Canned Beans and Politics

This winter I lost the power of imagination when it comes to cooking. I know skills of cooking and the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer are full of food. Yet I give a blank stare when asked what we should have for evening meal.

Last night I made a vegan version of red beans and rice. It was based on the “holy trinity” of bell pepper, onion and celery. I added canned red beans and tomato sauce, garlic and kale from the garden, and seasoned with salt, dried thyme, and parsley. The dish came together with a slurry of white miso, tomato juice and arrowroot. Served on rice with a side of cooked corn, it was a satisfying meal. We discussed and are putting red beans and rice in the rotation.

The Iowa Legislature is in session and OMG! These Republicans are one paternalistic, low-IQ, incompetent group — filthy with unpleasant habits, brutes in human form, resembling human beings far too closely for the liking of most Iowans. (h/t Jonathan Swift). Where should I start?

We, as a society, have to elect enough Democrats to stop their madness by regaining the majority in both chambers of the legislature. When we held a majority in the senate, the radical craziness was held at bay. It wouldn’t hurt to retake the governor’s office.

Here’s a short list of legislative issues with Republicans:

• Conversion therapy ban ban. Prevent local jurisdictions from banning this discredited pseudoscience as any decent person would.
• Restrictions from use of information from the American Library Association in public school libraries.
• Reduce services by the Area Education Agencies which serve disabled children.
• Continue to do nothing with nursing homes where another patient recently died of neglect.
• After the court enjoined their book ban bill for public schools, they doubled down with a book ban in public libraries.
• School children would be required to sing the national anthem at the beginning of each day.
• Politicization of the investment of public funds like the Iowa Employee Retirement System.
• The chair of a subcommittee humiliated speakers addressing a bill concerning loss of local control for guaranteed income programs for the poor.

Good grief! The session is just beginning, so the worst is yet to come.

2024 is the time, now more than ever, to get involved in the political process. Even if it just means letting family members know it is important to vote.