The Mackinac Center for Public Policy analyzes the proposed Kalamazoo Arena.
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K-zoo Taxpayers May Ante Up for New Sports Arena
On Nov. 11, 2009, the Lansing State Journal reported that the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners was exploring the possibility of creating a hotel and restaurant tax to finance construction of a 6,800-seat sports arena to be built in the city of Kalamazoo for an estimated cost of $81.2 million. Five days later, the Pontiac Silverdome — also constructed with taxpayer subsidies — was auctioned off to a Canadian firm for just $583,000. Despite having almost 12 times the seating capacity and still being in good condition, the Silverdome was sold for less than 1 percent of the proposed cost for building the Kalamazoo arena.
The taxes proposed to finance the Kalamazoo facility were made possible by a new state law approved at the end of last year and signed by the governor. The assumption behind this expanded taxing power, and the impetus that also led to the Silverdome being built with public dollars, is that publicly subsidized sports facilities create economic growth. However, both economic research and the real-world experiences of the Silverdome and other similar venues cast this assumption into considerable doubt.
The consensus of economists regarding taxpayer-subsidized sports stadium construction was summed up in 2006 by College of the Holy Cross economist Victor A. Matheson, who noted that, "...academic economists are nearly universal in their criticism that specialized sports infrastructure does little to promote economic growth..."
Similarly, in a July 2007 article, Reason Public Policy Institute researchers Samuel Staley and Leonard Gilroy wrote that, "More than 20 years of academic research has failed to find a significant relationship between an investment in a sports stadium and significant job or income growth." The authors also mentioned researchers from Smith College and Vanderbilt University who produced a 2000 report which noted that, "independent work on the economic impact of stadiums and arenas has uniformly found that there is no correlation between sports facility construction and economic development."
Even if there were significant economic benefits from taxpayer-subsidized stadiums, the impact would often wear out fast as teams have a habit of quickly discarding the buildings and moving on. In 1975, the Silverdome was completed for $55.7 million, or more than $220 million at 2009 prices. So the "investment" in the Silverdome — when benchmarked against inflation — depreciated by 99.7 percent in less than 35 years. This happened despite the building still being in good enough condition that the new owner plans to use it for a soccer stadium.
Compared to similar venues paid for and owned by taxpayers, it is perhaps remarkable that the Silverdome is still standing at all. The Kingdome in Seattle was finished one year after the Silverdome, yet never even made it to its 24th anniversary and was demolished in 2000.
The Metrodome in Minneapolis, home of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings and Major League Baseball's Minnesota Twins, is already the NFL's ninth oldest home field, despite being just 27 years of age. This year, the University of Minnesota's Big Ten football team moved out, and the Vikings and Twins are making plans to pack their bags very soon.
The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football team is on its third home since 1981. The school abandoned an on-campus stadium and moved to the brand new Metrodome for the 1982 football season, partially due to an assumption that the indoor facility would boost attendance because it offered protection from the weather. However, removed from the on-campus atmosphere, the much larger crowds barely materialized. Gopher football's latest home, TCF Bank Stadium, is again on campus — and open-air. It cost $288 million to build, nearly half of which is being subsidized by Minnesota taxpayers due to a vote of the Minnesota Legislature to approve construction of the building.
Like the Metrodome, the proposed arena for Kalamazoo is intended to initially house a mixture of professional and college teams. It was announced that the Western Michigan University basketball and hockey teams will share the space with the Kalamazoo Wings, a minor league professional hockey team. The Wings currently play in Wings Stadium, constructed in 1974, one year before the Silverdome. The WMU Broncos hockey team now plays home games at the on-campus Lawson Ice Arena, also completed in 1974; and the WMU basketball team plays at University Arena, which was built in 1957 and renovated in 1994.
As with the new stadium for the University of Minnesota, a taxpayer subsidy for the new Kalamazoo arena was facilitated by a vote of the Michigan Legislature. According to MichiganVotes.org, 2008 House Bill 6515 expanded "the scope of the law that authorizes local hotel, restaurant and rental car excise taxes to pay for municipal stadiums." Furthermore, it also lowers "a certain population standard, allowing Kalamazoo County and Kalamazoo to levy these taxes."
Thirty-six of 38 members of the Michigan Senate voted to approve this enhanced taxing power on Dec. 18, 2008. That same day, 54 Democrats were joined by 14 Republicans in the House of Representatives to approve the bill. It became Public Act 532 of 2008 when Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed it on Jan. 12, 2009.
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Kenneth M. Braun is a policy analyst and managing editor of Michigan Capitol Confidential at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a research and educational institute headquartered in Midland, Mich. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that the author and the Center are properly cited.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Chinese Propaganda Ministry Opens Branch Office at WMU
Just to be clear, this is communist China, which murdered 70 million of its own people and fought against America in the Korean War. Would WMU open a center for the study of German culture funded by Nazis?
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Institute on Chinese culture, language to debut at Western Michigan University Monday
With music and dance, Western Michigan University will celebrate Monday the creation of its new WMU Confucius Institute, a program backed by the Chinese ministry of education to promote understanding of Chinese language and culture in the world.
The grand opening, free and open to the public, begins at 3 p.m. in WMU’s Dalton Center Recital Hall, featuring a photo exhibit, a choral performance, an ensemble of Chinese instruments and a Lion dance performance.
WMU’s Confucius Institute is intended to ramp up Chinese studies at WMU as well as bring language instruction and cultural knowledge to area K-12 schools through mostly extracurricular education.
Institute’s goals
The goals of Western Michigan University’s new Confucius Institute include:
Teaching Chinese language and culture to WMU students and members of the greater community.
Promoting international cooperation and exchange of students.
Collaborating with local schools and community businesses to train teachers and offer language and culture workshops, summer camps, fine arts events and travel opportunities. As part of helping WMU develop the institute, six language instructors from the Beijing Language and Culture University are here for a two-year immersion experience.
WMU’s institute is one of four in the state. The others are at Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University. But there are several hundred Confucius Institutes worldwide.
“The idea through all of them, through different means, is basically to further understanding of Chinese history, Chinese language and Chinese culture,” said Donald McCloud, dean of WMU’s Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
In July, McCloud, WMU President John M. Dunn, WMU Confucius Institute Director Xioaojun Wang were in China finalizing agreements to establish the institute and a related partnership between WMU and the Beijing Language and Culture University. WMU officials say the effort is sponsored by the Office of Chinese Language Council International of China’s Ministry of Education.
“This is a Chinese initiative,” McCloud said, likening it to the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright program, which offers international exchange opportunities for U.S. educators and students to study, research and teach elsewhere in the world.
“It’s (China’s) effort to spread knowledge of their culture and language,” he said.
McCloud, who recently met with Kalamazoo County school superintendents to discuss the institute, said the Chinese instructors will help develop educational programs with local schools that want to take part.
----------------------
Institute on Chinese culture, language to debut at Western Michigan University Monday
With music and dance, Western Michigan University will celebrate Monday the creation of its new WMU Confucius Institute, a program backed by the Chinese ministry of education to promote understanding of Chinese language and culture in the world.
The grand opening, free and open to the public, begins at 3 p.m. in WMU’s Dalton Center Recital Hall, featuring a photo exhibit, a choral performance, an ensemble of Chinese instruments and a Lion dance performance.
WMU’s Confucius Institute is intended to ramp up Chinese studies at WMU as well as bring language instruction and cultural knowledge to area K-12 schools through mostly extracurricular education.
Institute’s goals
The goals of Western Michigan University’s new Confucius Institute include:
Teaching Chinese language and culture to WMU students and members of the greater community.
Promoting international cooperation and exchange of students.
Collaborating with local schools and community businesses to train teachers and offer language and culture workshops, summer camps, fine arts events and travel opportunities. As part of helping WMU develop the institute, six language instructors from the Beijing Language and Culture University are here for a two-year immersion experience.
WMU’s institute is one of four in the state. The others are at Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University. But there are several hundred Confucius Institutes worldwide.
“The idea through all of them, through different means, is basically to further understanding of Chinese history, Chinese language and Chinese culture,” said Donald McCloud, dean of WMU’s Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
In July, McCloud, WMU President John M. Dunn, WMU Confucius Institute Director Xioaojun Wang were in China finalizing agreements to establish the institute and a related partnership between WMU and the Beijing Language and Culture University. WMU officials say the effort is sponsored by the Office of Chinese Language Council International of China’s Ministry of Education.
“This is a Chinese initiative,” McCloud said, likening it to the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright program, which offers international exchange opportunities for U.S. educators and students to study, research and teach elsewhere in the world.
“It’s (China’s) effort to spread knowledge of their culture and language,” he said.
McCloud, who recently met with Kalamazoo County school superintendents to discuss the institute, said the Chinese instructors will help develop educational programs with local schools that want to take part.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
POLITICAL UPDATE--The Economy
This update focuses on the economy. Unemployment remains over 10% nationally and over 15% in Michigan. Government debt continues to expand, imperiling the dollar. The economy is not recovering, despite government claims to the contrary.
Gary North: Decide How (Not If) the Government Will Default
Charles Scaliger: The Diminishing Dollar
William Campenni: Financial Bust Connected to Illegal Alien Mortgages
Don Devine: Phony Economic Recovery
Charles Scaliger: A Review of "End the Fed" by Ron Paul
Lila Ravija: Green Shoots and White Lies
See also:
Gary North series: What is Money?
The Recession Reader
The Bailout Reader
Gary North: Decide How (Not If) the Government Will Default
Charles Scaliger: The Diminishing Dollar
William Campenni: Financial Bust Connected to Illegal Alien Mortgages
Don Devine: Phony Economic Recovery
Charles Scaliger: A Review of "End the Fed" by Ron Paul
Lila Ravija: Green Shoots and White Lies
See also:
Gary North series: What is Money?
The Recession Reader
The Bailout Reader
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Granholm at WMU
Governor Granholm spoke at Western on Thursday, arguing that the state legislature should raise taxes to fund the Michigan Promise scholarship program.
Governor rallies students: Hold lawmakers to Promise, Granholm tells Western Michigan University crowd
Student Reactions to Granholm’s Visit
Gov. Granholm speaks about Michigan Promise at WMU
Gov. Granholm to speak about Michigan Promise scholarship Thursday at Western Michigan University
A broken Promise: local perspectives
Actually, the articles above don't make it clear whether she mentioned raising taxes. But that's what it would take to bring back the scholarship. After many months of putting off passing a budget, and a month-long extension when they couldn't pass one on time, Granholm finally signed a budget that doesn't raise taxes.
Now, she wants to bring the scholarship back, so that all her liberal supporters in academia will be fully employed, er, for the children.
The scholarship was inspired by the Kalamazoo Promise, which whether or not it is effective, is privately funded. This program was not only funded by taxpayers, but discriminates against Christians school students and homeschoolers, who are not eligible.
One of the arguments that Granholm made was that 'this scholarship was a promise' and 'the legislature needs to keep that promise' (paraphrase). Gullible college students should learn the sooner the better that politicians break promises. Worse, they make promises that they know they can't keep. In particular, they promise benefits they can't pay for, and let later politicians worry about how to pay for them.
Everyone likes getting free money, but if the state raises taxes again, where are college graduates going to get jobs? Not in Michigan, that's for sure. We'll just be educating the future workers of Florida and Texas.
Previous:
Democrats versus Christians
Free College for All?
Governor rallies students: Hold lawmakers to Promise, Granholm tells Western Michigan University crowd
Student Reactions to Granholm’s Visit
Gov. Granholm speaks about Michigan Promise at WMU
Gov. Granholm to speak about Michigan Promise scholarship Thursday at Western Michigan University
A broken Promise: local perspectives
Actually, the articles above don't make it clear whether she mentioned raising taxes. But that's what it would take to bring back the scholarship. After many months of putting off passing a budget, and a month-long extension when they couldn't pass one on time, Granholm finally signed a budget that doesn't raise taxes.
Now, she wants to bring the scholarship back, so that all her liberal supporters in academia will be fully employed, er, for the children.
The scholarship was inspired by the Kalamazoo Promise, which whether or not it is effective, is privately funded. This program was not only funded by taxpayers, but discriminates against Christians school students and homeschoolers, who are not eligible.
One of the arguments that Granholm made was that 'this scholarship was a promise' and 'the legislature needs to keep that promise' (paraphrase). Gullible college students should learn the sooner the better that politicians break promises. Worse, they make promises that they know they can't keep. In particular, they promise benefits they can't pay for, and let later politicians worry about how to pay for them.
Everyone likes getting free money, but if the state raises taxes again, where are college graduates going to get jobs? Not in Michigan, that's for sure. We'll just be educating the future workers of Florida and Texas.
Previous:
Democrats versus Christians
Free College for All?
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Rep. Larry DeShazor fifth to seek George's Michigan Senate seat
Speed-limit technicality doesn't overturn Stadium Drive ticket
Some debate safety of Tasers in wake of East Grand Rapids death; police say stun guns are valuable tool
County Treasurer Mary Balkema's claims off-base, Portage City Council says
Broader vision of Downtown Kalamazoo arena urged by leading proponent Ken Miller
Portage school board President Jennifer Whistler resigns
Video: Michigan Militia featured on CNN as example of growing distrust of Obama, federal government
Meet the next Portage City Council
Western Michigan University gently enforces class attendance
Rep. Larry DeShazor fifth to seek George's Michigan Senate seat
Speed-limit technicality doesn't overturn Stadium Drive ticket
Some debate safety of Tasers in wake of East Grand Rapids death; police say stun guns are valuable tool
County Treasurer Mary Balkema's claims off-base, Portage City Council says
Broader vision of Downtown Kalamazoo arena urged by leading proponent Ken Miller
Portage school board President Jennifer Whistler resigns
Video: Michigan Militia featured on CNN as example of growing distrust of Obama, federal government
Meet the next Portage City Council
Western Michigan University gently enforces class attendance
Friday, November 20, 2009
DeShazor for Senate?
From Gongwer:
DESHAZOR JUMPS IN 20TH SENATE RACE
An all-star Republican primary is shaping up in the 20th Senate District in 2010 with Rep. Larry DeShazor of Portage announcing Thursday he will run, joining Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker of Lawton and former Rep. Lorence Wenke of Richland in the field.
DESHAZOR JUMPS IN 20TH SENATE RACE
An all-star Republican primary is shaping up in the 20th Senate District in 2010 with Rep. Larry DeShazor of Portage announcing Thursday he will run, joining Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker of Lawton and former Rep. Lorence Wenke of Richland in the field.
Coulter on Diversity
Of Course, Ann Coulter is right once again.
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AT THE END OF THE DAY, DIVERSITY HAS JUMPED THE SHARK, HORRIFICALLY
November 18, 2009
It cannot be said often enough that the chief of staff of the United States Army, Gen. George Casey, responded to a massacre of 13 Americans in which the suspect is a Muslim by saying: "Our diversity ... is a strength."
As long as the general has brought it up: Never in recorded history has diversity been anything but a problem. Look at Ireland with its Protestant and Catholic populations, Canada with its French and English populations, Israel with its Jewish and Palestinian populations.
Or consider the warring factions in India, Sri Lanka, China, Iraq, Czechoslovakia (until it happily split up), the Balkans and Chechnya. Also look at the festering hotbeds of tribal warfare -- I mean the beautiful mosaics -- in Third World hellholes like Afghanistan, Rwanda and South Central, L.A.
"Diversity" is a difficulty to be overcome, not an advantage to be sought. True, America does a better job than most at accommodating a diverse population. We also do a better job at curing cancer and containing pollution. But no one goes around mindlessly exclaiming: "Cancer is a strength!" "Pollution is our greatest asset!"
By contrast, the canard "diversity is a strength" has now replaced "at the end of the day," "skin in the game," "blood and treasure," "jumped the shark," "boots on the ground," "horrific" (whatever happened to the perfectly good word "horrible"?), "not so much," "I am shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on here," and "that went well," as America's most irritating cliche.
We should start making up other nonsense mantras along the lines of "diversity is a strength" and mindlessly repeating them until they catch on, too.
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See also:
What Diversity Really Means
The Diversity Shibboleth
Diversity in Education
Why the culture war matters
-------------------------
AT THE END OF THE DAY, DIVERSITY HAS JUMPED THE SHARK, HORRIFICALLY
November 18, 2009
It cannot be said often enough that the chief of staff of the United States Army, Gen. George Casey, responded to a massacre of 13 Americans in which the suspect is a Muslim by saying: "Our diversity ... is a strength."
As long as the general has brought it up: Never in recorded history has diversity been anything but a problem. Look at Ireland with its Protestant and Catholic populations, Canada with its French and English populations, Israel with its Jewish and Palestinian populations.
Or consider the warring factions in India, Sri Lanka, China, Iraq, Czechoslovakia (until it happily split up), the Balkans and Chechnya. Also look at the festering hotbeds of tribal warfare -- I mean the beautiful mosaics -- in Third World hellholes like Afghanistan, Rwanda and South Central, L.A.
"Diversity" is a difficulty to be overcome, not an advantage to be sought. True, America does a better job than most at accommodating a diverse population. We also do a better job at curing cancer and containing pollution. But no one goes around mindlessly exclaiming: "Cancer is a strength!" "Pollution is our greatest asset!"
By contrast, the canard "diversity is a strength" has now replaced "at the end of the day," "skin in the game," "blood and treasure," "jumped the shark," "boots on the ground," "horrific" (whatever happened to the perfectly good word "horrible"?), "not so much," "I am shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on here," and "that went well," as America's most irritating cliche.
We should start making up other nonsense mantras along the lines of "diversity is a strength" and mindlessly repeating them until they catch on, too.
--------------------
See also:
What Diversity Really Means
The Diversity Shibboleth
Diversity in Education
Why the culture war matters
Sunday, November 15, 2009
POLITICAL UPDATE--Health Care
This update focuses on health care. The House of Representatives passed a 2000-page bill to take over health care.
Thomas Sowell:
The "Costs" of Medical Care Part II Part III Part IV
Ron Paul: Healthcare Reform is Economic Malpractice
Joe Wolverton: Healthcare Bill: Pay for a Plan or Go to Jail
Joe Wolverton: Obamacare and the Demise of Federalism
Jack Kenny: Constitutional Healthcare
Becky Akers: The Healthcare Bill's Sops to the Mental-health Industry
Washington Watcher: He Lies! Obamacare Does Cover Illegal Aliens. (And Legal Immigrants Too, Needless To Say)
See also: Sick in America with John Stossel
Thomas Sowell:
The "Costs" of Medical Care Part II Part III Part IV
Ron Paul: Healthcare Reform is Economic Malpractice
Joe Wolverton: Healthcare Bill: Pay for a Plan or Go to Jail
Joe Wolverton: Obamacare and the Demise of Federalism
Jack Kenny: Constitutional Healthcare
Becky Akers: The Healthcare Bill's Sops to the Mental-health Industry
Washington Watcher: He Lies! Obamacare Does Cover Illegal Aliens. (And Legal Immigrants Too, Needless To Say)
See also: Sick in America with John Stossel
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Downtown arena proposal gets mixed reaction from Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners
WSA throws their support behind aviation busing route
Downtown arena proposal gets mixed reaction from Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners
WSA throws their support behind aviation busing route
Kalamazoo downtown arena plan the subject of special meeting tonight
Looking to the East: East Hall faces uncertain future
Haenicke honored with memorial garden
Kalamazoo works on process for filing grievances as new anti-discrimination law takes effect
NRA Alert
Parking Lot Bills Marching Forward in Michigan! 11/13/2009
On Thursday, November 12, the Michigan Senate Committee on Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation passed Senate Bill 792 and Senate Bill 793. These bills will be heard on the Senate floor in the coming weeks.
SB792, introduced by State Senator Roger Kahn (R-32), and SB793, authored by State Senator Jim Barcia (D-31), would prohibit employers from firing employees who safely and lawfully store their firearms in locked vehicles.
Also, the House versions of these bills, House Bill 5302 by State Representative Paul Opsommer (R-93), and House Bill 5303 by State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-103), could be heard on the House floor any day.
Please contact your State Senator TODAY and respectfully encourage them to support SB792 and SB793. To find your Senator and their contact information, please click here. Also don’t forget to contact your State Representative and politely urge them to vote in favor of HB5302 and HB5303 when it comes before them on the House floor. To find your Representative and their contact information, please click here.
On Thursday, November 12, the Michigan Senate Committee on Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation passed Senate Bill 792 and Senate Bill 793. These bills will be heard on the Senate floor in the coming weeks.
SB792, introduced by State Senator Roger Kahn (R-32), and SB793, authored by State Senator Jim Barcia (D-31), would prohibit employers from firing employees who safely and lawfully store their firearms in locked vehicles.
Also, the House versions of these bills, House Bill 5302 by State Representative Paul Opsommer (R-93), and House Bill 5303 by State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-103), could be heard on the House floor any day.
Please contact your State Senator TODAY and respectfully encourage them to support SB792 and SB793. To find your Senator and their contact information, please click here. Also don’t forget to contact your State Representative and politely urge them to vote in favor of HB5302 and HB5303 when it comes before them on the House floor. To find your Representative and their contact information, please click here.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Discrimination Ordinance Passes
The Kalamazoo discrimination ordinance was passed 62%-38%.
This is less than the 74% won in Kalamazoo by Barack Obama in 2008, the 72% won by Governor Granholm in 2006, or the 70% won by State Rep. Robert Jones in 2006. This shows that such ordinances remain a minority position nationwide. Nonetheless, it is disappointing that a majority of Kalamazoo voters voted to discriminate against those who disagree with them on 'gay rights'.
Just getting the ordinance on the ballot was a victory. The opponents were outspent more than 10-1. The supporters likely spent more than half a million dollars on their campaign.
Support for the ordinance was unsurprisingly heaviest around Western Michigan University, topping 80% in several precincts. The ordinance lost in three precincts. These are 10 (Spring Valley area), a largely white middle class area, 17 (Milwood), a largely white working class area, and 11 (Eastside), a largely minority precinct. Aside from being on the east side of Kalamazoo, they don't have much in common.
Map of Discrimination Ordinance Vote
The ordinance got 60-70% in the Northside precincts. Were voters confused by the ballot language?
Discrimination News
This is less than the 74% won in Kalamazoo by Barack Obama in 2008, the 72% won by Governor Granholm in 2006, or the 70% won by State Rep. Robert Jones in 2006. This shows that such ordinances remain a minority position nationwide. Nonetheless, it is disappointing that a majority of Kalamazoo voters voted to discriminate against those who disagree with them on 'gay rights'.
Just getting the ordinance on the ballot was a victory. The opponents were outspent more than 10-1. The supporters likely spent more than half a million dollars on their campaign.
Support for the ordinance was unsurprisingly heaviest around Western Michigan University, topping 80% in several precincts. The ordinance lost in three precincts. These are 10 (Spring Valley area), a largely white middle class area, 17 (Milwood), a largely white working class area, and 11 (Eastside), a largely minority precinct. Aside from being on the east side of Kalamazoo, they don't have much in common.
Map of Discrimination Ordinance Vote
The ordinance got 60-70% in the Northside precincts. Were voters confused by the ballot language?
Discrimination News
The ballot language of the ordinance itself is misleading. It makes it sound like the ordinance would ban 'discrimination' based on all manner of factors, including race, gender, and religion. But this is in the existing law. What is new is 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity'. Will voters be confused by this?
2009 Election Results
The 2009 elections were generally good for conservatives.
In Virginia, Republican Bob McDonnell won by 18 point over Creigh Deeds, who Barack Obama campaigned for. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli won by similar margins. Cuccinelli in particular is a very staunch conservative. Republicans picked up several seats in the Virginia House of Delegates.
In New Jersey, Republican Chris Christie won 49-44 over incumbent democrat Jon Corzine, who Obama campaigned heavily for. Christie is the most conservative candidate elected governor of New Jersey in many decades.
In Maine, voters rejected 'gay marriage' 53-47 after the legislature passed a bill purporting to create such a thing. In Texas, voters overwhelmingly passed a measure protecting property rights from eminent domain abuse. In Pennsylvania, a Republican was elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, giving the GOP the majority.
There was a tough loss in the special election in New York's 23rd district, where democrat Bill Owens won 49-46 over Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman. Yet the fact that a conservative third party challenger got 46% of the vote after driving a liberal Republican out of the race is still unprecedented.
Elsewhere in New York, liberal independent mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg was reelected by a surprisingly narrow margin after spending at least $112 million of his own money. Republicans picked up a couple seats on the city council in northern Queens. A Republican defeated the democrat incumbent Westchester County executive.
In California, a democrat won the special election for a democrat-held seat by a closer-than-usual margin.
In Michigan, Dave Bing was reelected Mayor of Detroit. A majority of the dysfunctional city council will be new, though there are reasons to be pessimistic about the new council.
New Detroit City Council Members Have Financial Problems, Debt, Tax Evasion Record
In the special election for the 19th state senate district covering Calhoun and most of Jackson counties, former state rep. Mike Nofs overwhelmingly defeated state rep. Marty Griffin 61-34. It's surprising that the democrats didn't try harder for this seat.
In Kalamazoo, the results were about as good for the left as they could have hoped.
The discrimination ordinance was passed 62-38. See this post for details and analysis:
Discrimination Ordinance Passes
The Metro Transit ordinance passed overwhelmingly, to nobody's surprise.
The incumbent city commissioners were all reelected in the same order as they achieved in 2007. This includes criminal Stephanie Moore. The seventh spot was won by 'gay rights' advocate Terry Kuseske. The runner-up was Don Cooney ally Mike Kilbourne.
In Portage, the incumbents were reelected, and Patricia Randall was elected to the partial term.
In Battle Creek, Republican Elizabeth Fulton was elected to the city council.
In Virginia, Republican Bob McDonnell won by 18 point over Creigh Deeds, who Barack Obama campaigned for. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli won by similar margins. Cuccinelli in particular is a very staunch conservative. Republicans picked up several seats in the Virginia House of Delegates.
In New Jersey, Republican Chris Christie won 49-44 over incumbent democrat Jon Corzine, who Obama campaigned heavily for. Christie is the most conservative candidate elected governor of New Jersey in many decades.
In Maine, voters rejected 'gay marriage' 53-47 after the legislature passed a bill purporting to create such a thing. In Texas, voters overwhelmingly passed a measure protecting property rights from eminent domain abuse. In Pennsylvania, a Republican was elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, giving the GOP the majority.
There was a tough loss in the special election in New York's 23rd district, where democrat Bill Owens won 49-46 over Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman. Yet the fact that a conservative third party challenger got 46% of the vote after driving a liberal Republican out of the race is still unprecedented.
Elsewhere in New York, liberal independent mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg was reelected by a surprisingly narrow margin after spending at least $112 million of his own money. Republicans picked up a couple seats on the city council in northern Queens. A Republican defeated the democrat incumbent Westchester County executive.
In California, a democrat won the special election for a democrat-held seat by a closer-than-usual margin.
In Michigan, Dave Bing was reelected Mayor of Detroit. A majority of the dysfunctional city council will be new, though there are reasons to be pessimistic about the new council.
New Detroit City Council Members Have Financial Problems, Debt, Tax Evasion Record
In the special election for the 19th state senate district covering Calhoun and most of Jackson counties, former state rep. Mike Nofs overwhelmingly defeated state rep. Marty Griffin 61-34. It's surprising that the democrats didn't try harder for this seat.
In Kalamazoo, the results were about as good for the left as they could have hoped.
The discrimination ordinance was passed 62-38. See this post for details and analysis:
Discrimination Ordinance Passes
The Metro Transit ordinance passed overwhelmingly, to nobody's surprise.
The incumbent city commissioners were all reelected in the same order as they achieved in 2007. This includes criminal Stephanie Moore. The seventh spot was won by 'gay rights' advocate Terry Kuseske. The runner-up was Don Cooney ally Mike Kilbourne.
In Portage, the incumbents were reelected, and Patricia Randall was elected to the partial term.
In Battle Creek, Republican Elizabeth Fulton was elected to the city council.
POLITICAL UPDATE--News from Abroad
This update focuses on news from abroad. Russia remains dominated by the KGB, which is still involved in terrorism and crime. The European Union continues to expand its power.
William Jasper: Dangerous Connections: NBA and the KGB
William Jasper: KGB/FSB: The “Game” Remains the Same
Patrick Krey: Lords of Chaos: The Kremlin’s Arms Merchants
Thomas Eddlem: The Soviet Roots of Terrorism
William Jasper: No State Sponsors, No Terror
Alex Newman: Holdout Signs Lisbon Treaty Creating EU Super-State
Kevin Grace: What Canada’s Free Speech Victory Says About America’s Matthew Shepard “Hate Crimes” Bill
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
William Jasper: Dangerous Connections: NBA and the KGB
William Jasper: KGB/FSB: The “Game” Remains the Same
Patrick Krey: Lords of Chaos: The Kremlin’s Arms Merchants
Thomas Eddlem: The Soviet Roots of Terrorism
William Jasper: No State Sponsors, No Terror
Alex Newman: Holdout Signs Lisbon Treaty Creating EU Super-State
Kevin Grace: What Canada’s Free Speech Victory Says About America’s Matthew Shepard “Hate Crimes” Bill
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
The Awful Wilson Administration
The years 1913-1918, under president Woodrow Wilson and a democrat Congress, were a disastrous time for America.
In 1913, Congress passed the 16th amendment to create the income tax. It was promised that this tax would only apply to the very rich and would be at most a few percent. Instead, it has grown to consume a significant minority of all income produced in America. The tax code is thousands of pages long and full of loopholes created by special interest lobbying.
Also in 1913, Congress passed the 17th amendment to eliminate the representation of state governments in the US Senate. This amendment served to eliminate a significant check on the growth of the federal government. Government taxes, spending, and regulation skyrocketed in the years that followed.
Still in 1913, Congress created the Federal Reserve System at the behest of a coalition of powerful banking interests. The Fed created a banking cartel for the supposed purposes of preventing recessions and fighting inflation. Since then, there have been numerous recessions and the Great Depression, which even current Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke admits was largely caused by Fed policy. As for inflation, the dollar has lost over 95% of its value since 1913. This amounts to a huge tax on the wealth of all Americans.
After being reelected on the platform "he kept us out of war", President Woodrow Wilson immediately entered World War I. The prolonged war led to the collapse of the government in Russia and the rise of communists who slaughtered 70 million people in Russia and exported communism elsewhere in the world. Communists would slaughter about 250 million people in the twentieth century.
The punitive terms of the Versailles Treaty led to inflation and economic collapse in Germany, creating the political conditions that led to the rise of Hitler. Similar reasons led to the rise of Mussolini in Italy shortly after the end of the war.
During the war, Wilson imposed his 'war socialism', regimenting the economy under government control. Wilson also cracked down on civil liberties, imprisoning thousands of Americans critical of his policies on both the left and right. Wilson tried to get Congress to ratify the League of Nations treaty, which would have given that organization a veto over American military action. The treaty was defeated by the Senate.
See also: Liberal Fascism
In 1913, Congress passed the 16th amendment to create the income tax. It was promised that this tax would only apply to the very rich and would be at most a few percent. Instead, it has grown to consume a significant minority of all income produced in America. The tax code is thousands of pages long and full of loopholes created by special interest lobbying.
Also in 1913, Congress passed the 17th amendment to eliminate the representation of state governments in the US Senate. This amendment served to eliminate a significant check on the growth of the federal government. Government taxes, spending, and regulation skyrocketed in the years that followed.
Still in 1913, Congress created the Federal Reserve System at the behest of a coalition of powerful banking interests. The Fed created a banking cartel for the supposed purposes of preventing recessions and fighting inflation. Since then, there have been numerous recessions and the Great Depression, which even current Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke admits was largely caused by Fed policy. As for inflation, the dollar has lost over 95% of its value since 1913. This amounts to a huge tax on the wealth of all Americans.
After being reelected on the platform "he kept us out of war", President Woodrow Wilson immediately entered World War I. The prolonged war led to the collapse of the government in Russia and the rise of communists who slaughtered 70 million people in Russia and exported communism elsewhere in the world. Communists would slaughter about 250 million people in the twentieth century.
The punitive terms of the Versailles Treaty led to inflation and economic collapse in Germany, creating the political conditions that led to the rise of Hitler. Similar reasons led to the rise of Mussolini in Italy shortly after the end of the war.
During the war, Wilson imposed his 'war socialism', regimenting the economy under government control. Wilson also cracked down on civil liberties, imprisoning thousands of Americans critical of his policies on both the left and right. Wilson tried to get Congress to ratify the League of Nations treaty, which would have given that organization a veto over American military action. The treaty was defeated by the Senate.
See also: Liberal Fascism
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Walberg, Schauer, Nofs
From CQ Politics:
Could State Senate Race Spell Trouble for Rep. Schauer?
Michigan's 19th District state Senate race received some extra attention on election night from national Republicans, who hope a big win by GOP state Rep. Mike Nofs, is a harbinger for the area's 2010 House race. Nofs defeated Democratic state Rep. Marty Griffin, by double digits to win the open seat previously held by Democratic Rep. Mark Schauer.
Republicans say their win in the Democratic-leaning state district, which encompasses the key counties of Calhoun and Jackson, shows that Schauer is in trouble in his first re-election bid.
Could State Senate Race Spell Trouble for Rep. Schauer?
Michigan's 19th District state Senate race received some extra attention on election night from national Republicans, who hope a big win by GOP state Rep. Mike Nofs, is a harbinger for the area's 2010 House race. Nofs defeated Democratic state Rep. Marty Griffin, by double digits to win the open seat previously held by Democratic Rep. Mark Schauer.
Republicans say their win in the Democratic-leaning state district, which encompasses the key counties of Calhoun and Jackson, shows that Schauer is in trouble in his first re-election bid.
Local News
Election results and more around Kalamazoo.
Election results:
Terry Kuseske to hit treadmill running
Kalamazoo voter approval of anti-discrimination ordinance shows 'tides are changing'
Tuesday turnout was highest since '93 for Kalamazoo city-only election
'Huge turnout' keeps Robert Vlietstra as Alamo Township Supervisor
Patricia Randall wins Portage City Council seat
Metro Transit tax wins with 76 percent of vote
Kalamazoo voters go for status quo: Hopewell remains mayor; Kuseske lone commission newcomer
Kalamazoo voters approve anti-discrimination ordinance by a wide margin
Map of Discrimination Ordinance Vote
Pre-election news:
Western Herald Voting Guide
On the ballot: Metro Transit
Voters have final say on Ordinance 1856 on Nov. 3
Meet the Candidates
Election brims with choices on buses, gays, bonds and more
Candidates and proposals on Tuesday's ballot
Other news:
Board of Trustees discuss medical school plans
Kalamazoo City Commission votes on Social Gathering Ordinance
WMU medical-school idea raises questions, not funds
Portage task force calls for independent audit of assessments
Election results:
Terry Kuseske to hit treadmill running
Kalamazoo voter approval of anti-discrimination ordinance shows 'tides are changing'
Tuesday turnout was highest since '93 for Kalamazoo city-only election
'Huge turnout' keeps Robert Vlietstra as Alamo Township Supervisor
Patricia Randall wins Portage City Council seat
Metro Transit tax wins with 76 percent of vote
Kalamazoo voters go for status quo: Hopewell remains mayor; Kuseske lone commission newcomer
Kalamazoo voters approve anti-discrimination ordinance by a wide margin
Map of Discrimination Ordinance Vote
Pre-election news:
Western Herald Voting Guide
On the ballot: Metro Transit
Voters have final say on Ordinance 1856 on Nov. 3
Meet the Candidates
Election brims with choices on buses, gays, bonds and more
Candidates and proposals on Tuesday's ballot
Other news:
Board of Trustees discuss medical school plans
Kalamazoo City Commission votes on Social Gathering Ordinance
WMU medical-school idea raises questions, not funds
Portage task force calls for independent audit of assessments
Monday, November 02, 2009
Gazette Endorsements
The Gazette is out with its endorsements in local races.
Editorial: Kalamazoo should stand for equality
Editorial: Recommendations For Kalamazoo City Commission
Editorial: Recommendations For Portage City Council
To no one's surprise, the Gazette endorsed the discrimination ordinance.
For the city commission, it's no surprise that the Gazette endorsed incumbents Hopewell, McKinney, Cooney, Andersen, and Miller. I'm shocked that they endorsed ethically challenged, ACORN-employed, convicted embezzler and community organizer Stephanie Moore. They also endorsed ordinance opponent Nicholas Boyd, while praising recent college graduate Anna Schmitt.
In Portage, it's no surprise that they endorsed the incumbents, and mildly surprising that they endorsed Jim Pearson for the open seat.
Editorial: Kalamazoo should stand for equality
Editorial: Recommendations For Kalamazoo City Commission
Editorial: Recommendations For Portage City Council
To no one's surprise, the Gazette endorsed the discrimination ordinance.
For the city commission, it's no surprise that the Gazette endorsed incumbents Hopewell, McKinney, Cooney, Andersen, and Miller. I'm shocked that they endorsed ethically challenged, ACORN-employed, convicted embezzler and community organizer Stephanie Moore. They also endorsed ordinance opponent Nicholas Boyd, while praising recent college graduate Anna Schmitt.
In Portage, it's no surprise that they endorsed the incumbents, and mildly surprising that they endorsed Jim Pearson for the open seat.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
The Gazette's Poor Guide
The Kalamazoo Gazette's election guide is curiously lacking when it comes to informing readers of the opinions of city commission candidates opposed to the Kalamazoo discrimination ordinance.
First of all, here is the link to the Gazette's online election guide.
Kalamazoo City Commission: Questions and answers
The link to question 3, on the ordinance, originally directed readers to another question, but this has since been fixed.
Perusing the responses of the candidates, we find the following.
It was reported in the Western Herald that candidate Nicholas Boyd opposes the ordinance.
Kalamazoo City Commission stumps at WMU
The Gazette did manage to report Aaron Davis' answer opposing the ordinance.
Was this just the usual sloppiness, or is is something more?
First of all, here is the link to the Gazette's online election guide.
Kalamazoo City Commission: Questions and answers
The link to question 3, on the ordinance, originally directed readers to another question, but this has since been fixed.
Perusing the responses of the candidates, we find the following.
Kai Phillips: The candidate’s answer could not be published as submitted.It's anyone's guess what this somewhat cryptic statement means. This is the only answer from any candidate to any question to have such a disclaimer.
It was reported in the Western Herald that candidate Nicholas Boyd opposes the ordinance.
Kalamazoo City Commission stumps at WMU
Aaron Davis, Nicholas Boyd and Kai Phillips oppose it.But what does the Gazette guide report?
“I’ll be voting no, even though I’m happy that it is on the ballot,” Boyd said. “It’s more important to focus on the budget and try and stem the job loss.”Davis was even more adamant about the ordinance.
“I don’t think men should be able to go in the women’s bathroom,” Davis said, adding even more questions about the ordinance.
“Nobody’s ever been pulled over for being gay in Kalamazoo.”
Nicholas Boyd: I fully support this ordinance and am actively helping the One Kalamazoo campaign. One side of the issue that is often neglected is the effect on youth. I personally know gay, lesbian, and transgender teenagers — right here in Kalamazoo — who have been kicked out of their homes by their parents. This ordinance would help to keep them from becoming homeless.This is the exact same answer given for Kyle Boyer, the candidate directly below, strongly suggesting that the Gazette simply copied his answer into the wrong position.
The Gazette did manage to report Aaron Davis' answer opposing the ordinance.
Was this just the usual sloppiness, or is is something more?
Saturday, October 31, 2009
POLITICAL UPDATE--Health Care
This update focuses on health care. The Obama administration continues to attempt to foist a takeover of health care on America.
Ann Coulter: Liberal Lies About Health Care: Part 6 Part 7 I'll Pass on 'Opting Out'
Robert Blumen: 'Health Insurance'
Phyllis Schlafly: What's In and What's Out of Health Care Legislation
Thomas Eddlem: Obama Attacks Health care Studies
Alex Newman: Swine Flu: The Risks and Efficacy of Vaccines
Alex Newman: Swine Flu Seizures
James Edwards: Health Reform Loopholes for Illegals
Phyllis Schlafly: Good Health Depends on Defeating Government Health
Michael Cannon and Ramensh Ponnuru: You Mislead!
See also: Sick in America with John Stossel
Ann Coulter: Liberal Lies About Health Care: Part 6 Part 7 I'll Pass on 'Opting Out'
Robert Blumen: 'Health Insurance'
Phyllis Schlafly: What's In and What's Out of Health Care Legislation
Thomas Eddlem: Obama Attacks Health care Studies
Alex Newman: Swine Flu: The Risks and Efficacy of Vaccines
Alex Newman: Swine Flu Seizures
James Edwards: Health Reform Loopholes for Illegals
Phyllis Schlafly: Good Health Depends on Defeating Government Health
Michael Cannon and Ramensh Ponnuru: You Mislead!
See also: Sick in America with John Stossel
Rebecca Kiessling's Speech
On Thursday, Rebecca Kiessling spoke at an event sponsored by Students for Life. She gave a powerful testimony, told her story of being conceived by rape, and refuted arguments for legal abortion, particularly in cases of rape.
See her website here: http://rebeccakiessling.com/
See her website here: http://rebeccakiessling.com/
Campus Carry?
From AnnArbor.com:
Campus gun law bill being revised
Colleges could use discretion to ban concealed firearms from all campus buildings, but would have to allow guns in open outdoor spaces, under revisions to a bill being considered by a House committee.
Public colleges and universities are currently exempt from a statute that prohibits local governments from overriding state gun laws. The University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College all have ordinances barring firearms from campus, except for those carried by campus police.
Last week, House Bill 5474 was introduced to the Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee. The original bill would have erased campus ordinances and allowed those with concealed weapons permits to carry firearms anywhere on campus, except for classrooms, dormitories and stadiums, where guns are prohibited under a separate law.
Campus gun law bill being revised
Colleges could use discretion to ban concealed firearms from all campus buildings, but would have to allow guns in open outdoor spaces, under revisions to a bill being considered by a House committee.
Public colleges and universities are currently exempt from a statute that prohibits local governments from overriding state gun laws. The University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College all have ordinances barring firearms from campus, except for those carried by campus police.
Last week, House Bill 5474 was introduced to the Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee. The original bill would have erased campus ordinances and allowed those with concealed weapons permits to carry firearms anywhere on campus, except for classrooms, dormitories and stadiums, where guns are prohibited under a separate law.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Parking Lot Carry
From the NRA:
Parking Lot Legislation Headed to the House Floor!
Friday, October 30, 2009
On Tuesday, October 27 the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee approved House Bill 5302 and House Bill 5303 by a 9 to 1 vote.
HB5302, introduced by State Representative Paul Opsommer (R-93), and HB5303, introduced by State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-103), would prohibit employers from firing employees who safely and lawfully store their firearms in locked vehicles while at work. The bill now moves to the full Michigan House of Representatives where a vote may be taken any day.
Please contact your Representative TODAY and respectfully ask them to support this important Second Amendment legislation. To find your representative and contact information please click here.
Parking Lot Legislation Headed to the House Floor!
Friday, October 30, 2009
On Tuesday, October 27 the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee approved House Bill 5302 and House Bill 5303 by a 9 to 1 vote.
HB5302, introduced by State Representative Paul Opsommer (R-93), and HB5303, introduced by State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-103), would prohibit employers from firing employees who safely and lawfully store their firearms in locked vehicles while at work. The bill now moves to the full Michigan House of Representatives where a vote may be taken any day.
Please contact your Representative TODAY and respectfully ask them to support this important Second Amendment legislation. To find your representative and contact information please click here.
CMU Conflict
From Education Reporter:
Central Michigan University's Student Life department de-recognized CMU's chapter of Campus Conservatives (CC) four days before a visit from state Sen. Michelle McManus, forcing the group to host the senator in a cafeteria instead of a more appropriate venue. Student Life was punishing CC for failing to pay for extra police security at a speech by David Horowitz last fall. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) informed CMU that requiring "student organizations hosting controversial events to pay for extra security is clearly unconstitutional, as it affixes a price tag to events based on their expressive content." CMU Student Life has already dropped three sets of previous, unrelated charges against Campus Conservatives — twice after warnings from FIRE, and once after a warning from the ACLU. (studentsforacademicfreedom.com, 8-25-09)
Central Michigan University's Student Life department de-recognized CMU's chapter of Campus Conservatives (CC) four days before a visit from state Sen. Michelle McManus, forcing the group to host the senator in a cafeteria instead of a more appropriate venue. Student Life was punishing CC for failing to pay for extra police security at a speech by David Horowitz last fall. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) informed CMU that requiring "student organizations hosting controversial events to pay for extra security is clearly unconstitutional, as it affixes a price tag to events based on their expressive content." CMU Student Life has already dropped three sets of previous, unrelated charges against Campus Conservatives — twice after warnings from FIRE, and once after a warning from the ACLU. (studentsforacademicfreedom.com, 8-25-09)
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Discrimination Ordinance:
Some voters say Kalamazoo's anti-discrimination vote doesn't address 'bathroom issue'
Anti-discrimination ordinance: Information, local opinions and more
One Kalamazoo marches against discrimination
Black vote seen as key in ballot issue
PROPOSED KALAMAZOO ORDINANCE NO. 1856
War chest may have record amount: Group has nearly $350,000 to support anti-discrimination ordinance on Kalamazoo ballot
November Elections:
Kalamazoo City Commission candidate cries foul over Democratic Party's role in election
Kalamazoo City Commission stumps at WMU
Reason for Alamo recall effort debated
City commission candidates to speak at WMU Tuesday
City candidates file financial reports
Records show spending in Portage City Council races
Other News:
Oshtemo measure aims to restrict panhandling
Oshtemo finalizing new police tax
Calvin College agrees to further study ban on homosexual advocacy
Minors may no longer be required to submit to breath tests in the city of Kalamazoo
Second arena-study deadline to be missed
Kalamazoo Citizens for Responsible Government releases scorecard on public bodies' transparency
Discrimination Ordinance:
Some voters say Kalamazoo's anti-discrimination vote doesn't address 'bathroom issue'
Anti-discrimination ordinance: Information, local opinions and more
One Kalamazoo marches against discrimination
Black vote seen as key in ballot issue
PROPOSED KALAMAZOO ORDINANCE NO. 1856
War chest may have record amount: Group has nearly $350,000 to support anti-discrimination ordinance on Kalamazoo ballot
November Elections:
Kalamazoo City Commission candidate cries foul over Democratic Party's role in election
Kalamazoo City Commission stumps at WMU
Reason for Alamo recall effort debated
City commission candidates to speak at WMU Tuesday
City candidates file financial reports
Records show spending in Portage City Council races
Other News:
Oshtemo measure aims to restrict panhandling
Oshtemo finalizing new police tax
Calvin College agrees to further study ban on homosexual advocacy
Minors may no longer be required to submit to breath tests in the city of Kalamazoo
Second arena-study deadline to be missed
Kalamazoo Citizens for Responsible Government releases scorecard on public bodies' transparency
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Kai Phillips for Kalamazoo City Commission
In a field of seventeen candidates for the Kalamazoo City Commission, one candidate stands out. Kai Phillips has been a business manager and is a Kalamazoo resident making his first run for elective office.
Kai opposes the discrimination ordinance passed by the Kalamazoo City Commission. The ordinance would take away people's religious freedom and freedom of association. It would also be bad for business, threatening $500 per day fines, lawsuits, and investigations against businesses that are already struggling in this tough economy. He knows that this ordinance is bad for Kalamazoo.
Kai also opposes the terrible policy instituted by the Kalamazoo police chief to not check whether criminals caught by the police are illegal aliens. This policy can only lead to more crime and hurt Kalamazoo by not catching criminals who should be deported.
Kalamazoo to become Sanctuary City
Kai opposes raising taxes and supports cutting taxes. He knows that taxpayers have been punished enough, and attracting business to Kalamazoo requires an environment friendly to job creation.
Kai Phillips is the right choice for the Kalamazoo City Commission.
See also: Analysis of Kalamazoo City Commission Races
See his website: http://kaiphillips.com/
Kai opposes the discrimination ordinance passed by the Kalamazoo City Commission. The ordinance would take away people's religious freedom and freedom of association. It would also be bad for business, threatening $500 per day fines, lawsuits, and investigations against businesses that are already struggling in this tough economy. He knows that this ordinance is bad for Kalamazoo.
Kai also opposes the terrible policy instituted by the Kalamazoo police chief to not check whether criminals caught by the police are illegal aliens. This policy can only lead to more crime and hurt Kalamazoo by not catching criminals who should be deported.
Kalamazoo to become Sanctuary City
Kai opposes raising taxes and supports cutting taxes. He knows that taxpayers have been punished enough, and attracting business to Kalamazoo requires an environment friendly to job creation.
Kai Phillips is the right choice for the Kalamazoo City Commission.
See also: Analysis of Kalamazoo City Commission Races
See his website: http://kaiphillips.com/
Monday, October 26, 2009
Women with Guns
Women learn about guns in Michigan.
Women aim for protection in female-only concealed pistol classes
Discrimination News
The fight over Kalamazoo's discrimination ordinance is heating up. Some notes on the race.
War chest may have record amount: Group has nearly $350,000 to support anti-discrimination ordinance on Kalamazoo ballot
City candidates file financial reports
Records show spending in Portage City Council races
Not surprisingly, the ordinance supporters are swimming in money, between the support of billionaire democrat Jon Stryker and national 'gay rights' groups. They have a 10:1 advantage in money. Meanwhile, the opponents have raised most of their money in small donations. Win or lose, the votes aren't going to go 10:1 one way.
-----------------------
The ordinance supporters' organization is named 'One Kalamazoo'. What does this mean? That we should all get together in perfect harmony? But what if people disagree, as they always do in a free society? What should be done about the awful people disrupting the glorious 'oneness' all right-thinking people want? They must be punished! That's the whole point of the ordinance. It isn't homosexuals who are being threatened with 500 dollar per day fines for living their beliefs.
Unity is overrated:
Calls to 'put politics aside' really mean 'stop disagreeing with me and shut up.'
-----------------------
On a related note, the anti-Christian bigotry expressed by the ordinance supporters in comment threads on many of the Gazette articles on the ordinance is surprising. Not that it exists, but that discrimination ordinance supporters are so open about expressing their hatred.
-----------------------
One Kalamazoo marches against discrimination
"Queer students say harassment has increased"
Axis of Queers
-----------------------
Black vote seen as key in ballot issue
Kalamazoo pastor J. Louis Felton takes middle road in ordinance debate
The black vote is correctly seen as key in the election. Ordinance supporters are claiming that their cause is analogous to the civil rights movement. This would be laughable if it weren't outrageous. Did the civil rights movement outspend its opponents 10:1? Did it have black billionaires funding it? Did it have the unanimous support of city commissioners? What a joke. Anybody who claims their cause is just like the civil rights movement is selling a bill of goods.
Anonymous commenters claim that opponents of the discrimination ordinance are just like opponents of the civil rights movement. Based on what? The civil rights movement was largely a religious movement, led by black pastors and organized in the black church. Today, black pastors are mostly against the discrimination ordinance, though pastor Felton has waffled on the issue. More liberal black politicians, who are funded by Jon Stryker and his ilk, mostly support the ordinance.
-----------------------
PROPOSED KALAMAZOO ORDINANCE NO. 1856
The ballot language of the ordinance itself is misleading. It makes it sound like the ordinance would ban 'discrimination' based on all manner of factors, including race, gender, and religion. But this is in the existing law. What is new is 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity'. Will voters be confused by this?
-----------------------
The Curse of the Creative Class
A New Age theory of urban development amounts to economic snake oil.
Ordinance supporters claim that it will benefit the economy. This is based on a book entitled The Rise of the Creative Class, which makes dubious, if not fraudulent arguments to support its advocacy of liberal social policies and taxpayer support for liberal artists, etc. The above article destroys these arguments with actual facts. But politicians and leftists aren't likely to examine the facts behind arguments for things they want to do anyways.
Implementing all my favorite social policies will improve the economy!
On a side note, this same book was the inspiration for governor Granholm's absurd Cool Cities Initiative, which has worked out so well for Kalamazoo and Michigan.
War chest may have record amount: Group has nearly $350,000 to support anti-discrimination ordinance on Kalamazoo ballot
City candidates file financial reports
Records show spending in Portage City Council races
Not surprisingly, the ordinance supporters are swimming in money, between the support of billionaire democrat Jon Stryker and national 'gay rights' groups. They have a 10:1 advantage in money. Meanwhile, the opponents have raised most of their money in small donations. Win or lose, the votes aren't going to go 10:1 one way.
-----------------------
The ordinance supporters' organization is named 'One Kalamazoo'. What does this mean? That we should all get together in perfect harmony? But what if people disagree, as they always do in a free society? What should be done about the awful people disrupting the glorious 'oneness' all right-thinking people want? They must be punished! That's the whole point of the ordinance. It isn't homosexuals who are being threatened with 500 dollar per day fines for living their beliefs.
Unity is overrated:
Calls to 'put politics aside' really mean 'stop disagreeing with me and shut up.'
-----------------------
On a related note, the anti-Christian bigotry expressed by the ordinance supporters in comment threads on many of the Gazette articles on the ordinance is surprising. Not that it exists, but that discrimination ordinance supporters are so open about expressing their hatred.
-----------------------
One Kalamazoo marches against discrimination
“Whether or not this passes, when this gets over, the Resource Center will still be here after Nov. 3,” Garcia said. “What makes me angry is that the opposition says this isn’t a problem in Kalamazoo. We’ve had over 20 phone calls in the last year from people who have lost their jobs or their houses because of what they are.”So prove it. Until they do, we can only assume these incidents are just made up, just like this batch of phony hate crimes:
"Queer students say harassment has increased"
Axis of Queers
-----------------------
Black vote seen as key in ballot issue
Kalamazoo pastor J. Louis Felton takes middle road in ordinance debate
The black vote is correctly seen as key in the election. Ordinance supporters are claiming that their cause is analogous to the civil rights movement. This would be laughable if it weren't outrageous. Did the civil rights movement outspend its opponents 10:1? Did it have black billionaires funding it? Did it have the unanimous support of city commissioners? What a joke. Anybody who claims their cause is just like the civil rights movement is selling a bill of goods.
Anonymous commenters claim that opponents of the discrimination ordinance are just like opponents of the civil rights movement. Based on what? The civil rights movement was largely a religious movement, led by black pastors and organized in the black church. Today, black pastors are mostly against the discrimination ordinance, though pastor Felton has waffled on the issue. More liberal black politicians, who are funded by Jon Stryker and his ilk, mostly support the ordinance.
-----------------------
PROPOSED KALAMAZOO ORDINANCE NO. 1856
The ballot language of the ordinance itself is misleading. It makes it sound like the ordinance would ban 'discrimination' based on all manner of factors, including race, gender, and religion. But this is in the existing law. What is new is 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity'. Will voters be confused by this?
-----------------------
The Curse of the Creative Class
A New Age theory of urban development amounts to economic snake oil.
Ordinance supporters claim that it will benefit the economy. This is based on a book entitled The Rise of the Creative Class, which makes dubious, if not fraudulent arguments to support its advocacy of liberal social policies and taxpayer support for liberal artists, etc. The above article destroys these arguments with actual facts. But politicians and leftists aren't likely to examine the facts behind arguments for things they want to do anyways.
Implementing all my favorite social policies will improve the economy!
On a side note, this same book was the inspiration for governor Granholm's absurd Cool Cities Initiative, which has worked out so well for Kalamazoo and Michigan.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Analysis of Kalamazoo City Commission Races
One of the local races to be decided this November is that for the Kalamazoo City Commission. All seven seats are up for election. The top seven vote-getters become the next commission, the top vote-getter becomes mayor, and the runner up becomes vice-mayor. The race is non-partisan.
Seventeen candidates have filed for election. Six of seven incumbents are running for reelection, with incumbent Sean McCann running for the democrat nomination for the 60th state house seat being vacated by Robert Jones.
The incumbents range from moderate (Barb Miller) to liberal (Mayor Bobby Hopewell, Vice-mayor Hannah McKinney, David Andersen) to very liberal (Don Cooney, Stephanie Moore). The first five incumbents are all pretty likely to be reelected, though Barb Miller may lose some conservative voters due to her support for the discrimination ordinance that will also be decided in the election.
Stephanie Moore is highly vulnerable due both to the fact that she barely squeaked into office in seventh place in 2007, and her troubles with the law. She was arrested and pled no contest to interfering with a police officer in Battle Creek and spent a short time in jail. There was also a controversy about firemen filling her swimming pool for free. Before her election, Moore was convicted of several crimes, including embezzlement, when she was a community organizer for ACORN.
Screening the candidates by occupation and quality of responses, we find the following candidates who are not very likely to win.
Jimmy Dean Ayers: No occupation
Birleta Bean-Hardeman: Transportation manager, B & W Charters Inc
Nicholas Boyd: Home-loan closer for National City Bank
Kyle Boyer: Bartender at Partners Bar
Mike Kilbourne: AmeriCorps worker, Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Anna Schmitt: Server and bartender
Louis Cloise Stocking: Volunteer organizer for Michigan Medical Marijuana Association
Karen Wellman: Did not respond
Interestingly, five of the challengers (Boyd, Boyer, Schmitt, Stocking, and Kai Phillips) are in their twenties. Five of the candidates are black. Boyd's website lists a number of motorcycle-related websites and "oneness scriptures" from the Bible. Schmitt has a facebook group closed to nonmembers. Kilbourne is supported by Don Cooney.
That leaves the following three apparently credible challengers.
Aaron Davis: Restaurant hospitality manager for Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Terry L. Kuseske: Retired
Kai Phillips: Managing director of Yerasoft, a Web and software design firm
Examining their responses to the Gazette survey can help to distinguish the candidates.
17 Kalamazoo City Commission candidates vary on economic issues
Kalamazoo City Commission: Questions and answers
Kalamazoo City Commission: Meet the candidates
On the discrimination ordinance passed by the city commission, Kai Phillips, Aaron Davis, and Nicholas Boyd oppose the ordinance, and all the other candidates favor it.
On the issue of whether tax money should be used to build a downtown arena, Davis, Hopewell, Miller, and Schmitt said yes, Bean, Boyd, Boyer, Cooney, Kilbourne, Phillips, and Stocking said no, and Andersen, Ayers, Kuseske, McKinney, Moore, and Wellman did not clearly answer the question.
On the issue of whether the police should check the immigration status of criminals, Ayers and Phillips said yes, Boyer, Cooney, Hopewell, Kilbourne, Kueseske, McKinney, Moore, and Schmitt said no, and Andersen, Bean, Boyd, Davis, Miller, and Stocking did not clearly answer the question.
On whether the DPS should make marijuana its "lowest enforcement priority", Ayers, Boyer, Moore, Schmitt, and Stocking said yes, Hopewell, McKinney, Miller, and Phiilips said no, and Andersen, Bean, Boyd, Cooney, Davis, Kilbourne, Kuseske, and Wellman did not clearly answer the question.
On whether businesses that receive tax breaks should be required to hire the poor and felons, Ayers, Bean, Boyer, Cooney, Davis, and Kilbourne said yes, Andersen, Boyd, Hopewell, McKinney, Miller, Moore, Phillips, and Schmitt said no, and Kuseske, Stocking, and Wellman did not clearly answer the question.
On the Metro Transit tax on the ballot in Kalamazoo this November, everyone supports it except for Davis and Phillips who said no, and Boyer and Wellman who did not clearly answer the question.
On the issues, Kai Phillips is clearly the best. Aaron Davis is good on some issues such as the discrimination ordinance and Metro Transit tax, but not good on others.
Seventeen candidates have filed for election. Six of seven incumbents are running for reelection, with incumbent Sean McCann running for the democrat nomination for the 60th state house seat being vacated by Robert Jones.
The incumbents range from moderate (Barb Miller) to liberal (Mayor Bobby Hopewell, Vice-mayor Hannah McKinney, David Andersen) to very liberal (Don Cooney, Stephanie Moore). The first five incumbents are all pretty likely to be reelected, though Barb Miller may lose some conservative voters due to her support for the discrimination ordinance that will also be decided in the election.
Stephanie Moore is highly vulnerable due both to the fact that she barely squeaked into office in seventh place in 2007, and her troubles with the law. She was arrested and pled no contest to interfering with a police officer in Battle Creek and spent a short time in jail. There was also a controversy about firemen filling her swimming pool for free. Before her election, Moore was convicted of several crimes, including embezzlement, when she was a community organizer for ACORN.
Moore, who is serving her first term as a city commissioner, pleaded guilty in 2005 to misdemeanor embezzlement from the Fannie Lou Hamer Project, a national nonprofit voting education foundation she headed. Michigan State Police records also show that in 1983 Moore, then 17, was found guilty of misdemeanor retail fraud and in 1998 she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor nonsufficient funds charge.Kalamazoo City Commission elections often attract cranks, or to be generous, candidates who have no chance of winning. In 2007 there were the two homeless candidates who ran as write-ins after failing to get the fifty signatures needed to get on the ballot. In 2005 there were Phil Bassett and Dennis Flatt, whose big idea was to build a monorail from Western to downtown. There was also the race-baiting reverend Jerry McNeely, who had plenty of ethical problems.
Screening the candidates by occupation and quality of responses, we find the following candidates who are not very likely to win.
Jimmy Dean Ayers: No occupation
Birleta Bean-Hardeman: Transportation manager, B & W Charters Inc
Nicholas Boyd: Home-loan closer for National City Bank
Kyle Boyer: Bartender at Partners Bar
Mike Kilbourne: AmeriCorps worker, Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Anna Schmitt: Server and bartender
Louis Cloise Stocking: Volunteer organizer for Michigan Medical Marijuana Association
Karen Wellman: Did not respond
Interestingly, five of the challengers (Boyd, Boyer, Schmitt, Stocking, and Kai Phillips) are in their twenties. Five of the candidates are black. Boyd's website lists a number of motorcycle-related websites and "oneness scriptures" from the Bible. Schmitt has a facebook group closed to nonmembers. Kilbourne is supported by Don Cooney.
That leaves the following three apparently credible challengers.
Aaron Davis: Restaurant hospitality manager for Greenleaf Hospitality Group
Terry L. Kuseske: Retired
Kai Phillips: Managing director of Yerasoft, a Web and software design firm
Examining their responses to the Gazette survey can help to distinguish the candidates.
17 Kalamazoo City Commission candidates vary on economic issues
Kalamazoo City Commission: Questions and answers
Kalamazoo City Commission: Meet the candidates
On the discrimination ordinance passed by the city commission, Kai Phillips, Aaron Davis, and Nicholas Boyd oppose the ordinance, and all the other candidates favor it.
On the issue of whether tax money should be used to build a downtown arena, Davis, Hopewell, Miller, and Schmitt said yes, Bean, Boyd, Boyer, Cooney, Kilbourne, Phillips, and Stocking said no, and Andersen, Ayers, Kuseske, McKinney, Moore, and Wellman did not clearly answer the question.
On the issue of whether the police should check the immigration status of criminals, Ayers and Phillips said yes, Boyer, Cooney, Hopewell, Kilbourne, Kueseske, McKinney, Moore, and Schmitt said no, and Andersen, Bean, Boyd, Davis, Miller, and Stocking did not clearly answer the question.
On whether the DPS should make marijuana its "lowest enforcement priority", Ayers, Boyer, Moore, Schmitt, and Stocking said yes, Hopewell, McKinney, Miller, and Phiilips said no, and Andersen, Bean, Boyd, Cooney, Davis, Kilbourne, Kuseske, and Wellman did not clearly answer the question.
On whether businesses that receive tax breaks should be required to hire the poor and felons, Ayers, Bean, Boyer, Cooney, Davis, and Kilbourne said yes, Andersen, Boyd, Hopewell, McKinney, Miller, Moore, Phillips, and Schmitt said no, and Kuseske, Stocking, and Wellman did not clearly answer the question.
On the Metro Transit tax on the ballot in Kalamazoo this November, everyone supports it except for Davis and Phillips who said no, and Boyer and Wellman who did not clearly answer the question.
On the issues, Kai Phillips is clearly the best. Aaron Davis is good on some issues such as the discrimination ordinance and Metro Transit tax, but not good on others.
POLITICAL UPDATE--Liberalism
This update focuses on liberalism. More continues to be revealed about Barack Obama.
Becky Akers: The New Face of Psychiatry
Phyllis Schlafly: If Obama Had Told Us Before His Election
Phyllis Schlafly: Singing Heil Obama in New Jersey
Selwyn Duke: Obama: Beyond the Idea of an Icon
Phyllis Schlafly: The Radical Policies of the NEA
Thomas Eddlem: In the Shadows of Promise
Much information on liberal individuals and organizations can be found at David Horowitz's Discover the Network site.
Becky Akers: The New Face of Psychiatry
Phyllis Schlafly: If Obama Had Told Us Before His Election
Phyllis Schlafly: Singing Heil Obama in New Jersey
Selwyn Duke: Obama: Beyond the Idea of an Icon
Phyllis Schlafly: The Radical Policies of the NEA
Thomas Eddlem: In the Shadows of Promise
Much information on liberal individuals and organizations can be found at David Horowitz's Discover the Network site.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Governor Race Polls
Mike Cox and Pete Hoekstra lead the race for the Republican nomination. Cox is clearly the strongest candidate in the general election, leading John Cherry by 15 points. Hoekstra and Bouchard also lead, but Rick Snyder looks like a loser, trailing Cherrry. Voters simply don't like rich, self-funding candidates.
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Primaries:
John Cherry (D): 33 (14)
Alma Wheeler Smith (D): 5 (2)
George Perles (D): 3 (2)
Don Williamson (D): 3 (1)
John Freeman (D): 2 (NA)
Undecided: 54 (26)
Peter Hoekstra (R): 29 (27)
Mike Cox (R): 28 (26)
Mike Bouchard (R): 14 (NA)
Rick Snyder (R): 3 (NA)
Tom George (R): 2 (1)
Undecided: 24 (25)
(MoE: ±4%)
General:
John Cherry (D): 33 (36)
Peter Hoekstra (R): 40 (33)
John Cherry (D): 30 (36)
Mike Cox (R): 45 (35)
John Cherry (D): 30
Mike Bouchard (R): 39
John Cherry (D): 34
Rick Snyder (R): 32
(MoE: ±4%)
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Primaries:
John Cherry (D): 33 (14)
Alma Wheeler Smith (D): 5 (2)
George Perles (D): 3 (2)
Don Williamson (D): 3 (1)
John Freeman (D): 2 (NA)
Undecided: 54 (26)
Peter Hoekstra (R): 29 (27)
Mike Cox (R): 28 (26)
Mike Bouchard (R): 14 (NA)
Rick Snyder (R): 3 (NA)
Tom George (R): 2 (1)
Undecided: 24 (25)
(MoE: ±4%)
General:
John Cherry (D): 33 (36)
Peter Hoekstra (R): 40 (33)
John Cherry (D): 30 (36)
Mike Cox (R): 45 (35)
John Cherry (D): 30
Mike Bouchard (R): 39
John Cherry (D): 34
Rick Snyder (R): 32
(MoE: ±4%)
Attorney General Race Polling
Make of this what you will. It's still early, and some of it is probably name recognition. At least this poll claims that Mike Bishop would be a stronger candidate.
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Results of the survey show that Mike Bishop has a 10% lead over Gretchen Whitmer (36%-26%) while Bill Schuette is tied with Whitmer (32%-32%).
In the press release sent to the Detroit News that printed the results of the survey on the Friday of the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference, I said the following: ―Bishop is doing so much better statewide against Whitmer because of his lead in the Metro Detroit Area. Bishop leads by a 2:1 margin (43%-21%) in the vote rich Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair and Wayne County outside of Detroit area, while Schuette only has a 1% lead (31%-30%) there. At this point, Bishop is clearly the stronger candidate for Attorney General.‖
In 2002, Mike Cox was elected by just 5,600 votes statewide. Republicans need to nominate the strongest possible candidate in 2010 if it wants to elect a GOP attorney general. Mike Bishop begins the race with a 10% lead over a woman Democrat, while Bill Schuette is only tied with her. In a close race, having the lead Bishop has right now could be the difference between winning and losing next year.
Bishop’s strong support in the Detroit Metro Area is important. He will not have to spend as much money in the very expensive Detroit media market to get his message out as Schuette will have to spend. Conversely, Sen. Whitmer will have to spend much more money to beat Mike Bishop than she will have to spend in her attempt to beat Bill Schuette. That difference in spending alone could make it far more difficult for Democrats to win in 2010.
----------------
Results of the survey show that Mike Bishop has a 10% lead over Gretchen Whitmer (36%-26%) while Bill Schuette is tied with Whitmer (32%-32%).
In the press release sent to the Detroit News that printed the results of the survey on the Friday of the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference, I said the following: ―Bishop is doing so much better statewide against Whitmer because of his lead in the Metro Detroit Area. Bishop leads by a 2:1 margin (43%-21%) in the vote rich Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair and Wayne County outside of Detroit area, while Schuette only has a 1% lead (31%-30%) there. At this point, Bishop is clearly the stronger candidate for Attorney General.‖
In 2002, Mike Cox was elected by just 5,600 votes statewide. Republicans need to nominate the strongest possible candidate in 2010 if it wants to elect a GOP attorney general. Mike Bishop begins the race with a 10% lead over a woman Democrat, while Bill Schuette is only tied with her. In a close race, having the lead Bishop has right now could be the difference between winning and losing next year.
Bishop’s strong support in the Detroit Metro Area is important. He will not have to spend as much money in the very expensive Detroit media market to get his message out as Schuette will have to spend. Conversely, Sen. Whitmer will have to spend much more money to beat Mike Bishop than she will have to spend in her attempt to beat Bill Schuette. That difference in spending alone could make it far more difficult for Democrats to win in 2010.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Wall Street Journal on Granholm
Read it all.
The State of Joblessness: The tragedy of Jennifer Granholm's Michigan
State lawmakers will soon face large budget deficits again, perhaps as much as $100 billion across the U.S. Here's some free budget-balancing advice: Steer clear of the Michigan model. The Wolverine state is once again set to run out of money, and it is once again poised to raise taxes even as jobs and businesses disappear.
The State of Joblessness: The tragedy of Jennifer Granholm's Michigan
State lawmakers will soon face large budget deficits again, perhaps as much as $100 billion across the U.S. Here's some free budget-balancing advice: Steer clear of the Michigan model. The Wolverine state is once again set to run out of money, and it is once again poised to raise taxes even as jobs and businesses disappear.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Speech on Campus
Church and State: Why Christians are Dangerous to the US Government and why the Government needs them Anyway
Dr. Peter Wielhouwer
October 21, 2009, 7PM
Brown Hall
Sponsored by Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
Dr. Peter Wielhouwer
October 21, 2009, 7PM
Brown Hall
Sponsored by Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
NRA Alert
Important Pro-Gun Bills to be Considered in Michigan on Tuesday!
Friday, October 16, 2009
On Tuesday, October 20 at 10:30 a.m., the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee will consider House Bill 5302 and House Bill 5303.
HB5302, introduced by State Representative Paul Opsommer (R-93), and HB5303, introduced by State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-103), would prohibit employers from firing employees who safely and lawfully store their firearms in locked vehicles while at work.
Please contact the members of the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee TODAY and respectfully encourage them to vote in support of HB5302 and HB5303. Contact information for the committee members can be found below.
Friday, October 16, 2009
On Tuesday, October 20 at 10:30 a.m., the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee will consider House Bill 5302 and House Bill 5303.
HB5302, introduced by State Representative Paul Opsommer (R-93), and HB5303, introduced by State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-103), would prohibit employers from firing employees who safely and lawfully store their firearms in locked vehicles while at work.
Please contact the members of the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee TODAY and respectfully encourage them to vote in support of HB5302 and HB5303. Contact information for the committee members can be found below.
Best Comment Ever
Blog comments are like precious gems to polished and admired. Truly such eloquence has seldom been seen before, nor likely will be seen again, in the English language.
----------------------
Conservative Second said...
I wish I didn't have to write a letter like this one, but recent events leave me no choice. Let me make clear what is foremost on my mind and what the focus of this letter will be: if I said that we should avoid personal responsibility, I'd be a liar. But I'd be being thoroughly honest if I said that we should analyze WMU College Republicans's opinions in the manner of sociological studies of mass communication and persuasion. (Goodness knows, our elected officials aren't going to.) WMU College Republicans truly believes that advertising is the most veridical form of human communication. I hope you realize that that's just a pea-brained pipe dream from a bumptious pipe and that in the real world, WMU College Republicans's proxies are merely ciphers. WMU College Republicans is the one who decides whether or not to do exactly the things it accuses uncontrollable dipsomaniacs of doing. WMU College Republicans is the one who gives out the orders to protect undeserved privilege. And WMU College Republicans is the one trying to conceal how all it really wants is to hang onto the perks it's getting from the system. That's all it really cares about.
Personally, I don't expect WMU College Republicans to give up its crusade to make excessive use of foul language, but we'll see. WMU College Republicans is more dangerous than other annoying misers because the spoiled, pampered offspring of the cosseted upper class actually believe WMU College Republicans when it says that ebola, AIDS, mad-cow disease, and the hantavirus were intentionally bioengineered by tactless egotists for the purpose of population reduction. I cannot believe how many actual, physical, breathing, thinking people have fallen for WMU College Republicans's subterfuge. I'm entirely stunned. In a previous letter, I announced my intention to confront and reject all manifestations of adversarialism. Naturally, this announcement caused WMU College Republicans to mutter abuses befitting its character. Incidents like that truly demonstrate how the world is suffering from its lack of faith in a transcendental truth. That concept can be extended, mutatis mutandis, to the way that WMU College Republicans's true goal is to arrest and detain its enemies indefinitely without charge, without trial, and without access to legal counsel. All the statements that its thralls make to justify or downplay that goal are only apologetics; they do nothing to upbraid WMU College Republicans for being so judgmental.
WMU College Republicans claims that all minorities are poor, stupid ghetto trash. Well, I beg to differ. Should this be discussed in school? You bet. That's the function of education: To teach students how to establish a supportive—rather than an intimidating—atmosphere for offering public comment. WMU College Republicans's harangues will have consequences—very serious consequences. We ought to begin doing something about that. We ought to express our concerns about WMU College Republicans's flippant reportages. We ought to spread the word that I have a dream that my children will be able to live in a world filled with open spaces and beautiful wilderness—not in a dark, self-deceiving world run by ultra-unctuous caitiffs. Anyhow, I guess I've run out of things to say, so let me just leave you with one parting wish: Together, may we condemn—without hesitation, without remorse—all those who erode constitutional principles that have shaped our society and remain at the core of our freedom and liberty.
October 13, 2009 7:35 AM
----------------------
Conservative Second said...
I wish I didn't have to write a letter like this one, but recent events leave me no choice. Let me make clear what is foremost on my mind and what the focus of this letter will be: if I said that we should avoid personal responsibility, I'd be a liar. But I'd be being thoroughly honest if I said that we should analyze WMU College Republicans's opinions in the manner of sociological studies of mass communication and persuasion. (Goodness knows, our elected officials aren't going to.) WMU College Republicans truly believes that advertising is the most veridical form of human communication. I hope you realize that that's just a pea-brained pipe dream from a bumptious pipe and that in the real world, WMU College Republicans's proxies are merely ciphers. WMU College Republicans is the one who decides whether or not to do exactly the things it accuses uncontrollable dipsomaniacs of doing. WMU College Republicans is the one who gives out the orders to protect undeserved privilege. And WMU College Republicans is the one trying to conceal how all it really wants is to hang onto the perks it's getting from the system. That's all it really cares about.
Personally, I don't expect WMU College Republicans to give up its crusade to make excessive use of foul language, but we'll see. WMU College Republicans is more dangerous than other annoying misers because the spoiled, pampered offspring of the cosseted upper class actually believe WMU College Republicans when it says that ebola, AIDS, mad-cow disease, and the hantavirus were intentionally bioengineered by tactless egotists for the purpose of population reduction. I cannot believe how many actual, physical, breathing, thinking people have fallen for WMU College Republicans's subterfuge. I'm entirely stunned. In a previous letter, I announced my intention to confront and reject all manifestations of adversarialism. Naturally, this announcement caused WMU College Republicans to mutter abuses befitting its character. Incidents like that truly demonstrate how the world is suffering from its lack of faith in a transcendental truth. That concept can be extended, mutatis mutandis, to the way that WMU College Republicans's true goal is to arrest and detain its enemies indefinitely without charge, without trial, and without access to legal counsel. All the statements that its thralls make to justify or downplay that goal are only apologetics; they do nothing to upbraid WMU College Republicans for being so judgmental.
WMU College Republicans claims that all minorities are poor, stupid ghetto trash. Well, I beg to differ. Should this be discussed in school? You bet. That's the function of education: To teach students how to establish a supportive—rather than an intimidating—atmosphere for offering public comment. WMU College Republicans's harangues will have consequences—very serious consequences. We ought to begin doing something about that. We ought to express our concerns about WMU College Republicans's flippant reportages. We ought to spread the word that I have a dream that my children will be able to live in a world filled with open spaces and beautiful wilderness—not in a dark, self-deceiving world run by ultra-unctuous caitiffs. Anyhow, I guess I've run out of things to say, so let me just leave you with one parting wish: Together, may we condemn—without hesitation, without remorse—all those who erode constitutional principles that have shaped our society and remain at the core of our freedom and liberty.
October 13, 2009 7:35 AM
POLITICAL UPDATE--Environmentalism
This update focuses on environmentalism. The myth of global warming continues to collapse. A cap and trade bill to wreck America's economy continues to be considered in Congress.
Pat Buchanan: Global Warming And The Second Battle of Copenhagen
William Hoar: Global Warming: Scaring Up More Controls
Floy Lilley: Global Warming Scandals
Ed Hiserodt: Cap and Trade
James Perloff: Exposing the Green World Order
Vin Supynowicz: Drive a Big SUV for Mother Earth
William Hoar: Taxing Energy in the Name of Climate Change
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Pat Buchanan: Global Warming And The Second Battle of Copenhagen
William Hoar: Global Warming: Scaring Up More Controls
Floy Lilley: Global Warming Scandals
Ed Hiserodt: Cap and Trade
James Perloff: Exposing the Green World Order
Vin Supynowicz: Drive a Big SUV for Mother Earth
William Hoar: Taxing Energy in the Name of Climate Change
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo pastor J. Louis Felton takes middle road in ordinance debate
Downtown arena, budget cuts among issues at commission candidate forums
Most Kalamazoo City Commission candidates at forum say they support gay-rights ordinance
Celebration Kalamazoo! event urges respect in gay-rights debate
Portage attorney challenges legality of speeding ticket received on Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Metro Transit tax supporters are cautiously optimistic
Arena plan draws mixed reviews at Western Michigan University
Proposed Bill to allow students to carry concealed weapons on campus
Millage needed to save Kalamazoo Metro Transit
Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College are prepared for flu
Your arena here?
Kalamazoo pastor J. Louis Felton takes middle road in ordinance debate
Downtown arena, budget cuts among issues at commission candidate forums
Most Kalamazoo City Commission candidates at forum say they support gay-rights ordinance
Celebration Kalamazoo! event urges respect in gay-rights debate
Portage attorney challenges legality of speeding ticket received on Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Metro Transit tax supporters are cautiously optimistic
Arena plan draws mixed reviews at Western Michigan University
Proposed Bill to allow students to carry concealed weapons on campus
Millage needed to save Kalamazoo Metro Transit
Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College are prepared for flu
Your arena here?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Analysis of Portage City Council Races
Among the races to be decided in November are five spots on the Portage City Council. The elections are nonpartisan.
Jobs, weathering the economy are priorities for Portage candidates
Portage City Council: Questions and answers
Portage City Council: Meet the candidates
There is the Mayor of Portage, which is elected every two years. Mayor Peter Strazdas is running unopposed for reelection. Strazdas is a moderate to conservative Republican who seems to have done a decent job. He opposes raising taxes.
There are three four year seats on the council up for election. The three incumbents, Claudette Reid, Ed Sackley, and Terry Urban are all running for reelection. They are being challenged by Cory Bailes. The three incumbents are all fairly moderate, while Bailes' political preferences are unknown at this time.
There is one two-year partial term up for election. This seat is currently held by Ted Vliek, who is not seeking reelection. He filled the seat following the vacancy created when Larry DeShazor was elected to the state legislature. There are four candidates running for the seat: Tom Fox, Jim Pearson, Patricia Randall, and Phil Stinchcomb. Stinchcomb is a conservative, while the political preferences of the others are unclear.
All the candidates seem fairly credible and capable. Strazdas and the four candidates seeking the partial term have all ruled out raising taxes, while the incumbents and Bailes have all hedged their answers on the question.
Jobs, weathering the economy are priorities for Portage candidates
Portage City Council: Questions and answers
Portage City Council: Meet the candidates
There is the Mayor of Portage, which is elected every two years. Mayor Peter Strazdas is running unopposed for reelection. Strazdas is a moderate to conservative Republican who seems to have done a decent job. He opposes raising taxes.
There are three four year seats on the council up for election. The three incumbents, Claudette Reid, Ed Sackley, and Terry Urban are all running for reelection. They are being challenged by Cory Bailes. The three incumbents are all fairly moderate, while Bailes' political preferences are unknown at this time.
There is one two-year partial term up for election. This seat is currently held by Ted Vliek, who is not seeking reelection. He filled the seat following the vacancy created when Larry DeShazor was elected to the state legislature. There are four candidates running for the seat: Tom Fox, Jim Pearson, Patricia Randall, and Phil Stinchcomb. Stinchcomb is a conservative, while the political preferences of the others are unclear.
All the candidates seem fairly credible and capable. Strazdas and the four candidates seeking the partial term have all ruled out raising taxes, while the incumbents and Bailes have all hedged their answers on the question.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Gazette Election Guide
The Gazette has its election guide online.
City of Kalamazoo:
17 Kalamazoo City Commission candidates vary on economic issues
Kalamazoo City Commission: Questions and answers
Kalamazoo City Commission: Meet the candidates
1. What should be the No. 1 priority of the next City Commission?
2. Declining residential and commercial property values and stock-market losses in the city’s pension fund are creating shortfalls. Recognizing that most of the budget goes to employee salaries, specifically what services would you cut or what revenues would you increase? Be specific.
3. Kalamazoo City Commission: Do you favor or oppose the anti-discrimination ordinance? Why?
4. Would you support a 1 percent tax on meals and drinks served in Kalamazoo County restaurants and bars to build an arena in downtown Kalamazoo? Would you support $4.5 million in city money proposed for related infrastructure costs?
5. On a traditional A-to-F grading scale, what grade would you give the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and why? Has the department gotten better or worse under Chief Jeff Hadley?
6. Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley has said the department has no intention of enforcing federal immigration laws. Do you agree with this position? Why?
7. The next City Commission could be asked to consider a measure that would make policing marijuana the city’s “lowest enforcement priority.” Would you support or oppose such a measure? Why?
8. Some groups have advocated requiring businesses receiving tax abatements to allocate a percentage of the jobs they promise to create to low-income individuals or ex-felons. Do you support such a requirement?
9. A millage request for 0.6 of 1 mill to fund Metro Transit is on the city’s ballot Nov. 3. Do you favor or oppose this levy? Why?
10. How should the City Commission balance spending for downtown development and residential revitalization projects?
City of Portage:
Jobs, weathering the economy are priorities for Portage candidates
Portage City Council: Questions and answers
Portage City Council: Meet the candidates
1. What should be the No. 1 priority of the next Portage City Council?
2. Declining property values are creating serious budget problems for Portage, and shortfalls for other communities. Recognizing that most of the budget goes to employee salaries, specifically what services would you cut or what revenues would you increase?
3. What qualifies you to serve on the Portage City Council?
4. The council has recently looked at its industrial tax-break policy and questioned if it should be changed. Do you favor the current policy or would you prefer to see changes made?
5. The city has maintained the same millage level for several years. In today’s tough economic times,should the city consider having a millage election to increase the general fund budget levy of 7.5 mills?
6. Portage has been proud of not laying off city workers to deal with declining revenue, instead relying on retirements and attrition for a smaller staff size. Does it appear layoffs might be needed, though, to balance the next budget in2010?
7. The recent council has said that it feels it is offering a “transparent” government process that is open and responsive to residents’ concerns, from dealings with city staff to bringing matters to the council. Do you agree?
8. Substance abuse involving young people has been identified as a big concern in recent years in Portage.Do you believe the city has addressed that issue and, if not, what should it do?
9. What do you see as the biggest problem Portage must deal with in the coming year, and how would you deal with it?
City of Kalamazoo:
17 Kalamazoo City Commission candidates vary on economic issues
Kalamazoo City Commission: Questions and answers
Kalamazoo City Commission: Meet the candidates
1. What should be the No. 1 priority of the next City Commission?
2. Declining residential and commercial property values and stock-market losses in the city’s pension fund are creating shortfalls. Recognizing that most of the budget goes to employee salaries, specifically what services would you cut or what revenues would you increase? Be specific.
3. Kalamazoo City Commission: Do you favor or oppose the anti-discrimination ordinance? Why?
4. Would you support a 1 percent tax on meals and drinks served in Kalamazoo County restaurants and bars to build an arena in downtown Kalamazoo? Would you support $4.5 million in city money proposed for related infrastructure costs?
5. On a traditional A-to-F grading scale, what grade would you give the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and why? Has the department gotten better or worse under Chief Jeff Hadley?
6. Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley has said the department has no intention of enforcing federal immigration laws. Do you agree with this position? Why?
7. The next City Commission could be asked to consider a measure that would make policing marijuana the city’s “lowest enforcement priority.” Would you support or oppose such a measure? Why?
8. Some groups have advocated requiring businesses receiving tax abatements to allocate a percentage of the jobs they promise to create to low-income individuals or ex-felons. Do you support such a requirement?
9. A millage request for 0.6 of 1 mill to fund Metro Transit is on the city’s ballot Nov. 3. Do you favor or oppose this levy? Why?
10. How should the City Commission balance spending for downtown development and residential revitalization projects?
City of Portage:
Jobs, weathering the economy are priorities for Portage candidates
Portage City Council: Questions and answers
Portage City Council: Meet the candidates
1. What should be the No. 1 priority of the next Portage City Council?
2. Declining property values are creating serious budget problems for Portage, and shortfalls for other communities. Recognizing that most of the budget goes to employee salaries, specifically what services would you cut or what revenues would you increase?
3. What qualifies you to serve on the Portage City Council?
4. The council has recently looked at its industrial tax-break policy and questioned if it should be changed. Do you favor the current policy or would you prefer to see changes made?
5. The city has maintained the same millage level for several years. In today’s tough economic times,should the city consider having a millage election to increase the general fund budget levy of 7.5 mills?
6. Portage has been proud of not laying off city workers to deal with declining revenue, instead relying on retirements and attrition for a smaller staff size. Does it appear layoffs might be needed, though, to balance the next budget in2010?
7. The recent council has said that it feels it is offering a “transparent” government process that is open and responsive to residents’ concerns, from dealings with city staff to bringing matters to the council. Do you agree?
8. Substance abuse involving young people has been identified as a big concern in recent years in Portage.Do you believe the city has addressed that issue and, if not, what should it do?
9. What do you see as the biggest problem Portage must deal with in the coming year, and how would you deal with it?
POLITICAL UPDATE--Sovereignty
This update focuses on national sovereignty. America's sovereignty continues to be threatened by the United Nations and potential plans for a North American Union.
Phyllis Schlafly: UNESCO Gets off the Track Again
Alex Newman: G-20 Advances New World Order, Media Admit
Kurt Williamsen: Law of the Sea Treaty: Through Rose-colored Goggles?
Beverly Eakman: Beware UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child
Phyllis Schlafly: What Happened in Guadalajara
Thomas Eddlem: North American Leaders Summit This Weekend
Warren Mass: Clinton Stumps for International Criminal Court
United Nations: Eagle Forum: United Nations
North American Union: Eagle Forum Stop SPP
Trans-Texas Corridor: Corridor Watch
Phyllis Schlafly: UNESCO Gets off the Track Again
Alex Newman: G-20 Advances New World Order, Media Admit
Kurt Williamsen: Law of the Sea Treaty: Through Rose-colored Goggles?
Beverly Eakman: Beware UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child
Phyllis Schlafly: What Happened in Guadalajara
Thomas Eddlem: North American Leaders Summit This Weekend
Warren Mass: Clinton Stumps for International Criminal Court
United Nations: Eagle Forum: United Nations
North American Union: Eagle Forum Stop SPP
Trans-Texas Corridor: Corridor Watch
Local News
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
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
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.
------------------
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.
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