Michigan in Deep Trouble Without Mass Transit

by: dzhuang

Thu Aug 14, 2008 at 22:41:04 PM EDT

Michiganians are stuck on automobiles in more than one way. Not only is our economy dependent upon the Big 3 automakers, we rely solely on automobiles to get around our state–and now it is taking its toll.

A task force appointed by Governor Granholm recently released a report declaring that Michigan must double spending on roads and bridges otherwise “many will keep deteriorating and become unsafe.” The state spends about $3.2 billion a year on road and bridge maintenance, and now the task force recommends it to spend $6.1 billion a year for “good” conditions or $12.6 billion a year for “better” conditions. It is ridiculous how much taxpayer money goes towards fixing roads. The main propagator for this crisis? The lack of an adequate mass transit system anywhere in the state.

GOP calls for protesters against Speaker of the House to bring their own crayons

by: kjbas58

Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 11:00:40 AM EDT

The intention of the protest is to build on the Grand Oil Party's juvenile stunt last week where they preached to each other in the dark after the House and Senate were adjourned for the annual summer break on how giving oil companies more leases in environmentally sensitive areas will reduce gas prices. The email blast to supporters says the intention is to "... send her a strong message that she needs to call Congress back into session now, and hold a vote on an energy bill that will allow America to develop America's oil." No word on why they don't just ask the head oil man in the White House to call them back into session since he has the power to do that, or why for all but the last 18 months of President George Bush's time in office when the GOP controlled both Houses of Congress no real energy plan was adopted.

To help in the protest and to lend an air of authenticity, Anuzis is asking his followers to bring homemade signs, and since he knows they probably can't think of any catchy slogans for themselves, he sent along some helpful suggestions, such as "Gas b-4 Book Tour" "Bring Congress Back" "We Want Lower Gas $" "End The Shutdown" and "Give Us A Vote."

Bill Nowling and the MGOP communications team have really outdone themselves. That was money well spent.

I have a few slogans of my own for the Grand Oil Party attendees to use: "Food stamps for Exxon," "We don't need no stinking books," "Books are for liberals," "Tell Bush to tell you to bring Congress back," "Drill on those thousands of leases you already have," "oil execs need help to pay for their Bugatti Veyrons," or "We need our gas prices to go down by 2 cents in 10 years now."

The Ann Arbor stop will be Pelosi's first stop on a 13-city book tour, and because there are so many people expected to want to meet the Speaker, Borders began giving out wristbands this morning when the store opened. According to Borders, the wristband guarantees a place in line, but offers no guarantee you'll meet the Speaker.

I have a better suggestion for the GOP: buy a book at Borders to benefit a Michigan company. That may be asking a little too much. Buy a DVD while you are there and do some real good. Make sure you carpool.

These Uncertain Times

by: PoliSciGuy11

Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:19:14 AM EDT

With rising gas prices, we are barely passing by to put fuel in our cars. No longer can we talk a day-trip to Lake Michigan or anywhere really. With the rising prices of Healthcare, College and Food, money is becoming like bananas during the Great Depression of the 1930's, I am scared that I will have to drop out of College just to get rid of another bill for my family. The Company in which my Dad works for told workers that in the next three weeks 30-50 people will be laid off. I never thought that my family could feel the effects of one being laid off. The Direction in which this country and this state are headed is horrible. For the last eight years we have receive hit after hit, blow after blow, from ineffective leaders, big business, and foreign markets. I never thought I would feel the effects of all this, but today I realize I am in the middle of it. One thing I know is that I will not stand for this at all!!!!!!! It time to stop the talk and get into action. It is time to turn this state and nation around, by electing leaders that will actually work and represent the needs of my family and I, and millions of others families across this great nation.

I want to live in America and Michigan where I do not have to be scared that I will have to drop out of college because of the costs. I want to live in an America and Michigan where if I need to visit the doctor, I do not have to think about going because of the bill that will follow. I want to live in an America and Michigan, where cars are not just powered by gas, and we do not have to worry about how we will afford to make our away around town. I want to live in an America and Michigan where we do not have to be worry about how we will but food on the table. I want to live in an America and Michigan where leaders actually care about the people, not just themselves.

It is time for the people of America and Michigan to stand up for themselves and elected leaders will make life better again, life affordable, life comfortable. I sit here at home, on a cool spring night wondering what direction this state and nation will take. It is up to the people to decide, and hopefully they make the right decision.

Skyrocketing Energy Prices

by: CarlLevin

Mon May 12, 2008 at 15:59:32 PM EDT

US House passes Stupak bill to fight gas price gouging

by: ScottyUrb

Thu May 24, 2007 at 15:17:17 PM EDT

In response, US Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) introduced HR 1252, the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act. This bill would provide penalties for those who take unfair advantage of consumers at the pump. (Read more here.)

The bill passed 284-141 - a veto-proof majority - with 56 Republicans joining all but one Democrat in supporting the bill.

How did Michigan's members of Congress vote? Find out below the flip.