Michigan Taxes on Twitter
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By jgillman, on March 10th, 2010
I don’t think I have ever considered the possibility of Coffee or Tea being politicized..
Obviously, the Tea Party movement uses “Tea” because of the revolutionary roots, and its meaning of “standing up to an oppressive authority.” It represents the individualism of patriots in this country and a desire to be free of unneeded government interference and manipulation of our lives. We assert that we are a FREE people, and are petitioning our government to step back to the constitutional precepts that founded this nation.
But there are some who are so afraid of individuality, they will do anything to distort who we are, and falsely represent what we believe. If not by simply screaming it out as obscenities and hyperbole, but now through the use of similarities in the group naming. The outfit at COFFEEPARTYUSA.COM is headed up by film maker and activist Annabel Park a rabid Obama supporter.
the group uses the “coffee party” name in a manner that attempts to mimic the organizing efforts of the Tea Parties. They attempt to convince those who are unhappy with government to come to “coffee Parties” instead of protesting, in a way that confuses the entire point of the protests. In other words saying you don’t like the way things are going? Come sit with us and we will tell you why you are wrong.. We’ll work it out.
The tactic in this case is hardly unique or original. The method of harnessing a sentiment and redirecting it in a way that unknowingly goes against the person holding it is a classic progressive (Leftist) strategy. We have seen it in the Ray Schoenke Ads prior to the 2008 election, or even the GOP4OBAMA site sham. Heck, Even Michelle Malkin has a story today about other fakers.
The left knows it has NOTHING to offer. It must try to deceive the potential supporters by pretending it is something it is not.
Wasn’t that how the communist got in the white house?
Indeed when it comes to REAL Americans protesting the rampant abuses by government.. Its not the intellectually vapid coffee shop where you will find me.. IT will ALWAYS be at the tea party.
By jgillman, on March 10th, 2010
To Mr Stupak:
I am not in your district, yet your efforts and equivocation about legislation has effect on all Michigan families. Please make up your mind. Either you will stand with the cabal that is trying so hard to destroy what good is left in this country, or you will side with your constituents, the people of Michigan, and common sense. It is your choice. On these following issues, I would hope to know that you stand with the people.
Health Care is a personal thing. It is as private a set of decisions to be made as any. It is not to be doled out, controlled or manipulated by government, lest it become an unconstitutional monstrosity. Indeed, I truly hope you consider the constitutionality of ANY legislation you sign. This is the type of legislation that exists is such that it attempts to give our government even more power over our lives. Any further gerrymandering plans of our personal decisions with “public monies” should be scrapped.
Carbon Caps are unnecessary. The climate change issue is a FRAUD. I know you aren’t a dumb guy, and I know a lot of folks who are pretty bright actually believe we might affect the climate in such a way that is devastating, but now as the falsified evidence used to support carbon legislation has been discovered, will you be too proud to admit you are wrong?
These are merely two efforts on the part of this administration that will severely harm both the economy, and neither serve nor solve the problems they are enacted to cover. In fact it is likely they will make BOTH problems worse. If that is what you want, then say so.
Now there is another problem on the horizon.
Michigan shares with Canada, and a few other states, a wonderful resource known as the great lakes. As if the control by government of energy, emissions, labor, and health is not enough, we now face a control of our most basic natural ability to entertain and feed ourselves. Sport fishing is the next target for your party it seems Mr Stupak.
“The Obama administration will accept no more public input for a federal strategy that could prohibit U.S. citizens from fishing some of the nation’s oceans, coastal areas, Great Lakes, and even inland waters.”
They would now tell us when and where we can fish sir? From a federal management scheme?
This is where the consolidation of power leads, congressman. It is hardly patriotic, constitutional, or even remotely American.
My question to you, is which side of the fence will you be on when the economy of this state is under attack once again Mr. Stupak? When the fishing no longer allowed by order of the executive branch of the federal government? Especially with your very own constituency feeling most of the pain?
I wonder, if it is possible perhaps for you to stop being a Democrat, and instead be a patriot and oppose anything this administration wants at all cost? There is nothing in the Obama administration agenda that makes this country stronger, or more resilient. All those roads lead to serfdom sir. Michigan has already been ill served by the very philosophy that exists in congress and is now in the Whitehouse. Would you seek to help them expand it any further?
I welcome your response either here or by act of defiance to the power seekers in those institutions of power. I pray for your character, your strength, and the realization of what must be done to stop it.
Jason Gillman
Traverse City, Michigan.
By jgillman, on March 9th, 2010
Legislation would clarify definition of ‘public employee,’ stop compulsory ‘union dues’ being taken from caregiver subsidies
MIDLAND — Mackinac Center Legal Foundation Director Patrick J. Wright will testify today before the Senate Families and Human Services Committee on proposed legislation to end the forced unionization of home-based day care owners and prohibit any stealth attempts to unionize contractors involved in home health care services. The committee will consider Senate Bills 1173, 1178 and 1179 at 2:30 p.m. in Room 210 of the Farnum Building.
The MCLF in September filed a lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Human Services after more than 70,000 small-business owners were roped into a public-sector union. As much as $3.7 million in “dues” could be siphoned annually from the subsidies these home-based day care operators receive on behalf of low-income families.
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We will be working on articles in the future with regard to this type of activity, and other union operations that have sapped the once vibrant Michigan economy. The Mackinac center has led the fight for the rights of these small operators who could not fight the oppression levied by union lobbyists, and their willing functionaries in government.
By jgillman, on March 5th, 2010
Democrats hoping to turn a recent “discovery” by a maid after a Republican gathering into gold for their party might want to settle down and think about some other things politic. Excitement over a presentation to Republican leadership should fade fast when put to contrast with Democrat collusion efforts, cover ups and open deceit. Politico reports:
“The Republican National Committee plans to raise money this election cycle through an aggressive campaign capitalizing on “fear” of President Barack Obama and a promise to “save the country from trending toward socialism.”
The strategy was detailed in a confidential party fundraising presentation, obtained by POLITICO, which also outlines how “ego-driven” wealthy donors can be tapped with offers of access and “tchochkes.”
Politico’s piece has sparked a number of lefty blogs, who are looking for anything they can find to turn attention away from the FAIL Obama policies and the current debate on the monstrous government health care takeover. Using a paltry 2 pages from the presentation found, Democrats have begun to rail on Republican efforts to milk the rich donors based on the fears of this country turning to socialism etc.. But at the same time ignoring that many donors were AT THE RETREAT where the presentation was made.
An attempt to turn the Republican supporters against the party is expected. The left has been trying to define Republicans based on their limited synaptic polarization, but to use a strategy session hand out as a smoking gun for a political party is somewhat weak and has the smell of desperation.
But let us not forget that in our own state, the glorious territory of Michigan, it was not a Republican “conspiracy” that attempted to rewrite the constitution of the state in a single pass, but rather the collusion of the Democrat Party, and The Unions. The 2008 discovery by a Mackinac center intern of the Democrat takeover plan was found on a UAW website, and outlined the ways in which to deceive Michigan voters so that the Democrats could retain power in a state where the dissatisfaction with Democrat leadership would leave them out of power from 2012-2021 (their estimates.. not mine)
The document, when addressing the desired redistricting to help retain democrat seats:
“To succeed Redistricting reform must be a part of a larger, popular state government reform proposal”
which means “We need to headline the package with things that people actually might support”
They even recognized how incredibly miserable a job Democrats have done in Michigan, all the while trying to get more power for encore performances:
“In 2008, use the public’s very negative mood and high level of discouragement about state government (the worst in 25 years) to enact a ballot proposal which comprehensively reforms state government, including changing the structural obstacles to Democratic control of state government in 2012-2021″
And it wasn’t ME who added the parenthesis and “worst in 25 years” comment..
The worst part of this document, is that it wasn’t merely a strategy booklet laying around, but rather a full blown plan bought and paid for by the Democrat Party in Michigan. It’s implementation HAPPENED, and the Democrats LIED about it. They claimed to have nothing to do with it when the RMGN (Reform Michigan Government NOW) petitions appeared on the scene. They hid the source of the funding, and only when this document was discovered, did the Michigan Democrat leadership admit its participation.
From Stacking the courts by elimination of “conservative” or otherwise Republican identified judges, to redistricting that favored Democrat majorities, the entire ballot initiative that came out fortunately had one little problem.
It was too big. IT wouldn’t fit on the ballot, and was summarily rejected for that reason.
The failure of the Democrats and their leadership in this state and in the nation can be summed up in one word; “proboscis”. The consistent failures result in the inability to see beyond the ends of their elite, and oft upturned noses. Lack of consideration for the damaging complexities they weave, while practicing the art of deception over a voting public and indeed their very own constituencies.
And now they would condemn the Republicans, for the simple act of considering how best to raise funds and reach their donor base based on a little stroking of the ego?
Laughable.
By jgillman, on March 3rd, 2010
By jgillman, on March 3rd, 2010
Monday, March 8th, 2010 (7 pm)@ AMVET Hall,1217 Merriman, Westland, MI
Speakers Jack McHugh- Michigan Votes website and Mackinac Center for Public Policy : Stacey Mathia – Independent candidate for Governor, Scott Hagerstrom-state director, Americans for Prosperity Foundation (AFP) and Rick Jarosz, Downriver Republicans Grassroots Organization ”The Second Amendment” (Gun rights)
How do we fix our broken government and reclaim the future for our children? Come to a TEA party town hall on March 8, 2010. Our speakers- Rick, Stacey, Jack and Scott- will be sharing their thoughts and views on what’s broken, and what we can all do to fix the problems. . Emphasizing current concerns, the meeting is entitled, “Bread, Beans and Bullets since it will address Jobs, Taxes and Gun Control.
It is no secret that Michigan is seeing the worst unemployment and in the biggest crisis since the Great Depression. Our auto manufacturers pushed into bankruptcy while Wall Street rewarded. Washington politicians have done a terrible job. Health care has had a big debate, but other issues affect us- such as gun restriction, loss of jobs that pay, or increasing taxes and debt. . These topics will be discussed at a Town hall meeting, sponsored by the Patriots of Southeast Michigan.
Jack McHugh is a senior legal analyst of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. The Center’s mission is to ““improve the quality of life for all Michigan citizens by promoting sound solutions to state and local policy questions”. He also is the editor for Michigan Votes, the website that provides the activities of the Michigan Legislature. He has published essays on public policy in all major Michigan newspapers
Scott Hagerstrom is the state director of Americans for Prosperity Foundation. He will endorse the return of Federal government to its Constitutional mandates. AFP is opposed to health care reform, cap and trade (to limit global warming) .Fresh from speaking at the TEA Party convention, Scott will instruct on how to bring Congress back to fiscal responsibility.
Stacey Mathia will discuss returning common sense and conservative principles to Michigan government. She states, “I look forward to speaking with all of Michigan about returning us to prosperity. I look forward to returning our state to a climate that rewards entrepreneurship, not punishes it.” She will share about improving the outlook for business in Michigan.
Rick Jarosz is vice director of The Downriver Republican Grassroots Organization(DRGO) He will speak on the Second Amendment as it relates to gun ownership and little known proposals by the Obama administration to restrict gun ownership. Their stated mission is “to create a resource that informs, demonstrates and persuades through objective presentation, debate and discussion, the benefits of limited government, individual liberty and individual responsibility.” This stance is echoed by all of our speakers.
The town hall will be held Monday, March 8, 2010, at the AMVET Hall, 1217 Merriman Rd, Westland, MI at 7 pm. For more information contact: Ralph Glugla or visit our website: Patriots of Southeast Michigan: www.patriotsofsoutheastmichigan.org
By jgillman, on March 2nd, 2010
This might be a rather large rally in Traverse City Michigan. We will be equipped with a professional sound system, world class singer Lloyd Marcus will be coming with the Express bus, and we are working on other special guests for the event.
Music, speeches, and friendly faces will be there!
Traverse City, MI
Date/Time:
Saturday, April 10th at 11:00 am
Rally Location:
Grand Traverse Civic Center Pavilion
1213 W Civic Center Dr
Traverse City, MI 49686
More to follow as available.
Reminders to be posted each week.
By jgillman, on March 1st, 2010
CALL TODAY.
Stop the Gov’t Union Raise!
Please call each of these Senators and tell them to stop the gov’t union raises. This issue could come up for a vote in the Senate as soon as Tuesday. (tomorrow)
Government employees are up for another raise, 3%, at the same time most of the private sector is taking pay cuts or staying flat.
Non-union state employees have already had their raise canceled.
Under State Constitution the legislature has 60 days from the beginning of the year to reject raises for the union employees.
How much would the 3% raise cost? $33.7 million.
Anderson, Glenn S. Westland 517-373-1707
Barcia, Jim Bay City (517) 373-1777
VanWoerkom, Gerald Muskegon (517) 373-1635
Richardville, Randy Monroe (517) 373-3543
Olshove, Dennis Warren (517) 373-8360
Switalski, Michael Roseville (517) 373-7315
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By jgillman, on February 26th, 2010
The hypocritical mind of the Michael Moore type decries “capitalism” while reaping the fruits of it. And not just the fruit, but the soured and rotten apples placed in the pie that is the American dream. What he uses is not even a pure capitalism, but rather a stipend in the form of a film credit to produce his wares. A special industry balancing tool crafted by the great minds in Lansing to reward those whom they like, or at least know how to play the game best.
And that is just a Michigan issue.. We would conveniently ignore the others of his type at an even more oppressive level.
So obscure in the dank dark place that is a liberal mind, is also that concept of free and open agreement between a producer and promoter of the performing arts. Michigan’ US Representative John Conyers – D, as a leading sponsor of the H.R.848 – Performance Rights Act, demonstrates even further that the only place in the heart of leftist representatives is one that supports adding cost and complication to business. Conyers’ bill, and its Senate counterpart (by Pat Leahy -D) S.379 – Performance Rights Act are nearly word for word identical twins, and could quickly pass before anyone pays any attention.
Why does it matter? Why wouldn’t we support the recording artists in their quest to be paid more for their recordings?
Well it depends on if they really will be paid more, as opponents of the bill contend that its not as clear as that.
Poppycock, argues Dennis Wharton a spokesman for the National Association of Broadcasters, the group on the other side. Half of the money would go to record companies, and “Who has abused artists worse than the record labels traditionally?” he asks. “No one.”
Another concern, though likely not from the major coalition opposing the bill which (surprisingly) includes NPR and others, is that it might provide a back door mechanism for the control and reigning in of “conservative” radio. Even FM radio stations tend to have a bit more of a conservative slant than their television counterparts.
Ultimately however, the bills are what they appear to be on their face. No matter the motive, they add cost to the operations of radio stations in both compliance, and straight out taxation that provides no counter benefit. Just a tax. Just an additional burden on business. Just reaching into the pockets of business owners who have developed operating models that do not include such an artificial thing. A money shuffle managed by government.
“But what about the artists?” One might ask.
What about them? They are free to withhold their music from the radio stations. Private property is still private, is it not? Likewise, the producers, and record labels who would expect this cash cow to fill the coffers to pre-MP3 levels can withhold their product. No Pay? No Play. Simple. Its a free market right? No one forces them to play, and frankly they are usually begging to be played for exposure.
So why would they need the congress to enact such measures?
Because that is what crony capitalism is about. When one segment of the market cannot or WILL NOT compete on its own merits, it uses the hammer of government to equalize the playing field. Bringing to that lowest denominator all parties, through a control by taxes or a modification of business practice through regulation. Indeed, it pays to have a tool like Conyers, or Leahy in the collective pocket of the music producers in this case, and in other cases, they might be serving another industry such as big labor.
Conyers contributors is certainly PART of the story, and his masters include the following.
Top 5 Contributors, 2009-2010, Campaign Cmte
| Contributor |
Total |
Indivs |
PACs |
| Law Offices of Peter G Angelos |
$28,800 |
$28,800 |
$0 |
| Intellectual Ventures LLC |
$12,500 |
$12,500 |
$0 |
| Microsoft Corp |
$10,650 |
$5,650 |
$5,000 |
| Boilermakers Union |
$10,000 |
$0 |
$10,000 |
| Laborers Union |
$10,000 |
$0 |
$10,000 |
Top 5 Industries, 2009-2010, Campaign Cmte
| Industry |
Total |
Indivs |
PACs |
| Lawyers/Law Firms |
$104,249 |
$85,150 |
$19,099 |
| Computers/Internet |
$49,533 |
$18,950 |
$30,583 |
| TV/Movies/Music |
$47,691 |
$14,900 |
$32,791 |
| Casinos/Gambling |
$24,400 |
$23,400 |
$1,000 |
| Building Trade Unions |
$22,000 |
$0 |
$22,000 |
Draw whatever conclusions you want, but ask yourself if this is what we want in Michigan for elected representation? Is he, or any others like him at any level representing the citizens of his district (or Michigan for that matter) with such measures? Can job and industry killing measures continue? Is this who you want to control debate?
I use these examples (Conyers is a near perfect one) an an attempt to pound home the point that government interference with the natural state of trade and free markets hardly provides a benefit to all. For there to be a winner in the arena of government intervention, a loser must be selected first. It is my contention consumers and taxpayers are always first in line for that distinction.
By jgillman, on February 24th, 2010
My personal opinion is that there are crimes prosecuted that would be better served as probation issues (white collar, non violent) but the idea that wholesale commutations happen is absurd. Schuette’s camp writes:
Voters were right to Ban “Good Time” for Prisoners
Former Appeals Court Judge Bill Schuette today voiced strong opposition to bills that would restore ‘good time’ for Michigan prisoners, and essentially end Truth in Sentencing by enabling prisoners to be released before having served their minimum sentence.
“The question to ask is this: what is best for the safety and security of Michigan families?” Schuette asked. “These bills fail that fundamental test.”
“Michigan’s violent crime rate is 30% higher than the average of all of Great Lakes states. And yet only 2 out of every 10 felons go to prison, half the national average. Releasing thousands more prisoners early will not make families, schools and neighborhoods safer,” Schuette said.
“This decision is being driven by dollars, not safety, and certainly not common sense,” Schuette added.
“Crime victims have a right to the peace of mind that comes from the knowledge that a perpetrator will serve his or her minimum sentence. And police and prosecutors are already overworked with the cases they have, without thousands of inmates being released back on the streets early,” Schuette said.
“Crime victims need an advocate; crime fighters need an ally. The bills under consideration do neither,” Schuette concluded.
While we look at the cost of government from a number of angles, we ought not forget the primary purpose of government is the protection of its citizens from the bad guys.
By jgillman, on February 22nd, 2010
Anyone who had knowledge of the surveillance capabilities with the laptop giveaway to students at the PA Lower Merion School District should be fired. Pending criminal prosecution. Period. From the Washington Post
Lower Merion officials confirmed last week they had activated the webcams to find 42 missing or stolen laptops, without the knowledge or permission of students and their families. Both the FBI and local authorities are investigating whether the district broke any wiretap, computer-use or other laws.
The district has been asked by the FBI to not wipe any computers during the investigation.
There are boundaries folks.
The very reason we have constitutional protections like the 4th amendment is that there are glibly ignorant authoritative figures who really could give a rats ass about your personal privacy. For the good of the school, and loss of Laptops be damned. The sheer stupidity of anyone who was knowledgeable that the cameras could be turned on and broadcast back images where students are, is incredible.
And if it was not stupid… it was criminal intent, either by willful disregard for the constitutionality of the program, or a way to hide other illicit acts of perversion.
The investigation is extremely understated at this point. And whichever explanation follows, not a single school board member should remain when it is over. The participation in this program, either actively or passive is by any standard of decency, Unacceptable.
Could it happen here? ..maybe it has.
By jgillman, on February 18th, 2010
 Well close enough. Rosanne Barr will be here instead.
Apparently Rosie O’Donnel is busy dealing with waterboarding and wax.
How funny are they anyhow?
Well we KNOW how funny Michael Moore is.. and he is producing the event… sigh.. how far will Traverse City fall into the gutter before it realizes it is swimming with the rats?
Rosanne Barr of course made famous through her eating of three week old Cheetos in the original HBO special 20+ years ago stopped being funny around a year later grabbing her crotch and disrespecting the flag with a purposefully wretched rendition of the star spangled banner.
Rosie O’Donnell pictured here, and not any more hilarious either, has really had nothing good to say about this country either..
Top of the mitt.. way to go.
Oh yeah.. if you really dig these guys.. here http://comedyartsfest.org/ It starts tomorrow.
By jgillman, on February 16th, 2010
By jgillman, on February 12th, 2010
Total proposed spending for next year is $2.1 billion higher than current fiscal year’s budget
MIDLAND — Michael D. LaFaive, the Mackinac Center’s director of fiscal policy, today characterized Gov. Granholm’s proposal to impose a $554 million tax hike as “one last sop to Lansing politicians, their lieutenants and government employee unions.” The governor argues that her proposed tax system will become revenue-neutral after 2013, but LaFaive observed, “Revenue-neutral or not, lawmakers should not be restructuring the state’s tax system before adopting significant spending reforms — reforms more fundamental than the half-hearted measures the governor has proposed so far.
“The governor is calling in tax architects while Michigan’s house burns down,” LaFaive added. “Michigan’s per-capita personal income is already 13.1 percent below the national average. The governor’s tax hike proposal is madness, and it will only make us poorer still.” LaFaive also noted that Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency figures show that under the governor’s plan, the adjusted gross total appropriation for fiscal 2011 would be $2.1 billion higher than for fiscal 2010.
LaFaive and Mackinac Center Adjunct Scholar James Porterfield recently estimated that the state could achieve at least $557 million in first-year savings by enrolling state and public school employees in insurance plans based on health savings accounts. The projected total savings from this shift would grow to almost $32 billion through 2021.
LaFaive added: “Michigan lawmakers hit Michigan with a 2007 tax hike worth $1.4 billion, and already they want more? This has less to do with helping the people of Michigan and more to do with sparing lawmakers the really tough decisions that many Michigan households have already had to make.”
Mackinac Center analysts will be responding to other components of the governor’s tax and budget proposals on the Center’s blog, “The MC.” Center Fiscal Policy Analyst James Hohman has already posted entries titled “Governor Wrong About Headlee Limits” and “Governor’s Tax Hike Proposals Increase Already Juiced System.”
The Mackinac Center is a free-market research and educational institute headquartered in Midland, Mich.
By jgillman, on February 12th, 2010
Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow may be doing that.. They should be.
New Jersey is one of the eighteen states that have specific provisions within their constitutions that allow for the recall of their respective US Senators.
Article I Section 2b of the New Jersey Constitution reads as follows:
The people reserve unto themselves the power to recall, after at least one year of service, any elected official in this State or representing this State in the United States Congress. The Legislature shall enact laws to provide for such recall elections.
There are some who are going to attempt to remove Senator Bob Menendez… And they are dead serious.
The 18 states allowing for recall of senators are as follows: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin.
Michigan is one of them.
There are critics who cite a supreme court decision as a blockade to such an action. The committee to recall Menendez points out:
Times editorial mentioned “a 1995 U.S. Supreme Court opinion written by Justice John Paul Stevens” that said that the recall statute “couldn’t be applied to federal officeholders.” What opinion that might be was far from clear. The case of US Term Limits v. Thornton said that no State may “alter or add to the qualifications” for Congressional office–but said nothing materially about interrupting the term of office of a Member of Congress. Though no State has yet recalled a Senator, the Constitution is in fact silent on the issue, and no provision in it says that a Senator is anything other than an agent for the State that sends him.
An interesting series.. worth the read.
I have commented on the Michigan constitutional provision that allows recall before. I have further wondered what the language should be to make it as clear to the recall voter how utterly incompetent Michigan’s two sitting US Senators are.
Perhaps “For failure to understand the United States Constitution, and enacting laws which run contrary to it, and against the best interests of the citizens of Michigan and the Nation..”
Yeah.. Something like that.
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