Perhaps it is by design.

One thing of particular interest to bloggers and out-of-mainstream writers is the legislative effort to curb access to information and the ability to report by 'just anyone'.  It had popped up a couple of years ago when a Michigan legislator, State senator Bruce Patterson (perhaps twirling his handlebar mustache a little too tight) had the idea of 'licensing journalists'.

"Introduced by Sen. Bruce Patterson (R) on May 11, 2010, to create a government "Board of Michigan Registered Reporters" to pass on the qualifications under criteria established in the bill for an individual who seeks to use the title "Michigan Registered Reporter." An individual who writes or creates news stories, commentaries or editorials for a newspaper, online news outlet or radio or TV broadcaster, and who wants to use this title, would have to pay a $10 fee, and have either a journalism degree, at least three years experience as a reporter, submit writing samples, present evidence of awards or recognitions, present a letter of recognition from a reporter who is "registered," etc."

In fairness, it should be noted he was 'cool' with non credentialed types using the title 'reporter'.

However, other efforts to control information are still surfacing as Michigan legislators are attempting to limit the flow of information to the public in a way that allows only CERTAIN reporters access to public records. :

"The bill considers a journalist to be "an employee of a radio or television station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission" or "an employee of a newspaper."

If it were only these efforts?

The burdens and additional paperwork small business will face if the internet sales tax is enacted might mean nothing to the Walmarts or other big box houses which have a nexus in each and every state.  However, a small operation that does business on the internet and ALREADY faces a shipping obstacle the box houses can overcome with trucking logistics, will be forced into near impossible operating conditions.  There might be other solutions, but no-one has come close to the right ones yet.

There are some legislators that serve their (well funded) masters well.

Tax Tyrants?

Click on their images and call them to ask "why would they want to hurt Small Business in Michigan and elsewhere?"

SAY NO to HB4202 and HB4203

In yet another attempt to bend the business owner to government's will, Democrats in the state house have introduced what I will call the Credit Reporting Absolutely Prohibited act.

Michigan's House Bill 4363 (2011) has the following lawmakers bending employers over and gives them the busines..  umm gives them a LESSON on business. Jon Switalski - (primary) Lesia Liss, Vicki Barnett, Rashida H. Tlaib, Kate Segal, Stacy Erwin Oakes, Andrew J. Kandrevas, Woodrow Stanley, Brandon Dillon, Fred Durhal, Jr., Jim Ananich, Maureen Stapleton, Ellen Cogen Lipton, Mark Meadows, Lisa Brown all have jumped on board the 'C.R.A.P.' act bandwagon, and eagerly seek the  no responsibility route.

"A bill to prohibit employers from making certain recruiting or hiring decisions based upon an individual's credit history; to prohibit employers from making certain inquiries; to prohibit certain waivers; to prohibit retaliation; and to provide remedies."

Certainly, those folks could get their credit back up if they could get that job they don't deserve, right?  Oh my, those poor put upon people who just cannot catch a break!  Wow! If I may borrow a cartoon character's exclamation of disgust mixed with a little frustration and eye rolling, AYE CARAMBA!  It seems our out of touch cousins of the liberal persuasion have again forgotten that their form of governance has consequence.