Posted 27, 2012

Repeal the Emergency Manager Law

I spent last summer collecting signatures to repeal the Emergency Manager Law and have it put on the ballot to be voted on by the public. I feel that the people of Michigan have the right to govern themselves on the local level and make decisions concerning their communities. Not only was I concerned with the EM law’s ability to seize control of local governments and sell community properties. I was also concerned with its ability to take over school districts and put them up for sale. A couple of months ago in Muskegon Heights Michigan it happened, an Emergency Manager sold a school district to a private company. The corporate buy out of Michigan’s publiceducation system is now happening before our eyes.

Before starting to collect my signatures I made an effort to contact many State Senators and Representatives to inform them of my concerns for Emergency Managers to sell off schools and was told that would never happen. Now that it has I can’t help but feel that I was lied to and that they knew all along they just didn’t know how to answer me when I put them on the spot. If you include the Fracking issue it’s now evident that our entire state is up for sale and the EM law gives the Republicans the excuse to sell public services and properties to the highest bidder. I can’t help but believe that they are purposely and systematically destroying our fundamental rights to self govern on the local level in the name of corporate profit.

Michigan is the only state in the union that allows for profit education and the profiteers are lining up to get a piece of it. I don’t want the quality of my child’s education to be determined by a corporation’s profit margin. Is the prosperity of a small group of people worth the future of our children? I don’t think so. I spent last summer collecting signatures to repeal the Emergency Manager Law and have it put on the ballot to be voted on by the public. I feel that the people of Michigan have the right to govern themselves on the local level and make decisions concerning their communities. Not only was I concerned with the EM law’s ability to seize control of local governments and sell community properties. I was also concerned with its ability to take over school districts and put them up for sale. A couple of months ago in Muskegon Heights Michigan it happened, an Emergency Manager sold a school district to a private company. The corporate buy out of Michigan’s public education system is now happening before our eyes.

ED NOTE: This was sent for our August newsletter. However, when I checked my e-mail before starting work on the newsletter it had not arrived. I failed to re-check my e-mail during the process of editing the newsletter and this item was never included. My apology to Bill.

Posted 8/5/2012

From the Niles Daily Star, August 2, 2012

Appalled at Unions' Endorsement

As a retired union member I find it appalling that two of our area’s most respected unions the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and the International Union of Operating Engineers would endorse and give campaign funding to a candidate that would openly support Right to Work legislation.

Labor unions built the middle class in this country and even though there is currently a campaign being waged by the GOP to annihilate unions working to protect workers rights. They still are relevant and are needed more than ever to protect the rights of the American worker. I find it shameless that these two unions have been reduced to the point that they feel it necessary to give money to a candidate that might possibly support them in Lansing but only if it is politically convenient. After Tuesday’s article I question

Mr. Pagel’s taking of the money if he knew that he would never support union labor or its quest just to exist in this ugly political climate. I seriously doubt that he ever had any intention of supporting them in any way and should give the money back because of his deception.

This funding could have been given to a pro union candidate such as Jack Arbanas who if elected intends to go to Lansing to fight for the rights of workers to collectively bargain. Arbanas is a candidate that openly supports the Protect Our Jobs Amendment and believes that organized labor is the backbone of the middle class. If organized labor wants to keep the union spirit alive in this country they have to stand up and fight to get a seat at the table.

Jess Minks

Buchanan

Source

Posted 8/5/2012

From the Niles Daily Star

William Crandell: Raise your voice

On Aug. 7, Michigan will be holding its primary elections, and in my opinion, it is the true beginning of the election season. It is the time for the members of both parties to exercise their rights as Americans to make decisions concerning who will represent us and how the issues of our day should be addressed. Republican or Democrat, I encourage everyone to get out and cast your vote. Raise your political voice and start making a difference now.

In the 78th State District representative primary, there are two excellent Democratic candidates running for the nomination, Jack Arbanas and Gerry Welling. By going to their websites, you will see that even though they fundamentally disagree on the methods they both agree that certain changes have to be made and that our state is in a downward economic spiral that is not being properly addressed by our current GOP leadership.

They both agree that our economy in southwest Michigan needs to be rebuilt and together they believe that education and its proper funding is one of the building blocks of that reconstruction. By choosing one of them, you can demonstrate your support and participate in making a difference.

So if you would like to see changes in Lansing or Washington or right here in Berrien County and your local townships, it begins by coming out to vote in the upcoming primary. By deciding who you would like to see get the nomination and becoming more informed about the issues, you can start to make a difference.

The election in November will be one of the most important in this state’s history, and in some ways, the people who participate will be deciding the very nature of the soul of our state.

We all need to get involved; we all need to raise our voice. Michigan belongs to the people, and only our votes will prove that.

Source

Thanks Vickie for Sharing - Posted 8/5/2012

O'Brien the Best Choice

From the Niles Daily Star

Dear editor:

For 25 years, Fred Upton has been representing the Michigan Sixth District in Washington. Consequently, he has been there making legislative decisions that adversely affected our country and our economy.

I believe, as many members of this district believe, that it is time to elect someone who is in touch with mainstream, middle class America to represent us. It is time to elect Mike O’Brien.

Unlike Mr. Upton who was raised with upper-class privilege as an heir to Whirlpool fortune, Mike O’Brien was raised by a single-mother and knows about the struggles women who are left to raise their children face.

Unlike Fred who voted to send the military into harm’s way, Mike actually served as a Marine and has first-hand knowledge of the men and women and their families, sacrifices and hardships as they face danger and work to protect our freedoms.
Since Mike successfully owned and operated a farm in Fennville, he has actual experience and understanding of what faces our hard-working farm families in the Sixth District. He also understands the impact of the costly decisions and legislation in Washington that has had a negative impact on safe and healthy agriculture in our country.

Finally, unlike Fred who has enjoyed a career in politics, Mike O’Brien has worked in the private sector and with alternative energy. He understands what those in the middle class and the mainstream face every day. He has the experience and understanding of how difficult the devastating actions of those in Washington have been for many in our country.

Mike O’Brien is the best choice to next represent us in the Sixth District. Take the opportunity to meet and learn more about Mike www.mikeobrienforcongress.com, then cast your vote for a true representative in Washington.

Bette Pierman
Benton Harbor

Source

Posted 7/21/2012 Moved 8/4/2012

Pictured above is our office along U.S. 12 just south of Buchanan and in the background the picturesque -- nay, majestic -- Mount Buchanan. This is a rare view of the famous mountain since usually most of its higher regions are obscured by clouds. This is the southern view showing the highest peck, The Matter-Minks, a favorite of mountain climbers the world-round.

Ten pseudo-facts about this stupendous monolith you may not know:

(1) The native Americans called Mount Buchanan simply "The Big Phew;" the meaning has been lost over the generations.

(2) The early French explorers were the first Europeans to see Mount Buchanan and named it Mount Peppi La Pew after a favorite mascot that accompanied them. Historians have always wondered why they named it after a skunk.

(3) Geologists tell us that once Mount Buchanan lay at the bottom of a shallow fresh water sea, the ancient Lake Furst. This is based on the discovery of fossilized snail shells found near the summit. Geologist Vicki: "The evidence is conclusive, it is almost as if people discarded countless, countless home aquariums on this site."

(4) The mountain itself is a product of a giant uplifting caused by the movement of two large continental plates -- the well entrenched Republican Plate with is dull and lack-luster obstructionism and the newer, sharper, and dynamic Democratic Plate. Within time, the Democratic Plate will replace the older feature of the landscape. Dr. Vickie states: "It is just progress."

(5) Global warming has taken a toll on the glaciers found on Mt. Buchanan. Glacier Tina, to the east, and Glacier Edie, to the northwest, are both waning at the rate of several inches of ice a year.

(6) The fabled Fountain-of-Insight is said to be located in the foothills of our mountain. Legion says that one who drinks from this spring will be given intelligence and wisdom to make important decisions -- like voting. Unfortunately, the locals long ago dug up and destroyed this spring -- thus explaining why, generally, the region votes in ignorance and stupidity. It is said that a small trickle from this spring survives and, if nourished, will grow and once again the region will vote with intelligence and elect Democrats..

(7) Similar to the Buddhist monks of the Himalayan mountains, in the highest reaches of Mt. Buchanan are found the sage Berrienites, led by their sublime leader the Dahi Minks. People trek to this monastery high, high, high up in the mountain to seek advice. The trail begins at P's Cannoli Stand and winds its way over the Truesdell Ice Brige over the great Brown-Hahn crevasse and eventually passing the entrance of the Crandell Ice Cave. "Oh venerated one, what words of wisdom do you have for us?" "Always vote Democratic!"

(8) El Dorado, associated with gold beyond one's belief, is said by legion to be found under Mt. Buchanan. John K, David, John B and Robin tell us that one day Mt. Buchanan will be mined for the valuable store of wealth it contains.

(9) Like Mount Olympus in Greek culture, Mt. Buchanan is said to be home of a goddess -- the evil Tyler, goddess of Avarice, Waste and Consumption. A religious cult still survives and makes daily pilgrimages in specialized trucks to deliver tribute to this goddess.

(10) The region is very geologically active as an extension of the New Madrid fault system, which was responsible for the devastating Midwest earthquake in 1812, runs though the Mt. Buchanan region. Called the Republicus Fault, it has been responsible for many disastrous shockwaves which attack middle class, poor, and downtrodden people. This active zone is responsible for twin geysers which are as "faithful" as the one in Yellowstone -- Geyser Betsy and Geyser Vance.

Posted 7/22/2012

Why I support President Obama

Last edited Sun Jul 15, 2012, 12:12 AM USA/ET

A longtime conservative friend replied on my facebook post about being a strong supporter of president Obama. She said, "I am asking in a completely civil manner why are you supporting this man?"

This was my reply:

The Reasons I Support Barack Obama

I support President Obama because he represents many of the ideals I believe in; fairness, compassion, service, love of family, patriotism, compromise and a love of country not blinded by slogans and political idealism. He is smart enough to realize things are not perfect in our country and we aren't number one just because we are the U. S. of A. He understands that dealing with the real issues facing this country is much more difficult than a Toby Keith song or a magnetic ribbon would lead one to believe.

I support him because he has faced constant, unrelenting, mean-spirited, dishonest criticism since before he took office and every day since. His patriotism has been questioned by every member of Foxnews and Rush Limbaugh every single day he has served. He has suffered innumerable lies about his ideology, religion and even his place of birth. No other president in the history of this country has faced such unfounded open hostility and disrespect. No other president has ever been called a liar by a member of congress during a State of the Union, no other president has had to show his birth certificate...repeatedly.

I support him because he has done many things republicans insist they do well and he has done them better; during his administration, and as a direct result of his risky order, special forces, under his command, killed Osama bin Laden, he ended the war in Iraq,and is winding down the war in Afghanistan, two of the longest running wars in American history both started by his predecessor at the cost of a trillion or more dollars and the lives of over 6000 U.S. troops. Under his administration, more Al Qaeda terrorists have been killed by drone attacks and covert U.S. operations in 3 1/2 years than the Bush administration killed in twice that time. There hasn't been another terrorist attack on American soil since he took office. He helped to end the reign of terror under a homicidal madman, Muammar Gaddafi, in Libya and did it without losing a single American life. He has increased border security and the number of illegal aliens crossing into the United States has dropped to historic lows, in fact immigration from Mexico is actually at a negative number with more Mexicans going back home than coming into the U.S. Cyber attacks against Iran that probably set their nuclear program back several years and gained us useful actionable intelligence were implemented during his administration, probably by the CIA or some other nefarious black ops unit. But for all his foreign policy success he receives nothing but derision and backhanded compliments from his opponents. He works twice as hard, is three times as successful and receives none of the credit. Hell, if George W. Bush had done any of the things on this list they would be carving his face into Mount Rushmore, naming Airports and Highways after him and his face would be on the $50 bill already.

I support him because he has fought like hell to drag America into the twenty first century. He has implemented a health care plan which, though not perfect, is the first of it's kind in our nation (and we are the last modern industrialized nation to provide basic healthcare coverage to it's citizens...We're Number Last!). One that will insure 35 million more American citizens will have access to health care. He has made it possible for friends of mine to put their adult, but unemployed, children back on their policies so they don't have to worry about financial ruin over some unforeseen illness or accident. He has made it possible for friends of mine whose children were born with down syndrome to get insurance without being denied because their children were born with a "pre-existing condition." Republicans know that as more of this plan is implemented over the next 2 years, Americans will see that contrary to what they have been told, "Obamacare" will help them make sure they have affordable coverage for their families and that they can't be cut off because of an expensive illness. Seniors will save money on their life saving prescription drugs. The Tea Party claims of socialism and death panels will look more foolish in hindsight than they do to rational people now.

He made another risky political decision to come out in support of gay marriage. He ended the horrible "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy which discriminated and terminated the patriotic service of thousands of soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen when our country desperately needed them most. He has come out in support of gay Americans like no other serving President before him and has ended federal support of the asinine Defense of Marriage Act. He has brought gay rights to the forefront of American history and his support has already had a dramatic affect on the national attitude towards gay marriage in a positive way. This man has made it possible for some of my gay friends who have served proudly in combat for years to now serve honestly as well.

I support him because he has faced this unrelenting bitterness and undeserved hate with grace and honor, with compassion and humility. His speeches still have the power to inspire and move me like no other politician in my lifetime. He renews my sense of pride in our country. I don't wince when he speaks to foreign leaders, I am instead filled with admiration and proudly say, "That's my president." He engages his opponents with tact, respect and facts. His is not a world of you are with us or against us rather a world of optimism and hope that we can work together through our differences to make this country better.

I support him because he has aged 10 years in 3 because the job he faces every day has pressures and stress that the we will never come close to comprehending.

I support him because he truly connects with people. You can see it in the crowds who gather to watch him speak and even the faces of infants thrust into his arms. He comes from a family not unfamiliar to me or many but he went much farther than could possibly be imagined; a child raised by a single mom with the help of her parents. A boy who struggled to fit in because of his racial and geographical diversity. A young man who beat the odds and attended one of the best universities this country has and became an intellectual leader under it's tutelage. A man who chose service over monetary success and then beat the odds again by becoming a state, then United States Senator, then President.

But most of all I support "this man" because he is my...he is our President. I believe in what he is trying to do and I see how much unfair opposition he faces every day for it. I respect him as our president and I respect him and honor him as a man making sacrifices only a few can imagine. I am inspired by his patience. I am impressed by his fortitude and I am humbled by his service. He gives me hope for this beaten down, broke ass, bigoted country that I love and when people ask if he can beat the odds and make this country a better, fairer more decent place to live for all Americans, he still makes me think, "Yes we can!"

Source Democratic Underground