Note: This preview was for the primary. An updated election preview will soon be available.
While most of political coverage has focused on the 2008 presidential primary races, there will be many other races on the ballot. Here is an overview of the races relevant to Kalamazoo readers. More detailed profiles of some of the races will follow soon.
[List of all Michigan candidates.][List of local candidates] [List of all Kalamazoo County candidates here.]
President
Senator John McCain will be the Republican nominee. He will face many challenges in his bid for the White House. See his political profile and articles about him. The Democrat nominee will be Senator Barack Obama. Several third party candidates are running, including pastor Chuck Baldwin for the Constitution Party, former Congressman Bob Barr for the Libertarian Party, and the eventual nominee of the Green Party.
Congress
Republicans face many challenges in the battle for Congress. They face higher rates of retirements and more competitive seats in both the House and Senate. If Democrats win larger margins in Congress, they will be more able to pass their legislation.
President (Michigan)
Michigan leans slightly to the left in Presidential elections. This means that democrats need to win Michigan to win the White House, but Republicans don't. Michigan continues going through a recession during the sixth year of democrat Governor Jennifer Granholm. Will this help Republicans in the presidential race? Perhaps.
US Senate
Senator Carl Levin will seek yet another term in 2008. Levin has an extremely liberal record which the media has largely refused to report. Hence he is favored for reelection. Levin will face conservative State Representative Jack Hoogendyk.
US House of Representatives
All fifteen Michigan congressmen are seeking reelection. Most will be pretty safe, but a few will have hotly contested races.
1st District
Veteran democrat Congressman Bart Stupak will face conservative Republican State Representative Tom Casperson, who will try to make this a competitive race. Two other Republicans, Don Hooper and Linda Goldthorpe, are seeking the Republican nomination.
6th District
Longtime Congressman Fred Upton will face very liberal Kalamazoo City Commissioner Don Cooney. Upton is strongly favored to win.
7th District
Freshman Republican Congressman Tim Walberg will face Democrat state senate minority leader Mark Schauer. The democratic establishment succeeded in pushing Schauer's significant primary competitors out of the race, thought Sharon Renier is also running. Walberg barely won against a weak democrat opponent in 2006, yet he still managed to win an open seat in a bad year for Republicans after a bitter primary with former Rep. Joe Schwarz. The Club for Growth will again provide support to Walberg.
9th District
Veteran Republican Congressman Joe Knollenberg will face democrat former state senator Gary Peters. Peters has been a subject of controversy due to the very cushy position that he received at Central Michigan University, which is 122 miles away from the 9th district.
13th District
Democrats Martha Scott and Mary Waters have filed to challenge liberal Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, the mother of embattled Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
Michigan Supreme Court
Conservative Republican Michigan Supreme Court Justice Cliff Taylor will seek reelection. It has been widely expected that the democrats will field a well-funded candidate. The state supreme court races for the last three cycles have been quiet, with incumbents winning easy victories. The last heavily contested races were in 2000, when the democrat campaign against Republican justices "Markman and Taylor and Young" failed to defeat them.
Education Boards
Seats on the Michigan Board of Education and University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University boards of trustees will be up for election. Several Republican candidates have declared interest in these races. Susan Brown, a Republican who lost a race for U of M board in 2006, will run again this election.
Ballot Proposals
A proposal to legalize medical marijuana will be on the ballot as proposal 1. Proposals on embryonic stem cell research and rewriting the state constitution have turned in signiatures and may be on the ballot.
Michigan House of Representatives
All 110 seats in the Michigan state house will be up for election. Forty percent (44) of state reps will be term-limited, and all but one of the rest will seek reelection. The democrats currently have a four-seat majority. Republicans will target many of the democrats who won Republican seats in 2006, while democrats will target some of the Republicans who survived close races in 2006. The incompetence of the democrat leadership may hurt them in November.
In the greater Kalamazoo area...
59th District (St. Jospeh, Cass County)
Incumbent Republican Rick Shaffer will leave this safe district due to term limits. Monte Bordner, Matt Lori, and Rob Sisson are seeking the Republican nomination. Carol Higgins and Richard Homan are seeking the democrat nomination.
60th District (Kalamazoo)
Incumbent democrat Robert Jones will likely be safe against his Republican challenger, libertarian conservative Charles Ybema.
61st District (Portage, Oshtemo)
Conservative Republican Jack Hoogendyk will leave office due to term limits. Democrat Julie Rogers, who narrowly lost to Jack in 2006, will be the democrat nominee. Portage City Council members Margaret O'Brien and Larry DeShazor will run for the Republican nomination along with David Yardley. O'Brien is a conservative and DeShazor is a moderate.
62nd District (Battle Creek, Albion)
Republican Mife Nofs will leave this competitive district due to term limits. Calhoun County Commissioner Gregory Moore and Battle Creek City Commissioner Susan Baldwin are seeking the Republican nomination. County Commissioner Kate Segal and college graduate Tim Nendorf are seeking the democrat nomination.
63rd District (Comstock, Marshall)
Maverick Republican Lorence Wenke will leave this fairly safe district due to term limits. Calhoun County Commissioner Jase Bolger is unopposed for the Republican nomination. Former State Rep. Jerry VanderRoest withdrew from the race. Phyllis Smith, who lost the race for this seat in 2006 will again be the democrat nominee.
88th District (Allegan County)
Conservative Republican Fulton Sheen will leave office due to term limits. Eight Republicans are seeking this seat. They are Todd Boorsma, Randal Brink, Shelly Edgerton, Jeff Farnsworth, William Galligan, Bob Genetski, Joshua Leatherman, and Spencer Moore. Farnsworth has the support of much of the county Republican establishment. Farnsworth and Boorsma both claim Sheen's endorsement. Tom Clark will be the democrat nominee for this safe Republican seat.
Republican incumbents will run for reelection in districts districts 80 (VanBuren County), 87 (Barry County), and 79 (northern Berrien County). Republicans will vacate seats in districts 78 (southern Berrien County) and 58 (Hillsdale/Branch Counties).
Kalamazoo Countywide Offices
All six countywide offices are up for election. Republicans hold all six offices.
Sherriff: Republican Michael Anderson will seek reelection. He is being challenged by Ricky Coombs in the Republican primary. Richard Fuller and Ray Roberts will compete for the democrat nomination. Anderson should be safe for reelection.
Prosecutor: Republican Jeff Fink will seek reelection. He will be challenged by democrat Robert Champion. Fink should be pretty safe for reelection.
Clerk: Republican Tim Snow will seek reelection. He will be challenged by democrat David Kinsey. Snow should be safe for reelection.
Treasurer: Republican Mary Balkema will seek election after being appointed to replace Sharon Cubitt in 2007. Democrat Julie Kaufman will challenge Mary.
Drain Commissioner: Republican Pat Crouse will seek election after being appointed in 2008 to replace Bill French, who was convicted of a crime. He will be challenged by democrat Patricia Crowley.
Surveyor: Republican Bill Hahn is unopposed for this office. He will replace Republican Bob Snell, who is retiring. The position is unpaid, and its holder must be a licenced surveyor.
8th District Judge
There is one open judicial race in Kalamazoo County, and hence one contested race. Four candidates are running for the nonpartisan position. They are Jeffrey Gagie, Bill Murphy, Sondra Nowak, and Julie Phillips. Phillips is a Republican and Murphy is an independent. Nowak is endorsed by liberal democrat former State Rep. Alexander Lipsey.
Kalamazoo County Commission
Democrats currently have a 9-8 majority on the commission. Republicans will target the districts they lost in 2006, while democrats could target districts that they narrowly failed to win in 2006 in Portage and the southeastern part of the county. Republicans did not file candidates for four county commission seats, and democrats did not file for one seat.
District 6: Democrat Larry Stieglitz will again challenge commissioner Franklin Thompson in the primary, after losing in 2006.
District 10: Thomas Drabik is retiring. Former Portage Mayor James Graham is unopposed for the Republican nomination. Democrat Michael Quinn, who narrowly lost to Drabik in 2006, will again be the democrat nominee.
District 12: Democrat John Nieuwenhuis won this seat from Republican Bob Brink in 2006. Republicans Chris Haenicke and Scott Zondervan are seeking the Republican nomination. Haenicke is the son-in-law of former WMU President Diether Haenicke. Zondervan is a conservative who challenged Jack Hoogendyk for renomination in 2006 before dropping out and endorsing him.
District 15: Democrat Leroy Crabtree won this seat from Republican Joe VanBruggen in 2006. Republicans Ann Nieuwenhius and Derek Robinson are seeking the Republican nomination.
Township Elections
There are plenty of contested township elections. A few are noteworthy.
Comstock Township: The controversy over Trustee Bill Shields spurred a bumper crop of filings. Fifteen candidates are running for trustee, including Shields. Four candidates are running for Supervisor. Incumbent democrat Tim Hudson will be challenged by democrats Gary Gillette and Roger Poe. The Republican nominee will be Sue Fritz.
Kalamazoo Township: There are five candidates for Supervisor. Justin VanderArk, Patrick Butler, Kathleen Doornbos, and Jospeh Thomas will compete for the Republican nomination. VanderArk is a conservative who works for the area homebuilders association. The democrat nominee will be Terri Mellinger. Six democrats and three Republicans are seeking four trustee positions.
Oshtemo Township: Incumbent Republican Supervisor John VanDyke is not running for reelection. Former County Commissioner Bob Brink, who lost his seat in 2006, will compete with Charles Hill for the Republican nomination. The democrat nominee will be Elizabeth Heiny-Cogswell. Six Republicans and two democrats are seeking four trustee positions.
Texas Township: Conservative Republican Dave Healy will challenge incumbent supervisor Ron Commissaris. Erin Hoogendyk is among the five candidates for four trustee positions.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Stimulus Stupidity
With economic troubles unfolding, politicians in Washington are scrambling to "do something". They sense a compelling need for economic "stimulus". Just like the last time the economy had a downturn eight years ago, Keynesian nonsense is being promoted.
Democrats want increased unemployment compensation. Whatever the merits of such a policy, it won't stimulate the economy. Paying people not to work will tend to cause them to not work.
Then there are targeted tax rebates, where government sends checks to folks to spend, spend, spend. That'll stimulate the economy for sure!
This myth was covered in an article on economic growth last year. It is excerpted below. The best thing that government can do to stimulate the economy is to cut spending, regulation, and taxes, in that order.
----------------
One of the myths of Keynesian economics is that spending is what improves the economy. One version of this argument promotes government spending. It states that government spending pumps more money into the economy. This creates jobs, and people have more money to spend and improve their lives. They spend their money and the cycle repeats, improving the whole economy.
This argument is a variation of the classic economic fallacy called the "broken window fallacy." In brief, the broken window fallacy states that breaking a window improves the economy because money must be spent to fix it and this benefits the window-maker and others. The problem with this argument is that it ignores the cost of fixing the window. That is, the money used to fix the window could have spent on something else that would have created the same overall benefit for the economy. Breaking the window does not make the economy better off than not breaking the window, and it destroys a window in the process.
The problem with the argument that government spending improves the economy is that it also has a cost. Government can only get money by taking it away from other people. Those people would have spent the money in other ways. Thus government spending provides no net economic benefit.
Another version of the argument that spending improves the economy is that private spending improves the economy. Sometimes this argument comes with appeals to spend more. Other times, this argument is used to support "targeted tax cuts" or "tax rebates," which are one-time cuts in tax rates, sometimes retroactively.
Private spending is certainly better for satisfying people's desires than government spending, since people know their own situations better. But it will not provide a net economic benefit since government is just as capable of spending money.
Increasing spending may improve the economy in the short run, but it must correspondingly depress the economy in the long run, since money that is spent now cannot be spent later.
The real alternative is between spending and saving. Money that is saved can be invested. People can buy stocks directly or through mutual funds. Money that is saved in a bank is invested by the bank, which is how they can afford to pay interest on savings. Individual retirement accounts and pension plans both invest money that has been saved. Insurance companies do the same with money that is paid by policyholders.
Investment is the only real way to increase production and grow the economy. Increasing spending must decrease saving, and hence damage economic growth in the long run.
What about government investments? Government investments do not perform well because government does not face the same incentives as private individuals and companies. Government can fund itself by taking money by force. It does not have the same incentive to use money wisely as do private investors, who will suffer losses from making bad choices. Government has a tendency to continue to pump money into obviously insolvent investments rather than admit that it made a mistake and suffer embarrassment. Investment decisions are often made for political reasons rather than to maximize profit.
These days, it has become fashionable for politicians to talk about "investment," when what they are advocating is simply spending.
Government policies damage economic growth. Taxation necessarily reduces the incentive to make money, which reduces efforts to produce more goods and services. Penalizing profit reduces the value of investments that increase production and improve people's lives. Capital gains taxes are particularly destructive since they specifically penalize investment. Government policies that threaten property rights increase the risk associated with investments and hence discourage them.
The best thing that government can do to improve the economy is to stop hurting it.
Democrats want increased unemployment compensation. Whatever the merits of such a policy, it won't stimulate the economy. Paying people not to work will tend to cause them to not work.
Then there are targeted tax rebates, where government sends checks to folks to spend, spend, spend. That'll stimulate the economy for sure!
This myth was covered in an article on economic growth last year. It is excerpted below. The best thing that government can do to stimulate the economy is to cut spending, regulation, and taxes, in that order.
----------------
One of the myths of Keynesian economics is that spending is what improves the economy. One version of this argument promotes government spending. It states that government spending pumps more money into the economy. This creates jobs, and people have more money to spend and improve their lives. They spend their money and the cycle repeats, improving the whole economy.
This argument is a variation of the classic economic fallacy called the "broken window fallacy." In brief, the broken window fallacy states that breaking a window improves the economy because money must be spent to fix it and this benefits the window-maker and others. The problem with this argument is that it ignores the cost of fixing the window. That is, the money used to fix the window could have spent on something else that would have created the same overall benefit for the economy. Breaking the window does not make the economy better off than not breaking the window, and it destroys a window in the process.
The problem with the argument that government spending improves the economy is that it also has a cost. Government can only get money by taking it away from other people. Those people would have spent the money in other ways. Thus government spending provides no net economic benefit.
Another version of the argument that spending improves the economy is that private spending improves the economy. Sometimes this argument comes with appeals to spend more. Other times, this argument is used to support "targeted tax cuts" or "tax rebates," which are one-time cuts in tax rates, sometimes retroactively.
Private spending is certainly better for satisfying people's desires than government spending, since people know their own situations better. But it will not provide a net economic benefit since government is just as capable of spending money.
Increasing spending may improve the economy in the short run, but it must correspondingly depress the economy in the long run, since money that is spent now cannot be spent later.
The real alternative is between spending and saving. Money that is saved can be invested. People can buy stocks directly or through mutual funds. Money that is saved in a bank is invested by the bank, which is how they can afford to pay interest on savings. Individual retirement accounts and pension plans both invest money that has been saved. Insurance companies do the same with money that is paid by policyholders.
Investment is the only real way to increase production and grow the economy. Increasing spending must decrease saving, and hence damage economic growth in the long run.
What about government investments? Government investments do not perform well because government does not face the same incentives as private individuals and companies. Government can fund itself by taking money by force. It does not have the same incentive to use money wisely as do private investors, who will suffer losses from making bad choices. Government has a tendency to continue to pump money into obviously insolvent investments rather than admit that it made a mistake and suffer embarrassment. Investment decisions are often made for political reasons rather than to maximize profit.
These days, it has become fashionable for politicians to talk about "investment," when what they are advocating is simply spending.
Government policies damage economic growth. Taxation necessarily reduces the incentive to make money, which reduces efforts to produce more goods and services. Penalizing profit reduces the value of investments that increase production and improve people's lives. Capital gains taxes are particularly destructive since they specifically penalize investment. Government policies that threaten property rights increase the risk associated with investments and hence discourage them.
The best thing that government can do to improve the economy is to stop hurting it.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
POLITICAL UPDATE--North American Union
This update focuses on North American Union. There are further developments regarding the NAU, NAFTA Superhighway, Mexican trucks, patent reform, and more.
Phyllis Schlafly: The Outrageous WTO
Jerome Corsi: 7-year plan aligns U.S. with Europe's economy
Jerome Corsi: North-of-border link finishes NAFTA superhighway grid
Michael Howe: Mexican trucks roll on despite opposition
Jerome Corsi: Canada openly proclaims NAFTA Superhighway
Jerome Corsi: SPP 'dead,' says insider
Phyllis Schlafly: The Patent Act Is A Cheat On Americans
More information:
North American Union: Eagle Forum Stop the NAU Stop SPP
Trans-Texas Corridor: Corridor Watch
Phyllis Schlafly: The Outrageous WTO
Jerome Corsi: 7-year plan aligns U.S. with Europe's economy
Jerome Corsi: North-of-border link finishes NAFTA superhighway grid
Michael Howe: Mexican trucks roll on despite opposition
Jerome Corsi: Canada openly proclaims NAFTA Superhighway
Jerome Corsi: SPP 'dead,' says insider
Phyllis Schlafly: The Patent Act Is A Cheat On Americans
More information:
North American Union: Eagle Forum Stop the NAU Stop SPP
Trans-Texas Corridor: Corridor Watch
Mexico Hates Mexicans!
From the Tuscon Citizen (haptip to Mickey Kaus):
A delegation of nine state legislators from Sonora was in Tucson on Tuesday to say Arizona's new employer sanctions law will have a devastating effect on the Mexican state.Immigration causes problems? How can that be?
At a news conference, the legislators said Sonora - Arizona's southern neighbor, made up of mostly small towns - cannot handle the demand for housing, jobs and schools it will face as illegal Mexican workers here return to their hometowns without jobs or money.
Iraq War Debate
Member of the WMU College Republicans and WMU College Democrats will debate the Iraq War. The debate will take place on Tuesday, January 29 at 8PM in the West Ballroom of the Bernhard Center. Here is the Herald article on the debate.
Are the College Democrats ever going to have any activities that don't involve us?
Are the College Democrats ever going to have any activities that don't involve us?
John McCain Update
Here is some recent news on Senator John McCain.
Ann Coulter: 'Straight Talk' Express Takes Scenic Route to Truth
David Limbaugh: 'Maverick' and 'Conservative' Aren't Synonyms
Pat Buchanan: What McCain Means
Thomas Sowell: McCain's Age
Michelle Malkin: John McCain: The Geraldo Rivera Republican
Deroy Murdock: McCain: Not Right for the Right
Michelle Malkin: John McCain’s open-borders outreach director
From Time Magazine:
Ann Coulter: 'Straight Talk' Express Takes Scenic Route to Truth
David Limbaugh: 'Maverick' and 'Conservative' Aren't Synonyms
Pat Buchanan: What McCain Means
Thomas Sowell: McCain's Age
Michelle Malkin: John McCain: The Geraldo Rivera Republican
Deroy Murdock: McCain: Not Right for the Right
Michelle Malkin: John McCain’s open-borders outreach director
From Time Magazine:
Q: How much support do you think he has among the base of the Republican Party?
Roberta McCain: “I don’t think he has any. I don’t know what the base of the Repub–maybe I don’t know enough about it, but I’ve not seen any help whatsoever.”
Primary Update
Fred Thompson has dropped out of the presidential race. His campaign inspired enthusiasm for a time, but lack of organization hurt him. His failure isn't good news for conservatives, who may soon need to rethink their efforts.
Louisiana held caucuses, but its process was so confused that it still isn't clear who won.
The Republican presidential race is increasingly looking like a McCain versus Romney contest.
Louisiana held caucuses, but its process was so confused that it still isn't clear who won.
The Republican presidential race is increasingly looking like a McCain versus Romney contest.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Iraq War Questions
The questions for the Iraq war debate have been released. Here are some thoughts. The questions are in italics.
POTENTIAL QUESTIONS FOR IPF IRAQ WAR DEBATE
The United States is increasingly reliant on private contractors for a host of services previously provided by the military. In what ways is this privatization beneficial or detrimental to US interests?
Privatization saves money. The free market works better than government.
A great deal of debate has been undertaken regarding the “surge” of US forces in Iraq. To what extent has the “surge” been successful, or to what extent has the “surge” failed?
Violence in Iraq has declined steeply since the implementation of the "surge".
A tremendous amount of money has been spent in Iraq. Are these costs justified?
This is hard to say. Answering this question would require knowing what would have happened in the long run if we had not invaded Iraq, including whether Iraq, Iran, or Libya would have obtained nuclear weapons. Without such information, we can make educated guesses, but we can't know for sure.
Some argue that America must “stay the course” in Iraq. What are the benefits of remaining in Iraq, or what are the potential costs?
Nobody says "stay the course" anymore. The potential benefits are defeating jihadists and denying them a base of operations. The costs, of course, are American casualties and financial expenditures.
What has the Bush administration done well in regards to the War on Terror? In what regards has it failed?
The Bush administration has done well at arresting terrorists, both in America and foreign countries. It has failed to secure the border or reform the legal immigration system that sent a visa to Mohammed Atta months after 9/11. See this article.
Is the Middle East ready, willing, or able to accept Western-styles of government?
No on all counts. Democracy is not just about having particular institutions; it has cultural prerequisites. It took the West many hundreds of years to develop them. Democracy requires tolerance of opponents and willingness to lose without resorting to violence. When middle eastern nations have had elections, Islamists have often won. See this article and this article.
Is Iraq better off following the collapse of the Saddam regime?
In some ways yes, in some ways no.
Is the US military capable of continuing the fight in Iraq as a strictly volunteer army? What about a draft?
Yes. A draft would be a disaster. It would diminish freedom, weaken the military, divide America, and damage our prospects of victory. See this article.
Iraq gets the majority of attention regarding the War on Terror, while Afghanistan has been called by some “the forgotten war.” Is the US able to fulfill its military obligations to both?
Yes.
The rhetoric between the US and Iran has grown increasingly aggressive. What are the implications for Iraq, and the Middle East in general?
Actions matter, not rhetoric. Iran's support of terrorists in Lebanon and elsewhere hurts the prospects of peace and freedom. The same is true of its (past or current) nuclear program. There are credible allegations that Iran has supported the terrorists in Iraq. America's actions toward Iran will affect these issues as well.
See the following articles for more valuable information.
Don Devine: Middle Way Iraq Victory
Thomas Sowell: Mugged By Reality
Thomas Sowell: Mugged By Reality: Part II
Thomas Sowell: Mugged By Reality: Part III
Jed Babbin: Fire the Neocons, Fight the War
Pat Buchanan: The Democracy Worshiper
POTENTIAL QUESTIONS FOR IPF IRAQ WAR DEBATE
The United States is increasingly reliant on private contractors for a host of services previously provided by the military. In what ways is this privatization beneficial or detrimental to US interests?
Privatization saves money. The free market works better than government.
A great deal of debate has been undertaken regarding the “surge” of US forces in Iraq. To what extent has the “surge” been successful, or to what extent has the “surge” failed?
Violence in Iraq has declined steeply since the implementation of the "surge".
A tremendous amount of money has been spent in Iraq. Are these costs justified?
This is hard to say. Answering this question would require knowing what would have happened in the long run if we had not invaded Iraq, including whether Iraq, Iran, or Libya would have obtained nuclear weapons. Without such information, we can make educated guesses, but we can't know for sure.
Some argue that America must “stay the course” in Iraq. What are the benefits of remaining in Iraq, or what are the potential costs?
Nobody says "stay the course" anymore. The potential benefits are defeating jihadists and denying them a base of operations. The costs, of course, are American casualties and financial expenditures.
What has the Bush administration done well in regards to the War on Terror? In what regards has it failed?
The Bush administration has done well at arresting terrorists, both in America and foreign countries. It has failed to secure the border or reform the legal immigration system that sent a visa to Mohammed Atta months after 9/11. See this article.
Is the Middle East ready, willing, or able to accept Western-styles of government?
No on all counts. Democracy is not just about having particular institutions; it has cultural prerequisites. It took the West many hundreds of years to develop them. Democracy requires tolerance of opponents and willingness to lose without resorting to violence. When middle eastern nations have had elections, Islamists have often won. See this article and this article.
Is Iraq better off following the collapse of the Saddam regime?
In some ways yes, in some ways no.
Is the US military capable of continuing the fight in Iraq as a strictly volunteer army? What about a draft?
Yes. A draft would be a disaster. It would diminish freedom, weaken the military, divide America, and damage our prospects of victory. See this article.
Iraq gets the majority of attention regarding the War on Terror, while Afghanistan has been called by some “the forgotten war.” Is the US able to fulfill its military obligations to both?
Yes.
The rhetoric between the US and Iran has grown increasingly aggressive. What are the implications for Iraq, and the Middle East in general?
Actions matter, not rhetoric. Iran's support of terrorists in Lebanon and elsewhere hurts the prospects of peace and freedom. The same is true of its (past or current) nuclear program. There are credible allegations that Iran has supported the terrorists in Iraq. America's actions toward Iran will affect these issues as well.
See the following articles for more valuable information.
Don Devine: Middle Way Iraq Victory
Thomas Sowell: Mugged By Reality
Thomas Sowell: Mugged By Reality: Part II
Thomas Sowell: Mugged By Reality: Part III
Jed Babbin: Fire the Neocons, Fight the War
Pat Buchanan: The Democracy Worshiper
Monday, January 21, 2008
Michigan's Number One!
This time, Michigan is number one in something good.
Americans United for Life has named Michigan the number one most pro-life state.
Congratulations to Michigan Right to Life and many others.
Of course, much work remains to be done.
Americans United for Life has named Michigan the number one most pro-life state.
Congratulations to Michigan Right to Life and many others.
Of course, much work remains to be done.
Primary News
The South Carolina primary and Nevada caucus were held on Saturday.
McCain won the South Carolina primary with 33%. Several more conservative candidates split the rest of the vote. McCain did not win amongst Republicans; independents and democrats once again provided his edge. He got a smaller percentage of the vote than he got four years ago.
Romney easily won the Nevada caucuses. Ron Paul was second with 14%. Nevada had more delegates than South Carolina.
Romney maintains a significant lead in the delegate count.
Duncan Hunter dropped out of the race. Hunter is a good guy who never got traction. He wasn't able to raise the early money that he needed to be seen as electable. He and Tom Tancredo were running for the same voters, which prevented either from taking off.
Florida is up next.
McCain won the South Carolina primary with 33%. Several more conservative candidates split the rest of the vote. McCain did not win amongst Republicans; independents and democrats once again provided his edge. He got a smaller percentage of the vote than he got four years ago.
Romney easily won the Nevada caucuses. Ron Paul was second with 14%. Nevada had more delegates than South Carolina.
Romney maintains a significant lead in the delegate count.
Duncan Hunter dropped out of the race. Hunter is a good guy who never got traction. He wasn't able to raise the early money that he needed to be seen as electable. He and Tom Tancredo were running for the same voters, which prevented either from taking off.
Florida is up next.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
POLITICAL UPDATE--The Culture War
This update focuses on the culture war. Liberals continue to subvert traditional culture. The Roe v. Wade decision is 35 years old. Battles continue over courts, race, IQ, Christianity, and more.
Gary Bauer: Roe at 35
Doug Patton: The Embryonic Stem Cell Research Agenda
John Eidsmoe: What Congress Can Do for This American
Robert Knight: Cleverly Firing Back at Atheism
Steve Sailer: The Race FAQ
Steve Sailer: Why Do We Keep Writing About Intelligence? An IQ FAQ
Pat Buchanan: Diversity Is Strength. It’s Also…America’s End
Gary Bauer: 'What's So Great About Christianity?' Ask D'Souza
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Gary Bauer: Roe at 35
Doug Patton: The Embryonic Stem Cell Research Agenda
John Eidsmoe: What Congress Can Do for This American
Robert Knight: Cleverly Firing Back at Atheism
Steve Sailer: The Race FAQ
Steve Sailer: Why Do We Keep Writing About Intelligence? An IQ FAQ
Pat Buchanan: Diversity Is Strength. It’s Also…America’s End
Gary Bauer: 'What's So Great About Christianity?' Ask D'Souza
POLITICAL UPDATES are archived here.
Partial Birth Again
The issue of partial birth abortion is once again before the Michigan legislature.
The previous ban was struck down by a federal appeals court. The Supreme Court recently refused to hear an appeal of the case. The legislature had passed a ban which was vetoed by Governor Granholm. A citizens petition drive then allowed the legislature to pass a ban that Granholm could not veto.
A state Senate committee has passed a new ban sponsored by Senator Cameron Brown of Sturgis. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill on Tuesday, the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. It should pass easily.
Beyond that, the bill's future is less clear. It would easily pass the state House of Representatives if it is allowed to come to a vote. That decision rests with Democrat Speaker Andy Dillon. Dillon identifies as pro-life and has been endorsed by Right to Life. It remains to be seen whether he will follow his professed convictions on the wishes of the democrat party establishment.
If the bill passes both houses of the legislature, it will go to Governor Granholm. Granholm has opposed the ban and vetoed earlier versions of it. It isn't completely clear what she will do now that the Supreme Court has taken away the "it's unconstitutional" argument by upholding the Nebraska partial birth abortion ban in the case Gonzales v. Carhart.
If Granholm vetoes the bill, it also isn't clear whether there would be enough support for an override. The ban will have 100% support from Republicans, and significant minority of democrats.
We'll find out before too long.
The previous ban was struck down by a federal appeals court. The Supreme Court recently refused to hear an appeal of the case. The legislature had passed a ban which was vetoed by Governor Granholm. A citizens petition drive then allowed the legislature to pass a ban that Granholm could not veto.
A state Senate committee has passed a new ban sponsored by Senator Cameron Brown of Sturgis. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill on Tuesday, the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. It should pass easily.
Beyond that, the bill's future is less clear. It would easily pass the state House of Representatives if it is allowed to come to a vote. That decision rests with Democrat Speaker Andy Dillon. Dillon identifies as pro-life and has been endorsed by Right to Life. It remains to be seen whether he will follow his professed convictions on the wishes of the democrat party establishment.
If the bill passes both houses of the legislature, it will go to Governor Granholm. Granholm has opposed the ban and vetoed earlier versions of it. It isn't completely clear what she will do now that the Supreme Court has taken away the "it's unconstitutional" argument by upholding the Nebraska partial birth abortion ban in the case Gonzales v. Carhart.
If Granholm vetoes the bill, it also isn't clear whether there would be enough support for an override. The ban will have 100% support from Republicans, and significant minority of democrats.
We'll find out before too long.
No One Need Apply
The Herald has announced word of a terrible tragedy.
Sadly, this cultural diversity has come to an end thanks to a constitutional amendment (not "a law") called the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative.
Apparently, white people can't have cultural diversity.
Now, no one need apply.
Although the official day of celebration is Monday, the Division of Multicultural Affairs at WMU support Dr. Martin Luther King remembrance throughout the year by awarding the Cultural Diversity Scholarship, originally the Martin Luther King Scholarship, to certain students who meet the requirements, according to Sherrie Fuller, an assistant director of multicultural affairs at WMU.What are the requirements for this scholarship?
"The scholarship creates opportunity for students who might not have that same opportunity otherwise," Fuller said.
Although Fuller said the requirements to receive this scholarship are simple, the Division of Multicultural Affairs is no longer allowed to issue the Cultural Diversity Scholarship at this time.
One requirement of students who applied for the scholarship was to identify as Native American, Latino or African AmericanNo whites need apply!
Sadly, this cultural diversity has come to an end thanks to a constitutional amendment (not "a law") called the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative.
Apparently, white people can't have cultural diversity.
Now, no one need apply.
Taxes, Taxes, Taxes
Tax increases are on the horizon again in Kalamazoo County. This time, the subject is the KRESA enhancement millage. This is not to be confused with the KRESA Croyden School tax increase, which passed on the second try last November.
The enhancement millage was originally passed in 2005, after 52% of voters were convinced that schools were in dire need of a one-time tax increase. This was despite the fact that even several local school districts opposed the tax increase.
Of course, the folks who swore that this would be a one-time fix now swear that it really, really needs to be renewed. They have commissioned a survey claiming that voters would support this. If this is true, the only explanation that I have is that the taxpayers have moved out of the county.
Make no mistake. This is a tax increase. If the millage was supposed to expire, and the rate is increased from where it would have been, this is a tax increase, not a renewal. If your car payments are supposed to end when your car is paid off, but the dealer demands that they continue, what would you call this?
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On a related note, check out the exchange between Ray Wilson of the Kalamazoo County Taxpayers Association and a semi-literate government school employee on the KCTA blog.
The enhancement millage was originally passed in 2005, after 52% of voters were convinced that schools were in dire need of a one-time tax increase. This was despite the fact that even several local school districts opposed the tax increase.
Of course, the folks who swore that this would be a one-time fix now swear that it really, really needs to be renewed. They have commissioned a survey claiming that voters would support this. If this is true, the only explanation that I have is that the taxpayers have moved out of the county.
Make no mistake. This is a tax increase. If the millage was supposed to expire, and the rate is increased from where it would have been, this is a tax increase, not a renewal. If your car payments are supposed to end when your car is paid off, but the dealer demands that they continue, what would you call this?
---------------
On a related note, check out the exchange between Ray Wilson of the Kalamazoo County Taxpayers Association and a semi-literate government school employee on the KCTA blog.
Another Giveaway
Western Michigan University has announced a plan to give free tuition and more to students coming out of the foster care system.
We can all sympathize with foster kids. But where is the money for this plan going to come from? The article doesn't say.
This plan will likely be vulnerable to the usual problems with welfare programs. It is worth pointing out that being in college and succeeding in college are two different things.
The article does point out the importance of traditional families in children's success.
Interestingly, the subjects of this program would be required to live in university dorms. The dorms are significantly underoccupied due to the usual mismanagement that occurs outside the free market.
We can all sympathize with foster kids. But where is the money for this plan going to come from? The article doesn't say.
This plan will likely be vulnerable to the usual problems with welfare programs. It is worth pointing out that being in college and succeeding in college are two different things.
The article does point out the importance of traditional families in children's success.
In addition to their financial and housing problems, a number of other issues come into play with former foster youth who enroll in college. They frequently lack adult encouragement and role models and often are unfamiliar with college and career options, project organizers said.This doesn't bode well for this program.
"What we've learned, when you come from being raised in a system where you really don't have a mom and dad, somebody looking out for you, you really are in'' survival mode, Unrau said.
"Sometimes it's trying to take care of one problem before the next one comes up, and not necessarily being equipped with some of the basic (knowledge you otherwise might have) if you were allowed the benefit of being in a traditional family,'' Unrau added.
Interestingly, the subjects of this program would be required to live in university dorms. The dorms are significantly underoccupied due to the usual mismanagement that occurs outside the free market.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Siljander Indicted
Former Congressman Mark Siljander, who represented Southwest Michigan 1980-1986, has been indicted in connection with a group that supports terrorism.
Michelle Malkin gives some details on the case.
Readers should not assume guilt before a trial. Siljander was a staunch conservative Christian when he was in office. He deserves his day in court.
Michelle Malkin gives some details on the case.
Readers should not assume guilt before a trial. Siljander was a staunch conservative Christian when he was in office. He deserves his day in court.
No Summits for Me
The Herald reports on our first meeting of the semester. The article is fine except for the word summit, which makes it sound like we're meeting with foreign diplomats.
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CR plans speakers, summits for 2nd semester
Kamry Bowman
The Western Michigan University College Republicans reconvened to prepare for the upcoming semester Jan. 9.
While laughing about the music rehearsal overheard next door, Vice-Chairman Matt Moss previewed the group's planned events in Chairman Megan Buwalda's absence. These events included speaking events from the Chair of the Michigan Taxpayer's Alliance, Leon Drolet, and musician-turned-activist Ted Nugent.
The group had two political summits on their schedule. The first, Defending the American Dream, was put on by the Americans for Prosperity organization, and took place this Saturday in Livonia, Mich. The free-market oriented Americans for Prosperity procured major conservative speakers, including Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and John McCain, and ABC's John Stossel, "a long-time friend of ours," joked Moss. The group sponsored a speech by Stossel last semester.
The second summit the College Republicans are attending will be put on by the Michigan Federation of College Republicans, and draws College Republican chapters from all over the state.
"All the big schools will be there," Moss said, "and we want to make sure Western is represented."
Then the College Republicans got down to business. First on the agenda was the Michigan Presidential Primaries and members were alerted to chances for viewing or volunteering for candidates, including John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul. Some members made their support for specific candidates known.
The College Republican's faculty advisor, Arthur White, then addressed the meeting. He mentioned a recent controversy at the University of Delaware, describing a situation in which "white students were told that they were all racist, because they were white, which seems racist to me." He asked for the help of the College Republicans in avoiding similar situations at WMU.
Before the meeting ended, the College Republicans discussed debate strategy for their upcoming debate with the College Democrats over the Iraq War, which will take place Jan. 29.
------------------
CR plans speakers, summits for 2nd semester
Kamry Bowman
The Western Michigan University College Republicans reconvened to prepare for the upcoming semester Jan. 9.
While laughing about the music rehearsal overheard next door, Vice-Chairman Matt Moss previewed the group's planned events in Chairman Megan Buwalda's absence. These events included speaking events from the Chair of the Michigan Taxpayer's Alliance, Leon Drolet, and musician-turned-activist Ted Nugent.
The group had two political summits on their schedule. The first, Defending the American Dream, was put on by the Americans for Prosperity organization, and took place this Saturday in Livonia, Mich. The free-market oriented Americans for Prosperity procured major conservative speakers, including Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and John McCain, and ABC's John Stossel, "a long-time friend of ours," joked Moss. The group sponsored a speech by Stossel last semester.
The second summit the College Republicans are attending will be put on by the Michigan Federation of College Republicans, and draws College Republican chapters from all over the state.
"All the big schools will be there," Moss said, "and we want to make sure Western is represented."
Then the College Republicans got down to business. First on the agenda was the Michigan Presidential Primaries and members were alerted to chances for viewing or volunteering for candidates, including John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul. Some members made their support for specific candidates known.
The College Republican's faculty advisor, Arthur White, then addressed the meeting. He mentioned a recent controversy at the University of Delaware, describing a situation in which "white students were told that they were all racist, because they were white, which seems racist to me." He asked for the help of the College Republicans in avoiding similar situations at WMU.
Before the meeting ended, the College Republicans discussed debate strategy for their upcoming debate with the College Democrats over the Iraq War, which will take place Jan. 29.
Michigan Primany Results
Romney wins big.
Romney 39, McCain 30, Huckabee 16, Paul 6.
Paul's performance was disappointing, but he still beat Fred and Rudy. He got 17% in Hillsdale County.
McCain won all the counties in southwest Michigan. Congressman Upton's endorsement probably helped.
Here are the results from CNN. Their exit poll has some interesting results.
South Carolina and Nevada are up next.
Romney 39, McCain 30, Huckabee 16, Paul 6.
Paul's performance was disappointing, but he still beat Fred and Rudy. He got 17% in Hillsdale County.
McCain won all the counties in southwest Michigan. Congressman Upton's endorsement probably helped.
Here are the results from CNN. Their exit poll has some interesting results.
South Carolina and Nevada are up next.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Election Day
You can see election results here.
WKZO radio is being flooded with callers who say that they are democrats who voted for McCain.
We shall see...
WKZO radio is being flooded with callers who say that they are democrats who voted for McCain.
We shall see...
McCain in Kalamazoo
Senator John McCain visited Kalamazoo Monday morning. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports on his speech.
It is striking that his speech, at least the part reported in the Gazette, could easily have been given by a democrat.
McCain endorsed the myth of global warming.
Then there's this line.
Michigan's workers don't seem as thrilled with McCain. He was booed by union members when he spoke to the AFL-CIO. McCain said that America should import millions of foreigners to do jobs that Americans won't do, because they aren't tough enough.
So McCain would increase regulation, import foreign workers, and encourage outsourcing. Just what Michigan needs!
It is striking that his speech, at least the part reported in the Gazette, could easily have been given by a democrat.
McCain endorsed the myth of global warming.
"I believe there's scientific evidence that drastic things are happening to our planet," McCain said. "If I'm wrong and we move ahead with green technology, the only downside is leaving a cleaner world for our children."Carbon Dioxide is a natural substance, not a pollutant. Reducing it won't make the world any cleaner. Can McCain seriously believe that there's no downside to what he's proposing? There are no costs, no trade-offs, only benefits? The Club for Growth reports that the McCain-Lieberman global warming bill would cost America $76 billion per year. This would cost America many jobs and accelerate outsourcing to China and India. Alternative energy is basically a myth, in that it is not a significant source of energy.
A much worse option is doing nothing and hoping that climate change is a myth, McCain said.
He said lessening dependency on foreign oil is another reason to expand alternative energy sources.
Then there's this line.
"I'm convinced the best, most productive workers this world are in Michigan," McCain said.How will McCain break the news to the other 49 states?
Michigan's workers don't seem as thrilled with McCain. He was booed by union members when he spoke to the AFL-CIO. McCain said that America should import millions of foreigners to do jobs that Americans won't do, because they aren't tough enough.
So McCain would increase regulation, import foreign workers, and encourage outsourcing. Just what Michigan needs!
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