Tag: Trust

The governing body which resides over the largest public budget in the Northwestern part of the state continues to thumb its nose at taxpayers.  A recent (probable) violation of the open meetings act, adds to a list of actions that are not only indicative of sloppy governance, but more likely sanctioned acts of deception and perfidy.  A scheduling ruse used by the board to hide its 'open' retreat worked to its advantage with no public present, with no recordings made of the retreat activities, and no option of challenge by the public, plans that will likely be rubber stamped in future open meetings which the board normally schedules.

Examples of deceptive practices are not exactly limited to what I write here.  This particular story however, notes a growing disdain for the concerns taxpayers might have for the appropriate management of their resources. There are concerns that remain unanswered.

A recent bond issue was a catalyst in engaging some of us in the Grand Traverse region with regard to the actions of the local board for Traverse City Area Public Schools. (TCAPS)  The $100 million bond issue came on the 5 year anniversary of another like it in 2007.  Part of the issue that inspired opposition of myself and others was the inclusion of a $26.5 million 'performing arts center' in the bond which many see as wasteful and unnecessary.  The timing also coincides with one of the worst economically difficult times the region has seen.

The bond was defeated by nearly 60-40%, which might make some think it would have failed no matter the opposition.

The sad reality is that it would have likely been a reversal in percentages seen without organized resistance and the sunlight provided by that resistance.

Right Governor Snyder?

With all due respect, it takes a little more substance to represent your state sir.  Especially when 26 states are ready to tell Obama where he can stick his health care.  They pretty much have already. And given the outcome of the upcoming electoral contests in the Senate, the Congress, and yes, the 'occupied' White house, its likely that doing anything to capitulate with the insanity would be a foolish endeavor we would have to roll back anyhow.

Why in the heck would we want to complicate things further?

Take a lesson from one of your counterparts.  Governor Rick Perry has kicked Obama's messenger, 300 style, into the abyss from which such laws emanate.

He pretty much told that gal to deliver a go-to-hell with the mandate, expansive overreach, and unconstitutional buggery of the american people with a letter delivered today.  A message for the man who was elected president in our nations fit of idiocy, who has shown himself to be incapable of recognizing cause and effect, misunderstands markets, and has no respect for what our founders shed blood for.  

Imagine that.

Doctor, I do believe it is gangrene!

And in our own civil war brought about by the corruption within the Michigan Republican party we will have to hold it down to cut off the bad parts.  Sorry that it is so painful, but someone misplaced all the anesthesia.

In a post regarding the credentials committee decision to change the rules to favor the meme that Romney carried the day February 28, RM's post invited lefty love.  Kevin Shopshire, alias Communications guru, who often lashes out (thats really ALL he does) at republicans and conservatives frequently, made like a broken clock, and may have found a point where he is right for the second time in his life.  Shopshire made a valid point unfortunately:

Communications guru said...
Is anyone really surprised Republicans are dishonest? They should have just saved taxpayers $10 million and gave Romney the delegates. This is such a waste of time; all we are doing is deciding who is going to lose to President Obama in November.
3/01/2012 3:40 PM

Republican Michigander said...
Personally I'd rather have the caucus even if the results would have been more favorable to Romney. Unfortunately this [expletive deleted] gave you a great talking point to use against us.
3/01/2012 4:04 PM

Communications guru said...
Talking point? It's not a talking point; it's about the basic dishonesty of your party.
3/02/2012 8:08 AM

The "basic dishonesty of the party" meme is getting harder to defend so long as we have continued dominance by an establishment that operates not in a conservative fashion, but in one that continues to elevate those who play for power, not the good of the people.

A couple of days ago I read an article on political will and K-12 considerations.  Author Ken Braun had noted the seemingly lackluster efforts of Tea Party type groups. Or perhaps at the very least, the perception of said groups' efforts in providing little backbone to our newly elected Republican and conservative lawmakers.  Braun notes the media response to low pressure being applied:

"For all of the criticism he has taken from fiscal conservatives over not asking for more spending cuts to offset his business tax plan, it is important to remember that Gov. Snyder appears to have very accurately estimated the low level of courage within his own party for such a policy. And the Lansing media was even shocked by the low level of tea party pressure being applied on GOP lawmakers refusing to make even his modest K-12 cuts."

Indeed, the silence has been deafening.