Governor for Life Terry Branstad called the ACA “disastrous” and in the same breath said Iowans should strive to be the healthiest state in America. I am guessing he would also like the fastest car, without having to use any fuel.

In a similar vein, right here in the breadbasket of the world where we have some 15% suffering from what is now euphemistically refered to as “food insecurity,” Brandstad struck a blow for their freedom to starve to death by line-item vetoing aid to food banks. Like most republicans, Branstad is willing to fight for freedom to your death.

As a final slap, Branstad announced he would begin to pay 20% of his health insurance, in an effort to get other government workers to pay 20% also. Well, with his salary, pension as former president of Drake and pension as a former governor, Branstad probably brings in around $200,000 per year or about $16,000 per month. If he pays $200/ month as that 20% it is about 1% of his income. For a worker who makes @$30,000/ year, that same $200 is probably over 10% of take home pay – pay that has to cover housing, transportation etc. Geez, Terry, I think people will figure this one out.

Putting Children to Work.
Newt Gingrich said it was time to cut through the old ideas and put children to work at jobs such as janitor. i will go along with him on putting kids to work, but I don’t think janitor is the right venue. I think that Republican legislator is a better fit for children. Knowing the word “NO” is about the only major requirement, while hating most other human life except those who give you money is the other. Most kids, especially boys, can do this easily by age 12. Doubtful anyone would notice the switch. And like everything else, Republicans will pay their replacements little while telling them what a great “opportunity” they are getting.

Bill Maher gives us an example from his HBO show.

Un Happy 50th Birthday to You, Walmart!
What can one say about Walmart. Over 50 years we have watched it grow from a small regional chain to the dominant retailer in the world. We have watched as it once proudly sold American made products, to the behemoth that sells little if anything made in America, thus hastening the off shoring of American jobs. The chain that drove more Ma and Pa stores out of business than any other. The Walton heirs by themselves control more wealth than the lowest 30% of Americans (that’s around 100,000,000 people, folks).

No Global Warming to see here – move along.
When did Iow move south? I know it can’t be global warming, because my Republican leadership tells me so. And it certainly isn’t caused by burning fossil fuels. I have often wondered if Venus was quite earth like before Republicans up there convinced the population that the heat and unbearable pressures were not caused by burning fossil fuels.

Does anyone else remember that almost 9 years ago Bushco was working like hell to bury a Department of Defense report that Climate Change would destroy us? Just as a reminder here is the story.

Only nine years ago, summer was almost tolerable.

Costco?
As many of you know, Costco has opened in Coralville. My understanding is that Costco is a Democratic donor when they donate. I also understand that they pay their employees decently and treat them with respect. In other words, things I want to support. We seldom go into Target. We very occasionally shop Walmart, but the alternatives are not much better. So, Costco seems to be a desirable alternative. You do vote with your dollars.

If what I hear about Costco is true, they will get some votes from us.