Michigan

updated 8:29 p.m.

An Observation From South Africa

University of Michigan College Democrats - 7:24 p.m.

Palin Kicks Grass-roots Volunteers in the Teeth

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: A2D2 and R4C

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.

Dems on Parade

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.

Irony at its worst

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.

Vacation reading for Carl Levin, Debbie Stabenow

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 3 clicks

Camping over Father's Day Weekend

Trusty Getto - 10:51 a.m.

Happy 4th of July

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 2 clicks

Grand Rapids Fireworks

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 3 clicks

Week in Review: July 2, 2009

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's wasted opportunity

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.

Gov. Sarah Palin Quits Her Job

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.

Did an embezzlement scandal force Sarah Palin to resign? By Faiz Shakir on Jul 3rd, 2009 at 8:47 pm ...

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.

TEA party spelling bee

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 3 clicks

July 4, 2009 Open Thread

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

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 5 clicks

Rep. Scripps Coffee Hours and "Community Conversation" in July

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 7 clicks

Governor Sanford Parody Song

Honest Errors - Fri 3:42 p.m.

Roundtable on the firing of HPS Superintendent on tap

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 8 clicks

How to Contact Us

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 4 clicks

Poll: Cut Education Funding, Voters May Not Return You

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 2 clicks

The Million Can March

(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.

Essay: Glorious Fourth - 7.3.09

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.

Cuts in Medicaid services

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 7 clicks

The Million Can March

(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.

We're screwed

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 3 clicks

Good Morning Michigan! TGI 4th of July Friday, July 3, 2009

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.

West Michigan Pols Featured at Rothbury

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 5 clicks

Thoughts that Cross my mind

West Michigan Politics - Thu 5:39 p.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

GOP using MSP HQ as a false campaign issue

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 6 clicks

Governor Signs Law Keeping NAIAS In Michigan

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 4 clicks

Independence Day!

MI IDEA - Thu 2:26 p.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Reaching Out Voter to Voter

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.

Essay: Shame on Us All - 7.2.09

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 9 clicks

PhilGoBlue Has Left the State

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.

New Foreclosure Lifeline Starts Sunday: Coulouris' plan, signed in May, will keep Michigan families ...

Michigan House Democrats - Thu 7:49 a.m. - 8 clicks 8 clicks

Radio Address: United We Serve

Governor Jennifer Granholm: The Conversation - Thu 7:48 a.m. - 15 clicks 15 clicks

Hurting Those Who Need The Most Help

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.

Sick and Tired

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 10 clicks

Good Morning Michigan! Thursday, July 2, 2009

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 4 clicks

Hell Just Froze Over

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.

Open Thread

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.

Andy Meisner Sworn In Today

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.

Hatty Packs the House

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 2 clicks

Freedom of Speech on Independence Day

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 4 clicks

Essay: Questionable Priorities - 7.1.09

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 4 clicks

Coming to a Magic Frank column sometime soon

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 6 clicks

Firing of HPS Superintendent just more controversy surrounding school district

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.

Information on Getting In the Muskegon Labor Day Parade

Contact Penny Salisz with the AFL-CIO and United Way. ...
West Michigan Rising - Wed 7:51 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

President Obama, Do The Right Thing !

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.

Celebrate the Fourth the Pure Michigan way

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 9 clicks

Peter Hoekstra: Let's party like it's 1994

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 9 clicks

Why It's ALWAYS the Feds Who Do the Corruption Cases in Chicago

Honest Errors - Wed 7:14 a.m.

Good Morning Michigan! Workplace Wednesday, July 1, 2009

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 4 clicks

Bazzani Associates Becomes Newest Clean Corporate Citizen

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 8 clicks

The First Lines...

Honest Errors - Tue 8:22 p.m.

How Many Members of Our Congressional Delegation Are Being Bribed by the Insurance Industry?

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's $4 Drugs Coming From Indian Company Whose Products Have Been Banned In US and Canada

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 6 clicks

The Flint Police Officer's Association Endorses Dayne Walling for Mayor

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 7 clicks

Cherry Announces $10m Grant for Muskegon Lake Restoration

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 3 clicks

Essay: Does the System Work? - 6.30.09

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 2 clicks

And ... here comes the kitchen sink

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 2 clicks

The Nefarious Gay Agenda: In Kalamazoo You Can't Be Fired Because of Who You Love

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 5 clicks

The GOP's "Religious Right" problem

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.

Spirituality and Health Care

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.

Stabenow Writes Me Back

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 3 clicks

CD09: Peters climate change vote sends Welday into frothing hysterics

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 4 clicks

RIP, Sgt. Timothy A. David, 28 (Gladwin)

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 6 clicks

Legislature breaks without addressing public health issue that kills and sickens thousands

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 5 clicks

Michigan may lose 2 Amtrak lines in 2010

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 14 clicks

Good Morning Michigan! Tuesday 2.0, June 30, 2009

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 4 clicks

marriage is under attack!!

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 5 clicks

Calling Michigan Women to Go Run! This July

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 4 clicks

Monica Conyers Resigns

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 4 clicks

Iraqis jubilantly celebrate U.S. troop withdrawal.

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.

After Campaigning For Climate Change Legislation, McCain Now Derides It As ‘Cap-And-Tax’

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.

Prevention First

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.

Michigan's coal plants and climate change legislation

Michiganliberal - Mon 12:06 p.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Krugman on climate change bill

Michiganliberal - Mon 12:06 p.m.

House Dems Unveil Crackdown on Elder Abuse: Plan takes aim at financial exploitation, increases con...

Michigan House Democrats - Mon 12:06 p.m. - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Essay: Something Goes Right - 6.29.09

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 3 clicks

Michigan GOP Killing Jobs Just To Spite The Governor

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 5 clicks

Photos from Rosalynn Bliss Gathering

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.

Monica Conyers Resigns from Detroit City Council

Michiganliberal - Mon 10:26 a.m. - 8 clicks 8 clicks

The University Did Us Wrong

University of Michigan College Democrats - Mon 9:41 a.m. - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Something about something rolling downhill

Michiganliberal - Mon 9:41 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Huck's Birthday Bash

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.

Report says Michigan’s unemployment insurance system is outdated and discriminatory

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 4 clicks

Sen. Hunter's Slow-Burn Cigarette Bill Signed Into Law

Read Full story for complete details....
Michigan Senate Democrats - Mon 8:26 a.m.

Redistricting Michigan in 2010

Michiganliberal - Mon 8:17 a.m.

Picnic in the Park

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 5 clicks

Community Sports at Berston Fieldhouse

Dayne spent part of Sunday afternoon watching the games at Berston Field. Berston is another great spot in Flint that continually gives back to the community. ...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Mon 8:16 a.m. - 4 clicks 4 clicks

McCotter's Fundraising Strategy: Take the Money From The People Trying to Kill Michigan's Jobs

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 4 clicks

Still Bananas Over Miranda

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 5 clicks

Anderson Introduces Bills to Protect Students’ Civil Rights

Read Full story for complete details....
Michigan Senate Democrats - Mon 6:47 a.m.

Good Morning Michigan! Money Saving Monday, June 29, 2009

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 6 clicks

Redistricting Michigan in 2010

(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 6 clicks

ObamaZoo National Day of Service for Health Care

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 5 clicks

Hoekstra and Upton Vote Against Great Lakes Cleanup

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 5 clicks

Brewer's Interview with Rick Albin

Taped a few days ago, it aired this morning on WOOD-TV . ...
West Michigan Rising - Mon 2:09 a.m.

Chairman Brewer on WOOD-TV Sunday

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 5 clicks

RIP MediaMouse

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 7 clicks

Your request is being processed... Joe The Plumber Suggests Lynching Chris Dodd

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.

Glenn Beck claims supporters of cap-and-trade are either dumb, ‘greedy,’ ‘wicked’ or ‘treasonous.’

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.

Climate bill in U.S. House: Peters, Schauer do good; Ehlers ... "WTF?"

Michiganliberal - Mon 2:08 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Twin guilty pleas wipe scourge of drugs from our streets!

Michiganliberal - Mon 2:08 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Hoekstra, Camp, Upton, Rogers, Camp vote against Great Lakes aid

Michiganliberal - Mon 2:08 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Public Meetings

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 6 clicks

Frequently Asked Questions

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 4 clicks

Opportunities and Possibilities

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 4 clicks

What You Missed at "The People's Summit" in Detroit

...
DailyKos (Michigan) - Mon 2:07 a.m. - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Redistricting Michigan in 2010

(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 3 clicks

Sunday Open Thread: Spearco's Traveling Right Wing Political Indoctrination Show

Blogging For Michigan - Mon 2:07 a.m.

Flint Classic Cars, Farner and PR

Blogging For Michigan - Mon 2:07 a.m. - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Andy Meisner Gets Sworn In Wednesday

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 4 clicks

Saturday Open Thread - Crazy Random Happenstance

Blogging For Michigan - Mon 2:07 a.m.

Some Good News For Detroit

Blogging For Michigan - Mon 2:07 a.m. - 2 clicks 2 clicks

House passes American Clean Energy and Security Act.

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

Outsourced: Indonesian Election Fever

University of Michigan College Democrats - Jun 26

ACES Passes

The Roll Call here... Congrats to Congressman Schauer on voting Aye. ...
In The Middle of it All - Jun 26

Working Together with Rhoda Matthews and Dayne Walling

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 4 clicks

Rock for Change

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 4 clicks

ACLU of Michigan Releases Report Identifying School-to-Prison Pipeline in State

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 4 clicks

The so-called self-correcting nature of the Internets

(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 7 clicks

Flint's Block Clubs and Neighborhood Organizations

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 7 clicks

L. Brooks Being L. Brooks

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 26

Alma Wheeler Smith announces run for Michigan Governor

Bay County Dems - Jun 26 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

BREAKING NEWS: House Passes Energy Bill

University of Michigan College Democrats - Jun 26

Senate Democrats’ Legislative Caucus Facebook Page Reaches More Than 2,000 Fans

Read Full story for complete details....
Michigan Senate Democrats - Jun 26

Statement from Senator John J. Gleason on the Legislature's Approval of $4 Million for Renovation of...

Read Full story for complete details....
Michigan Senate Democrats - Jun 26

Divisions in the Conservative Ranks?

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 7 clicks

Essay: Running in Place - 6.26.09

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 4 clicks

Video: GE Michigan Research Center Press Conference

Governor Jennifer Granholm: The Conversation - Jun 26 - 7 clicks 7 clicks

Next-gen "hydrogen superhighway" proposal to get local public hearing, July 10

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

Radio Address: GE Decision a Signal to Other Companies That They Can Thrive in Michigan

Governor Jennifer Granholm: The Conversation - Jun 26 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Granholm Lauds GE's Decision to Locate New Advanced Technology and Training Center in Michigan

Governor Jennifer Granholm: The Conversation - Jun 26 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Morning News (UPDATED AGAIN WITH MORE NOOZE!!)

Michiganliberal - Jun 26 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Senate Republicans slap Michigan workers in the face and address a problem that does not exist

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 2 clicks

Essay: Not-So-Silly-Season - 6.26.09

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 2 clicks

GE to Bring Alternative Energy Jobs to Michigan

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 26 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Important vote tomorrow on American Clean Energy and Security Act -- CALL PETERS' OFFICE

Michiganliberal - Jun 26

Re-launch

There's a lot going on locally, and I'm going to try to start blogging it again. ...
In The Middle of it All - Jun 26

Good Morning Michigan! Friday, June 26, 2009

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 26 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Expect a New Grand Rapids City Manager By Early August

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 5 clicks

Senator Hunter Invites Local Residents to Join Him for "Talk Time With Tupac"

Michigan Senate Democrats - Jun 26

House Passes Plan to Turn Around Failing Schools: Legislation promotes schools that prepare students...

Michigan House Democrats - Jun 26

Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 25

GM Picks Michigan For Small Car Plant

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 25 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Call NOW for Clean Energy!

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

Prevention First, At Last!

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 2 clicks

Report on the Cherry Forum on Streamlining Government

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

Washington Post: Land is out, endorses Bouchard

West Michigan Rising - Jun 25 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Schauer Endorses Cherry for Governor

West Michigan Rising - Jun 25

MadeInMichigan: GM Picks Michigan for Small Car Plant

West Michigan Rising - Jun 25 - 8 clicks 8 clicks

Livonia blowhard hijacks Iranian violence for his own agenda

Michiganliberal - Jun 25 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Washington Post: Land is out, endorses Bouchard

Michiganliberal - Jun 25 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Sinking the smear: Long faulty memory of the Internets

Michiganliberal - Jun 25 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Cherry and the Senate Dems get Creative (and Geeky!) in Fighting for Higher Ed Funding

Michiganliberal - Jun 25

AP: GM to build subcompact in MI

Michiganliberal - Jun 25

senate democrats battle to protect critical k-12 programs

Michigan Senate Democrats - Jun 25

Senate Democrats Call for Providing a Lifeline to Unemployed Workers

Michigan Senate Democrats - Jun 25

Sen. Cherry Resigns from Children's Caucus

Michigan Senate Democrats - Jun 25

Senator Olshove Fights to Secure $140 million for Michigan’s Unemployed Workers

Michigan Senate Democrats - Jun 25 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Washington Post: Land is out, endorses Bouchard

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 25 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Republican Senate Budget Cuts and GRPS

West Michigan Rising - Jun 25 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Senate Republicans vote against Michigan workers

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 4 clicks

Good Morning Michigan! Thursday, June 25, 2009

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 25 - 5 clicks 5 clicks

Asleep at the Switch

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

Senate Cuts Over $400 Million From K-12 Education Budget

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 24

Why do the media -- most recently CNN -- enable McCaughey's falsehoods?

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

Family Research Council removes Sanford’s picture from Values Voters Summit website.

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

Boehner’s PAC spent over $30,000 on a Florida golf outing with lobbyists.

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

Helping Michigan Workers Just One Click Away

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 24

Senate Republicans Vote to Send $140 Million of Your Taxes Back to Washington

West Michigan Rising - Jun 24

Garcia hammered for displaying independence

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 3 clicks

House Passes Angerer's Plan to Support Children With Autism: Plan targets discrimination by insuranc...

Michigan House Democrats - Jun 24 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

NMU cancels coal plant; opts for cleaner fuels

Michiganliberal - Jun 24

Why won't this just go away

Michiganliberal - Jun 24

Senate Democrats Fight to Secure Nearly $140 million for Michigan’s Unemployed Workers

Michigan Senate Democrats - Jun 24 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Senate Republicans Deny Help For Unemployed Michigan Workers

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 24

Gaggle of links

Michiganliberal - Jun 24

Essay: Farewell to the Future - 6.24.09

Jack Lessenberry - Jun 24

Important Article on the Myths of Bipartisanship

West Michigan Rising - Jun 24

Kalamazoo Progressive Reception (tomorrow)

Michiganliberal - Jun 24

House Office Building Receives EPA's Energy Star Award: Ongoing improvements have saved taxpayers $1...

Michigan House Democrats - Jun 24 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Republican Strategy Session on How to Go After Health Care

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 24

Lansing Democrat Missing: Your Help Needed

Michiganliberal - Jun 24

More on the Grand Rapids Labor Fest

West Michigan Rising - Jun 24

A pair of Senate Republicans display a rare but brief show of independence

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 3 clicks

Looking for something to do?

Michiganliberal - Jun 24

Good Morning Michigan! Workplace Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 24

Clark-Coleman finally gets her assault complaint in the Senate journal

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 2 clicks

Senate Democrats Work to Save College Scholarships from Republicans’ Budget Knife

Michigan Senate Democrats - Jun 23

Lookin' Back, Movin' Forward: The End of MediaMouse.org

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 4 clicks

Essay: Making Sure We Count - 6.23.09

Jack Lessenberry - Jun 23 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Senate Republicans Vote to Eliminate Michigan Promise Scholarship

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 23

Meijer Creates Problem, Asks for Tax Credit to Fix It

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 23

The failure of corporate Ag

Michiganliberal - Jun 23

Sen. Kuipers Proposes Public School Secession Option

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 23 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Senator Jacobs Sponsors Legislation To Improve Women's Access To Family Planning Services

Michigan Senate Democrats - Jun 23

That's some leadership you've got there

Michiganliberal - Jun 23 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

They make this thingy called The Google Machine

Michiganliberal - Jun 23

Letter Writing with Carrie Walling

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

Granholm, Schauer and Chu in Battle Creek

West Michigan Rising - Jun 23

Porn says, Michigan loves it some graduated income tax!

Michiganliberal - Jun 23

Michigan's rightwing hostility to gas tax increase helps spur film industry

Michiganliberal - Jun 23

Even Single Round-About Causes Drivers Problems

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

Essay: Intellectual Furniture - 6.22.09

Jack Lessenberry - Jun 23

Ford to Receive $5.9 Billion in Loans for Advanced Auto Technologies

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 23

Good Morning Michigan! Tuesday 2.0, June 23, 2009

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 23

Video: Energy Secretary Chu Visits Battle Creek as Part of United We Serve Campaign, Announces $32.8...

Governor Jennifer Granholm: The Conversation - Jun 22 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

4th Annual Michigan Energy Fair : June 26-28 in Onekama, MI

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 22

More Energy Stimulus. That's a Good Thing. But What About the Budget?

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 22

Volunteer This Summer Michigan

West Michigan Rising - Jun 22

Legislators Announce Project Creating High-Tech Jobs In Farmington Hills

Michigan Senate Democrats - Jun 22

Mayor's Home Invasion/Burglary Solved ?

Covey's Corner - Jun 22 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Video: Resist 2010: 8 Reasons to Oppose the 2010 Winter Olympics

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

September 24-25: Resist the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh

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: Pakistan Faces Humanitarian Crisis; Obama Admin Wants To Bring Spy Training Program To Co...

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

Walling Campaign Offices

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 2 clicks

Commentary: Healthcare vs. Insurance Care

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

You Think You Have Problems

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 22

This Can't Help Hoekstra's Run for Governor - Twitter Users Mercilessly Heckle Rep. Hoekstra

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 22

Photowalk-- Saturday, June 27th

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 3 clicks

Sen. Jacobs to Host Town Hall on MI Tax Structure

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 22

Good Morning Michigan! Monday, June 22, 2009

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 22

Keep Up The Momentum

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 3 clicks

Sen. Jacobs to Host Town Hall on MI Tax Structure

Michiganliberal - Jun 21

Twitter: Next best thing to digging up termites with a stick

Michiganliberal - Jun 21 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Weekend Update

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 3 clicks

BC/BS of MI Requests Rate Increase: 29% to 44%

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 21

Condi Rice Comes to Town; Press Focuses on her Piano Skills

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 5 clicks

Sunday Open Thread: Made In America

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 21

Somewhere in America, a Kossack Wakes Up

to the sound of   Green Day on the radio.   ...
DailyKos (Michigan) - Jun 20

The difficulty of being Hoekstra (picture edition)

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 3 clicks

Cherry in GR for Townhall on Streamlining State Government

West Michigan Rising - Jun 20

State House Dems rebuke Hoekstra on Tourism Promotion Funding

West Michigan Rising - Jun 20

4th Annual Michigan Energy Fair : June 26-28 in Onekama

West Michigan Rising - Jun 20

Juneteeth Celebration

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 6 clicks

Good Stuff at the Flint Farmers' Market

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 3 clicks

Michigan's tax 'burden' not really a burden; taxes don't seem to hurt states

Michiganliberal - Jun 20

Rethink Afghanistan: Civilian Casualties

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

Benton Harbor Activist Will Remain Under House Arrest

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 4 clicks

Saturday Open Thread - Pwn'd by Mother Nature

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 20

Hoekstra Tweet Makes 'Daily Show'

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 2 clicks

Another Diary on the Detroit City Council and Associated Election

DailyKos (Michigan) - Jun 19

On Moderation

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

Thad McCotter Founding Member of "Sovereignty Caucus"

Michiganliberal - Jun 19 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Better Late Than Never

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

Paying the Piper - 6.19.09

Jack Lessenberry - Jun 19

The Braveheart approach to global warming

Michiganliberal - Jun 19

Senator Jacobs To Hold Town Hall Meeting On Michigan's Tax Structure

Michigan Senate Democrats - Jun 19

Helping Michigan Workers Just One Click Away

Click Here to Read Full Story...
Call of the Senate Democrats - Jun 19 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Sen. Jacobs to Host Town Hall on MI Tax Structure

Click Here to Read Full Story...
Call of the Senate Democrats - Jun 19

Call Stabenow and Levin and Tell Them to Back A Strong Public Option

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 19

Why Do You Support Dayne Walling for Mayor of Flint?

...
Dayne Walling for Flint Mayor - Jun 19 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Increase the Train Fund, Give the Work to Detroit

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 5 clicks

Increase the Train Fund, Give the Work to Detroit

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 19

Grand Rapids Press Advocates for More Ethanol Production

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 4 clicks

Join us for a Juneteenth Celebration!

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 4 clicks

New Coalition Calls for Action Against Diesel Pollution in Michigan

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

U.S. Senate Apologizes for Slavery

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 5 clicks

National Call-In Day to Demand an Exit Plan for Afghanistan

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

West Michigan Sweet September Date Announced

West Michigan Rising - Jun 19

Rep. Peter Hoekstra is Dumb

University of Michigan College Democrats - Jun 19

Radio Address: Mentor Michigan

Governor Jennifer Granholm: The Conversation - Jun 19

"Read the Bill" Legislation Introduced in Congress

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

Local and Michigan Headlines: Capitol News Coverage Dying; Bill Targets Teachers Who Strike

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 4 clicks

Headlines: Supreme Court Denies Post-conviction DNA Testing; Senate Approves $106 Billion War Fundin...

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

We Could Be Heroes

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 19

The GOP gubernatorial field

Bay County Dems - Jun 19

Brian Elder Fundraiser

Bay County Dems - Jun 19 - 2 clicks 2 clicks

Senate Democrats Vote to Protect Michigan’s Water Resources

Michigan Senate Democrats - Jun 19

This Aggression Will Not Stand, Man

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

Good Morning Michigan! TGI Friday, June 19, 2009

Blogging For Michigan - Jun 19

GOP Hopeful Hoekstra Compares House GOP to Iran Protesters -- and He's Serious

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 2 clicks

Hoekstra Staff Doing Repair Work after Pete's Twitter Fiasco

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 2 clicks

Taking Care of All of Our Neighborhoods

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 5 clicks

The Great Depression: Then and Now, It's Personal..

DailyKos (Michigan) - Jun 19

Progressive Democrat Issue 218

DailyKos (Michigan) - Jun 19 - 4 clicks 4 clicks

Ann Arbor Civic Band Season Has Begun!

Arbor Update - Jun 19 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

Politico Pokes Fun at Hoekstra

West Michigan Rising - Jun 19

Democrats at the Water Festival

West Michigan Rising - Jun 19

Viva Lucy

West Michigan Rising - Jun 19

Peter the Tweeter is at it again!

West Michigan Politics - Jun 19

Open letter to Senator Tom Coburn

Trusty Getto - Jun 19 - 3 clicks 3 clicks

New climate change report out, now it's our turn to get smart

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

Senate takes up beer keg bill but continues to ignore popular smoking ban bill

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 3 clicks

Senate Republicans now using physical intimidation against opponents

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 3 clicks

House Republicans: Iranian Bloggers Are Just Like Us, We’re Both An ‘Oppressed Minority’

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

"Fire David Letterman" Protest Becomes Hatefest, Draws More Media Than Protesters

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

Excusing Outrages of the Right

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

Republicans try to obstruct health care bill.

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

Coffee Talk: Randomness Edition

Michiganliberal - Jun 19

I'd like to introduce you to part of the problem

Michiganliberal - Jun 19

Hoekstra Hilarity!

Michiganliberal - Jun 19

State Senate whipping up campaign for tax hike

Michiganliberal - Jun 19

Netroots Nation: Participate Online for FREE!

Michiganliberal - Jun 19

Kaaaahn!

Michiganliberal - Jun 19