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
Friday, July 16, 2010
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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