Michigan Politics

Michigan Political considerations.

No Powder In This Cannon

Truth be told, THAT gun has probably never been fired.

poachingMichigan is indeed a sportsman’s paradise.

Naturally, the coveted NRA scoring and endorsement will be flaunted by would-be Michigan politicos who want an edge up on their opponents.  In the strange circumstance however, the NRA has been rewarding legislative support for ammo registration in Michigan yet is fighting it in California.

Go figure.

Yes, in Michigan, several legislators are being punished by the NRA scoring process for voting against a package of bills designed to ‘Keep ammo out of the hands of felons.’ Certainly the NRA is acting responsibly, right? Until you carefully think through what it takes to enforce such an act.

Lets consider what the NRA uses as legislative candidate scoring criteria first.

A+: A legislator with not only an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote and defend the Second Amendment.

A: Solidly pro-gun candidate. A candidate who has supported NRA positions on key votes in elective office or a candidate with a demonstrated record of support on Second Amendment issues.

AQ: A pro-gun candidate whose rating is based solely on the candidate’s responses to the NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire and who does not have a voting record on Second Amendment issues.

B: A generally pro-gun candidate. However, a “B” candidate may have opposed some pro-gun reform or supported some restrictive legislation in the past.

D: An anti-gun candidate who usually supports restrictive gun control legislation and opposes pro-gun reforms. Regardless of public statements, can usually be counted on to vote wrong on key issues.

Emphasis in bold.

You Betcha! (19)Nuh Uh.(0)

HELP NEEDED against the Federal Government housing undocumented “children” in Vassar Michigan

As Vassar is first city in Michigan to be targeted by the Feds for relocation of "Undocumented Children" Vassar citizens plan Protest / Informational Meeting this week.

Protest WHY?
Feds importing undocumented “children” into Vassar MI , Wolverine Center. Some of these “kids” are 17 and 19 years old. The fact is that Wolverine has always dealt with Michigan youth where the physical and emotional needs of its guests are known. We, nor the Federal Government, nor the State of Michigan know ANYTHING about who these individuals background. How will housing these people impact our economy, schools, and neighborhoods? These are reasonable questions that deserve an answer BEFORE these undocumented :children are thrust upon us not after.
The protest Monday July 7 @ 6pm.
Location: Vassar City Council , city building 287 E Huron Ave, Vassar, MI 48768…City Council meeting at 7pm. From the protest we can move to the city council meeting for those would like to present a unified front . During the public comment portion our thoughts will be expressed.

The Vassar Concerned Citizens Committee is presenting a
Public Informational Meeting Wednesday, July
9th 6PM-8PM

On Wednesday July 9 there will be a free public meeting for information about the possible housing of the undocumented “children”. The meeting will be held at Vassar High School, 220 Athletic Street, Vassar MI. 48768…..knowledgeable speakers will present and Wolverine representatives have also been invited to state the reasons for importing the kids.
This informational meeting is about the Wolverine Center in Vassar MI, taking, housing, and providing education for the illegal and undocumented immigrant “children” who have come across our borders. Parking is available in city lot, or at empty parking lots next door and across the street.

There will be no questions or discussion and disrupters will be asked to please listen or if they continue to interrupt/disrupt will be asked to leave. We will be presenting the best information that we have and two hours is a very short time.
Wolverine Human Services traditionally has been for males ages 12 thru 18. 19 years olds have to leave whether they have completed their sentence or are returned to jail. Over 18 does also not have to be usually educated by Vassar Public Schools. Wolverine does not use the state special education guidelines that allows special needs students to be educated to age 25.

To make sure that the event is not misrepresented, we WILL be live streaming the event on the following ustream channel – http://www.ustream.tv/channel/michigan-concerns-for-conservatives

You Betcha! (15)Nuh Uh.(1)

Rob Steele In Traverse City

SteeleA few Nights ago, we had the pleasure of a visit in Traverse City by Dr Rob Steele for a visit with Representative Greg MacMaster, a talk on the ACA and health care in general.

Dr. Steele has a place up in this neck of the woods, and is quite at home in his home away from the Peoples Republic of Ann Arbor. In 2010, Dr. Steele came as close to victory as any have over congressman John Dingell; holding Dingell to his lowest percentage of votes in his 55-year career in Congress.  He is again pursuing a spot as U of M Regent.

In any event, we recorded his presentation.  Enjoy.

You Betcha! (7)Nuh Uh.(0)

TPX For Tom?

tpxThe Tea Party Express is one of those PAC groups that knows how to throw a party.

Typically they will show up for Tea Type Republican candidates in congressional races, put on a performance, and raise money for advertising and campaign ‘assistance.’ Our own experiences in Michigan have certainly been colored by their visits to our communities, and in Traverse City in 2010, we pulled off a 2200 plus person event that was able to celebrate the departure announcement of Democrat congressman Bart Stupak.

We now know they are looking at State Representative Tom McMillin who properly represents traditional conservative views; those most deeply held by most in the ‘Tea’ movement. An Email blast from the TPX advertises their discussion:

mcmillin_2In this week’s “On the Campaign Trail” podcast, we are joined by Tom McMillin.  Tom discusses his campaign for U.S. Congress in Michigan’s 8th district where he hopes to fill the vacant seat left by retiring Republican Mike Rogers.

Tom’s discussion with the TPX is on audio here.

You Betcha! (9)Nuh Uh.(0)

Vote No On Proposal 1?

"It is my estimation that it was not necessary to place anything on the ballot to allow the reduction of that tax." Rose Bogaert WCTA

no-on-oneIt’s seemed all too easy for this to almost slip right by, unquestioned as we fight our local political battles..

Folks have been trying to figure out the impact of proposal one.  The complicated gobbledygook language contained in multiple bills as a part of PA 80 has not helped, and the question remains: “Why is it necessary to have the voters act to ‘reduce’ taxes?” Before we as a state vote on ANYTHING, it ought to be at least reasonably explained.

Indeed, I don’t know anyone who likes the personal property tax, but will the ‘devil we know’ be replaced by one even more destructive?  Rose Bogaert, of the Wayne County Taxpayers Association lays it out:

Wayne County Taxpayers Association Position Paper

Proposal 1
APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF AMENDATORY ACT TO REDUCE STATE USE TAX AND REPLACE WITH A LOCAL COMMUNITY STABILIZATION SHARE TO MODERNIZE THE TAX SYSTEM TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES GROW AND CREATE JOBS
The amendatory act adopted by the Legislature would:

  1. Reduce the state use tax and replace with a local community stabilization share of the tax for the purpose of modernizing the tax system to help small businesses grow and create jobs in Michigan.
  2. Require Local Community Stabilization Authority to provide revenue to local governments dedicated for local purposes, including police safety, fire protection, and ambulance emergency services.
  3. Increase portion of state use tax dedicated for aid to local school districts.
  4. Prohibit Authority from increasing taxes.
  5. Prohibit total use tax rate from exceeding existing constitutional 6% limitation. Should this law be approved?

I want to state that the Personal Property Tax is a horrible tax and a burden to business and employment. If I were to say to the average taxpayer that their stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer and any other appliance or furniture were all subject to personal property tax for 10 years after purchase with a reduction each year for depreciation, we would have a revolt.

You Betcha! (26)Nuh Uh.(2)

Alan Arcand Event Friday June 27

 FUNDRAISER FOR U.S CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE, ALAN ARCAND IN TRAVERSE CITY ON FRIDAY, JUNE 27

U.S. Congress candidate, Alan Arcand (R-Iron River) will be attending a mixer-style fundraiser hosted Friday, June 27th at Streeters in Traverse City, Michigan from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Arcand is challenging incumbent Dan Benishek for Michigan’s First Congressional District.
An hors d’oeuvre buffet and cash bar will be available at the event. Yard signs and campaign literature will be available for personal use or local distribution. The event is intended to give the public an opportunity to meet Alan and learn about his views and ask questions.

Donations in any amount will be gratefully accepted but NOT required.

Pack the room!

To learn more visit www.arcandforcongress.com

You Betcha! (4)Nuh Uh.(0)

The Duplicity Of Wayne Schmidt

Heads I win Tails You Lose. Now Go Ahead And Flip That Coin.

du·plic·i·ty [doo-plis-i-tee]
noun, plural du·plic·i·ties

deceitfulness in speech or conduct, as by speaking or acting in two different ways to different people concerning the same matter; double-dealing. Synonyms: deceit, deception, dissimulation, fraud, guile, hypocrisy, trickery. Antonyms: candidness, directness, honesty, straightforwardness.

MIFTW-logoRight To Work

Wayne Schmidt hemmed and hawed during the debate lead up in the right to work fight. As I was bringing a measure before our county commission to promote it, he was declaring it dead on arrival.  The measure simply called for Representative Schmidt and Senator Walker to support and move forward the Freedom to Work (right to work) legislation that was ultimately passed in late 2012.

Instead of embracing it or endorsing right to work, Schmidt would repeat the mantra that “its not a good time;” something that did not make any sense of course, as a full Republican majority in all areas of Michigan government is a rare occurrence.  If THAT was not a good time, what is?

You Betcha! (23)Nuh Uh.(0)

Hometown Paper Rallies Around Editor

The Argus wraps itself around former editor Rich Perlberg in an attempt to brush off legitimate criticism of his 'Republican' bona-fides.

perlbergIt must hurt to be kicked there.

Chutzpa.

And man parts the size of watermelons.

Golly, its as if we’ve never offered an opinion before.  I can picture the call:

“Oh my gosh, they hurt my feelings..  please help..”

Of course, what good newspaper editorial department dogs its own former leader when he wants to turn hero and run for office in the ‘other party.’

That’s pretty much all I have to say.  Now Jennifer Hensley on the other hand? She has a bit more

In my ideal world, every primary race would have at least two candidates.  There would be a spirited campaign with in-depth media scrutiny, several debates or forums, and the voters could then compare their options and vote for the candidate who best represents their positions.  Human nature being what it is, this almost never happens.  Let’s use the Michigan 42nd House race as an exemplar.”

Read the rest.

You Betcha! (7)Nuh Uh.(1)

Boxing Moniker’s for MIGOP Politicians

How about we use these moniker’s in describing MIGOP politicians like boxers for instance: Boxing
Randy (The Philanderer) Richardville
Roger (The Pirate) Kahn
Brian (Lapdog) Calley
Arlan (Reconsider) Meekhof
Tom (Sissy Boot Licker) Casperson
Dan (We Don’t Need No Doctor) Benishek
Howard (Screw You Dude) Walker
Rick (Relentless Progressive Action) Snyder
Peter (The Un-Friender Pretender) Pettalia
Frank (Faux Tea Party) Foster
Dale (Ask Party Leadership How I Should Vote) Zorn
Wayne (Red Light Scamera) Schmidt
Al (Skinhead) Pscholka
John (The Finger Wind Checker) Proos
Tonya (Barbie Doll) Schuitimaker
Fred (Lightbulb Louie) Upton
Lisa (Daddy’s Girl) Posthumus Lyons

You Betcha! (9)Nuh Uh.(3)

FreedomWorks Mi Score Card

FreedomWorks Issues Its 2014 Key Votes Scorecard.

A reliably conservative watchdog, FreedomWorks reflects the views of many conservative and tea types

Not surprisingly, certain lawmakers scored higher than their supposedly ideological brothers.  We have seen the squishy unprincipled selling out of the USA for far too long to not expect it to be revealed in this type of scoring.

MI-Congress-2014-FW

The card can be maximized by clicking on the image.  the corresponding votes are below.

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