm missing a few...feel free to fill in the blanks.  One of the reasons I'm even in Iowa is because of the, once, outstanding educational system the state enjoyed back in the day.  Today, my brother (the retired doctor) who has been teaching in several colleges in the Des Moines Metro, tells me that a vast majority of his students find it difficult to read, do simple math and actually string a  set of sentences into a coherent paragraph. 

Y'all is doin' a great job. Git 'er done boyz!

An Issue That Wins Back Rural Iowa

Meanwhile I was on a call last week with the Democratic Leadership of the Third Congressional District and I was struck at what brave people are doing to salvage any hope of a better life for Rural Iowans. Let's face it, the GOP has a strangle hold on rural counties. They maintain that hold using fear. Spreading lies about "illegal's" taking jobs. That only lazy people get government help. (Meanwhile 33% of the record farm income in 2020 was due to government support.) And so on...  So, what issue can win back these folks?

How about the School Voucher program?  Just like rural hospitals (which are also in trouble) public schools in these rural counties are large employers and serve as a real connection point for the population . From sports to academics rural schools are a critical bridge between parents and grandparents. But, now the Iowa Legislature wishes to siphon dollars away and give public funds to private schools. And, at last check, their ain't many private religious schools in Adar County...to name just one.

Partly Personal

Last night, after the Sabbath, my brother and I were on the phone talking about memories and synagogues. I guess it's what old Jewish men do. We were discussing the many, many synagogues that we'd visited over the years. Whenever he, or I, traveled for business (or pleasure) we both would seek out the local synagogue and attend either Friday night services or Shabbat services on Saturday morning. What a travelogue of experiences. I'm not going to list them all but such fond memories I have of the shul in Regina and Toronto. The orthodox shul in Nashville, Sherith Israel, (image) where I was so lucky to hear (and share several L'Chaim's after services) with the great Rabbi Zalman Posner z"l. The congregation in Little Rock where they were so welcoming. The shuls in St. Louis and in Kansas City and in Phoenix and of course those in Israel. I'm leaving out many.

Meanwhile my brother spoke about his shul in Odessa, Texas where he ran into Elliott Gould. His parents were patients of his. He spoke about the great teachers he has met in the U.S. and in Israel.

It was a fascinating conversation that stretched nearly two hours. The bottom line is how fortunate we are to have, and continue to have, this rich experience of learning and connection to a faith that is so diverse, enlightened and so full of life. Oh, and the people we've met along the way.  Yeah...that was cool.

Oh, one other thing. My bride bought a...truck.  Don't ask....but it is really cool as well.

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday! 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 7 February 2021

Welcome to the Sub-Zero Edition of Sunday Morning Coffee where the sun is not yet up and it's -4 degrees Fahrenheit. So, how about some hot coffee to get you all steamed up?  Let's go!

The Cost of Lying

The lie started well before the 2020 election as the man in the White House told America the election would be rigged. Following the Joe Biden win the lie became the daily drumbeat that has divided the nation and proved the former president simply quit doing the difficult task of...governing. Meanwhile the lie that misled millions of Americans, undermined the faith in our electoral system, sparked a deadly riot has also left you and I with a growing bill. The Washington Post calculates that the government has spent north of $519 million dollars on legal fees due to dozens of baseless lawsuits, protection for poll workers, costly repairs to the Capitol and thousands of National Guard troops still roaming Washington D.C. Thought you might like to know.

Loyalty

Many have claimed that the Republican Party is fractured and has no clear direction. Don't believe it. The GOP is firmly in the grasp of the former president and they continue to worship at his feet. The recent side-show of Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Green (R-GA) the condemnation of Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) and the censure of Cindy McCain of Arizona are all proof of that fact. It reminds me of The Godfather and, in a way, it truly is. Meanwhile the GOP isn't taking any chances as Republican controlled state houses have introduced close to 100 bills to make voting more difficult. If they learned anything from 2020 it is that when people are allowed to vote it's not good for their candidates especially in areas that have large numbers of non-white voters.

Impeachment 2.0

There is little doubt how the U.S. Senate will vote when it comes to the second trial of for former president. The only question is, how long will it take?  The trial is set to begin on Tuesday and there is no chance that two-thirds of the Senate will vote to convict. However, what will be on display will be a recounting of the incitement that led to destruction and murder.  The impeachment managers will lay bare the facts that should, under normal conditions, be a slam dunk for impeachment. However, rather than drag the trial on I suspect it will be done in less than a week. But...get the popcorn ready.  One interesting note, the attorney for the former president has requested the trial be paused from Friday evening until Saturday evening so that he may honor Shabbat. Well, at least he has that going for him.

Returning to Normal

A recent Gallup Poll shows that President Biden enjoys a 61% approval rating. While some of that may be due to the traditional "honeymoon bump" we haven't seen a number like that for years. One reason I believe is that, rather than "rage tweeting" in the middle of the night, President Biden is known to leave the White House living quarters to visit with the overnight staff.  Just poking his head in to ask about family and offer his gratitude for their efforts.

Meanwhile the White House is pitching the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan to...get this...Americans. The president has re-launched the weekly presidential address but it's not a stiff and formal event and it's been re-branded as "A Weekly Conversation". It's Joe calling regular folks who are hurting because of the pandemic and promising to help make their lives whole once again.  Here is the call from yesterday:

 

In case you are wondering the four minute call to Michele Voelkert, who lost her job due to COVID19  and wrote to President Biden, was tapped by her husband and then sent to the White House.  Jen Psaki, the White House Press Secretary (Who, by the way, is no stranger to Iowa), says this will become a regular event each week. Watch for it.

Speaking of Iowa

It's over. The long hard winter of COVID19 has left the Hawkeye State and we are free. Or, so Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) would have you believe. Late Friday afternoon the governor proclaimed that Iowans could return to "normal" in bars and restaurants without masks and zero restrictions on capacity. That decision was met with an avalanche of head-scratching from everybody with an ounce of scientific sense. And it played to national news as Forbes noted last night that #CovidKim was trending on Social Media. Upcoming events such as the Iowa Deer Classic that will draw thousands to Des Moines no longer has to be bothered by masks, or hand washing or social distancing. The Iowa Restaurant Association is giddy over the decision as it's executive director Jessica Dunker said to the Des Moines Register that the new order comes just in time and, "...may well give us the lift we need to be able to see this thing to the other side." She went on to say,  "Quite frankly, it allows us to go back to doing business at a really critical time. We are … one day before the Super Bowl, which opens up a lot of businesses for crowds to come in and safely watch the big game."  (Image: Brian Duffy)

Huh?

Oh, but wait just a minute. Mayor Frank Cownie of Des Moines said in a release late yesterday that nope the mask mandate is still in place within the city. As the Des Moines Register reports:

"Cownie's mask mandate requires all people in Des Moines to wear face coverings such as cloth masks, surgical masks, plastic shields or other protections that cover the nose and mouth when in a public place and where social distancing is not possible.

This includes restaurants and bars when not seated at a table, fitness centers, retail stores, public transportation or private car services, and other businesses."

Memo to #CovidKim:  Same story in Iowa City.  Your move.

Meanwhile...

All of this at a time when Iowa can't get it's act together when it comes to vaccines and the death toll is now above 5,100. The state is ranked dead last in its vaccination response, 12th in hospitalizations and 49th in the death rate. (I'll have that interview this week on the Business News Hour with the annalists from Wallet Hub.) Here is that story if you want to read.

It's awful what is being done here...awful.

Right to Work

If you know me you know I support workers right to join and pay for union activities. And if you are a Methodist, Catholic, Jew or Southern Baptist your "discipline" also supports unionization. Doubt me?  Look it up and yes, I've written about this in the past. 

However, based on the responses I've received on my personal Facebook Page many of you don't know about where "Right to Work" came from and it's racist and anti-sematic origins:  It seems that one Vance Muse a wealthy conservative from Texas spawned the idea in the 1940's to (get this) combat the idea that, "From now on, white women and white men will be forced into organizations with black African apes whom they will have to call 'brother' or lose their jobs."  And, that is just one quote from the founder of The Christian American Association as he and they railed against workers, Jews, African Americans and others.  It's quite a story.

In other words Right to Work is simply a vestige of the Jim Crow South which has now invaded 26 states...including, sadly, Iowa.

It's Black History Month...and I thought you might like to know.

 

Oh, and this week some 9,000 workers at an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Alabama are voting on joining a union. I truly hope it is successful.

 

Partly Personal

 

Doing chores here at the Animal Farm takes a bit of time each morning. Reminds me of my days on the real farm but their are fewer critters and they are smaller.  Point is that all this week we're going to see below zero temps. Please, please bring your critters inside or make sure they have a safe place to get out of the cold.  At these temps it doesn't take long for them to freeze up. From blanketing your horses to coats for your dogs.  Just do it...

 

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday.  Oh yeah...there is that football game later.

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 13 December 2020

Hope this edition of Sunday Morning Coffee finds you and yours well. Who would have thought THAT would be top of mind for each of us
but it is and...that is what we've been dealt. Let's get into our conversation, and you are always welcome to comment, on politics with a dash of religion.

Sedition

We've heard that word often over the past several weeks. It means it means, "conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of the state".  Exactly what the elected attorneys general of seventeen states did when they signed onto the case against the election of Joe Biden by the attorney general of Texas Ken Paxton. Obviously, they are Republican politicians who would like to see "45" remain in the White House. But, consider for a moment these are people of legal stature. They deal with complex legal issues every day and they tossed out ethics and reason to jump on the train that crashed and burned. We should remember.

But, it gets worse. There were 125 Republican members of Congress who also signed on to the doomed Supreme Court case designed to toss out the votes of Americans in four states won by Joe Biden. They may feel safe because of their districts but we should all remember who they were and work like hell to vote these tradiors out of office in 2022.  Sedition, my friends has a price to pay. (Image - Dallas Morning News)

Reality

Her name is "Kilda" and she lives and writes from Aberdeen, South Dakota. I don't know her but when I saw this Tweet it stuck. "Aberdeen - where you get to see 4 well-known republicans sitting at a 4 top at a cafe area, no masks, all well above senior discount status and then 2 weeks later an obit (due to covid) about what a proud Republican he was." That was somebody's father, grandfather, uncle, brother...dead because of bad decisions and following the failure of people elected to lead and keep us safe. Nice job Kristi Lynn Noem (R-SD).

Opportunity Missed

As I write this millions of doses of a vaccine are being rolled out across the nation. You would think that the White House and the current president would take this opportunity to lead and to engage America in lifting up this accomplishment. But, nope. All day yesterday "45" railed against Attorney General William Barr because he sat on information about a probe into the tax affairs of Hunter Biden...like that would have made a difference.  It is yet another example of the callous nature of this man and it was/is a missed opportunity. But, we should have expected that.  

Tomorrow

On Monday the electors will meet to formally name Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. the 46th President of the United States. It has been a struggle to get here. However, if you look beyond the foolishness of "45" and his minions and focus on what Biden has been doing you can see the promise of a brighter tomorrow. He and his team have ignored the tantrums coming from the White House and have been busy building a bench of capable leaders and advisors who already have been working to care for Americans...all Americans. Steady, focused and compassionate. Get ready...because even with all the ugliness that is out there, fresh air is about to take the stink out of the swamp.

Work To Be Done

On Friday, at noon, I was on a call with other Democrats who lead various groups in Polk County, Iowa. (Earlier in the week it was a session with volunteers from Iowa's Third Congressional District.) These are all volunteers who give their time and talent to progressive causes and to see that we elect Democrats who will serve in the best interests of the citizens here and across the state. What were we discussing?  Our plan of action going into 2021. I can tell you it is broad and ambitious and it dives into the mission of expanding our base into areas where the GOP "believe" they are "safe". Make no mistake this, the largest Democratic stronghold in Iowa, is out to turn more of Iowa blue. We lost several elections in November but also gained a state senator. I can share with you that 2022 is on the horizon but so too are city and school board elections in 2021...we've got work to do...and while some wish to wallow in the filth that has become the Republican Party...we're moving forward.  Always forward.

I'm Calling Bullshit

Last week, on my very active Facebook Page, I was taken to task by enablers and appeasers who support the failed leadership of Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA). Some chastised me for "spewing hate during the holy season" (what "holy season" they reference is lost on me) while others said, "She did the best she could in the face of her party and the president." Bullshit. She has failed the people of Iowa by downplaying the seriousness of COVID19. By not demanding from those members of the GOP in the U.S. House and Senate that they take action to help struggling Iowans, and the cities and towns they live in with stimulus money, that could assuage the pain of further shut-downs that may be necessary as our case and death tolls mount. She could have demanded that the state move forward in spending the over $700 million in our "rainy day fund" to assist schools and cities in dealing with increased costs due to the pandemic. She could have invited respected scientists and physicians to attend her "briefings" rather than cast them aside and then cast blame on the media. She could have refrained from back-room deals with cronies and no-bid contracts. But...no. She has failed, period, hard stop. (Image - Kevin Duffy)

Look, if my business, or for that matter your business, failed who would be responsible? Whoever is the leader...that is the right answer. So, don't give me this BS about how the governor "tried to do the right thing against the odds"...it doesn't work. 2022 is coming and we'll remember.

Partly Personal

Some have suggested that in victory we should be magnanimous to those who are vanquished. This while they call for secession and continue to impede our democratic ideals. Nope. While you might "turn the other cheek" that ain't happening here and let me share why:

Lost to many of my non-Jewish friends (and some Jews) is the real meaning of Chanukah.  Many look at this holiday (non-Biblical by the way) thinking it's all about something warm and fuzzy. "Oh it's the Festival of Lights..." Please, don't let Hallmark fool you. Chanukah is the marking of a military victory over an oppressive regime that denied religious freedom to the Jews. 

It all starts out when the evil Syrian-Greek king Antiochus Epiphanes, hatches a plan to destroy Judaism. After his army sacked Jerusalem, murdered thousands of Jews, took over the Temple and made it a barn he forbid the practice of some very interesting things: No longer could the Jews study Torah the bedrock of life. His second command was the outlawing of three mitzvot: No celebrating Shabbat, no sanctifying of the New Month and the prohibition of circumcision.

Over impossible odds a small group of Jews revolted and beat, what was then, the largest army on the planet.  In celebration of their victory they cleaned and "rededicated" (Chanukah) the Temple. That's the short version and it ain't warm and fuzzy.

But, there is something unique about Chanukah that is different from any other Jewish celebration: Chanukah is very...public. Our many other holidays and festivals are done quietly and often out of sight. But during Chanukah we place a menorah outside or in the front window of our homes to proclaim we are Jews, we are here and even though, through the centuries, you have tried to obliterate us...we ain't going nowhere. Other Jews see those candles and know they have a home and that oppression will not be tolerated.

So...thanks for reading and Happy Chanukah!