|
|
special 
Sat Dec 30, 2006 at 00:00:41 AM EST
|
(Cross-posted from Arblogger)
Saddam Hussein was put to death by the Iraqi government earlier tonight (Saturday morning in Baghdad); there was some jubilation in Dearborn, Michigan, as CNN showed on television, but other views exist too, e.g., USA Today, Top Vatican official condemns Saddam's death penalty,
"A top Vatican official condemned the death sentence against Saddam Hussein in a newspaper interview published Thursday, saying capital punishment goes against the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
Cardinal Renato Martino, Pope Benedict XVI's top prelate for justice issues and a former Vatican envoy to the U.N., said executing the ousted Iraqi leader would punish "a crime with another crime," and he expressed hope that the sentence would not be carried out.
In the interview with Rome daily La Repubblica, Martino reiterated the Vatican's staunch opposition to the death penalty, saying that life must be safeguarded from its beginning to its natural end.
"The death penalty is not a natural death. And no one can give death, not even the State," he said. ...
In Thursday's interview, Martino also recalled how the late Pope John Paul II had opposed the war in Iraq.
"John Paul II did his duty," the cardinal told La Repubblica. "He said the war in Iraq would have been an adventure without return — and we are seeing it." ...
On Thursday, Italian Premier Romano Prodi also reiterated previous condemnations of Saddam's sentence, both on moral and practical grounds. Italy is a firm opponent of capital punishment.
"I don't believe that Saddam's execution would remotely help bring peace to the country," he said. Aside from the moral condemnation, he added, "even politically I think it would carry ... more negative consequences than positive ones.""
Food for thought. --Peace to Iraq.
|
|
Discuss
:: (4
Comments)
|
|
Tue Dec 26, 2006 at 01:28:55 AM EST
|
|
December 26th is the day celebrated in Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as Boxing Day. It is a day with a meaning that I think should be practiced by everyone, and not only on this day. Being of British heritage, and raised by very British parents and grandparents, my family has incorporated many traditional British customs into our own.
Despite its name, Boxing Day does not involve a ring or gloves, but rather a day when you do something extra for those who are less-fortunate.
Snopes has this to say about Boxing Day
...its origins are found in a long-ago practice of giving cash or durable goods to those of lower classes. Gifts among equals were exchanged on or before Christmas Day, but beneficiaries to those less fortunate were bestowed the day after.
Of course, don't forget to stop by Wikipedia to get the full scoop. It's also known as St. Stephen's Day (as mentioned in the Christmas carol Good King Wencelas).
When it comes down to it, Boxing Day is about doing something good for others. I think too many of us call off the good cheer of the season when the last drop of eggnog is drank and the wee ones are put to bed after a happy Christmas Day. Just because the red kettles are gone and we return to life as usual, we shouldn't forget those who still need our assistance the other 11 months of the year.
Remember when politics was about serving the people? I still believe that's what it's supposed to be about. I know plenty of elected officials and volunteers who still hold that motto high, but there's plenty of reasons why politics still has a bad reputation. These tenets are especially true to those of us who subscribe to the democratic/progressive/liberal philosophies.
As we go through the next 364 days, let's all keep a little Boxing Day spirit going. Whether it's donating clothes or food, giving money to a worthy charity, volunteering for a cause or a campaign that truly does some good, keep doing and giving to others. Following the motto of my blog, it's about what's best for MI, not just for me.
|
|
Discuss
:: (0
Comments)
|
|
Sat Dec 23, 2006 at 21:20:04 PM EST
|
|
It's that time of year again...time for the tree, the menorah, the feast, or just a couple days off of work. It's also the time when we make our wish list and check it twice. For some it's a new toy, the latest electronic to hit the shelves, or that tool you've been drooling over for months. For others, it's a roof over their head, a couple extra dollars to keep the heat on, or a soldier's long awaited return. It's a time when we all have a wish.
This year in Michigan politics saw several wishes granted and several more left unanswered.
Wishes are more than just a whim. They are often the spark that fuels a desire to change and improve something. No doubt there's been a wish behind every candidate and cause.
We're all blessed to live in a great state with an incredible leader at our helm, a treasure trove of natural beauty, and over 10 million people who keep our state great.
As we reflect this season and count our blessings, take time to think of a different kind of wish list for the New Year. If you had one or two wishes for Michigan, your district or your community in 2007 what would they be?
|
|
Discuss
:: (11
Comments)
|
|
Tue Dec 19, 2006 at 15:24:51 PM EST
|
(Cross-posted from Arblogger)
See, e.g., DetNews, Judge grants affirmative action delay for colleges, Lansing requests same; ACLU sues to overturn,
"The University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University will have an extra six months before they must change their admissions and financial aid practices to comply with Proposal 2, a federal judge ruled today. ...
The decision by U.S. District Court Judge David Lawson allows the universities to continue using their current policies until July 1....
The city of Lansing filed an emergency motion in federal court Tuesday asking to have until July 1 to implement Proposal 2 as well. The city is in the midst of awarding contracts and hiring employees and is "unable comply with the amendment's mandates by Dec. 23," the motion says.
Also on Tuesday, a coalition of civil rights groups filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court asking, in essence, that Proposal 2 not be implemented at all in university admissions. ...the ACLU, NAACP-Detroit Chapter, NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and others...." So, small battle won. Larger ones loom, though.
|
|
Discuss
:: (3
Comments)
|
|
Thu Dec 14, 2006 at 21:56:36 PM EST
|
(From the diaries - promoted by matt)
See UM site, President Clinton to deliver spring 2007 commencement address, "Former President Bill Clinton will deliver the spring 2007 commencement address at the University of Michigan, President Mary Sue Coleman announced today (Thursday).
"President Clinton is a thoughtful and captivating speaker with tremendous insight into the global challenges of our time. We are looking forward to his visit and his message to our graduates," Coleman said. "We are thrilled that the Class of 2007 will conclude its time at the University with a commencement address from such a prominent world leader."
The ceremony will be held April 28, 2007 in Michigan Stadium. The University awards degrees to about 3,500 undergraduate students at spring commencement, before an audience of more than 40,000. ..." He's not my favorite--maybe not even his wife, either--. but it sure beats having W Bush as speaker.
Also, it breaks the long UM drought on really famous speakers...
|
|
Discuss
:: (17
Comments)
|
|
Mon Dec 11, 2006 at 20:16:46 PM EST
|
|
(Cross-posted from Arblogger) See, e.g., Freep, U-M, MSU, WSU seek Proposal 2 delay, "Michigan's big three universities – Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University – announced today they are asking a federal court for a short-term delay in implementing the requirements of Proposal 2, which bans affirmative action programs.
The delay would allow the universities to use existing policies to complete admissions and financial aid for students who will enroll for the fall 2007 semester.
“It would be extremely difficult and unfair to prospective students, to change our admissions and financial aid processes in midstream,” UM President Mary Sue Coleman said in a statement released this afternoon. ..."
About frickin time. I thought UM had died.
|
|
Discuss
:: (3
Comments)
|
|
Thu Dec 07, 2006 at 18:25:13 PM EST
|
|
(Cross-posted from Arblogger) December 7, 1941. Sixty years before September 11. See, e.g.,. PEARL HARBOR DAY 65TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION, 7:40 A.M., DECEMBER 7, 2006 on the USS Arizona National Memorial site, "Former NBC Nightly News Anchor Tom Brokaw to be Keynote Speaker
Ceremony Site: Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Kilo Pier
Live Broadcast: USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center
...
The theme of this year's historic commemoration, "A Nation Remembers," will reflect on how the remembrance of Pearl Harbor has evolved throughout the years since World War II. ...
More than 1,500 Pearl Harbor Survivors and their families and friends from around the nation, who are gathering in Honolulu for their last official Reunion and Convention, will attend the Commemoration[.]
Former NBC Nightly News Anchor and Managing Editor Tom Brokaw will serve as the keynote speaker for the commemoration. "Mr. Brokaw's sensitivity and eloquence in describing the contributions of those who served in World War II has made him a fitting choice for this years keynote speaker," said Daniel Martinez, USS Arizona Memorial National Park Service Historian. "Mr. Brokaw's books about our honored WWII veterans have generated the phrase that has become part of the nation's vernacular: 'the greatest generation.' Our Pearl Harbor Survivors are part of that great generation and as a Nation, we would like to recognize, honor and perpetuate the memory of their sacrifices and those of their fallen comrades at this years historic commemoration."
...
At 7:55 a.m., the exact moment the Japanese attack began 65 years ago, a moment of silence will be observed. A U.S. Navy ship will render honors to the USS Arizona. Hawaii Air National Guard F-15s will fly over the memorial in a "missing man" formation. ..." Thanks for remembering. Memory helps keep us human, after all, from Ann Arbor to Pearl Harbor.
|
|
Discuss
:: (1
Comments)
|
|
Wed Dec 06, 2006 at 21:37:38 PM EST
|
|
See DetNews from yesterday, WSU law admissions may avoid racial ban, "Faculty at Wayne State University Law School are expected to set new admissions standards Wednesday that will eliminate racial preferences, but give favorable consideration to students from Detroit and those who overcome discrimination. ... Factors under the new policy would include whether the student is economically disadvantaged, the first in their family to graduate, attended a low-achieving high school, overcame discrimination or prejudice, speaks other languages, is a Native American or lives in Detroit. Weinberg points to previous court opinions that say preference on the basis of tribal membership is a political preference, he said. Discrimination and poverty are not limited to one racial group, he added. While the majority of applicants from the city of Detroit are minorities, the new policy would be legal, Weinberg said, because Detroit residency has an independent value to the university outside of standing as a proxy for race, he said. ..." Looks not too bad; but doesn't the "Native American" criterion explicitly reference race?
In any case, nice to see not only Heartwell but also WSULS make efforts to buck up under the assaults of Prop 2/"MCRI". Fight on.
|
|
Discuss
:: (4
Comments)
|
|
|
|
Sun Dec 03, 2006 at 22:14:33 PM EST
|
Even that racist, groping Republican pervert in California the "Gropinator" has signed a bill to divest from Sudan, since the Sudan government is committing or supporting mass rape and murder in Darfur.
Now that the election's over, what is the Democratic Party in Michigan doing to stop the genocide?
Re the topic, see, e.g., my previous Mich Lib diaries here, and also here. Thank you for reading.
|
|
Discuss
:: (11
Comments)
|
|
Mon Nov 27, 2006 at 12:14:14 PM EST
|
|
Crossposted at http://raywert.blogspot.com/2006/11/mis-2008-primaries-likely-moving-up.html
This past April, I wrote about Michigan trying to move up its 2008 presidential caucuses up to compete with the traditional early-primary states of Iowa and New Hampshire. The Boston Globe is now reporting that MI's Democrats and Republicans are working together trying to move our state's caucus to Feb. 2, which would bring all sorts of new attention to our state. From the Globe: Though moving the caucus date would violate DNC rules, it could get signed into law during the Legislature's lame-duck session next month, said Michigan Republican Party chairman Saul Anuzis . "There is widespread agreement from both sides that we will do this. The question is just when we will get it done," Anuzis said.
It's nice to see such bipartisanship on this issue. There are always plenty of opportunities for disagreement and "us vs. them" attitudes - and rightfully so. But it's nice to see that we can work together to improve Michigan's importance in the nation. As I said in my post last April:
Michigan has a vast population - urban, suburban, rural, white, black, Catholic, Protestant, liberal, conservative, and moderate - much more like that of the nation as a whole. ...it would be nice to see a rotating system of primaries, with different states in front every presidential election year, offering each state its turn in the spotlight, and ending the monopoly on the election process held by the privileged few. Michigan Wants In.
|
|
Discuss
:: (0
Comments)
|
|
Sat Nov 25, 2006 at 01:00:29 AM EST
|
|
(Courtesy of Redoit News-Press) Sources say that Michael "Kramer" Richards, formerly of the "Seinfeld" hit TV show, has retrospectively endorsed the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative. "My brothers in the KKK--I love that letter 'K' myself--have made a fantastic stand for civil rights against those evil n---ers! Wait, one of them is good, my #1 soul brother Ward Connerly."
One unnamed source said that Richards is considering funding an expansion of MCRI to other states, though it will be called the MRI, or "Michael Richards Initiative", from now on. However, the source could not confirm that Richards will demand that his character now be called "KKKramer", instead of merely "Kramer", to honor the "white pride" organization. In other news, Sacha "Borat" Cohen is profiting handily from stunts such as calling black people "chocolate face" in his new "Borat" film. Asked for comment, "Borat" let loose a tide of racial slurs and then noted that he regretted that Michael Richards is now an even more publicized bigot than he himself is, since "Borat" enjoys being known as the most prominent bigot on the surface of the planet.
[courtesy of AllHipHop.com]
|
|
Discuss
:: (2
Comments)
|
|
Tue Nov 21, 2006 at 22:01:54 PM EST
|
|
(Cross-posted from Arblogger)
(Folks marching onto field at Mich Stadium)
(Lloyd Carr, too small to see here, talking about Bo at Big House)
(self-explanatory)
There are news commentaries up already, so what can I add? --I was there for about 3 1/2 hours or so in the cold, but it was worth it. ...I forget who gave the anecdote about cranberry sauce--UM athletic director Bill Martin? UM Alumni Assoc. ex-head Bob Forman?--, but he said that Bo Schembechler had an opinion on everything, including cranberry sauce. Bill/Bob/whoever expected Bo to say fresh cranberry sauce was better than canned, but Bo's wisdom was apparently, and verbatim as I can make it, "It's good, it's round, and it comes right out of the can and sits right by the yams and mashed potatoes." He's right. Other interesting notes were that: I think it was Martin this time, said that Bo said Michigan often did 25% passing, but said, regretfully, that it should be about 50% passing for this last game. (Which feeds into my future post on the game...) Finally, the last speaker was Glenn III "Shemy" Schembechler, who tearfully and heartfully gave his various memories, finishing with something like, "I did the best I could do, go Blue and I love you Dad."
Thank goodness for family and familial affection, including the whole House of Michigan.
|
|
Discuss
:: (1
Comments)
|
|
Sun Mar 05, 2006 at 20:45:54 PM EST
|
Governor Jennifer Granholm from the MDP Feb '06 Convention:
"I just have to put in a plug for one of the greatest websites around, MichiganLiberal.com."
From the Granholm for Governor campaign website:
"A Michigan-based weblog that covers all areas of state politics and then some. With constantly-updated news clippings, insightful analysis, and a touch of Michigan humor, michiganliberal.com is great resource for Michigan Democrats."
From MIRS interview with Senator Mark Schauer, 1/18/08:
[Any favorite sites in particular?] I try to check out MichLib (Michigan Liberal) and Blogging for Michigan every day.
George Weeks, Detroit News politics columnist:
"(MichiganLiberal.com) Scooped again! And from outside the mainstream media where I have so long enjoyed zesty competition."
Republican Party State Chairman Saul Anuzis:
(Michiganliberal.com is) "a good source of information on what the bad guys are doing."
|
|
Discuss
:: (0
Comments)
|
|
Wed Jan 25, 2006 at 18:08:55 PM EST
|
|
We have a great community here, and we're pleased you want to be a part of it. Advertising on Michiganliberal.com allows you to reach Democrats and liberals in the state of Michigan, and helps support our work too. Our audience is mainly Michiganders, from all across the state and all walks of life. We are averaging over 1,000 unique visits per day, which includes a wide variety of people from grassroots activists to high profile political figures. (Our membership roster lists a few names.) Also please review the results of our 2007 Reader Survey.
There is advertising space available on Michiganliberal.com. But before placing an ad, you may want to think about what your goal is. Are you looking to reach general Michigan voters? A newspaper or radio website in your area might be a better fit. Are you looking to recruit volunteers, raise money, reach likely primary voters, offer products or services to candidates and elected officials, or get petition signatures for a Democratic/liberal cause? If so, our site is probably a good match for you.
The main method of advertising here is to purchase a Blogad. Details available here. How it works is that you are renting space on our site for a period of time - minimum 1 week - with unlimited impressions and click-throughs. Prices start at $50. You provide the artwork and the text. By making this purchase you will receive a colorful eye-catching ad in one of the most prominent locations on Michlib.
Also some contextually-based ads show up on our site from Google Adwords. We do not control their content, and you can't order ads directly on our site through Google.
Please do make sure your ad is clear on what you want people to do (sign up to volunteer, donate money, sign a petition etc). You'll get more quality responses that way.
Thanks, and good luck!
|
|
Discuss
:: (0
Comments)
|
|
Fri Jan 13, 2006 at 01:06:33 AM EST
|
|
Thanks anyway!
|
|
Discuss
:: (0
Comments)
|
|
Fri Jan 13, 2006 at 00:42:33 AM EST
|
|
Your transaction has been completed, and a receipt for your purchase has been emailed to you.
|
|
Discuss
:: (0
Comments)
|
|
Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 16:14:24 PM EST
|
|
Elected for four year terms every even-numbered non-Presidential year.
Under Article
V, § 30 of the Michigan Constitution (1992), executive officers may not serve more than two terms per office.
4 offices: 2 Democrats, 2 Republicans
Click on text link below for more information and discussion about each official/office.
*All four executive officers will be term-limited out and cannot run again (for their same office) in 2010.
|
|
Discuss
:: (0
Comments)
|
|
Tue Dec 06, 2005 at 12:19:07 PM EST
|
|
Welcome to Michlib! Please be sure to review our Editorial Policy as well before posting. Remember: Michigan First!, keep it clean, and no one-line diaries. New Diaries When you're creating a new diary, please choose an appropriate diary topic (use drop-down menu) to file it under. This makes it easier for people to find diaries again later on. Diary topics and tags are interchangeable, but the menu may be helpful to get the name exactly right. When items can be filed under more than one place, use your best judgement as to where it fits, or add multiple tags. When making a diary, please use both the main and extended text boxes when appropriate. If you load too much text into the main box, it makes it harder for people to scroll through the site - if it's a really long post, give people a taste in the main box and then lure them in to read more. If you don't know HTML, we have a new option available for you when you comment or write a diary. Go to the 'Formatting' drop down menu and choose 'WYSIWYG'. (Stands for what-you-see-is-what-you-get.) Much like Blogger, it will let you add images and links, and style your text without HTML. You can just highlight portions and click on the 'bold' button etc. To link to another website (Google in this example) in your post with HTML, use this code, <a href="http://www.google.com/">Click For Link</a> It will appear as Click For Link. You can also just paste the link as normal text and let SoapBlox figure it out, like http://www.google.com/. To embed a YouTube video, copy and paste the code on its YouTube video page (next to Embed). To embed an image, use this code, <img src="url of image"> Use an HTML cheat sheet as needed. If you use Firefox, here's an extension called BBCodeXtra to cheat for you. Always use the Preview option before posting, to make sure your post looks exactly how you want and that any links in the text are working. Maybe someday we'll offer spell checking! In the meantime, the latest version of the (free) Firefox web browser has spell-check built in. Copyright/Fair Use Please keep in mind copyright and fair use laws when posting an article written by somebody else. We don't want to get sued! What is fair use? It's generally OK to summarize, including copying portions of the text verbatim. But don't copy an entire article here unless you have permission from the author(s). Also always link to the original article whenever possible. Read the EFF Bloggers' FAQ for more. If you cite text from another site, use a blockquote to make it clear that it's not your original writing.
It can be done with this code, <blockquote> This text will be in the block </blockquote> Blogroll If you have suggestions for our blogroll, please speak up. We're looking for good Michigan political content. P.S. don't be afraid to suggest to other sites that they link to us when appropriate. Help getting the word out is always appreciated. With that said, welcome to Michigan Liberal and please join the conversation! -- Laura, Matt and Jon
|
|
Discuss
:: (1
Comments)
|
|
Mon Oct 24, 2005 at 01:06:13 AM EDT
|
Key sources for Michigan political news
|
|
|
Michigan Broadcast Media
|
Public Radio
|
Michigan Radio (NPR - Ann Arbor[91.7], Flint[91.1], Grand Rapids[104.1])
|
| WCBN-FM Ann Arbor (88.3) |
Detroit Public Radio (NPR - Detroit [101.9])
|
WKAR-FM East Lansing (NPR - 90.5)
|
WKAR-AM East Lansing (NPR - 870)
|
| WDBM-FM East Lansing (88.9) |
WLNZ-FM Lansing (89.7)
|
WEMU-FM Ypsilanti (NPR - 89.1)
|
Interlochen Public Radio (NPR - 91.5)
|
CMU Public Radio (NPR - Alpena [91.7], Bay City[90.1], Harbor Springs[103.9], Mt. Pleasant[89.5], Oscoda[95.7], Sault Ste. Marie[98.3], Standish[96.9])
|
WMUK-FM Kalamazoo (NPR - 102.1)
|
WGVU-FM Grand Rapids
(NPR - 88.5 & 95.3)
|
WGVU-AM Grand Rapids
(NPR - 1480 & 850)
|
WNMU-FM Marquette (NPR - 90.1)
|
WGGL-FM
Houghton (NPR - 91.1)
|
WXOU-FM Rochester (88.3)
|
|
Air America Stations
|
WDTW-AM Detroit (1310)
|
WLBY-AM Ann Arbor (1290)
|
WWKK-AM Petoskey (750)
|
|
Commercial Radio
|
WLEN-FM Adrian (103.9)
|
WAAM-AM Ann Arbor (1600)
|
WBCK-AM Battle Creek
(Clear Channel-930)
|
WJR-AM Detroit
(760)
|
WWJ-AM
Detroit (950)
|
WKRK-FM Detroit (Infinity - 97.1)
|
WCHT-AM Escanaba (Radio Results - 600)
|
WFNT-AM Flint (Regent - 1470)
|
WWCK-AM Flint (Cumulus - 1570)
|
WOOD-AM Grand Rapids (Clear Channel - 1300)
|
WTKG-AM Grand Rapids
(Clear Channel - 1230)
|
WHTC-AM Holland (Midwest - 1450)
|
WHMI-FM Howell (Livingston Radio - 93.5)
|
WMIQ-AM Iron Mountain (Northern Star - 1450)
|
WZAM-AM Ishpeming (Taconite - 970)
|
WKMI-AM Kalamazoo (Fascist/Cumulus - 1360)
|
WKZO-AM Kalamazoo
(Fairfield - 590)
|
WILS-AM Lansing (1320)
|
WJIM-AM Lansing (Citadel
1240)
|
WSGW-AM Saginaw (NextMedia - 790)
|
WTCM-AM Traverse City (Midwestern - 580)
|
|
Public Television
|
WTVS Detroit (PBS-56)
|
WKAR
East Lansing (PBS-23)
|
WGVU/WGVK Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo (PBS-35
& 52)
|
WFUM Flint (PBS-28)
|
CMU Public Television Mount
Pleasant (PBS-14, 6, 27 & 21)
|
WDCQ & WDCP Bay City
(PBS 35 & 19)
|
WNMU Marquette (PBS-13)
|
|
Commercial Television
|
WXYZ Detroit (ABC-7)
|
WDIV Detroit (NBC-4)
|
WJBK Detroit (Fox-2)
|
WOOD Grand Rapids (NBC-8)
|
WXMI Grand Rapids (Fox-17)
|
WJRT Flint (ABC-12)
|
WNEM Saginaw (CBS-5)
|
WLNS Lansing (CBS-6)
|
WILX Lansing (NBC-10)
|
WSYM
Lansing (Fox-47)
|
WWMT Kalamazoo (CBS-3)
|
WPBN Traverse City (NBC 7&4)
|
WWTV Traverse City & Sault Ste.
Marie (CBS 9&10)
|
WLUC Marquette (NBC-6)
|
|
Report all additions or broken links to joan@michiganliberal.com
|
|
Discuss
:: (0
Comments)
|
|
|
|
|
|
