Michigan
updated
8:29 p.m.
As national political pundits try to figure out the "strategy" behind Sarah Palin's decision to quit her job as governor of Alaska, I can't help but think of the people who put her in the job in the first place. Not just the people who voted for her, but the grass-roots volunteers, the people who gave up their weekends and evenings to knock on doors and make phone calls, for nothing, because they...
Livingston County Democrats - 7:24 p.m.
City Council: Monday, July 6 at 7:00 pm. Agenda Highlights: A2D2 Zoning Changes Resolution to appoint R4C and R2A Zoning District Study Advisory Committee Resolution establishing a site development committee to initiate a search for a private development partner for the S. Fifth Avenue parking structure site Resolution to approve Walgreens site plan for the corner...
Arbor Update - 5:02 p.m.
The annual Hollyhock Lane Parade had several Dem favorites out parading: Bob Synk, our own Kent Democratic party, the Obama team, and of course, David LaGrand. Also in the Parade were City Commissioners Elias Lumpkins and James White; County Commissioners Brandon Dillon and Jim Talen; and candidate for the City Commission, Carol Townsend. For sheer neighborhood, small-town feel, this...
West Michigan Rising - 2:46 p.m.
After watching this weeks “off the record” I was irritated by Bill Ballinger and Dawson Bell both preaching objectivity of media; what a joke! The topic was regarding a news story that broke about Sam Riddle saying that he was paid “hush money” from the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) to not say anything negative about Gov. Granholm during the 2006 election. Here is a small recap: 2006 MDP hires ...
Far Left Field - 2:45 p.m.
e360 has an excellent wrap-up on the latest climate change report put together by a whole group of government agencies. It's the report that projects that if nothing is done by the end of the century, Michigan's (worst-case-scenario) summertime climate will then resemble what it today is in the northern panhandle of Texas. If the changes that the U.S. already has experienced make you ...
Michiganliberal - 11:49 a.m. - 3 clicks 
Ok, well it’s the 5th of July now, but happy 4th anyway. I won’t lie and say I’m still working on the site. Not that it’s done, just that I haven’t been working on it for the past few months. I’ve just been too busy. Surgery + grad school + day job + [...] ...
Christine Barry - 9:42 a.m. - 2 clicks
Here is a short set of the GR Fireworks, brought to you by Amway. Yes, we were one of the many cities in danger of canceling this year because sponsors pulled out - but Dick stepped in to save the day, and we are grateful. This was the first time I ever tried to shoot fireworks - it's easy, but it's not easy, all at the same time. You need a tripod and a remote shutter release...
Blogging For Michigan - 6:24 a.m. - 3 clicks
How is it that Glenn Beck can advocate or incite violence against the government and not be in trouble? Dude had a guy on wishing for a terrorist attack just people can turn on the government. And thanks to Sean Hannity proving he's a child that was left behind regarding the S.C. overturning a case that Sonia Sotomayor had, to a rational person the ruling was split 5 to 4 but according to...
Motor City Liberal - Sat 10:44 p.m.
Howard Kurtz is almost certainly the nation's best-known and most influential media critic. With a regular Washington Post column, virtually unlimited space on the paper's web site, and his own television show on CNN, all dedicated to covering the media, Kurtz has an unrivaled platform from which he can opine about the Fourth Estate. Unfortunately -- though perhaps not ...
Motor City Liberal - Sat 7:02 p.m.
Note this has updates from Think Progress By Ben Armbruster Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) announced this morning from her home in Wasilla that she will not be seeking re-election and that she will be stepping down in a few weeks. Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will be inaugurated as Alaska’s governor on July 25. A local NBC affiliate reports that “there was no immediate word as to why she will resign,...
Motor City Liberal - Sat 3:30 p.m.
By Faiz Shakir Max Blumental reports on The Daily Beast that Sarah Palin may have quit her job today because she was trying to avert a major, yet-to-be-disclosed corruption scandal . The gist of the rumor is that an Alaska building company called Spenard Building Supplies (SBS) was awarded a contract by Palin to build a hockey arena in Wasilla, AK, and in return, SBS helped construct Pal...
Motor City Liberal - Sat 3:30 p.m.
Okay, let's play a game of political "Where's Waldo?," 'cept with a spin. Which of the following two photos taken at various rightwing rallies were shot yesterday in Lansing, and what word was spelled in a semi-ironic way? This: ...or... ...If you guessed correctly, your prize is below the fold! Distributed at the TEA Party this afternoon: Quoted thusly, the book advertis...
Michiganliberal - Sat 12:06 p.m. - 3 clicks
Happy 4th of July! Here's hoping you and yours are spending a wonderful day filled with grilled meats and patriotic themed desserts. In honor of the founding of our country, I think it appropriate that we take a minute to remember why we celebrate this day. (Hint: it's not grilled meats or patriotic themed desserts.) From the National Archives : We hold these...
Michiganliberal - Sat 7:45 a.m.
Comments from a Veteran on the 4th of July By Jim Ramelis The 4th of July is here and it is time for patriotism, flag waving, parades and fireworks. The 4th is about picnics, fun, sunburns, baseball games and a celebration of America. It has always been one of my favorite holidays, probably because I have spent most of my life in Michigan, and the 4th is a holiday that usually is a warm sunny da...
Blogging For Michigan - Sat 5:00 a.m. - 5 clicks
Rep. Scripps (D-Leland), in addition to his regularly scheduled coffee hours , is expanding his community outreach and accessibility by holding a town hall style meeting called a "Community Conversation" . "I am committed to broadening the discussion in Lansing to include the people of Michigan who are most affected by the decisions made there," Scripps said. "We cannot overcome the challenge...
West Michigan Rising - Sat 4:50 a.m. - 7 clicks
HOWELL - A local video production company plans to air a live discussion and roundtable on the firing of Howell Public Schools Superintendent Theodore Gardella, who was fired last Friday after just a year on the job. HUB TV will air the discussion at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Uptown Coffee House in downtown Howell, at the corner of Grand River and Michigan Avenue. It will be aired live on local...
The Conservative Media - Fri 1:49 p.m. - 8 clicks
We welcome the chance to talk to you. Please contact us for any reason! Our Main Office: Michigan Prospect 2248 Mt. Hope Road, Suite 101 Okemos, Michigan 48864 Phone: (517) 381-3433 Fax: (517) 381-1964 H. Lynn Jondahl, Executive Director email:......
Michigan Prospect - Fri 1:20 p.m. - 4 clicks
While Republicans appear to be running rampant with burning torches and pitchforks chanting "Slash and Burn!" through the state's budget, it might be worth their while to pay careful attention to a recent poll released last week. Cut early childhood development and education funding and consider yourself on the chopping block. From Monday's subscription-only MIRS- Three-quarters of ...
Michiganliberal - Fri 12:09 p.m. - 2 clicks
(cross-posted all the usual places) Unless you've been living under a very large rock, you probably noticed a couple months ago when a million a few thousand rabid conservatives gathered around the country for a "tea party" to protest...well...something. The decline of America the obviously impending socialism Obama's race...I think. Anyway, tomorrow they're planning on doing it again. I...
Blogging For Michigan - Fri 12:08 p.m.
Tomorrow is Fourth of July. Michigan Radio’s Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry reminds us about the importance of the day’s celebrations... Hear Audio Story The Fourth of July is tomorrow, which means we will sacrifice plenty of hot dogs, apple pie,......
Jack Lessenberry - Fri 10:55 a.m.
This Jack Lessenberry column is something you should have already read. If you haven't, please go read it before going on. You will take a short quiz at the end of this post. I’m not sure what the weather is where you are. But it is a bleak day for thousands of Michigan adults who have been managing their vision, hearing and dental problems with the help of Medicaid. ...
Michiganliberal - Fri 7:47 a.m. - 7 clicks
(cross-posted all the usual places) Unless you've been living under a very large rock, you probably noticed a couple months ago when a million a few thousand rabid conservatives gathered around the country for a "tea party" to protest...well...something. The decline of America the obviously impending socialism Obama's race...I think. Anyway, tomorrow they're planning on doing it again. I...
Michiganliberal - Fri 7:22 a.m.
This was in yesterday's News , but it's just as fresh and bright and lively today. The debate is supposed to be about combating climate change. But when the Senate takes up energy and climate legislation this summer, another word will be in the forefront: jobs. Nationwide, and particularly for Michigan, the issue of economic impact is likely to determine support for legislation to li...
Michiganliberal - Fri 7:19 a.m. - 3 clicks
Good morning Michigan. Today is Friday, July 3, 2009. Got any plans for the 4th? Since it's a big weekend, there are too many things going on for me to list. If you're looking for fireworks, check out Michigan Fireworks . You can search for fireworks by location and date, and it's not just limited to the 4th. You can also find other events on the Michigan Festivals si...
Blogging For Michigan - Fri 4:20 a.m.
State Representative Dan Scripps (D-Leland) and Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell will both be featured this weekend at the Rothbury Music Festival . Both West Michigan Democrats will be participating in the " Think Tank ": On our country's birthday weekend, ROTHBURY brings together the innovators, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, celebs, and rabble rousers who - in this time of economic, ene...
West Michigan Rising - Fri 4:02 a.m. - 5 clicks
LANSING - The almost complete Michigan State Police headquarters in downtown Lansing has officially become a campaign issue, at least for one Secretary of State candidate, but it is certainly a dead issue. Rep. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge and Oakland Sheriff Mike Bouchard - a Republican candidate for governor- have made the most hay with their opposition to the HQ, but Sen. Cameron Brown, R-Stu...
The Conservative Media - Thu 5:39 p.m. - 6 clicks
From the Freep: LANSING - Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed legislation aimed at keeping the North American International Auto Show in Michigan beyond 2010, preferably at its current home in Detroit's Cobo Center. The new laws signed today call for a nearly $300-million expansion of Cobo and the creation of a regional authority to run and renovate the aging building. As a backup, a facility ...
Blogging For Michigan - Thu 2:39 p.m. - 4 clicks
Monday night's letter writing party with Carrie Walling was a huge success. Twenty-five folks participated including many new volunteers. 100 voter-to-voter letters (exactly) were written and we completed nearly all of our mailings. A few volunteers also made voter-to-voter phone calls. A few ladies also took supplies home with them to work on additional letters. Thanks to everyone that partic...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Thu 12:08 p.m.
After Tuesday’s shooting in Detroit, Michigan Radio’s Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry thinks its time to discuss gun control... Hear Audio Story What was perhaps most shocking about what happened in Detroit Tuesday is how little shocked we were by it......
Jack Lessenberry - Thu 10:31 a.m. - 9 clicks
I'm outta here -- off to the Caribbean for a mammoth family reunion and Florida vacation (the tropics in July yippee!). I'll be back on 14 July before heading to Chicago for Camp Wellstone. So, pick up the slack WMR bloggers ... (it may be a sign of things to come). ...
West Michigan Rising - Thu 8:17 a.m.
Most people who know me, know I grew up poor, and I know many people who struggle to make it month to month, hoping they can feed their kids. Food Banks are one of those places that help poor people. If you don't know what a Food Bank is, it is a place where those receiving Government Aide can go to get additional food they may need, if they run out of food stamps, or maybe they don't even get foo...
Blogging For Michigan - Thu 7:48 a.m.
Mike Rogers is a Serious Guy when it comes to health care. He warned us about those liberals who wanted to take Grandma's oxygen tank -- and her "choice" in health care coverage while they're at it. Well, Mr. Rogers is back with a regurgitated plan for health care reform . He gets points for alliteration ("Costs," "Control," "Choices" and "Cures"), but other than that it's a tired retread ...
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood (MI-08) - Thu 6:26 a.m. - 10 clicks
Good morning Michigan. Today is Thursday, July 2, 2009, and there's a new Senator in DC! Finally. Answer to yesterday's Michigan trivia : Michmark! The name "Petoskey" is said to mean "where the light shines through the clouds" in the language of the Odawa Indians (Little Traverse Bay Band), who are the original inhabitants. The Petoskey stone and the city were...
Blogging For Michigan - Thu 5:04 a.m. - 4 clicks
Wow . If Wal-Mart keeps this up, I might have to end my boycott of them: WASHINGTON - Wal-Mart, the nation's largest private employer, joined hands with a major labor union Tuesday to endorse the idea of requiring large companies to provide health insurance to their workers, a move that gives a boost to President Obama as he is pushing for health legislation on Capitol Hill. "Not every b...
Blogging For Michigan - Wed 5:11 p.m.
The car companies have reported their sales figures for June . While the declines themselves are bad enough, even more telling is this headline: "11.3% decline is Ford's best performance this year." Remember Cliff Taylor's car, which the then-Chief Justice used for personal functions at taxpayer expense? Well, now it's reached a milestone: 100,000 miles driven. Says MDP C...
Michiganliberal - Wed 2:50 p.m.
I almost didn't make it to the ceremony, but I'm glad I did. The place was packed. I had never seen so many people attending an event just to support one local politician. I tried to count how many people were there, but lost count at 100. I was also embarrased. Nobody told me we were supposed to be dressed up. I was the only person wearing a T-shirt and j...
Blogging For Michigan - Wed 2:37 p.m.
Livingston County's newest circuit judge, Michael P. Hatty, knows how to draw a crowd. The 44th circuit court judge was sworn in Wednesday (June 24, 2009) before a standing-room-only crowd that also spilled out into the hallway of the second-floor courtroom of the Livingston County Historic Courthouse. It was equally packed at the reception afterward at Crystal Gardens. The crowds are a sign of...
Livingston County Democrats - Wed 1:40 p.m. - 2 clicks
Libby Benton, ACLU of Michigan Legal Intern Update: The ACLU of Michigan is happy to report that after receiving our letter, Shiawassee County Administrator Margaret McAvoy has agreed that Mr. Gould has a First Amendment right to demonstrate in front of the Shiawassee County Courthouse on the Fourth of July and will allow his protest to take place without interference. read more ...
ACLU of Michigan - Wed 12:27 p.m. - 4 clicks
Michigan Radio’s political analyst Jack Lessenberry has been thinking what the state cuts to Medicaid are going to mean for Michiganders… Hear Audio Story I’m not sure what the weather is where you are. But it is a bleak day......
Jack Lessenberry - Wed 10:38 a.m. - 4 clicks
Well, it's only a matter of time before the Alan Carlin controversy shows up someplace in the pages of the Detroit News, or one of the intellectual dishrags in the state's conservative blogging community starts waving his or her arms around and a-hootin' and a-hollerin' about the EPA crushing conservative viewpoints. Considering that Debbie Stabenow and/or Carl Levin could b...
Michiganliberal - Wed 10:23 a.m. - 6 clicks
HOWELL – The big news in Howell last week was the firing of Howell Public Schools Superintendent Theodore Gardella after just a year on the job by the school board at a rare Friday afternoon special meeting. The surprise vote was 4-2 at a meeting called to address extremist rightwing trustee Wendy Day’s baseless allegations on her blog, but hassles with Gardella over the past year led the board ...
The Conservative Media - Wed 8:36 a.m.
President Obama, Do The Right Thing in Honduras! As those of you who follow the news may know, Honduran President Manuel Zalaya was ousted in a military coup. He was flown to Costa Rica and Roberto Michelettti was sworn in as interim President until January 27, 2010, the end of Zelaya's term. Obama called the action a "coup", and said "We believe that the coup was not legal and that President Ze...
Blogging For Michigan - Wed 7:49 a.m.
This weekend brings the classic American holiday, the Fourth of July. It's the time of year when we head Up North, to the lake, to the family cottage, the friend's house, and ready the boat, the camper, the jello salad decorated like the American flag, buy the fireworks, arm ourselves with bug spray and sunscreen and we celebrate what we do best - being Americans. Here in Michigan, no matter ho...
The Upper Hand - Wed 7:14 a.m. - 9 clicks
At least he's not calling Obama an economic fascist : "If we start talking about freedom and personal control and personal opportunities to express opinions and choices, Republicans can be on the pathway to the same kind of success in 2010 that we enjoyed in 1994," Hoekstra said Tuesday. I, for one, think it's going to be awfully difficult for Republicans to come across as credible p...
Michiganliberal - Wed 7:14 a.m. - 9 clicks
Good morning Michigan. Today is Workplace Wednesday, July 1, 2009, and since my workplace is kicking my butt, all I can give you this morning is a Lake Michigan sunrise: But isn't it gorgeous? Answer to yesterday's Michigan trivia : Michmark! Detroit native Peter Pultorak rode the Michigan rails for 8 years during the great depression. Today's Michigan trivia : This...
Blogging For Michigan - Wed 4:08 a.m. - 4 clicks
From a DEQ Press Release : Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester recently welcomed Bazzani Associates of Grand Rapids as the newest member of the Clean Corporate Citizen (C3) Program. Bazzani Associates is the first design and architectural building firm to become a member of the C3 Program, and helps to transform Michigan's building trade by constructing Leadership in...
West Michigan Rising - Tue 10:51 p.m. - 8 clicks
The politicians and the pundits can do the McCarthyistic cries of "Socialism", or "we need bipartisanship" all they want. But for those of us who know better, we know it all comes down to the money. So whose in the insurance/pharmaceutical industry's back pocket? Here's a quick breakdown, courtesy of OpenSecrets.org. All numbers are based on current election cycle. Congress: Bart ...
Blogging For Michigan - Tue 3:10 p.m.
Walmart, in one of their worst ways of prioritizing prices above qualities to date, turns to a foreign drug supplier, Ranbaxy Laboratories, LTD, who has repeatedly been investigated by the FDA and the DoJ for "inadequate" safeguards against contamination, falsification of records and submitting false information to the FDA. On top of that, just eight months before the FDA inspected Ranbax...
Blogging For Michigan - Tue 2:24 p.m. - 6 clicks
Today in front of Flint's City Hall, representatives of the Flint Police Officer's Association officially endorsed Dayne Walling for Mayor of Flint. "In light of the recent tragic shootings that have plagued the city, their endorsement and their confidence in my ability to be a strong and effective leader on the issue of public safety means a lot."--Dayne Walling Please click the...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Tue 12:43 p.m. - 7 clicks
Lt. Governor John Cherry announced today that the wetland and wildlife restoration project at Muskegon Lake will receive a $10m grant from NOAA and the Recovery Act. The Recovery Act grant will improve aquatic habitat for fish and other species by removing over 180,000 tons of degraded lake bottom sediment and restoring 10,000 feet of Lake Muskegon shoreline now hardened by materials including ...
West Michigan Rising - Tue 12:16 p.m. - 3 clicks
After disgraced financier Bernie Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison and Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers resigned… Michigan Radio’s Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry wonders: has justice been served? Hear Audio Story When I got to my office yesterday,......
Jack Lessenberry - Tue 12:16 p.m. - 2 clicks
Who is Kenneth W. Chilton? Some guy from Missouri. So, why did the Detroit News give him space on its Op-Ed page ? I think we have the answer here. For the past two years, Congress has been considering legislation to address global warming. The latest version, the Waxman-Markey climate bill, has been approved by the House and seems dangerously close to being enacted into law. For America...
Michiganliberal - Tue 11:04 a.m. - 2 clicks
Hello, it's the 21st century . If you do your job well, you shouldn't be fired just because the boss is a homophobe. Just like you shouldn't be able to fire someone because they're Black, or a woman, or from England, or was a veteran. Nice to see a brave city commission. Depressing to believe there are still people who think otherwise. UPDATE by memiller: I had talked with Don C...
West Michigan Rising - Tue 10:03 a.m. - 5 clicks
From Skoop's Blog over the weekend: In a confidential March memo, Gage writes that when center voters are asked to pick a word to describe the GOP "religious right is the dominate term as to why the center does not like the Republican Party. And there's more as he waxes on, "It is the left's successful vilification of the term "religious right" to imply intolerance and ignorance ...
Michiganliberal - Tue 8:59 a.m.
Cross posted from Aussie Heretic Stanley Reimer walked his wife Criste to the balcony of their sixth story apartment, kissed her goodbye and helped her over the edge to her death. Criste was at her wit's end with unresolved health issues. Stanley couldn't come up with $800 a week to buy her medications. They had no insurance. They saw no options. America is the only industrialized country in...
Blogging For Michigan - Tue 8:58 a.m.
Put her in our camp for wanting a Medicare-like public option: Thank you . . . . . for contacting me regarding problems with our health care system. Without a doubt, this is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking issues that I hear about from families, and I am grateful for your willingness to share your thoughts and experiences with me. When it comes to health care, our families and busi...
Blogging For Michigan - Tue 8:58 a.m. - 3 clicks
In an e-mail subjected " SPAM", Paul Welday shouts the following: “The Cap and Trade bill just passed in the House will have as significant a negative impact on Oakland County as anything Washington has ever forced down our throats,” said Welday. “In a time when Michigan ’s unemployment rate is over 14 percent and climbing, Gary Peters just voted to wipe out hundreds o...
Michiganliberal - Tue 7:57 a.m. - 4 clicks
From the Detroit News : Gladwin, Mich. -- The military says a 28-year-old soldier from Michigan has died in Iraq. The Department of Defense said Tuesday that Sgt. Timothy A. David of Gladwin died Sunday in Baghdad of wounds suffered earlier in Sadr City, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. David is the 170th serviceman with known Michigan ties to ha...
Michiganliberal - Tue 7:27 a.m. - 6 clicks
LANSING – With the Legislature on a two-week summer break, it seems fitting to look at what did not get done during the marathon session last Thursday that ran to 1 a.m. Friday morning in the Senate. Although there was a solution out there, 100 Michigan State Troopers will still lose their jobs this week. The House passed a supplemental bill using some restricted funds to save the jobs, but t...
The Conservative Media - Tue 5:42 a.m. - 5 clicks
In the post on the “hydrogen superhighway,” Joel Batterman notes that the State of Michigan may cut funding to the Pere Marquette and Blue Water trains. The Pere Marquette has service between Grand Rapids and Chicago; the Blue Water, between Port Huron and Chicago. Here’s a PDF with information on the planned shutdown and what you can do about it. The Michigan Association...
Arbor Update - Tue 4:24 a.m. - 14 clicks
Good morning Michigan. Today is Tuesday 2.0, June 30, 2009. Before I get started, I just want to remind you that the Democrats are about to capitulate on the public option on health care. The 40 GOPNo Senators are saying NO to the 72+% of the American people who want health care. I believe Lindsay Graham's exact words were "No." And Barack Obama's words were "[crickets chi...
Blogging For Michigan - Tue 2:19 a.m. - 4 clicks
EVERYBODY TAKE COVER! WARN YOUR FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, AND FAMILIES! CRANK UP THIS VIDEO TO FULL BLAST! THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE IS UNDER ATTACK!!! The Kalamazoo City Commission has unanimously passed a nondiscrimination ordinance for sexual orientation: It will prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people when it comes to hiring, housing and o...
Michiganliberal - Mon 10:40 p.m. - 5 clicks
Applications Now Open for Innovative Political Leadership Training Program The White House Project is seeking applications for its award-winning Go Run political training program for women. This year's participants will join a robust group of over 6,000 alumnae throughout Michigan and the U.S. who have utilized the training as a launching pad to run for office, manage campaigns, and becom...
West Michigan Rising - Mon 8:50 p.m. - 4 clicks
Detroit (WWJ) -- Effective July 6, Monica Conyers will resign her seat on the Detroit City Council. The 44-year-old Conyers, the wife of Democratic congressman John Conyers, admitted Friday in federal court to taking cash from a Houston company in exchange for her vote on a $47 million sludge treatment contract. Conyers' letter of resignation was received Monday by Detroit City Clerk Janice W...
Motor City Liberal - Mon 4:19 p.m. - 4 clicks
By Think Progress U.S. forces handed over formal control of Iraq’s major cities today (it is already Tuesday in Iraq), “a defining step toward ending the U.S. combat role in the country.” In celebration, Iraqis launched fireworks and “thousands attended a party in a park [in Baghdad] where singers performed patriotic songs . … Loudspeakers at police stations and military checkpoints played...
Motor City Liberal - Mon 4:19 p.m.
On Friday, the House passed the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act which, among other things , would institute a cap-and-trade system to curb U.S. carbon emissions that contribute to man-made climate change. The Senate is set to consider the legislation in the fall, but a number of Republican senators have declared the legislation dead on arrival . In an interview this morning...
Motor City Liberal - Mon 4:19 p.m.
Last week, a package of bills was introduced in the State House to prevent unintended pregnancies, create contraceptive equity, ensure medically accurate abstinence education and provide access to emergency contraception. The “Prevention First” package ( HB 5155-HB 5165 ) will reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and the spread of STD's and HIV. Birth control is basic health care...
Michigan Coalition for Progress - Mon 12:58 p.m.
Two “generals” announced they’ll be setting up shop in the state. Michigan Radio’s Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry gives us the low-down on the good news… Hear Audio Story There’s an old Paul Simon song, part of which goes like this:......
Jack Lessenberry - Mon 11:22 a.m. - 3 clicks
Sometimes you need a reminder of why you fight. Especially when it seems that the Democrats elected to office haven't been doing the best job of representing their party or their constituents. The debate on healthcare being a big example. But then Republicans go and do something stupid and you have a good reminder: The senate has voted to cut the Michigan Promise Scholarship, but ...
Blogging For Michigan - Mon 11:22 a.m. - 5 clicks
Rosalynn giving her speech. The crowd was much bigger, but everyone was hot and stayed mostly inside. All the other photos are of a bunch of hipsters (and me ... and Tony). ...
West Michigan Rising - Mon 10:27 a.m.
You're invited to Huck's 61st Birthday Party Saturday, 11 July from 3 pm to ??? At Huck's home seven miles north of Greenville. Swimming, boat rides, bon fire, food, beer and pop. For details on address and donation levels (just $30.50 per person) call 810-449-9819 or email frank.surmann@gmail.com ...
West Michigan Rising - Mon 9:07 a.m.
Michigan’s unemployment insurance system is outdated and unable to adequately meet the needs of unemployed working families, and it is discriminatory against women and low wage workers, according to a recent report by the Michigan League for Human Services (MLHS) . The MLHS released the report, “Michigan Needs to Modernize its Unemployment Insurance System,” on June 11 as other states were...
The Conservative Media - Mon 8:37 a.m. - 4 clicks
Dayne and the Walling for Mayor team hosted a picnic in Broome Park on Saturday. It was a great day to be out in one of Flint's magnificent parks. Thanks to everyone in the neighborhood that came out to spend the day with us. ...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Mon 8:16 a.m. - 5 clicks
From the Freep: A month ago, U.S. Rep Thaddeus McCotter, R-Livonia, was chastising Texas Rep. Pete Sessions and others for what he called their "selective sympathy" toward General Motors' bondholders - instead of line workers - as the White House steered GM toward bankruptcy. On Thursday,Sessions was hosting a health care industry lunch - a fund-raiser - for McCotter, who the Democratic Con...
Blogging For Michigan - Mon 8:16 a.m. - 4 clicks
A few weeks ago, Mike Rogers was making the right-wing news rounds with dire predictions about the dangers of Mirandizing Afghan detainees. More recently, Mr. Rogers has been spreading the "news" in the local media, like WHMI and the Press & Argus . "As an American citizen, it chills my blood to think that these foreign fighters from other nations who enter Afghanistan to kill our s...
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood (MI-08) - Mon 6:47 a.m. - 5 clicks
Good morning Michigan. Today is Money Saving Monday, June 29, 2009. I was looking around for some inexpensive alternative energy stuff, and I came across Colorado Solar Systems . These guys sell portable solar space heaters. The space heater is hand crafted, and I believe it is built when ordered. It sits in a south facing window, and works like this - ... when the s...
Blogging For Michigan - Mon 5:05 a.m. - 6 clicks
(Cross-posted at West Michigan Rising, Daily Kos, and Michigan Liberal-PB) Introduction In recent months astute political analysts have noted that the real prize in the 2010 election is control of the redistricting process that will follow in the year to come. While redistricting occurs on every level of government throughout the 50 states, many observers note the importance of redistr...
West Michigan Rising - Mon 2:09 a.m. - 6 clicks
Today was the day Organizing for America, the ongoing presence of the Obama campaign, picked as a national day of service around the health care issue. ObamaZoo, our Kalamazoo expression of OfA, organized our events, one in Bronson Park to collect supplies for Ministry with Community and Loaves and Fishes; one in MLK Park to spread out and educate the community about eligibility for S-CHIP; and on...
West Michigan Rising - Mon 2:09 a.m. - 5 clicks
While a study by the conservative Brooking Institution found that restoration of the Great Lakes would be an economic boon, estimating: that spending $26 billion to clean the lakes would bring benefits of at least $80 billion. Twitter Pete Hoekstra and Fred Upton voted against brining Michigan taxpayer money back to our state by refusing to support appropriations for Great Lakes restoration. ...
West Michigan Rising - Mon 2:09 a.m. - 5 clicks
Mark Brewer is the featured guest on WOOD-TV's "To The Point" with Rick Albin on Sunday morning at 10:00 in Grand Rapids. Be sure to watch. From an MDP Twitter ....
West Michigan Rising - Mon 2:09 a.m. - 5 clicks
MediaMouse -- "a left and progressive group blog providing independent news, media, analysis, and commentary covering Grand Rapids, Michigan and beyond" announced last week it's closing up shop. While I can't say I agreed with what they wrote a lot of the time -- I'm a Democrat, not an anarchist -- they did provide a valuable resource and will be missed. I'm not sure what this means for T...
West Michigan Rising - Mon 2:09 a.m. - 7 clicks
Samuel "Joe" Wurzelbacher, better known as "Joe the Plumber," has had his fifteen minutes of fame during the 2008 election and was widely expected to disappear when the candidate who brought him into the spotlight lost. But he's still a star in conservative circles -- and still saying some odd, hostile things. At an event Thursday for the Wisconsin chapter of Americans for Prosperity (one of th...
Motor City Liberal - Mon 2:08 a.m.
By Matt Corley On his radio show today, global warming denier Glenn Beck played an audio clip of Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine speaking favorably of cap-and-trade, but saying it would be “difficult” to do it in Virginia alone. “This is something that is much better done, either on a very huge regional basis or a national basis,” said Kaine. Kaine’s comments caused Beck to accuse cap-and-trade supp...
Motor City Liberal - Mon 2:08 a.m.
One thing I hope to do with this blog is post information about public meetings. Anyway, from the Enquirer.. MONDAY • Battle Creek Public Schools Board of Education, 5:30 p.m., administrative offices, third floor of Willard Library. OAS_AD('ArticleFlex_1'); • Marshall City Council, 6 p.m., City Hall. • Springfield City Council, 7:30 p.m., City Hall. TUESDAY • Maren...
In The Middle of it All - Mon 2:08 a.m. - 6 clicks
Why are you running for Mayor? I was born and raised in Flint and I know we can do better than this. I was blessed to have a great education through the Flint public schools. Today, I live in Flint with my wife and two young kids as do my parents and my grandmother and it's just not right for a place to have the kind of suffering and the lack of opportunity that Flint does now. Flint has a str...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Mon 2:07 a.m. - 4 clicks
Possibility This home in Flint's 8th ward is a prime example of what homeowners can achieve by purchasing additional lots adjacent to their house. The expansion of the traditional city lot gives the property a suburban look in the heart of the city. Opportunity Here is a nearby property that needs to be torn down to make way for higher value uses. ...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Mon 2:07 a.m. - 4 clicks
(Cross-posted at West Michigan Rising, Daily Kos, and Michigan Liberal-PB) Introduction In recent months astute political analysts have noted that the real prize in the 2010 election is control of the redistricting process that will follow in the year to come. While redistricting occurs on every level of government throughout the 50 states, many observers note the importance of re...
DailyKos (Michigan) - Mon 2:07 a.m. - 3 clicks
Due to a 55 year law in our State's books, the Treasurers of Oakland and Wayne counties can't take office under July 1st, more than half a year after they get elected. Still, Andy Meisner, Oakland's new Treasurer, is worth the wait. Meisner wants the treasurer's office to play an expanded role in helping combat the foreclosure crisis. He wants a county-run land bank that uses federal money to...
Blogging For Michigan - Mon 2:07 a.m. - 4 clicks
By Think Progress In a 219-to-212 vote this evening, the House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which will “for the first time put a price on carbon emissions ” in the U.S. In the final minutes of the debate, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) threatened to obstruct the bill by reading 300 pages of amendments, but eventually relented and read only a few senten...
Motor City Liberal - Jun 26
Did you know that Dayne is on your radio? "Working Together with Rhoda Matthews and Dayne Walling" is on every Saturday morning at 9:30am on WFLT 1420am, the best variety of gospel. Each week Dayne and Rhoda take live calls from their listeners and discuss issues important to the citizens of Flint. This week their topic is neighborhood revitalization and their guest will be Gregory Eason who ...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Jun 26 - 4 clicks
Join the Walling Team as we work toward change in Flint by highlighting and showcasing some of Flint's best musical talent. On July 10th, stop by the Lunch Studio , located at 444 S Saginaw St, at 7pm during the Greater Flint Arts Council sponsored Downtown Art Walk, for a FREE concert and a chance to speak with Dayne Walling and the rest of the Walling for Mayor team. Bands TBA. ...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Jun 26 - 4 clicks
The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan today released a comprehensive report entitled "Reclaiming Michigan’s Throwaway Kids: Students Trapped in the School-to-Prison Pipeline," which documents a trend amongst school districts to enforce severe disciplinary policies and practices that push children permanently out of the classroom without regard for the long-term impact. The school...
DailyKos (Michigan) - Jun 26 - 4 clicks
(Cross-posted to Michigan Liberal) Meet Ismael Ahmed , Michigan's Department of Human Services chief. His official bio is here. Ismael Ahmed now has a blog on Wordpress. Ismael Ahmed also has a blog at a blogspot address. And, you can read more about Ismael Ahmed in a short feature written a few years back by Jack Lessenberry called, "Meet a real American." Here are the tw...
DailyKos (Michigan) - Jun 26 - 7 clicks
Flint is fortunate to have a strong tradition of block clubs and neighborhood organizations. Dayne Walling knows that these groups play a vital role in working for positive change in our community. He recently attended a ward 5 meeting where public safety, overgrown lawns and city parks, and ways in which the community could reuse school buildings were discussed. Dayne attended the Neighborhood...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Jun 26 - 7 clicks
The reason I ask is because of these two articles... First... A new, conservative grassroots organization that considers itself part of the tea party movement will be in town next week to warn people about the voting record of former state Rep. Mike Nofs, R-Battle Creek. '); } --> Nofs is running in the Republican primary for the ...
In The Middle of it All - Jun 26 - 7 clicks
Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land has announced that she will not run for Governor in 20-10. The Republican has, instead, endorsed Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard for the job. Michigan Radio’s Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry doesn’t think we’ve......
Jack Lessenberry - Jun 26 - 4 clicks
Every few years, Brighton-based Interstate Traveler Company pops up briefly with their visions of solar-generated hydrogen-powered mag-lev high-speed rail pods that could carry everything from people to individual automobiles to freight, provide conduits for public utilities, revitalize the American steel industry, and even provide remedies for drought and famine, all through private inve...
Arbor Update - Jun 26
LANSING – Less tan 24 hours after voting against Michigan’s unemployed workers and leaving $140 million in federal funds that would have gone directly to Michigan workers who cannot feed their families on the table, Senate Republicans again voted against Michigan workers on Thursday by addressing a problem that doesn’t exist. Senate Bills 612-615 were approved along primarily party lines t...
The Conservative Media - Jun 26 - 2 clicks
Michigan Radio’s Jack Lessenberry is declaring the unofficial start to the media’s “silly-season”… Hear Audio Story Here’s an indication of how serious our problems in Michigan are. Yesterday, I had a hard time finding anyone who seemed the least bit......
Jack Lessenberry - Jun 26 - 2 clicks
The Press : Mayor George Heartwell said he expects the commission to make a hiring decision in early August after getting the list of finalists in July. Besides any external candidates the firm finds, there are three internal candidates besides DeLong. They include: Acting Deputy City Manager Greg Sundstrom, Human Resources Director Mari Beth Jelks and Assistant to the City Manager and Purchas...
West Michigan Rising - Jun 26 - 5 clicks
Tomorrow (as I write this; today when you're probably reading it) - Friday, in any case, the House is scheduled to vote on the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES). This bill is our one chance to do something concrete on global climate change and green jobs this year. The bill received some media attention at the time it passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee, but since then has...
West Michigan Rising - Jun 25
Lara Chelian, ACLU of Michigan Intern This week, the Michigan legislature introduced one of the most comprehensive packages of prevention legislation. This is not about pro-choice or anti-choice, but about reducing the number of unintended pregnancies, which account for half of all pregnancies. Shouldn’t that be the ultimate goal? read more ...
ACLU of Michigan - Jun 25 - 2 clicks
From The Press : Topics of concern included the state's role in promoting economic growth, encouraging sustainability and the separation of powers between states and municipalities. A formal proposal [from the Cherry commission] is expected to be implemented by early 2010.... ...
West Michigan Rising - Jun 25
LANSING – Senate Republicans again voted against workers Wednesday, and left $140 million in federal funds that would have gone directly to Michigan workers who cannot feed their families on the table. Senate Democrats tried to discharge House Bills 4785 and 4786 from the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee to the floor on Wednesday, but it was blocked along party lines. The bills, approved...
The Conservative Media - Jun 25 - 4 clicks
No wonder newspapers are going broke and losing readership. The State newspaper in South Carolina says it had emails between Gov. Mark Sanford and his girl friend since December. And NOW they are releasing them. Based on the story in editions for Thursday (June 25, 2009), it really doesn't sound like the newspaper put all that much effort into verifying the emails until yesterday. The story a...
Livingston County Democrats - Jun 25
Former New York Lt. Gov. Betsy McCaughey's appearance on the June 24 edition of CNN's American Morning -- during which she again advanced without challenge the falsehood that the Affordable Health Choices Act "[b]asically ... pushes everyone into an HMO-style plan" -- raises a question: Why did CNN host McCaughey to discuss health care after CNN's own health care reporter ha...
Motor City Liberal - Jun 24
By Matt Corley Previously, the website for the Family Research Council’s Values Voters Summit 2009 featured a picture of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, advertising that he was a potential speaker. But Pam Spaulding points out that following Sanford’s announcement of an affair, his picture was quickly removed from the website . Before: After: ...
Motor City Liberal - Jun 24
From Think Progress House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), an avid lover of golf , has repeatedly used the golf course for fundraising purposes . Unlike the imprisoned former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who famously used golf as “bait …to lure Republican politicians into his realm,” Boehner has repeatedly used golf as a means of giving lobbyists some face-time with him while raising money fo...
Motor City Liberal - Jun 24
LANSING – Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, sent a clear message to Sen. Valde Garica, R-Howell, for daring to display some independence, but he will have to wait until next week when Garcia comes back from a two-week stint serving in the Michigan National Guard. Garcia, the chair of the State Police and Military Affairs Appropriations Sub-Committee, criticized Senate leadersh...
The Conservative Media - Jun 24 - 3 clicks
LANSING – Senate Republican’s lock-step discipline faltered a little on Tuesday with the passage of House Bill 4438 that sets the budget for higher education, and two members actually showed a brief flash of independence. The budget basically guts financial aid for students and eliminates the $4.000 Promise Scholarship. The program promises up to $4,000 to high school graduates for successful...
The Conservative Media - Jun 24 - 3 clicks
LANSING - The attempt to silence Sen. Irma Clark-Coleman, D-Detroit, on Tuesday on last week’s incident where Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw, the chair of the Senate Department of Human Services Appropriations Subcommitttee, allegedly assaulted her in a Capitol elevator . At the end of each Senate session, usually, each Senator is allowed to make a five-minute statement on any subject, but last...
The Conservative Media - Jun 23 - 2 clicks
Almost ten years ago, a group of people fed up with the way things were going in the world and in Grand Rapids, Michigan started meeting. Inspired by the excitement surrounding the World Trade Organization (WTO) summit in Seattle, Media Mouse formed as a group that sought to distribute information about under reported issues--globalization, corporate control, Latin America, and U.S. imperialism--...
Media Mouse News - Jun 23 - 4 clicks
Carrie Walling would like to invite you to a voter-to-voter letter writing party on Monday, June 29th from 7-9pm at the Central Walling Campaign Headquarters (940 S. Grand Traverse St.). Please bring your friends and neighbors. We will also be doing some voter-to-voter phone banking too. Snack and beverages will be provided. Everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there. ...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Jun 23
A lot has been made about the difficulties of navigating the triple-round-about in Green Oak Township. I got news for you. The single round-about, located at Main and Third Street in Brighton, has its dangers, too. The main problem is drivers on Main Street ignore the round about. They act as if they have no need to yield and automatically have the right-of-way. I've noticed this frequently, but...
Livingston County Democrats - Jun 23
Back in February, a MediaMouse.org contributor wrote about the 2010 Olympics that are being held in Vancouver and the inspiring organizing being done to oppose the Olympics by a broad coalition of social justice groups. As a follow-up to that piece, we are publishing a fifteen minute documentary produced by anti-Olympic activists about the 2010 Olympics and the impact that the games will hav...
Media Mouse News - Jun 22
Coming off the protests against the Republican National Convention (RNC), I'm not sure entirely how I feel personally about organizing in response to the G20 in Pittsburgh, but I'm really heartened to see that some solid people are putting work into giving the G20 a rowdy midwestern welcome. After seeing folks take to the streets to oppose the G20 in April in London , hopefully those of ...
Media Mouse News - Jun 22
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org , a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US. Iran's Guardian Council Admits to Vote Irregularities Iranian authorities have acknowledged some irregularities have been found in Iran's presidential election results. The influential...
Media Mouse News - Jun 22
The Walling for Mayor campaign now has three offices around the city. Visit our Central office at 940 S. Grand Traverse, our 4th Ward office next to Angelo's on Franklin Ave., or our 5th Ward office at 834 Welch Blvd. to learn more about Dayne's Opportunity for All Plan and to find out how you can work for change in Flint. ...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Jun 22 - 2 clicks
by Patricia Cogswell, Byron Center, MI I have been following the health care insurance issues very closely. I am a retired Health Care practice manager and a former RN. I have seen the evolution and downfall of health care over the years. The major change is in the word Healthcare which exists only in the minds of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers. The new word is Insurance...
Media Mouse News - Jun 22
This Saturday, you have the opportunity to participate in the Photo Walk, sponsored by the Ann Arbor District Library. Here is what those nice folks have to say about it: Bring your camera and explore Ann Arbor! Participate in our first Photowalk, which will begin in the Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room on Saturday, June 27 from 10:00 to 11:30 am. This event is held in conjunction with...
Arbor Update - Jun 22 - 3 clicks
The Michigan State House just yesterday took the next step to ensuring that when our tax dollars are used for construction projects, Michigan workers are first in line for Michigan jobs. The bills now move back to the State Senate.
The latest version of the "Hire Michigan First" package, (SB 290 , 293 , 295 , 296 and HB 4083 , 4089 , 4092 , 4093 , 4094 ) will keep more o...
Michigan Coalition for Progress - Jun 21 - 3 clicks
This weekend the Walling for Mayor team focused on Flint's 4th and 7th wards this weekend. We met lots of great new supporters and covered a lot of ground. Thanks to all the volunteers that gave their time and energy to the campaign this weekend. Just six weeks to go until the August 4th general election. Flint Changed the World. Working Together We Can Change Flint. ...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Jun 21 - 3 clicks
Former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice will be speaking in Grand Rapids on Monday at the Economic Club of Grand Rapids' annual dinner. As is always the case with these events, they are limited to members of the Economic Club and their guests, with makes it so that ordinary folks generally can't see what these former government officials say. Moreover, wh...
Media Mouse News - Jun 21 - 5 clicks
Considering Pete Hoekstra (R-Holland, MI) feels so down trodden, I thought that it would be interesting to see how his life compares to the Iranians. ...
DailyKos (Michigan) - Jun 20 - 3 clicks
Dayne and the Walling for Mayor team took part in yesterday's Juneteenth Parade in downtown Flint. The parade began in Max Brandon Park and went over to Riverbank Park where there was live music, vendors, and a movie screening. It was great to see so many people celebrating freedom in Flint. ...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Jun 20 - 6 clicks
Dayne was at the Flint Farmers' Market this morning as a guest on Peter Banwell's Good Stuff radio show on 1470 am . The Market is one of Flint's ongoing success stories that just keeps getting better. Today is "Taste of the Market" day. Click here for a list of all of today's great events at the market. ...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Jun 20 - 3 clicks
The footage you are about to see is poignant, heart-wrenching, and often a direct result of U.S. foreign policy. In order to help the refugees whose lives have been shattered by U.S. foreign policy and military attacks, please provide aid through the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan . For more on Afghan civilian casualties, watch Director Robert Greenwald on MSNBC's aTh...
Media Mouse News - Jun 20
The Associated Press reported Thursday that Benton Harbor community activist will remain under house arrest while he is waiting the outcome of his appeal. You can read more about Pinkney's case online. For more on the ruling, see the AP article below: (AP) -- LANSING, Mich. - A Benton Harbor minister will remain on house arrest while he appeals a prison sentence for writing that God could...
Media Mouse News - Jun 20 - 4 clicks
Making the "Daily Show" with Jon Stewart -- what better publicity could a politician ask for? Here's Stewart's take on Pete's lame attempt to compare his plight as a House Republican to that of Iranian protesters. ...
Livingston County Democrats - Jun 20 - 2 clicks
First, thanks so much for all the intelligent, insightful comments over the years. As has been noted in the past, AU wouldn’t be what it is without comments, and we try to take a light hand in policing them. Recently, though, we have been receiving more questions and challenges about how we have addressed (or not addressed) certain comments. Bruce and Matt have spent an admirable amoun...
Arbor Update - Jun 19
Mike "I'm Fighting for Jobs" Rogers finally is getting on the band wagon to urge General Motors to builde its new small car in Michigan instead of Wisconsin or Tennessee. Rep. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, started a Facebook campaign days ago to get people to tell GM the advantages of building the small car here, in the state where the company was born a century ago. But it took until Friday (June 19...
Livingston County Democrats - Jun 19
A journalist writing in The Atlantic argues that the relative chump change being thrown at high speed rail (AIG and Citibank got 55 times as much, roughly $460 billion vs $8 billion) could become diluted across so many states that no one "will end up with a top-of-the-line system that could provide thousands of new jobs and an envy-inducing model for America." He offers a better alternative th...
Stone Soup Musings - Jun 19 - 5 clicks
In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of attention placed on global warming. From the focus on "green jobs," to "sustainability," and "clean energy" there has been a lot of talk about what to do to address the problem. Much of this talk has centered around finding ways to "address" the problem while maintaining the current levels of production and industrialization, somethin...
Media Mouse News - Jun 19 - 4 clicks
Join Dayne Walling and the rest of the team this evening for the Juneteenth Parade. Juneteenth is a newly sanctioned state holiday for the celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation and African-American Independence. The celebration begins at Max Brandon Park with activities beginning at noon. A Parade starts at Max Brandon Park at 5:30 and goes to Riverbank Park Downtown Flint where there wi...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Jun 19 - 4 clicks
A new coalition called the Alliance for Healthy Air is calling for the Michigan legislature to pass legislation that would crack down on diesel pollution. The coalition says that diesel pollution from vehicles can be easily reduced by as much as 90% by retrofitting existing vehicles with pollution control technology. In order to advocate this goal, the coalition is asking that Michigan ...
Media Mouse News - Jun 19
This week, the United States Senate passed a resolution that apologizes for slavery. It's pretty sad that it took well over one-hundred years to get to this point, but at least it's something. It should be noted that Michigan Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow both co-sponsored the resolution . To be sure, a Senate resolution can't under the reality of dehumanization and oppressi...
Media Mouse News - Jun 19 - 5 clicks
Fresh off the disappointing passage of more money for the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan , the anti-war group United for Peace and Justice has declared today a national call-in day to Congress to demand an "exit plan" from Afghanistan. The group writes: This week, the House passed the war-funding Supplemental bill, providing $79.9 billion to continue the wars in Iraq and Af...
Media Mouse News - Jun 19
Back in February, MediaMouse.org reported on a campaign called "Read the Bill" that was calling for the passage of legislation that would require Congress to post bills online for 72 hours before voting on them . The legislation would allow time for members of Congress, the media (including bloggers and citizen journalists), and the public to review pending legislation. All too often, leg...
Media Mouse News - Jun 19
Here are some interesting stories published elsewhere on the web in the past twenty-four hours. Feel free to discuss them in the comments or let us know if we missed anything: Capitol news coverage dying - This column from the Lansing City Pulse by MIRS editor Kyle Melinn looks at the dramatic decline in news coverage at the capitol. Over the past several years, media outlets across Michi...
Media Mouse News - Jun 19 - 4 clicks
Headlines from DemocracyNow.org , a daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 650 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the US. Iran's Supreme Leader Backs Vote Outcome In his first public response to days of protests, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has defended Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the rightful...
Media Mouse News - Jun 19
On June 18, 2009, a day that will live in infamy, Rush Limbaugh, the self-appointed King of the Republican Party, suddenly and deliberately attacked the peaceful city of Flint, MI . To be clear, Rush Limbaugh slamming Flint doesn't really surprise me considering his absolute disdain for average Americans who make less than several million dollars a year. Needless to say, his comments ...
Genesee County Young Democrats - Jun 19
Rep. Pete Hoekstra, the Michigan Republican who wants to be governor, is getting hammered all over the inter-tube-thingy for twittering that the Iranian protesters are just like the House Republicans. Talking Points Memo reproduced some of the comments that Hoekstra received in response. You can read them here. Hard to pick out a favorite, but this one was pretty good: "Had to move all my stu...
Livingston County Democrats - Jun 19 - 2 clicks
Rep. Pete Hoekstra's staff was trying to make their boss look a little less dumb on Thursday (June 18, 2009), one day after he twittered that the Iranian protests were like what happened to the poor minority Republicans in the U.S. House. The spokesman for the Michigan Republican tried to explain that Hoekstra wasn't comparing Republicans to Iranian protesters, who have had their cell phone, in...
Livingston County Democrats - Jun 19 - 2 clicks
Dayne Walling wants to bring positive changes to all of Flint's neighborhoods. Here are the first steps he proposes to get our city moving in the right direction. Neighborhood Action Teams : Organize existing city workers into teams accountable for improving our community through collaboration and joint planning Safe Streets : Open a police mini-station in every ward for community p...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Jun 19 - 5 clicks
Summers seem warmer, winters seem either colder or warmer, depending on the year, and water levels are dropping - all evidence that climate change is definitely present. A new report from the US Global Change Research Program released this week on the regional and national effects of global climate change detail exactly what we all know is happening - the Earth's heating up and there are alre...
The Upper Hand - Jun 19
LANSING - No one is buying the lame excuse that Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop is using to delay taking up the popular workplace smoking ban that he wants to concentrate on the budget , and that tale was further exposed by action on the Senate floor on Wednesday. The Senate Committee of the Whole took up Senate Bill 470 for a third reading and passed it favorably. It was introduced by ...
The Conservative Media - Jun 19 - 3 clicks
LANSING -- We already know Senate Republicans will verbally attack even one of their own when they step out of line like they did last week with Sen. Valde Garcia , R-Howell, but they are even worse on Democrats, resorting to physical violence. Subscription only Gongwer is reporting that Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw, the chair of the Senate Department of Human Services Appropriations Subcommit...
The Conservative Media - Jun 19 - 3 clicks
By Think Progress Trying to take political advantage of the Iranian protests, Rep. David Dreier (R-CA) declared that there was “more freedom” in Iran than in the U.S. Congress, after House ended debate last night: “ I wonder if there isn’t more freedom on the streets of Tehran right now than we are seeing here ,” ripped Rep. David Dreier (R-Calif.), the ranking Republican on the Rules ...
Motor City Liberal - Jun 19
by Danny Shea Tuesday afternoon's "Fire David Letterman" rally proved to be a failure, as it drew more press than activists, CNN reports : A crowd of 15 protesters upset with the late night comic held signs and occasionally shouted as they stood across the street from Letterman's studio. But they were ofte...
Motor City Liberal - Jun 19
By Robert Parry June 15, 2009 Part of America’s ongoing political crisis is that Official Washington remains cowed by the angry Right, even as it engages in subtle and not-so-subtle appeals to bigotry and invitations to violence. As the outrages mount, most of the national press corps prefers to look the other way, a pattern that now stretches back many years. For instance, when t...
Motor City Liberal - Jun 19
By Igor Volsky Today, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee began marking up Sen. Ted Kennedy’s (D-MA) Affordable Health Care Act. Republicans, who pushed for the incomplete HELP legislation to be studied by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and then pretended that the agency scored the entire bill , tried to obstruct the effort by complaining that th...
Motor City Liberal - Jun 19
