This update focuses on the culture war.
Angelo Codevilla: America's Ruling Class – And the Perils of Revolution
Gary North: Codevilla's Not-Quite Manifesto
Thomas Sowell: Race, Baseball, and Baloney
Pat Buchanan: The Mosque at Ground Zero
Steve Sailer: James Edwards’ Racism Schmacism—Combating PC Newspeak
Steve Sailer: Jim Webb, The GOP, And The Sammy Sosa Solution
Phyllis Schlafly: The Awesome Power of Family Courts
Steve Sailer: Barack Obama—After Two Rough Years, An Even Bigger Wake-Up Call Is Coming
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Founding Fathers
The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Founding Fathers
By Brian McClanahan
This tome is another in Regnery's popular Politically Incorrect Guide series. The book begins by debunking a number of myths about the Founding Fathers, such as that Thomas Jefferson fathered a child with Sally Hemmings. It explains how the American Revolution was a conservative revolution, with the purpose of preserving the rights of Englishmen. It briefly considers their positions on some of the issues common to both then and now, such as guns, God, and government power.
Most of the book contains brief biographies of many of the Founders. It first considers the "big six": Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, Franklin. It then profiles fourteen "forgotten founders" (Sam Adams, Carroll, Clinton, Dickinson, Gerry, Hancock, Henry, Lee, Macon, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Sherman, Taylor).
The profiles make special mention of their positions on 'politically incorrect' issues such as secession, nullification, federalism vs. antifederalism, central banking. It also examines their positions on slavery. (None thought slavery was a good thing, but they differed over what could be done about it.)
This book makes for interesting and informative reading.
By Brian McClanahan
This tome is another in Regnery's popular Politically Incorrect Guide series. The book begins by debunking a number of myths about the Founding Fathers, such as that Thomas Jefferson fathered a child with Sally Hemmings. It explains how the American Revolution was a conservative revolution, with the purpose of preserving the rights of Englishmen. It briefly considers their positions on some of the issues common to both then and now, such as guns, God, and government power.
Most of the book contains brief biographies of many of the Founders. It first considers the "big six": Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, Franklin. It then profiles fourteen "forgotten founders" (Sam Adams, Carroll, Clinton, Dickinson, Gerry, Hancock, Henry, Lee, Macon, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Sherman, Taylor).
The profiles make special mention of their positions on 'politically incorrect' issues such as secession, nullification, federalism vs. antifederalism, central banking. It also examines their positions on slavery. (None thought slavery was a good thing, but they differed over what could be done about it.)
This book makes for interesting and informative reading.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Arguing With Idiots
Arguing With Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government
By Glenn Beck
Conservative radio and television host Glenn Beck has been cranking out books at a frantic pace. One of the more recent is Arguing with Idiots. The book covers a variety of topics of current interest. The format is a conversation with an idiot, providing facts and arguments to debunk his specious claims. The format is similar to that of An Inconvenient Book in that the book has lots of jokes, sidebars, "ADD moments", and more.
The topics covered are capitalism, the Second Amendment, education, energy, unions, illegal immigration, the nanny state, home ownership, economics, US presidents, health care, and the Constitution.
Much of this territory has been covered before, albeit not in the same way. Probably the most original chapter is the one on home ownership, which takes on conventional wisdom that has been embraced by many conservatives. A few idiotic statements managed to slip into this book, such as "we are a nation of immigrants" and "suggesting that minorities from traditionally poorer socioeconomic backgrounds can't be on par with white peers is nonsense". Still, most of this book is well-justified and makes for profitable reading, at least for those not used to deeper fare.
Previous:
Conservative of the Year: Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck's Common Sense
Books in Brief (An Inconvenient Book)
By Glenn Beck
Conservative radio and television host Glenn Beck has been cranking out books at a frantic pace. One of the more recent is Arguing with Idiots. The book covers a variety of topics of current interest. The format is a conversation with an idiot, providing facts and arguments to debunk his specious claims. The format is similar to that of An Inconvenient Book in that the book has lots of jokes, sidebars, "ADD moments", and more.
The topics covered are capitalism, the Second Amendment, education, energy, unions, illegal immigration, the nanny state, home ownership, economics, US presidents, health care, and the Constitution.
Much of this territory has been covered before, albeit not in the same way. Probably the most original chapter is the one on home ownership, which takes on conventional wisdom that has been embraced by many conservatives. A few idiotic statements managed to slip into this book, such as "we are a nation of immigrants" and "suggesting that minorities from traditionally poorer socioeconomic backgrounds can't be on par with white peers is nonsense". Still, most of this book is well-justified and makes for profitable reading, at least for those not used to deeper fare.
Previous:
Conservative of the Year: Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck's Common Sense
Books in Brief (An Inconvenient Book)
Monday, August 09, 2010
Analysis of the 20th Senate Primary
Tonya Schuitmaker won a surprisingly large victory in the Republican primary for the 20th state senate district. It was also broad-based. While each of the three Republican candidates had a distinct geographical base, Tonya won all three of them. Overall, Tonya won 53%, Lorence Wenke won 28%, and Larry Deshazor won 19%.
Election Magic-Senate District 20
20th District State Senate race: Battle for seat between Robert Jones and Tonya Schuitmaker looks like a toss-up
Incredibly, Wenke did not win a single precinct of his former district. He didn't get as much as 40% in any of them. Perhaps this shouldn't be so surprising though, as Wenke lost the Kalamazoo County portion of his old district in 2004 and 2006, the last two times he ran for election. Both times he was saved by the Calhoun County portion of the district. He survived by fewer than 100 votes in 2004 after voting against an initiative to correctly define marriage, and won by a few points in 2006. In both cases he beat former Rep. Jerry VanderRoest, outspending him by huge margins. Evidently he remains unpopular in his own district, and was overwhelmed by a candidate who could match him dollar-for-dollar.
Wenke did win six precincts (K Twp 1, Kalamazoo City 3, 8, 14, 17, 23) in the 60 district. He tied Tonya in four others, Cooper 5, K Twp 2, Kalamazoo City 5, 19.
Larry won only four precincts, all in Portage. They are Portage 4, 14, 18, 20. His best showing was 41% in Portage 4.
The Gazette calculates that
District____ Larry Tonya Wenke
60th district__ 14%__ 51%__ 35%
61st district__ 27%__ 48%__ 25%
63rd district__ 13%__ 55%__ 31%
Van Buren____ 6%__ 74%__ 20%
Why did Tonya do so well? It had to be her endorsements. Virtually all of the prominent local Republicans who made endorsements supported her. They ranged from conservatives like Mary Balkema to moderates like Fred Upton and Al Heilman. Some did not endorse anyone publicly, but several prominent local Republicans privately supported her as well. The only local official who this blog is aware of supporting Larry is county commissioner Tim Rogowski. This blog is not aware of any local officials endorsing Wenke.
Wenke spent a lot of money, but self-funding candidates usually lose, as this blog has discussed before. Larry had little money to spend. He was apparently convinced to run by the Yob faction of the state party against the advice of most of his local supporters. This happened after the Yobs were turned down by Tonya and Wenke for consulting work, which Larry hired them for. Many of Larry's previous supporters were upset by his decision to run for senate after spending so much to elect him to the state house in 2008.
So what next? Tonya faces a tough general election race against Robert Jones, who won the democrat primary. The Gazette article discusses this in more depth. This blog suspects that Lorence Wenke has made his last bid for public office. DeShazor will probably recover from his career suicide, perhaps by returning to the Portage city council after Margaret O'Brien (presumably) wins Larry's district in November.
Election Magic-Senate District 20
20th District State Senate race: Battle for seat between Robert Jones and Tonya Schuitmaker looks like a toss-up
Incredibly, Wenke did not win a single precinct of his former district. He didn't get as much as 40% in any of them. Perhaps this shouldn't be so surprising though, as Wenke lost the Kalamazoo County portion of his old district in 2004 and 2006, the last two times he ran for election. Both times he was saved by the Calhoun County portion of the district. He survived by fewer than 100 votes in 2004 after voting against an initiative to correctly define marriage, and won by a few points in 2006. In both cases he beat former Rep. Jerry VanderRoest, outspending him by huge margins. Evidently he remains unpopular in his own district, and was overwhelmed by a candidate who could match him dollar-for-dollar.
Wenke did win six precincts (K Twp 1, Kalamazoo City 3, 8, 14, 17, 23) in the 60 district. He tied Tonya in four others, Cooper 5, K Twp 2, Kalamazoo City 5, 19.
Larry won only four precincts, all in Portage. They are Portage 4, 14, 18, 20. His best showing was 41% in Portage 4.
The Gazette calculates that
In Comstock Township where Wenke runs his greenhouse business, Schuitmaker garnered 56 percent of the vote. In Galesburg, where Wenke lives, she won 43 percent of ballots to Wenke’s 39 percent.Breaking the results down by state house district, we find the following.
In Portage, where DeShazor served on the city council for five years, Schuitmaker won 41 percent of the vote while 33 percent of ballots cast Tuesday went to DeShazor.
In Texas Township, 23 percent of the Republican primary voters supported DeShazor and 57 percent selected Schuitmaker.
District____ Larry Tonya Wenke
60th district__ 14%__ 51%__ 35%
61st district__ 27%__ 48%__ 25%
63rd district__ 13%__ 55%__ 31%
Van Buren____ 6%__ 74%__ 20%
Why did Tonya do so well? It had to be her endorsements. Virtually all of the prominent local Republicans who made endorsements supported her. They ranged from conservatives like Mary Balkema to moderates like Fred Upton and Al Heilman. Some did not endorse anyone publicly, but several prominent local Republicans privately supported her as well. The only local official who this blog is aware of supporting Larry is county commissioner Tim Rogowski. This blog is not aware of any local officials endorsing Wenke.
Wenke spent a lot of money, but self-funding candidates usually lose, as this blog has discussed before. Larry had little money to spend. He was apparently convinced to run by the Yob faction of the state party against the advice of most of his local supporters. This happened after the Yobs were turned down by Tonya and Wenke for consulting work, which Larry hired them for. Many of Larry's previous supporters were upset by his decision to run for senate after spending so much to elect him to the state house in 2008.
So what next? Tonya faces a tough general election race against Robert Jones, who won the democrat primary. The Gazette article discusses this in more depth. This blog suspects that Lorence Wenke has made his last bid for public office. DeShazor will probably recover from his career suicide, perhaps by returning to the Portage city council after Margaret O'Brien (presumably) wins Larry's district in November.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Money on Fire
It's time to ask the burning question: Which local candidate set fire to the biggest pile of money in the 2010 primary election?
The three contestants are Mark Totten, Lorence Wenke, and Grant Taylor.
The contest will be decided based on the the number of dollars spent per vote. (Note that spending totals are based on pre-primary spending reports, so the final ratios will be larger.) Let's look at the numbers!
Mark Totten
Spent: $126,754
Votes: 3876
Dollars per vote: $32.70 per vote
Lorence Wenke
Spent: $249,534
Votes: 8371
Dollars per vote: $29.81 per vote
Grant Taylor
Spent: $53,655
Votes: 737
Dollars per vote: $72.80 per vote
GRANT TAYLOR WINS!!!
The three contestants are Mark Totten, Lorence Wenke, and Grant Taylor.
The contest will be decided based on the the number of dollars spent per vote. (Note that spending totals are based on pre-primary spending reports, so the final ratios will be larger.) Let's look at the numbers!
Mark Totten
Spent: $126,754
Votes: 3876
Dollars per vote: $32.70 per vote
Lorence Wenke
Spent: $249,534
Votes: 8371
Dollars per vote: $29.81 per vote
Grant Taylor
Spent: $53,655
Votes: 737
Dollars per vote: $72.80 per vote
GRANT TAYLOR WINS!!!
POLITICAL UPDATE--The Economy
This update focuses on the economy.
Gary North: Crowding Out Our Future Wealth
Gary North: Economic Warnings From Two Respected Analysts
Gary North: Bonds and the Fading Recovery
Gary North: Shun These Two Bad Investments
Gary North: Desperate Troubles Ahead
Steve Sailer: The Minority Mortgage Meltdown: More Evidence—But Our Elite Doesn’t Want To Know
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Gary North: Crowding Out Our Future Wealth
Gary North: Economic Warnings From Two Respected Analysts
Gary North: Bonds and the Fading Recovery
Gary North: Shun These Two Bad Investments
Gary North: Desperate Troubles Ahead
Steve Sailer: The Minority Mortgage Meltdown: More Evidence—But Our Elite Doesn’t Want To Know
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Local News
Local news and election results.
Local election results: Election Magic
Kalamazoo County election results could boost downtown arena's prospects
Tom George going back to the operating room after 10 years in Lansing
Police release sketch of suspect in stabbing of Western Michigan University student
Two Michigan colleges ranked among most religious
Next on Michigan gubernatorial candidates' list: Pick running mates
Don Cooney wants to debate Congressman Fred Upton in every county in 6th District
Grant Taylor spent more than $100,000 on campaign, but lost to Democrat Thomas Batten in the end
Rick Snyder seeks to be Michigan's first moderate GOP governor since William Milliken
WMU’s polling location saw low turnout for primary elections
Local election results: Election Magic
Kalamazoo County election results could boost downtown arena's prospects
Tom George going back to the operating room after 10 years in Lansing
Police release sketch of suspect in stabbing of Western Michigan University student
Two Michigan colleges ranked among most religious
Next on Michigan gubernatorial candidates' list: Pick running mates
Don Cooney wants to debate Congressman Fred Upton in every county in 6th District
Grant Taylor spent more than $100,000 on campaign, but lost to Democrat Thomas Batten in the end
Rick Snyder seeks to be Michigan's first moderate GOP governor since William Milliken
WMU’s polling location saw low turnout for primary elections
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Analysis of 6th District Congressional Race
Congressman Fred Upton was nominated for a 13th term in the 6th congressional district on Tuesday. The local media has spun this another easy victory for the invincible Upton. But Upton is smart enough to know better. Jack came closer to defeating Upton than any other primary challenger than he has had.
Let's break down the numbers.
http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/results/10PRI/06006000.html
http://www.electionmagic.com/results/mi/K39results/K3900101001.htm
County_______ TOTAL Jack Fred__ Jack %
ALLEGAN____ 10,760 4,139_ 5,024 45.2%
BERRIEN_____ 21,120 7,399 10,129 42.2%
CALHOUN______ 974__ 289__ 543 34.7%
CASS________ 4,944_ 1,929_ 2,084 48.1%
KALAMAZOO_ 36,114 11,380 15,492 42.3%
ST. JOSEPH___ 6,146_ 2,598_ 2,762 48.5%
VAN BUREN__ 11,509_ 3,810_ 5,971 39.0%
Totals_______ 91,567 31,544 42,005 42.9%
Breaking down Kalamazoo County, we find the following.
61st district___ 18313_ 5828_ 7660 43.2%
60th district___ 10116_ 2100_ 3379 38.3%
63rd district____ 9853_ 3386_ 4364 43.7%
The numbers are surprising. One might think that Jack's strength would be in the 61st district, which he represented for six years, but his performance there was about average. His best performance was in St. Jospeh and Cass counties, which are largely farming territory. It isn't clear why this would be. Fred hasn't done anything to upset farmers that I know of. Jack also got 42% in Berrien County, which is shocking given this is Fred's base. This is far better than Dale Shugars did there in 2002. Aside from the anomoly of Calhoun (only three precincts), Fred did best in the city of Kalamazoo (moderates, democrat crossovers) and VanBuren (??). In Kalamazoo County, Jack won Alamo 1 and 2, Cooper 3 and 4, Prairie Ronde, Schoolcraft 4, Texas 1, and Kalamazoo 14.
Were democrat crossovers a factor? Doubtless there were some, but if there were a lot, turnout would have been higher in the city of Kalamazoo and outside Kalamazoo County where there weren't democrat legislative primaries.
http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/results/02PRI/06006000.html
Compare Jack to previous Upton challengers.
Year Challenger Challenger %
2010 Jack Hoogendyk_ 43%
2002 Dale Shugars___ 32%
1990 (don't remember) 40%
Jack got 10000 almost more votes than Dale did in 2002, while Fred got about 2000 fewer.
All of this suggests that voters were not so much pro-Jack as anti-incumbent. We have seen a rising anti-incumbent sentiment nationally. It was not obvious locally before the election, but it was manifested at the polls. Also interesting is the fact that Upton's proteges did much better than him, with John Proos and Al Pscholka cruising to easy victories.
It is interesting to contrast Jack and Dale's campaigns. Both were heavily outspent, but Shugars had something like three times as much money to work with. Both were endorsed by Right to Life. The NRA endorsed Shugars in 2002 and Upton in 2010. Shugars had many candidates and a few elected officials endorse him (Jerry VanderRoest, Jack, Fulton Sheen, Margaret O'Brien, Nasim Ansari, John Zull, etc.). Jack had no elected officials endorse him that I know of other than his wife Erin, who is a Texas Township Trustee. Most of those previously listed endorsed Upton or remained neutral. Jack had support from the Tea Party movement.
So what next? Jack had a strong enough showing to remain a plausible future contender. Redistricting will change the boundaries of all Michigan's congressional districts for 2012, when Michigan will lose a seat. Unless the 6th district is completely dismantled or merged with another district, it will have to expand into neighboring counties such as Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, or Branch. Adding new territory would make the district more competitive in the primary.
Jack announced that he would run only 3 1/2 months before the primary election. If he runs again, he should start much earlier. His showing this time may be strong enough to attract more funding, perhaps from a group like the Club for Growth. It is also possible that some other Republican who thinks Upton is vulnerable might challenge him next time.
Let's break down the numbers.
http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/results/10PRI/06006000.html
http://www.electionmagic.com/results/mi/K39results/K3900101001.htm
County_______ TOTAL Jack Fred__ Jack %
ALLEGAN____ 10,760 4,139_ 5,024 45.2%
BERRIEN_____ 21,120 7,399 10,129 42.2%
CALHOUN______ 974__ 289__ 543 34.7%
CASS________ 4,944_ 1,929_ 2,084 48.1%
KALAMAZOO_ 36,114 11,380 15,492 42.3%
ST. JOSEPH___ 6,146_ 2,598_ 2,762 48.5%
VAN BUREN__ 11,509_ 3,810_ 5,971 39.0%
Totals_______ 91,567 31,544 42,005 42.9%
Breaking down Kalamazoo County, we find the following.
61st district___ 18313_ 5828_ 7660 43.2%
60th district___ 10116_ 2100_ 3379 38.3%
63rd district____ 9853_ 3386_ 4364 43.7%
The numbers are surprising. One might think that Jack's strength would be in the 61st district, which he represented for six years, but his performance there was about average. His best performance was in St. Jospeh and Cass counties, which are largely farming territory. It isn't clear why this would be. Fred hasn't done anything to upset farmers that I know of. Jack also got 42% in Berrien County, which is shocking given this is Fred's base. This is far better than Dale Shugars did there in 2002. Aside from the anomoly of Calhoun (only three precincts), Fred did best in the city of Kalamazoo (moderates, democrat crossovers) and VanBuren (??). In Kalamazoo County, Jack won Alamo 1 and 2, Cooper 3 and 4, Prairie Ronde, Schoolcraft 4, Texas 1, and Kalamazoo 14.
Were democrat crossovers a factor? Doubtless there were some, but if there were a lot, turnout would have been higher in the city of Kalamazoo and outside Kalamazoo County where there weren't democrat legislative primaries.
http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/results/02PRI/06006000.html
Compare Jack to previous Upton challengers.
Year Challenger Challenger %
2010 Jack Hoogendyk_ 43%
2002 Dale Shugars___ 32%
1990 (don't remember) 40%
Jack got 10000 almost more votes than Dale did in 2002, while Fred got about 2000 fewer.
All of this suggests that voters were not so much pro-Jack as anti-incumbent. We have seen a rising anti-incumbent sentiment nationally. It was not obvious locally before the election, but it was manifested at the polls. Also interesting is the fact that Upton's proteges did much better than him, with John Proos and Al Pscholka cruising to easy victories.
It is interesting to contrast Jack and Dale's campaigns. Both were heavily outspent, but Shugars had something like three times as much money to work with. Both were endorsed by Right to Life. The NRA endorsed Shugars in 2002 and Upton in 2010. Shugars had many candidates and a few elected officials endorse him (Jerry VanderRoest, Jack, Fulton Sheen, Margaret O'Brien, Nasim Ansari, John Zull, etc.). Jack had no elected officials endorse him that I know of other than his wife Erin, who is a Texas Township Trustee. Most of those previously listed endorsed Upton or remained neutral. Jack had support from the Tea Party movement.
So what next? Jack had a strong enough showing to remain a plausible future contender. Redistricting will change the boundaries of all Michigan's congressional districts for 2012, when Michigan will lose a seat. Unless the 6th district is completely dismantled or merged with another district, it will have to expand into neighboring counties such as Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, or Branch. Adding new territory would make the district more competitive in the primary.
Jack announced that he would run only 3 1/2 months before the primary election. If he runs again, he should start much earlier. His showing this time may be strong enough to attract more funding, perhaps from a group like the Club for Growth. It is also possible that some other Republican who thinks Upton is vulnerable might challenge him next time.
Election Results
This post has quick results, more detailed analysis will come later. Republican turnout was much higher than democrat across the state.
Governor and Congress
State Senate
State House
Kalamazoo County
Governor:
Republican: Snyder 36%, Hoekstra 27%, Cox 23%, Bouchard 12%, George 2%. What a disaster. Four more years of failure. More thoughts later.
Democrat: Bernero 59%, Dillon 41%. No shock given the unions all-out push for Bernero.
Congress:
1. Benishek leads Allen by 1 votes! Recount!
2. Huizinga beats Riemersma by about 800 votes.
3. Amash 40%, Heacock 26%, Hardiman 24%. Club for Growth and conservatives win a big one here.
6. Upton 57%, Hoogendyk 43%. It is shocking that this race was this close given Upton's 20:1 funding advantage. There was a tide of anti-incumbent sentiment that nobody, including me, saw coming. This was the closest that any challenger has come to Upton, far surpassing Shugars in 2002. What if Jack had had more support?
7. Walberg 58%, Rooney 32%. Not close. Hometown beats carpetbagger.
9. Rachowski 42%, Welday 28%. Welday sent me 500 emails, and it did him no good.
12. Levin 76%, Switalski 24%. Not close.
13. Clarke 47%, Kilpatrick 41%. Goodbye and good riddance.
State Senate:
7. Colbeck 31%, Whyman 27%, Mufakh 22%, Osterman 19%. Right to Life endorsement win this one. Munfakh's money didn't help him.
10. Paul Gieleghem beats Carl Marlinga by 200 votes.
11. Brandenburg 38%, Drolet 28%, Meltzer 27%. Surprising given Brandenburg's geographic disadvantage.
12. Marleau 32% Russell 25%. No surprise.
18. Warren beats Byrnes. Ann Arbor wins it.
20. Republican: Schuitmaker 53%, Wenke 28%, DeShazor 19%. Endorsements win this one for Tonya. She wins almost every precinct. Wenke remains disliked. He also lost his precinct delegate race, finishing last!
Democrat: Jones 63%, Totten 27%. About what this blog predicted.
25. Pavlov 42%, Courser 33%, Hager 26%. No big surprise.
29. Lagrand 58%, Dean 42%. Not a big surprise.
33. Calley 57%, Trebesh 43%. Trebesh's money made it somewhat close.
State House:
61. Thomas Batten got 2910 votes. No results how many write-in votes Grant Taylor got yet. I'll guess 500.
79. Pscholka 65%, Petersen 20%. No Tea Party here. Interesting Pscholka did better than his boos Upton.
80. Nesbitt 50%, Hartmann 17%. Good. Right to Life wins again.
87. Callton 47%, Fabiano 27%. Right to Life wins another one.
105. Dennis Lennox crushed with only 7%! Ouch!
Kalamazoo County:
County Commission:
3. Barnard 60%, Sweet 40%
6. Seals 63.5%, Thompson 36.5%. Incumbent democrat loses. Thompson's age was likely a factor, as he is 80-something and has been acting eratic.
11. Rogowski 58%, Cross 42%.
12. McCormick 52%, Nieuwenhuis 30%, Spicer 18%. Shocker. Nieuwenhuis was the incumbent. McCormick was elected an Oshtemo trustee in 2008 based on straight ticket voting. He has no yard signs and no visible campaign. Did he turn out the nutty democrat base in a low turnout election? Things just got easier for Republican Brandt Iden, who got more than twice as many votes as the democrats combined.
16. Gisler 57%, O'Keefe 43%. Conservative wins.
Millages pass in Comstock Twp, K Twp, Comstock Schools, fail in Comstock schools.
Kansas:
Todd Tiahrt loses narrowly.
Tim Huelskamp wins! Club for Growth wins again.
Mike Pompeo wins! Club for Growth wins again.
Kris Kobach wins! Kobach authored the Arizona immigration law.
Missouri:
Missouri says HELL NO to Obamacare 71% to 29%!
Governor and Congress
State Senate
State House
Kalamazoo County
Governor:
Republican: Snyder 36%, Hoekstra 27%, Cox 23%, Bouchard 12%, George 2%. What a disaster. Four more years of failure. More thoughts later.
Democrat: Bernero 59%, Dillon 41%. No shock given the unions all-out push for Bernero.
Congress:
1. Benishek leads Allen by 1 votes! Recount!
2. Huizinga beats Riemersma by about 800 votes.
3. Amash 40%, Heacock 26%, Hardiman 24%. Club for Growth and conservatives win a big one here.
6. Upton 57%, Hoogendyk 43%. It is shocking that this race was this close given Upton's 20:1 funding advantage. There was a tide of anti-incumbent sentiment that nobody, including me, saw coming. This was the closest that any challenger has come to Upton, far surpassing Shugars in 2002. What if Jack had had more support?
7. Walberg 58%, Rooney 32%. Not close. Hometown beats carpetbagger.
9. Rachowski 42%, Welday 28%. Welday sent me 500 emails, and it did him no good.
12. Levin 76%, Switalski 24%. Not close.
13. Clarke 47%, Kilpatrick 41%. Goodbye and good riddance.
State Senate:
7. Colbeck 31%, Whyman 27%, Mufakh 22%, Osterman 19%. Right to Life endorsement win this one. Munfakh's money didn't help him.
10. Paul Gieleghem beats Carl Marlinga by 200 votes.
11. Brandenburg 38%, Drolet 28%, Meltzer 27%. Surprising given Brandenburg's geographic disadvantage.
12. Marleau 32% Russell 25%. No surprise.
18. Warren beats Byrnes. Ann Arbor wins it.
20. Republican: Schuitmaker 53%, Wenke 28%, DeShazor 19%. Endorsements win this one for Tonya. She wins almost every precinct. Wenke remains disliked. He also lost his precinct delegate race, finishing last!
Democrat: Jones 63%, Totten 27%. About what this blog predicted.
25. Pavlov 42%, Courser 33%, Hager 26%. No big surprise.
29. Lagrand 58%, Dean 42%. Not a big surprise.
33. Calley 57%, Trebesh 43%. Trebesh's money made it somewhat close.
State House:
61. Thomas Batten got 2910 votes. No results how many write-in votes Grant Taylor got yet. I'll guess 500.
79. Pscholka 65%, Petersen 20%. No Tea Party here. Interesting Pscholka did better than his boos Upton.
80. Nesbitt 50%, Hartmann 17%. Good. Right to Life wins again.
87. Callton 47%, Fabiano 27%. Right to Life wins another one.
105. Dennis Lennox crushed with only 7%! Ouch!
Kalamazoo County:
County Commission:
3. Barnard 60%, Sweet 40%
6. Seals 63.5%, Thompson 36.5%. Incumbent democrat loses. Thompson's age was likely a factor, as he is 80-something and has been acting eratic.
11. Rogowski 58%, Cross 42%.
12. McCormick 52%, Nieuwenhuis 30%, Spicer 18%. Shocker. Nieuwenhuis was the incumbent. McCormick was elected an Oshtemo trustee in 2008 based on straight ticket voting. He has no yard signs and no visible campaign. Did he turn out the nutty democrat base in a low turnout election? Things just got easier for Republican Brandt Iden, who got more than twice as many votes as the democrats combined.
16. Gisler 57%, O'Keefe 43%. Conservative wins.
Millages pass in Comstock Twp, K Twp, Comstock Schools, fail in Comstock schools.
Kansas:
Todd Tiahrt loses narrowly.
Tim Huelskamp wins! Club for Growth wins again.
Mike Pompeo wins! Club for Growth wins again.
Kris Kobach wins! Kobach authored the Arizona immigration law.
Missouri:
Missouri says HELL NO to Obamacare 71% to 29%!
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
2010 Primary Races to Watch
It's election day. Make sure to vote. This blog will discuss results after the polls close. Here are some of the races of interest around the state.
2010 Election Preview
6 House races to watch
Senate races to watch
House races to watch
Governor: Obviously. Will it be Cox, Hoekstra, or Snyder on the Republican side? Dillon or Bernero for the democrats?
Congress:
1. Allen or Benishek? Establishment or Tea Party?
2. Kuipers/Huizinga/Riemersma/Cooper. Which conservative will win?
3. Hardiman/Heacock/Amash. Conservatives root for Amash.
6. Upton/Hoogendyk. Will Jack do better or worse than Dale Shugars eight years ago?
7. Walberg or Rooney? Walberg is a conservative champion.
9. Welday or Rachowski?
12. Can Switalski topple Sander Levin?
13. Will Carolyn Kilpatrick finally be defeated by Hansen Clarke?
State Senate:
7. Munfakh/Colbeck/Whyman/Osterman. Endorsements split in this race.
10. Paul Gieleghem versus Carl Marlinga for the democrats.
11. Drolet/Meltzer/Brandenberg. Bloody primary.
12. Marleau/Garfield/Rizzo/Russell. Marleau is the favorite.
18. Byrnes v. Warren for the democrats.
20. See below.
25. Pavlov/Hager/Courser. Two state reps and Tea Party.
29. Lagrand v. Dean for the democrats.
33. Calley/Trebesh. Can self-funding elect Trebesh?
State House:
61. Can democrat Grant Taylor beat Thomas Batten as a write-in? This blog says be doesn't get more than 20%.
79. Can Tea Party guy Paul Petersen beat Upton staffer Al Pscholka?
80. Will conservative Aric Nesbitt beat the competition?
87. Will Mike Callton beat his opponents?
20th senate district
On the Republican side, each of Larry Deshazor, Tonya Schuitmaker, Lorence Wenke could plausibly win. Tonya and Wenke have been hammering each other with negative ads accusing each other of being tax/spend/borrow/regulators, more or less correctly. Tonya has most establishment support, but geography is against her. Wenke has money. DeShazor has geography. Will voters sick of negative ads back him? It's possible. Similar things have happened in the South Dakota governor race in 2002 and in California 3 in 2004.
On the democrat side, Mark Totten has spent a small fortune attacking state rep. Robert Jones. He has attacked Jones on the arena tax, Colony Farm Orchard, and prescription drug liability. Only the first would seem to be a clear winner even in a democrat primary. Some observers think Totten will win, but this blog doesn't see him getting more than 1/3 of the vote.
Kansas: Go Todd Tiahrt, Tim Huelskamp, and Mike Pompeo!
2010 Election Preview
6 House races to watch
Senate races to watch
House races to watch
Governor: Obviously. Will it be Cox, Hoekstra, or Snyder on the Republican side? Dillon or Bernero for the democrats?
Congress:
1. Allen or Benishek? Establishment or Tea Party?
2. Kuipers/Huizinga/Riemersma/Cooper. Which conservative will win?
3. Hardiman/Heacock/Amash. Conservatives root for Amash.
6. Upton/Hoogendyk. Will Jack do better or worse than Dale Shugars eight years ago?
7. Walberg or Rooney? Walberg is a conservative champion.
9. Welday or Rachowski?
12. Can Switalski topple Sander Levin?
13. Will Carolyn Kilpatrick finally be defeated by Hansen Clarke?
State Senate:
7. Munfakh/Colbeck/Whyman/Osterman. Endorsements split in this race.
10. Paul Gieleghem versus Carl Marlinga for the democrats.
11. Drolet/Meltzer/Brandenberg. Bloody primary.
12. Marleau/Garfield/Rizzo/Russell. Marleau is the favorite.
18. Byrnes v. Warren for the democrats.
20. See below.
25. Pavlov/Hager/Courser. Two state reps and Tea Party.
29. Lagrand v. Dean for the democrats.
33. Calley/Trebesh. Can self-funding elect Trebesh?
State House:
61. Can democrat Grant Taylor beat Thomas Batten as a write-in? This blog says be doesn't get more than 20%.
79. Can Tea Party guy Paul Petersen beat Upton staffer Al Pscholka?
80. Will conservative Aric Nesbitt beat the competition?
87. Will Mike Callton beat his opponents?
20th senate district
On the Republican side, each of Larry Deshazor, Tonya Schuitmaker, Lorence Wenke could plausibly win. Tonya and Wenke have been hammering each other with negative ads accusing each other of being tax/spend/borrow/regulators, more or less correctly. Tonya has most establishment support, but geography is against her. Wenke has money. DeShazor has geography. Will voters sick of negative ads back him? It's possible. Similar things have happened in the South Dakota governor race in 2002 and in California 3 in 2004.
On the democrat side, Mark Totten has spent a small fortune attacking state rep. Robert Jones. He has attacked Jones on the arena tax, Colony Farm Orchard, and prescription drug liability. Only the first would seem to be a clear winner even in a democrat primary. Some observers think Totten will win, but this blog doesn't see him getting more than 1/3 of the vote.
Kansas: Go Todd Tiahrt, Tim Huelskamp, and Mike Pompeo!
Monday, August 02, 2010
Amash, Riemersma Lead Polls
The Grand Rapids Press conducted polls in the 2nd and 3rd Congressional Districts.
Press poll shows Jay Riemersma leading Republican field to succeed Pete Hoekstra, but 2nd District race remains too close to call
Upstart Justin Amash builds support in outlying areas of 3rd Congressional District but remains within reach of rivals, Press poll shows
Press Poll: 2nd, 3rd Congressional Districts
The results:
3rd District:
28% Amash
23% Hardiman
18% Heacock
<5% others
2nd District:
22% Riemersma
15% Huizinga
15% Cooper
13% Kuipers
<5% others
Press poll shows Jay Riemersma leading Republican field to succeed Pete Hoekstra, but 2nd District race remains too close to call
Upstart Justin Amash builds support in outlying areas of 3rd Congressional District but remains within reach of rivals, Press poll shows
Press Poll: 2nd, 3rd Congressional Districts
The results:
3rd District:
28% Amash
23% Hardiman
18% Heacock
<5% others
2nd District:
22% Riemersma
15% Huizinga
15% Cooper
13% Kuipers
<5% others
POLITICAL UPDATE--Government
This update focuses on government.
Chuck Baldwin: "Top Secret America": The Rest Of The Story
National Review: Ten Reasons to Oppose Dodd-Frank
Phyllis Schlafly: Obama Takes Illinois Mistakes Nationwide
Will Grigg: Police Kill a City
Gary North: Alien vs. Predator
Walter Williams: Government Aggravated Tragedy
Pat Buchanan: Bailing Out Politicians Now?
Will Grigg: Economic Hitmen Target You
Gary North: Busted: Governments, Pensions, Unions
Steven Malanga: The Municipal Debt Racket
Chris Maloney: Good Luck and Good Hunting?
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Chuck Baldwin: "Top Secret America": The Rest Of The Story
National Review: Ten Reasons to Oppose Dodd-Frank
Phyllis Schlafly: Obama Takes Illinois Mistakes Nationwide
Will Grigg: Police Kill a City
Gary North: Alien vs. Predator
Walter Williams: Government Aggravated Tragedy
Pat Buchanan: Bailing Out Politicians Now?
Will Grigg: Economic Hitmen Target You
Gary North: Busted: Governments, Pensions, Unions
Steven Malanga: The Municipal Debt Racket
Chris Maloney: Good Luck and Good Hunting?
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Election News
Election news around Kalamazoo.
Tuesday's primary promises hot races for Southwest Michigan voters
Richland Township trustee challenger Paul Foust says Deb Robinson is a 'liberal lion,' he's better suited for the job
Three board seats contested in St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners race
Editorial: 20th Senate district: We choose Tonya Schuitmaker and Robert Jones
GOP candidate Mike Cox makes stop in Kalamazoo, confident going into final weekend
Kalamazoo's Metro Transit rider slide continues: Another double-digit drop recorded in June
Candidates for state Senate's 20th District talk economy, education, taxes at debate
Video: 20th District Senate seat candidates debate in Kalamazoo
Editorial: Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners
Two seek GOP nod for state Senate 21st District
One Democrat drops out of Van Buren County board race: 2 Republicans vie for nomination in District 3
Editorial: Aric Nesbitt has background, knowledge in GOP 80th district House race
Write-in candidate for Michigan House contributes nearly $106,000 to own campaign
Texas Township approves $60 special assessment for road repairs
Editorial: McCann's city experience bodes well for moving into state politics
Six from GOP vie to replace Schuitmaker in state House 80th District
In the race for U.S. Congress, Republican Jack Hoogendyk is guided by conservative principles
U.S. Congressman Fred Upton looks toward leadership role on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee
Jack Hoogendyk vs. Fred Upton -- Read how they stand on the different issues, immigration, taxes
Editorial: Endorsement: Upton in the GOP race for U.S. House 6th District
Tuesday's primary promises hot races for Southwest Michigan voters
Richland Township trustee challenger Paul Foust says Deb Robinson is a 'liberal lion,' he's better suited for the job
Three board seats contested in St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners race
Editorial: 20th Senate district: We choose Tonya Schuitmaker and Robert Jones
GOP candidate Mike Cox makes stop in Kalamazoo, confident going into final weekend
Kalamazoo's Metro Transit rider slide continues: Another double-digit drop recorded in June
Candidates for state Senate's 20th District talk economy, education, taxes at debate
Video: 20th District Senate seat candidates debate in Kalamazoo
Editorial: Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners
Two seek GOP nod for state Senate 21st District
One Democrat drops out of Van Buren County board race: 2 Republicans vie for nomination in District 3
Editorial: Aric Nesbitt has background, knowledge in GOP 80th district House race
Write-in candidate for Michigan House contributes nearly $106,000 to own campaign
Texas Township approves $60 special assessment for road repairs
Editorial: McCann's city experience bodes well for moving into state politics
Six from GOP vie to replace Schuitmaker in state House 80th District
In the race for U.S. Congress, Republican Jack Hoogendyk is guided by conservative principles
U.S. Congressman Fred Upton looks toward leadership role on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee
Jack Hoogendyk vs. Fred Upton -- Read how they stand on the different issues, immigration, taxes
Editorial: Endorsement: Upton in the GOP race for U.S. House 6th District
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Jack Hoogendyk for Congress
Incumbent 6th district Congressman Fred Upton is being challenged for the Republican nomination by former state rep. Jack Hoogendyk. When considering ousting an incumbent, examining his record is key. Nobody questions that Upton is hard-working. But his record shows that he is not a conservative.
Examining Upton's ten worst votes should give plenty of reason not to support him:
Fred Upton's Ten Worst Votes
Jack's campaign website contains more information on Upton's record:
Compare the Candidates
In addition, note that Upton has voted for a number of gun control measures in the past, including the Brady bill. He also supports 'comprehensive immigration reform', including a 'path to citizenship' for illegal aliens, which not only gives them amnesty but actually rewards their lawbreaking.
Upton's record speaks for itself.
How about Jack Hoogendyk? He is a principled conservative. He was often named the most conservative member of the state legislature. He not only opposed tax increases, but he actively fought against them. He actually voted against increasing spending, unlike most of his colleagues. He is not only pro-life, but ran the Alternatives crisis pregnancy center. He is pro-gun, against amnesty, pro-marriage, and more.
Jack is the real deal. He has been endorsed by Right to Life, Citizens for Traditional Values, Concerned Women for American, Shooters Alliance for Firearms Rights, Republican Liberty Caucus, and more. He has earned the support of all conservatives.
Examining Upton's ten worst votes should give plenty of reason not to support him:
Fred Upton's Ten Worst Votes
Jack's campaign website contains more information on Upton's record:
Compare the Candidates
In addition, note that Upton has voted for a number of gun control measures in the past, including the Brady bill. He also supports 'comprehensive immigration reform', including a 'path to citizenship' for illegal aliens, which not only gives them amnesty but actually rewards their lawbreaking.
Upton's record speaks for itself.
How about Jack Hoogendyk? He is a principled conservative. He was often named the most conservative member of the state legislature. He not only opposed tax increases, but he actively fought against them. He actually voted against increasing spending, unlike most of his colleagues. He is not only pro-life, but ran the Alternatives crisis pregnancy center. He is pro-gun, against amnesty, pro-marriage, and more.
Jack is the real deal. He has been endorsed by Right to Life, Citizens for Traditional Values, Concerned Women for American, Shooters Alliance for Firearms Rights, Republican Liberty Caucus, and more. He has earned the support of all conservatives.
Friday, July 30, 2010
The Case Against Rick Snyder
Republican Michigander makes the case against stealth 'Republican' Rick Snyder.
No Rick Snyder for governor. Anybody in the primary but Rick Michigan.
This blog will only add that his campaign has admitted that its strategy is to get democrats to vote in the Republican primary.
Previous: Rick Snyder's Ten Platitudes
No Rick Snyder for governor. Anybody in the primary but Rick Michigan.
This blog will only add that his campaign has admitted that its strategy is to get democrats to vote in the Republican primary.
Previous: Rick Snyder's Ten Platitudes
Fred Upton's Ten Worst Votes
Congressman Fred Upton has been in Congress since 1986, and has cast a lot of votes in that time. Some have been good and some have been bad. A few fall into the 'really bad' category. Here follow Upton's ten worst votes.
1. [2003] Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. HR 1 (Roll Call 669)
This bill, passed largely with Republican support, created the first new government entitlement program since Lyndon Johnson's Great Society. Incredibly, this program created an unfunded liability of $17 TRILLION dollars added to the off-books national debt. (This is present value calculation, that is, this is how much the government would have to have on hand NOW, earning interest, to meet future liabilities.) This program will go a long way toward bankrupting America, destroying the dollar, and wrecking the economy. It will impoverish future generations to accommodate today's elderly and subsidize the big drug companies. This program is unconstitutional, as Congress has no power under the Constitution to create such a program.
2. [2008] Financial Services Industry (TARP) Bailout. HR 1424 (Roll Call 681)
The bailout passed in late 2008 opened the door for all the abuses of the Constitution that have followed. It gave 700 billion dollars (or more) to the executive branch to distribute as it saw fit, bypassing legislative oversight or public scrutiny. Much of the money was funnelled to giant Wall Street banks. This rewarded them for the failure of their risky investments and bad lending practices. Reducing the disincentive against bad investments will lead to more of them, so the bailout will lead to more economic trouble and more bailouts in the future. The bailout was unconstitutional as Congress has no power under the Constitution to do it.
See also: Stop the Bailout!
3. [2007] Energy Policy. HR 6 (Roll Call 1177)
This bill, championed by Upton, contained a grab-bag of government spending and regulation. The worst feature is an increase in the 'CAFE' fuel economy standards. Numerous studies have shown that they cause more than a thousands deaths in car crashes per year by raising prices of heavier cars enough to push people to buy lighter, less safe cars. The bill also contains an effective ban on the incandescent light bulb by regulating it out of existence starting in 2012. This bill is unconstitutional.
See also: Upton's Light Bulb Ban
4. [2002] Iraq War.
While most Republicans supported the Iraq War at the time, its costs have vastly exceeded projections. Some estimates put the costs, including future veterans' benefits, at over a trillion dollars. Several thousand American soldiers have lost their lives. The effects on the long-term security of the United States and the Middle East remain uncertain.
5. [2009] Planned Parenthood. HR 3293 (Roll Call 643).
This is only the latest in a long line of Upton's votes supporting abortion funding. As described by the American Conservative Union (ACU): "The House defeated an amendment to the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill that would have eliminated funding for Planned Parenthood family planning services, which includes abortion services. ACU has always opposed Planned Parenthood and federal involvement in this area as unconstitutional, but the amendment was defeated July 24, 2009 by a vote of 183-247."
6. [1993] Brady Bill.
This bill imposed several major restrictions on gun rights. The worst was a five-day 'waiting period' on the purchase of a handgun, which could easily make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. (This provision expired in 1998.) This bill also established the principle that commercial gun sales are illegal until the government approves. This makes possible the creation of a national database of gun owners. This bill is unconstitutional, and parts of it were later declared so by the Supreme Court.
7. [1993] NAFTA. HR 3450 (Roll Call 575)
While NAFTA was sold as a 'free trade' agreement, it was a managed trade agreement which contains hundreds of pages of regulations of trade. It has led to job losses and outsourcing. NAFTA also created transnational courts that claim the power to overrule laws passed by Congress or the states. NAFTA was unconstitutional because it should have been treated as a treaty subject to 2/3 ratification in the Senate.
8. [2002] Campaign Speech Limits. HR 2356 (Roll Call 34)
Upton voted for the McCain-Feingold bill after having supported many similar bills over the years. This bill put many restrictions on criticism of Congress through television and radio ads. These included banning advocating that a member of Congress support or oppose a bill 60 days before an election, even if he is not on the ballot. The bill contained many loopholes that could be exploited by wealthy special interests, but effectively prohibited average citizens from criticising Congress effectively with the threat of huge fines for violation of vague regulations. This bill is unconstitutional, and major portions of it have been declared so by the Supreme Court.
9. [2001] No Child Left Behind.
This bill, largely written by Ted Kennedy, significantly increased federal spending on the Department of Education. It also increased government regulations and imposed unrealistic mandates on teachers and schools. It is unconstitutional.
10. [2008] Mortgage Bailout Program. HR 3221 (Roll Call 301).
ACU description: "The House adopted a bill expanding the government-sponsored housing authorities, guaranteeing loans made by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while reducing their capital by creating a $4 billion trust fund available to ACORN and other groups. ACU opposed the federal takeover of these entities but the bill was passed May 8, 2008 by a vote of 266-154."
Dishonorable Mention:
[2009] Omnibus Appropriations for FY 2009. HR 1105 (Roll Call 86). Voted for this incredibly bloated spending bill.
[2008] “Stimulus” Spending Bill. HR 7110 (Roll Call 660). Voted for the wasteful and counterproductive 2008 'stimulus' spending bill.
[1998] Clinton Impeachment. Voted against impeachment of President Bill Clinton on two of four counts.
[1994] Crime Bill. Voted for Bill Clinton's Crime Bill.
[many] Missile Defense. Voted numerous times against funding for systems to defend against nuclear missiles.
1. [2003] Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. HR 1 (Roll Call 669)
This bill, passed largely with Republican support, created the first new government entitlement program since Lyndon Johnson's Great Society. Incredibly, this program created an unfunded liability of $17 TRILLION dollars added to the off-books national debt. (This is present value calculation, that is, this is how much the government would have to have on hand NOW, earning interest, to meet future liabilities.) This program will go a long way toward bankrupting America, destroying the dollar, and wrecking the economy. It will impoverish future generations to accommodate today's elderly and subsidize the big drug companies. This program is unconstitutional, as Congress has no power under the Constitution to create such a program.
2. [2008] Financial Services Industry (TARP) Bailout. HR 1424 (Roll Call 681)
The bailout passed in late 2008 opened the door for all the abuses of the Constitution that have followed. It gave 700 billion dollars (or more) to the executive branch to distribute as it saw fit, bypassing legislative oversight or public scrutiny. Much of the money was funnelled to giant Wall Street banks. This rewarded them for the failure of their risky investments and bad lending practices. Reducing the disincentive against bad investments will lead to more of them, so the bailout will lead to more economic trouble and more bailouts in the future. The bailout was unconstitutional as Congress has no power under the Constitution to do it.
See also: Stop the Bailout!
3. [2007] Energy Policy. HR 6 (Roll Call 1177)
This bill, championed by Upton, contained a grab-bag of government spending and regulation. The worst feature is an increase in the 'CAFE' fuel economy standards. Numerous studies have shown that they cause more than a thousands deaths in car crashes per year by raising prices of heavier cars enough to push people to buy lighter, less safe cars. The bill also contains an effective ban on the incandescent light bulb by regulating it out of existence starting in 2012. This bill is unconstitutional.
See also: Upton's Light Bulb Ban
4. [2002] Iraq War.
While most Republicans supported the Iraq War at the time, its costs have vastly exceeded projections. Some estimates put the costs, including future veterans' benefits, at over a trillion dollars. Several thousand American soldiers have lost their lives. The effects on the long-term security of the United States and the Middle East remain uncertain.
5. [2009] Planned Parenthood. HR 3293 (Roll Call 643).
This is only the latest in a long line of Upton's votes supporting abortion funding. As described by the American Conservative Union (ACU): "The House defeated an amendment to the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill that would have eliminated funding for Planned Parenthood family planning services, which includes abortion services. ACU has always opposed Planned Parenthood and federal involvement in this area as unconstitutional, but the amendment was defeated July 24, 2009 by a vote of 183-247."
6. [1993] Brady Bill.
This bill imposed several major restrictions on gun rights. The worst was a five-day 'waiting period' on the purchase of a handgun, which could easily make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. (This provision expired in 1998.) This bill also established the principle that commercial gun sales are illegal until the government approves. This makes possible the creation of a national database of gun owners. This bill is unconstitutional, and parts of it were later declared so by the Supreme Court.
7. [1993] NAFTA. HR 3450 (Roll Call 575)
While NAFTA was sold as a 'free trade' agreement, it was a managed trade agreement which contains hundreds of pages of regulations of trade. It has led to job losses and outsourcing. NAFTA also created transnational courts that claim the power to overrule laws passed by Congress or the states. NAFTA was unconstitutional because it should have been treated as a treaty subject to 2/3 ratification in the Senate.
8. [2002] Campaign Speech Limits. HR 2356 (Roll Call 34)
Upton voted for the McCain-Feingold bill after having supported many similar bills over the years. This bill put many restrictions on criticism of Congress through television and radio ads. These included banning advocating that a member of Congress support or oppose a bill 60 days before an election, even if he is not on the ballot. The bill contained many loopholes that could be exploited by wealthy special interests, but effectively prohibited average citizens from criticising Congress effectively with the threat of huge fines for violation of vague regulations. This bill is unconstitutional, and major portions of it have been declared so by the Supreme Court.
9. [2001] No Child Left Behind.
This bill, largely written by Ted Kennedy, significantly increased federal spending on the Department of Education. It also increased government regulations and imposed unrealistic mandates on teachers and schools. It is unconstitutional.
10. [2008] Mortgage Bailout Program. HR 3221 (Roll Call 301).
ACU description: "The House adopted a bill expanding the government-sponsored housing authorities, guaranteeing loans made by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while reducing their capital by creating a $4 billion trust fund available to ACORN and other groups. ACU opposed the federal takeover of these entities but the bill was passed May 8, 2008 by a vote of 266-154."
Dishonorable Mention:
[2009] Omnibus Appropriations for FY 2009. HR 1105 (Roll Call 86). Voted for this incredibly bloated spending bill.
[2008] “Stimulus” Spending Bill. HR 7110 (Roll Call 660). Voted for the wasteful and counterproductive 2008 'stimulus' spending bill.
[1998] Clinton Impeachment. Voted against impeachment of President Bill Clinton on two of four counts.
[1994] Crime Bill. Voted for Bill Clinton's Crime Bill.
[many] Missile Defense. Voted numerous times against funding for systems to defend against nuclear missiles.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Fred Upton's Jobs Plan
Congressman Fred Upton recently sent out a mailer touting his "5 Point Jobs Plan".
It may be here: Upton for All of Us - Fred's 5-Point Jobs Plan, though the site was down as of this writing.
It is important to understand at the outset the free market position on tax cuts. Broad-based, permanent tax cuts benefit the economy, while narrow, short-term tax cuts do not. The reason is that tax cuts create economic growth by changing incentives. When people can keep more of their own money, they produce more. But this only applies to future tax rates, not one-time cuts or rebates. While targeted tax cuts may benefit their particular targets, they do not benefit the economy overall because when government picks winners and losers, it distorts the market. Its choices are inevitably based on fads and political clout. Government does not allocate resources more efficiently than the market, which is based on people risking their own money.
Let's go to the specifics.
1. $6500 tax credit for home purchase and renew the $8000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.
No. The recession began with the bursting of the housing bubble. Government programs and regulations pushed people who couldn't afford houses to buy them, and more houses were built than are really needed. To correct the bubble, prices need to be allowed to fall so that the glut is cleared. This is no doubt tough for homebuilders, but building more unneeded houses will only make things worse.
Score: 0/10
2. Reinstate tax deduction on car payments to spur sales of new cars and trucks.
The fact is that people only need so many cars. Encouraging people to buy cars they don't really need is not going to benefit the economy in the long run. This was the impetus behind the atrocious "Cash for Clunkers" program that Upton championed. CfC shifted demand forward without ultimately increasing it, leading to a worse market later on. It also destroyed wealth by wrecking perfectly good used cars. This item doesn't do that, and is somewhat broad-based, but seems unlikely to be all that successful.
Score: 5/10
3. Repeal Obamacare's employer health care mandate and replace it with a tax credit.
All of Obamacare should be repealed, not just the employer mandate. While a tax credit would certainly be better than a mandate, it doesn't change the fact that health care should not be supplied through employers. Insurance for cars, houses, and life is not supplied by employers, and there is no good reason why health insurance should be. This only occurs due to a provision in the tax code (surprise!). Supplying health insurance through employers needlessly restricts the available choices and hence inflates costs. Further, routine medical care would be better paid out of pocket rather than through a bureaucratic insurance system.
Score: 5/10
4. 20% small business tax deduction. (for five years)
This is pretty broad-based, but the time limit would significantly mitigate the positive effects of this item. Still, this is pretty much a good item.
Score: 8/10
5. Expand nuclear power and train qualified workers.
Picking particular industries for special treatment isn't great, but at least nuclear power is a real wealth creator and not a fad like wind power or ethanol. Removing bureaucratic obstacles to new nuclear plants should suffice; it isn't clear just what means Upton would use to promote it. Government-funded job training shouldn't be necessary; productive industries can afford to train their own workers.
Score: 7/10
Overall score: 25/50 (50%)
Bottom line: don't count on economic recovery under the Upton plan.
It may be here: Upton for All of Us - Fred's 5-Point Jobs Plan, though the site was down as of this writing.
It is important to understand at the outset the free market position on tax cuts. Broad-based, permanent tax cuts benefit the economy, while narrow, short-term tax cuts do not. The reason is that tax cuts create economic growth by changing incentives. When people can keep more of their own money, they produce more. But this only applies to future tax rates, not one-time cuts or rebates. While targeted tax cuts may benefit their particular targets, they do not benefit the economy overall because when government picks winners and losers, it distorts the market. Its choices are inevitably based on fads and political clout. Government does not allocate resources more efficiently than the market, which is based on people risking their own money.
Let's go to the specifics.
1. $6500 tax credit for home purchase and renew the $8000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.
No. The recession began with the bursting of the housing bubble. Government programs and regulations pushed people who couldn't afford houses to buy them, and more houses were built than are really needed. To correct the bubble, prices need to be allowed to fall so that the glut is cleared. This is no doubt tough for homebuilders, but building more unneeded houses will only make things worse.
Score: 0/10
2. Reinstate tax deduction on car payments to spur sales of new cars and trucks.
The fact is that people only need so many cars. Encouraging people to buy cars they don't really need is not going to benefit the economy in the long run. This was the impetus behind the atrocious "Cash for Clunkers" program that Upton championed. CfC shifted demand forward without ultimately increasing it, leading to a worse market later on. It also destroyed wealth by wrecking perfectly good used cars. This item doesn't do that, and is somewhat broad-based, but seems unlikely to be all that successful.
Score: 5/10
3. Repeal Obamacare's employer health care mandate and replace it with a tax credit.
All of Obamacare should be repealed, not just the employer mandate. While a tax credit would certainly be better than a mandate, it doesn't change the fact that health care should not be supplied through employers. Insurance for cars, houses, and life is not supplied by employers, and there is no good reason why health insurance should be. This only occurs due to a provision in the tax code (surprise!). Supplying health insurance through employers needlessly restricts the available choices and hence inflates costs. Further, routine medical care would be better paid out of pocket rather than through a bureaucratic insurance system.
Score: 5/10
4. 20% small business tax deduction. (for five years)
This is pretty broad-based, but the time limit would significantly mitigate the positive effects of this item. Still, this is pretty much a good item.
Score: 8/10
5. Expand nuclear power and train qualified workers.
Picking particular industries for special treatment isn't great, but at least nuclear power is a real wealth creator and not a fad like wind power or ethanol. Removing bureaucratic obstacles to new nuclear plants should suffice; it isn't clear just what means Upton would use to promote it. Government-funded job training shouldn't be necessary; productive industries can afford to train their own workers.
Score: 7/10
Overall score: 25/50 (50%)
Bottom line: don't count on economic recovery under the Upton plan.
Who is Grant Taylor?
Democrat Grant Taylor, who is running as a write-in candidate for the 61st district state house seat, was on the Jay Morris show on Tuesday.
07/27/10 - Hour 2: Democratic State House candidate Grant Taylor
Write-in candidate for Michigan House contributes nearly $106,000 to own campaign
Democrat Grant Taylor drops out of race for state House's 61st District after learning of residency rule
Democrat Grant Taylor to run for Michigan House's 61st District after dropping bid for Kalamazoo County Board
Much is unknown about Taylor. It is known that he is 26 and comes from a political family, as both his father and brother are county commissioners. He moved to the 61st district one day before the filing deadline, which was too late to get on the ballot. He states that he is treasurer of "MAC House charities", an organization that doesn't seem to have any presence online. When asked (see 20:45) about it, he admitted that this is a volunteer position. Hence he is currently unemployed.
When asked about his education, he states that he "went to college in Chicago". He doesn't say what college he went to. He doesn't say that he graduated college, only that he 'went to' college. He doesn't say what he studied. He has stated that he has "experience in finance and accounting ".
Taylor is currently flooding the 61st district with mailings to convince voters to write him in for state rep. His campaign finance report indicates that he has raised $111,000, of which $106,000 is from himself. How did an unemployed 26-year-old get that much money? According to an article in the Kalamazoo Gazette,
So who is Grant Taylor anyways?
07/27/10 - Hour 2: Democratic State House candidate Grant Taylor
Write-in candidate for Michigan House contributes nearly $106,000 to own campaign
Democrat Grant Taylor drops out of race for state House's 61st District after learning of residency rule
Democrat Grant Taylor to run for Michigan House's 61st District after dropping bid for Kalamazoo County Board
Much is unknown about Taylor. It is known that he is 26 and comes from a political family, as both his father and brother are county commissioners. He moved to the 61st district one day before the filing deadline, which was too late to get on the ballot. He states that he is treasurer of "MAC House charities", an organization that doesn't seem to have any presence online. When asked (see 20:45) about it, he admitted that this is a volunteer position. Hence he is currently unemployed.
When asked about his education, he states that he "went to college in Chicago". He doesn't say what college he went to. He doesn't say that he graduated college, only that he 'went to' college. He doesn't say what he studied. He has stated that he has "experience in finance and accounting ".
Taylor is currently flooding the 61st district with mailings to convince voters to write him in for state rep. His campaign finance report indicates that he has raised $111,000, of which $106,000 is from himself. How did an unemployed 26-year-old get that much money? According to an article in the Kalamazoo Gazette,
Grant Taylor, 26, liquidated as well as borrowed against some of his shares in Clarke Power Services Inc. to pay for the donations, said Jeff Parsons, his campaign manager.So basically the money came from his father.
Taylor’s father helped found the Cincinnati-based company.
So who is Grant Taylor anyways?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Herald-Palladium Endorses Upton
The Herald-Palladium, the St. Joseph newspaper which knows who butters its bread, has endorsed Congressman Upton. Let's break it down.
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Upton a better fit than Hoogendyk for 6th District
While this blog doesn't question that Upton is good at constituent service, it is primarily necessary because of the very government bureaucracies that Upton has repeatedly voted to fund and expand. Then, when they mistreat taxpayers, congressmen can heroically intervene. As Bastiat said, they are "concocting the antidote and the poison in the same laboratory"
----------------------
Upton a better fit than Hoogendyk for 6th District
That Congressman Fred Upton rubs diehard conservatives the wrong way isn't new. Long before the Tea Party movement gained strength, far right partisans in Southwest Michigan longed for someone like Jack Hoogendyk, Upton's Republican primary opponent in August, to displace Upton.That's what the big banks claimed when they wanted a bailout. There is no evidence to support this, and the HP provides none. The TARP bailout created a giant slush fund run by the executive branch without congressional input. It was promoted to bail out the mortgage market but funnelled to the big banks by former Goldman Sachs employees. And even if we assume that the banks had to be bailed out, what was the justification for bailing out the managements, so that they kept their jobs after running their companies into bankruptcy?
Should that happen, our question to Hoogendyk supporters is, then what? Perhaps the very conservative resident of Kalamazoo would win in November, but he is not well-positioned to retain the seat in the future.
Upton, of St. Joseph, with his occasional moderate tendencies, is far better suited to hold off Democratic challengers in a district that voted for President Obama in 2008 and twice supported Bill Clinton in the 1990s.
We view it as a plus that Upton does not adhere to the ideological purity standards that hard right conservatives insist upon. Two recent examples come to mind: the auto industry bailout and the TARP financial bailout.
Hoogendyk, with his strong libertarian tendencies, opposed both measures on grounds that government should not intrude to such an extent into private business affairs. That's fine in a world in which harsh consequences don't matter. Our world view is more in line with Upton's, who well understood that all of Michigan, including the 6th District, would have suffered tremendously had GM and Chrysler gone under. The financial bailout vote offers a similar example. In our mind Upton's support signaled a willingness to accept facts on the ground and vote accordingly. Had giant U.S. banks been allowed to fail in 2008, the economic devastation that followed would have rivaled or exceeded the Great Depression.
Hoogendyk, a former three-term state House member, may pass a Tea Party purity test, but too often he doesn't pass the common sense test. That said, by challenging Upton, Hoogendyk has forced the congressman to defend himself and his votes to his Republican base. There is value in this process.There is no sense in which Upton is a fiscal conservative. He has voted for almost every budget-busting appropriations bill for decades. He supported the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, which added 17 trillion to the off-books present value national debt. You can argue that the bailout was necessary, but you cannot argue that it was fiscally conservative. Is was not.
Upton, it should be noted, is no 51 percent Republican. [According to the American Conservative Union, he's a 72% conservative.] He remains committed to fiscal conservatism and has generally fought against President Obama's liberal agenda. Upton also has consistently performed exemplary constituent services, something that should not be overlooked by voters.
While this blog doesn't question that Upton is good at constituent service, it is primarily necessary because of the very government bureaucracies that Upton has repeatedly voted to fund and expand. Then, when they mistreat taxpayers, congressmen can heroically intervene. As Bastiat said, they are "concocting the antidote and the poison in the same laboratory"
We urge 6th District Republican primary voters to send Upton into the fall election to vie for a 13th term. In this contest of pragmatism vs. purity, Upton is clearly the best choice.At least the HP brings up issues that Upton has studiously avoided.
(An opinion of The Herald-Palladium editorial board)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Cities Love Speed Traps
Speed traps are scams that rip off motorists. But state rep. Rick Jones is on the case.
Cities thwart speed trap ban
Cities thwart speed trap ban
POLITICAL UPDATE--Immigration
This update focuses on immigration.
Virgil Goode: End Birthright Citizenship
Ann Coulter: New Black Panthers, You're Free to Go--Not so Fast, Arizona
Allen Wall: Memo From Middle America (Formerly Known As Memo From Mexico): Evangelical Leadership’s Betrayal Of Grassroots On Immigration Increasing
Washington Watcher: Treason Lobby Does Damage Control On Birthright Citizenship
Peter Brimelow: “The Irrepressible Conflict”: Obama vs. Arizona—And America
Steve Sailer: Ellis Island Kitsch: Jeb Bush And Robert Putnam Blame Americans For Modern Immigrants' Failure To Assimilate
Peter Brimelow: Obama’s Immigration Speech: Stop Laughing, He’s Serious
Russel Pearce: Ending Birthright Citizenship
Roger Hedgecock: Welcome to Maywood, Mexico
For more on immigration, see VDARE.com.
Virgil Goode: End Birthright Citizenship
Ann Coulter: New Black Panthers, You're Free to Go--Not so Fast, Arizona
Allen Wall: Memo From Middle America (Formerly Known As Memo From Mexico): Evangelical Leadership’s Betrayal Of Grassroots On Immigration Increasing
Washington Watcher: Treason Lobby Does Damage Control On Birthright Citizenship
Peter Brimelow: “The Irrepressible Conflict”: Obama vs. Arizona—And America
Steve Sailer: Ellis Island Kitsch: Jeb Bush And Robert Putnam Blame Americans For Modern Immigrants' Failure To Assimilate
Peter Brimelow: Obama’s Immigration Speech: Stop Laughing, He’s Serious
Russel Pearce: Ending Birthright Citizenship
Roger Hedgecock: Welcome to Maywood, Mexico
For more on immigration, see VDARE.com.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Pre-primary Campaign Finance Reports
The deadline for pre-primary campaign finance reports has passed, and they are now available online at the Secretary of State website.
Michigan Campaign Finance Committee Search
News headlines have focused on the governor's race, where Rick Snyder has spent 6 million dollars of his money trying to buy the Republican nomination.
Local candidate filings get less attention but are of interest to those who follow local politics. Here are the amounts raised (in parentheses, from the candidate himself), spent, and cash onhand for some local races.
Name _______ / Contributions (from self) / Spent / Cash Onhand
20th state senate district
Tonya Schuitmaker / 276794 (100000) / 168889 / 106085
Lorence Wenke / 250409 (230000) / 249534 / 120
Larry DeShazor / 35668 (17780) / 30809 / 3331
Robert Jones / 61179 (10377) / 44393 / 6881
Mark Totten / 204328 (32454) / 126754 / 71850
Wenke is largely self-funding, while Tonya has combined significant self-funding with lots of establishment Republicans and right-leaning PACs. They have been hammering each other with negative advertising. Will DeShazor be able to benefit?
Totten is spending heavily attacking Jones for votes on drug liability, arena tax, and more. Many of his contributions are from outside the district. Will he be able to topple Jones? This blog thinks not.
21st state senate district
John Proos / 175430 (38400) / 60470 / 113384
Todd Griffee / 4330 (3185) / 4330 / 0
Scott Elliot / not filed
Proos should have an easy election.
24th state senate district
Rick Jones / 104222 (803) / 43065 / 59928
Randy Brink / not filed
Michelle DiSano / not filed
Jones should have an easy election.
61st state house district
Margaret O'Brien / 29179 (8889) / 9037 / 19986
Thomas Batten / 12445 (9265) / 5727 / 1058
Grant Taylor (WI) / 112362 (105939) / 53655 / 58232
Batten and Taylor have largely self-funded their campaigns. Taylor is running a write-in campaign due to his failure to understand election law well enough to get on the ballot. Where he got his money is something of a mystery, as his report lists his occupation as "TREASURER-M.A.C. HOUSE CHARITIES". Write-in campaigns rarely succeed, and this blog is not betting on Taylor to succeed. Margaret O'Brien remains a solid favorite.
60th state house district
Jeff Fernandez / 5960 (0) / 3253 / 2106
Sean McCann / 33629 (20) / 20204 / 13299
Chris Praedel / 9610 (4234) / 4670 / 932
Dustin Harback / 25 (25) / 0 / 25
McCann remains the prohibitive favorite. Why did Matt Moss donate to Praedel?
79th state house district
Paul Petersen / 6549 (2108) / 5110 / 872
Al Pscholka / 33019 (3000) / 23274 / 8376
Bruce Gorenflo / 3365 (110) / 2994 / 310
Can Tea Party leader Petersen overcome the money advantage of Upton candidate Pscholka?
80th state house district
Aric Nesbitt / 36905 (11500) / 21240 / 15664
Douglas Harrington / 2317 (?) / 319 / 1998
Shelley Hartmann / 47352 (43910) / 33222 / 14129
Bob Linderman / 7802 (7802) / 0 / 0
William Queen / reporting waiver--less than $1000
Frank Thompson / 18888 (10019) / 1053 / 6520
Thomas Erdmann / 9674 (1080) / 2867 / 6747
The Republican race seems to be coming down to Nesbitt, who is endorsed by all the conservative organizations and many established republicans versus Hartmann, who is largely self-funding. The Republican nominee will be favored.
87th state house district
Mike Callton / 92157 (64442) / 45687 / 29465
Michael Bremer / 10165 (3000) / 8742 / 1422
Steve Fabiano 27287 (25513) / 26429 / 859
Callton is the favorite.
Republicans generally outraised democrats in competitive state senate districts.
Michigan Campaign Finance Committee Search
News headlines have focused on the governor's race, where Rick Snyder has spent 6 million dollars of his money trying to buy the Republican nomination.
Local candidate filings get less attention but are of interest to those who follow local politics. Here are the amounts raised (in parentheses, from the candidate himself), spent, and cash onhand for some local races.
Name _______ / Contributions (from self) / Spent / Cash Onhand
20th state senate district
Tonya Schuitmaker / 276794 (100000) / 168889 / 106085
Lorence Wenke / 250409 (230000) / 249534 / 120
Larry DeShazor / 35668 (17780) / 30809 / 3331
Robert Jones / 61179 (10377) / 44393 / 6881
Mark Totten / 204328 (32454) / 126754 / 71850
Wenke is largely self-funding, while Tonya has combined significant self-funding with lots of establishment Republicans and right-leaning PACs. They have been hammering each other with negative advertising. Will DeShazor be able to benefit?
Totten is spending heavily attacking Jones for votes on drug liability, arena tax, and more. Many of his contributions are from outside the district. Will he be able to topple Jones? This blog thinks not.
21st state senate district
John Proos / 175430 (38400) / 60470 / 113384
Todd Griffee / 4330 (3185) / 4330 / 0
Scott Elliot / not filed
Proos should have an easy election.
24th state senate district
Rick Jones / 104222 (803) / 43065 / 59928
Randy Brink / not filed
Michelle DiSano / not filed
Jones should have an easy election.
61st state house district
Margaret O'Brien / 29179 (8889) / 9037 / 19986
Thomas Batten / 12445 (9265) / 5727 / 1058
Grant Taylor (WI) / 112362 (105939) / 53655 / 58232
Batten and Taylor have largely self-funded their campaigns. Taylor is running a write-in campaign due to his failure to understand election law well enough to get on the ballot. Where he got his money is something of a mystery, as his report lists his occupation as "TREASURER-M.A.C. HOUSE CHARITIES". Write-in campaigns rarely succeed, and this blog is not betting on Taylor to succeed. Margaret O'Brien remains a solid favorite.
60th state house district
Jeff Fernandez / 5960 (0) / 3253 / 2106
Sean McCann / 33629 (20) / 20204 / 13299
Chris Praedel / 9610 (4234) / 4670 / 932
Dustin Harback / 25 (25) / 0 / 25
McCann remains the prohibitive favorite. Why did Matt Moss donate to Praedel?
79th state house district
Paul Petersen / 6549 (2108) / 5110 / 872
Al Pscholka / 33019 (3000) / 23274 / 8376
Bruce Gorenflo / 3365 (110) / 2994 / 310
Can Tea Party leader Petersen overcome the money advantage of Upton candidate Pscholka?
80th state house district
Aric Nesbitt / 36905 (11500) / 21240 / 15664
Douglas Harrington / 2317 (?) / 319 / 1998
Shelley Hartmann / 47352 (43910) / 33222 / 14129
Bob Linderman / 7802 (7802) / 0 / 0
William Queen / reporting waiver--less than $1000
Frank Thompson / 18888 (10019) / 1053 / 6520
Thomas Erdmann / 9674 (1080) / 2867 / 6747
The Republican race seems to be coming down to Nesbitt, who is endorsed by all the conservative organizations and many established republicans versus Hartmann, who is largely self-funding. The Republican nominee will be favored.
87th state house district
Mike Callton / 92157 (64442) / 45687 / 29465
Michael Bremer / 10165 (3000) / 8742 / 1422
Steve Fabiano 27287 (25513) / 26429 / 859
Callton is the favorite.
Republicans generally outraised democrats in competitive state senate districts.
We Are Doomed
We Are Doomed: Reclaiming Conservative Pessimism
John Derbyshire
John Derbyshire is a writer for National Review and other publications whose interests cover math, science, culture, and politics. In his political writing, he has carved out a niche as a pessimistic paleoconservative who regularly proclaims tidings of doom and gloom. With this book, he summarizes his pessimistic views on politics.
He argues that a form of pessimism is essential to realistically understand human nature. Moreover, conservatism has a tradition of pessimistic thought. He argues that conservatives have more recently been deluded by optimistic utopian ideas about the world that have led and are leading to disaster.
Derbyshire eagerly destroys the modern shibboleth that diversity is a strength that should be celebrated. In fact, diversity is a liability, and often a very serious one, as countless wars and racial strife have shown.
He follows this with some fairly standard conservative criticisms of politics and culture. He adds some thoughts on the sexes.
Derbyshire offers a very solid chapter on education, destroying both liberal and conservative myths. The biggest myth is that individuals and racial groups (and sexes) have equal intellectual abilities. He also destroys the liberal 'spend more money' myth, recounting the disaster in Kansas City where a judge ordered a fortune spent on the schools, making then worse.
Things start to go wrong in the chapter on human nature. He presents three views on human nature, religious, cultural, and biological. He then argues the case for the biological. While the views he presents may be reasonable archetypes, it seems more likely that there is some truth to each of them. It is certainly true that biology has a significant impact on our nature. But his argument against free will is unconvincing, and his acknowledged inability to explain consciousness doesn't help matters. While liberals and some conservatives see culture as highly malleable, this is something of a straw man he uses to avoid the conservative view that culture is often deeply ingrained and difficult to change.
Then there's religion. Derbyshire started as a nominal Anglican and has more recently become an agnostic. He approaches religion as an anthropologist. As a conservative, he sees religion, at least of the Biblical variety, as mostly positive for society. But viewing religion socially, he views its decline as inevitable in the modern world. While atheism gained somewhat in the '90s, he doesn't note that this seems to have halted in the 2000's. And if his views on the decline of civilization are true, might this not lead people to turn back to God?
Derbyshire deconstructs the neoconservative view of foreign policy, with its support for 'invading the world' and using nation-building to impose democracy. He summarizes many of the problems with America's current immigration policy. He examines the troubles of the rest of the world. Finally, he examines our current economic problems and how they followed from a housing bubble caused by government policies promoting lending to deadbeats.
There is plenty to like about We Are Doomed, and Derbyshire's work is full of unconventional thought and throws plenty of cold water on the fantasies of our age. But hopelessness is not a viable basis for a political movement or society, as I suspect Derbyshire knows (but doesn't say). While realism is essential, we should also recognize that there are some positive trends, good things do happen, and bad trends don't continue forever. The world is full of trouble, but when has it ever not been thus? Christians know that however dark things may be, there will be a happy ending. It is sad that Derbyshire doesn't share this understanding.
John Derbyshire
John Derbyshire is a writer for National Review and other publications whose interests cover math, science, culture, and politics. In his political writing, he has carved out a niche as a pessimistic paleoconservative who regularly proclaims tidings of doom and gloom. With this book, he summarizes his pessimistic views on politics.
He argues that a form of pessimism is essential to realistically understand human nature. Moreover, conservatism has a tradition of pessimistic thought. He argues that conservatives have more recently been deluded by optimistic utopian ideas about the world that have led and are leading to disaster.
Derbyshire eagerly destroys the modern shibboleth that diversity is a strength that should be celebrated. In fact, diversity is a liability, and often a very serious one, as countless wars and racial strife have shown.
He follows this with some fairly standard conservative criticisms of politics and culture. He adds some thoughts on the sexes.
Derbyshire offers a very solid chapter on education, destroying both liberal and conservative myths. The biggest myth is that individuals and racial groups (and sexes) have equal intellectual abilities. He also destroys the liberal 'spend more money' myth, recounting the disaster in Kansas City where a judge ordered a fortune spent on the schools, making then worse.
Things start to go wrong in the chapter on human nature. He presents three views on human nature, religious, cultural, and biological. He then argues the case for the biological. While the views he presents may be reasonable archetypes, it seems more likely that there is some truth to each of them. It is certainly true that biology has a significant impact on our nature. But his argument against free will is unconvincing, and his acknowledged inability to explain consciousness doesn't help matters. While liberals and some conservatives see culture as highly malleable, this is something of a straw man he uses to avoid the conservative view that culture is often deeply ingrained and difficult to change.
Then there's religion. Derbyshire started as a nominal Anglican and has more recently become an agnostic. He approaches religion as an anthropologist. As a conservative, he sees religion, at least of the Biblical variety, as mostly positive for society. But viewing religion socially, he views its decline as inevitable in the modern world. While atheism gained somewhat in the '90s, he doesn't note that this seems to have halted in the 2000's. And if his views on the decline of civilization are true, might this not lead people to turn back to God?
Derbyshire deconstructs the neoconservative view of foreign policy, with its support for 'invading the world' and using nation-building to impose democracy. He summarizes many of the problems with America's current immigration policy. He examines the troubles of the rest of the world. Finally, he examines our current economic problems and how they followed from a housing bubble caused by government policies promoting lending to deadbeats.
There is plenty to like about We Are Doomed, and Derbyshire's work is full of unconventional thought and throws plenty of cold water on the fantasies of our age. But hopelessness is not a viable basis for a political movement or society, as I suspect Derbyshire knows (but doesn't say). While realism is essential, we should also recognize that there are some positive trends, good things do happen, and bad trends don't continue forever. The world is full of trouble, but when has it ever not been thus? Christians know that however dark things may be, there will be a happy ending. It is sad that Derbyshire doesn't share this understanding.
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Tonya Schuitmaker leads fund-raising in 20th District Senate race but Lorence Wenke is close behind
Western Michigan University's tuition increase is highest among state's public universities
Western Michigan University approves 7.4% tuition hike, highest in the state
Republicans vie for Kalamazoo County board seats: Districts 11, 16 have contested races Aug. 3
Western Michigan University may offer early retirement: Some 300 employees to qualify for incentive
Candidates speak at Beacon Club in Portage
Fred Upton vs. Jack Hoogendyk: Question of conservatism hangs over 6th District Congressional race
VIDEO: 6TH District foes at the Kalamazoo Gazette
Kalamazoo County Board candidates Q&A
Chris Praedel pushes education platform in bid for 60th District House seat
Sean McCann points to experience in bid for 60th District House seat
Dustin Harback urges 'new politics' in bid for 60th District House seat
State Rep. Robert Jones points to achievements, progress in run for Senate's 20th District
Senate 20th District candidate Mark Totten decries 'failure of leadership' in Lansing
Metro Transit plans $1.9 million expansion of administrative facility in Kalamazoo
Tonya Schuitmaker leads fund-raising in 20th District Senate race but Lorence Wenke is close behind
Western Michigan University's tuition increase is highest among state's public universities
Western Michigan University approves 7.4% tuition hike, highest in the state
Republicans vie for Kalamazoo County board seats: Districts 11, 16 have contested races Aug. 3
Western Michigan University may offer early retirement: Some 300 employees to qualify for incentive
Candidates speak at Beacon Club in Portage
Fred Upton vs. Jack Hoogendyk: Question of conservatism hangs over 6th District Congressional race
VIDEO: 6TH District foes at the Kalamazoo Gazette
Kalamazoo County Board candidates Q&A
Chris Praedel pushes education platform in bid for 60th District House seat
Sean McCann points to experience in bid for 60th District House seat
Dustin Harback urges 'new politics' in bid for 60th District House seat
State Rep. Robert Jones points to achievements, progress in run for Senate's 20th District
Senate 20th District candidate Mark Totten decries 'failure of leadership' in Lansing
Metro Transit plans $1.9 million expansion of administrative facility in Kalamazoo
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Historical Apologetics
The Library of Historical Apologetics is an excellent site for Christians who want to learn more about the evidence and arguments for their faith.
The Library of Historical Apologetics
The Library of Historical Apologetics
NRA and CTV Endorsements
The National Rifle Association and Citizens for Traditional Values have released their endorsements.
NRA-PVF Michigan Endorsements
CTV 2010 Endorsements
Oddly, the NRA skips the governor and congressional races and many of the legislative races. [UPDATE: The NRA has now made endorsements in congressional districts 1, 6, and 7.]
CTV likes Cox, Bouchard, and Hoekstra for governor. They endorse Jack Hoogendyk for Congress.
NRA-PVF Michigan Endorsements
CTV 2010 Endorsements
Oddly, the NRA skips the governor and congressional races and many of the legislative races. [UPDATE: The NRA has now made endorsements in congressional districts 1, 6, and 7.]
CTV likes Cox, Bouchard, and Hoekstra for governor. They endorse Jack Hoogendyk for Congress.
Upton/Hoogendyk Forum
It's not quite a debate, but it's pretty close.
Upton takes a cheap shot at Jack's 2008 US Senate race around 17 minutes, and Jack responds around 57 minutes.
Upton takes a cheap shot at Jack's 2008 US Senate race around 17 minutes, and Jack responds around 57 minutes.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Mike Cox for Governor
Attorney General Mike Cox is the clear choice for conservatives in the race for Governor of Michigan. Of the five Republican candidates, Cox is the most conservative and probably the most effective and most electable.
CREDENTIALS
After serving as a Marine and prosecutor in Wayne County, Cox first sought office when he ran for Attorney General in 2002. He upset state senator (now Congressman) Gary Peters in a very tight race, and was reelected easily in 2006, increasing his margin in what was generally a terrible year for Republicans.
ISSUES
Cox has championed many conservative and populist causes as Attorney General. He has filed suits, written briefs, and issued opinions that promote conservative causes.
Cox was one of many attorneys general to file suit against Obamacare, arguing that it is unconstitutional. He has opposed Blue Cross/Blue Shield when it acted against the best interests of consumers in Michigan.
Cox endorsed the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative (MCRI) in 2006. The MCRI ended racial preferences in government hiring, contracts, and college admissions. He was the only one of the five Republicans running to endorse it. Most prominent Republicans either opposed the MCRI or did not take a position. Cox stood up to the big corporations and unions opposing the MCRI. It passed with 58% of the vote.
Cox issued an opinion upholding a law requiring a voter to show identification at the polls. This overturned a previous opinion issued by democrat attorney general Frank Kelley. This ruling helps to protect the integrity of Michigan elections.
Cox issued an opinion prohibiting illegal aliens from receiving drivers licences. This makes illegal immigration more difficult and hence helps to protect Michigan jobs, cut down on crime, eliminate government benefits for illegals, and protect Michigan roads from dangerous drivers. Cox has also submitted a brief supporting Arizona's immigration law and defending the powers of states to pass such laws against the power of the federal government.
Cox has signed a pledge not to raise taxes (unlike Snyder or Hoekstra until recently). Not only that, but he has outlined 4 billion in spending cuts and pledged 2 billion in tax cuts. This would help to cut Michigan government down to size. Cox is endorsed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
Cox is pro-life. He is the only candidate to be endorsed by Michigan Right to Life. He is co-endorsed by Citizens for Traditional Values.
Cox is pro-gun. He is endorsed by Gun Owners of America and Shooters Alliance for Firearms Rights. He has greatly expanding concealed carry reciprocity with other states, allowing Michigan citizens to carry in other states. He overturned several anti-gun opinions issued by Frank Kelley. He filed briefs with the Supreme Court supporting gun owners' rights in the Heller and McDonald cases that overturned the Washington, DC and Chicago gun bans.
Cox has issued a detailed plan for what he would do as governor: Mike Cox's Plan
ELECTABILITY
Mike Cox is arguably the most electable Republican candidate in the race. He is the only candidate to have been elected statewide. As noted above, he has been elected twice, including in 2006, a terrible year for Republicans. The other candidates have been elected at most in small portions of the state.
To win Michigan, Republicans need to do well amongst white, blue collar union members in areas like Macomb County and the Upper Peninsula who often vote for democrats. To this author, Cox seems to have the best profile to accomplish this. (And he has already done this in past campaigns, unlike the other candidates.)
CONCLUSION
Mike Cox is the right choice for Michigan conservatives for governor.
See also: Evaluating the Candidates for Governor
See Mike Cox's campaign website: http://mikecox2010.com/
Evaluating the Candidates for Governor
With the August 3 primary rapidly approaching, the race for the Republican nomination for governor remains tight. This blog has endorsed Attorney General Mike Cox as the best choice for conservatives. (see: Mike Cox for Governor) But determining the best candidate also depends on evaluating the other candidates.
The five candidates are Mike Cox, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Congressman Pete Hoekstra, Senator Tom George, and businessman Rick Snyder. Here is some relevant information on the candidates. Note that not much information is available on Snyder, since not only does he not have a voting record, but he has refused to fill out candidate questionnaires or to participate in many of the debates.
Health Care
Cox, Hoekstra, George oppose Obamacare and support state efforts to fight it.
Goerge has proposed a health care plan that would increase taxes, spending, and regulation. He championed the restaurant smoking ban and supporting mandating Gardasil for teenage girls.
Taxes, spending, regulation
Cox supports cutting taxes, spending, and regulation.
Hoekstra voted for the 700 billion dollar TARP bailout, which gave lots of taxpayer money to failing Wall Street banks. He also voted for Medicare Part D prescription drug program, which increased the present-value off-books national debt by a whopping 17 trillion dollars. While Hoekstra is not the worst on spending, he cannot be accurately described as a fiscal conservative either.
George voted for Governor Granholm's 2007 tax increase. He has been in the middle on spending, neither the biggest spender nor a fiscal conservative.
Snyder has advocated spending on a variety of pet projects, including his own version of the 'cool cities' initiative.
Abortion
Cox has been endorsed by Michigan Right to Life.
Hoekstra and Bouchard are prolife. They have not made abortion a major issue.
George is prolife and has advocated for prolife causes as a doctor.
Snyder is pro-abortion. He donated money to the campaign supporting the destruction of human embryos (misleadingly called stem cell research).
Gun Rights
Cox has been a champion of gun rights and has been endorsed by Gun Owners of America and Shooters Alliance for Firearms Rights.
Hoekstra and George have voted pro-gun but have not otherwise been active on the issue.
Bouchard opposed concealed carry when it was passed in 2000. He appears to have genuinely changed his position on the issue since then and is now pro-gun.
Immigration
Cox issued a ruling to prevent illegal aliens from receiving drivers licences and has filed a brief supporting the Arizona immigration law.
Bouchard has advocated passing a similar law in Michigan.
Hoekstra has opposed amnesty in Congress. He has a B+ grade from Numbers USA.
Right to Work
Bouchard has promised to actively push for a right to work law.
Cox and George are 'open' to the idea.
Snyder would sign it, but not push for it.
Hoekstra opposes right to work.
Michigan Civil Rights Initiative
Cox was the only candidate to support the MCRI to end racial preferences.
Bouchard and George opposed the MCRI.
Electability
Cox has twice been elected statewide, including as an underdog in 2002 and in a tough year for Republicans in 2006.
Hoekstra has easily been elected in the heavily Republican 2nd district (Holland, Muskegon) since winning an upset primary victory in 2002. He has not had a tough election since. He is well-known in West Michigan but nearly so much so in the eastern part of the state.
Bouchard is popular as Oakland County Sheriff. However, when he was the Republican nominee for US Senate in 2006, he lost to Debbie Stabenow 58%-42%. Granted, no Republican would have won that race, but Bouchard lost his home county 53%-45%, which suggests his popularity as Sheriff does not transfer to other races.
George has won two tough races as a state senator from Kalamazoo County. He is largely unknown in the rest of the state.
Snyder has never run for office before. He is a businessman who is largely self-funding his campaign. Self-funding candidates have a terrible track record of getting elected, due to the fact that voters dislike rich people. In 2004, when 24 of 25 candidates who spent more than million dollars of their own money lost, and the one who won beat one of the other 24. 19 of 20 lost in 2002. Self-funding businessman Dick DeVos lost the Michigan gubernatorial race in a landslide in 2006.
Mike Cox for Governor
Previous articles on the governor's race:
Republican Michigander Endorses Mike Cox
Rick Snyder's Ten Platitudes
The Truth Comes Out
Hoekstra on the Bailout
Hoekstra: Who, Me?
The Race for Governor
Mackinac Conference 2009
Snyder Wants 'Cool Cities'
Tom George's Health Care Plan
George for Governor?
Taxes On the Record
The five candidates are Mike Cox, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Congressman Pete Hoekstra, Senator Tom George, and businessman Rick Snyder. Here is some relevant information on the candidates. Note that not much information is available on Snyder, since not only does he not have a voting record, but he has refused to fill out candidate questionnaires or to participate in many of the debates.
Health Care
Cox, Hoekstra, George oppose Obamacare and support state efforts to fight it.
Goerge has proposed a health care plan that would increase taxes, spending, and regulation. He championed the restaurant smoking ban and supporting mandating Gardasil for teenage girls.
Taxes, spending, regulation
Cox supports cutting taxes, spending, and regulation.
Hoekstra voted for the 700 billion dollar TARP bailout, which gave lots of taxpayer money to failing Wall Street banks. He also voted for Medicare Part D prescription drug program, which increased the present-value off-books national debt by a whopping 17 trillion dollars. While Hoekstra is not the worst on spending, he cannot be accurately described as a fiscal conservative either.
George voted for Governor Granholm's 2007 tax increase. He has been in the middle on spending, neither the biggest spender nor a fiscal conservative.
Snyder has advocated spending on a variety of pet projects, including his own version of the 'cool cities' initiative.
Abortion
Cox has been endorsed by Michigan Right to Life.
Hoekstra and Bouchard are prolife. They have not made abortion a major issue.
George is prolife and has advocated for prolife causes as a doctor.
Snyder is pro-abortion. He donated money to the campaign supporting the destruction of human embryos (misleadingly called stem cell research).
Gun Rights
Cox has been a champion of gun rights and has been endorsed by Gun Owners of America and Shooters Alliance for Firearms Rights.
Hoekstra and George have voted pro-gun but have not otherwise been active on the issue.
Bouchard opposed concealed carry when it was passed in 2000. He appears to have genuinely changed his position on the issue since then and is now pro-gun.
Immigration
Cox issued a ruling to prevent illegal aliens from receiving drivers licences and has filed a brief supporting the Arizona immigration law.
Bouchard has advocated passing a similar law in Michigan.
Hoekstra has opposed amnesty in Congress. He has a B+ grade from Numbers USA.
Right to Work
Bouchard has promised to actively push for a right to work law.
Cox and George are 'open' to the idea.
Snyder would sign it, but not push for it.
Hoekstra opposes right to work.
Michigan Civil Rights Initiative
Cox was the only candidate to support the MCRI to end racial preferences.
Bouchard and George opposed the MCRI.
Electability
Cox has twice been elected statewide, including as an underdog in 2002 and in a tough year for Republicans in 2006.
Hoekstra has easily been elected in the heavily Republican 2nd district (Holland, Muskegon) since winning an upset primary victory in 2002. He has not had a tough election since. He is well-known in West Michigan but nearly so much so in the eastern part of the state.
Bouchard is popular as Oakland County Sheriff. However, when he was the Republican nominee for US Senate in 2006, he lost to Debbie Stabenow 58%-42%. Granted, no Republican would have won that race, but Bouchard lost his home county 53%-45%, which suggests his popularity as Sheriff does not transfer to other races.
George has won two tough races as a state senator from Kalamazoo County. He is largely unknown in the rest of the state.
Snyder has never run for office before. He is a businessman who is largely self-funding his campaign. Self-funding candidates have a terrible track record of getting elected, due to the fact that voters dislike rich people. In 2004, when 24 of 25 candidates who spent more than million dollars of their own money lost, and the one who won beat one of the other 24. 19 of 20 lost in 2002. Self-funding businessman Dick DeVos lost the Michigan gubernatorial race in a landslide in 2006.
Mike Cox for Governor
Previous articles on the governor's race:
Republican Michigander Endorses Mike Cox
Rick Snyder's Ten Platitudes
The Truth Comes Out
Hoekstra on the Bailout
Hoekstra: Who, Me?
The Race for Governor
Mackinac Conference 2009
Snyder Wants 'Cool Cities'
Tom George's Health Care Plan
George for Governor?
Taxes On the Record
Latest Governor Poll
Mike Cox has the narrowest of leads in the race for governor. The latest Detroit News poll:
26.4% Cox
25.6% Hoekstra
20.2% Snyder
11.6% Bouchard
_1.8% George
14.4% Undecided
How is Snyder planning to win?
26.4% Cox
25.6% Hoekstra
20.2% Snyder
11.6% Bouchard
_1.8% George
14.4% Undecided
How is Snyder planning to win?
Jake Suski, spokesman for Snyder, said the campaign will attempt to extend its reach to independent and Democratic voters this week. "Rick has broad appeal to cross over and independent voters who vote in this primary," he said.Have Republicans had enough of democrats picking our nominees?
POLITICAL UPDATE--The Culture War
This update focuses on the culture war.
Gary North: Don't Send That Outraged Email
Steve Sailer: Demography: Is It Good For The Jews…Or The Americans?
Phyllis Schlafly: Social Issues vs. Fiscal Issues
Gary North: The American Tombstone Is a TV Set
Thomas Sowell: Justice and Injustice
John Gizzi: Tom Pauken Offers His Take on Modern GOP
Steve Sailer: David Willetts’ The Pinch: U.K. Cabinet Minister’s Discreet But Devastating Dissent On Immigration
Gary North: The Politics of Revenge
Thomas Sowell: A Duty to Die
Thomas Sowell: Race and Resentment
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Gary North: Don't Send That Outraged Email
Steve Sailer: Demography: Is It Good For The Jews…Or The Americans?
Phyllis Schlafly: Social Issues vs. Fiscal Issues
Gary North: The American Tombstone Is a TV Set
Thomas Sowell: Justice and Injustice
John Gizzi: Tom Pauken Offers His Take on Modern GOP
Steve Sailer: David Willetts’ The Pinch: U.K. Cabinet Minister’s Discreet But Devastating Dissent On Immigration
Gary North: The Politics of Revenge
Thomas Sowell: A Duty to Die
Thomas Sowell: Race and Resentment
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
GOP state Senate hopefuls trade jabs on taxes, insurance
Portage parents question cost of China trip: School district says Confucius Institute at Western Michigan University picking up tab
Public pensions, illegal immigration hot topics at final GOP gubernatorial debate
Candidates for dean of Western Michigan University medical school to visit for interviews
Fred Upton endorses Tonya Schuitmaker in 20th District state Senate race: Congressman stresses lawmakers experience
Portage Public Schools Board of Education to be led by Kevin Hollenbeck, Melanie Kurdys
Demolition begins on Western Michigan University's Sangren Hall
Challenger Jack Hoogendyk says Congressman Fred Upton refuses to debate him
GOP state Senate hopefuls trade jabs on taxes, insurance
Portage parents question cost of China trip: School district says Confucius Institute at Western Michigan University picking up tab
Public pensions, illegal immigration hot topics at final GOP gubernatorial debate
Candidates for dean of Western Michigan University medical school to visit for interviews
Fred Upton endorses Tonya Schuitmaker in 20th District state Senate race: Congressman stresses lawmakers experience
Portage Public Schools Board of Education to be led by Kevin Hollenbeck, Melanie Kurdys
Demolition begins on Western Michigan University's Sangren Hall
Challenger Jack Hoogendyk says Congressman Fred Upton refuses to debate him
Assault and Battery
President Obama traveled to Holland to tout the benefits of taking money from taxpayers, damaging the economy, and giving it to politically correct corporations, in this case manufacturers of batteries for cars that don't exist. In all likelihood, as soon as the government subsidies dry up, this factory will go under.
Life Saver: The Battery?
Stimulatingly Unpresidential in the Wolverine State
Life Saver: The Battery?
Stimulatingly Unpresidential in the Wolverine State
74%
That's the percentage of Americans who either think that the Arizona immigration law is 'about right' or 'doesn't go far enough', according to a CBS News poll.
http://www.pollster.com/blogs/us_national_survey_cbs_7912.php
New Arizona Law on Illegal Immigration
23% Goes too far
17% Doesn't go far enough
57% About right
http://www.pollster.com/blogs/us_national_survey_cbs_7912.php
New Arizona Law on Illegal Immigration
23% Goes too far
17% Doesn't go far enough
57% About right
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Cox Supports Arizona Law
Cox plans push to support Arizona immigration law
Lansing -- Attorney General Mike Cox says he plans to file a legal brief supporting Arizona's immigration law, and he's asking other state attorneys general to join him.
He tells them in a letter sent today the U.S. Justice Department's legal challenge to the law "seeks to remove the power of the states" to enforce their own immigration statutes.
Lansing -- Attorney General Mike Cox says he plans to file a legal brief supporting Arizona's immigration law, and he's asking other state attorneys general to join him.
He tells them in a letter sent today the U.S. Justice Department's legal challenge to the law "seeks to remove the power of the states" to enforce their own immigration statutes.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Who Killed the Constitution?
Who Killed the Constitution?: The Fate of American Liberty from World War I for George W. Bush
Thomas E. Woods
Kevin Gutzman
Books detailing government violations of the Constitution are common on the American right. Paleolibertarians Woods and Gutzman take pains to chronicle some lesser known, yet still significant abuses. They explore how the executive branch has routinely violated the Constitution and how all too often, the courts have rationalized these abuses.
Woods and Gutzmans' exposition is usually well-done, if sometimes rather dry. The book covers Woodrow Wilson's wholesale violation of freedom of speech, Harry Truman's attempted seizure of the steel mills, Brown v. Board of Education, forced busing, federal road spending, FDR's gold seizure, prayer in public schools, the draft, medical marijuana, presidential power over foreign policy and war, and presidential signing statements.
But probably the most controversial part of the book is their contention that the Constitution is dead; that it provides no restriction on government whatsoever. This goes to far. While it is true that it has regularly been violated, the Constitution continues to provide a benchmark for debates over the powers of the federal government. While the right side doesn't always win, this avoids the need to argue every debate over government power from first principles. It seems hard to argue that we would have nearly as much freedom of speech or gun rights without the first and second amendments, for example. The authors seem sympathetic to the position of some libertarians that the Constitution has no authority since citizens today did not agree to it.
While their analysis goes to far, Who Killed the Constitution remains a worthy catalogue of government abuses.
Thomas E. Woods
Kevin Gutzman
Books detailing government violations of the Constitution are common on the American right. Paleolibertarians Woods and Gutzman take pains to chronicle some lesser known, yet still significant abuses. They explore how the executive branch has routinely violated the Constitution and how all too often, the courts have rationalized these abuses.
Woods and Gutzmans' exposition is usually well-done, if sometimes rather dry. The book covers Woodrow Wilson's wholesale violation of freedom of speech, Harry Truman's attempted seizure of the steel mills, Brown v. Board of Education, forced busing, federal road spending, FDR's gold seizure, prayer in public schools, the draft, medical marijuana, presidential power over foreign policy and war, and presidential signing statements.
But probably the most controversial part of the book is their contention that the Constitution is dead; that it provides no restriction on government whatsoever. This goes to far. While it is true that it has regularly been violated, the Constitution continues to provide a benchmark for debates over the powers of the federal government. While the right side doesn't always win, this avoids the need to argue every debate over government power from first principles. It seems hard to argue that we would have nearly as much freedom of speech or gun rights without the first and second amendments, for example. The authors seem sympathetic to the position of some libertarians that the Constitution has no authority since citizens today did not agree to it.
While their analysis goes to far, Who Killed the Constitution remains a worthy catalogue of government abuses.
The Conscience of a Conservative
The Conscience of a Conservative
Senator Barry Goldwater
It has been fifty years since Senator Barry Goldwater's political manifesto, The Conscience of a Conservative, was published in 1960. The book was a big seller in its day, and did much to help Goldwater's bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 1964.
The book outlines many standard conservative positions on the issues of the day. It covers the Constitution, welfare, education, civil rights, 'states rights', and the Soviet Union. Most of the content holds up pretty well a half-century later. Some specific figures do seem pretty quaint (a federal budget of 100 billion dollars!). Conscience is mostly correct, but does contain a few errors (for example, rising wages do not cause inflation).
The Conscience of a Conservative remains an important book in the history of conservatism.
Google Books: The conscience of a conservative
Senator Barry Goldwater
It has been fifty years since Senator Barry Goldwater's political manifesto, The Conscience of a Conservative, was published in 1960. The book was a big seller in its day, and did much to help Goldwater's bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 1964.
The book outlines many standard conservative positions on the issues of the day. It covers the Constitution, welfare, education, civil rights, 'states rights', and the Soviet Union. Most of the content holds up pretty well a half-century later. Some specific figures do seem pretty quaint (a federal budget of 100 billion dollars!). Conscience is mostly correct, but does contain a few errors (for example, rising wages do not cause inflation).
The Conscience of a Conservative remains an important book in the history of conservatism.
Google Books: The conscience of a conservative
Grant Taylor Runs for State Rep.
Grant Taylor, the brother of Kalamazoo County Commissioner John Taylor, is apparently running a write-in campaign for state house in the 61st district. Grant attempted to file for the race after dropping out the race for John's commission seat, but had not lived in the district long enough. John decided to seek reelection after dropping out of the race for Tom George's state senate seat.
The only democrat on the ballot in the 61st district will be Thomas Batten. Batten appears to be unpopular with the local democrat establishment. Grant Taylor has been endorsed by the local branch of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union.
The only democrat on the ballot in the 61st district will be Thomas Batten. Batten appears to be unpopular with the local democrat establishment. Grant Taylor has been endorsed by the local branch of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union.
POLITICAL UPDATE--Liberalism
This update focuses on liberalism.
Dan Flynn: Black Panthers’ Troubled History
Phyllis Schlafly: Elena Kagan Should Be Rejected
Dan Flynn: Robert Byrd & His Racist Party
Phyllis Schlafly: A Good Father's Day Gift
Phyllis Schlafly: Fundamentally Transforming the United States
Phyllis Schlafly: Obama Missed A Great Chance
Phyllis Schlafly: Prepare for More Problems with Judges
Patrick Cleburne: Will The Southern Poverty Law (And Investing) Center Return Its Madoff Money?
Jesse Walker: The Myth of the Menacing Militias
Claire Berlinski: A Hidden History of Evil
Much information on liberal individuals and organizations can be found at David Horowitz's Discover the Network site.
Dan Flynn: Black Panthers’ Troubled History
Phyllis Schlafly: Elena Kagan Should Be Rejected
Dan Flynn: Robert Byrd & His Racist Party
Phyllis Schlafly: A Good Father's Day Gift
Phyllis Schlafly: Fundamentally Transforming the United States
Phyllis Schlafly: Obama Missed A Great Chance
Phyllis Schlafly: Prepare for More Problems with Judges
Patrick Cleburne: Will The Southern Poverty Law (And Investing) Center Return Its Madoff Money?
Jesse Walker: The Myth of the Menacing Militias
Claire Berlinski: A Hidden History of Evil
Much information on liberal individuals and organizations can be found at David Horowitz's Discover the Network site.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Michigan political expert predicts hot primary, general elections in 20th District Senate race
Former Portage councilman Larry DeShazor works to be effective, responsive
Tonya Schuitmaker: An attorney who emphasizes experience, collaboration
Greenhouse owner Lorence Wenke known for being a reformer, independent thinker
Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority seeks executive director after rescinding offer to Metro Transit's Bill Schomisch
The Kalamazoo Peace Center and the Cooney for Congress campaign sponsor rally against Afghanistan war Friday
Pity, disbelief expressed for Mark Siljander: Former Southwest Michigan congressman pleads guilty to federal charges
Holland residents debate merits of adding sexual orientation, gender identity to anti-discrimination policy
Former Congressman Mark Siljander pleads to obstruction
Federal trial to begin for former congressman: Charges against Mark Siljander stem from relationship with alleged terrorism ring
Michigan political expert predicts hot primary, general elections in 20th District Senate race
Former Portage councilman Larry DeShazor works to be effective, responsive
Tonya Schuitmaker: An attorney who emphasizes experience, collaboration
Greenhouse owner Lorence Wenke known for being a reformer, independent thinker
Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority seeks executive director after rescinding offer to Metro Transit's Bill Schomisch
The Kalamazoo Peace Center and the Cooney for Congress campaign sponsor rally against Afghanistan war Friday
Pity, disbelief expressed for Mark Siljander: Former Southwest Michigan congressman pleads guilty to federal charges
Holland residents debate merits of adding sexual orientation, gender identity to anti-discrimination policy
Former Congressman Mark Siljander pleads to obstruction
Federal trial to begin for former congressman: Charges against Mark Siljander stem from relationship with alleged terrorism ring
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Friday, July 09, 2010
We Will Overcome
Some day we will rise up and overthrow the tyranny of the morning people!
Morning People Run the World
Morning People Run the World
Mackinac Center Profiles 6th District
The Mackinac Center's Michigan Capitol Confidential profiles the 6th district congressional race.
MichCapCon Profile: The 6th Congressional District Primary
----------------------
When the Club for Growth, a D.C. free market political organization, recently released its scorecard ranking all members of Congress on their "pro economic growth" voting records during 2009, MichCapCon profiled the scores for the Michigan delegation (see: www.MichCapCon.com/12803). The survey assigned weighted values to votes on taxes, budgets, earmarks, and more to arrive at a measurement of how well they believed that each lawmaker supported economic freedom.
Upton's score was 64 percent, compared to an 82.7 percent national average for all Republicans in Congress. Only one Republican from Michigan beat the GOP national average, and Upton's score placed him third in the Michigan GOP delegation.
The same survey for 2008 was the subject of an earlier MichCapCon profile of the Michigan delegation (see: www.MichCapCon.com/12284). In this instance, Upton posted a 39 percent score, compared with a GOP national average of 71.9 percent and a national average for all members of 36 percent. He was the lowest-scoring Republican in Michigan.
The "RePork Card" is a different ranking put out by the same organization - the Club for Growth. This measures the willingness of all members of Congress to vote against earmarks in the federal budget. The 2009 scores for the Michigan delegation were profiled in a January MichCapCon article (see: www.MichCapCon.com/12007). Nationally, 22 members of Congress received a perfect score of 100 percent, having voted to remove each earmark used in the ranking. The median national score for all Republicans was 69 percent, and three Republicans from Michigan exceeded this mark. Upton's score was 53 percent.
An earlier MichCapCon article examined five specific earmarks that received national attention due to the outrage they produced from the public (see: www.MichCapCon.com/11218). Time Magazine listed three of them on a list of its ten most outrageous earmarks of the year for 2008. Among the votes profiled were those to kill an appropriation for a research center in Maine that bragged about creating dog treats made of lobster, and a museum for mules in California. Of the five earmarks profiled, Upton voted to strip two of them out of the budget.
MichCapCon Profile: The 6th Congressional District Primary
----------------------
When the Club for Growth, a D.C. free market political organization, recently released its scorecard ranking all members of Congress on their "pro economic growth" voting records during 2009, MichCapCon profiled the scores for the Michigan delegation (see: www.MichCapCon.com/12803). The survey assigned weighted values to votes on taxes, budgets, earmarks, and more to arrive at a measurement of how well they believed that each lawmaker supported economic freedom.
Upton's score was 64 percent, compared to an 82.7 percent national average for all Republicans in Congress. Only one Republican from Michigan beat the GOP national average, and Upton's score placed him third in the Michigan GOP delegation.
The same survey for 2008 was the subject of an earlier MichCapCon profile of the Michigan delegation (see: www.MichCapCon.com/12284). In this instance, Upton posted a 39 percent score, compared with a GOP national average of 71.9 percent and a national average for all members of 36 percent. He was the lowest-scoring Republican in Michigan.
The "RePork Card" is a different ranking put out by the same organization - the Club for Growth. This measures the willingness of all members of Congress to vote against earmarks in the federal budget. The 2009 scores for the Michigan delegation were profiled in a January MichCapCon article (see: www.MichCapCon.com/12007). Nationally, 22 members of Congress received a perfect score of 100 percent, having voted to remove each earmark used in the ranking. The median national score for all Republicans was 69 percent, and three Republicans from Michigan exceeded this mark. Upton's score was 53 percent.
An earlier MichCapCon article examined five specific earmarks that received national attention due to the outrage they produced from the public (see: www.MichCapCon.com/11218). Time Magazine listed three of them on a list of its ten most outrageous earmarks of the year for 2008. Among the votes profiled were those to kill an appropriation for a research center in Maine that bragged about creating dog treats made of lobster, and a museum for mules in California. Of the five earmarks profiled, Upton voted to strip two of them out of the budget.
Monday, July 05, 2010
POLITICAL UPDATE--News from Abroad
This update focuses on news from abroad.
Xioada Xioa: Seditious Dreaming
Phyllis Schlafly: Obama STARTS to Disarm America
James Zumwalt: Pyongyang Sank South Korean Warship -- Now What?
James Zumwalt: Torpedo Sunk South Korean Ship
Mark Steyn: A slow-burn bonfire of liberties
Pat Buchanan: Chinese Acting Like 19th Century Americans—Americans Acting Like Utopian Ideologues
Douglas Sylva: Aging World Population is Profound Crisis
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Xioada Xioa: Seditious Dreaming
Phyllis Schlafly: Obama STARTS to Disarm America
James Zumwalt: Pyongyang Sank South Korean Warship -- Now What?
James Zumwalt: Torpedo Sunk South Korean Ship
Mark Steyn: A slow-burn bonfire of liberties
Pat Buchanan: Chinese Acting Like 19th Century Americans—Americans Acting Like Utopian Ideologues
Douglas Sylva: Aging World Population is Profound Crisis
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Simon Says
Kalamazoo Central grad Simon Boehme, 18, to run for University of Michigan regent
This blog knew something wasn't right with this kid.
KALAMAZOO — In a graduation speech before President Barack Obama earlier this month, Kalamazoo Central High School student Simon Boehme joked about running for president in 2048.Wouldn't this be a conflict of interest?
Now the 18-year-old has announced his first candidacy for elective office: He’s collecting signatures to get on the ballot for the University of Michigan Board or Regents.
If elected, Boehme said, he would be the first current student ever to serve on U-M’s eight-member governing board.
The filing deadline has already passed for Boehme to run as a Republican or Democrat, so he must run as an independent — which is fine with him.A dozen teenagers collecting 30000 signatures in two weeks? Yeah, that'll happen.
“I don’t want to be a Democratic or Republican” in this race, he said. “I’m totally focused on being the student voice.”
To get on the Nov. 2 ballot, Boehme needs to collect 30,000 signatures by July 15. He acknowledges that will be a challenge, but said he has assembled a group of about a dozen teenagers, including K-Central classmates and friends in Flint and Eaton County, to help out. He’s also created a website — www.simonboehme.com — to solicit signatures.
This blog knew something wasn't right with this kid.
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Local News
Local news around Kalamazoo.
Federal trial to begin for former Southwest Michigan congressman Mark Siljander
Petition drive muddles Tea Party status in Michigan
Immigration, fair pay, homeless are focuses of assembly at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairground: Michigan Organizing Project gathering pushes reforms
Kalamazoo Central grad Simon Boehme, 18, to run for University of Michigan regent
Kalamazoo's Metro Transit ridership continues to fall: Passenger trips down sharply from last year
Kalamazoo College selects executive director of Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership
Upton opens campaign office in Portage
Debate among Republican candidates for governor is heavy on conservative promises, light on bickering
City of Kalamazoo works to regulate growers of medical marijuana to prevent commercial pot businesses
West Michigan congressional candidate Justin Amash gains endorsement from conservative bankrollers Club for Growth
Federal trial to begin for former Southwest Michigan congressman Mark Siljander
Petition drive muddles Tea Party status in Michigan
Immigration, fair pay, homeless are focuses of assembly at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairground: Michigan Organizing Project gathering pushes reforms
Kalamazoo Central grad Simon Boehme, 18, to run for University of Michigan regent
Kalamazoo's Metro Transit ridership continues to fall: Passenger trips down sharply from last year
Kalamazoo College selects executive director of Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership
Upton opens campaign office in Portage
Debate among Republican candidates for governor is heavy on conservative promises, light on bickering
City of Kalamazoo works to regulate growers of medical marijuana to prevent commercial pot businesses
West Michigan congressional candidate Justin Amash gains endorsement from conservative bankrollers Club for Growth
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Upton's Light Bulb Ban
Deroy Murdock's column discusses Congress' impending ban on light bulbs.
The All-American Light Bulb Dims
You know who championed that bill in Congress? Fred Upton.
The All-American Light Bulb Dims
You know who championed that bill in Congress? Fred Upton.
20. Energy Policy HR 3221 (Roll Call 832). The House passed legislation regulating lights and appliances (including a ban on the incandescent light bulb), creating new programs for alternative energy sources, imposing more regulations on energy companies and mandating vastly increased use of “renewable” energy. ACU opposed this extension of governmental authority over the economy, but it was adopted August 4, 2007 by a vote of 241-172.TOP
NRA Alert
Michigan Senate Passes “Eddie Eagle” Legislation
Michigan Senate Passes “Eddie Eagle” Legislation
Friday, July 02, 2010
On Thursday, July 1, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 1402 by a 34-4 vote. This legislation now moves to the State House for consideration.
Authored by State Senator John Gleason (D-27), SB1402 would make gun safety programs available to school districts for inclusion in curriculums in Michigan. The purpose of NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program isn’t to teach whether guns are good or bad, but rather to promote the protection and safety of children if they come across a firearm in an unsupervised situation.
Please continue to check www.NRAILA.org for more information as this bill moves through the State House.
Michigan Senate Passes “Eddie Eagle” Legislation
Friday, July 02, 2010
On Thursday, July 1, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 1402 by a 34-4 vote. This legislation now moves to the State House for consideration.
Authored by State Senator John Gleason (D-27), SB1402 would make gun safety programs available to school districts for inclusion in curriculums in Michigan. The purpose of NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program isn’t to teach whether guns are good or bad, but rather to promote the protection and safety of children if they come across a firearm in an unsupervised situation.
Please continue to check www.NRAILA.org for more information as this bill moves through the State House.
Earthquake at WMU
Canadian earthquake felt in Kalamazoo and across several states in U.S.
KALAMAZOO — His wife thought he was a bit nuts.
An earthquake... in Kalamazoo... really?
But Allen Schwenk said he definitely felt the earthquake that struck hundreds of miles away in the Ontario-Quebec border region of Canada on Wednesday afternoon.
...
At around 1:45 p.m., Schwenk was in his fifth-floor office on the Western Michigan University campus, doing a little bit of reading.
In the hallway, the math professor heard people in a discussion over whether the building was swaying.
That’s when Schwenk realized he felt like he was on a boat — like Everett Tower was gently rocking back and forth.
“It wasn’t severe,” he said. “Nobody thought this was threatening. It was like, this seems weird.”
KALAMAZOO — His wife thought he was a bit nuts.
An earthquake... in Kalamazoo... really?
But Allen Schwenk said he definitely felt the earthquake that struck hundreds of miles away in the Ontario-Quebec border region of Canada on Wednesday afternoon.
...
At around 1:45 p.m., Schwenk was in his fifth-floor office on the Western Michigan University campus, doing a little bit of reading.
In the hallway, the math professor heard people in a discussion over whether the building was swaying.
That’s when Schwenk realized he felt like he was on a boat — like Everett Tower was gently rocking back and forth.
“It wasn’t severe,” he said. “Nobody thought this was threatening. It was like, this seems weird.”
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