SundayMorningCoffee

Politics, Religion and Gossip SMC 12/08/13

It is the season of giving...and so I give you Sunday Morning Coffee which is all about the stuff people are not supposed to talk about. My name is Michael Libbie and if you wish to leave a comment here, feel free.  Or we can connect on my personal Facebook Page or my personal Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie.  Gosh, lot's to visit about.  Shall we?

Politics - Religion - Capitalism

I had not seen Rush Limbaugh's name in months and I have not missed it. How some of you folks enjoy that person is beyond me. However, his name popped up this morning in this wonderful piece by my friend Leonard Pitts.  It seems that Pope Frances (I like this guy and I'm not Catholic or even a Christian...) had some words about religion and class struggle and that commentary flew in the face of greed. Leonard nails it...so you've got to read.  But, come back?  Meanwhile wondering how my right-wing Catholic friends feel about this.  Weigh in>

Pearl Harbor Day

Was yesterday.  It came and went without so much as a whimper. The day that we promised to "never forget" seems forgotten...unless it's the 50th or 75th anniversary and then all of a sudden we all get excited. I don't usually write anything good about Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA), mostly because I simply can't stand his goofy politics of exclusion. However, last week he proclaimed that flags be flown at half-staff in remembrance of Pearl Harbor.  Well done sir...at least some folks noticed.

 

I Dunno Either

Last week Rep. Tyler Olson (D-Cedar Rapids) put his campaign to become the Democratic Nominee for Governor of Iowa "on hold" because he and his wife, Sarah, are in the midst of a divorce.  Of course the cultured, ever self-righteous Republicans (ie Craig Robinson) opined, "Do we really know Tyler Olson?"  and the GOP seized on the news suggesting it's over.  I dunno.  But, my gut tells me this is going to be hard to bounce back from.  I know...it's not stopped others...and maybe Tyler can re-group or, better yet, he and Sarah can shake this off and get it together. Rather than casting stones Craig you should be hoping for reconciliation.  But that would be the high road huh? 

FBI Visits Milo

Meanwhile former State Senator Kent Sorenson (R-Milo) had visitors.  Seems the FBI wanted a closer look at his digital life so they knocked on his door and removed some computers.  My friend, and Sorenson attorney, Ted Spoor says, "It's nothing." Hey, I believe that!  After all, this is the time of year when neighbors and friends get together on a whim to roast chestnuts and stuff. But, remember, Kent "Got Jesus" several years ago so Ted might be right...

Speaking of Religion

Chanukah is over.  I can now join in on the Christmas Thingy...  One thing we Jews have over Christians is packing up the holiday decorations.

 

See.

Nelson Mandela

Last week former South African President Nelson Mandela died at age 95. Over the past week many, including President Obama, have said some wonderful things about him.  What isn't surprising is that many have glossed over the fact that Mr. Mandela was an activist and an agitator who did not seek, nor give, universal acceptance. Here are six things that you may not hear about Nelson Mandela. But, come back..K?

War On Christmas!

So, we all KNOW there is a "War on Christmas"...right?  If you really, really know your Christmas War Stuff take this Quiz from our friends at The Gazette.  You will love it! See what you can learn by reading SMC each week!

Partly Personal

I was "Fired" last week.  Mom was in a snit...and I get it.  Besides it wasn't the first time in my life I'd been fired.  If you have not read Mom & Me, here you go.

Have a fantastic Sunday and watch out...they say it's going to snow a bunch. MILK!, BREAD! EGGS!  Hurry...get to the store NOW!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Politics, Religion, Gossip, SMC 11/24/13

Sunday Morning Coffee is my regular commentary on the stuff your Mother said you shouldn't discuss, politics and religion with a little gossip thrown in for flavor.  You can comment here if you wish and/or my personal Facebook Page is here and my personal Twitter Stream is @MichaelLibbie.  But, enough about me...let's see what's been going on.

Finally Grew Some

Since 2009, Republicans had filibustered 82 of President Obama's executive and judicial nominees.  That's nearly half of the 168 filibusters in the entire history of the U.S. Senate.  That ended when Senator Reid invoked the, what some have called the "nuclear option" which really doesn't destroy anything unless you love it when democracy is destroyed. Republicans have used every tactic imaginable to block the initiatives and policies proposed by President Obama...since he took office...if you recall. Things had gotten so bad that we were at a point where the nomination of a new Federal Reserve Chair could not get a vote until Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) wanted more discussion about Benghazi. Want to know why Sen. Reid (D-NV) invoked the option.  Here you go.

 

The McDonald Option

I don't know why people love to hate McDonald's. For generations now the "golden arches" have offered a safe haven for individuals seeking a meaningful career...  But, wait.  Did you see this?

 

That's LowPayIsNotOK.org

You are welcome.

Say It Ain't So!

Enrollment for health care under the Affordable Care Act has doubled over the past two weeks in enlightened states (unlike Iowa) that have exchanges. "The latest enrollment figures from the 14 states that are running their own marketplaces show that enrollment has climbed to at least 200,000 people nationwide," Sara Collins and Tracy Gruber write today for the Commonwealth Fund. "This latest figure does not account for any new enrollment in the federal marketplaces in 36 states, which is also likely to have increased since early November."

State officials say they are seeing an uptick in sign-ups this month. California, which has had about 80,000 sign-ups, is now reporting about 2,000 enrollments per day. "It's not all doom and gloom," Kaiser Family Foundation President Drew Altman says. "What this says is that the problems are system problems, not problems with demand or interest. Reason would suggest that other states can do as well over time, if we're able to do this in Kentucky or Washington." (Or Iowa) Damn!

Jobs!  Where Are The Jobs?

Speaking of Iowa.  Governor Terry Branstad (R-IA) last week "revised" the "jobs created number".  You may remember that the governor was running around the state, with Kim Reynolds stuck to his side, telling us that he would create 200,000 jobs if he were elected.  Iowan's, who from time to time are eager to buy snake-oil, purchased the product hook, line and sinker.   After all Governor Culver was just a "Big-Lug" and the "end of days" was upon us with that nasty recession and stuff.  (I'm sorry...just feeling extra snarky this morning.) Anyway, on Friday the governor "downsized" his claim that he had created 160,000 new jobs to a new number of 128,000 new jobs.  Except he has not.  On Friday the Bureau of Labor Statistics released their report saying that in Iowa we have added 48,000 net jobs since Mr. Branstad was elected.  Damn!  But, he's done so much for health care...

Closed or Open? 

Thanksgiving...that day we set aside to thank the Almighty for the bounty of our nation and buy sheets at JC Penny.  Kind of like Veterans Day but with turkey. (I told you I was snarky today.) Some stores like Costco, Von Maur, Menards, Apple, Hobby Lobby and others are closed.  However not our friends at WalMart, JC Penny, K-Mart, Kohl's, Office Max, Staples (are you REALLY going to stand in line on Thanksgiving for a ream of paper?) Best Buy and the list goes on and on. I don't know if the "closed stores" are giving their low-wage employees the day off with pay but that would be nice(er). 

Thank You Social Media

Last week I asked if anybody knew anybody over at the Tyler Olson campaign because I wanted to invite him to Insight on Business the News Hour broadcast. Somebody must have because on Tuesday I got a call from Allison Claire the scheduler for Tyler.  Thanks!

Partly Personal

Last week I went to Mason City to do a funeral for my friend Morrie Mahler.  He died quite unexpectedly.  Morrie was plagued by the fear he would "burn in Hell".  You see, Morrie was Jewish and some thoughtful Christian told him that it..."says in the Bible if you don't accept Jesus you are going to burn in Hell."  It haunted Morrie for years and that, my friends, is sad. 

Have a great week and a really nice Thanksgiving.  Me?  I'll NOT be shopping.

 

 

Politics, Religion, Gossip, SMC 11/17/13

This is Sunday Morning Coffee, my name is Michael Libbie and I get to write a weekly piece about politics and religion with a little gossip thrown in for fun.  If you would like to comment here, go ahead.  And/or we can connect on my Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie and my personal Facebook Page is right here.  Let's go!

"I Screwed Up!"

Shame of President Obama for caving on the health care issue of allowing folks to keep their flawed and sub-standard policies for another year.  It's not been a good week for progressives who pushed for and elected this president because we had hope for real changes in health care.  He should have simply delayed the time limit...but he did the political thing and not the right thing.  He should have said, "I screwed up when I said you could keep your crappy insurance policies from these blood-sucking  companies who have been raking in billions in profits.  But, for the good of this country and for your health, you can't continue to throw money down a rat-hole."  THAT is what he should have said.  That is something President Reagan might have said...well, might have.

60 Minutes & Benghazi 

The bigger the lie the bigger the fallout!  Nope not exactly.  When Laura Logan "reported" for 60 Minutes, following her year-long investigation into the Benghazi Attack, that a "witness" had been on the scene.  Right-wing media outlets and conservative politicians (think Sen. Lindsey Graham) seized on the story, claiming it validated their extensive effort to turn the attack into a political scandal for President Obama and Hillary Clinton.  Trouble was...the story was fabricated.  Fabricated even to the point that now reporters are looking into the background of Ms. Logan to learn what exactly was her role in pressing the phony story.  CBS is doing a "journalistic review" on the pulled story.  She should have been...fired.  It's the biggest blunder for 60 Minutes since the 2004 controversy surrounding a story on President Bush's Air National Guard service.

Rural America in Trouble

The latest economic news out of Rural America is not good and not getting better. According to a report issued by the National Rural Assembly the economic conditions in non-metro America shows fewer jobs, more poverty and a declining population.  Why should you care?  Because so much of Iowa is...rural.  However, according to this study things are not very good "out there".  And, with our "Do-Nothing Congress" and still no Farm Bill it ain't gonna get better.  Sad... Here is that report.   

Bruce Braley and Obamacare

Speaking of Iowa...it seems that Rep. Bruce Braley has joined with members of the GOP in  pushing for significant changes in the Affordable Care Act.  What?  Well, it's all politics.  Braley is running for the US Senate in a state that is over the top in right wing toxic radio broadcasting and that plays a part in how citizens of the Hawkeye State look at Obamacare.  So much so that last week Congressman Braley joined the GOP majority in the House and voted for Rep. Fred Upton's bill that the White House said would "gut" the ACA.  Here is that report from our friends at the National Journal. 

Sarah Palin & Iowa

The former Governor of Alaska was here recently spouting some of the most silly things since being able to, "...see Russia from my front porch".  Now she is after the Pope.  Palin is out hawking her new book which contends there is a "War on Christmas" and made her comments to CNN about the Pope being too liberal.  But she really added fuel to the fire when she compared the "social safety net" to slavery, "Our free stuff today is being paid for today by taking money from our children and borrowing money from China.  When that note comes due it's going to be like slavery when that note is due, right?  We are going to be beholden to a foreign master."  And to think she was on the presidential ticket.  Oh...my.

No Noise!

I like hockey.  I like to go to the Iowa Wild hockey games at the Wells Fargo Arena.  I was there this weekend when officials asked my friend Michael Leo to refrain from blowing his "hockey horn" because they had received emails saying it was "too loud".  Meanwhile the arena announcer, Mark Pierce, urges the crowd to "Get Loud!".  I dunno either.  Here is a photo of Michael with his now banned horn.

Tyler Olson

Just wondering if anybody has seen him.  We've had Sen. Jack Hatch on our businss broadcast as well as Bob Krause.  Would love to give him some equal time to talk about why he should be the Democratic nominee for governor. We've been trying to wrangle Tyler but must not have the right connections.  Do you?

Partly Personal

Short cup of coffee today.  While I've been up since 5AM I've also been on "Mom Duty".  She is determined to take pills she doesn't have to take.  So we've been having that discussion on and off for the past several hours.  Hey...what the heck huh?

Also, took our granddaughter Taylor to the Iowa Wild Game this weekend...she had a great time and was very, very busy. Have a wonderful Sunday and thanks for coming by!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Politics, Religion, Gossip - SMC 11/03/13

Sunday Morning Coffee is my regular rant about the stuff people should be talking about mixed with a little gossip for flavor.  My name is Michael P. Libbie and these are my opinions.  If you have one feel free to add your comment here, head to my personal Twitter Feed @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page, which is right here.  It's been awhile kids...let's go!

The Affordable Care Act

My friends on the Right are awash with crazy.  In this world of "easy fact finding" where anybody can write anything and it becomes "fact" it is not surprising they are finding all sorts of horror stories about everything evil regarding Obamacare.  Weary.  However, these same individuals have never, not once, uttered a negative word about the over-charging by defense contractors, the crappy equipment that is often turned out by them, the late deliveries and the massive cost overruns.  Not one general has been forced from office because of their incompetence.  Yet a website won't work and it is the "end of the world".  Please...

President Obama

Did the president make a huge error in telling Americans that "...if you like your current health care coverage you can keep it..."  Yes.  The president knew that many Americans were carrying crappy health care insurance policies because they were cheap and failed to cover much.  He should have picked his words more carefully.  Shame, Mr. President.

U.S. deficit falls to $680 billion

Did you see this? For all the hand wringing going on in Washinton and among many candidates regarding the federal deficit…might it be just...theater?  The federal government's latest annual deficit is the smallest it's been since 2008, according to U.S. Treasury Department data released last week. At $680 billion, the fiscal 2013 deficit is 51% less than it was in 2009, when it hit a record high nominally of $1.4 trillion. As a percent of the economy, it's also considerably smaller than it's been in the past five years, coming in at 4.1% of gross domestic product. By contrast, the annual deficit in 2009 topped 10% of GDP. And last year it was 6.8%.  But, I know, "Don't confuse me with the facts!"

Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner

I missed it.  I was across the street at the Iowa Wild Hockey game where we lost to Texas (of all places...why do you people stay there?) by a score of 0 - 5 and they out-shot the Wild 40 - 20.  I should have gone with my friends the Nancy and Bo Bobo.  They had a good time, it seems, with Senator Jack Hatch.

Speaking of Senator Hatch

Some of you know that I host a daily business news magazine on 1350-KRNT, M-F from 5PM to 6PM, here in Des  Moines.  Senator Hatch was a guest of the show several weeks ago.  This week Bob Krause is coming by for a visit and we are still trying to get Tyler Olson in.  That should round it out.  When the GOP figures out what they are doing we'll be sure to ask their candidate(s) as well.  See, I am "fair and balanced".  By the way, here is the podcast with Senator Jack Hatch.

The Chris Diebel Deal

Last week the Des Moines Register endorsed Chris Diebel for the Des Moines City Council Election.  It seems they knew not of the muck-raking Mr. Diebel was involved with by attempting to tie fellow Democrat Skip Moore to his failure to advocate that the city set aside money to pay for a court-ordered refund of gas and electric utility franchise fees.  When the fact was that Mr. Moore was not on the city council at the time and had nothing at all to do with that issue.  Then, on Friday the Des Moines Register reversed course and recanted their endorsement.  Here is that piece.  Congrats to my friends on the Editoral Board, you got this one right.  Now, can we chat about that Mitt Romney endorsement?

Polk County Courthouse

On Tuesday voters in Polk County, Iowa will go to the polls to vote on a plan to renovate, upgrade and create a much better functioning courthouse.  The plan does not do away with the 106 year old building but it does improve it and add some very important safety items.  The $81 million dollar plan creates a youth-offender court in a different location and removes the criminal court from the courthouse to another building, retaining the courthouse for civil matters. Here is a detailed press piece from my friends at the Des Moines Partnership.   It's a smart plan and a hat tip to my friends who have been out there working to make it happen. Mary Kramer, Martha Willits and E.J. Giovannetti have done a great job...thank you!  Here is a link to the Polk County Courthouse Campaign.

Speaking of Elections

On Tuesday I get to vote in the Windsor City Council Election.  Last month I had the privilege of moderating a candidate forum sponsored by the Windsor Heights Chamber of Commerce and had a front row seat as I listened to each person seeking office.  My vote will go to Diana Willits who has served on the City Council for two decades.  She is smart, engaged, positive and progressive.  She has also been the Mayor in light of the resignation (due to moving out of the city) by Mayor Jerry Sullivan. I also will vote for Tony Timm who has great experience in the non-profit sector currently the Executive Director of the Central Iowa Shelter.  I'll also vote for Steve Peterson a thoughtful candidate with City Council experience and a progressive campaign for safety and security.  Finally, I'll be voting for David Jenison.  I don't know David well but I was impressed at his thoughtful remarks during the forum.  For those of you in "the know"...yes, it is true.  I will be casting a ballot for a registered Republican.  Word is they are knitting mittens in Hell.

Partly Personal

I've been absent from SMC for weeks due to my primary duty of caring for my 93 year old Mother.  Three weeks ago we moved Mom into our home.  I had been sleeping on her couch for a month and writing for Sunday Morning Coffee was the last thing on my mind.  Since May 26 we've been in and out of hospitals and skilled nursing care facilities many times.  I am pleased to share with you that today Mom is doing very, very well.  She and my Bride have adjusted to the new living conditions and we're doing OK.  I'm not fooled that this will always "work" but I am grateful for the support of so many, especially Georgie.  Thank you.

At some point I'll detail with you how badly broken the entire aging care system is here in Iowa...and I suspect elsewhere as well.  But not today you have already graced me by reading this much.

And...thank you for reading.  Have a wonderful Sunday!

Politics, Religion, Gossip - SMC 07/28/13

Sunday Morning Coffee is my weekly piece about politics and religion...with a little gossip thrown in for flavor. I enjoy this and figure it's like therapy.   My name is Michael P. Libbie and if you want to leave a note here, feel free and/or let's connect on my PERSONAL Twitter Stream @MichaelLibbie or my personal Facebook Page which is right here.  Why politics and religion?  Because your Mother said never talk about it...  Let's go:

Because I'M Not A Christian...

I don't get it.  Now I don't want to lump those of you who "believe" into the same basket but you've got some serious problems with regard to actually knowing what you do or do not believe.  In addition, this notion that the United States is a "Christian Nation" and for some reason you feel compelled to push your belief on the rest of us is...scary.  Last week I posted something about a gay couple from Ohio who were married in another state because Ohio does not recognize marriage equality. One of the men is in end-stage ALS and they are fighting, in court, to be declared married so benefits such as being buried together can come to pass. I posted it without comment and it took just minutes for some "loving Christians" to voice their hate.  I seriously don't get it and I am soooo grateful I don't have to.  Here is the link to the story about "Ohio Plans Unspeakably Cruel Appeal".  And, the image is a screen grab of some of the comments...yikes.  If you click it should open up so you can read.  It just goes to show you that your Mother was right.  Never talk about religion or politics.  (I know, I didn't listen either.)

Meanwhile in Western Iowa

Rep. Steve King (R-IA) is once again mouthing some stuff that is about as filthy as our Iowa water.  His hate of minorities is astounding.  His record of distasteful speech is astounding.  However, the most astounding thing is the people of Western Iowa continue to elect him to congress.  Just about anywhere else in the nation should an elected official spew stuff like this he/she would/should be shown the door.  As Rekha Basu asked, "Is this the best the 4th District can do?"  For a complete read of what my friend Rekha wrote for the Des Moines Register here it is. (If you can get through the pay-wall)  But a word of warning...make sure small children are not in the room.  Shocking...  This just in:  My friend Ed Fallon started a new Facebook Page, "Draft A Moderate Republican To Beat Steve King".  If you are so inclined.

And Then North Carolina 

Politicians in the North Carolina House are trying to push through a series of sweeping anti-abortion restrictions. First, they attached the provisions to an anti-Sharia law and more than 60 activists were arrested last Monday at protests at the capitol. Then the Governor said that he'd likely veto the restrictions if they weren't changed. So the bill's proponents tried sneaking the provisions into a different bill-this one relating to motorcycle safety.  The "motorcyclevagina" bill just passed the Senate and is now on the way to Gov. Pat McCory (R-NC).

But We're Not Done with North Carolina

In June the United States Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Bill.  Justice Roberts said things had changed and it was no longer necessary to protect the voting rights of citizens by requiring places like Texas and North Carolina (And other southern states with historic records of voter suppression and bigotry) to first get federal approval for voting changes.  Well, it didn't take long for both Texas and North Carolina to work some "Republican Magic" and...PRESTO laws and/or bills to suppress the vote.  Attorney General Eric Holder is already working a case against Texas and it looks like North Carolina with the most sweeping anti-voting legislation in the nation is going to be next. I know you missed this...so here are the details from our friends at The Guardian.

Des Moines is "Bike Friendly" Unless...

You happen to be an Italian-American? This past week the 4th Annual Italian-American Heritage Festival kicked off in the Western Gateway Park.  My son and I decided to ride out bikes from "the burbs" to take in some music and do some walking around.  However, once we got there we were told "Sorry bikes are not allowed."  I asked why and the nice lady said, "I don't know we just don't allow them."  But monster strollers and wagons are OK.  So much for Bocce Ball.  But then again I'm not an Italian-American so no foul.

Jobs in Iowa

If we start up "The Way-Back Machine" we would learn that as a then candidate Gov. Terry Branstad (R-IA) made much of his promise to add 200,000 jobs in his first term and "...get Iowa back to work".  That promise, of course, was a lie and, while we all knew it, the recession was grinding on and we were ready for a False Messiah. Last week Debi Durham, carrying the water for the governor from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, said it was impossible to reach that goal without having more people move to Iowa.  You see, we just don't have enough folks here for the jobs to be filled. So...Iowa will launch a massive PR campaign to attract returning veterans to the state.  Maybe they will take the thousands of government jobs our austerity loving governor has cut.  Weary...kids...weary.

Branstad on Board

Our friends at Progress Iowa are offering you an opportunity to "Speed like the governor" and travel fast across Iowa with this stunning sign.  I donated but not sure I want a Branstad sign on my car.  Somebody might get the wrong idea.  Here is the story from our friends at the Des Moines Register.  I would have sent you to the KCCI-TV8 page but the pop-ups there drive me crazy(er).

Tyler Olson - Iowa

Several weeks ago I wrote something about state senator Jack Hatch (D-Des Moines)  being at the top of the ticket and young statehouse member Tyler Olson (D-Cedar Rapids) running as Lt. Governor.  I know Senator Hatch and like him but the more I  look at this the more I'm thinking differently. What might happen should the youthful Olson be the choice with his Lt. Governor...perhaps be state senator Janet Petersen (D-Des Moines).  The difference between that ticket and the Branstad/Reynolds ticket would be interesting and the energy these two would bring to the process would be great fun. Just throwing that out...  And, Janet has been top of mind at several Olson events in the city. Hmmmmmm

Partly Personal

My Bride is home from RAGBRAI.  She did all 406 miles and says she feels great.  LOVE this photo of her dipping her tire in the Mississippi River.  Well done and happy to have stayed home with "the kids".

For those of you who follow Mom you should know she is back at Edgewater and being grumpy.  Things are on the mend me thinks.

Have a wonderful Sunday! - Michael