Opinion

Nothing To Offer

Garlin Gilchrist afraid to debate Lisa Lyons? Makes sense.

No upside to looking the fool, right?

Typically, the unknown would welcome the opportunity to gain name recognition in the political process. However sometimes campaigns bring out the inability to stand behind their ideas.  Radical leftist and former Moveon.org campaign director Garlin Gilchrist has refused to Debate Lyons.

Apparently, it would hurt the campaign terribly.

By refusing to let the extreme former Moveon.org Director Garlin Gilchrist debate against Lisa Posthumus Lyons, Gretchen Whitmer has inadvertently admitted that her lieutenant governor selection is too radical for Michigan. The Whitmer campaign would keep Gilchrist hidden from voters so they cannot discover his past support of Hamas, criticism of Israel and its supporters, as well as unqualified support for handing out driver’s licenses to those who should not have them.

Schuette campaign spokesman Stu Sandler says:

“As a former Moveon.org campaign director, Garlin Gilchrist holds radical beliefs that are too extreme for Michigan. Gretchen Whitmer does not want voters to find out about Gilchrist’s far-left policies supporting Hamas, criticizing Israel and its supporters, and support for giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants”

Lisa Lyons Posthumus challenged Garlin Gilchrist to three debates, but the Whitmer campaign called the debates a “non-starter” because they were fearful of voters getting to know Gilchrist’s radical positions. Sandler asks

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Not This Year

NPV efforts in Michigan will not bear fruit this year, but ..

Yesterday, some good people gathered in Lansing to let legislators know that NPV was maybe not such a good idea.

They were apparently well received. And though there were no absolutes on future efforts, it was made clear that nothing will happen this year to give the progressive left it’s holy grail, a full blown democracy, when electing the president.  Norm Hughes who in large part organized the day long effort writes afterward:

Thank you to all the Patriots that went to Lansing today to talk with legislators. Several dozen were involved and they were truly great. We got firm commitments in both houses that National Popular Vote (NPV) will not be voted on this year. We also picked up at least 12 more NO votes on Convention Of States, meaning we have the votes to defeat it if they bring it up in the lame duck session.

This NPV snafu came at a terrible time, taking volunteers from campaigns to Lansing to educate the very candidates who want their help. I can tell you some top officials think it was one cluster ***. Those who took the Hawaii junket might have fulfilled their obligation to push it but it backfired, How are they going to explain that to their benefactors?

A “terrible time” indeed.

I can tell you that there are certain legislators who signed on that will still feel the pain.  When looking for the door knockers, local offices have found that certain representative candidates are not inspiring a ground swell of optimism.  They may well win their respective contests, but rightfully, they will have to work harder to do so.

Mr Hughes mentioned in a separate post on Facebook that some of the legislators responded positively to the Proportional Electors idea.  This is something which the electoral college was designed to accommodate.  There are two states, Maine, and Nebraska, which do not follow the winner take all formula.

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Coming up next: Christians against Christ!

In a move that I heard rumblings about them for some time now, but felt they had slightly more of a chance of existing than, say, The Nain Rouge, Dogman, The Little Blue Man or even Luke The Spook, The Detroit News reported today that a group calling themselves “Republicans and Independents for Whitmer” have finally made their existence known.

Yes, the name is exactly what is says, although the “republicans” in the aforementioned name aren’t even on the radar when it comes to promoting anything even remotely close to Conservative Values.

Calling them RINO’s would actually be a complement to them.

I’m a little pressed for time today and have to keep this short, but will share one quick quite from Sen. Shirkey and Rep. Chatfield on these knuckleheads before I have to run.

“Anyone claiming to be a ‘Republican for Whitmer’ is someone opposed to lower taxes, limited government and fiscal responsibility.”

I will be touching on that glaringly obvious problem within the Michigan GOP and expanding on this post a little later.

 

Who loves ya, baby!

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Discord & Disarray

Between bad proposals, and the best intentions the timing couldn't be worse.

Lobbyists know that our legislators have blind spots.

Its not that all legislators are blind, ignorant, foolish, or even downright incompetent.  Just most of them falling into one or more of those categories.

Unfortunately, some have gone back to the trough of stupid ideas a little too often.  Enough in fact, that they don’t even see the real reasons they are suddenly inundated with far reaching demands for change emanating from the pits of hell masquerading as fixes that are long overdue.

The convention of states (COS), and National Popular Vote (NPV) are two such changes that if successful, could threaten our very Republic.  The COS, in a way that opens the doors to quite literally writing out the very protections enshrined in our constitution.  The NPV, as a means to enable mob rule, and permanently entrench those who can then control media and other information sources.

And what about that NPV?

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NO To NPV For Crying Out Loud.

Out of the blue while no one is paying attention, THIS happens.

While everyone is watching DC, CRAZY CRAZY stuff is happening in our own legislature.

For God’s sake, its time for Saul to give this crazy bullshit a rest.  Saul is what one might call an ‘honest cop.’  He must have taken enough money from Soros and Tom Steyer, that he feels it’s worth his reputation to guarantee that the next Trump presidency never happens.

Yesterday, September 5, 2018, a bill was introduced by Reps. Kelly, Marino, Canfield, Alexander, Lilly, Wentworth, Sheppard, Miller, Rendon, Bellino, Cochran, VerHeulen, Leutheuser, Maturen, Cole and Guerra and referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics.  It reads:

” A bill to enter into the interstate compact to elect the president by national popular vote; and for related purposes. “

Full stop.

What self respecting Republican would sabotage the presidential prospects of his own party permanently?  The brilliance of the founders was to make sure that large population centers like Los Angeles, Chicago, and NY city were not going to be the permanent arbiters of who gets to be president.

Be watching the money folks. This kind of stupidity must be very expensive.  I cannot even use the ‘Sexy but stupid’ icon, because it’s not even  ..sexy.

Shaking my head at this right now.

 

 

 

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Voters Not Politicians?

The result could not be even remotely legal, so how can the proposal go forward?

The name “Puppets not People.” Would be more apt.

Proposal 2 of 2018 is one of the most bizarre creations to be tested before the voting public. Several pages of changes to our state constitution without the benefit of a convention, and a significant change to state government through a vote where maybe TWO or THREE percent of voters will have a full understanding of the changes being made.

The Michigan Supreme Court failed miserably in stopping what amounts to a coup of Michigan’s constitution. It should immediately review and recall its decision, or face future docket challenges it cannot meet.

The mess this proposal will create is undeniable.  Literally prepared for court battles, the proposal inserts language into our constitution that authorizes the commission to ‘prosecute’ the legislature for financial ability to defend itself against expected redistricting challenges.  What this means is that unlimited taxpayer dollars will be used to fend off any taxpayer disagreements with whatever crazy apportionment happens.

This ‘clever’ bit of political takeover quite frankly takes the power AWAY from the people of Michigan.  The Orwellian name ‘voters not politicians’ gives certain political influences (through social media and misinformation) more of a permanent grasp on the political mechanics, with little or no chance for timely corrections.

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STUPID.

The first Congressional District needs to reconsider inappropriate action.

There are people within the Republican party that still don’t get it.

It is one thing to privately support candidates they like.  It is fully yet another to officially endorse a candidate while the party itself is still determining the outcome.

An official endorsement implies many things, among which is the suggestion that anyone else who wishes to participate within the process is really no longer welcome.  That the efforts made to support a party committee will be diverted to represent interests that the contributor does not want.

Is the 1st CD cte trying to lessen overall involvement by those who might disagree with pet choices in a primary?

When a general election arrives it is all hands on deck as implied with membership of the party.  However, in a primary or pre-convention contest, the suggestion that all members have coalesced to agree that a single candidate is preferable over another is ludicrous and irresponsible.

I am a member of the 1st congressional district, and as a Republican delegate I was never consulted, nor asked for an opinion on the letter you see to the right.  Are we to conclude that duly elected delegates are to be ignored by the 1st congressional district executive board in the acts of favoritism?

There was no vote that we were allowed to participate in on this, and unilateral decision making is apparently the new rule.  While I had no horse in this contest, it is troubling that those who do would pretend to know my favor.

The first congressional district should rescind its endorsement until after the convention has selected its candidate.

 

 

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Foster Home Self Defense Lawsuit Moves Forward

Does one relinquish their rights in Michigan in order to foster a child?

Attorney Bill Schuette does a solid here.

Nick Lyon is having a bad week, but probably deserves it.  He is now on trial for Flint’s water based woes (why Michigan ever became involved in this however is beyond me), and the department he runs is being sued for constitutional violations.

William and Jill Johnson live in Ontonagon Michigan.  They wanted to take care of their grandson.  They also wanted to step up and offer their home to foster other children in need.  This last part put them at odds with MDHHS and along with others sharing their interest sued MDHHS director Lyon and the state of Michigan.

11. The Johnsons were asked by the State of Michigan to be foster parents to their grandchild. When Johnson and Jill and Mason went to pick up Johnson’s grandson at the MDHHS, Johnson was searched. Even though Johnson was not carrying a firearm, the MDHHS officials still demandedto see Johnson’s Concealed Pistol License. The caseworkers stated that Mr. Johnson, a 100% disabled veteran, was going to have to give them the serial numbers for all of his guns, including shotguns and rifles. When Johnson questioned the caseworkers about this, they told him: “if you want to care for your grandson you will have to give up some of your constitutional rights.” They then told the Johnsons that “there would not be a power struggle, that they would just take his grandson and place him in a foster home.” The MDHHS later said they had “big concerns” over Johnson exercising his Second Amendment rights and carrying a firearm. There is nothing in Johnson’s history that would warrant such concerns.

Thanks slick Rick for this pick.

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Convention Time

Step Right Up - The Greatest Show On Earth is about to begin!

Every two years, the factions of the Republican party get to have a little fun.

Don’t get me wrong, the democrats run the fun/ridiculous machine overtime.  No matter what anyone tells you, those who hook their wagons to the Socialist lite democrat banner are already exhibiting what should be in the APA DSM manuals.  The GOP has a few critical cases, but generally the differences are in the way we want to approach the argument.

However, there are still too many people who think that a life of crime  ..er a life of service ..  a political paycheck is the way to go.  Perhaps the prestige of those ‘power’ positions, and maybe even the real reward of patronage while in and out of office can make such aspirations appealing.

It may seem that the time spent and asses people have to kiss to grab that golden ring would be far better spent with family, doing vacations, building a business, etc.  I have run a couple of primary challenge campaigns to incumbents, but have no desire to be seated long term.  Some folks do it to effect REAL reformative change however.

I suspect most politicians actually feel that they have a ‘mission’ as well when starting on such an adventure, but also having won a campaign against an incumbent in a primary, I have also experienced the pressure of acceptance.  To the novice of political office, it is exceptionally easy to be sucked into the ‘best intentions’ paradigm.

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Schuette #NeverTrump Pick Disappointing

GOP Nominee reverts to comfort zone.

We already knew Bill Schuette’s choice for Lt. Governor Lisa Posthumus Lyons’ words:

“Demeaning women and disrespecting others is unacceptable behavior. I am raising four kids to stand up for others, to love their neighbor, to exemplify respect and integrity. I do not tolerate anything less from my kids, and I will not tolerate anything less from someone who wants to be President of the United States,” she wrote in 2016.

She wrote that she had remained quiet until then out of respect to voters who had chosen Trump as the nominee, “But it is clear that Donald Trump has not earned my respect or my vote.”

Apparently, she didn’t give that vote to him either.

This morning’s radio audio has Tim Skubick asking if she voted for him.  She replied with “I support President Trump and the policies that are coming out of his administration. ” or some other variation of this, but for the three times she was asked, three times she avoided directly answering the question.

Clearly, she didn’t vote for the president in the general election of 2016.  It is understandable that in the primary other Republicans might get the vote of the flag bearer, or flag bearer jr.  Hell, we all had our favorites.  But when the choice in the general means electing a Republican or promoting a dedicated criminal enterprise, it seems a person of reasonable intelligence might choose the former.

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