Local news around Kalamazoo.
Diocese of Kalamazoo opposes gay-rights ordinance
Anti-discrimination vote grabs spotlight in Kalamazoo
The Bible and homosexuality: Pastors offer differing views
Zoning board rejects request for K-Christian athletic field lights
Peace: Local protesters call for U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan
Vigil marks 8th anniversary of war in Afghanistan
Cable TV thefts lead to service cuts for 400 in Kalamazoo
Portage City Council taking action on complaints over assessor
Kalamazoo City Commission election draws 17 candidates
Kalamazoo County budget calls for pay increases
Michigan GOP Faces Tough Choice in Race for Governor
Western Michigan University President John M. Dunn ready to take med school to board
Preserving East Hall: Ivy-clad halls at Western Michigan University getting unclad
Senate panel votes to lift Colony Farm rules
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Friday, October 09, 2009
The Truth Comes Out
From the Detroit News:
Students' behavior at GOP event questioned
Lansing -- Questions continue to be raised about the behavior of college students at the state Republicans' leadership conference on Mackinac Island with some asked to vow to vote for their candidates or risk losing their rooms and others charging that underage drinking was rampant.
Gubernatorial hopeful Rick Snyder has been accused of capturing the top spot in an exclusive Detroit News/WJR NewsTalk 760 AM straw poll during the Sept. 25-27 gathering by having students sign a letter vowing to vote for the Ann Arbor businessman in the poll or risk losing the free hotel rooms and island ferry rides.
...
Some of the hundreds of bright-green clad students who Snyder brought to the island were asked to sign a "contract" which reads, in part: "I have read the above and understand that my staying in a Rick for Michigan sponsored hotel room and traveling on a Rick for Michigan ferry is contingent upon voting for Rick Snyder in the straw poll."
Snyder campaign spokesman Jake Suski said the form was created to help ferret out "infiltrators" from other campaigns who were trying to get a free trip and didn't support Snyder. He also noted the island was swarming with volunteers sent by other candidates, lobbying firms and the Republican Party.
"To come up with our group and not to support Rick or to support other candidates would have been dishonest," Suski said.
Mike Cox 2010 spokesman Stu Sandler said Cox's campaign also brought a large number of volunteers to the island, and the campaign paid for their meals and accommodations. The volunteers signed an agreement they would represent Cox admirably, wouldn't break the law and wouldn't drink underage, but he said voting for Cox wasn't part of the deal. The attorney general came in second.
"The straw poll had nothing to do with it," Sandler said. "Part of it's to operate the functions.
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From RightMichigan:
Is Snyder From Ann Arbor.. or Chicago??
Apparently Tim Skubick has the memo:
The following memo reached this desk in which the Snyder folks look like their learned how to play politics in Chicago's Cook County which is notorious for questionable activity.
In it Snyder supporters are advised that "you are in no way required to vote for any candidate, disclose or show your ballot to anyone." All nice and proper, with no gripes there.
Ah but read on: "However, in order to remain eligible for Rick for Michigan receptions, ferry's (to and from the island) and hotel room, you must show your ballot to Rick's official representative at the ballot box...." Hum, this is getting interesting.
And just to make sure none of the volunteers for Ricky didn't miss the point, they were asked to sign a document that was blunt: "I have read and understand that by staying in a Rick for Michigan sponsored hotel room and traveling on a Rick for Michigan ferry is contingent upon voting for Rick Snyder in the straw poll."
Students' behavior at GOP event questioned
Lansing -- Questions continue to be raised about the behavior of college students at the state Republicans' leadership conference on Mackinac Island with some asked to vow to vote for their candidates or risk losing their rooms and others charging that underage drinking was rampant.
Gubernatorial hopeful Rick Snyder has been accused of capturing the top spot in an exclusive Detroit News/WJR NewsTalk 760 AM straw poll during the Sept. 25-27 gathering by having students sign a letter vowing to vote for the Ann Arbor businessman in the poll or risk losing the free hotel rooms and island ferry rides.
...
Some of the hundreds of bright-green clad students who Snyder brought to the island were asked to sign a "contract" which reads, in part: "I have read the above and understand that my staying in a Rick for Michigan sponsored hotel room and traveling on a Rick for Michigan ferry is contingent upon voting for Rick Snyder in the straw poll."
Snyder campaign spokesman Jake Suski said the form was created to help ferret out "infiltrators" from other campaigns who were trying to get a free trip and didn't support Snyder. He also noted the island was swarming with volunteers sent by other candidates, lobbying firms and the Republican Party.
"To come up with our group and not to support Rick or to support other candidates would have been dishonest," Suski said.
Mike Cox 2010 spokesman Stu Sandler said Cox's campaign also brought a large number of volunteers to the island, and the campaign paid for their meals and accommodations. The volunteers signed an agreement they would represent Cox admirably, wouldn't break the law and wouldn't drink underage, but he said voting for Cox wasn't part of the deal. The attorney general came in second.
"The straw poll had nothing to do with it," Sandler said. "Part of it's to operate the functions.
------------------
From RightMichigan:
Is Snyder From Ann Arbor.. or Chicago??
Apparently Tim Skubick has the memo:
The following memo reached this desk in which the Snyder folks look like their learned how to play politics in Chicago's Cook County which is notorious for questionable activity.
In it Snyder supporters are advised that "you are in no way required to vote for any candidate, disclose or show your ballot to anyone." All nice and proper, with no gripes there.
Ah but read on: "However, in order to remain eligible for Rick for Michigan receptions, ferry's (to and from the island) and hotel room, you must show your ballot to Rick's official representative at the ballot box...." Hum, this is getting interesting.
And just to make sure none of the volunteers for Ricky didn't miss the point, they were asked to sign a document that was blunt: "I have read and understand that by staying in a Rick for Michigan sponsored hotel room and traveling on a Rick for Michigan ferry is contingent upon voting for Rick Snyder in the straw poll."
Sowell on Strategy
A good column by Thomas Sowell with an ever-timely message:
Republicans and Blacks
The Republican strategy for making inroads into the black vote has failed consistently for more than a quarter of a century. Yet it never seems to occur to them to change their approach.
The first thing that they do that is foredoomed to failure is trying to reach blacks through the civil rights organizations and other institutions of the black establishment. The second proven loser is trying to appeal to blacks by offering the same kinds of things that Democrats offer-- token honors, politically correct rhetoric and welfare state benefits.
...
Trying to reach blacks through civil rights organizations that are totally hostile to your message is like a quarterback trying to throw a pass to a receiver surrounded by opposing defenders. That just leads to a lot of interceptions and touchdowns for the other team.
That is essentially what has been happening to the Republicans, as far as the black vote is concerned, for decades on end. Someone once said that a method which fails repeatedly may possibly be wrong.
Republicans and Blacks
The Republican strategy for making inroads into the black vote has failed consistently for more than a quarter of a century. Yet it never seems to occur to them to change their approach.
The first thing that they do that is foredoomed to failure is trying to reach blacks through the civil rights organizations and other institutions of the black establishment. The second proven loser is trying to appeal to blacks by offering the same kinds of things that Democrats offer-- token honors, politically correct rhetoric and welfare state benefits.
...
Trying to reach blacks through civil rights organizations that are totally hostile to your message is like a quarterback trying to throw a pass to a receiver surrounded by opposing defenders. That just leads to a lot of interceptions and touchdowns for the other team.
That is essentially what has been happening to the Republicans, as far as the black vote is concerned, for decades on end. Someone once said that a method which fails repeatedly may possibly be wrong.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Cox Leads Again
Poll shows edge for Cox as GOP opens leadership conference
Cox leads Lt. Gov. John Cherry, the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, 45 percent to 32 percent in a survey of 600 likely voters conducted by Mitchell Research & Communications Inc. and provided to The Detroit News.
In a smaller sample of 209 likely Republican voters, Cox drew 30 percent support, followed by U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra of Holland at 23 percent, then Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard at 11 percent and Ann Arbor investor Rick Snyder and state Sen. Tom George of Kalamazoo at 2 percent, with one-third undecided.
Pollster Steve Mitchell said Cox has "a solid lead" but the large number of undecided voters means the contest is up for grabs.
...
The Mitchell survey also paired up potential Republican attorney general candidates Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop of Rochester and former congressman and Court of Appeals Judge Bill Schuette against a leading Democratic candidate, Sen. Gretchen Whitmer of East Lansing. Bishop led Whitmer 36 percent to 26 percent, while Schuette and Whitmer were tied at 32 percent in the poll.
Cox leads Lt. Gov. John Cherry, the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, 45 percent to 32 percent in a survey of 600 likely voters conducted by Mitchell Research & Communications Inc. and provided to The Detroit News.
In a smaller sample of 209 likely Republican voters, Cox drew 30 percent support, followed by U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra of Holland at 23 percent, then Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard at 11 percent and Ann Arbor investor Rick Snyder and state Sen. Tom George of Kalamazoo at 2 percent, with one-third undecided.
Pollster Steve Mitchell said Cox has "a solid lead" but the large number of undecided voters means the contest is up for grabs.
...
The Mitchell survey also paired up potential Republican attorney general candidates Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop of Rochester and former congressman and Court of Appeals Judge Bill Schuette against a leading Democratic candidate, Sen. Gretchen Whitmer of East Lansing. Bishop led Whitmer 36 percent to 26 percent, while Schuette and Whitmer were tied at 32 percent in the poll.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Government in Action
This is another great example of government bureaucracy in action. Remember, government will fix health care and the economy if only we give people like this a little more power.
-----------------
Michigan Mom Told to Stop Baby-sitting
It takes a village to raise a child, except when the government gets involved.
In a small rural Michigan township southeast of Grand Rapids, Lisa Snyder volunteered to do a favor for a few neighborhood mothers, and watch their children for an hour before school so the mothers could get to work on time. She helps them get to the bus safely, and does not take money for it.
A neighbor reported this activity to the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS), and in a spasm of regulatory over-kill, the agency sent a cease-and-desist letter to Snyder right after the school year started. In it, the DHS demanded that she stop helping her neighbors by providing an "illegal daycare operation," because she was not a licensed day-care center.
A Michigan law prohibits persons from caring for unrelated children in their home for more than four weeks each calendar year unless they are licensed day-care providers. Violation of the law is a criminal misdemeanor and can result in fines and jail time.
After getting the letter, Snyder, a stay-at-home mother, contacted the Department of Human Services, but she "got nowhere."
Somehow this situation came to the attention of higher-ups in the government, and this week the Governor of Michigan, Jennifer Granholm, publicly weighed in on the matter. She instructed the agency Director, Ismael Ahmedm, to work with the State Legislature to try to change the law.
Yesterday, Michigan State Rep. Brian Calley (R-Portland) said he was working to draft legislation that would exempt situations like Snyder's from coverage under Michigan's current day-care regulations. "The bill will make it clear that people who aren't in business as day care providers don't need to be licensed," Calley said.
Ironically, Snyder was threatened with jail for providing a service to her community, a "crime" for which another tax-funded state agency may bestow an award to her. The State of Michigan funds the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC), whose mission is to "build a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism," and "to help individuals get involved in their local communities." Outstanding volunteers are even given special service awards by the Governor.
Apparently, volunteerism is not legal unless it is done under the watchful eye of the government.
-----------------
Michigan Mom Told to Stop Baby-sitting
It takes a village to raise a child, except when the government gets involved.
In a small rural Michigan township southeast of Grand Rapids, Lisa Snyder volunteered to do a favor for a few neighborhood mothers, and watch their children for an hour before school so the mothers could get to work on time. She helps them get to the bus safely, and does not take money for it.
A neighbor reported this activity to the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS), and in a spasm of regulatory over-kill, the agency sent a cease-and-desist letter to Snyder right after the school year started. In it, the DHS demanded that she stop helping her neighbors by providing an "illegal daycare operation," because she was not a licensed day-care center.
A Michigan law prohibits persons from caring for unrelated children in their home for more than four weeks each calendar year unless they are licensed day-care providers. Violation of the law is a criminal misdemeanor and can result in fines and jail time.
After getting the letter, Snyder, a stay-at-home mother, contacted the Department of Human Services, but she "got nowhere."
Somehow this situation came to the attention of higher-ups in the government, and this week the Governor of Michigan, Jennifer Granholm, publicly weighed in on the matter. She instructed the agency Director, Ismael Ahmedm, to work with the State Legislature to try to change the law.
Yesterday, Michigan State Rep. Brian Calley (R-Portland) said he was working to draft legislation that would exempt situations like Snyder's from coverage under Michigan's current day-care regulations. "The bill will make it clear that people who aren't in business as day care providers don't need to be licensed," Calley said.
Ironically, Snyder was threatened with jail for providing a service to her community, a "crime" for which another tax-funded state agency may bestow an award to her. The State of Michigan funds the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC), whose mission is to "build a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism," and "to help individuals get involved in their local communities." Outstanding volunteers are even given special service awards by the Governor.
Apparently, volunteerism is not legal unless it is done under the watchful eye of the government.
POLITICAL UPDATE--Immigration
This update focuses on immigration.
Michelle Malkin: ACORN's Illegal Alien Home Loan Racket
Steve Sailer: The First Thing We Do, Let’s Abolish The Hispanics!
Robert Engstrom: ProEnglish Makes Case for Official Language
James Edwards: The New Case Against Immigration: Both Legal and Illegal
Peter Brimelow: Building the New Majority—Peter Brimelow's Speech To The American Cause
Alex Newman: Immigration News Update
Terry Jeffrey: Harry Reid's Assault on American Workers
For more on immigration, see VDARE.com.
Michelle Malkin: ACORN's Illegal Alien Home Loan Racket
Steve Sailer: The First Thing We Do, Let’s Abolish The Hispanics!
Robert Engstrom: ProEnglish Makes Case for Official Language
James Edwards: The New Case Against Immigration: Both Legal and Illegal
Peter Brimelow: Building the New Majority—Peter Brimelow's Speech To The American Cause
Alex Newman: Immigration News Update
Terry Jeffrey: Harry Reid's Assault on American Workers
For more on immigration, see VDARE.com.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Mackinac Conference 2009
Over the weekend, the Michigan Republican Party held its biennial Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island.
--------------
The most important issue on the island--why doesn't Mackinac Island allow cars? What is this, the 1800s? They have electricity and paved roads. According to Wikipedia:
The result is that there's horse poop all over the place. The island had to import a bunch of foreigners to clean in up continually.
Mackinac Island slogan: Watch your step!
----------------
Aside from that, though, Mackinac Island really is a beautiful place. There are lots of great views of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge.
----------------
Back at the conference, the first debate between the Republican gubernatorial hopefuls was held. There were no major surprises. Senator Tom George used every question to talk about his signature issue of health care. You can watch the debate yourself here:
http://www.migop.org/index.php/news/read/mackinac_gubernatorial_debate/
----------------
The conference also featured a 'straw poll' for the statewide races. Straw polls are one of the collective absurdities of politics. It is billed as a way to determine the preferences of attendees at some event. But it is really just a fundraiser for the sponsoring organization. That means that the sponsor has no incentive to combat voter fraud, provided it gets a cut. The result is that the candidates pay for lots of people to go who otherwise wouldn't.
That makes the results basically worthless, but candidates still feel obligated to particulate, since if they don't it will look bad.
The 'winner' of the straw poll in the race for governor was Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder. While lots of candidates paid for their supporters to come to the conference, what Snyder did was different. His staff recruited hundreds of people who had never even heard of him, much less supported him. They all wore ugly lime green t-shirts. On the boat ride over to the island, they handed out a pamphlet containing Rick's ten principles for Michigan, the ten substance-free rhetoric-filled platitudes discussed earlier on this blog.
Many of the Snyder volunteers either didn't support him or actually supported other candidates, and simply came because he paid their way. This was confirmed by numerous conversations with Snyder volunteers. Snyder's campaign was so confident in its volunteers that it took the unprecedented step of physically checking their ballots for the straw poll before they were cast to see that they actually voted for him. Volunteers were not given their room keys until after this.
Former state Representative Jack Hoogendyk reports:
All of this was to create the illusion that Snyder actually has support among Republicans. Some national media outlets played along, reporting on the 'grassroots support for Rick Snyder'. Of course, he had no grassroots support. A poll shortly before the conference put him at 2% in the Republican primary.
We'll see if Snyder's sham election does him any good in the real polls.
-----------------
The other outrage from the convention was the phony tea party. Flyers were distributed advertising a tea party, but it turned out to simply be Glenn Clark plugging candidates he supports, including Paul Scott.
Anyone who supports the tea party movement ought to remember this incident.
--------------
The most important issue on the island--why doesn't Mackinac Island allow cars? What is this, the 1800s? They have electricity and paved roads. According to Wikipedia:
Motor vehicles were restricted at the end of the 19th century because of concerns for the health and safety of the island's residents and horses after local carriage drivers complained that automobiles startled their horses. This ban continues to the present with exceptions only for emergency and construction vehicles.[17][23]So it's another wonderful government regulation in action. As with all regulations, it was promoted by an established business to restrict its competition. Conservatives sometimes use bailing out the horse-and-buggy industry as an example of the absurdity of government intervention in the market, but in this case it actually happened.
The result is that there's horse poop all over the place. The island had to import a bunch of foreigners to clean in up continually.
Mackinac Island slogan: Watch your step!
----------------
Aside from that, though, Mackinac Island really is a beautiful place. There are lots of great views of Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge.
----------------
Back at the conference, the first debate between the Republican gubernatorial hopefuls was held. There were no major surprises. Senator Tom George used every question to talk about his signature issue of health care. You can watch the debate yourself here:
http://www.migop.org/index.php/news/read/mackinac_gubernatorial_debate/
----------------
The conference also featured a 'straw poll' for the statewide races. Straw polls are one of the collective absurdities of politics. It is billed as a way to determine the preferences of attendees at some event. But it is really just a fundraiser for the sponsoring organization. That means that the sponsor has no incentive to combat voter fraud, provided it gets a cut. The result is that the candidates pay for lots of people to go who otherwise wouldn't.
That makes the results basically worthless, but candidates still feel obligated to particulate, since if they don't it will look bad.
The 'winner' of the straw poll in the race for governor was Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder. While lots of candidates paid for their supporters to come to the conference, what Snyder did was different. His staff recruited hundreds of people who had never even heard of him, much less supported him. They all wore ugly lime green t-shirts. On the boat ride over to the island, they handed out a pamphlet containing Rick's ten principles for Michigan, the ten substance-free rhetoric-filled platitudes discussed earlier on this blog.
Many of the Snyder volunteers either didn't support him or actually supported other candidates, and simply came because he paid their way. This was confirmed by numerous conversations with Snyder volunteers. Snyder's campaign was so confident in its volunteers that it took the unprecedented step of physically checking their ballots for the straw poll before they were cast to see that they actually voted for him. Volunteers were not given their room keys until after this.
Former state Representative Jack Hoogendyk reports:
This year, however, it was a little different for one candidate in particular. Rick Snyder's campaign brought as many as 500 volunteers to the island. (At least that is the number rumored to have registered with the Snyder campaign in the last week alone.) They were easy to spot; they all had day-glow lime green t-shirts on. You knew they weren't road builders, Mackinac Island doesn't even allow cars.The Straw Poll. Winners: Hoekstra and McManus. "Losers": Snyder and Scott
All 500 of these volunteers were allowed to vote in the straw poll because the Snyder campaign paid the $100 for every one of them. (Nice $50,000 bump for the party coffers!) What is curious is why Snyder received only 396 votes. What was even more startling was the method used by the campaign to ensure that the "volunteers" were voting properly. I happened to notice when I was up at the hotel to vote that a Snyder campaign employee was standing inside the cordoned off voting area. Each Snyder green shirt who voted had to hand the ballot card to be checked for accuracy. Once the campaign employee was satisfied, he would stamp the hand of the voter. (Can you say "card check"? So much for secret ballots...)
...
Incidentally, I had a brief conversation with one of the green-shirted volunteers. When I asked her if the guy she was supporting was going to be the next governor, seriously, her response to me was, "Who's that?" I replied, "You know, Rick." She had a blank look on her face. I pointed to her shirt and continued, "Rick...Snyder." She looked down at her shirt, her face brightened and she said, "Oh, yeah, duh. Gee, that was a real blond thing to do, wasn't it?" Here is a YouTube from Right Michigan that further illustrates the point.
All of this was to create the illusion that Snyder actually has support among Republicans. Some national media outlets played along, reporting on the 'grassroots support for Rick Snyder'. Of course, he had no grassroots support. A poll shortly before the conference put him at 2% in the Republican primary.
We'll see if Snyder's sham election does him any good in the real polls.
-----------------
The other outrage from the convention was the phony tea party. Flyers were distributed advertising a tea party, but it turned out to simply be Glenn Clark plugging candidates he supports, including Paul Scott.
In the race for Secretary of State, Michelle McManus did very well. She garnered 404 votes; Sen. Cameron Brown, 311; Calhoun County Clerk Anne Norlander, 248; and Paul Scott, 212. So what is the deal with Paul Scott? He is a 26-year old freshman lawmaker with all of 9 months experience in elected office. Here is the inside story. The same organization that is "master-minding" the Snyder campaign has also recruited Rep. Scott, apparently convincing him that he is a viable candidate. So the word went out to the Snyder army that while voting for Snyder for governor, they should vote for Scott for SOS. Obviously, barely over half of them did. Get all the results here.That 'organization' later sent out an email spinning Scott's fourth place showing as a victory. It claimed that it was a spontaneous showing of support, rather than a highly orchestrated campaign.
Anyone who supports the tea party movement ought to remember this incident.
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Campaign group Citizens Voting No names board
Gay rights measures on the ballot in 3 US states
Kalamazoo City Commission challenger Kai Phillips keeps up pressure
Kalamazoo City Commission: Candidate claims 'abuse of power' by commissioner
11 have filed to run for Kalamazoo City Commission
Aaron Davis files to run again for Kalamazoo City Commission
Award-winning Oshtemo Township postal operations still could move moved
WSA ratifies $71,000 student funded budget
Road assessments hiked in Oshtemo Township
Members appointed to Kalamazoo County Land Bank panel
Student enrollment numbers down at Western Michigan University
Gubernatorial candidate Mike Bouchard would forbid Lansing brinksmanship
Kalamazoo City Commissioners unanimously ratified Metro Transit contract
Campaign group Citizens Voting No names board
Gay rights measures on the ballot in 3 US states
Kalamazoo City Commission challenger Kai Phillips keeps up pressure
Kalamazoo City Commission: Candidate claims 'abuse of power' by commissioner
11 have filed to run for Kalamazoo City Commission
Aaron Davis files to run again for Kalamazoo City Commission
Award-winning Oshtemo Township postal operations still could move moved
WSA ratifies $71,000 student funded budget
Road assessments hiked in Oshtemo Township
Members appointed to Kalamazoo County Land Bank panel
Student enrollment numbers down at Western Michigan University
Gubernatorial candidate Mike Bouchard would forbid Lansing brinksmanship
Kalamazoo City Commissioners unanimously ratified Metro Transit contract
Sunday, September 27, 2009
POLITICAL UPDATE--Health Care
This update focuses on health care.
Ann Coulter: Liberal Lies About Health Care
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Joe Wilson Edition Part 5
Thomas Sowell: Listening to a Liar Part II Fables for Adults
Jack Kenny: Healthcare Hirelings
Phyllis Schlafly: Who Lied?
Alex Newman: A Brief History of Government Immunizations
Ron Paul: Healthcare Reform is More Corporate Welfare
Thomas Eddlem: Obama's Healthcare Pitch to Congress
James Heiser: Gov't Guidelines Deny Care to Premature Baby
Vin Suprynowicz: Greeks Falling Out of Their Trojan Horse
James Edwards: Health 'Reform' Covers Illegal Aliens
Phyllis Schlafly: The Opportunity of a Century
See also: Sick in America with John Stossel
Ann Coulter: Liberal Lies About Health Care
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Joe Wilson Edition Part 5
Thomas Sowell: Listening to a Liar Part II Fables for Adults
Jack Kenny: Healthcare Hirelings
Phyllis Schlafly: Who Lied?
Alex Newman: A Brief History of Government Immunizations
Ron Paul: Healthcare Reform is More Corporate Welfare
Thomas Eddlem: Obama's Healthcare Pitch to Congress
James Heiser: Gov't Guidelines Deny Care to Premature Baby
Vin Suprynowicz: Greeks Falling Out of Their Trojan Horse
James Edwards: Health 'Reform' Covers Illegal Aliens
Phyllis Schlafly: The Opportunity of a Century
See also: Sick in America with John Stossel
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Mike Cox Leads Governor's Race
A new poll shows that Attorney General Mike Cox leads a tight race for Michigan governor.
------------------
Cox and Hoekstra lead in GOP race for governor, poll shows
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra are leading the Republican pack for the party’s gubernatorial nomination, according to a poll released today.
The statewide poll of 600 likely Michigan voters showed that 27% would support Cox in the GOP primary next August, while 23% backed Hoekstra and 15% would vote for Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.
Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder and state Sen. Tom George of Kalamazoo would get 2% each.
The results were released by the political newsletter Inside Michigan Politics and Marketing Resource Group as about 1,800 Republicans prepare to journey to Mackinac Island for a conference this weekend that marks the unofficial start of the 2010 election season.
On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. John Cherry holds a commanding lead over other announced candidates, state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith of Salem Township and former state Rep. John Freeman. Cherry would get 40% of the vote among likely voters in a Democratic primary election, while Freeman would get 9% and Smith would pick up 8%.
The pollsters also asked whether the voters would approve a tax increase over a state government shutdown; 51% said shut the place down, and 45% said to avoid a shutdown by raising taxes.
The poll was conducted from Sept. 12-20 and has a margin of error of 4.1 percentage points.
------------------
Cox and Hoekstra lead in GOP race for governor, poll shows
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra are leading the Republican pack for the party’s gubernatorial nomination, according to a poll released today.
The statewide poll of 600 likely Michigan voters showed that 27% would support Cox in the GOP primary next August, while 23% backed Hoekstra and 15% would vote for Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.
Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder and state Sen. Tom George of Kalamazoo would get 2% each.
The results were released by the political newsletter Inside Michigan Politics and Marketing Resource Group as about 1,800 Republicans prepare to journey to Mackinac Island for a conference this weekend that marks the unofficial start of the 2010 election season.
On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. John Cherry holds a commanding lead over other announced candidates, state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith of Salem Township and former state Rep. John Freeman. Cherry would get 40% of the vote among likely voters in a Democratic primary election, while Freeman would get 9% and Smith would pick up 8%.
The pollsters also asked whether the voters would approve a tax increase over a state government shutdown; 51% said shut the place down, and 45% said to avoid a shutdown by raising taxes.
The poll was conducted from Sept. 12-20 and has a margin of error of 4.1 percentage points.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Fighting Crime
Neighbor's son foils home invasion in Charleston Township
Donna Beatty had just finished her Monday morning jog with her dog when she returned home and noticed something was wrong.
A strange car was parked by the house with its trunk open. Two men had kicked in a back door and were attempting to steal video games and the family’s Wii, she said.
Beatty walked through the front door, saw an unfamiliar face and sprinted to a neighbor’s house.
“I kind of freaked out,” said Beatty, 38, who lives near Augusta on the 13000 block of M-96.
But unknown to Beatty, her neighbor’s grown son was about to intervene to stop the robbery.
He removed the keys from the suspects’ car, so they couldn’t flee, Beatty said.
Then, the neighbor’s son used a large hunting knife to keep one suspect at bay in the driveway until police arrived and arrested him about 11:17 a.m., she said.
“He couldn’t have been more perfect,” Beatty said. “It’s amazing he did what he did.”
One suspect, whose name was not released, is lodged in the Kalamazoo County Jail on charges of home invasion, according to a news release from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.
Police were unable to apprehend the second suspect, who escaped on foot through the woods, police said.
Donna Beatty had just finished her Monday morning jog with her dog when she returned home and noticed something was wrong.
A strange car was parked by the house with its trunk open. Two men had kicked in a back door and were attempting to steal video games and the family’s Wii, she said.
Beatty walked through the front door, saw an unfamiliar face and sprinted to a neighbor’s house.
“I kind of freaked out,” said Beatty, 38, who lives near Augusta on the 13000 block of M-96.
But unknown to Beatty, her neighbor’s grown son was about to intervene to stop the robbery.
He removed the keys from the suspects’ car, so they couldn’t flee, Beatty said.
Then, the neighbor’s son used a large hunting knife to keep one suspect at bay in the driveway until police arrived and arrested him about 11:17 a.m., she said.
“He couldn’t have been more perfect,” Beatty said. “It’s amazing he did what he did.”
One suspect, whose name was not released, is lodged in the Kalamazoo County Jail on charges of home invasion, according to a news release from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.
Police were unable to apprehend the second suspect, who escaped on foot through the woods, police said.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
POLITICAL UPDATE--Education
This update focuses on education. Government and liberalism continue to damage education.
William Jasper: "Safe Schools" Czar Jennings Should be Expelled
Claire Wolfe: Living the outlaw life
Samuel Blumenfeld: Government Education: Enemy of a Free Society
Gary North: Parents, Don't Send Your Kids to College
Phyllis Schlafly: NEA Goes All-Out for Same-Sex Marriage
Education Reporter: Through Grade Inflation, B+ is the New Average
Neal McCluskey: Genuine Change Won't Come this Way
Brenda Walker: Revaluing Work: Class Division Exacerbated By Immigration Hits A Wall (Finally)
Steve Sailer: How UC Bureaucrats Use Advanced Placement Tests To Help Asians, Hurt Whites
Learn more about education issues in Education Reporter.
William Jasper: "Safe Schools" Czar Jennings Should be Expelled
Claire Wolfe: Living the outlaw life
Samuel Blumenfeld: Government Education: Enemy of a Free Society
Gary North: Parents, Don't Send Your Kids to College
Phyllis Schlafly: NEA Goes All-Out for Same-Sex Marriage
Education Reporter: Through Grade Inflation, B+ is the New Average
Neal McCluskey: Genuine Change Won't Come this Way
Brenda Walker: Revaluing Work: Class Division Exacerbated By Immigration Hits A Wall (Finally)
Steve Sailer: How UC Bureaucrats Use Advanced Placement Tests To Help Asians, Hurt Whites
Learn more about education issues in Education Reporter.
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo College improves diversity: First Posse Scholars start classes Monday
New leader a champion for change
The Michigan House OKs lifting deed restriction for WMU Business Technology and Research Park
Trustees give Dunn raise, approve College of Education name change
WMU president gets high marks, pay raise and contract extension from trustees
Kalamazoo City Commission vote on transit-fare increases expected in November
Arrested development for BTR?
Kalamazoo gay-rights ordinance: Big spending predicted
Lorence Wenke kicks off campaign for Michigan Senate
GOP candidate for governor Rick Snyder visits West Michigan to announce endorsements
Candidates file for Nov. 3 city, school elections
Edison resident a candidate for Kalamazoo seat
Kalamazoo College improves diversity: First Posse Scholars start classes Monday
New leader a champion for change
The Michigan House OKs lifting deed restriction for WMU Business Technology and Research Park
Trustees give Dunn raise, approve College of Education name change
WMU president gets high marks, pay raise and contract extension from trustees
Kalamazoo City Commission vote on transit-fare increases expected in November
Arrested development for BTR?
Kalamazoo gay-rights ordinance: Big spending predicted
Lorence Wenke kicks off campaign for Michigan Senate
GOP candidate for governor Rick Snyder visits West Michigan to announce endorsements
Candidates file for Nov. 3 city, school elections
Edison resident a candidate for Kalamazoo seat
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Yes, Obama Lied
While some quarters have been filled with outrage (whether real or manufactured) over Congressman Joe Wilson's shouting "You Lie!" during Obama's health care propaganda speech to Congress, the media has been forced to mention the issue of whether Obamacare would provide benefits to illegal aliens.
New York Times Is Wrong, Wilson Right on Illegal Immigrants
Exclusive HE Interview With Joe Wilson
Liberals cite one provision of the house bill stating that illegals are not eligible. But that applies to only one of the many 'benefits' provided in the bill.
It also intentionally avoids the larger point. Of course the bill doesn't say "Illegal aliens are eligible". But illegal aliens break the law. That's why they're illegal. They will get government benefits unless there are effective means of preventing them from doing so.
Yet most democrats on the relevant committee voted against Republican-sponsored amendments to establish such measures. That means they really do want illegals to get benefits.
Another way that you can tell that many liberals want illegals to get benefits is more subtle. They endlessly repeat the line that "47 million Americans are uninsured" and demanding that this number be reduced to zero. Now, this isn't true, and one of the reasons that it isn't true is that the '47 million' figure includes most illegal aliens, who aren't 'Americans'.
If they want to eliminate the '47 million uninsured', then they do want to cover illegals.
(Liberals on the bottom of the information food chain may have the excuse that they don't know who this figure includes, but politicians and opinion leaders who use it know better.)
New York Times Is Wrong, Wilson Right on Illegal Immigrants
Exclusive HE Interview With Joe Wilson
Liberals cite one provision of the house bill stating that illegals are not eligible. But that applies to only one of the many 'benefits' provided in the bill.
It also intentionally avoids the larger point. Of course the bill doesn't say "Illegal aliens are eligible". But illegal aliens break the law. That's why they're illegal. They will get government benefits unless there are effective means of preventing them from doing so.
Yet most democrats on the relevant committee voted against Republican-sponsored amendments to establish such measures. That means they really do want illegals to get benefits.
Another way that you can tell that many liberals want illegals to get benefits is more subtle. They endlessly repeat the line that "47 million Americans are uninsured" and demanding that this number be reduced to zero. Now, this isn't true, and one of the reasons that it isn't true is that the '47 million' figure includes most illegal aliens, who aren't 'Americans'.
If they want to eliminate the '47 million uninsured', then they do want to cover illegals.
(Liberals on the bottom of the information food chain may have the excuse that they don't know who this figure includes, but politicians and opinion leaders who use it know better.)
POLITICAL UPDATE--The Culture War
This update focuses on the culture war. A 'hate crimes' bill attacking free speech continues to be considered in Congress. Sonia Sotomayor was confirmed by the Senate to the Supreme Court.
Becky Akers: Discrimination, Racism, and the Human Race
Don Devine: Papal Freedom Regression?
Selwyn Duke: Hate-crime Laws Expand, Freedom Contracts
Gary Bauer: When Gays Attack
Robert Knight: Proposed Federal Law Would Be a Hate Crime Against America
Steve Sailer: My Questions For Sotomayor—Will Republicans Dare Ask Them?
Steve Sailer: That Sotomayor Decision: One Law For Frank Ricci—Another For Emily Bazelon?
Jack Kenny: Sonia Sotomayor's Selection
Jed Babbin: Questions for Sotomayor
Thomas Sowell: Equality on Trial
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Becky Akers: Discrimination, Racism, and the Human Race
Don Devine: Papal Freedom Regression?
Selwyn Duke: Hate-crime Laws Expand, Freedom Contracts
Gary Bauer: When Gays Attack
Robert Knight: Proposed Federal Law Would Be a Hate Crime Against America
Steve Sailer: My Questions For Sotomayor—Will Republicans Dare Ask Them?
Steve Sailer: That Sotomayor Decision: One Law For Frank Ricci—Another For Emily Bazelon?
Jack Kenny: Sonia Sotomayor's Selection
Jed Babbin: Questions for Sotomayor
Thomas Sowell: Equality on Trial
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Jack on Ernie Harwell
From Jack Hoogendyk:
-------------------
Ernie Harwell Sets the Standard for Faith and Class
Ernie Harwell, Hall of Fame broadcaster who for 42 years, brought the Detroit Tigers into our homes, and under my pillow as a young lad, announced today he has incurable cancer. He handled the public announcement just the way you would have expected him to; with humility and a positive outlook. You can read a full account of his announcement here.
I have admired Harwell since my earliest memories of Tiger baseball. I used to stick my little transistor radio under my pillow at night, when they were playing the Angels or the Athletics out west. Invariably, I would fall asleep before the game was over only to be awakened by the National Anthem playing as the radio station signed off the air. Of course, back then, there was no way of finding out who won until the next day when the newspaper arrived.
One of the greatest thrills of my life was the day I had fly out to California from Detroit and found myself on the same flight with about half the Tigers team and Ernie Harwell! They were heading out to Anaheim to play after the all-star break. There was a mix-up in the seating assignments and I found myself sitting in business class. About halfway through the flight I looked over and saw Ernie sitting across from me, glancing at the in-flight magazine. I knew he had to bored. The seat next to him was empty, so I took a chance and sauntered over.
He was happy to chat with me about any subject I desired. I had a chance to find out a little about Ernie Harwell, the man. We talked about what kind of car he drove, the love of his life, Lulu and other subjects. I didn't engage him for too long. I gave him my card and walked back to my seat.
When I returned home, several people told me Ernie had mentioned my name on the radio. I had told him I would be attending the game in Anaheim; he told the radio audience that a fan from Detroit was at the ball park.
A Man of Great and Abiding Faith
There were many things about Ernie Harwell to admire as a professional and as a person. But to me, what was most to be admired was his abiding faith in Jesus Christ. He was an example to all those around him and was never afraid to share his faith, yet he did not wear it on his sleeve. For him it was a way of life.
Even now, as he tells the world of this devastating disease, he does it the same class he has always exhibited . "I really feel good. I've got a great attitude. I just look forward to a new adventure," Harwell told the Free Press. "God gives us so many adventures, and I've had some great ones. It's been a terrific life. Of course, the best thing that ever happened to me was my wife, Lulu. I'm just happy that we were able to reach our 68th wedding anniversary."
That pretty much says it all. We love you, Ernie. May God continue to bless you in this, the sunset of your life on earth.
Regards,
Jack Hoogendyk
-------------------
Ernie Harwell Sets the Standard for Faith and Class
Ernie Harwell, Hall of Fame broadcaster who for 42 years, brought the Detroit Tigers into our homes, and under my pillow as a young lad, announced today he has incurable cancer. He handled the public announcement just the way you would have expected him to; with humility and a positive outlook. You can read a full account of his announcement here.
I have admired Harwell since my earliest memories of Tiger baseball. I used to stick my little transistor radio under my pillow at night, when they were playing the Angels or the Athletics out west. Invariably, I would fall asleep before the game was over only to be awakened by the National Anthem playing as the radio station signed off the air. Of course, back then, there was no way of finding out who won until the next day when the newspaper arrived.
One of the greatest thrills of my life was the day I had fly out to California from Detroit and found myself on the same flight with about half the Tigers team and Ernie Harwell! They were heading out to Anaheim to play after the all-star break. There was a mix-up in the seating assignments and I found myself sitting in business class. About halfway through the flight I looked over and saw Ernie sitting across from me, glancing at the in-flight magazine. I knew he had to bored. The seat next to him was empty, so I took a chance and sauntered over.
He was happy to chat with me about any subject I desired. I had a chance to find out a little about Ernie Harwell, the man. We talked about what kind of car he drove, the love of his life, Lulu and other subjects. I didn't engage him for too long. I gave him my card and walked back to my seat.
When I returned home, several people told me Ernie had mentioned my name on the radio. I had told him I would be attending the game in Anaheim; he told the radio audience that a fan from Detroit was at the ball park.
A Man of Great and Abiding Faith
There were many things about Ernie Harwell to admire as a professional and as a person. But to me, what was most to be admired was his abiding faith in Jesus Christ. He was an example to all those around him and was never afraid to share his faith, yet he did not wear it on his sleeve. For him it was a way of life.
Even now, as he tells the world of this devastating disease, he does it the same class he has always exhibited . "I really feel good. I've got a great attitude. I just look forward to a new adventure," Harwell told the Free Press. "God gives us so many adventures, and I've had some great ones. It's been a terrific life. Of course, the best thing that ever happened to me was my wife, Lulu. I'm just happy that we were able to reach our 68th wedding anniversary."
That pretty much says it all. We love you, Ernie. May God continue to bless you in this, the sunset of your life on earth.
Regards,
Jack Hoogendyk
More Pro-Gun Bills
Workplace Protection and Campus Carry Introduced in Michigan!
This week a package of pro-gun bills, House Bill 5302, House Bill 5303, Senate Bill 792, and Senate Bill 793, were introduced in the Michigan Legislature. These bills would prohibit employers from firing employees who safely and lawfully store their firearms in locked vehicles.
HB 5302, introduced by Representative Paul Opsommer (R-93), and HB 5303, introduced by Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-103), have been assigned to the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee. SB 792, introduced by Senator Roger Kahn (R-32), and SB 793, introduced by Senator Jim Barcia (D-31), have been assigned to the Senate Committee on Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation.
No hearing dates have been scheduled yet. Please stay tuned for updates as these important pro-gun bills move through the Michigan Legislature.
Also, in an ongoing effort to broaden carry rights on college and university campuses, Senator Randy Richardville (R-17) introduced Senate Bill 747 this week. This bill would exempt state colleges and universities from the "safe zone" provision of Michigan’s concealed carry law, enabling permit holders 21 years and older, to legally carry on campuses across the state. The current arbitrary and artificial boundaries designate where permit holders can and cannot lawfully carry their gun for self-defense. Of course, criminals do not obey the law, putting innocent citizens in jeopardy in these designated gun-free zones where criminals know right-to-carry is prohibited. Michigan State University recently permitted concealed carry on campus, but the university still has prohibitions in classrooms, buildings and dormitories. The bill would expand carry rights to all campus property, including buildings.
SB747 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee, but it has not been scheduled for a hearing. Please continue to check your email and www.nraila.org for updates.
This week a package of pro-gun bills, House Bill 5302, House Bill 5303, Senate Bill 792, and Senate Bill 793, were introduced in the Michigan Legislature. These bills would prohibit employers from firing employees who safely and lawfully store their firearms in locked vehicles.
HB 5302, introduced by Representative Paul Opsommer (R-93), and HB 5303, introduced by Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-103), have been assigned to the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee. SB 792, introduced by Senator Roger Kahn (R-32), and SB 793, introduced by Senator Jim Barcia (D-31), have been assigned to the Senate Committee on Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation.
No hearing dates have been scheduled yet. Please stay tuned for updates as these important pro-gun bills move through the Michigan Legislature.
Also, in an ongoing effort to broaden carry rights on college and university campuses, Senator Randy Richardville (R-17) introduced Senate Bill 747 this week. This bill would exempt state colleges and universities from the "safe zone" provision of Michigan’s concealed carry law, enabling permit holders 21 years and older, to legally carry on campuses across the state. The current arbitrary and artificial boundaries designate where permit holders can and cannot lawfully carry their gun for self-defense. Of course, criminals do not obey the law, putting innocent citizens in jeopardy in these designated gun-free zones where criminals know right-to-carry is prohibited. Michigan State University recently permitted concealed carry on campus, but the university still has prohibitions in classrooms, buildings and dormitories. The bill would expand carry rights to all campus property, including buildings.
SB747 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee, but it has not been scheduled for a hearing. Please continue to check your email and www.nraila.org for updates.
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
State lawmaker James Bolger offers plan to fund preschool programs
Gay bishop urges changed view of LGBT people
Honor follows horror: Crowd remembers those who lost their lives on 9/11
Bronco Bash 2009 brings campus, community, together
Western Michigan University President John M. Dunn seeks to increase research at the institution
Dunn prescribes more research in State of the University Address
Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce members hear from gubernatorial candidates
Gov. candidate Mike Cox releases plan to change Michigan
Jim Pearson launches bid for Portage council
David Anderson to run again for Kalamazoo City Commission
Kalamazoo City Commissioner David Anderson announces bid for re-election
Two more candidate announcements bring Kalamazoo City Commission field to 11
Claudette Reid plans to seek re-election to Portage City Council
State lawmaker James Bolger offers plan to fund preschool programs
Gay bishop urges changed view of LGBT people
Honor follows horror: Crowd remembers those who lost their lives on 9/11
Bronco Bash 2009 brings campus, community, together
Western Michigan University President John M. Dunn seeks to increase research at the institution
Dunn prescribes more research in State of the University Address
Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce members hear from gubernatorial candidates
Gov. candidate Mike Cox releases plan to change Michigan
Jim Pearson launches bid for Portage council
David Anderson to run again for Kalamazoo City Commission
Kalamazoo City Commissioner David Anderson announces bid for re-election
Two more candidate announcements bring Kalamazoo City Commission field to 11
Claudette Reid plans to seek re-election to Portage City Council
Friday, September 11, 2009
Campus Security
A Gazette article discusses new security measures being implemented on campus.
Michigan colleges rethink campus safety approach
Hey everybody! Hear those loud bangs? Those are gunshots! RUN!
Let's hope that if you call the police, they won't do what they did at Virginia Tech and Columbine: hide behind trees outside the building until the shooter has finished slaughtering people and safely committed suicide.
Colleges still won't consider the best policy to stop school shooters: End the Campus Gun Ban.
Michigan colleges rethink campus safety approach
Western Michigan University, for instance, recently installed external loud speakers on campus through which recorded messages can be played. WMU will bring online a "reverse 911" system that should be fully operational next year.What are they going to say?
Hey everybody! Hear those loud bangs? Those are gunshots! RUN!
Let's hope that if you call the police, they won't do what they did at Virginia Tech and Columbine: hide behind trees outside the building until the shooter has finished slaughtering people and safely committed suicide.
Colleges still won't consider the best policy to stop school shooters: End the Campus Gun Ban.
Hopewell Hates Guns
Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell is a member of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Mayors Against Illegal Guns. MAIG is an anti-gun group that opposes the right to keep and bear arms. Hopewell is one of only two Michigan mayors in the group.
Current members of "Mayors Against Illegal Guns"
Michigan:
Mayor Bobby J. Hopewell
Kalamazoo, MI
Mayor Brenda L. Lawrence
Southfield, MI
Previous: Hopewell Hates Guns
Current members of "Mayors Against Illegal Guns"
Michigan:
Mayor Bobby J. Hopewell
Kalamazoo, MI
Mayor Brenda L. Lawrence
Southfield, MI
Previous: Hopewell Hates Guns
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
After Hoekstra
CQ reports on the race for Michigan's 2nd congressional district, open due to Pete Hoekstra's decision to run for governor.
Open Seat and GOP Edge Yield Crowded Michigan Primary
Open Seat and GOP Edge Yield Crowded Michigan Primary
Sunday, September 06, 2009
POLITICAL UPDATE--The Economy
This update focuses on the economy. Unemployment continues to rise as government spending, bailouts, and inflation only make things worse.
Gary North: Deficits Will Matter
William Hoar: Cash for Clunkers
Steve Sailer: Alyssa Katz’ Our Lot: A Liberal Perspective On How Political Pressure To Boost Minority Homeownership Helped Blow Up The Economy
William Hoar: Stimulus Scam Redux?
Gary North: Bernanke Is Stuttering, Stammering, Panicking
Gary North: We Are in the Midst of a Disaster
Thomas Eddlem: Media Raising Concerns Over Goldman Sachs’ Gov’t Influence
Pat Buchanan: Socialist America Sinking
William Hoar: Driving Us to Destruction
Chris Clancy: The Greatest Scam in the History of the World
Gary North: Shredding Your Safety Nets
See also:
The Recession Reader
The Bailout Reader
Gary North: Deficits Will Matter
William Hoar: Cash for Clunkers
Steve Sailer: Alyssa Katz’ Our Lot: A Liberal Perspective On How Political Pressure To Boost Minority Homeownership Helped Blow Up The Economy
William Hoar: Stimulus Scam Redux?
Gary North: Bernanke Is Stuttering, Stammering, Panicking
Gary North: We Are in the Midst of a Disaster
Thomas Eddlem: Media Raising Concerns Over Goldman Sachs’ Gov’t Influence
Pat Buchanan: Socialist America Sinking
William Hoar: Driving Us to Destruction
Chris Clancy: The Greatest Scam in the History of the World
Gary North: Shredding Your Safety Nets
See also:
The Recession Reader
The Bailout Reader
Down with Jazz
Polpourri: Fred Upton demands patriotic tunes return as U.S. House 'hold' music
Callers to the U.S. House are back to hearing patriotic tunes while on hold after a brief flirtation with jazz music was vetoed by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph.
Upton objected after the hold music was switched to a jazz CD on Aug. 11.
The original brassy, patriotic music was restored Tuesday. Jeff Ventura, spokesman for House Chief Administrative Officer Daniel Beard, says the music was changed as a test in case the phone system someday could let individual offices select hold music for their phones.
"We do not hate America," Ventura told The Associated Press.
He says the switch was made by House administrative staffers and did not involve Democratic leadership.
Ventura said Upton's objection has ended the experiment indefinitely.
Callers to the U.S. House are back to hearing patriotic tunes while on hold after a brief flirtation with jazz music was vetoed by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph.
Upton objected after the hold music was switched to a jazz CD on Aug. 11.
The original brassy, patriotic music was restored Tuesday. Jeff Ventura, spokesman for House Chief Administrative Officer Daniel Beard, says the music was changed as a test in case the phone system someday could let individual offices select hold music for their phones.
"We do not hate America," Ventura told The Associated Press.
He says the switch was made by House administrative staffers and did not involve Democratic leadership.
Ventura said Upton's objection has ended the experiment indefinitely.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo City Commissioner Don Cooney will run for another term
Cory Bailes files to run for Portage City Council
Election season for Kalamazoo City Commission officially kicks off today
Kalamazoo County Commissioner Brian Johnson says he won't run against Sean McCann for state House seat
Gay Episcopal bishop coming to Kalamazoo
Michigan colleges rethink campus safety approach
State Rep. Robert Jones' 'healing has been amazing'
Kalamazoo County Land bank board members sought
Police to boost patrols near Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo Valley Community College to start $12 million expansion
WWMT's parent company files for bankruptcy
Supervisor Bob Vlietstra faces Nov. 3 recall election in Alamo Township
Kalamazoo City Commission backs universal health care
Kalamazoo City Commissioner Don Cooney will run for another term
Cory Bailes files to run for Portage City Council
Election season for Kalamazoo City Commission officially kicks off today
Kalamazoo County Commissioner Brian Johnson says he won't run against Sean McCann for state House seat
Gay Episcopal bishop coming to Kalamazoo
Michigan colleges rethink campus safety approach
State Rep. Robert Jones' 'healing has been amazing'
Kalamazoo County Land bank board members sought
Police to boost patrols near Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo Valley Community College to start $12 million expansion
WWMT's parent company files for bankruptcy
Supervisor Bob Vlietstra faces Nov. 3 recall election in Alamo Township
Kalamazoo City Commission backs universal health care
Monday, August 31, 2009
New Gun Rights Bill
There is a new gun rights bill in the Michigan legislature sponsored by Khaaan!
Senate and House introduce gun rights measures
------------------
LANSING—Bills to help ensure that all Michigan gun owners are guaranteed the right to lawfully store firearms in their locked and privately owned vehicles while in an employer’s parking lot were introduced Thursday in the Michigan Legislature, said sponsors Sen. Roger Kahn and Rep. Paul Opsommer.
Kahn, R-Saginaw Township, and Opsommer, R-DeWitt, were joined by Rep. Joel Sheltrown, D-West Branch, and Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City, as primary bill sponsors.
The bipartisan, bicameral measures protect the rights of gun owners storing firearms in their vehicles, as long as all current storage laws are being followed. The proposed laws would not apply to company cars and would not alter Michigan’s concealed pistol law.
“Michigan residents have a right to have a firearm available for self-defense, if needed, during the daily commute to and from work,” Kahn said. “Concealed pistol license holders often face circumstances where they cannot be protected on their way to or from work because they have nowhere to store their gun once there.”
According to the National Rifle Association, 48 states, including Michigan, allow people to carry firearms in their vehicles for personal protection. More than one of every four of America’s 65-80 million gun owners carries a firearm in their vehicle for protection. Legislation similar to the Michigan plan was recently adopted in 10 other states.
Workplace Firearms Storage laws have been upheld by courts in other states. The courts have ruled that a business owner’s private property rights are not affected by laws preventing the micro-management of the lawful contents of a person’s privately-owned automobile.
Opsommer agrees, stating that, "We need to ensure that employers can not create over-reaching company policies that violate the Constitution and provide an excuse to terminate employees whose political views differ from those of management. People who lawfully own firearms and are following appropriate storage laws should not lose the ability to transport them in privately owned vehicles."
Senate Bills 792 and 793, and House Bills 5302 and 5303 will be considered in the early fall after work on the state budget has been completed.
Senate and House introduce gun rights measures
------------------
LANSING—Bills to help ensure that all Michigan gun owners are guaranteed the right to lawfully store firearms in their locked and privately owned vehicles while in an employer’s parking lot were introduced Thursday in the Michigan Legislature, said sponsors Sen. Roger Kahn and Rep. Paul Opsommer.
Kahn, R-Saginaw Township, and Opsommer, R-DeWitt, were joined by Rep. Joel Sheltrown, D-West Branch, and Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City, as primary bill sponsors.
The bipartisan, bicameral measures protect the rights of gun owners storing firearms in their vehicles, as long as all current storage laws are being followed. The proposed laws would not apply to company cars and would not alter Michigan’s concealed pistol law.
“Michigan residents have a right to have a firearm available for self-defense, if needed, during the daily commute to and from work,” Kahn said. “Concealed pistol license holders often face circumstances where they cannot be protected on their way to or from work because they have nowhere to store their gun once there.”
According to the National Rifle Association, 48 states, including Michigan, allow people to carry firearms in their vehicles for personal protection. More than one of every four of America’s 65-80 million gun owners carries a firearm in their vehicle for protection. Legislation similar to the Michigan plan was recently adopted in 10 other states.
Workplace Firearms Storage laws have been upheld by courts in other states. The courts have ruled that a business owner’s private property rights are not affected by laws preventing the micro-management of the lawful contents of a person’s privately-owned automobile.
Opsommer agrees, stating that, "We need to ensure that employers can not create over-reaching company policies that violate the Constitution and provide an excuse to terminate employees whose political views differ from those of management. People who lawfully own firearms and are following appropriate storage laws should not lose the ability to transport them in privately owned vehicles."
Senate Bills 792 and 793, and House Bills 5302 and 5303 will be considered in the early fall after work on the state budget has been completed.
Paid for by You
Living eco friendly with the new Eco Mug
In 2003 another EcoMug was introduced, but never really caught on. Two years later, the Western Student Association funded a third EcoMug until 2007.The WMUGOP's finest moment.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Ted Kennedy's Terrible Legacy
Senator Ted Kennedy died on Tuesday. He was truly one of the worst figures in American public life.
A Conservative Reflection on Ted Kennedy
Kennedy was a reprobate in his personal life. He was kicked out of Harvard for paying another student to take a test for him. He was a lifelong drunk. He mistreated women through his entire life.
But at least he felt sorry about it later, right?
Nor was this his only crime, though it was the only one for which he was convicted (he got a slap on the wrist). Kennedy was a long-time supporter of imprisoning citizens who want to protect their lives against criminals (aka gun control). But he flouted federal gun laws by having machine gun toting guards protect a convicted criminal.
Kennedy was also a traitor. Yes, a giving aid and comfort to the enemies of America traitor.
Ted Kennedy's Soviet Gambit
Remembering Teddy’s KGB Connection
This is Treason
He secretly contacted the Soviet KGB to attempt to undermine America's defenses against the Soviet Union. This began even under pansy Jimmy Carter. But Kennedy's efforts to undermine America really got going under Ronald Reagan. He attempted to arrange a propaganda tour for Soviet dictator Yuri Andropov.
Soviet assassinations
Thankfully, Kennedy failed and so did the Soviet Union. His treachery was exposed thanks to the discovery of documents in the Soviet archives following its collapse.
Kennedy's legislative efforts have been just as disastrous. While he was a long time supporter of a government takeover of health care, he had no problem availing himself of the best private medicine, instead of the government-run VA hospitals. He supported the bill creating HMOs, which he would later attack.
Kennedy consistently advocated disastrous immigration policy. He led the floor efforts for the disastrous 1965 immigration bill. During debate, he argued
Kennedy was also a leading supporter of cutting off all aid to South Vietnam. This is not American troops or bombing, mind you, but aid that America had committed by treaty to provide. This snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, and led to the slaughter of millions of Vietnamese by the communists.
When it was convenient, Kennedy opposed abortion.
While the "McCarthyism" of Joe McCarthy is a myth, Kennedy did something like it with his ludicrous "Robert Bork's America" speech smearing a highly distinguished judge. (Ironically, Robert F. Kennedy worked for McCarthy.) (see Blacklisted by History)
Contrary to the plaudits of liberals, Kennedy didn't give a damn about the common man. He cared about Ted Kennedy first and only. Where was Kennedy's compassion for others when he was letting Mary Jo Kopechne die? Kennedy never gave his millions in inherited wealth to the poor, but he was always eager to take money in taxes away from Americans far poorer than him.
Kennedy's longevity in politics says a lot about the liberals who covered for and defended him through the years. Somehow, it seems unlikely that a Republican (much less a conservative) could have gotten away with Kennedy's actions.
Kennedy's record speaks volumes about both Kennedy himself and the modern American left.
UPDATE: Not funny, indeed.
A Conservative Reflection on Ted Kennedy
Kennedy was a reprobate in his personal life. He was kicked out of Harvard for paying another student to take a test for him. He was a lifelong drunk. He mistreated women through his entire life.
“He was my baby,” mother Rose remembered, “and I tried to keep him my baby.” When he was a man, this showed. He cheated his way out of Harvard. He led police on drunken high-speed chases while at law school in Charlottesville, Va. He bedded the most available women. When he finally settled down with Joan Bennett, his virgin bride surmised that he did so mainly because she refused to give him what so many of his girlfriends had “The only reason he wanted to marry me,” Joan reflected, “was because he couldn’t get me any other way.” The tone of the marriage was set when, upon watching the commemorative film of her wedding, Joan heard John Kennedy -- momentarily unaware that he was miked up for the wedding motion picture -- tell his youngest brother that being married didn’t mean he had to stop sleeping with other women. After a lifetime observing the brazen adultery of his father, and hearing stories of his grandfather’s liaisons derailing his reelection as mayor of Boston, the advice probably seemed redundant.Kennedy's drinking and mistreatment of women came together when a drunken Kennedy drove his Oldsmobile off a bridge near Chappaquiddick Bay. He escaped from the car, leaving behind his passenger Mary Jo Kopechne. Kopechne didn't die right away. She was trapped in the car, surviving for hours on the air bubble until she slowly suffocated to death. Kennedy could have saved her life by just calling 911, but instead he tried to concoct an alibi to cover up his responsibility for the crash. He chose to let her die.
But at least he felt sorry about it later, right?
Nor was this his only crime, though it was the only one for which he was convicted (he got a slap on the wrist). Kennedy was a long-time supporter of imprisoning citizens who want to protect their lives against criminals (aka gun control). But he flouted federal gun laws by having machine gun toting guards protect a convicted criminal.
Kennedy was also a traitor. Yes, a giving aid and comfort to the enemies of America traitor.
Ted Kennedy's Soviet Gambit
Remembering Teddy’s KGB Connection
This is Treason
He secretly contacted the Soviet KGB to attempt to undermine America's defenses against the Soviet Union. This began even under pansy Jimmy Carter. But Kennedy's efforts to undermine America really got going under Ronald Reagan. He attempted to arrange a propaganda tour for Soviet dictator Yuri Andropov.
"On 9-10 May of this year," the May 14 memorandum explained, "Sen. Edward Kennedy's close friend and trusted confidant [John] Tunney was in Moscow." (Tunney was Kennedy's law school roommate and a former Democratic senator from California.) "The senator charged Tunney to convey the following message, through confidential contacts, to the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Y. Andropov."Andropov wasn't even your average Soviet dictator. He was a longtime head of the KGB. He was "the leader of the Soviet Union, a former director of the KGB and a principal mover in both the crushing of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and the suppression of the 1968 Prague Spring". Andropov authorized the assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II, the leader of the church that Kennedy claimed to be a member of. Later in 1983, the Soviet Union shot down a Korean airliner, killing an American congressman, Larry MacDonald.
Kennedy's message was simple. He proposed an unabashed quid pro quo. Kennedy would lend Andropov a hand in dealing with President Reagan. In return, the Soviet leader would lend the Democratic Party a hand in challenging Reagan in the 1984 presidential election. "The only real potential threats to Reagan are problems of war and peace and Soviet-American relations," the memorandum stated. "These issues, according to the senator, will without a doubt become the most important of the election campaign."
Soviet assassinations
Thankfully, Kennedy failed and so did the Soviet Union. His treachery was exposed thanks to the discovery of documents in the Soviet archives following its collapse.
Kennedy's legislative efforts have been just as disastrous. While he was a long time supporter of a government takeover of health care, he had no problem availing himself of the best private medicine, instead of the government-run VA hospitals. He supported the bill creating HMOs, which he would later attack.
Kennedy consistently advocated disastrous immigration policy. He led the floor efforts for the disastrous 1965 immigration bill. During debate, he argued
“First, our cities will not be flooded with a million immigrants annually. Under the proposed bill, the present level of immigration remains substantially the same… Secondly, the ethnic mix of this country will not be upset…. Contrary to the charges in some quarters, [the bill] will not inundate America with immigrants from any one country or area, or the most populated and deprived nations of Africa and Asia….Kennedy never apologized for being so wrong. He was a leading supporter of the 1986 amnesty, and a main sponsor of the failed 2006 and 2007 amnesty efforts.
In the final analysis, the ethnic pattern of immigration under the proposed measure is not expected to change as sharply as the critics seem to think.”
Kennedy was also a leading supporter of cutting off all aid to South Vietnam. This is not American troops or bombing, mind you, but aid that America had committed by treaty to provide. This snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, and led to the slaughter of millions of Vietnamese by the communists.
When it was convenient, Kennedy opposed abortion.
“[O]nce life has begun, no matter at what stage of growth, it is my belief that termination should not be decided merely by desire.”But when it was politically necessary, he became a staunch defender of baby-killing.
While the "McCarthyism" of Joe McCarthy is a myth, Kennedy did something like it with his ludicrous "Robert Bork's America" speech smearing a highly distinguished judge. (Ironically, Robert F. Kennedy worked for McCarthy.) (see Blacklisted by History)
Contrary to the plaudits of liberals, Kennedy didn't give a damn about the common man. He cared about Ted Kennedy first and only. Where was Kennedy's compassion for others when he was letting Mary Jo Kopechne die? Kennedy never gave his millions in inherited wealth to the poor, but he was always eager to take money in taxes away from Americans far poorer than him.
Kennedy's longevity in politics says a lot about the liberals who covered for and defended him through the years. Somehow, it seems unlikely that a Republican (much less a conservative) could have gotten away with Kennedy's actions.
Kennedy's record speaks volumes about both Kennedy himself and the modern American left.
UPDATE: Not funny, indeed.
POLITICAL UPDATE--Government
This update focuses on government. Government spending and regulation continues to damage America.
Don Devine: Obama Public Service
Becky Akers: “Your Papers, Please!”
Ron Paul: Cash for Clunkers
Gary North: Medicare Went Broke in 2008
Ben O'Neill: "It's Discrimination!"
Art Carden: The Freedom To Discriminate
Charles Scaliger: Freedom and Progress
Larry Greenley: Dangers of a Constitutional Convention
Thomas Woods: The Non-Orwellian View of American History
Thomas DiLorenzo: Who Will Regulate the Regulators?
Ann Shibler: From Farming to Serfdom
Steve DuBord: "Ten Thousand Commandments" of Federal Regulation
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Don Devine: Obama Public Service
Becky Akers: “Your Papers, Please!”
Ron Paul: Cash for Clunkers
Gary North: Medicare Went Broke in 2008
Ben O'Neill: "It's Discrimination!"
Art Carden: The Freedom To Discriminate
Charles Scaliger: Freedom and Progress
Larry Greenley: Dangers of a Constitutional Convention
Thomas Woods: The Non-Orwellian View of American History
Thomas DiLorenzo: Who Will Regulate the Regulators?
Ann Shibler: From Farming to Serfdom
Steve DuBord: "Ten Thousand Commandments" of Federal Regulation
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Calvin College professors seek discussion of ban on homosexual advocacy
Congressman Fred Upton fights to keep Kalamazoo postal plant open
Elections: Many issues on Nov. 3 ballot
WMU's Colony Farm plan advances
House committee advances legislation that would help clear way for WMU to expand business park to Colony Farm Orchard
Oshtemo Township seeks compromise with Western Michigan University on business park expansion at Colony Farm
Kalamazoo City Commissioner Stephanie Moore to seek second term
Portage City Councilman Terry Urban to run again
Portage school board delays vote on tax renewal
Vice Mayor Hannah McKinney announces bid for re-election on Kalamazoo City Commission
City commission to vote on health-care reform
Kalamazoo City panel embarks on health-care work: Subcommittee to make recommendations for national policy
Calvin College professors seek discussion of ban on homosexual advocacy
Congressman Fred Upton fights to keep Kalamazoo postal plant open
Elections: Many issues on Nov. 3 ballot
WMU's Colony Farm plan advances
House committee advances legislation that would help clear way for WMU to expand business park to Colony Farm Orchard
Oshtemo Township seeks compromise with Western Michigan University on business park expansion at Colony Farm
Kalamazoo City Commissioner Stephanie Moore to seek second term
Portage City Councilman Terry Urban to run again
Portage school board delays vote on tax renewal
Vice Mayor Hannah McKinney announces bid for re-election on Kalamazoo City Commission
City commission to vote on health-care reform
Kalamazoo City panel embarks on health-care work: Subcommittee to make recommendations for national policy
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Responsible Voters
Check out the website of Kalamazoo Citizens Voting NO to Special Rights Discrimination, the group opposing the discrimination ordinance passed by the city of Kalamazoo. They have a lot of good information on the effects of similar ordinances.
http://responsiblevoters.org/
http://responsiblevoters.org/
Monday, August 24, 2009
Dome of Deceit
The Gazette has an update on the plan to force taxpayers to subsidize the businesses of local bigshots with a government-run arena.
Kalamazoo arena could revitalize 'desolate' downtown area, but voters must approve new taxes to make proposal a reality
How the arena would be paid for: taxes and bonds
The commenters on the first article are scathing. They overwhelmingly oppose this plan. Moreover, they clearly understand that WMU Board of Trustees Chairman Ken Miller is promoting his own personal interest, not the public good.
A couple interesting tidbits.
Previous:
Arena of Conflict
Forum of Discontent
Kalamazoo arena could revitalize 'desolate' downtown area, but voters must approve new taxes to make proposal a reality
How the arena would be paid for: taxes and bonds
The commenters on the first article are scathing. They overwhelmingly oppose this plan. Moreover, they clearly understand that WMU Board of Trustees Chairman Ken Miller is promoting his own personal interest, not the public good.
A couple interesting tidbits.
"I don't believe it's going to be a prohibitive issue to too many people," Kenneth Miller, chairman of the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees and member of Suite Idea, said of the possible taxes.Miller may be seriously misreading public sentiment. In a bad economy, with high unemployment, it doesn't seem likely that voters will go for this. The vote has been put off until May 2010, instead of November 2009, which would have seen disproportionate numbers of tax-friendly Kalamazoo residents at the polls. This plan doesn't have an obvious ideological constituency, either.
In 2008, State Rep. Robert Jones, D-Kalamazoo, put into motion a way to fund the proposed arena in downtown Kalamazoo.Also noteworthy is state Rep. Robert Jones' involvement, smuggling a bill through Lansing making this whole fiasco possible. Jones may pose as a champion of the little guy, but he was all too eager to champion corporate welfare for Kalamazoo's most influential citizens.
Jones fast-tracked an amendment to a 1991 state law, Public Act 180, making Kalamazoo County eligible to use hotel, rental car, bar and restaurant surcharges to finance construction of a public arena.
Previous:
Arena of Conflict
Forum of Discontent
Metal Monstrosities
From WMU News:
Sculpture Tour recognized internationally
Western's 'sculpture tour' is recognized locally as a collection of bizarre eyesores scarring campus.
There's a reason that nobody, including most liberals, will put these metal monstrosities on their own private property. Only on government property can the tiny clique of modern art enthusiasts hold enough sway to get these things put up.
Sculpture Tour recognized internationally
Western's 'sculpture tour' is recognized locally as a collection of bizarre eyesores scarring campus.
There's a reason that nobody, including most liberals, will put these metal monstrosities on their own private property. Only on government property can the tiny clique of modern art enthusiasts hold enough sway to get these things put up.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
POLITICAL UPDATE--Health Care
This update focuses on health care. While the health care debate roils America, more facts about the proposals in Congress continue to emerge.
Gregory Hession:
ObamaCare Shocker: Taxes to Go Up; Way Up
ObamaCare Shocker: Rationing - The Doctor Will NOT See You Now
ObamaCare Shocker: Send in the Social Workers
ObamaCare Shocker: They Really Do Want to Croak Granny
ObamaCare Shocker: Gov't Sees You Naked Too
ObamaCare Shocker: Gov't Healthcare System Already Broken
Thomas Sowell: Whose Medical Decisions? Part II Part III Part IV
Ann Coulter: Liberal Lies About National Health Care: First In a Series
Edwin Rubenstein: Legal Immigration—The Bigger Obamacare Problem
William Hoar: Washington Gives Us the Treatment
Phyllis Schlafly: Obama Brings Chicago-Style Intimidation
Lew Rockwell: Post Office, MD
Thomas DiLorenzo: Single-Payer Groceries, Anyone?
Steven Dubord: Obama’s Healthcare Prescription
Cort Kirkwook: All Doped Up
Ron Paul: Healthcare Plan Based on Economic Fantasy
See also: Sick in America with John Stossel
Gregory Hession:
ObamaCare Shocker: Taxes to Go Up; Way Up
ObamaCare Shocker: Rationing - The Doctor Will NOT See You Now
ObamaCare Shocker: Send in the Social Workers
ObamaCare Shocker: They Really Do Want to Croak Granny
ObamaCare Shocker: Gov't Sees You Naked Too
ObamaCare Shocker: Gov't Healthcare System Already Broken
Thomas Sowell: Whose Medical Decisions? Part II Part III Part IV
Ann Coulter: Liberal Lies About National Health Care: First In a Series
Edwin Rubenstein: Legal Immigration—The Bigger Obamacare Problem
William Hoar: Washington Gives Us the Treatment
Phyllis Schlafly: Obama Brings Chicago-Style Intimidation
Lew Rockwell: Post Office, MD
Thomas DiLorenzo: Single-Payer Groceries, Anyone?
Steven Dubord: Obama’s Healthcare Prescription
Cort Kirkwook: All Doped Up
Ron Paul: Healthcare Plan Based on Economic Fantasy
See also: Sick in America with John Stossel
City Commission Update
More candidates have announced their intentions regarding the Kalamazoo City Commission.
City Commissioner Barbara Hamilton Miller announces re-election bid
Two announce plans to run for Kalamazoo City Commission
Kalamazoo mayor to seek re-election
Mayor Bobby Hopewell and Commissioner Barb Miller will seek reelection. Sean McCann has previously announced that he will not seek reelection and will instead pursue the 60th state house seat. That leaves longtime commissioners Hannah McKinney and Don Cooney, plus David Anderson and legally troubled Stephanie Moore yet to announce their intentions.
Challengers so far include Terry Krueske, who heads the city Planning Commission and has been involved with many other boards. Asha Khazad appears to be a much less credible candidate.
There is also Kai Phillips, a business-owner who opposes the 'gay rights' ordinance passed by the commission.
Candidates have until October 2 to announce for election.
City Commissioner Barbara Hamilton Miller announces re-election bid
Two announce plans to run for Kalamazoo City Commission
Kalamazoo mayor to seek re-election
Mayor Bobby Hopewell and Commissioner Barb Miller will seek reelection. Sean McCann has previously announced that he will not seek reelection and will instead pursue the 60th state house seat. That leaves longtime commissioners Hannah McKinney and Don Cooney, plus David Anderson and legally troubled Stephanie Moore yet to announce their intentions.
Challengers so far include Terry Krueske, who heads the city Planning Commission and has been involved with many other boards. Asha Khazad appears to be a much less credible candidate.
There is also Kai Phillips, a business-owner who opposes the 'gay rights' ordinance passed by the commission.
Candidates have until October 2 to announce for election.
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
City Commissioner Barbara Hamilton Miller announces re-election bid
Two announce plans to run for Kalamazoo City Commission
Kalamazoo mayor to seek re-election
Portage Mayor Pete Strazdas wants his experience used in 3rd term
Voters to decide Kalamazoo gay-rights issue in November election
Language of ordinance no. 1856
Advocacy groups decry assault on gay teen in Portage
Kalamazoo rally draws advocates for health-care reform
Undisclosed advocacy group joined health-reform meeting
Consensus lacking on health care at forum in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo County Metro Transit considers fare increase, variable pricing for buses
Petition signatures validated in recall drive against Alamo Township supervisor
Western Michigan University plans to raze buildings downtown where arena would be located
Kalamazoo political-action committees buck downward trend in contributions
Only 16 percent of Michigan high school graduates 'college-ready'
City Commissioner Barbara Hamilton Miller announces re-election bid
Two announce plans to run for Kalamazoo City Commission
Kalamazoo mayor to seek re-election
Portage Mayor Pete Strazdas wants his experience used in 3rd term
Voters to decide Kalamazoo gay-rights issue in November election
Language of ordinance no. 1856
Advocacy groups decry assault on gay teen in Portage
Kalamazoo rally draws advocates for health-care reform
Undisclosed advocacy group joined health-reform meeting
Consensus lacking on health care at forum in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo County Metro Transit considers fare increase, variable pricing for buses
Petition signatures validated in recall drive against Alamo Township supervisor
Western Michigan University plans to raze buildings downtown where arena would be located
Kalamazoo political-action committees buck downward trend in contributions
Only 16 percent of Michigan high school graduates 'college-ready'
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Mark Schauer's Astroturf Supporters
Michelle Malkin (via the Jackson Citizen Patriot) reports on astroturf supporters of government health care being bussed in to a rally at Mark Schauer's office. The buses were organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
All aboard the Astroturf bus!
All aboard the Astroturf bus!
Mark Totten for Senate?
Someone named Mark Totten has organized a campaign committee to run for state senate in the 20th district as a democrat.
http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/cfr/com_det.cgi?com_id=514404
He is an MSU law professor affiliated with something called the Truman National Security Project, which bills itself as "Training a New Generation of Progressives to Lead on National Security". He is active in the local democrat party.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mark-totten/7/398/619
http://www.trumanproject.org/programs/fellowship/people/mark-totten
http://www.westmichiganrising.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1638
http://www.westmichiganrising.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1618
http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/cfr/com_det.cgi?com_id=514404
He is an MSU law professor affiliated with something called the Truman National Security Project, which bills itself as "Training a New Generation of Progressives to Lead on National Security". He is active in the local democrat party.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mark-totten/7/398/619
http://www.trumanproject.org/programs/fellowship/people/mark-totten
http://www.westmichiganrising.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1638
http://www.westmichiganrising.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1618
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
POLITICAL UPDATE--News from Abroad
This update focuses on news from abroad. Trouble continues in Russia, Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere.
Cort Kirkwood: Crescent Over Europe
Steve Sailer: Christopher Caldwell's Reflection On The Revolution In Europe: Now He Tells Us?
Charles Scaliger: Book Review: Triple Cross
William Jasper: Communism Still Stands in the “Stans”
William Jasper: Terrorist Targeting of Police
James Perloff: China Betrayed Into Communism
William Jasper: "Islamists" Denounce Capitalism, Call for Global Caliphate
William Jasper: Hizb ut-Tahrir: KGB-FSB Connection?
William Jasper: Decades of Suicidal Policies Vis-Ã -vis Russia and China
Cort Kirkwood: Muslim Face of the EU
Don Devine: Real Iranian Revolt
Gustavo Coronel: The World Upside Down: Honduras
Kathryn Gaines: America is Vulnerable to An Electromagnetic Pulse Attack
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Cort Kirkwood: Crescent Over Europe
Steve Sailer: Christopher Caldwell's Reflection On The Revolution In Europe: Now He Tells Us?
Charles Scaliger: Book Review: Triple Cross
William Jasper: Communism Still Stands in the “Stans”
William Jasper: Terrorist Targeting of Police
James Perloff: China Betrayed Into Communism
William Jasper: "Islamists" Denounce Capitalism, Call for Global Caliphate
William Jasper: Hizb ut-Tahrir: KGB-FSB Connection?
William Jasper: Decades of Suicidal Policies Vis-Ã -vis Russia and China
Cort Kirkwood: Muslim Face of the EU
Don Devine: Real Iranian Revolt
Gustavo Coronel: The World Upside Down: Honduras
Kathryn Gaines: America is Vulnerable to An Electromagnetic Pulse Attack
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Republican Michigander Endorses Mike Cox
Longtime Michigan conservative blogger Republican Michigander has endorsed Mike Cox for Governor of Michigan.
Mike Cox for governor
His analysis of the Republican field is worth reproducing in full.
---------------------------
Mike Bouchard - Bouchard is a good guy who should be in the US Senate right now. That's the problem, he SHOULD be in the senate, but he was clobbered against Stabenow in 06 and could not win his home county. Not all of that is his fault as he had Jack and Squat for support from NRSC, but he should have at least gotten it within 10%. 58%-42%? Can he get that extra 8%? I don't know. I do think he should instead run against Gary Peters in the 9th district, which would be a better matchup. I'd back Bouchard for that seat. Bouchard for Congress, not governor.
Tom George - State Senator from Kalamazoo. He's a more moderate (not liberal or RINO, actual moderate) candidate who was a state rep and senator in Kalamazoo county. He's won in tough areas, but it not well known statewide.
Pete Hoekstra - Congressman representing the Lake Michigan shoreline. Hoekstra's from Ottawa County, and is one of the better congressman from this state. I do worry however about anyone from Washington winning statewide, and Hoekstra has one vote that has left a real nasty taste in my mouth. The bailout. The banks bailout. Hoekstra voted against the bailout the first time, but when push came to shove on that second vote, he flipped. That one hurts, and I think he will be beaten over the head for that bailout vote.
Tim Rujan. I never heard of him before his announcement. He's up from the thumb in Huron County. He says some good things to the website, and I think can bring some ideas to the debates. Name recognition is his biggest obstacle.
Rick Snyder. There's only one republican running that I am really against, and that's Snyder. The "non-politician" who gives the most political answers in his statements and answers to question. If Snyder is the nominee, 57-40% loss, and Cherry is governor. Mark it down. I'll have another post on this guy soon. Right Michigan has several threads about Snyder. I commended on Snyder here. Gateway has its outsourcing issues as well.
That leaves Mike Cox. I first heard of him in 2001. I was actually skeptical of him at first because he is from Wayne County and worked at the time for Mike Duggan. As someone active in the 2nd Amendment movement, there's nobody that was worse than Duggan. At the time, Cox was running against an establishment backed opponent. Cox went and campaigned in our area several times and I talked with him on several occasions. I then backed him for AG after he promised CPL reciprocity with other states in a clear manner without politicalese statements. Cox won by 5000 votes in an upset. Within a few months, Cox kept his promise. Since then, he's not only continued to kept his promise, but came through with an amicus brief several times in support for the 2nd Amendment. While it is great that he's pro-2nd Amendment, what is MORE importantly is that he made a clear promise, kept it, and even when above and beyond what he promised.
Mike Cox is not afraid to take a stand, no matter what the establishment thinks. When it came to the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative banning government sponsored racial preferences, the political class in both parties was against it or silent. Mike Cox supported it. Mike Cox is active in taking a stand against the runaway tax and spending. He was the only candidate to take a no tax pledge. He has consistently been pro-life. He's stood up to the giant bureaucracy, Blue Cross.
Mike Cox is a winner. He won statewide twice, by 5000 votes in 02 against a strong candidate in Gary Peters, and despite the 2006 disaster for Republicans statewide and nationally, he won again, this time, by 330,000+ votes. He only lost Alger, Genesee, Gogebic, Ingham (barely), Iron, Marquette, Ontonagon, Schoolcraft, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. He won Oakland. Big. He won Macomb. Big. More impressively, he won Kalamazoo, Bay, Saginaw, Alpena, and Muskegon counties. All those lean democrat. Some are blue collar union areas, and Kalamazoo is social liberal and university area. He won both types of areas.
Because of his promises kept, political philosophy on my major issues, and his history of winning statewide elections, I will be voting for Mike Cox in the 2010 primary election.
Mike Cox for governor
His analysis of the Republican field is worth reproducing in full.
---------------------------
Mike Bouchard - Bouchard is a good guy who should be in the US Senate right now. That's the problem, he SHOULD be in the senate, but he was clobbered against Stabenow in 06 and could not win his home county. Not all of that is his fault as he had Jack and Squat for support from NRSC, but he should have at least gotten it within 10%. 58%-42%? Can he get that extra 8%? I don't know. I do think he should instead run against Gary Peters in the 9th district, which would be a better matchup. I'd back Bouchard for that seat. Bouchard for Congress, not governor.
Tom George - State Senator from Kalamazoo. He's a more moderate (not liberal or RINO, actual moderate) candidate who was a state rep and senator in Kalamazoo county. He's won in tough areas, but it not well known statewide.
Pete Hoekstra - Congressman representing the Lake Michigan shoreline. Hoekstra's from Ottawa County, and is one of the better congressman from this state. I do worry however about anyone from Washington winning statewide, and Hoekstra has one vote that has left a real nasty taste in my mouth. The bailout. The banks bailout. Hoekstra voted against the bailout the first time, but when push came to shove on that second vote, he flipped. That one hurts, and I think he will be beaten over the head for that bailout vote.
Tim Rujan. I never heard of him before his announcement. He's up from the thumb in Huron County. He says some good things to the website, and I think can bring some ideas to the debates. Name recognition is his biggest obstacle.
Rick Snyder. There's only one republican running that I am really against, and that's Snyder. The "non-politician" who gives the most political answers in his statements and answers to question. If Snyder is the nominee, 57-40% loss, and Cherry is governor. Mark it down. I'll have another post on this guy soon. Right Michigan has several threads about Snyder. I commended on Snyder here. Gateway has its outsourcing issues as well.
That leaves Mike Cox. I first heard of him in 2001. I was actually skeptical of him at first because he is from Wayne County and worked at the time for Mike Duggan. As someone active in the 2nd Amendment movement, there's nobody that was worse than Duggan. At the time, Cox was running against an establishment backed opponent. Cox went and campaigned in our area several times and I talked with him on several occasions. I then backed him for AG after he promised CPL reciprocity with other states in a clear manner without politicalese statements. Cox won by 5000 votes in an upset. Within a few months, Cox kept his promise. Since then, he's not only continued to kept his promise, but came through with an amicus brief several times in support for the 2nd Amendment. While it is great that he's pro-2nd Amendment, what is MORE importantly is that he made a clear promise, kept it, and even when above and beyond what he promised.
Mike Cox is not afraid to take a stand, no matter what the establishment thinks. When it came to the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative banning government sponsored racial preferences, the political class in both parties was against it or silent. Mike Cox supported it. Mike Cox is active in taking a stand against the runaway tax and spending. He was the only candidate to take a no tax pledge. He has consistently been pro-life. He's stood up to the giant bureaucracy, Blue Cross.
Mike Cox is a winner. He won statewide twice, by 5000 votes in 02 against a strong candidate in Gary Peters, and despite the 2006 disaster for Republicans statewide and nationally, he won again, this time, by 330,000+ votes. He only lost Alger, Genesee, Gogebic, Ingham (barely), Iron, Marquette, Ontonagon, Schoolcraft, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. He won Oakland. Big. He won Macomb. Big. More impressively, he won Kalamazoo, Bay, Saginaw, Alpena, and Muskegon counties. All those lean democrat. Some are blue collar union areas, and Kalamazoo is social liberal and university area. He won both types of areas.
Because of his promises kept, political philosophy on my major issues, and his history of winning statewide elections, I will be voting for Mike Cox in the 2010 primary election.
A Coalition of One
The Gazette reports on fundraising for some local PACs, including Jon Stryker's 'Coalition for Progress'.
Kalamazoo political-action committees buck downward trend in contributions
That means 99.8% of their receipts came from Stryker. Some coalition.
Previous:
Michigan Coalition for Lying
Politics Blizzard
Kalamazoo political-action committees buck downward trend in contributions
But a review of major local PACs shows that Jon Stryker's Coalition for Progress and Jones Advocating for Michigan, the leadership PAC of state Rep. Robert Jones, D-Kalamazoo, both registered double-digit increases for the period of Jan. 1 to July 20.My first thought upon reading this was, 'That means they got $200,000 from Jon Stryker and $390 from other people.'
Stryker's organization, the state's 12th largest political-action committee, reported receipts of $200,390, with contributions up nearly 55 percent from 2007.
According to the Michigan Secretary of State's campaign reporting Web site, $200,000 of the Coalition for Progress' $200,390 was contributed by Jon Stryker, an architect, founder of the Arcus Foundation and an heir of the Stryker Corp.'s founder.Yup.
That means 99.8% of their receipts came from Stryker. Some coalition.
Previous:
Michigan Coalition for Lying
Politics Blizzard
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Who Are They Talking To?
In the face of massive grassroots outrage against the liberals attempt to take control of Americans' health care, leftists are trying to smear opponents of their plans as a small band of extremists, or paid by lobbyists, or paid by Republicans, or something. They have not offered a shred of evidence to support this claim.
Claims that the protests are organized by the Republican party are especially comical to anyone who has been involved in the Republican party organization, who know that the Republican party organization is not capable of organizing a car wash in less than six months.
But the more interesting question is who this argument is being directed at. Who are they talking to?
Certainly not conservatives, who know it's not true. Not liberals, who hardly need any justification to hate conservatives. Moderates? Perhaps, but it's not clear that this would help convince them to support their plans.
No, the real target of this argument is democrat members of Congress. If their constituents are as outraged as the town meetings suggest, voting for a government takeover of health care would mean sure defeat come 2010.
So far, it doesn't appear that the lies are working.
Claims that the protests are organized by the Republican party are especially comical to anyone who has been involved in the Republican party organization, who know that the Republican party organization is not capable of organizing a car wash in less than six months.
But the more interesting question is who this argument is being directed at. Who are they talking to?
Certainly not conservatives, who know it's not true. Not liberals, who hardly need any justification to hate conservatives. Moderates? Perhaps, but it's not clear that this would help convince them to support their plans.
No, the real target of this argument is democrat members of Congress. If their constituents are as outraged as the town meetings suggest, voting for a government takeover of health care would mean sure defeat come 2010.
So far, it doesn't appear that the lies are working.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Two Facts on Health Care
Any discussion about health care should begin by acknowledging two basic facts.
First, no matter what health care system we have, we are all going to die. At best, medical treatment can extend life, but only so long.
Second, no matter what health care system we have, there will be procedures to extend life that are possible, but not affordable. If an operation costs a billion dollars, you're not going to get it.
For most of human history, there was no health care. If you got sick, you either got better or you died.
Keep this in mind when you hear sob stories about people who died when they couldn't afford treatment.
First, no matter what health care system we have, we are all going to die. At best, medical treatment can extend life, but only so long.
Second, no matter what health care system we have, there will be procedures to extend life that are possible, but not affordable. If an operation costs a billion dollars, you're not going to get it.
For most of human history, there was no health care. If you got sick, you either got better or you died.
Keep this in mind when you hear sob stories about people who died when they couldn't afford treatment.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
The Latest from Lorence
What follows is an actual email from former state Rep. Lorence Wenke.
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You can pass a test, pass gas, pass the car in front of you, pass the mashed potatoes, make a touchdown pass and pass away. But, if you enjoyed watching this video - all we ask is that you pass it along to a friend.
Thanks and have a wonderful day!
Paid for by Lorence Wenke for State Senate
2525 N 30th St
Kalamazoo MI 49048
Please reply to this email if you wish to be removed from our email list or if you want us to use a different email address.
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You can pass a test, pass gas, pass the car in front of you, pass the mashed potatoes, make a touchdown pass and pass away. But, if you enjoyed watching this video - all we ask is that you pass it along to a friend.
Thanks and have a wonderful day!
Paid for by Lorence Wenke for State Senate
2525 N 30th St
Kalamazoo MI 49048
Please reply to this email if you wish to be removed from our email list or if you want us to use a different email address.
-----------------------
Why is Nancy Wenke wearing a wedding dress?
POLITICAL UPDATE--Liberalism
This update focuses on liberalism. Liberals continue to sympathize with and excuse communists. Feminism continues to harm both men and women. The Obama administration has promoted radicals such as John Holdren, Harold Koh, and ACORN.
William Jasper: Communist Ties Become Issue in NYC Politics
Phyllis Schlafly: Family Court Injustices to Men
Phyllis Schlafly: The Feminists Demand and Receive
Will Grigg: Too Many (Other) People
Phyllis Schlafly: Why Women Are Unhappy
Thomas Eddlem: How the New York Times Helped Tyrants
William Jasper: Leftists in Tizzy Over Exposure of KGB Ties
Phyllis Schlafly: Harold Koh Is Too Dangerous for America
Phyllis Schlafly: ACORN Should Not Receive Taxpayers' Money
Ion Pacepa: Believers in Hate
Much information on liberal individuals and organizations can be found at David Horowitz's Discover the Network site.
William Jasper: Communist Ties Become Issue in NYC Politics
Phyllis Schlafly: Family Court Injustices to Men
Phyllis Schlafly: The Feminists Demand and Receive
Will Grigg: Too Many (Other) People
Phyllis Schlafly: Why Women Are Unhappy
Thomas Eddlem: How the New York Times Helped Tyrants
William Jasper: Leftists in Tizzy Over Exposure of KGB Ties
Phyllis Schlafly: Harold Koh Is Too Dangerous for America
Phyllis Schlafly: ACORN Should Not Receive Taxpayers' Money
Ion Pacepa: Believers in Hate
Much information on liberal individuals and organizations can be found at David Horowitz's Discover the Network site.
More Technology Isn't Always Better
On Thursday, a 'meltdown' of the Department of Public Safety computers resulted in Western's electronic door locks 'randomly locking and unlocking', according to one WMU employee.
Keys work just fine without computers.
Keys work just fine without computers.
Welfare Test
America should provide aid to those who genuinely need it, but lots of people who don't need it will attempt to get it. How to tell them apart?
Here's my test: Are you capable of spending money on your own?
If you are, then you are capable enough to earn money for yourself. If you aren't able to buy your own food, then you genuinely need assistance.
Here's my test: Are you capable of spending money on your own?
If you are, then you are capable enough to earn money for yourself. If you aren't able to buy your own food, then you genuinely need assistance.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Voters will decide gay issue, Metro Transit tax request
City of Kalamazoo may cut at least 30 positions
Kalamazoo city layoffs, unpaid furloughs possible
Bill would allow Western Michigan University to expand business park to Colony Farm
Brian Johnson, Sean McCann may run for House in 60th District
Alamo Township Supervisor Bob Vlietstra says recall is based on 'big lie'
Voters will decide gay issue, Metro Transit tax request
City of Kalamazoo may cut at least 30 positions
Kalamazoo city layoffs, unpaid furloughs possible
Bill would allow Western Michigan University to expand business park to Colony Farm
Brian Johnson, Sean McCann may run for House in 60th District
Alamo Township Supervisor Bob Vlietstra says recall is based on 'big lie'
Sunday, August 02, 2009
The Struggle for Sixty
Two candidates have expressed interest in running for the 60th district state house seat being vacated by Robert Jones to run for state senate.
Brian Johnson, Sean McCann may run for House in 60th District
McCann announces candidacy for 60th House seat
Brian Johnson is a Kalamazoo County Commissioner. He began his current stint in office when he was elected in a 2003 special election. The article indicates that he was a legislative staffer for former representatives Mary Brown and Ed LaForge.
Johnson is said to be a bigshot in the local democrat party. He may be able to rack up a lot of endorsements from local party leaders and raise a lot of money. But Johnson is in the odd position of representing only one precinct in the 60th district. The rest of his county commission district is in Kalamazoo and Oshtemo Townships, which are in the 61st district currently represented by Larry DeShazor.
Sean McCann has been elected to five terms on the Kalamazoo City Commission. He has finished as high as third and as low as seventh, with the top seven vote-getters becoming commissioners. McCann is certainly a familiar name to voters in the 60th district, but he has never been overwhelmingly popular, either. McCann has been supported by the local democrat party in at least one past campaign. McCann has announced that he will run for the 60th district in 2010, and he will not run for reelection to the city commission this year.
McCann's claim to fame at Western is having written the constitution of the Western Student Association. That document was widely regarded by WSA leaders as a poorly written document full of strange provisions.
Both Johnson and McCann are plausible candidates, but neither are the strongest possible. Either Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell or Vice-Mayor Hannah McKinney would be favored over them if they chose to run. However, the second article indicates that all the other commissioners have endorsed McCann.
The prospect of an actual contested democrat primary in the 60th is interesting, given that the last three times the seat has been open, it was essentially uncontested.
Brian Johnson, Sean McCann may run for House in 60th District
McCann announces candidacy for 60th House seat
Brian Johnson is a Kalamazoo County Commissioner. He began his current stint in office when he was elected in a 2003 special election. The article indicates that he was a legislative staffer for former representatives Mary Brown and Ed LaForge.
Johnson is said to be a bigshot in the local democrat party. He may be able to rack up a lot of endorsements from local party leaders and raise a lot of money. But Johnson is in the odd position of representing only one precinct in the 60th district. The rest of his county commission district is in Kalamazoo and Oshtemo Townships, which are in the 61st district currently represented by Larry DeShazor.
Sean McCann has been elected to five terms on the Kalamazoo City Commission. He has finished as high as third and as low as seventh, with the top seven vote-getters becoming commissioners. McCann is certainly a familiar name to voters in the 60th district, but he has never been overwhelmingly popular, either. McCann has been supported by the local democrat party in at least one past campaign. McCann has announced that he will run for the 60th district in 2010, and he will not run for reelection to the city commission this year.
McCann's claim to fame at Western is having written the constitution of the Western Student Association. That document was widely regarded by WSA leaders as a poorly written document full of strange provisions.
Both Johnson and McCann are plausible candidates, but neither are the strongest possible. Either Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell or Vice-Mayor Hannah McKinney would be favored over them if they chose to run. However, the second article indicates that all the other commissioners have endorsed McCann.
The prospect of an actual contested democrat primary in the 60th is interesting, given that the last three times the seat has been open, it was essentially uncontested.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
POLITICAL UPDATE--Health Care
This update focuses on health care. The disastrous plans for a government takeover of health care have stalled in Congress, but the threat remains real.
Phyllis Schlafly: Reading the Fine Print in the Health Care Bill
Thomas DiLorenzo: Socialized Healthcare vs. the Laws of Economics
Ron Paul: The Immorality of Taxpayer Funded Abortion
William Andersen: The Cause of Teddy Kennedy's Life
Ann Coulter: Take Two Asprin and Call Me When Your Cancer is Stage 4
Thomas Sowell: Magician Politics
Thomas Sowell: Medical Care Confusion
Don Devine: Infecting the Republicans
Phyllis Schlafly: Obama's Health Care Plan Can Be Defeated
Michelle Malkin: Obamacare for Illegal Aliens
Michelle Malkin: Inside the Monstrous Obamacare Bureaucracy
Chelsea Schilling: House health care bill 'outlaws private insurance'
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Phyllis Schlafly: Reading the Fine Print in the Health Care Bill
Thomas DiLorenzo: Socialized Healthcare vs. the Laws of Economics
Ron Paul: The Immorality of Taxpayer Funded Abortion
William Andersen: The Cause of Teddy Kennedy's Life
Ann Coulter: Take Two Asprin and Call Me When Your Cancer is Stage 4
Thomas Sowell: Magician Politics
Thomas Sowell: Medical Care Confusion
Don Devine: Infecting the Republicans
Phyllis Schlafly: Obama's Health Care Plan Can Be Defeated
Michelle Malkin: Obamacare for Illegal Aliens
Michelle Malkin: Inside the Monstrous Obamacare Bureaucracy
Chelsea Schilling: House health care bill 'outlaws private insurance'
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
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