The WMU College Republicans have voted overwhelmingly to endorse Margaret O'Brien in the 61st district state representative race. This endorsement from two years ago still applies today.
Margaret O'Brien for State Representative
Margaret is currently unopposed in the Republican primary.
Previous:
Margaret Will Run
Democrats Lie About Margaret
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Hooray for Iowa!
Iowa Governor Chet Culver will sign legislation to make Iowa a shall-issue state for concealed carry.
Iowa Governor to Host “Right-to-Carry” Bill Signing Ceremony 4/27/2010
Iowa will become the 40th state with shall issue or better. Three states allow carry without a permit-Vermont, Alaska, and Arizona. This is the first new shall issue law since Kansas and Nebraska in 2006. Arizona passed constitutional carry just weeks ago.
Iowa Governor to Host “Right-to-Carry” Bill Signing Ceremony 4/27/2010
Iowa will become the 40th state with shall issue or better. Three states allow carry without a permit-Vermont, Alaska, and Arizona. This is the first new shall issue law since Kansas and Nebraska in 2006. Arizona passed constitutional carry just weeks ago.
Good for Rick Jones
Good for Rep. Rick Jones, who will introduce legislation to stop speed traps.
Bill proposed to outlaw speed traps
Jones is a former Eaton County Sheriff. Jones pulls no punches in calling speed traps the scam that they are.
Bill proposed to outlaw speed traps
Jones is a former Eaton County Sheriff. Jones pulls no punches in calling speed traps the scam that they are.
State Rep. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, said communities are preying on motorists by keeping speed limits too low. His legislation would force cities, townships and villages to conduct speed studies to properly set limits in accordance with Public Act 85 of 2006.
"My reason for the legislation is simple -- to end this practice of speed traps," Jones said. "There are speed traps all over the state, and under my bill, the communities that are putting these speed limit signs up would have to comply with the state law and do it right."
...
Jones, a former Eaton County sheriff who spent 31 years in law enforcement, said most officers don't like writing tickets for speed trap violations.
"I've worked traffic, and as a former officer I think these speed traps are outrageous," he said. "Any police officer can find plenty of cars to stop without resorting to that.
"Any officer with integrity wants nothing to do with a speed trap. They should be totally illegal, and there's no excuse for them. They're a money grab, plain and simple."
Monday, April 26, 2010
POLITICAL UPDATE--Education
This update focuses on education.
Steve Sailer: That Texas Schoolbook Massacre: Have Critics Actually Looked At Current High School History Texts?
Paul Galvin: Achieve Educational Freedom, Excellence and Harmony: Eliminate the Public Schools
Phyllis Schlafly: Dangerous Projects in Public Schools
Steve Sailer: Diane Ravitch, “No Child Left Behind”, And The Racial Achievement Gap’s Kryptonite Cause
Gary North: Killing the Spirit of Learning
Phyllis Schlafly: Texas Kicks Out Liberal Bias From Textbooks
Gary Larsen: Taking Over the Student Loan Program...or Bust!
Phyllis Schlafly: Putting Private Info on Government Database
Learn more about education issues in Education Reporter.
Steve Sailer: That Texas Schoolbook Massacre: Have Critics Actually Looked At Current High School History Texts?
Paul Galvin: Achieve Educational Freedom, Excellence and Harmony: Eliminate the Public Schools
Phyllis Schlafly: Dangerous Projects in Public Schools
Steve Sailer: Diane Ravitch, “No Child Left Behind”, And The Racial Achievement Gap’s Kryptonite Cause
Gary North: Killing the Spirit of Learning
Phyllis Schlafly: Texas Kicks Out Liberal Bias From Textbooks
Gary Larsen: Taking Over the Student Loan Program...or Bust!
Phyllis Schlafly: Putting Private Info on Government Database
Learn more about education issues in Education Reporter.
Quibbling with Cox
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox has been valiant in his opposition to Obamacare and has generally supported conservative causes when other Republicans were wrong or nowhere to be seen. Nonetheless, this blog must take issue with part of what he said at a recent stop in Kalamazoo.
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox visits Kalamazoo gun show to pitch health-reform ideas
Specific provisions in the health care bill, such as the ability of children whose parents are insured to stay on their parents’ policy until age 26 and the inability of policyholders to be dropped from coverage due to a pre-existing condition, were applauded by Cox, who said that “100 percent (of people) can get behind that.”
Both of these provisions are government regulations that take away freedom. Further, the federal government has no power under the Constitution to mandate any such thing.
Beyond this, such regulations will harm health care. If people can wait to buy health care until they get sick, (which is what the condition on preexisting conditions means), then many will do so. This will cause insurance prices to rise, since healthy people will have no reason to buy insurance. What results will not really be insurance.
Of course, it's always possible that the media just messed up what Cox said.
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox visits Kalamazoo gun show to pitch health-reform ideas
Specific provisions in the health care bill, such as the ability of children whose parents are insured to stay on their parents’ policy until age 26 and the inability of policyholders to be dropped from coverage due to a pre-existing condition, were applauded by Cox, who said that “100 percent (of people) can get behind that.”
Both of these provisions are government regulations that take away freedom. Further, the federal government has no power under the Constitution to mandate any such thing.
Beyond this, such regulations will harm health care. If people can wait to buy health care until they get sick, (which is what the condition on preexisting conditions means), then many will do so. This will cause insurance prices to rise, since healthy people will have no reason to buy insurance. What results will not really be insurance.
Of course, it's always possible that the media just messed up what Cox said.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Will Hoekstra Raise Taxes?
In this interview, Congressman Pete Hoekstra refuses to pledge not to raise taxes.
Conservative Comeback in Michigan?
Hoekstra makes an excuse about the Earned Income Tax Credit. The Cox campaign points out that Hoekstra edited the video to leave that part out. The video that appears on Hoekstra's site is now the same.
Hookstra previously defended his support for the TARP bailout:
Hoekstra on the Bailout
Cox Slams Hoekstra on Spending
Conservative Comeback in Michigan?
Hoekstra makes an excuse about the Earned Income Tax Credit. The Cox campaign points out that Hoekstra edited the video to leave that part out. The video that appears on Hoekstra's site is now the same.
Hookstra previously defended his support for the TARP bailout:
Hoekstra on the Bailout
Cox Slams Hoekstra on Spending
Unemployment Day
Iowahawk reports, you decide.
Kids, Parents Celebrate 'Take Your Daughter to the Unemployment Office Day'
Kids, Parents Celebrate 'Take Your Daughter to the Unemployment Office Day'
FLINT, MI -- Dressed in festive clown costumes, Senator Debbie Stabenow and Governor Jennifer Granholm joined job placement specialists and suicide counselors in passing out balloons and cupcakes to gleeful pre-teens at the Mid-Michigan Career Hope Center this morning. Similar celebrations occurred at thousands of Job Centers across the country as part of the first annual national Take Your Daughter to the Unemployment Office Day.
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo Democrat Don Cooney plans to kick off campaign Wednesday
Don Cooney to run again for Congress; Western Michigan University professor makes announcement to students
Cooney: ‘I’m running for Congress’
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox visits Kalamazoo gun show to pitch health-reform ideas
Governor, Senate tussle over appointments to Michigan university boards: Two WMU trustee picks are among those targeted
Mitt Romney endorses Pete Hoekstra in governor's race
Blind Training Center position posted while appeal is pending
Portage candidates weigh in on school board's role and relations
Plans for Sangren renovation discussed at Fetzer Center
Part-time instructors reach union agreement
County officials seek public safety funding
Kalamazoo Democrat Don Cooney plans to kick off campaign Wednesday
Don Cooney to run again for Congress; Western Michigan University professor makes announcement to students
Cooney: ‘I’m running for Congress’
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox visits Kalamazoo gun show to pitch health-reform ideas
Governor, Senate tussle over appointments to Michigan university boards: Two WMU trustee picks are among those targeted
Mitt Romney endorses Pete Hoekstra in governor's race
Blind Training Center position posted while appeal is pending
Portage candidates weigh in on school board's role and relations
Plans for Sangren renovation discussed at Fetzer Center
Part-time instructors reach union agreement
County officials seek public safety funding
Monday, April 19, 2010
POLITICAL UPDATE--Immigration
This update focuses on immigration.
Robert Engstrom: Arizona Sets Strict New Immigration Policy
Allen Wall: Yes, La Raza Really Does Mean "The Race"—And The Idea Was Invented By a Nazi Sympathizer
James Edwards: Schumer and Graham Offer Amnesty Retread
Pat Buchanan: The Sydney Carton Party: Open Borders Leading GOP To The Guillotine
Michelle Malkin: The Slaughter on the Southern Border
Joe Guzzardi: Obamacare + Amnesty = One-Term President. But Where’s The Immigration Moratorium?
Roger Hedgecock: Graham Pushes National I.D. Card
James Edwards: E-Verify: Setting the Record Straight
For more on immigration, see VDARE.com.
Robert Engstrom: Arizona Sets Strict New Immigration Policy
Allen Wall: Yes, La Raza Really Does Mean "The Race"—And The Idea Was Invented By a Nazi Sympathizer
James Edwards: Schumer and Graham Offer Amnesty Retread
Pat Buchanan: The Sydney Carton Party: Open Borders Leading GOP To The Guillotine
Michelle Malkin: The Slaughter on the Southern Border
Joe Guzzardi: Obamacare + Amnesty = One-Term President. But Where’s The Immigration Moratorium?
Roger Hedgecock: Graham Pushes National I.D. Card
James Edwards: E-Verify: Setting the Record Straight
For more on immigration, see VDARE.com.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Dunk Tank Protest
Last Wednesday students at Western held a protest of the health care takeover by setting up a dunk tank and dunking democrat leaders in effigy. The event also collected signatures for a state ballot initiative to fight the new health care takeover.
Taking their political message to the dunk tank
The Jay Morris Show, Hour 1 - 04/13/10 (interview begins about 3/4 of the way through)
Taking their political message to the dunk tank
The Jay Morris Show, Hour 1 - 04/13/10 (interview begins about 3/4 of the way through)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Hooray for Arizona!
Arizona citizens will be free to carry concealed firearms without permission from government (permits). Governor Jan Brewer signed the 'constitutional carry' bill passed by the state legislature yesterday. Arizona becomes the third state with such a policy, after Vermont, which had it since a court ruling in 1903 and Alaska, which passed the law in 2003.
Arizona to allow concealed weapons without permit
Arizona to allow concealed weapons without permit
Kalamazoo Tea Party
The local tea party group (Southwest Michigan Tea Party Patriots) held a rally in Bronson Park on Tax Day. The rally attracted about 400-500 people.
Tea Party Patriots rally in Kalamazoo on tax-filing day
As expected, former state rep. Jack Hoogendyk announced that he would run for Congress. He will challenge incumbent rep. Fred Upton in the primary. Jack did not mention Upton in his remarks.
The featured speaker was Phyllis Schlafly, President of Eagle Forum and longtime conservative activist. She detailed many of the radicals who have been appointed by President Obama and warned against judicial activism in light of the upcoming Supreme Court nomination.
The rally was emceed by Jay Morris of WKZO. The weather was perfect.
See their website: Kalamazoo Tea Party
Previous:
Kalamazoo Tea Party
Kalamazoo’s Tax Day Tea Party
Phyllis Schlafly Speech
Tea Party Patriots rally in Kalamazoo on tax-filing day
As expected, former state rep. Jack Hoogendyk announced that he would run for Congress. He will challenge incumbent rep. Fred Upton in the primary. Jack did not mention Upton in his remarks.
The featured speaker was Phyllis Schlafly, President of Eagle Forum and longtime conservative activist. She detailed many of the radicals who have been appointed by President Obama and warned against judicial activism in light of the upcoming Supreme Court nomination.
The rally was emceed by Jay Morris of WKZO. The weather was perfect.
See their website: Kalamazoo Tea Party
Previous:
Kalamazoo Tea Party
Kalamazoo’s Tax Day Tea Party
Phyllis Schlafly Speech
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Western Michigan University approves new 'green fee'
Western Michigan University approves new student fee for environmental initiatives
SFI Approved by BOT
T & J Towing continues to take a beating on social networks after suing Western Michigan University student for creating negative Facebook group about the company
T&J Towing sues Western Michigan University student who created Facebook page about it
Towing company sues Facebook group creator
Tea Party Patriots rally in Kalamazoo on tax-filing day
Allegan County looks to lower 911 surcharge: Recommendation comes after voters approved increase
Conservative Republican Jack Hoogendyk to challenge Congressman Fred Upton of Michigan's 6th District in August primary
Room-and-board to increase 4 percent if approved by Western Michigan University trustees
Speed limits increasing by 5 to 10 mph on Westnedge Ave. and Park St. in Kalamazoo
Western Michigan University approves new 'green fee'
Western Michigan University approves new student fee for environmental initiatives
SFI Approved by BOT
T & J Towing continues to take a beating on social networks after suing Western Michigan University student for creating negative Facebook group about the company
T&J Towing sues Western Michigan University student who created Facebook page about it
Towing company sues Facebook group creator
Tea Party Patriots rally in Kalamazoo on tax-filing day
Allegan County looks to lower 911 surcharge: Recommendation comes after voters approved increase
Conservative Republican Jack Hoogendyk to challenge Congressman Fred Upton of Michigan's 6th District in August primary
Room-and-board to increase 4 percent if approved by Western Michigan University trustees
Speed limits increasing by 5 to 10 mph on Westnedge Ave. and Park St. in Kalamazoo
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Government Does Something Right!
MDOT has announced that the speed limit on Westnedge/Park in Kalamazoo will be raised to 35 or 40 on different stretches of the road. Score one for government!
'Speeding' hot spot: Limit to be set at 40 mph on Kalamazoo's Westnedge Hill
Plans for speed-limit changes in Kalamazoo to be discussed tonight
Of course, this victory only comes over the opposition of another unit of government. Kalamazoo City opposed the change, due to the fact that Westnedge Hill is the number one speed tr-er, vital public safety concerns.
Next job for MDOT--raise the speed limit on Stadium Drive back to 50 mph and shut down that speed trap as well.
'Speeding' hot spot: Limit to be set at 40 mph on Kalamazoo's Westnedge Hill
Plans for speed-limit changes in Kalamazoo to be discussed tonight
Of course, this victory only comes over the opposition of another unit of government. Kalamazoo City opposed the change, due to the fact that Westnedge Hill is the number one speed tr-er, vital public safety concerns.
Next job for MDOT--raise the speed limit on Stadium Drive back to 50 mph and shut down that speed trap as well.
Challenging Upton
Challenges to Rep. Fred Upton are brewing.
Cooney considers rematch with Upton: Hoogendyk inches closer to primary challenge of incumbent congressman
Kalamazoo City Commissioner Don Cooney, who challenged Upton in 2008, is considering another bid. Cooney got about 40% last time. While that's not terrible for a democrat in the 6th district, there is no reason to think he'll do any better this time around.
Meanwhile, Jack Hoogendyk is still considering a primary challenge.
Cooney considers rematch with Upton: Hoogendyk inches closer to primary challenge of incumbent congressman
Kalamazoo City Commissioner Don Cooney, who challenged Upton in 2008, is considering another bid. Cooney got about 40% last time. While that's not terrible for a democrat in the 6th district, there is no reason to think he'll do any better this time around.
Meanwhile, Jack Hoogendyk is still considering a primary challenge.
On the other side of the political aisle, Hoogendyk said he has created a campaign committee and has begun raising money and gathering signatures to put his name on the primary ballot. But Hoogendyk said all of that remains presumptive until he makes a final decision on April 15.Why April 15, you ask? Well, April 15 is tax day. The Kalamazoo Tea Party group is holding a rally on April 15 in Bronson Park. You figure it out.
Angry Mobs!
...of journalists and politicians threaten our safety.
Iowahawk reports:
Journo-politico Violence: Deadly Threat or Menacing Trend?
Iowahawk reports:
Journo-politico Violence: Deadly Threat or Menacing Trend?
POLITICAL UPDATE--News from Abroad
This update focuses on news from abroad.
Phillip Jennings: History of Vietnam War for People with Attention Deficit Disorder
Pat Buchanan: Ethnonationalism: The Wars of Tribe and Faith Return
Sean Gabb: It Happened There (3): Court Cripples British National Party For Being Too, Well, British
Mark Steyn: When Responsibility Doesn’t Pay
Ron Paul: Are US Taxpayers Bailing Out Greece?
Gary North: The Incontinent Subcontinent
Daniel Pipes: Free Speech For Wilders?
Gary North: Bye-Bye, PIGS
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Phillip Jennings: History of Vietnam War for People with Attention Deficit Disorder
Pat Buchanan: Ethnonationalism: The Wars of Tribe and Faith Return
Sean Gabb: It Happened There (3): Court Cripples British National Party For Being Too, Well, British
Mark Steyn: When Responsibility Doesn’t Pay
Ron Paul: Are US Taxpayers Bailing Out Greece?
Gary North: The Incontinent Subcontinent
Daniel Pipes: Free Speech For Wilders?
Gary North: Bye-Bye, PIGS
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
'Speeding' hot spot: Limit to be set at 40 mph on Kalamazoo's Westnedge Hill
Plans for speed-limit changes in Kalamazoo to be discussed tonight
WMU seeks input on Sangren renovation
Connecting the dots for a medical school
Former WSA president meets with WSA
Former Michigan state representatives seek Senate seat: Doug Spade and Bruce Caswell so far the only candidates running for Michigan's 16th District
Jeff Fernandez a pastor of home-based church in Kalamazoo runs for state House
Plainwell graduate Charles Keckler appointed to federal legal-aid board
Part-time instructors frustrated over contract talks with Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo County approves eligibility for federal bonds: Low-cost debt could be used for downtown arena project
Judge William A. Baillargeon will run to retain district court seat
School millage supporters in Southwest Michigan wage low-key campaigns
Former president to fill vacancy on Portage school board
'Speeding' hot spot: Limit to be set at 40 mph on Kalamazoo's Westnedge Hill
Plans for speed-limit changes in Kalamazoo to be discussed tonight
WMU seeks input on Sangren renovation
Connecting the dots for a medical school
Former WSA president meets with WSA
Former Michigan state representatives seek Senate seat: Doug Spade and Bruce Caswell so far the only candidates running for Michigan's 16th District
Jeff Fernandez a pastor of home-based church in Kalamazoo runs for state House
Plainwell graduate Charles Keckler appointed to federal legal-aid board
Part-time instructors frustrated over contract talks with Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo County approves eligibility for federal bonds: Low-cost debt could be used for downtown arena project
Judge William A. Baillargeon will run to retain district court seat
School millage supporters in Southwest Michigan wage low-key campaigns
Former president to fill vacancy on Portage school board
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Oakland University Carry Protest
Oakland University Students for Concealed Carry had an open carry protest.
MI: OU students protest ban of guns on campus
MI: OU students protest ban of guns on campus
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
POLITCAL UPDATE--Government
This update focuses on government.
Thomas Woods: The Ivy League Hates Nullification
Gary North: Planning To Retire?
Gary North: The City of Detroit is Dead: It Was Killed by Government
Gary North: The State Seeks To Be God
Mark Steyn: Obamacare Dystopia
Thomas Sowell: An Off-Budget Office?
Thomas Sowell: A Point of No Return?
Eric Peters: Taser Nation, by Eric Peters
Gary North: Why Should Your Children Pay for My Retirement?
Fred Reed: Nullification: The Last Hope
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Thomas Woods: The Ivy League Hates Nullification
Gary North: Planning To Retire?
Gary North: The City of Detroit is Dead: It Was Killed by Government
Gary North: The State Seeks To Be God
Mark Steyn: Obamacare Dystopia
Thomas Sowell: An Off-Budget Office?
Thomas Sowell: A Point of No Return?
Eric Peters: Taser Nation, by Eric Peters
Gary North: Why Should Your Children Pay for My Retirement?
Fred Reed: Nullification: The Last Hope
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Rift brewing? Some Borgess nurses say they want to drop union over contentious contract negotiations
School board election guide: Southwest Michigan candidates for the May 4 election
Cooney considers rematch with Upton: Hoogendyk inches closer to primary challenge of incumbent congressman
Mainstream media doesn't challenge power, journalist Amy Goodman tells Western Michigan University audience
Schuitmaker rolls out list of endorsements: Lawton lawmaker shows support in Kalamazoo County
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton says he supports repeal of new health care laws
Health-care overhaul hurting businesses: But congressman Fred Upton says he doesn't support repeal, wants fixes
Local, state tax issues among forum topics: Southwest Michigan Tea Party Patriots sponsoring session
Booth begins WSA presidential term
Health care bill includes student loan overhaul
WMU alum comes back to stump
Election upheld: Judicial Council reaffirms election results, dismisses campaign misconduct charges in closed hearings
Booth wins WSA presidential election; Allegations of campaign misconduct spur trial by WSA Judicial Council
Rift brewing? Some Borgess nurses say they want to drop union over contentious contract negotiations
School board election guide: Southwest Michigan candidates for the May 4 election
Cooney considers rematch with Upton: Hoogendyk inches closer to primary challenge of incumbent congressman
Mainstream media doesn't challenge power, journalist Amy Goodman tells Western Michigan University audience
Schuitmaker rolls out list of endorsements: Lawton lawmaker shows support in Kalamazoo County
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton says he supports repeal of new health care laws
Health-care overhaul hurting businesses: But congressman Fred Upton says he doesn't support repeal, wants fixes
Local, state tax issues among forum topics: Southwest Michigan Tea Party Patriots sponsoring session
Booth begins WSA presidential term
Health care bill includes student loan overhaul
WMU alum comes back to stump
Election upheld: Judicial Council reaffirms election results, dismisses campaign misconduct charges in closed hearings
Booth wins WSA presidential election; Allegations of campaign misconduct spur trial by WSA Judicial Council
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Upton Switcheroo?
Tuesday:
Health-care overhaul hurting businesses: But congressman Fred Upton says he doesn't support repeal, wants fixes
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton says he supports repeal of new health care laws
Health-care overhaul hurting businesses: But congressman Fred Upton says he doesn't support repeal, wants fixes
Upton met with the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce and about a half dozen local business owners to discuss the health-care legislation.Wednesday:
...
But both men said they don’t support efforts to repeal the new laws. They said calls for repeal were “divisive” and “unhelpful.”
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton says he supports repeal of new health care laws
KALAMAZOO — U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, Republican of St. Joseph, says this morning that he is on the record as supporting repeal of health care legislation signed into law last week.
...
Upton now says he should have clarified Sandstrom's comments to make it clear that he supports a "repeal and reform process."
"I do support repeal, but I want reform as well," Upton said this morning.
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