SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
January 7, 2021
Sullivan’s Salvos 1/12/21
In this edition:
*Sedition
*Happy Birthday Mom!
*Snow!
*Georgia Senate Elections
*COVID Relief or Bigger Problem?
*MLK
*Did You Know?
*Sedition
Sedition is a serious felony punishable by fines and up to 20 years in prison and it refers to the act of inciting revolt or violence against a lawful authority with the goal of destroying or overthrowing it.
*Happy Birthday Mom!
Happy Birthday to my Mom, Susan Sullivan Smith! I love you!
*Snow!
This is at least a week late, but a big shout out to the many public employees who keep us safe during the winter snows. On the County side of things, that includes the plow drivers, Sheriff’s deputies, Ambulance staff, Medical Examiner’s Office, and Emergency Management folks. Thanks, everyone, for all you do!
*Georgia Senate Elections
Georgia just held arguably the two most consequential Senate elections since at least the US Civil War. And things went well for Democrats, who now have a 50/50 share in the Senate.
It is important to note that the ONLY reason these elections are consequential is Mitch McConnell. You see, for most of American history, the Senate worked differently. But as Majority Leader, McConnell refuses to bring things up even when they have 51, or 60, or even 70 votes in favor. He sees his job as obstruction, and that is what he does. As long as that is how he plays the game, the only chance to do anything is to get to 50 Democrats in the US Senate.
So, it is no secret what was on the ballot in Georgia. Win both seats, and McConnell loses the ability to set the agenda. Vice President Elect Kamala Harris now casts the deciding votes in the case of 50-50 ties. Make no mistake; this was the biggest election in decades!
*COVID Relief or Bigger Problem?
If you followed the debate of the most recent COVID relief bill, you hear the debate. Do we target the relief to those who need it most? Or do we simply get checks out to everyone because it is easier, and we are not set up to decide who ought to get a check?
Honestly, in the 21st Century, that is an extremely lame debate. We need a significant upgrade of the 50-state unemployment insurance (UI) systems. There are states who have good systems, and states that are awful. It is time for Congress to pass some federal laws that create a floor for UI. This should include who is eligible; the minimum time for which they are eligible; the minimum amount for which they are eligible; rules designed to increase the ease of applying and reporting; data collection and maintenance; minimum standards for technology; and much more. This is an area that NEEDS regulation, and I hope the feds pass it.
Similarly, let’s upgrade the capabilities of the IRS. It seems unreal to me that the US government cannot simply access a database, then send a check to every person earning under a certain threshold. They should be able to household it, too! How is it we lack this technology?
I know part of the problem is that the GOP has starved the IRS of funding. A couple of weeks ago, the IRS famously said that they audit more poor people than rich people because it “costs more to audit wealthy people.” I have an idea. Stop the audits on about ten thousand poor people, and do about 100 billionaires. OK? Thanks. Meanwhile, let’s get some more resources to this vital piece of government. The IRS must be adequately funded.
Is either of these things likely to happen? See the piece above about the Senate elections in Georgia. Now there is a chance.
*MLK
Monday, January 18 marks the federal holiday celebrating the birthday of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior. I am so pleased that our country has chosen to honor this great man, and I hope you enjoy the holiday in his name. As usual, the Board of Supervisors did a proclamation in his honor.
We would like to think America has come a long way since the 60s. After the 2016 and 2020 elections, I’m not certain I feel that way any longer. Race was a HUGE issue in the 2016 election, and the team the racists supported won. In 2020, overt racists felt emboldened to do and say almost anything.
Look at America today. Black Lives Matter is a response to the epidemic of black men being killed by police. The US Supreme Court killed much of the Voting Rights Act, and they are likely to kill Affirmative Action. Black women die in childbirth at ridiculous rates. Black men are more likely to go to prison than college. The list goes on and on. Our society still has a deep racial divide.
We also need to recognize that King was a radical. America grudgingly accepted racial reforms because they were less dangerous to the status quo than the other issues King championed. King took seriously the Biblical teachings that the love of money is a sin, and that rich men will not be welcomed into Heaven. (Yes, King was a Democratic Socialist!) He proposed seismic changes to the political and social structures that exist in America. In addition, King was adamantly anti-war. To the status quo, he was the most dangerous man in the world.
Take some time this week to read some of the great books that are out there on Dr. King. More importantly, take some time to read the things he wrote himself.
And if you are so inclined, there are several worthwhile local celebrations. Here are a few:
The University of Iowa has several events. You can see the complete schedule at: https://mlk.uiowa.edu.
The annual community MLK celebration is being held, but most of it is moving online. There will still be a parade, but I was unable to secure details at the time of publication.
We have SO much work to do. We cannot forget that. But we also need to take the time to celebrate our successes. Happy MLK Day!
*DID YOU KNOW? A majority of Coloradans voted in November to begin the reintroduction of wolves to the state.
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
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---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 1:14 PM
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