Tag Archive for Free Markets

Constitution, Cronyism, Economy, Liberty, Michigan, Opinion, Philosophy

Still Missing the Fire (Truck) for the Flames

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It is a higher power that creates such things as ..vultures

But I insist.

My friend Scales is a thoughtful writer, but in this case, he’s wielding a classic rhetorical sleight of hand—introducing a different frustration about private equity (fire truck manufacturing) to distract from my original argument: government-created scarcity is the true culprit in manufactured housing rent spikes.

Let’s talk about that fire truck video.

Yes, fire departments are paying more. Yes, trucks are expensive. But blaming that on private equity alone is like blaming a grocery store for high egg prices during a bird flu outbreak. It’s convenient—but wildly incomplete.

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All the Other Stuff, Economy, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Opinion

Trump Tariffs – More Than Money

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Economics is more than Money - Michigan is still relevant.

I have always been a free market guy. But..  Sometimes it’s more than that.

In the 1940s, Michigan stood tall as the arsenal of democracy. Factories from Detroit to Lansing didn’t just build cars—they became the beating heart of the world’s greatest war machine. General Motors alone cranked out 206,000 aircraft engines, over 13,000 Navy planes, 38,000 tanks, and more than 850,000 military trucks. This was more than manufacturing—it was an industrial miracle powered by resources we had right here at home, by skilled workers, and yes—by the original Rosie the Riveters who stepped up when America needed them most.

Michigan was ready. Our factories could pivot. Our people were trained. Even years later, one of my brothers, combing through a closed Oldsmobile plant in Lansing during the 1980s, stumbled upon engineering drawings—blueprints—for fighter aircraft tucked away on the factory floor. That legacy wasn’t just steel and grease—it was readiness. Cool stuff.

Fast-forward to today, and the picture is starkly different.

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Michigan, Philosophy

Lions Packers Sunday Memo

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If it's something you want to do, it ought to always be available at the right price.

dsc_1702Truth be told, both teams have some work to do.

Packers broke out the catnip in the first half going to the locker room ahead of the Lions 31-10.  In the second half, the Lions held the pack to a lousy 3 points, scoring 17 of their own.

Funny how math works.  The seven point win over Detroit  was a relief to Packers fans watching live, or in person by the end of the matter in Green Bay on Sunday.  Both teams have talent, but remain unpredictable as the game clock is running.

One interesting highlight of the game was the use of the NFL out of bounds rule to move the Packers ball return up to the 40 yard line by touching the ball while out-of-bounds.

Clever.

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Michigan Politics

Free And Open Markets OR Enforcement Of Contract?

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How should the press release by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette be taken?

Bill-SchuetteOne would think that a member of the party supporting ‘free and open markets’ would be inclined to liberate those same markets.

Yet recently and not for the first time, the Michigan Attorney General’s office has investigated, and prosecuted privately-held businesses for responding to demand and availability in ways they felt were necessary.  Using taxpayer dollars, the AG’s office obtained a $500,000 settlement from a provider of propane, because that business raised its prices.

Though some of the investigation had legitimate reason to happen (established deals were not being honored), the underlying premise that the AG’s office presents is one that seemingly panders to the “its just not fair” crowd. When Schuette says :

“I’m happy we can put money back into the wallets of hard-working families who paid steep prices to heat their homes last winter while already trying to make ends meet.”

He is not saying he is “happy to provide enforcement of contract”

THAT is a problem.  Its not the job of the Michigan Attorney General to make sure pricing is fair.  Its not the Job of the Office of the Attorney General to ensure people can afford their utilities or everyday needs. Its definitely not Bill Schuette’s job to “put money back into the wallets” of those he deems to have been victimized by a brutally cold winter, or those who must provide the resources to deal with it.

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Elections, Michigan, Opinion, Philosophy

When Republicans Advocate for Apartheid

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“I am a strong supporter of equal pay for equal work, and the two laws on the books that protect women in the workplace – the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.” – Terri’s Solutions

And, supports Elliot-Larsen expansion… Minimum Wage hikes… displays expediency against those with Conservative values…

Yannow, I just can’t wait to see her next flip-flop before November.

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Michigan, Michigan Politics, Rent Seeking

Shirkey: New Report Shows Electricity Competition Works

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Illinois Study Clarifies Free Markets Provide Better Value

energyMike Shirkey says a new report shows electric monopolies cost families and job providers billions, and cripples local economies.

We knew that.

Apparently an Illinois study offers overwhelming Support for reforms Similar to Michigan House Bill 5184. State Rep. Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) highlighted the report today showing a dramatic $37 billion in consumer savings in nearby Illinois since that state replaced its monopoly-style electric system with competition and customer choice.  The report cites an $18 billion in savings for residential customers and $19 billion for companies and job providers.  Chicken feed. Yes?

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