Wednesday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: PerfectStormer

Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 07:27:17 AM EST

Headlines:

• Washington Post: Winning Streak Extends to District, Md., and Va. Barack Obama sweeps the Potomac Primary last night to go 9-for-9 in primaries over the last four days.
  
• Freep: 25 arrests made in raid targeting food card fraud. The State Police crack down on Bridge Card fraud, which cost the state $55 million last year.
  
• Detroit News: GM sweetens buyout deals. GM offers to throw $45,000 bucks into the 401(k) of all 76,000 of its UAW folks if they'd just hurry up and retire already.
  
• AP via MLive: Road salt supplies squeezed in parts of Michigan. And now we're out of salt. This will be all kinds of fun.
  

Various political madness, most of it Michiganian in nature:

• Escanaba Daily Press: Party chair: 'State will likely not have a caucus'. Lots of interesting info from Mark Brewer, including (but not limited) to him going on record saying a caucus-style re-vote is unlikely.
  
• Daily Kos: Clinton on MI, FLA: "two states we have to carry." Leon Harris of Politico asks Hillary about the Michigan and Florida primaries.
  
• WMU College Dems blog: The Double Talk Express-Full Speed Ahead. Do you ever wonder if John McCain gets bunions from all those flip-flops?
  
• Walberg Watch: The Truth About...Mark? Long story short, Fitzy gives us all a good lesson in how to be a bad watchblogger, and in the process proves himself to be a darn good watchblogger. (Yes, this was covered ad nauseam by Eric RICH! last week, but Fitzy's post is just that good.)
  

The Economy, Education, Environment, Etc.:

• AFL-CIO Weblog: Bush Budget Indirectly Targets Social Security By Closing Offices. You knew he'd find a way. Now he's slashed $100 million from the SSA's administrative budget.
  
• Great Lakes IT Report: Kalamazoo business will fix your iPod, XBox. Don't just junk it--fix it! These two recent WMU grads are helping keep tech junk out of landfills by fixing it.
  
• State News: Online budget would make MSU more reliable. The State News profiles MSU Students for Prosperity, a group suggesting MSU take a lesson from (gasp) Mike Cox and post its budget online for everyone to review.
  
• [con]serving Michigan: Dow, Nestle should be held accountable, not praised. The money quote: "Dow and Nestle aren't part of the global water solution: they are part of the Michigan water crisis."
  
• The Sault Star: Don't be surprised if Uncle Sam starts salivating over Canada's fresh water. Just how much would you pay for a barrel of water? (h/t to Dave Dempsey)
  
• MITF Blog: Trust Fund, Comerica Announce Tax Assistance Loan Fund: A new revolving trust fund set up by Comerica and managed by the Michigan Interfaith Trust Fund will provide much-needed assistance to folks in SE Michigan in danger of losing their homes to foreclosures caused by unpaid property taxes.
  

Other stuff...cuz it's my Coffee Talk and I'll post if I want to:

• Mostly Sunny With a Chance of Gay: Love is not enough. Triangle West Michigan Field Organizer Colette Beighley weighs in on this past weekend's Creating Change conference in Detroit. Spartacus jokes aside... (And on a personal note, I think "Mostly Sunny With A Chance of Gay" is the greatest blog name EVER.)

  As always, use the comments to speak your mind. And above all, have a lovely day.

After you've finished throwing things at the TV...

by: LiberalLucy

Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 23:02:57 PM EST

...feel free to leave your thoughts/comments/snark on the Fumbler in Chief's State of the Union address this evening. Was it surprising? See any famous Michigan faces in the crowd? Did you particularly enjoy any part of it? Learn anything new? Can the Republicans really do any worse than the status quo?

See this guide on "How to Screw a Country in 8 years or less", oh USA Today, how I love thee.

Consider this an evening open thread/resting period before the next episode of political hoop-la in T-minus 20 hours and counting. Till then, play nice and don't forget to return the toys to their proper resting spots. :-)

Primary Poll Report - Open Thread

by: JPowers155

Tue Jan 15, 2008 at 10:32:38 AM EST

It's PRIMARY DAY here in Michigan and the polls are open for voting.  If you aren't sure if you are registered to vote, go here to find out.  There's also a handy map of your polling location. Petition signature gatherers are supposed to be out in full force today, so make sure you read those petitions carefully before adding your name.  Also remember that all ballots have a space for "Write-In" but DO NOT fill it out unless you want your ballot spoiled.

Use the comments below to report on what's going on at your polling place.  I tried to vote this morning in East Lansing and the lines were around the church and down the block.  No sign of petition peeps or candidate supporters handing out literature. Progress Michigan is working with the AFL-CIO to live blogging the Primary today.  Check out their coverage including video here. 

Go forth.  Do good.  VOTE!  Talk amongst yourselves in the comments.

Sunday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: ScottyUrb

Sun Jan 06, 2008 at 03:14:29 AM EST

For many Christians, today is the Feast of the Epiphany, marking the time when the Three Kings came bearing gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Word on the street is, Leon Drolet plans on targeting them for recall - for the same reasons he plans to get Santa recalled! 

• AA News: Foreclosure rate jumps 90%. That figure is only for Livingston and Washtenaw counties, but still, 90%?! Well, at least some Democratic lawmakers are doing something about it... but the Republicans?
• K'Zoo Gazette: ‘Just too early’: Clerks report low demand for absentee ballots. Too early, or too little interest? I will say that I just voted absentee the other day... Uncommitted, of course. More on that later this week.
• MDP: Cox and Land again failed Michigan citizens in 2007. From wasting taxpayer dollars on a personal gym to allowing undocumented aliens to obtain driver’s licenses, Michigan’s two highest-ranking Republicans have proven in the first year of their new terms that the GOP’s tough talk on illegal immigration and excessive spending has been just that - talk.
• Pridesource: Michigan firsts in 2007. From standing up against intolerance and bullying to Craig Covey's election as mayor of Ferndale, PrideSource sums up nine notable events in Michigan's GLBT community in 2007.
• Grand Rapids Press: Editorial: Students plant uniform seed. When I was a kid - years and years and years ago - the idea of school uniforms would make my classmates and I cringe. Now, some students want to implement a dress code in the Grand Rapids Public School system that includes uniforms.

Sunday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: ScottyUrb

Sun Dec 30, 2007 at 04:31:52 AM EST

Should all the right-wing be forgot
Because they're out of their mind?
Should all the right wing be forgot
And days of auld lang syne?

• Vote No on JOE: Joe brings home money for Woodward signs, but says no to money for children's health care. Hey Joe, see that sign right there? It says "Retirement: One year away."
• Daily Kos: MI-09: We deserve better. Will you help Gary Peters oust Dubya's pal Joe Knollenberg?
• McCotter Monitor: TWIT 1: This Week In Thaddeus. Part I of a cleverly titled series chronicling a less-than-clever Congressman.
• Observer & Eccentric: House Speaker Andy Dillon keeping focused on Michigan’s future. Optimism through such hard times? Now that's resilience.
• Ketchum: Candidates' use of religion is misplaced. "Somehow, I have a feeling Jesus just might appreciate" if candidates would not use Him to get elected.

Happy New Year!

Sunday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: ScottyUrb

Sun Dec 23, 2007 at 04:15:00 AM EST

We are two days away from Christmas and about two months away from hearing those four words which triumphantly herald the coming arrival of spring: "Pitchers and Catchers Report."

Meeeeeeeeechigan

• Far Left Field: Dignity and Decency in Peril. Great points on free bargaining show us just what's at stake if Michigan becomes a Work For Less state. Excellent read.
• BFM: Anti-immigration talk turning away business people. Just another thing to remember when you hear Repubs complaining about the economy.

• Our Michigan: Stabenow law offers debt help but foreclosure crisis rages on. The bill Sen. Stabenow offered is now law. This couldn't hurt, but the foreclosure crisis has been "years in the making and could have been prevented through sensible regulation and appropriate oversight" - two things of which Conservatives aren't big fans.
• Walberg Watch: Looking South and Looking Forward. Discusses the recent special election in Ohio's Fifth District and its potential ramifications, at least moneywise, for the race in Michigan's 7th next year.
• Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood: Slap-happy. Rogers and Candice Miller used the exact same phrase to describe how the Energy Bill got to Bush's desk. Well, some industry leaders disagree with them.
• Stone Soup Musings: The Party of Nyet. This update on Congressional Republican obstruction combines two more things Republicans hate: the truth and a foreign word.

• YAF Watch: Kyle Bristow named "Most Annoying Snot-Nosed College Kid" by the SPLC. I have a lot of work to do to win that honor. But then again, I care too much about humankind to be annoying.

Sunday Coffee Talk / Open Thread

by: ScottyUrb

Sun Dec 09, 2007 at 04:15:00 AM EST

Well, it's Final Exam Week here at CMU. But whether or not you're still in school, you never know if someone is going to quiz you on current events. So consider this your study guide.

• Michigan Senate Dems: Senate Democrats Turn Up Heat on Climate Change with New Initiatives. Read the press release to find out about some of the new initiatives Glenn Anderson and others are pushing.
• Debbie Stabenow: Stabenow, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan E-Prescribing Legislation to Save Lives and Lower Medical Costs. Interesting idea from our junior Senator.
• Our Michigan: Solace in small things -- from latkes to torture. Celeste notes that some are in a bigger hurry to correct a recipe than to correct a claim that the White House and others advised the CIA not to destroy those videos of torture.
• Battle Creek Enquirer: State lawmakers trying to cure foreclosure ills. Well, the Democrats are, anyway. They passed legislation that deals with refinancing through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
• Media Mouse: Levin explains Peru FTA vote. He says it has stronger labor regulations than previous trade agreements do, and it can be amended. Are you buying it?
• Black Bear Speaks: Benzie County School Board pushing Wind Energy for Schools. As I have said, while little is done on a more broad scale, local action to save our environment is key.
• Michigan Senate Dems: Senator Cherry Honored as 2007 Alzheimer’s Association All-Star Advocate. Congratulations to Deb Cherry for being recognized for her hard work on this important, yet rarely discussed, issue.

Sunday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: ScottyUrb

Sun Nov 04, 2007 at 03:45:00 AM EST

Hopefully you set your clocks back an hour! Have some coffee and enjoy today's menu of news items:

• Pridesource: Covey poised to become next mayor of Ferndale. He says that because people are more accepting of various lifestyles, his homosexuality is not as much of an issue in Ferndale now as it used to be. May this soon become true throughout America!
• Detroit News: Granholm pushes alternative energy. Saying "We have to diversify this stubborn economy," the Guv makes the case for the Great Lakes State being a prime candidate for wind energy investment. "We have wind, we have water, we have the work force."
• Jennifer Granholm: Michigan Ranked 6th Friendliest State for Small Business. Even with the MBT and the recent tax increases. So those of you who are whining that our taxes are hurting us: Stop. You're starting to look like a fool.
• Senate Dems: Senator Clarke's Utility Forum Draws Record Turnout, Helps Hundreds Prevent Shut-Off. Recognizing that he is more than a lawmaker - he is a citizen of the community - Hansen Clarke stated that "I enjoy helping organize events like this that can immediately and directly help the people I have been elected to serve."
• Jack Lessenberry: Essay: Mentally Ill. Delves somewhat into the political but more into the personal.
• Michigan Chronicle: State rep pushes for large drug companies to report marketing expenses. A little thing called 'accountability.' Props to Rep. Shanelle Jackson for this legislation.
• Blue Chips: Griffin Policy Forum to feature top state lawmakers. If you're in the Mount Pleasant area Tuesday night, stop by the Plachta Auditorium. Dillon, DeRoche, Bishop, and Schauer will all be there, with Tim Skubick moderating and the one and only Gary Peters hosting.
• Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun: Christmas season comes way too early. Oh come on Eric! :D

Oh, and one more thing:

28-24! GO BLUE!

Now it's on to see that the Chippewas annihilate Western on Tuesday!

Sunday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: ScottyUrb

Sun Oct 28, 2007 at 04:04:17 AM EDT

• Detroit News: Tax help may spur Chrysler factory upgrade. We're talking an $366 million investment along with 1,400 new jobs.
• WZZM: Streetcars coming to Grand Rapids? I love the thought of this.
  
• Michigan.gov: Governor Granholm, Swedish Ambassador to U.S. Discuss Mutual Cooperation, Alternative Energy. Primarily, the Guv and Ambassador Jonas Hafstrom discussed alternative energy investment in Michigan.
• BFM: Stabenow helps Michigan with specialty crop subtitle. Credit where credit is due.
• Conservative Media: New magazine gives inside look at Lansing. Folks, you just have to check out Dome Magazine.
• Mining Gazette: Challenges, possibilities lie ahead for U.P. trails. More trails = more tourism? Possibly.
• Blue Chips: MFCD Students First Tour gets off to good (albeit windy) start. Yours truly was among those in attendance.

Less than 100 hours until the state budget deadline.......................

Sunday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: ScottyUrb

Sun Oct 21, 2007 at 02:17:34 AM EDT

On October 21, 1987, an event occured which would have a lasting impact on the course of human history. It was on that date that one Scott Charles Urbanowski (a.k.a. ScottyUrb) was born in Greensboro, NC.

Celebrate my twentieth with some coffee - then enjoy yet another beautiful Michigan fall day!

Iraq:

• K'Zoo Gazette: Anti-war activists draw attention to Iraqi deaths. They held a die-in at Bronson Park.
• Flint Journal: Open arms: 144th gets heroes' welcome. Until they all come home...

The UAW/Chrysler contract:

• Freep: Chrysler voting: 3 wins, 3 losses for contract so far. Discusses how the voting has gone down thus far.
• Our Michigan: UAW resistance grows to Chrysler contract offer. Celeste disucsses why that is, and when locals will be voting on it.

State government:

• Huron Times-Herald: Lansing slow to finish fixing state budget. Ya think?
• GR Press: Republicans protest committee 'changes.' The House GOP’s new #2 says Agema shouldn’t have been removed for not doing his job, but Sak shouldn’t have been reinstated after taking responsibility.

Locally speaking:

• Flint Journal: Lack of public's trust hurts Flint's comeback effort --Walling. If companies aren't sure they can rely on govbernment services, why would they move there? Thanks to Mike Buishop, that's been happening at the state level as well. Incidentally, Walling has also discussed his budget priorities.
• Free Press: Detroit council may vote to protect transgendered people's rights. Let's hope this happens; if it does, then good for them!

Pretty cool:

• BFM: The Nobel Peace Prize: Michigan Connection. If you recall, Gore shared the Prize with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which, as it turns out, has quite a few ties to the Great Lakes State!

Tuesday Coffee Talk / Open Thread

by: ScottyUrb

Tue Oct 09, 2007 at 03:33:53 AM EDT

Our Economy

• ClickOnDetroit: UAW Sets Strike Deadline Against Chrysler. 11AM Wednesday. Solidarity.
• BFM: Renovation Project Creates Jobs In Lansing. 500 of them. Breathing life into Michigan's economy, one success at a time.
• Michigan Messenger: Hispanic Business Alliance reaches new heights. Discusses the HBA and the Hispanic Business Expo they recently held.

• Michigan House Dems: Democratic Plan Will Put More Money in Classrooms for K-12 Students. Equality in school district funding? More teachers? Fewer students per classroom? House Dems say it's time to turn those phrases from rhetoric into reality.
• GR Press: Proponents say time is right to adjust term limits. Ya think?
• GR Press: The recall hammer. Quote of note: "To punish lawmakers now for their decisions sends the clear message that politically risky votes will be met with a disproportionate, apocalyptic response. Hello, gridlock."

• K'Zoo Gazette: In GOP debate, here's what we want to find out... What I want to know is, why does their party expect anything from this state that they have hurt so much?
• John Conyers: James Carville Speaks About Universal Health Care. The Ragin' Cajun spoke about Conyers's HR 676 at a Congressional Black Caucus conference.
• WOOD TV8: Ex-Sen. Abraham to co-chair Thompson presidential campaign. They're both quite nuts. Like two peas in a pod.
  

• Blue Chips: Who loves YouTube? With clips featuring Mark Brewer, Mitt Romney, and "George W. Bush." All worth watching.

Sunday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: ScottyUrb

Sun Oct 07, 2007 at 03:14:35 AM EDT

In honor of Daily Kos’s Bill in Portland Maine, today’s Coffee Talk is presented in the form of the popular segment Cheers and Jeers, of which he is the brainchild. (I will be the first to admit that my version of Cheers and Jeers doesn’t match up to the ‘real thing.’)

Bill has run into a couple of bumps in the road, so Bill, if you happen to be lurking from the Evergreen Pine Tree State, I raise my mug of coffee to you!

• CHEERS to the First Amendment, and JEERS to those who would undermine it. The Kalamazoo Gazette shows concern about the Constitution and people’s right to know what their lawmakers are doing.
• JEERS to a $6 billion shortfall ten years from now. That’s what one ex-state Treasury official predicts if more changes aren’t made to the state budget - soon.
• CHEERS to having the courage to make “tough calls.” The Guv spoke to the Citizens Research Council and warned that Michigan is not out of the woods, but said she would not make cuts to education and healthcare. 
• CHEERS to BFM becoming Andy Dillon's newest advisor. Okay, not likely. But DJ makes some good points!
• CHEERS to helping Michigan farmers. Senator Debbie Stabenow has pushed for legislation to help farmers in Michigan through tax credits and disaster relief. Saith the Senator: “Additionally this bill will assist Michigan in continuing its emergence as a leader in alternative fuel technology, such as ethanol and biodiesel, providing jobs and eliminating our dependence on foreign oil.”
• JEERS to cheating the system. Carl Levin wants to do something about costly loopholes that allow some major corporations to duck their responsibility as American corporate citizens. 
• CHEERS to educating the public in our communities. The Isabella County Democratic Party is launching Season 2 of their public TV series, Democracy Matters, with two titans of the MDP Justice Caucus.
• CHEERS to a good walk and some great movies. Oh, and 80-degree heat in October.

UPDATE: Thanks to kelster for pointing out that Maine is actually the Pine Tree State, not the Evergreen State (which is Washington). Oh well, we all have Republican moments.

Sunday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: ScottyUrb

Sun Sep 23, 2007 at 03:27:17 AM EDT

Budget, budget, budget

• Freep: Editorial: An Utter Failure of Leadership. Perhaps the longest, most detailed, most poignant editorial I've seen on the crisis.
• LivingBlue: Does a State Shutdown Matter? Discusses how a shutdown would affect our day-to-day lives.
• Michigan Chronicle: Phil Power: Get involved in 'Michigan's Defining Moment'. Phil discusses consequences of recent budget decisions but also focuses on local efforts to deal with the budgetary and economic crises we face.
• BFM: Mike Bishop agrees we need the money. BFM tells us what Sen. Bishop said on Mackinac Island.
• BFM: Republicans Cheering for a Shutdown. Why am I not surprised?

• Freep: UAW, GM enter final push to get wage, health deal. They now have a 'general framework' and details are being ironed out.
• Michigan Chronicle: Rainbow/PUSH event highlights benefit of minorities in auto industry. According to GM's Rick Wagoner, ideas that are "fueled by multiple perspectives" are the best.

• Detroit News: Levin asks for investigation of military vehicle bidding. The allegation is that a Rochester Hills-based company lost out on a defense contract because of the other company's close ties to Marines officials.
• Office of Senator Debbie Stabenow: Stabenow Provision Lowering Prescription Drug Prices Goes to the President for His Signature. "These real health care savings are a critical component in staying competitive in a global economy and protecting American jobs."
• Eye on Ehlers: Ehlers's website gets a makeover - except for the News section. Wherein I critique Vern Ehlers's newly redesigned website.
• Midland Daily News: Camp's office site of protest. They plan on doing this monthly.
  

• Between the Lines: BTL reporter, community leader receive death threat from 'Army of God'. If you're going to associate yourself with God, then don't try to play God. Who's willing to bet that these people call themselves 'pro-life?'
• AP: Michigan State lab taking steps to edge competition. More on MSU's efforts to intensify research. CMU also has plans for more research.
• GR Press: Wasps are efficient emerald ash borer killers. The ash borer has been a serious issue in much of Michiogan for a few years now.

• Vote No On JOE: Is Joe Confused About His Sexual Orientation? Oh my. You'll love the picture. Actually, Vote No on JOE has a number of good posts from the last couple days - check them out!
• Mark Maynard: I wonder how they certify them. What does Mark mean by 'them?' Well, you'll just have to click the link and find out!

Sunday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: ScottyUrb

Sun Sep 16, 2007 at 03:12:55 AM EDT

Economic and Money Matters:

• Lessenberry: Throwaway people. Enclosed, find Jack's thoughts on why the Trade Adjustment Act must be reauthorized. He discusses the Act with Rich McHugh of the National Employment Law Project.
• AP: Strike would have a mixed effect on GM, analysts say. Here's hoping for a deal soon - one that rewards GM employees for their hard work!
• TC Record Eagle: Action needed on drug prices. Katherine Humphrey of Planned Parenthood Northern Michigan shares her thoughts on this component of the health care crisis.

• K'Zoo Gazette: Should we help save endangered species? This piece goes in-depth about the importance of endangered species and the benefits of protecting them.
• Among the Trees: Vegetarianism and global warming. From Eric comes commentary on a report that cutting back on meat is as healthy for the environment as it is for you.
• Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Scott: Grand Rapids aims for 100% green power. A city powered entirely on renewables? That's what Mayor George Heartwell envisions.

• AP: U.S. Sen. Stabenow endorses Clinton's presidential bid. This follows an earlier endorsement from Gen. Wesley Clark.

• Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun: Campgrounds have own vibes at Wheatland. It's Eric again, this time reflecting on the Wheatland Music Festival.
• AP: Michigan 38, Notre Dame 0. Believe it!

Saturday Coffee Talk

by: ScottyUrb

Sat Sep 08, 2007 at 02:07:22 AM EDT

The Budget:

• BFM: Bishop to come up with $1 billion in cuts. Now why would a conservative want to cut $150 in funding for Human Services? Because if they cared about ordinary people, they wouldn't be conservative! Also, Dillon had some choice words for Bishop.
• BC Enquirer: Susan J. Demas: On Swine and Spines. On Drolet's recall threats: "Just what we need, to hemorrhage more moderate, reasonable voices in politics, just for doing what they think is right to represent the people of their district and the state of Michigan."
• Jack Lessenberry: Taxing Concerns. Noting that "Our lawmakers aren't being paid $80,000 a year to smile and wave," Jack offers his latest thoughts on the budget crisis.  He also interviewed MSU's Charles Ballard.
• Senate Dems: Schauer, Jackson Area Leaders Fight to Protect Tax Credit for Working Poor. Says one pastor: "They give up time with their family, contribute to their communities, and the least we can do is find ways to help them make ends meet." An 'amen,' anyone?
• Liberal, Loud, and Proud: What not to do when you're an elected official. Mike Bishop and Mark Foley are featured, among others.
• BFM: Michigan's Best Kept Fiscal Secret #2: College Education = Prosperity. Repubs like to talk about how lousy the economy is here, yet they punish the institutions that are critical in fixing the economy.

• Midland Daily News: Nominating process changes are needed. A proposal by Rep. Sander Levin (D-Great Lakes State) and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) is discussed.
• Oakland Press: Restore democracy to primary election process. They oppose the idea of moving up the primary.
• MDP: Michigan Democrats Urge DNC to Stop New Hampshire Double Standard. The MDP wants to know, why no talk of stripping New Hampshire's delegates?
• Daily Kos: Another reason the DNC needs to wake up when it comes to FL and MI. The author argues that this could help GOP candidates gain more exposure over Democrats in two key states.

• Walberg Watch: Native American Housing Assistance - Walberg Votes No. It's bad enough that Native Americans are largely ignored in politics today. So why do Walberg and Hoekstra oppose improving their lives?
• MLive: Report: Michigan's University Research Corridor is succeeding. We could use some good news, couldn't we?
• Monroe News: State 'explores' tourism push. An interesting piece about thoise Welcome Centers.
• Port Huron Times Herald: Wind power finds Thumb home. It will likely be some time before the plant is actually operational, but key hurdles have been cleared.

Open Thread

by: Hazen Pingree

Wed Mar 07, 2007 at 07:47:15 AM EST

Any other suggestions? I tend to think "Hazen Pingree Field" has a nice ring to it. Hmm...

Vote for Pingree and Vote for Bread

Come comrades, hear the record fair
That clings about the present mayor-
The man who gives us gas galore,
For two-thirds what we paid before;
Who takes out pavements rough and old
And makes them worthy to behold.
What patchers used to get from you,
You pay to have your streets made new,
For Pingree's at the city's head,
We'll vote for him and vote for bread.

-Paul Laurence Dunbar

Open Thread

by: Hazen Pingree

Mon Mar 05, 2007 at 06:55:55 AM EST

March 5, 1836: Former slaves petition the state legislature for a church

Thirteen escaped or freed slaves petition the legislature to start a church. Their efforts lead to the formation of the Second Baptist Church--the first African American church in Detroit. Its members met in various halls and schools until 1857, when the group purchased the Zion Reformed Evangelical Church on the site of the present Second Baptist Church.

Courtesy of Michigan History Magazine (link added)

Open Thread

by: Hazen Pingree

Sat Mar 03, 2007 at 10:00:54 AM EST

First, from today's LSJ Op-Ed page:

Michiganians can put this in the "darned if you do, darned if you don't" file.

A House committee was told this week that the uncertainty about a replacement for Michigan's Single Business Tax has driven away business.

The CEO of a Kalamazoo-based economic development group told the panel three manufacturing firms have looked elsewhere in the last two months, reports the Gongwer News Service.

In other words: The process of SBT repeal equals bad business.

Yet, weren't the folks who pushed SBT repeal, in and out of the Legislature, doing so because having the SBT on the books was bad business?

Ron Kitchens told the House Commerce Committee: "It isn't about the amount of taxes. ... They have gone elsewhere because of a lack of tax code - because they can't define their tax liability."

Maybe if Michigan lawmakers had spent some time last year approving a replacement business tax in conjunction with the SBT repeal (set to go for Dec. 31 this year), the prospects would be better now, hmm?

Meanwhile, the troglodytes at the Detroit News - among the loudest advocates of repealing that same $1.9 billion Single Business Tax without first paying for it - blasted Governor Granholm this week for not spending more on universities!

Included in the DN editorial was this little gem:

While declaring making Michigan smarter is her priority, the governor has steadily cut higher education funding, while steadily increasing welfare and prison spending.

Even in her proposed budget, which includes more than $1 billion in tax hikes and a substantial Corrections cut, funding increases for universities are minimal. (emphasis added)

On the other hand, if that's the kind of reasoning going on at Michigan's 2nd largest newspaper, that would tend to suggest it is indeed high time to bolster our institutions of higher learning.

Open Thread

by: Hazen Pingree

Fri Mar 02, 2007 at 06:43:46 AM EST

March 2, 1824: Father Gabriel Richard speaks to Congress:

In his only recorded speech as territorial representative to Congress, Father Gabriel Richard asked for $1,500 to build a road from Detroit to Chicago. His appeal was so eloquent that Congress doubled the amount.

Born in France, Richard served as pastor of Detroit's Ste. Anne Church and spent one term as Michigan's non-voting territorial representative. Until the election of Father Robert Drinan from Massachusetts in 1970, Richard was the only priest to serve in Congress.

Courtesy of Michigan History magazine (Detroit News link added)

Not a bad deal for $1,500...but it's all covered with snow and ice this morning...
 

Open Thread

by: Hazen Pingree

Thu Mar 01, 2007 at 06:44:05 AM EST

March 1, 1805: William Hull becomes governor of the Michigan Territory

Born in Connecticut in 1753, William Hull served as a colonel in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He was serving in the Massachusetts State Senate when he was appointed by President Thomas Jefferson as governor of the Michigan Territory. Hull's tenure as governor came to an abrupt end when he surrendered Detroit to the British in August 1812.

Courtesy of Michigan History Magazine (Wikipedia link added)