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 - 11 October 2020

Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee and there are now 22 days before the November election. Twenty-two days before we take the first step in tossing "45" out of office. Make no mistake this is critical to our nation. Stuff to talk about...let's go.

Why "45" is Ducking

As you know the second presidential debate has been cancelled. While Joe Biden was a go with the townhall type virtual format "45" said he would not participate. Know why?  Remember 2016 when he walked around the stage attempting to intimidate Hillary Clinton? Sort of like one of the mob bosses on The Sopranos. In a virtual townhall he would not be able to do that plus, the moderator could cut his mic and move on. This guy is a thug and a bully and he's not up to having any sort of civil discussion on the issues.  Why? Because he loses at each turn. Twenty-Two Days...my friends.

Is He or Ain't He?

Is the president of the United States infectious or isn't he? Well, nobody is saying but he has been cleared to do campaign rallies where there is no social distancing and just a smattering of masks. You know what would happen if somebody held a huge gathering, who was just diagnosed with COVID19 and paid no attention to the rule of law?  Lock him up.  But, meanwhile some are suggesting this is a good thing...fewer rabid Republicans will be good for our nation.

Meanwhile, just like the Italian dictator Mussolini "45" stages a rally at the White House.  Of course he is immune to The Hatch Act.

Weary...and Twenty-Two Days. 

Words Matter

I can't take credit for this...blame it on my brother.  The other day he sent me this very simple text about the words we use to describe various people and it is telling right to our core sin.

• Black Folks with Guns - Gangs
• Brown Folks with Guns - Gangs
• Muslim Folks with Guns  - Terrorists
• White Folks with Guns - Militia

It's time the media stop using the word "militia" which gives these terrorists cover. They are domestic terrorists we are so very weak when it comes to calling out white folks that mean to do harm.

Except in Michigan

Well now...what do we have here?  A whole group of domestic terrorists being charged with, "Oh my, I thinks I may have the vapors..." a Terrorist Plot to kidnap and then kill Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI). (Go ahead, look it up. "vapors")  I remember a two-word tweet sent out by "45" that said, "Liberate Michigan!".  Remember?  Well it looks like his minions took the bait.  The thug in the White House once again. Twenty-Two Days! (Image: CBS News)

Lemme Tell You About Michigan

It is a hotbed for this domestic terrorist stuff. Make a trip to places like Grand Rapids and you'll see it first hand. Michigan has always been a place where anti-government folks have flourished. I know.  I lived there and so remember the cult of Amway and how many of those people were connected with the John Birch Society.  I know because they tried to recruit my parents. Some of their best friends were in that movement.  I remember the pamphlets that were left at our home...or the booklets that were in the homes of some of our friends. It was at a time when Americas were told to be afraid. Be very afraid of people in Unions because they were Commies. Be very afraid of Catholics. Be very afraid of Jews. Be afraid and then mobilize and strike them down.  Sound familiar?  Twenty-Two Days....

THEY Are AFRAID of You

It's why the Republicans are doing everything they can to obstruct your right to vote. They know they are on the wrong side of history. They know you want to turn out in massive numbers to give "45" and his crew the boot and so they are making it harder and harder for you to vote.  It's happening in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Missouri and many other states that for years have concocted ways to infringe on the right to vote. From Poll Taxes to Literacy Tests they have always sought ways to keep folks in their place. But, now the sheets have been removed and we know them for what they are. 

The best news is that many of the U.S. Senate seats that should have been a slam-dunk for the GOP are now in play. Arizona, Texas, South Carolina, Alaska, Iowa, Montana...all of them two months ago were "safe seats". That is no longer the case as pissed off Americans are voting with their dollars and their feet. Twenty-Two Days...

Theresa Greenfield

I remember sitting in a Hy-Vee conference room two years ago. We had just concluded a meeting of the Windsor Heights Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Theresa, who was on the Board, stayed behind. I got up and closed the door and she looked at me and said, "What do you hear?"  I told her I was hearing rumblings that she was going to run for the U.S. Senate. While she didn't admit to that with words her smile was all I needed to know.

I tell you that story because of the lies the Republicans are telling about her. I was there when the company she worked for made the decision to attempt to bring Aldi to Windsor Heights...something, by the way, I was in favor of.  However it was the City that put the nix on that move. They didn't want yet another grocery store in Windsor Heights...let alone a store that would bring "those people" closer to the core of the city.  Colby Interests had long sought to remodel their aging buildings and so with leases running out that is what they did. They did not "tear down" small businesses they improved the area. They sunk thousands of dollars into aging structures that are now home to many new small businesses that are locally owned.  You might want to read that again...."locally owned". and even better than that "minority owned".  

They are, as usual...lying to you. I know.  I was there as not only the president of the Chamber but then the Executive Director of the same.  Twenty-Two Days...  If you can...send her some money.  Here is that link.

In Addition - You Can Make a Difference

Look, I know how hard it is to run for office and today, given COVID19 it's worse than ever. Democrats are not permitted to knock doors. Why? We care too much about our fellow citizens...full stop. So we've got to find other ways to put candidates in front of the voters. I get it, many of you have already voted but if you have not yet stepped up with a donation...please do.  Here are some folks I know who are committed to work on behalf of you and your family.  Click on their name and then...donate.  Thank you!

    Congresswoman Cindy Axne

    Candidate J.D. Scholten

    Candidate Rita Hart

    Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer

    Iowa State Senate Candidate Rhonda Martin (Urbandale)

    Iowa State Senate Candidate Sarah Trone-Garriott (Clive, Waukee, WDM, Windsor Heights)

    Iowa State Senate Candidate Warren Varley (Adair & Guthrie Counties, all of Dallas County and some of Polk County)

    Representative Jennifer Konfrst (Windsor Heights)

    Candidate Charles Clayton (Webster County, Fort Dodge)

    Representative Sharon Steckman (Mason City)

There are many, many more...help if you can!  Twenty-Two Days....

Partly Personal

I was at a girls softball game yesterday. It was a great day to watch our granddaughter play...and did she ever. One of the teams they faced was an undefeated group of girls from the Quad Cities. It was the "normal" gathering of parents and grandparents until their "boom box" started belting out a song that was clearly a pro "45" rap piece. Clearly.  The song went on for a bit before the inning started and I heard one of the parents yell, "Yes we're patriots of America that's why our uniforms are red, white and blue!"  At a girls softball game...

Nobody said anything but the attitude of superiority was palatable. Their yelling and cheering...just was louder and more obnoxious than what is normal.  In the end they were handed their first defeat of the season. I felt bad for the young ladies...but...yeah...Twenty-Two Days.

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday.

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee Memorial Weekend 2020

Another week...right?  Welcome back to Sunday Morning Coffee my look at some of the news stories you've seen or, perhaps, missed and all laced with my commentary. Proud to be disliked by members of the Republican Party and their enablers. Lots to chat about so let's go.

Tired? I Am

It is debilitating caring for people. I know you feel it too. Every morning we wake up and before getting out of bed hit the news button on our phones to see what insanity took place in the hours we, fitfully, slept. It's hard work shouting into the wind fighting for equality and respect for our fellow humans not fortunate enough to lap from the golden trough. It makes a body weary doing the good work that needs to be done to protect and uphold people who may not be white or straight. 

Meanwhile some of my Christian friends who tell us, over and over, that life is the most important of all things don't seem to mind when the elderly continue to die in massive numbers, alone in nursing homes, separated from their family. "They were going to die...anyway."  They don't seem to mind when COVID19 takes the lives of those people who languish in our for-profit prison system. "They are guilty...so what?"  They don't seem to mind when this pandemic takes a disproportionate number of Black and Brown Americans or those immigrants who are forced to labor so others can eat. "They made the choice, not my problem."  Or when people can be beaten and killed because they are Gay or Muslim.  The image says it all. I've gotta suspect this guy will be so ready for church to re-open...or maybe not.  

One can get...weary. But we must continue to fight. Darkness can only be defeated when a light shows the way forward. 

Voter Suppression

It's no secret; the president wants fewer of you to vote and I believe he is setting the stage for refusing to acknowledge his loss in November. He threatens to withhold federal funds from Michigan and Nevada because those states sent out requests forms that had to be filled out if people wanted to vote by mail. Meanwhile Iowa did the same thing...but no condemnation.  That could mean that Iowa doesn't really matter or it would look bad if "45" said something bad about his "lap-dog" Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA).

The play-book is set and we're going to see more of this activity in "battleground" states.  We've already seen what the GOP tried, and failed, when it comes to suppressing the vote...say in Wisconsin. This is going to be a violent campaign and the stage is being set right in front of us all.

Go to Church!

It's so refreshing to have a president who truly respects the First Amendment and is willing to punish elected officials who refuse to allow churches to open their doors to the masses. Oh...wait. It says...what?

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Finally we have a devout man of deep faith in the White House.  Heads up kids...this is just another ploy of the president. It is meant to froth up his base.  You want to go to church?  Please go...and while you are there you might want to follow the example of Jesus. You know, actually read what it was that is he is purported to have said.  But you won't it will not fit in with your world view. But, what do I know...I'm just one of them Jews.

Open It Up!

You first.

You do know why states are clamoring to "open up" right? It's money. Pure and simple. Think of the tax revenue that has been lost due to businesses being closed. This really isn't about jobs or workers this is about taxes.  Meanwhile the president says "no more money" to help states and communities.  Why?  It's all about politics and taxes. 

So you wanna go out, mingle and help out your city and state?  Have at it my friends.  You first.

Meanwhile, Iowa House District 44

Wanna know how wacky things get over on "The Right"? There is going to be a primary among "Republicans" in the communities of Clive and Waukee.  One of those running is, perhaps, a bonafide member of the GOP who is facing a not-so-much Republican. My friend Kenan Judge (D-Waukee) flipped that seat in 2018 and I predict that he'll hold it given the awful way in which the GOP has preformed over the past several years.

But, back to the primary. I'm surprised that the Des Moines Register didn't dig a bit deeper into the story of the newly minted Republican Paul Knupp. Some of us remember when Paul was running for congress as a...wait for it...Democrat.  And, quite a liberal Democrat at that. I know that, as do some of my friends, because we hosted Paul during the Windsor Heights Democrats meeting in June of 2017. Damn cameras and notes...right?

By the way the guest speaker for the Windsor Heights Democrats meeting this week will be the Chair of the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus, Al Womble.

Justice for Quan

Yesterday several friends put together a live and Facebook event "Justice for Quan". For those of you who don't know or perhaps missed it DarQuan "Quan" Jones was savagely beaten on the 16th of May. He suffered a broken bones and had it not been for a couple of women who heard the screams and came to his aid...he may have been murdered.

What was it that might have been the reason for the beating? "Walking While Black" pretty much sums it up. The attackers have not been found but they were, from accounts, white folks who pretty much resented some uppity black person walking in public.

The rally was about "No Hate in our State" which is a nice thing to say but there is hate in Iowa. And white folks need to get the message and join with our brothers and sisters in demanding justice and stamping out the violence. That only happens when people who know something say something.  Be brave my white siblings...be brave. (Photo: Des Moines Register)

Thank you to friends, Rob Johnson, Al Womble, Vicki Brown and Ashley S. Jewett for organizing the event yesterday. 

Another Dead Baby

This morning Des Moines, Iowa police say that 17 year-old Ishmael Muhammad died of a gunshot wound to the neck. Police have charged a 16 year-old with involuntary manslaughter, carrying weapons and interference with official acts. The story is that the teens were together in a house when an illegally possessed handgun was "unintentionally fired" and struck Muhammad. 

Where do these guns come from? Why is it so easy to obtain them? I don't know but a family is, once again, grieving. 

Partly Personal

I know, this is late...again. I was doing so good to get Sunday Morning Coffee out by 9AM but since Netflix.  Damn Netflix!

The other day I was looking for something and ran across a couple of mementos that go back several years. One of those items was my name badge when I served as the Chaplain for the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce. It was, really, the best job ever and I believe I may have been the only Jew (and Democrat) to have ever held that position. That experience took me all over the United States as well as other nations and I will be, forever, grateful for that opportunity. I learned so very much and it was wonderful to minister to so many in such a meaningful way.

That "search" was begun because my friend Newton Standridge asked about some campaign items from my successful run for President of the Iowa Junior Chamber. Little did I know that a couple of days later I would learn that Newton and Carol's son, Steven Newton Standridge, had just died.  Stunned...and saddened. May his memory be a blessing.

Thanks for reading..and let us remember why Memorial Day...is.

Sunday Morning Coffee 17 May 2020

And, Good Sunday Morning to you...  Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly look at some of the news you might have seen, or missed, all laced with my commentary. It's what I get to do each Sunday now for well over a decade. BTW if you use Twitter you can find me @MichaelLibbie and on Facebook I'm here. 

It's Just Economics...

Here is why we're totally confused. Last week Fed Chair Jerome Powell (who was hand-picked by "45") told the nation we're in for a helluva ride.  In a speech Tuesday, Powell urged lawmakers to set aside concerns about the mounting national debt and provide the fiscal support necessary to keep the economy from spiraling deeper into the worst downturn since the Great Recession. And urged congress to move forward on more economic stimulus. 

Meanwhile "45" said if the House $3 trillion package gets through congress he would veto it. And this morning Stephen Moore, a member of the White House coronavirus economic task force, said he thinks the “worst economic news” has passed and urged Democratic governors and mayors to expedite the reopening of their respective states and cities amid the pandemic. (Image: CNBC)

Leadership friends...leadership.

Obama Is Back

And it's about time. The former president gave a stirring virtual graduation speech yesterday to more than 27,000 graduates from 78 "Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBUC). Here is just a small bit of how President Obama started: (Image: CNN)

"...these aren’t normal times. You’re being asked to find your way in a world in the middle of a devastating pandemic and a terrible recession. The timing is not ideal. And let’s be honest — a disease like this just spotlights the underlying inequalities and extra burdens that black communities have historically had to deal with in this country. We see it in the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on our communities, just as we see it when a black man goes for a jog, and some folks feel like they can stop and question and shoot him if he doesn’t submit to their questioning." 

"Injustice like this isn’t new. What is new is that so much of your generation has woken up to the fact that the status quo needs fixing; that the old ways of doing things don’t work; and that it doesn’t matter how much money you make if everyone around you is hungry and sick; that our society and democracy only works when we think not just about ourselves, but about each other."

Not once did he reference "45" but the message was clear.  If you want to read the whole speech here is a link to the New York Times. Or, if you can't get through here it is on The Hill. 

And Guess Who's Pissed...

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said this morning that he was, “glad Mr. Obama has a new job as Joe Biden's press secretary.” 

The comment came after ABC's George Stephanopoulos asked Navarro to respond to the former president saying during a commencement address that things are “screwed up” because leaders are doing “what feels good, what’s convenient, what’s easy.”

The former president also lit up social media last week with a one word Tweet: "Vote" Suspect you can figure out what he was telling America. Meanwhile "45" is out there spewing conspiracy theories about stuff.  Weary.

He Said...What?

It's sorta sad when the leader of the free world says stuff like, "We've got a super-dooper missile..." He was out promoting his non-existent "Space Force", complete with a fancy new flag that, frankly we thought would have a phallic image on it, but doesn't...dang it. No doubt too...small.

We Vote No

Yesterday the U.S. House voted to move forward a massive $3 trillion stimulus bill. There were 14 Democrats that broke with their party and voted no. Among them were first term Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (D-IA). Both said they could not support the bill because the bill did not focus on working families and Axne said, "I am deeply troubled by numerous provisions in this bill that could see large amounts of taxpayer dollars allocated to helping those who are not hurting at all."

It should be noted that both consider themselves "Moderate Democrats". But it was interesting that "Progressive Democrat" Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) also voted no.  In her remarks she said, "At the core, our response from Congress must match the true scale of this devastating crisis. The Heroes Act—while it contains many important provisions—simply fails to do that," she said, adding that the bill "does not keep workers in their jobs and guarantee the certainty of paychecks." Jayapal was the only member of the Progressive Congressional Caucus (PCC) to vote "no". However nine other PPC members did not vote.

You First...

Well, Iowa is "Open for Business" as the governor mandated that a whole slew of businesses could resume getting back to work. Malls are open, restaurants are open but restricted at 50% of occupancy, gyms, barbers, hair salons and more have been told to get our economy going. That's nice. Meanwhile Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) who has been the official lap dog of "45" is semi, sorta self quarantining because she was in contact with staff from Vice President Mike Pence who visited Iowa to proclaim what a success we have here. (Image: Des Moines Register)

Governor, I know you really, really want to lead the way so here's the deal...you first.

Kim's Covid Casino

If you've not heard Todd Dorman of The Gazette you should. Three days ago he penned this article about how all Iowans are gamblers in Kim's Covid Casino. It's spot on.

And, as an interesting aside...the board of Prairie Meadows Casino voted not to re-open.  Seems like the gamblers know better.

Meanwhile in Manufacturing

The news has all been about how COVID-19 has invaded meat packing facilities causing a major disruption in the meat supply chain. But, we've not heard as much about how the pandemic has also invaded manufacturing facilities in the U. S. And the tragic story that centers around the death of Kyle Brown, 54, who worked at TPI Composites, a manufacturer of wind turbine blades in Newton, Iowa.(Image: Newton Daily News) 

Brown, who began to feel ill on 17 April and went to an urgent care clinic and requested a test. He was told he did not qualify because he did not work at a meatpacking facility and was not over the age of 65. (You can't make this stuff up!) But, of course, because nobody seems to know what's up the clinic, it seems was unaware of the Iowa Testing Framework, which was released on that same day, did not require employment at a meatpacking plant to be tested for the virus. Essential services personnel with fever or respiratory illness were among those who fit the criteria for testing.

He finally did get tested and tested positive but was refused hospital admission. He was granted admission to a Marshalltown hospital on 24 April and flown to a hospital in Des Moines days later where he...died.

And this is playing out all across the United States...not just here in Iowa.

Iowa AFL/CIO

Last week the Iowa AFL/CIO put out a statement and a petition that Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) put into place state mandated OSHA protections for Iowa workers. You can imagine that landed like a brick.  I interviewed Iowa AFL/CIO President Charlie Wishman about that and more.  If you would like to listen, click the player.

And, if you are so moved to sign the petition here is that link.

Partly Personal

Whew...sorry, a bit long today.  So much stuff going on...right?  Last week our crew was out placing a bunch of yard signs that make for an excellent lawn upgrade.  If you live in Clive, Waukee, West Des Moines or Windsor Heights (Senate District 22) and would also like to show your colors.  You can connect on my website Libbie for Iowa and we'll make sure we get you on.  I think we've got about five or six left. If you would rather shoot me a private message on Facebook you can do that...too.

I get tons of calls and emails asking me to support various issues and make them part of the campaign. Last week I got a call from "Jeff" who lives in Michigan who supports federal congressional term limits and wanted to learn my position. Well, besides the fact that I'm running for the Iowa State Senate, I wanted to learn more about his position.  Here is that conversation:

Me:  "So, tell me Jeff why are you doing this?"

Jeff:  "Well, our governor has us locked out of work (red flag) so I've got to do something with my time."

Me:   "I see, it is tough for folks. What is it that you do?"

Jeff:  "I move pastors when they are going to a new church." 

Me:   "Got it. Tell me why I should support term limits."

Jeff:   "Because once these people get into office they are bought by lobbyists and they do their bidding and not ours. That's why our federal budget is out of control The deficit is killing America. These career politicians vote the way their buddies who are buying their vote want them to. Government should work like a business and only spend what they take in."  (There is so much wrong with that statement and if you want my take...let me know.)

Me:  "Well, Jeff, I suspect you were not in favor of the $1.7 trillion tax cut that the president pushed through congress in December of 2017 which added billions and billions to the federal deficit. Would that be accurate?"

Jeff:  "Well, not exactly. The free market needs to be free and that tax cut is exactly what we need to be strong..."

You can guess where it went from there. 

Have a great Sunday...and thanks for reading!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee - 22 March 2020

Shaved, showered and in the office before 6:00AM. Yikes!  Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly look at the political (and sometimes religious) news you may have seen or missed all laced with my commentary. Why? Because it's what I get to do and have been for well over a decade. BTW: Thanks to all of you who have been faithful readers forever. OK, let's go!

No Words

It escapes me how rudderless our nation is. Every day the president gets up to present an "update" on Covid-19 and every day his staff or the real leaders in the room have to walk-back or "clarify" what he just said. Last week was a real trip when NBC White House correspondent, Peter Alexander asked the president what he would say to Americans who are "scared". What happened next was astonishing as "45" lit into Alexander. Instead of answering, the president responded by rejecting the question ("nasty"), attacking Alexander ("terrible"), and assailing NBC News' parent company Comcast ("Con-Cast").

Trouble was the question was what we call a "softball". Alexander was lobbing a question that would have allowed the president to be, well, presidential. But, as usual..."45" failed.  When the very same question was put to Vice President Pence, the very same question, Pence answered it with calming tones. (Image - NBC News)

Fox News About Face

I have friends who accuse me of never paying attention to their favorite network. "I bet you've never even seen Fox News!" and "Me? I play Fox News 24/7 it's the only news I trust. I wish you would too, you might learn something." Little do they know that I do pay attention...big secret kids...I'm in the news reporting business so, yes, I do pay attention. 

Two stunning developments over the past three weeks: 1) The talking heads on Fox have gone from denying the seriousness of Covid-19 to declaring it real and a danger. You, no doubt, have seen the tape. 

No wonder my Fox loving friends have, for weeks, disputed the danger. 

Fox News Part Two

And, this one is also pretty good. This morning Fox News had this breathless headline, "Cuomo's Coronavirus TV Briefings May Have Biden, Sanders Worried" with this lead: "Have Democrats found an alternative to Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders for the party's 2020 presidential nomination?" 

Uhm, the answer is..."No" but it does sow some hope in the minds of those who are scared to death that their great leader will go down in November to (gasp) a Democrat.

Two Weeks Behind

Meanwhile why is Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) always two weeks behind in her handling of the Iowa outbreak? At first I figured she was taking her ques from Fox News but lately it's becoming clear that she may be hoping this will all go away. Here is what she should be doing: 1) Call on the National Guard to implement more bed capacity it's what they do, 2) Take a lesson from Washington State and start, now, taking over additional bed space in hotels, casinos, etc. 3) Put the state on a lock-down as has been done in other states.

I get it she does not want to panic the public but...guess what...they already are.

Meanwhile this pandemic is accelerating a divide in our state and nation. Those that can "work from home" are doing so but there are thousands of individuals who can not. In addition we have a vast homeless population where "staying isolated" is not an option. Homeless shelters and workers there are in grave danger. Maybe I missed it...but what's the plan there?

Hand Sanitizer

I've gotta ask: So if a number of Iowa distilleries can produce gallons of the stuff and hand it out for free where is the commercial grade stuff? I get it that panicked citizens have hoarded it in their garage (along with boxes of toilet paper) but...seriously? Folks that usually make booze seem to be able to get this done and long lines of people show up to get a bottle in places like West Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. Good PR for them but still...

BTW just what the hell are you folks going to do with all that toilet paper? Really. The other day I watched two women fighting over the last package of 24 rolls...

Guns & Ammo

Folks are also hoarding ammunition. Last week we had a story about how retail centers are running out of ammo as worried citizens rush out to buy what they can. Because I'm sort of curious about that I called a couple of folks I know who might have been among those stocking up. When I asked "Why?" this was my answer: "I've got to be prepared. You know once they shut down the grocery stores I've gotta protect my stuff from looters."  Nah, governor...nobody out here is panicked at all.

The Republican Primary

Usually my friends in the GOP march lock-step together however I recently learned that in Iowa State Senate District 22 there will be a primary. District 22 is made up of Clive, Waukee, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights...and yep, I'm a Democrat running there. Anyway, on the final day candidates could announce a woman by the name of Porsha Hart filed. Porsha lives in Waukee and is challenging the current mayor of Clive.

Iowa Restaurants

Yesterday I interviewed Jessica Dunker the President/CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association about that industry and the hit it is taking because of Covid-19. I'll air that segment tomorrow but here are some stunning take-a-ways: 

• There are 155,000 restaurant workers in Iowa;
• Second largest employment group in the state (Healthcare #1);
• Roughly 80,000 of those people are now unemployed.

And that is in the first week. She told me that if you are unemployed due to closures that the Iowa has waived penalties and you should, immediately, file for unemployment. In addition she is working on finding a way for restaurant owners who have business disruption insurance being able to make a claim. It seems that pandemics are not covered. What this will take would be a waiver and then the federal government to step in and assist. Stay tuned.

Partly Personal

I am on the phone a ton. I make at least fifty to sixty calls each day, sometimes more. I've noticed something interesting. Phone calls that might have taken three or four minutes to complete are now stretching seven to ten minutes in length. This isn't scientific but it is, I think, a reaction to people wishing to stay connected.

I've taken part in a number of Zoom conferences last week. One was with leadership from the Iowa Democratic Party on strategic ways in which to engage voters ahead of the primary election in June and the general election in November. Lots of ideas and there needs to be as we are restricted in voter contact including speaking opportunities and door-to-door canvassing. It's a whole new world. But, we must continue to work, daily, on voter interaction. I know I've ramped up not only calls but also other ways to introduce myself to voters and share the message that we must...must find ways to work for working families in Iowa. If you are interested here is my website.

Finally, on Friday night my friend Max Wellman held a "virtual jazz session" from Noce a great club in Des Moines. He and bassist Steve Charlston and singer Tina Haase Findlay performed for three hours on a live stream from the club. And, yes, people watched. During the event there were over 300 people tuned in to watch and listen. That, by the way, is more people than what the club holds. It was very cool. There are a number of these virtual sessions going on and it was great that some "locals" could also join in. Thank you.

Thanks for reading and stay well.

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 1 March 2020

Some of you know that I do a daily (Monday - Friday and Sunday) newscast called Insight on Business the News Hour, now in it's eleventh year. For weeks, on that program, I have said investors on Wall Street are living in La-La Land as they ignored the warning signs of the coronavirus outbreak. That same "Land of La-La" is where the president lives.  Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee my weekly political blog with a splash of religion, just to keep things stirred up.  Ready?  Let's go!

Coronavirus

Stay with me on this...because it's important. The inability of some of the "smartest people on the planet" (Wall Street investors according to the president) and the president himself to fully understand the economic impact of what is sure to become a pandemic is...staggering. Denial, it would seem, is very powerful. Last week, on Tuesday, the president blamed the media as the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by more than 1,000 points from its Friday session. He said it was "media hysteria". 

Then on Tuesday the Dow dropped by over 800 points wiping out the gains of the entire year. On Wednesday the president blamed the Democrats. Here is what he said, “I think the financial markets are very upset when they look at the Democrat candidates standing on that stage, making fools out of themselves, and they say, ‘If we ever have a president like this,’” “When they look at the statements made by the people standing behind those podiums, I think that has a huge effect.”

But there’s a problem: The Democratic debate in question took place on Tuesday night, after American markets closed for the day. By then, the Dow had already endured two days of significant losses — 1,032 points on Monday and another 879 points on Tuesday.

In total, last week, Wall Street had its worst week since the start of the financial crisis in 2008 and by Saturday the United States reported the first death...but they even got that wrong. The president announced at a news conference on Saturday that a "50 year old woman had died in Washington State". Except it was a guy. Then they went on and under-reported the number of cases identified in the U.S.

But, he did put Vice President Mike Pence in charge of the response. The same guy, as governor of Indiana, failed to respond to the HIV crisis in his state. Why?  Well, it's sort of a religious thing with Mike.

While "45" can get away with "pussy grabbing" and inviting our enemies to meddle in elections and lie, daily, to the American people...this may just do him in. Why? 

"It's the economy, stupid."

For years "45" has said the economy is the best it has ever been. And, while 55% of Americans own stock (including 401k stock) the economy sucks for nearly everybody but the wealthy. Now, as retirees see their portfolio shrink it won't take long for them to look toward the White House, that has truly failed in this crisis, and post the blame there.

Even as the president now blames Fed Chair Jerome Powell for not reducing interest rates and telling America in the press conference yesterday that the run on Wall Street is now...the fault of the Fed.

Accountability? None. Incompetence? Plenty. Lies? Many.  He even tried to walk back his comment that the coronavirus is a hoax perpetuated by the Democrats...which is what he said on Friday during his South Carolina rally.

You done...yet?

Buying The Presidency 

Even before the South Carolina votes were counted last evening billionaire Tom Steyer called it quits. Before you get your underwear in a knot let me say this about Tom: I liked him. He has done some great things in his life and he has rallied many new voters with his NextGen America program. Except he learned that money may not be enough. Now billionaire Mike Bloomberg is on that same mission of buying the presidency. He has flooded Super Tuesday states with millions in television ads that, are at best, misleading if not outright lies.

Will voters fall for it and rally behind him? Oh, let us hope not.

The Biden Win

That Joe Biden crushed the field on Saturday is telling because it is about coalition building. The Vice President is, and always has been, solid with African-American voters. The same can not be said of many of the other candidates in the race. Super Tuesday is in front of us and we'll see how that shakes out and if Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will lock in all of California as some suspect. However, and this is big, what is the Biden campaign talking about today moving forward? I suspect there have been phone calls made and I would hope one of those calls went out to Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) which could, if she endorses Biden have a major impact there. We'll see.

Hunters

OK, I'm hooked. There is a new series that has kept me up late into the night. Prime released the first season of the quirky but also frightening show featuring Al Pacino as Nazi hunter Meyer Offerman. Besides the brutality of the Nazi flashbacks and how the Hunters dispatch Nazis living in the United States the really interesting thing about the series is its deep dive in the the Jewish faith. The Yiddish words, the Hebrew words and the practices are all put out there for many to scratch their heads over. It's really remarkable but, if you are not familiar, you may need to be looking up some words in your Hebrew/Yiddish/English dictionary.  Just sayin'. Learn more from IMDb about Hunters here. 

One other word of caution...time flies...and if it's 2:00AM and you're still in front of the TV...stop already.

Seems We Knew All Along

Last week word came out that the highest levels of Iowa state government knew about the "testing" of patients at Glendale...but it has a "sexy" backstory so clearly Gov. Kim Reynolds and her clan wanted no part of it. Now, all of a sudden, it's a story and the governor is out on a listening post tour to lift up her latest effort to cut taxes by increasing the sales tax. Oh, sure there is money in this proposal to fund mental health, the outdoors...and tax cuts. It's smoke and mirrors my friends. If Iowa was really, really interested in funding mental health care, education, child care and the environment we would do so without laying on the "tax cut" language. But, it is a way for legislators to take cover by saying, "Sure I supported the sales tax but I'm also reducing your taxes." Image: "Birds of a Feather".

What is needed is Iowa Legislators to do their job and stop playing around. Tell the truth and fund the things the vast majority of Iowans want to see improved: Our educational system, our land, our water, mental health care, health care.  Tell the damn truth...for once.

Partly Personal

I'm having trouble realizing that I'm actually getting this out in the 9:00AM hour.  That's always the goal however, sometimes, I fail and it becomes Sunday Morning Coffee for brunch.

I want to, just for a moment, thank those of you who have responded to my Iowa State Senate Campaign, Libbie for Iowa. Sunday Morning Coffee has come to you for over twelve years. You know me and you know that I didn't become an active Democrat last week, last month or last year. You know me and you know how passionate I am when it comes to creating a Democrat majority in the House and Senate. Look, while so many of you are focused on the White House make no mistake that what can truly have an impact on your life and the life of your family is not who sits in the Oval Office but who is making the laws that impact Iowa.

For years the Iowa GOP has committed atrocities when it comes to a host of issues that impact the working families of our state. Iowa values have been tossed into the dust by a Republican cabal that hides in plain sight  This can not continue and, now, some of you are starting to focus and realize that taking back the Iowa House and Senate is within our grasp. If you are moved to donate, here is that link.

Meanwhile another new Democrat Community Group has emerged. The Democrats of Waukee held their first meeting this past week under the leadership of Corey Suesakul who has become a community organizer. It was a good showing for a first time effort and there were plenty of speakers and friends there for the launch. Thanks Corey for the opportunity to come and talk about why this is so important if we are to flip the Iowa Legislature.

If you live in Waukee, Iowa and want to hang out with a really great group of friends all working for the same goal.  Connect with Corey and others on Facebook here. 

OK, supposed to be a WONDERFUL day...get out there and enjoy. Thanks for reading! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 17 November 2019

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

Impeachment

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

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

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

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

Louisiana

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

Iowa is Diminished

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

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

The Death Penalty

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

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

Gun Violence in Iowa

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

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

Partly Personal

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 18 August 2019

It's the final day of the Iowa State Fair where, according to the count of corn kernels placed in mason jars outside the local NBC affiliate the current occupant of the White House has an approval of 49.2%. Within striking distance of a lock on a second term. Just in case you've run out of stuff to worry about. Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee! You know what we do here so...let's go!

"It's Like a Fire Hose!"

Those are the words to describe the political news cycle. "45" and his gang of swamp-dwellers feed us so much crap that it's hard to keep up and make no mistake this is a thought out strategy. If you drown people in wacky stuff 24/7 enough people will believe some of the lies (just enough) and others will tune it out.

Already I've seen this among some pretty well informed people who have told me, "I'm out. The news is way to depressing. The lies and the hate and the trampling of the Office of President is more than I can take. I just don't watch, read or listen much anymore and my life is much happier."

Have you ever read "Mein Kampf"? Perhaps you should...it is a blue-print for much of what we see today.

(Photo Credit - Scot Duke Marketing)

The Ultimate Hypocrisy

Last week "45" traveled to Pennsylvania for, what was supposed to be, a major policy address on jobs. It was really just another campaign rally that more resembled the 1940 Rheinmetall-Borsig Works Speech where the then leader of Germany attacked everybody from the media to his political opponents and laid blame of the Second World War on the British. Oh...the lies.

Seems that workers at the Royal Dutch Shell petrochemical plant were told to show up and if they didn't attend they had to use paid time off or go without pay. A memo obtained by CNN from a worker laid out the issue. Of course Shell is denying that. The White House has no  comment but this is what was said by the Union: "This is just what Shell wanted to do, and we went along with it," Ken Broadbent, business manager for Steamfitters Local 449. (Photo Credit - Daily Sound)

So the guy who leads the party that has made every effort to strangle organized labor gets labor to say, "...we went along with it". Where is the guts?

BTW this plant does employ lots of people....and when they are finished with the construction the giant factory will turn out tons and tons of...wait for it...PLASTIC. Just exactly what we need.

Remember: Money Talks - Principal Takes a Back-Seat.

Wind and Cancer

Last week Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA), a day after she was at the Iowa State Fair touting wind energy, told the media that she needed time to gather together, "...stakeholders to take that information and then try to confirm or deny or whatever we need to do with it going forward.” 

She was talking about the Madison County (Iowa) Board of Supervisors who swallowed, in total, the fraud sputed by "45" that windmills cause cancer. Earlier this year Reynolds declined to say that "45" was wrong. Meanwhile Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) said the president's statement was "idiotic".  Well, there is that.

Speaking of Energy

As you know farmers LOVE "45". They voted in massive numbers to elect the man who has been called the "most dishonest person ever to occupy the office" given his passion for lying about nearly everything. Now what is so interesting to watch is how this president has "played" our friends in agriculture. Just this week the administration more wavers to oil companies to avoid blending billions of gallons of ethanol into their products. (Photo Credit - Washington Examiner)

The wavers were to have been directed to small oil refineries however "45" and his cronies in the EPA have been granting massive numbers of exemptions to large companies which will contribute, even more, to the hollowing out of Rural Iowa. Farmers are already under pressure from the tit-for-tat trade war with China and by China finding other sources for communities. This is just another knife in the back. You can not trust...ONE WORD.

Hates Puppies

I think it is important for you to know that Chuck Schneider (R-WDM) the current president of the Iowa State Senate refused to allow a bill that would protect companion animals to come up for a vote in the Iowa Senate. Why does Chuck hate puppies? I dunno...maybe because his "minders" have some sort of twisted logic that dogs and cats are somehow tied to pigs and cattle? This is a photo of our rescue dog, Yofi, who had boiling water poured on her when she was just 8 weeks old. That's why no hair on one side of her body and a lack of an ear...yeah...that. 

The GOP loves to use the "slippery slope" argument. You know, "If we allow the government to mandate seat-belts it's a slippery slope to other regulations that will cause  automakers to go out of business." Yeah...that logic. And I was there...from Detroit...remember?

It's this sort of "logic" that is so out of touch with the values of Iowans. Just like Jake Chapman (R-Adel) representing Senate District 10 out of Adel, Iowa who never met a gun he didn't love even though the vast amount of people in our state want to see some restrictions.

From hating puppies, education and working families to loving guns this crowd has got to go. They do not represent us.

Voting...matters.

Partly Personal

I was at a couple of political events this past week. There was a fund-raiser with the Southeast Polk County Democrats in Waukee, the selection process of which 2020 hopeful to support going forward for the Asian Latino Coalition...Congratulations Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), the West Des Moines Democrats monthly meeting, the fund raiser for Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D-IA) the Clive Democrats monthly meeting, the Urbandale Democrats Fearless Fighter Women's Award Event and another presidential town hall last evening for 2020 hopeful Admiral Joe Sestak which was held at Fox Brewery in West Des Moines.

It's what one does I guess....I don't play golf.

My friend Jerry Uhlman who travels to nearly every Democratic Event in Polk County took this photo of our eleven year-old granddaughter Jovie as she was listening to Admiral Sestak. She is not only a beautiful young lady her heart is also full of love. Thank you Jerry!

When people ask me why I would run for the Iowa State Senate and put myself out there...this is the reason. It is all about making sure families...all families...have a shot at a better life. If we, as a state, don't start to put families first we'll continue to see a decline in our our values. That has got to stop.

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday and final day of the Iowa State Fair!   

Sunday Morning Coffee 13 January 2019

Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee where I get to write about the political stories you may have seen...or missed...all laced with my
commentary. Why? What else are you going to do on Sunday Morning? So, let's get started and see where this goes.

We All Know...

It's becoming more and more clear that "45" is working more for Russia than he is for the United States. All you need to know is that the president has concealed meetings with Vladimir Putin even from his own administration. But, what is really telling is that when the story broke White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was very quick to say, "The liberal media has wasted two years trying to manufacture a fake collusion scandal instead of reporting on the fact that unlike President Obama, who let Russia and other foreign adversaries push America around, President Trump has actually been tough on Russia." The key words in that phrase are "liberal media". Remember if you can't deal with the facts...deflect and let the base know the media is the enemy.

Data and Russia

So, now we learn (through a redaction error) that former campaign manager for "45" shared polling data from the 2016 election cycle with a Russian with strong ties to Putin. That slip-up now has new allegations of collusion on the part of the GOP campaign. And, of course, according to Rudy Giuliani, there was nothing to it. "Should he (Manafort) have done it? No. But, there is nothing criminal about it," said the president's attorney. Of course not...there is nothing to see here...just move along.

Food for Workers

Today Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-Md) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) will provide free meals for furloughed federal workers at something called a Sunday Shutdown Supper. Borrowing a line from the Passover Seder Congressman Raskin said,  “The labor Movement is reminding us of the kind of solidarity and community that America really stands for. Let all who are hungry from this Shutdown and Lockout come eat!"

All across the nation groups and individuals are doing charity work for people who have been cast aside by this cruel act of not paying them for their work. The president has decided that his base must be fed...not American families. I am sure that those of you who voted for this person are proud of the work he is doing on your behalf.

Even Canada...

Meanwhile, Air traffic controllers in Canada are showing solidarity with their U.S. counter parts impacted by the shutdown with a coordinated effort to buy them...pizza. Canadian workers in New Brunswick and Newfoundland ordered 32 pizzas this past Friday evening to be delivered to the traffic control center in Ronkonkoma, N.Y.

Six other air traffic control centers in Canada, including in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, sent pizza to their American colleagues in Seattle, Boston and Cleveland.

Yes, we are now receiving foreign aid. Isn't that nice. Now maybe Canada will pay for the wall?

It's Getting Crowded

Sensing victory in 2020 the list of presidential candidates keeps growing. Last week we saw Julian Castro announce his candidacy for president. It will be interesting to have him back in Iowa...but then again, it could be his identical twin brother Joaquin and we'd never know the difference.

Meanwhile Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) also jumped in. But the flack between Gabbard and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) caught many of us by surprise. It seems the Congresswoman has an issue with the Senator over a judicial pick. In an opinion piece she wrote that her Senator and other Democrats are, “weaponized religion for their own selfish gain”.

Pundits are suggesting this is all about Gabbard attempting to court the Catholic vote in the runup to her race. Which is a bit odd because Gabbard is practicing the Hindu faith.

Honestly, I don't get it but it's too bad we all had to go down this path. BTW, and a personal note, I've worked closely with the new campaign manager picked by Gabbard. It will be nice to see Rania Batrice back in Iowa.

John Delaney

Former Congressman John K. Delaney (D-MD) was back in Iowa this past week opening up offices for his 2020 presidential run. Delaney was, if you remember, the first to announce his candidacy a year ago and has visited all 99 counties. At the opening for his Des Moines office an eager public was waiting and after a thoughtful stump speech took lots of questions from the attendees. One of the more interesting ideas he put forward was his plan, once elected, to go to congress each quarter, in public to debate issues that impact Americans. "I would go to congress for three hours and debate issues. For the first hour and a half we might talk about a single issue and then open it up for debate for the next 90 minutes."  If this sounds, somewhat, familiar you may have seen this sort of thing happen in the British Parliament.  I think it's kinda neat.

I was able to ask a couple of questions. Here is an excerpt from the Business News Hour which will air today on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. (Click on the link to hear)

IOB 13 Jan 2019 Delaney Interview

Tom Steyer

He was also in Iowa last week announcing that he isn't running but, I did get a question answered during the media scrum about corporations and their duty to investors, their employees and their community. I think you'll find this interesting. Go ahead and click.

IOB 9 Jan 2019 Steyer Comment

Moving?

Every business group in Iowa talks about how wonderful the economy is. That Iowa is ranked number one by Newsweek. That things are just ducky especially for young workers. So, if that's the case how come, of all the people who moved out of Iowa in 2017, over 33% of them were between the ages of 18 and 34? Where did that come from?  Each year United Van Lines issues a report as to where people are moving to and from. Here is that report. If you check the detail about Iowa you'll see that number. Also interesting is that 30% of the outbound moves involved people making between $75,000 and $99,000 a year. It is called the "hollowing out" of the Middle Class.

Questions?

Education in Iowa

Once upon a time Iowa was known for our prowess in Education. Hell, we even had a test named after us. Today, thanks to Iowa Republicans working at every level to starve our educational system, we are a shell of what we once were. It's not open for debate. You know this to be true. Every year parents (including us) are asked to contribute to our public schools. We get a list and so too do you. Teachers are working additional jobs, schools are cutting programs that contribute to a well rounded education. And it all lies at the feet of your Republican elected legislators and our "trickle down" Governor. 

They do not care and they can not defend their position. That is why, yesterday, not one member of the GOP caucus showed up at an event hosted by the Des Moines Public Schools Legislative Action Team to discuss public school funding. Not...one. And, yes, every member of the Iowa Legislature in the Des Moines Metro was invited...that according to the organizers.

Now, before you start in by suggesting that a legislator from outside of the district shouldn't be interested in what the DMPS District has to say might I remind you that it is not a conversation strictly about Des Moines. It is a conversation about education in Iowa hosted by the largest district in the state. And, they didn't show.

That, my friends, is all you need to know about their contempt for public education.

Future Ready Iowa

I've got one more for you. Every business group in Iowa is clamoring for more tax breaks...and Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) has already said that cutting the corporate tax rate is a priority. Meanwhile the governor and others are holding up the program known as the Future Ready Iowa a program designed to deliver well educated young people to the doorstep of employers eager to hire.  Every time Governor Reynolds mouth is moving she says, "Future Ready Iowa..." as if, by a wonderment of simply speaking those words it will happen.

Wanna know what the very first goal, outlined on their website, is?  Sure you do, "Progress toward reducing the socioeconomic, ethnic and racial achievement gaps in kindergarten through 12th grade and increasing equity in postsecondary enrollment."

Isn't that nice.

But how the hell do you do that while starving public education, cutting funding for education, disparity in resources between say...Waukee vs. Des Moines...all while encouraging young people to attend college where they will rack up massive debt that will haunt them for decades.

I think, my friends, we have this ass-backward. Ya can't do stuff without having the cash to pay for it. And now your Iowa Legislature will again, because the corporate tax rate "doesn't look good on paper", will cut taxes to businesses like they cut taxes for the wealthy and reduced corporate property taxes. You in with all of that?

Partly Personal

Our daughter and grand-daughter have been living with us for the past 3.5 years. Last week they were able to secure an apartment close to our home. While I am delighted that they will have a "place of their own" I am saddened that being a "Full-Time Dad" is going to take a hit. Does the ten-year old make noise and do silly "girl stuff". Sure...but, to be honest, I'm going to miss that. But, I've been told she'll be here a bunch.  Hope so.

Taking the Show on the Road this week as we head to Mobile, Alabama. That is IF the TSA is working. Never been there and because it's all work I doubt I'll get out of the hotel much. I'll let you know.

Thanks for reading and sorry this is late...have a great Sunday! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Morning Coffee 11 March 2018

This is feeling more like the Brunch Edition! Welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee, glad you came by. This is my, now in it's 10th (or maybe 11th) year, regular look at political stories you may have seen or some you missed all laced with my, often, sarcastic commentary. For those of you who don't like politics or religion (yeah, I often rail against that as well) this may make you feel uncomfortable. But, then again, try being a liberal. OK, enough with the introduction...let's go!

I Watched It!

It's been a long time since I've taken the time to watch "45" give a campaign speech. Last night I decided to see what the 2020 race would center on as "45" addressed a loving mass of his followers in
Pennsylvania. Let me offer up, for those of you who missed it, the major points of his speech:

• I am wonderful and you should be fortunate as hell that I am your president;
• Obama was bad, very bad;
• Hillary, while a woman, is bad...still very, very bad;
• Oprah is bad and I know her weakness;
• The Media is bad, very bad. Do not believe a word they say;
• Fox News is OK but you still have to watch them;
• I am going to North Korea and make a deal. You should feel fortunate;
• Women love me;
• I have done more for you than any president in the history of this country and you know it;
• Steel mills across the nation are putting people back to work. Right now they are reopening steel works here in Pennsylvania;
• I have created more jobs in this year alone than anybody;
• I am wonderful and you should be fortunate as hell that I am your president.

You are welcome...and now aren't you glad you didn't spend all that time and that I sacrificed for you? (Photo Credit - USA Today)

But, It's All Bullshit

But, you already know it. And as the "no-information voters" behind "45" shrieked and nodded their heads in agreement with every point he made he was...lying. The reality:

• No administration, ever, has been faced with more lawsuits in it's first 14 months in office...ever;
• No president has ever been faced with as many women coming forward to charge "sexual misconduct",
• No president, ever, has been outed by a porn star;
• No president, ever, had presided over a White House in such disarray;
• This administration has done more for the wealthy while kicking working families to the curb;
• How about the 522 jobs created in May of 2010 or the 326 jobs created in May of 2015 or the 351 jobs in October of 2015:
• And, finally...this guy is going to meet with North Korea?  That should end well...

A Storm Is Brewing...

For those of you in the know Stormy Daniels is coming back to Iowa. My friend Patrick Palmer, who has an interesting hobby of attending various porn star trade shows...and yes, I've seen the photos...reports that "45"'s former lover will be preforming at Big Earl's Gold Mine later this spring. It seems she had written off Iowa because she was "stiffed" (I know...right?) some money from a strip club operator in the Quad Cities and swore she would never again perform in the Hawkeye State. No, really, Patrick has the "inside" story on all of this. See what I did there? However, she has relented and will be here just months ahead of the 2018 elections. There is, as of yet, no confirmation that she will be invited to Terrace Hill for tea with Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA). We'll "stay on top" of Stormy, but may need a manual from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, as the date get closer. (Cartoon - Tim Lloyd)

Which Brings Me To...

Our governor got to cozy up to Vice President Mike Pence last week. Pence was in Council Bluffs touting the tax cuts and crowing about how much they have helped "regular Iowans". He did not mention how much they have helped the not so much "regular Iowans" who rake in the big bucks. Gov. Kim Reynolds was there saying that Mr. Pence is "...the best Vice President our nation has ever had". I'm not making that up. While it was nice that birds of a feather could flock together in Iowa it just goes to show you, once again, how completely out of touch this woman is with the people here. You all can make nice about her all you want...but she is not what this state needs...ever. Behind that "aw shucks" image is a cold, cold member of the GOP. Never forget it and she, too, will lie like hell.

Cut Them Damn Taxes!

My friends at the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Iowa Association of Business and Industry and every pro-business group in the state has been lining up for years clamoring to lower corporate taxes in Iowa. They say, loudly and in their talking points, that Iowa must lower its corporate tax rate of 9.99 percent so that the state can be "more competitive" in attracting business and industry and jobs. Oh my! This too is...bullshit. That fact is even more pronounced when the state is lauded as "The Best State in the Nation" or when graphs like this emerge shouting "we're the best in manufacturing"...from the very people who are saying we are on the road to ruin if we fail to cut taxes. (Yep, you can click on the image to enlarge)

Meanwhile I am told that we can not attract physicians to Iowa because of our high taxes and that jobs are fleeing the state because of high taxes and that the reason our census is stagnate is because of high taxes. Hell, I suspect the next lie is going to be that it's the high taxes that keep the University of Iowa football team from winning a national championship.

So...Why?

Why would Iowa want to become Kansas and decimate our infrastructure, our education, our quality of life our ability to live in, often, safe communities? Why might Sen. Charles Schneider (R-Clive) and his pal Rep. Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights) and Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa GOP and the GDMP and ABI all be lining up and telling this false story? Because they simply do not give a damn about the people living on the margins. "Go someplace else. We don't want you poor folks in our state!" They all hate government unless government is working for them. "Starve the beast (government) and you starve the people and get rid of the trash." That can be the only reason because not one corporation in Iowa pays that tax rate and if they do they are fools. Oh...and want a peek at what happened to the great tax experiment in Kansas? Here you go...  They are all lying to you and if you swallow it...we're all in trouble. Especially the 14.4% of Iowans who fall below the poverty line. (Photo Credit - NorthIowa Today)

Speaking of Taxes

The Local Option Sales & Service Tax (LOSST) lost last week and in the most unlikely places. West Des Moines voters said "yes" to the one penny sales tax increase so too did Windsor Heights and Des Moines. Voters there were all willing to pony up, like they did in Dallas County and Waukee, to increase the sales and service tax by 1% to pay for much needed infrastructure, property tax reduction and other quality of life programs. I broke with many of my friends in the Democratic Party who said, correctly, that a sales tax is a "regressive tax" that can hurt lower income individuals. Key word is..."can". My view was the "long game" where creation of infrastructure, a lowering of property taxes and building enjoyable communities was a shared responsibility of the many. Those efforts, I believe, would lift people rather than put pressure on them. Now we are looking at higher property taxes, cutting police and fire, slashing community events...it's going to get ugly. The interesting thing about the vote last week was that voters in high-wealth communities like Johnston, Urbandale and Clive voted the measure down. I know I took a personal interest in the effort by giving three public seminars on the topic. My question is...what did
leaders in Urbandale, Clive and Johnston do?  Answers???

Polk County Democrats Affirmative Action Committee

Last week the members of this committee met at Chucks Restaurant (if you have not been you MUST GO!) for some pizza, onion rings and conversation. The committee is headed by June Owens whom I have come to know and respect if not only her work pushing for inclusion but also her business sense. She also is involved in marketing and public relations and helping businesses cross over into minority markets. Good stuff.

On hand in this photo, among others is Polk County Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald whom I've known for as long as he has been alive, Mark Cooper the president of the South-Central Iowa Federation of Labor AFL/CIO, his bride Patty, (Ack...now I'm in trouble...because I failed to write down all the names!) standing just to the left of my grand-daughter Jovie (this is how you raise progressive leaders) is June, just behind June is my friend Claire Celsi who is running in Iowa Senate District 21. And, yes...I am supporting her. It was a great evening and thank you so much June for pulling this together. Those of you who missed it...missed it!

Partly Personal

Also last week I sat down with community activist Al Womble from West Des Moines and we had a great discussion about workers, worker safety, taxes, leadership, the Iowa Legislature and so much more. Al, in case you don't know, dedicates hours of his time to recording photographic history of events for the Polk County Democrats.  He's a "keeper" thanks so much for the visit!

Tomorrow I'm taking "The Show On the Road" and headed to Jefferson to speak to the Rotary Club there. My friend John Brunow from All Ability Cycles made the invitation and I'm looking forward to the conversation. While it will center mostly on business and my topic, "You Don't Know What You Don't Know" I may sprinkle some politics into the address. Just to keep things interesting. Like your Mother told you, "Never talk politics and religion..." What the heck...should be fun and I promise to be nice.

Gotta go...headed to a client meeting this afternoon and I am so sorry this is late!  Dang time change...right? 

Have a great Sunday and thank you for reading!