Michigan's Governor Granholm has proposed recombining the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) back into a united DNR.
The reason? To save money.
The reason the DNR was broken into the DNR and the DEQ, with their own budgets and responsibilities in the 90s? To save money.
Someone needs to explain this. Why will going back to the old system save money over the solution that a prior Administration, which was much more business savvy, came up with to save money in the first place?
I eagerly await a REAL GOOD explanation from the talking heads over this contradiction.
Showing posts with label michigan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label michigan. Show all posts
Friday, October 09, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Why Was Chrysler Taken to Bankruptcy Court in New York, and Not in Michigan, Where It's HQ Is?
I've been mulling over the Chrysler bankruptcy since it happened and one question keeps popping up:
Why did the government file for the bankruptcy in New York, and not in Michigan?
The federal government could just as easily have filed it at a federal courthouse in Michigan, as it did in New York. Many of Chrysler's debts are owed to Michigan businesses.
Not sure what the rationale was for filing this bankruptcy there instead of here, where Chrysler is headquartered.
Why did the government file for the bankruptcy in New York, and not in Michigan?
The federal government could just as easily have filed it at a federal courthouse in Michigan, as it did in New York. Many of Chrysler's debts are owed to Michigan businesses.
Not sure what the rationale was for filing this bankruptcy there instead of here, where Chrysler is headquartered.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
President Should Come to Michigan With His Advisers and Talk to People Standing in Unemployment Lines About Economic "Turnaround"
Looking out the window again, I can see the cue building up at the unemployment agency across the street, and the place doesn't open up for another couple of hours.
Perhaps President Obama and his advisers should come to Michigan and pay a few visits to these unemployment agencies--in Lansing, Flint, Grand Rapids and Detroit in particular--and tell the people standing in line that the economy has turned around. See what their reaction is to that tidbit of political good news.
Time for a reality check, Mr. President.
Perhaps President Obama and his advisers should come to Michigan and pay a few visits to these unemployment agencies--in Lansing, Flint, Grand Rapids and Detroit in particular--and tell the people standing in line that the economy has turned around. See what their reaction is to that tidbit of political good news.
Time for a reality check, Mr. President.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Plea from School District for Toilet Paper and Light Bulbs is Utterly RIDICULOUS: Administration Should Be Ashamed of Itself
I'm about ready to rip hair out of my head over this one.
A Michigan school has asked it's parents to donate toilet paper, light bulbs and trash bags to the school as there isn't money in the budget for purchasing said supplies.
Which administrator or group made this decision needs to lose their job(s) over this sad state of affairs?
There are other places to cut the budget! Something that has this large of an impact on the students and staff is inexcusable and requires immediate action.
These kinds of supplies need to be untouched on the balance sheet; they can reduce it ONLY if a school is closed, or the student population of that school drops by more than 10%. But not to the point that the school has to BEG for its parents to buy stuff that should already be provided for.
Shame!
A Michigan school has asked it's parents to donate toilet paper, light bulbs and trash bags to the school as there isn't money in the budget for purchasing said supplies.
Which administrator or group made this decision needs to lose their job(s) over this sad state of affairs?
There are other places to cut the budget! Something that has this large of an impact on the students and staff is inexcusable and requires immediate action.
These kinds of supplies need to be untouched on the balance sheet; they can reduce it ONLY if a school is closed, or the student population of that school drops by more than 10%. But not to the point that the school has to BEG for its parents to buy stuff that should already be provided for.
Shame!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Michigan's Proposal 1 and Proposal 2 are ABOMINATIONS: I Despise Both of Them
Michigan voted to become a safe haven for growing pot, in the ugliest case of drug-fiendish group-think that I have ever seen.
Who will be authorized to grow medical marijuana? My drug-fiend neighbors? The local supermarket? And what's to stop criminal elements from registering as growers and engaging in criminal enterprise as well as supplying "medical" pot?
Will it come across state borders, in violation of federal laws? And which laws will trump the other laws? Federal anti-drug laws, or state ones?
I'll be the first one to admit that I absolutely despise Proposal 1, and am very perturbed that so many voters were hoodwinked into voting 'yes' on this proposal.
As for Proposal 2, I voted against this as well on religious grounds. In addition, by the ballot's own language, it will use embryos that are unsuitable for implantation, which means that they're using defective embryos, and will require taxpayers to pay for faulty research. This is a waste of money, as well as being morally objectionable.
It also closes the door on preventing future research along similar lines, which I object to as well. I'm no fan of Prop 2, but realize that this will be harder to reverse than Prop 1, which I will continue to rail against.
What a revolting turn of events!
Who will be authorized to grow medical marijuana? My drug-fiend neighbors? The local supermarket? And what's to stop criminal elements from registering as growers and engaging in criminal enterprise as well as supplying "medical" pot?
Will it come across state borders, in violation of federal laws? And which laws will trump the other laws? Federal anti-drug laws, or state ones?
I'll be the first one to admit that I absolutely despise Proposal 1, and am very perturbed that so many voters were hoodwinked into voting 'yes' on this proposal.
As for Proposal 2, I voted against this as well on religious grounds. In addition, by the ballot's own language, it will use embryos that are unsuitable for implantation, which means that they're using defective embryos, and will require taxpayers to pay for faulty research. This is a waste of money, as well as being morally objectionable.
It also closes the door on preventing future research along similar lines, which I object to as well. I'm no fan of Prop 2, but realize that this will be harder to reverse than Prop 1, which I will continue to rail against.
What a revolting turn of events!
Monday, June 02, 2008
DNC Agrees to Seat Florida and Michigan Delegates at Half-Strength: Obama's Getting Votes He Didn't Earn in Michigan
The rules committee of the Democratic National Committee restored Florida and Michigan's delegates to this summer's Democratic National Convention, but they have half-strength votes. That's fine with me as it's in compliance with their bylaws. And it's more than what I thought was going to happen.
I thought they would seat Florida's delegates at half-strength, but not Michigan's, as Obama removed his name from the ballot.
Instead, the rules committee is giving Obama votes he didn't earn--he wasn't a candidate on Michigan's ballot as he pulled his own name off the ballot months before the election--and Clinton won 55% of the votes. The other 45% should be going to the convention as undeclared delegates who can vote for who they want once they get there.
Obama was not required to pull his name off the ballot, but he did it, regardless of the consequences.
And if Clinton does challenge the awarding of unearned delegates to Obama, in this one instance, I'm going to root for Senator Clinton in her challenge. I almost get the feeling that Obama will fall 3-5 delegates short of clinching the nomination, and the fight over Michigan's delegates will intensify.
This situation is entirely the fault of the DNC. And as many had hoped, including me, Florida and Michigan threw wrenches into the DNC machine and they were forced into headline-making decisions regarding the disposition of the votes of both states.
Perhaps the next time around, they'll follow their own rules when it comes to states violating their guidelines?
I thought they would seat Florida's delegates at half-strength, but not Michigan's, as Obama removed his name from the ballot.
Instead, the rules committee is giving Obama votes he didn't earn--he wasn't a candidate on Michigan's ballot as he pulled his own name off the ballot months before the election--and Clinton won 55% of the votes. The other 45% should be going to the convention as undeclared delegates who can vote for who they want once they get there.
Obama was not required to pull his name off the ballot, but he did it, regardless of the consequences.
And if Clinton does challenge the awarding of unearned delegates to Obama, in this one instance, I'm going to root for Senator Clinton in her challenge. I almost get the feeling that Obama will fall 3-5 delegates short of clinching the nomination, and the fight over Michigan's delegates will intensify.
This situation is entirely the fault of the DNC. And as many had hoped, including me, Florida and Michigan threw wrenches into the DNC machine and they were forced into headline-making decisions regarding the disposition of the votes of both states.
Perhaps the next time around, they'll follow their own rules when it comes to states violating their guidelines?
Friday, May 09, 2008
Democratic National Committee Needs to Re-Read Their Rules: They Can Only Take Half of Michigan's and Florida's Delegates Away
Rule 20.C.1.a. of the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2008 Democratic National Convention:
Violation of timing:
In the event the Delegate Selection Plan of a state party provides or permits a meeting, caucus, convention or primary which constitutes the first determining stage in the presidential nominating process to be held prior to or after the dates for the state as provided in Rule 11 of these rules, or in the event a state holds such a meeting, caucus, convention or primary prior to or after such dates, the number of pledged delegates elected in each category allocated to the state pursuant to the Call for the National Convention shall be reduced by fifty (50%) percent, and the number of alternates shall also be reduced by fifty (50%) percent. In addition, none of the members of the Democratic National Committee and no other unpledged delegate allocated pursuant to Rule 8.A. from that state shall be permitted to vote as members of the state’s delegation. In determining the actual number of delegates or alternates by which the state’s delegation is to be reduced, any fraction below .5 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and any fraction of .5 or greater shall be rounded up to the next nearest whole number.
And yet more DNC violations of their own rules:
Rule 11A:
No meetings, caucuses, conventions or primaries which constitute the first determining stage in the presidential nomination process (the date of the primary in primary states, and the date of the first tier caucus in caucus states) may be held prior to the first Tuesday in February or after the second Tuesday in June in the calendar year of the national convention. Provided, however, that the Iowa precinct caucuses may be held no earlier than 22 days before the first Tuesday in February; that the Nevada first-tier caucuses may be held no earlier than 17 days before the first Tuesday in February; that the New Hampshire primary may be held no earlier than 14 days before the first Tuesday in February; and that the South Carolina primary may be held no earlier than 7 days before the first Tuesday in February. In no instance may a state which scheduled delegate selection procedures on or between the first Tuesday in February and the second Tuesday in June 1984 move out of compliance with the provisions of this rule.
So, let's see:
Iowa held their primary/caucus on January 3rd, which was 33 days before the first Tuesday in February. The rule above states that they can hold their primary no earlier than 22 days before the first Tuesday in Febuary. Iowa violated the rules.
New Hampshire held it's primary on January 8th, which was 28 days before the first Tuesday in February. The rule above states that they can hold their primary no earlier than 14 days before the first Tuesday in February. New Hampshire also violated the rules.
Michigan and Florida held their respective primaries on January 15th, which is three weeks earlier than the first Tuesday in February. Michigan and Florida both violated the rules. Both states acknowledge that point.
South Carolina held it's primary on January 26th, which was 10 days before the first Tuesday in February. The above rule states that they can hold their primary 7 days before first Tuesday. South Carolina violated the rules as well.
So, five states violated party rules on timing of their primaries. All five states got stripped of 50% of their delegates and lost all of their superdelegates. Right? WRONG!
Three states escaped punishment entirely. Two states lost ALL of their delegates and superdelegates, which isn't covered in the rules.
The DNC seems to have a problem in applying the rules equally and fairly. It's another sign of how corrupt the DNC leadership is. If they continue on their current course and deny Florida and Michigan their guaranteed votes that are provided for in their own rules, they run the risk of losing major support in both states. Both states have gone Republican in the past before; do they really want a repeat performance?
Start following your own rules, DNC.
Violation of timing:
In the event the Delegate Selection Plan of a state party provides or permits a meeting, caucus, convention or primary which constitutes the first determining stage in the presidential nominating process to be held prior to or after the dates for the state as provided in Rule 11 of these rules, or in the event a state holds such a meeting, caucus, convention or primary prior to or after such dates, the number of pledged delegates elected in each category allocated to the state pursuant to the Call for the National Convention shall be reduced by fifty (50%) percent, and the number of alternates shall also be reduced by fifty (50%) percent. In addition, none of the members of the Democratic National Committee and no other unpledged delegate allocated pursuant to Rule 8.A. from that state shall be permitted to vote as members of the state’s delegation. In determining the actual number of delegates or alternates by which the state’s delegation is to be reduced, any fraction below .5 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and any fraction of .5 or greater shall be rounded up to the next nearest whole number.
And yet more DNC violations of their own rules:
Rule 11A:
No meetings, caucuses, conventions or primaries which constitute the first determining stage in the presidential nomination process (the date of the primary in primary states, and the date of the first tier caucus in caucus states) may be held prior to the first Tuesday in February or after the second Tuesday in June in the calendar year of the national convention. Provided, however, that the Iowa precinct caucuses may be held no earlier than 22 days before the first Tuesday in February; that the Nevada first-tier caucuses may be held no earlier than 17 days before the first Tuesday in February; that the New Hampshire primary may be held no earlier than 14 days before the first Tuesday in February; and that the South Carolina primary may be held no earlier than 7 days before the first Tuesday in February. In no instance may a state which scheduled delegate selection procedures on or between the first Tuesday in February and the second Tuesday in June 1984 move out of compliance with the provisions of this rule.
So, let's see:
Iowa held their primary/caucus on January 3rd, which was 33 days before the first Tuesday in February. The rule above states that they can hold their primary no earlier than 22 days before the first Tuesday in Febuary. Iowa violated the rules.
New Hampshire held it's primary on January 8th, which was 28 days before the first Tuesday in February. The rule above states that they can hold their primary no earlier than 14 days before the first Tuesday in February. New Hampshire also violated the rules.
Michigan and Florida held their respective primaries on January 15th, which is three weeks earlier than the first Tuesday in February. Michigan and Florida both violated the rules. Both states acknowledge that point.
South Carolina held it's primary on January 26th, which was 10 days before the first Tuesday in February. The above rule states that they can hold their primary 7 days before first Tuesday. South Carolina violated the rules as well.
So, five states violated party rules on timing of their primaries. All five states got stripped of 50% of their delegates and lost all of their superdelegates. Right? WRONG!
Three states escaped punishment entirely. Two states lost ALL of their delegates and superdelegates, which isn't covered in the rules.
The DNC seems to have a problem in applying the rules equally and fairly. It's another sign of how corrupt the DNC leadership is. If they continue on their current course and deny Florida and Michigan their guaranteed votes that are provided for in their own rules, they run the risk of losing major support in both states. Both states have gone Republican in the past before; do they really want a repeat performance?
Start following your own rules, DNC.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Obama Plan for Splitting Michigan Primary Delegates is Ridiculous: He Removed His Name from the Michigan Ballot
Barack Obama's proposal for splitting the Michigan primary delegates equally between himself and Hillary Clinton is ridiculous.
He pulled his name off the Michigan ballot; he wasn't even a candidate in the Michigan election. If they choose to go down a path like this, then they should give 55% of the delegates to Clinton and the rest go in as unpledged delegates, who can vote for whomever they want when the DNC seats them at the Democratic National Convention.
That's the only way that this system would work. But Obama can't pull his name off the ballot and then try to claim half of Michigan's delegates. That's sheer madness!
He pulled his name off the Michigan ballot; he wasn't even a candidate in the Michigan election. If they choose to go down a path like this, then they should give 55% of the delegates to Clinton and the rest go in as unpledged delegates, who can vote for whomever they want when the DNC seats them at the Democratic National Convention.
That's the only way that this system would work. But Obama can't pull his name off the ballot and then try to claim half of Michigan's delegates. That's sheer madness!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
DNC and Howard Dean Need to Take Responsibility for Their Actions: They're the Ones at Fault, Not Michigan & Florida Voters
Howard Dean and the Democratic National Committee don't want to pay to clean up their mess in Michigan and Florida. And a lot of Democrats are getting angrier and angrier. I don't think I've ever seen this level of discontent in the state Democratic party before.
Just wait until the Democratic National Convention takes place the week of the 24th of August and there's no resolution to Dean & Company's huge mess in Michigan. There will likely be charter buses full of disenfranchised Michigan voters heading out to Denver to protest all of this.
Michigan's government had better not knuckle under on this issue and offer to pay one penny for any kind of "re-do." This is the DNC's mess to clean up. The first Michigan legislator who offers a bill to pay for a "re-do" will be in BIG trouble the next time an election comes around. Unless they're targeted for recall, which seems to be happening a lot these days.
I wrote a series of articles back in the fall against moving the primary to the 15th of January because of what had already happened to Florida. But the Michigan legislature and governor went ahead with their plan, knowing full well that our fate would likely match Florida's. That was the decision that was made, and that's what we have to live with now. And in light of the DNC's mean-spirited actions since then, it was the right decision and right fight to make.
The Republicans docked half of Michigan's delegation to the Republican National Convention as well as every state that had an election before Super Tuesday (February 5th). I wasn't too happy with that decision. If I was to choose to vote in the Republican primary (Michigan's primary is open, meaning that people can choose which primary to vote in), my vote's worth half as much as someone who voted after February 5th? Bull HONKY!
The DNC ripped the guts out of Michigan's primary by stripping Michigan of all it's delegates. In addition, many of the Democrats (including Obama) pulled their names off the ballot and said that they would not be campaigning in Michigan. That's excessive punishment for protesting a corrupt and outdated system that favors four states over all others. They sure as hell didn't have a problem fundraising here, which I strongly disagreed with.
I also believe that this decision violates the equal protection clause which the Supreme Court quoted in 2000, when they stopped the ballot recounts in Florida's mess of a Presidential election between Bush and Gore. All ballots have to be treated (and counted) equally. Anything less amounts to a banana republic, which the Democrats seem hell-bent on making happen.
As far as Michigan Democrats go, I do not count myself among their number. But in this situation, I am on their side; no voter should be disenfranchised. And in this case, ALL Michigan and Florida voters were targeted and their votes were thrown straight into the garbage can. That isn't right; the system needs to change and Dean needs to be FIRED!
And if Obama's the nominee after the Democrats have their National Convention, he needs to come to Michigan and Florida and explain his actions in supporting the disenfranchisement of millions of voters. Party rules my afterburner!!
Just wait until the Democratic National Convention takes place the week of the 24th of August and there's no resolution to Dean & Company's huge mess in Michigan. There will likely be charter buses full of disenfranchised Michigan voters heading out to Denver to protest all of this.
Michigan's government had better not knuckle under on this issue and offer to pay one penny for any kind of "re-do." This is the DNC's mess to clean up. The first Michigan legislator who offers a bill to pay for a "re-do" will be in BIG trouble the next time an election comes around. Unless they're targeted for recall, which seems to be happening a lot these days.
I wrote a series of articles back in the fall against moving the primary to the 15th of January because of what had already happened to Florida. But the Michigan legislature and governor went ahead with their plan, knowing full well that our fate would likely match Florida's. That was the decision that was made, and that's what we have to live with now. And in light of the DNC's mean-spirited actions since then, it was the right decision and right fight to make.
The Republicans docked half of Michigan's delegation to the Republican National Convention as well as every state that had an election before Super Tuesday (February 5th). I wasn't too happy with that decision. If I was to choose to vote in the Republican primary (Michigan's primary is open, meaning that people can choose which primary to vote in), my vote's worth half as much as someone who voted after February 5th? Bull HONKY!
The DNC ripped the guts out of Michigan's primary by stripping Michigan of all it's delegates. In addition, many of the Democrats (including Obama) pulled their names off the ballot and said that they would not be campaigning in Michigan. That's excessive punishment for protesting a corrupt and outdated system that favors four states over all others. They sure as hell didn't have a problem fundraising here, which I strongly disagreed with.
I also believe that this decision violates the equal protection clause which the Supreme Court quoted in 2000, when they stopped the ballot recounts in Florida's mess of a Presidential election between Bush and Gore. All ballots have to be treated (and counted) equally. Anything less amounts to a banana republic, which the Democrats seem hell-bent on making happen.
As far as Michigan Democrats go, I do not count myself among their number. But in this situation, I am on their side; no voter should be disenfranchised. And in this case, ALL Michigan and Florida voters were targeted and their votes were thrown straight into the garbage can. That isn't right; the system needs to change and Dean needs to be FIRED!
And if Obama's the nominee after the Democrats have their National Convention, he needs to come to Michigan and Florida and explain his actions in supporting the disenfranchisement of millions of voters. Party rules my afterburner!!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
NO New Primary Votes in Michigan or Florida: DNC Needs to Reap What It Sows
Well, well, well.
Look at who's crying about the deadlock in the Democratic Party. Waaah!!
Music to my ears. Because the Democratic National Committee screwed with Michigan and Florida, I am opposed to those two states riding in to save the day. By all means, don't seat those two delegations, Mr. Dean and Mrs. Pelosi. Stick to your guns.
They've REALLY earned this. It's poetic justice.
If they do decide to do a revote, the DNC should pay for the elections in their entirety. The disenfranchised voters in those two states should not have to pay a single penny for the DNC screwup. Maybe next time they'll be more flexible in their response to states standing up to the corrupt system currently in place.
Before that happens, they need to get rid of their top leadership. They're USELESS and CLUELESS!
Look at who's crying about the deadlock in the Democratic Party. Waaah!!
Music to my ears. Because the Democratic National Committee screwed with Michigan and Florida, I am opposed to those two states riding in to save the day. By all means, don't seat those two delegations, Mr. Dean and Mrs. Pelosi. Stick to your guns.
They've REALLY earned this. It's poetic justice.
If they do decide to do a revote, the DNC should pay for the elections in their entirety. The disenfranchised voters in those two states should not have to pay a single penny for the DNC screwup. Maybe next time they'll be more flexible in their response to states standing up to the corrupt system currently in place.
Before that happens, they need to get rid of their top leadership. They're USELESS and CLUELESS!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Michigan's Primary May be Over, But the Fight Between Michigan and Both National Committees Sure Isn't
Michigan's primary--such as it was--is said and done, but there's still major trouble between Michigan and both national committees. This primary (and Florida's) will throw some big wrenches into the works if the Presidential Election in November turns out to be close.
I am of the opinion that the Republican and Democratic National Committees (dis-respectfully) needs new leadership. That's aimed more at the DNC more than the RNC. The RNC only docked half of Michigan's delegates and voting power, while the DNC completely stripped Michigan's represenatition at the Democratic National Convention. The Democrats even canceled hotel reservations for the Michigan delegation.
Further, the RNC punished every state that has a primary before Super Tuesday. That was, in my opinion, a more measured response than the Democratic one.
Under the current leadership, the DNC disenfranchised seven million registered voters in Michigan and ten million registered voters in Florida. They whined and bitched about thousands of disenfranchised Florida voters in 2000, and fought for every vote. Yet now, they deliberately did to their own voters what they accused election officials and the Republican Party of doing in 2000. Is this a violation of the same equal protection clause cited by the Supreme Court in 2000 in Gore vs. Bush?
The replacement for Howard Dean should be from Michigan or Florida, and there should be no one on the DNC who favors keeping the current primary system. The system is so rife with favoritism toward particular states that it should be scrapped if it isn't changed.
I also think that the RNC needs a housecleaning too. They need to back off of the current system as well. It's broken and needs to be fixed. They should get with the program, or get out of the way and have more open-minded people take their places.
Shame on both committees, and double shame on the DNC.
I am of the opinion that the Republican and Democratic National Committees (dis-respectfully) needs new leadership. That's aimed more at the DNC more than the RNC. The RNC only docked half of Michigan's delegates and voting power, while the DNC completely stripped Michigan's represenatition at the Democratic National Convention. The Democrats even canceled hotel reservations for the Michigan delegation.
Further, the RNC punished every state that has a primary before Super Tuesday. That was, in my opinion, a more measured response than the Democratic one.
Under the current leadership, the DNC disenfranchised seven million registered voters in Michigan and ten million registered voters in Florida. They whined and bitched about thousands of disenfranchised Florida voters in 2000, and fought for every vote. Yet now, they deliberately did to their own voters what they accused election officials and the Republican Party of doing in 2000. Is this a violation of the same equal protection clause cited by the Supreme Court in 2000 in Gore vs. Bush?
The replacement for Howard Dean should be from Michigan or Florida, and there should be no one on the DNC who favors keeping the current primary system. The system is so rife with favoritism toward particular states that it should be scrapped if it isn't changed.
I also think that the RNC needs a housecleaning too. They need to back off of the current system as well. It's broken and needs to be fixed. They should get with the program, or get out of the way and have more open-minded people take their places.
Shame on both committees, and double shame on the DNC.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Nomination for TIME Magazine's Person of the Year
I would like to make a nomination for the editors of TIME Magazine's Person of the Year.
"Uncommitted."
Though losing to Hillary Clinton in Michigan's useless Democratic primary election, "Uncommitted" spells big trouble for Senator Clinton in Michigan if she wins the Democratic nomination.
That's noteworthy all by itself.
"Uncommitted."
Though losing to Hillary Clinton in Michigan's useless Democratic primary election, "Uncommitted" spells big trouble for Senator Clinton in Michigan if she wins the Democratic nomination.
That's noteworthy all by itself.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Romney Wins Michigan Primary, Hillary Beats Nobody
Well, Michigan's not-primary is over and Mitt Romney carried the state. And Hillary Clinton managed to beat someone called "Uncommitted." I'm not sure that's anything to brag about.
I could beat nobody too. So could you.
I also couldn't help but notice how quickly McCain and the other candidates who did not fare as well quickly dismissed Romney's victory as Michigan voting for it's native son. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Michigan has rejected other members of the Romney family in other elections in the past; Mitt won because of his business credentials and his coming here and addressing Michigan's economy head-on. In Michigan, the economy was the #1 concern of voters. And Mitt was more positive about rebuilding Michigan's reeling economy than all of the others.
McCain's pessimism about putting Michigan's work force back to work cost him the election. That's why Romney won, not because he's a native son.
I could beat nobody too. So could you.
I also couldn't help but notice how quickly McCain and the other candidates who did not fare as well quickly dismissed Romney's victory as Michigan voting for it's native son. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Michigan has rejected other members of the Romney family in other elections in the past; Mitt won because of his business credentials and his coming here and addressing Michigan's economy head-on. In Michigan, the economy was the #1 concern of voters. And Mitt was more positive about rebuilding Michigan's reeling economy than all of the others.
McCain's pessimism about putting Michigan's work force back to work cost him the election. That's why Romney won, not because he's a native son.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Republicans Finally Spend Some Time in Michigan: Election is Tomorrow
Republican presidential hopefuls are spending a great deal of time in Michigan, courting voters for their half-powered votes ahead of tomorrow's primary vote.
It's nice to see, but I see that they're ignoring the U.P. again. There was little to no mention of the primary in U.P. news web sites today.
I hope that the eventual winner of the GOP nomination pushes the Democrats to hold at least one of the debates in Michigan. And if the Democratic nomination turns out to be anyone other than Kucinich, then they should pack the hall with P.O.'ed (and disenfranchised) voters to ask "Where were you during the primary season? And why should we vote for you now?"
It'd be fun to watch the candidate squirm.
I mentioned Kucinich because he alone campaigned in the state on the Democratic side. Good for him.
It's nice to see, but I see that they're ignoring the U.P. again. There was little to no mention of the primary in U.P. news web sites today.
I hope that the eventual winner of the GOP nomination pushes the Democrats to hold at least one of the debates in Michigan. And if the Democratic nomination turns out to be anyone other than Kucinich, then they should pack the hall with P.O.'ed (and disenfranchised) voters to ask "Where were you during the primary season? And why should we vote for you now?"
It'd be fun to watch the candidate squirm.
I mentioned Kucinich because he alone campaigned in the state on the Democratic side. Good for him.
Friday, January 04, 2008
More Reaction to the Iowa Caucus: Ho Hum
"Stunner" and "shocker" were two adjectives used to describe Iowa's caucus results in the news media. I couldn't disagree more. It was mostly a ho-hum event.
Mostly. Clinton coming in 3rd place did make my day, but the knowledge that an inexperienced "new" liberal beat her makes it a break-even event at most. That's too bad. I'd normally be celebrating something like Hillary Clinton coming in 3rd place.
I don't have anything to say about the GOP race, other than to say that it's nice to see that money doesn't always buy an election successfully; even in the GOP.
Mostly. Clinton coming in 3rd place did make my day, but the knowledge that an inexperienced "new" liberal beat her makes it a break-even event at most. That's too bad. I'd normally be celebrating something like Hillary Clinton coming in 3rd place.
I don't have anything to say about the GOP race, other than to say that it's nice to see that money doesn't always buy an election successfully; even in the GOP.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Michigan Voters Told Their Vote is Worthless in One Party's Primary and Only Worth Half A Vote in the Other: Tell Me Again Why We Should Vote on 1/15?
The Michigan primary is coming up on January 15th, and the ballot is still a mess.
One party has completely disenfranchised Michigan's voters, while the other has stripped Michigan of half of its delegates to the party's national convention, effectively turning every vote into a half-vote.
The Democratic Party added insult to injury when most of the Democratic candidates decided to withdraw their names from the ballot and announced that they were boycotting Michigan's primary. Not one of them had the guts to come into the state and announce it in person.
As far as I'm concerned, the candidates that withdrew their names shouldn't be able to fundraise here for their primary campaigns either. They should be writing refund checks out to every Michigan voter who has contributed money to their campaigns from the time that they announced their candidacy to today.
They can go to the Federal Election Commission web site to figure out who to write the checks to. In the meantime, they can go play in traffic.
On the GOP side, the Republican National Convention stripped Michigan of half of it's delegates to their convention, along with all the other January primary states. Following that same formula, the GOP candidates should also return 1/2 of the money raised here. They can take my half-vote and stick it where the sun don't shine.
So, since our votes are worthless in the Democratic Party, and worth a half-vote in the GOP, why exactly should Michigan voters show up on January 15th?
I'm not voting on the 15th; and I'm voting 3rd party in the fall. And all because the two National Committees chose to defend the current system and punished states that dared to buck the system to protest the inherent unfairness of the current primary system. There should be one national primary day, with all states being treated equally, not four of the states being elevated at the expense of all others.
It would be poetic justice if there was a tie in the electoral college in November, and it all fell to Michigan to cast the deciding vote. That won't happen, of course, but then, who figured that it would all boil down to Florida in 2000, which both parties have chosen to disenfranchise as well as Michigan? They really ought to think about that.
One party has completely disenfranchised Michigan's voters, while the other has stripped Michigan of half of its delegates to the party's national convention, effectively turning every vote into a half-vote.
The Democratic Party added insult to injury when most of the Democratic candidates decided to withdraw their names from the ballot and announced that they were boycotting Michigan's primary. Not one of them had the guts to come into the state and announce it in person.
As far as I'm concerned, the candidates that withdrew their names shouldn't be able to fundraise here for their primary campaigns either. They should be writing refund checks out to every Michigan voter who has contributed money to their campaigns from the time that they announced their candidacy to today.
They can go to the Federal Election Commission web site to figure out who to write the checks to. In the meantime, they can go play in traffic.
On the GOP side, the Republican National Convention stripped Michigan of half of it's delegates to their convention, along with all the other January primary states. Following that same formula, the GOP candidates should also return 1/2 of the money raised here. They can take my half-vote and stick it where the sun don't shine.
So, since our votes are worthless in the Democratic Party, and worth a half-vote in the GOP, why exactly should Michigan voters show up on January 15th?
I'm not voting on the 15th; and I'm voting 3rd party in the fall. And all because the two National Committees chose to defend the current system and punished states that dared to buck the system to protest the inherent unfairness of the current primary system. There should be one national primary day, with all states being treated equally, not four of the states being elevated at the expense of all others.
It would be poetic justice if there was a tie in the electoral college in November, and it all fell to Michigan to cast the deciding vote. That won't happen, of course, but then, who figured that it would all boil down to Florida in 2000, which both parties have chosen to disenfranchise as well as Michigan? They really ought to think about that.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
State Requires Photo ID for Voting Now: This is a Good System, Despite Initial Problems
Michigan now requires voters to produce photo ID before voting in elections. It's a wonder that this step wasn't taken years ago. It's so common sense that it's ridiculous.
With all the reports of election irregularities over the last eight years, producing photo ID is a minor inconvenience. The election officials don't know who everyone is on sight and where they live, and for anyone to expect that is ridiculous.
And there are government issued IDs that the poor can acquire that are acceptable forms of identification as well. And if they don't want to obtain identification, they simply sign the form that says they are eligible to vote and they are who they say they are. So the argument that it's a discriminatory practice designed to suppress the economically downtrodden doesn't hold water.
The biggest problem lies with the training of poll workers, who did different things in the various precincts. There was some variance in the types of ballots that were issued: regular ballots should have been used for voters who signed the forms, but some provisional ballots were issued instead, which are treated differently and require further validation. Other poll workers rejected acceptable forms of ID, such as military-issued ID cards and Michigan driver's licenses, which is unfathomable.
Uniformity was present yesterday, but not in all the precincts.
There are definitely glitches to work out of the new system, but when they are worked out, it will make Michigan's voting system much stronger and more secure.
With all the reports of election irregularities over the last eight years, producing photo ID is a minor inconvenience. The election officials don't know who everyone is on sight and where they live, and for anyone to expect that is ridiculous.
And there are government issued IDs that the poor can acquire that are acceptable forms of identification as well. And if they don't want to obtain identification, they simply sign the form that says they are eligible to vote and they are who they say they are. So the argument that it's a discriminatory practice designed to suppress the economically downtrodden doesn't hold water.
The biggest problem lies with the training of poll workers, who did different things in the various precincts. There was some variance in the types of ballots that were issued: regular ballots should have been used for voters who signed the forms, but some provisional ballots were issued instead, which are treated differently and require further validation. Other poll workers rejected acceptable forms of ID, such as military-issued ID cards and Michigan driver's licenses, which is unfathomable.
Uniformity was present yesterday, but not in all the precincts.
There are definitely glitches to work out of the new system, but when they are worked out, it will make Michigan's voting system much stronger and more secure.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Here We Go Again: Michigan's Temporary Budget Expires in Five Days With Potential for Another Government Shutdown
Well, here we go again.
Michigan's budget crisis is back in our faces again. Legislators have failed to pass a single part of the seventeen-part budget since they got Governor Granholm to agree to a month-long extension of last year's budget 26 days ago.
And once again, Michigan is looking at the possibility of another government shutdown.
Both sides insist progress is being made and have adjourned until Monday.
They had better be right; because the sooner they pass it the sooner they can get into remedial communications classes to address their problems in talking with one another.
Michigan's budget crisis is back in our faces again. Legislators have failed to pass a single part of the seventeen-part budget since they got Governor Granholm to agree to a month-long extension of last year's budget 26 days ago.
And once again, Michigan is looking at the possibility of another government shutdown.
Both sides insist progress is being made and have adjourned until Monday.
They had better be right; because the sooner they pass it the sooner they can get into remedial communications classes to address their problems in talking with one another.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Recall Efforts Begin Against Members of Michigan's Legislature Who Voted for Tax Increases
An anti-tax group has launched recall efforts against five Democrats and five Republicans for their support of an increased income tax as part of Michigan's continuing budget crisis.
The governor has also not been formally targeted for recall yet, but at least two web sites are calling for it. Should be interesting to watch.
The governor has also not been formally targeted for recall yet, but at least two web sites are calling for it. Should be interesting to watch.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Presidential Candidates Who Boycott Michigan's Primary Shouldn't Be Accepting Michigan Campaign Money Either: They Should Return Money Given to Them
I don't think that any candidate who has pulled out of Michigan's primary should be accepting Michigan campaign donations either. They should return all monies donated to them by now-disenfranchised Michigan voters.
That includes the campaigns of Obama, Edwards, Richardson, and Biden.
A note to Michigan voters: vote for the other party or 3rd party if any of these people win the Democratic nomination. They're not worthy of your vote.
That includes the campaigns of Obama, Edwards, Richardson, and Biden.
A note to Michigan voters: vote for the other party or 3rd party if any of these people win the Democratic nomination. They're not worthy of your vote.
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