AFL-CIO leadership blunders

I got an email with an anti-DeVos attack ad from the AFL-CIO on PDF. Obviously they don't have any history experts on their political staff.

"A tax loophole was signed into law by [b]President Bush in 1997[/b] which primarily benefited Amway and its Asian investments"

Do the idiots in AFL-CIO's so called "leadership" know who was president in 1997? It was their boy, Bill Clinton, signer of NAFTA, GATT, and most favored nation trade status for China.

al-Zarqawi offed, Zandstra Out?, McCotter takes UN to task, Helmet Law and Castle Doctrine to Granholm, local stuff

I don't have time to really go into details on any issue at least till after Monday.

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is dead. To quote Lt John McClane - "Yippee Kai Aye M#@%@#%er" I don't dance on many graves. That's an exception.

It looks like Jerry Zandstra is withdrawing for the senate race and will not be contesting in court the decision by the board of canvassers. If Jerry is on the ballot unexpectedly, he has my vote. If not, I'll be voting for the candidate who talks most about economic issues and has the best chance to defeat Stabenow. Jerry gained my support due to economic issues.

Regardless of what happens, Jerry Zandstra added to the debate with his discussion of economic issues, health care, affirmative action, and life issues. While health care costs and economics (outside taxes) don't get the same hype as other issues, they are very important, especially with the more quiet "man on the street" who isn't always in the news. I hope Jerry stays active and considers a run for Vern Ehlers' congressional seat when Ehlers retires.

Castle Doctrine (no duty to retreat) and the Helmet Law (repeal requirements of motorcyclists being forced to wear helmets) on their way to Granholm. I support both of these bills. A man or woman's home is their castle. As for helmets, government doesn't need to be a nanny to please the insurance lobbies. Get rid of the seatbelt law as well(and yes, I wear them).

There's a lot of controversey over the statue of the "naked man" at the Mill Pond down in Brighton. I don't see the big deal. Granted I didn't take a close look at it, but I didn't even notice that it wasn't wearing any clothes until the papers mentioned it. Maybe I need new contacts. I'm more concerned about all the tax measures and judicial races out here instead.

Lastly, Livonia Congressman Thad McCotter wrote a column taking the jokers at the UN to task. Kudo's to McCotter, and I wish more congressman were outspoken about the current joke that is the UN. It's past time for us to get out of the UN.

And speaking of the UN, there's another push for global gun grabs on the way at the end of the month. I'll be "fair and balanced" and let the gun grabbers have their say on this, as well the more mainstram Gun Owners of America.

Update

As I am going back to school and have a major test coming soon, I won't have any new posts here until at least Saturday or Sunday.

No Gore in 2008

Bad news....for us. Gore probably isn't running.

WASHINGTON - Al Gore, the Democrats' nominee for the White House in 2000, says he has all but ruled out running for president in 2008, saying the best use of his time is to educate people about global warming.

"I haven't made a Sherman statement, but that's not an effort to hold the door open. It's more the internal shifting of gears," said Gore, referring to Civil War-era general William Tecumseh Sherman. "I can't imagine any circumstances in which I would become a candidate again. I've found other ways to serve. I'm enjoying them."

Democrats top state senate targets

They are going after these seats.
6th, 13th, 17th, 32nd, and 34th. I think they are going to take a big shot at the 20th and 29th as well.

It's 22-16 GOP in the Senate and 58-49 GOP currently in the House

The dems need to win three senate seats to tie and six house seats to tie. Three vacant house seats were dem held. Whitmer, Phillips, and Kerhl. The Phillips seat is safe democrat. Whitmer's district strongly leans that way. Kerhl's seat is a tossup.

The senate redistricters were extra nice to the dems. The house less so.

Mike Pence - a sensible immigration policy

Indiana Congressman Mike Pence once again shows why there is a Draft Pence movement among conservatives. He crafted an immigration policy which is a much better alternative to the McCain/Kennedy amnesty package which our joke of a senator Carl Levin supported (And Stabenow tried to have it both ways).

I see the solution as a four-step process. Securing our border is the first step. The second step is to make the decision, once and for all, to deny amnesty to people whose first act in the United States was a violation of the law. The third step is to put in place a guest worker program, without amnesty, that will efficiently provide American employers with willing guest workers who come to America legally. The final step is tough employer sanctions that ensure a full partnership between American business and the American government in the enforcement of our laws on immigration and guest workers.

And here's the bottom line about the Pence Bill:

1. The House Bill which passed (And senate opposed) was a good first step. Pence supports removing the felony portion but keeps the rest as is.

2. It adds a security fence.

3. No Amnesty in any form. Any guest worker policy requires an illegal to go home first.

4. Mass deportation isn't fesible, so Pence is encouraging illegals to self-deport. Private businesses (many support amnesty) are enouraged to set up Ellis Island centers to match "guest workers" with jobs unable to be filled with American workers. All workers are required to go through background checks. Visas will be issued outside the US. Pence emphasises that point to illegals who want to become citizens are forced to leave first.

5. Number of guest workers will be limited.

6. After 6 years, guest workers must apply for citizenship or go home. They must learn English to renew their visa.

7. Employment taxes must be paid. Workers will be allowed to change jobs so they aren't trapped.

8. Employers must hire Americans first.

9. There will be strict enforcement of employers.

I could support this.

Bush proposes Constitutional Amendment to ban gay marriage

From the AP

President Bush will promote a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage on Monday, the eve of a scheduled Senate vote on the cause that is dear to his conservative backers.

The amendment would prohibit states from recognizing same-sex marriages. To become law, the proposal would need two-thirds support in the Senate and House, and then be ratified by at least 38 state legislatures.

It stands little chance of passing the 100-member Senate, where proponents are struggling to get even 50 votes. Several Republicans oppose the measure, and so far only one Democrat _ Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska _ says he will vote for it.

I'm no fan of gay marriage, but I can not support this. This is coming from someone who voted for proposition 2 (because of my opposition to taxpayer funded domestic benefits) and supported the Defense of Marriage Act back in the 1990's.

The reason I do not support this is for two reasons.

1. It is not a good reason to amend the constitution. The constitution has only once forbid something. That was during prohibition. This is bad precident. The reason Bush supports the amendment is an attempt to get around activist judges. That's STILL not a good enough reason. I'd rather see activist judges removed from power. Impeach Jack Weinstein. Impeach Stephen Reinhardt. THAT'll send a message and restore the balance of power.

The only Constitutional Amendment I would support is one that allows states not to recognize marriage contracts that are in other states. That still leaves the decision to the states which gets to my next point.

2. Does everything need to be a FEDERAL law? One thing that has been unacceptable by Bush, Schumer, and most of all John McCain (by far the worst offender) - is that they have made a federal case out of everything. (Many) Conservatives had a fit at Mr. Clinton's overzealous gun grabbing ways and his environmental whacko (I'm NOT referring to conservationism which I support) policies from the federal level. By environmental whacko, I'm referring to his policy of re-introducing wolves out west and protecting them from ranchers - who are trying to protect their livestock. Conservatives were right to oppose this. Liberals are going to oppose this bill.

How about let's all be consistant here and have some less government for once.

Coming Soon - SAFR-PAC's Second Amendment Endorsements

The Second Amendment Organization "Shooters Alliance for Firearms Rights" is going to soon release some of their endorsements for 2006. Currently, no final decisions have been made. Surveys, records, and statements are all looked at with the following ratings. Acceptable, Unacceptable, or in rare cases, a "mixed" rating. Endorsements are not easy to get as we are usually tougher than the NRA is. The 2004 endorsements are still on the site.

I have not seen all of the surveys, and I will not speculate anything until decisions are made, as some may come in at the last minute. There is also over 50 pages of voting records that will be gone over as well. I will say that there is one rule for all congressional, state representative, gubenatorial, and state senate races. No survey - No endorsement.

State Senate Districts Finished

All 38 State Senate Districts are complete.

Updates

Added State Senate districts 30-32.

Judicial Races Endorsement Updates

From the Argus

The county's top law-enforcement officials are choosing sides in the upcoming judicial races, but whether their endorsements will sway voters is an open question.
On Friday, Howell attorney Jay Drick, candidate for 53rd District Court judge in Brighton, announced he has been endorsed by Sheriff Bob Bezotte and a statewide police organization.

Bezotte has already endorsed Carol Hackett Garagiola in the seven-person race for Livingston County Probate Court judge. Garagiola is legal and policy director of Michigan's Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board.


County Prosecutor David Morse also endorsed Garagiola in the probate race, and Judge Theresa Brennan in the Brighton District Court campaign.
Drick and Brennan will face Christina Heikkinen, a Howell attorney, in the Aug. 8 primary.

Garagiola and six others — attorney and Hamburg Township Treasurer Roberta Balon-Vaughn, attorney Robert Parker, Juvenile Court Referee Kathleen Oemke, Brighton attorney Suzanne Dugas, Howell attorney Anthony Kandt and Marion Township attorney Lyle Dickson — also are competing in an August primary.

We have a split in endorsements for the Circuit race. David Morse is backing Theresa Brennan. Bob Bezotte is backing Drick. Considering that Morse has to be in her court all the time, I'm not that surprised by it. We'll see what affect this has as it unfolds.

Updates

The district profiles have been updated. State Senate districts 1-29 are completed. Congressional districts are also completed. New districts will be added throughout this election year. Ones completed will have updates as developments occur in those races.

Jay Drick endorsed by law enforcement

In the 53rd District Court (Livingston County) race, Jay Drick has been endorsed by the Michigan Association of Police, as well as Sheriff Bob Bezotte. Congratulations to Jay, and good luck to him this August and November.

Brighton Fire chief concerned about millage's fate

We have eight tax questions on the ballot this fall in Livingston County. One of the more controversial will be the Brighton Fire Authority. Former County Commissioner Dave Hamiliton is strongly opposing this. He's the chair of the Livingston Taxpayers Association.

Is Marty DeLoach, chief of the Brighton Area Fire Authority, worried about seeking a quarter-mill increase for fire services?
You betcha.

Many people are struggling in this down economy, and this isn't the ideal time to up the millage — even if the .25-mill increase only means an additional $25 per year for the owner of a $200,000 home, or a $50 increase for the owner of $400,000 home.

Does DeLoach firmly believe this increase for a five-year-period is needed for the department to continue to provide quality services and replace old equipment?
Definitely.

(Snip)

Hamilton said the following.

Hamilton said if the Brighton authority is successful in getting a millage increase, other fire authorities in the county will do the same.

"Birds of a feather flock together," Hamilton said.

Using 2006 property tax values, Hamilton said the increase millage would boost the authority's revenues by 40 percent. The department's revenues would jump from $2.2 million to almost $3.2 million. His figures were based on taxable values provided by the Livingston County Equalization Department, and he provided an analysis to the Daily Press & Argus and DeLoach.

"He doesn't need any increase now," Hamilton said.

We're going to keep an eye on all of the tax questions on the ballot. The Concerned Taxpayers Group will be active in one or more of them. Hamilton's going to be active in at least one with his organization. All in all, it should make for an interesting August.

Recall in Clawson over taxes

From the Daily Tribune

Resident seeks recall of city council

CLAWSON -- While city officials make another stab at securing funding for road rehabilitation, a bond opponent has filed petitions with the county to recall the entire city council.

"Paul Garfield filed the request," said City Attorney Jon Kingsepp at Wednesday night's special city council approving new ballot language for a road bond proposal Aug. 8. "He is seeking the recall of all five council members."

Garfield, who heads clawsontaxpayer.com, earlier this week submitted to the Oakland County Election Commission petition language requesting the recall of council members. He said he did this on behalf of clawsontaxpayers.com

This was due to the previous millage/bond proposal in Clawson. Paul Garfield and Clawson Tax Payer defeated a millage last May. In response, the City Council there is trying again after losing last time. That is the reason for the recall effort.

The city participated in a lot of misinformation ... .," said Garfield by telephone Wednesday night. "We felt this would be a way to clarify their misinformation they used toward the voters. Before the election took place, we said if we defeated (the bond proposal), that should stand. If it didn't stand and they weren't going to listen to the opinion of the taxpayers, we would have to do a recall. It's our money."

I encourage everyone to visit Clawson Tax Payer. Paul Garfield is a good guy and always has his facts in order. Chances are, Clawson's repeat requests after a loss has happened before in your community (Howell Schools headlee override in 03). If it hasn't, it's bound to at some point.

Jerry Zandstra may not have enough signatures

An unofficial report has him 88 signatures short. Again, this is unofficial.

From the AP

Zandstra struggling to qualify for U.S. Senate ballot

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — An initial, unofficial review has found that Jerry Zandstra may not have filed enough signatures to qualify his name for the U.S. Senate race, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Secretary of State said Tuesday.

If Jerry stays on the ballot, he has my vote. The major reason is because of his stance and knowledge on economic issues. His campaign is the only one I've seen emphasize economics first. Butler's campaign is based on moral issues and Bouchard's campaign is based on security. Those aren't unimportant, but economics is the big key here in Michigan.

If Jerry is not going to be on the ballot, it is unfortunate and will hurt the senate race. However - the worst case scenario is that Jerry's issues have been brought to the debate and the senate race. Bouchard and Butler both want to earn the support of Jerry's backers. I can't speak for all of them, but I'll speak for myself. My support and endorsement will go to whoever has the best economic plan, and who best emphasizes that plan. Security (outside borders) and gay marriage are not unimportant, but they are second and third tier issues to me - well behind the economy, judges, and the 2nd amendment.

Lastly, I will support whoever is the GOP nominee against Debbie Stabenow. Stabenow is a complete joke and embarassment to my state over the past ten years. She's done nothing except vote wrong on 99% of the issues. That's unacceptable, and she needs to be sent home.

Livingston County Tax Increases on the ballot

This fall we will have many tax issues on the ballot. I'll list the increases first, and renewals second.

INCREASES

Countywide, there's going to be a "911 charges" millage. If passed, this will increase our landline phone bill $1 a month until 2011. If defeated, the commissioners have the authority to increase charges 80 cents a month. This will be on the August ballot.

The Brighton Area Fire Department is asking for a 1.25 mill increase for operations this August. This covers the City of Brighton, Brighton Twp, and Eastern Genoa Township.

Hamburg Township is asking for a 10 year 3.5 million dollar bond for a new fire station. It will cost a $250,000 home assessed at $125,000 about $40 in 2006.

The Howell area Parks and Recreational Authority is asking for a 1 mill tax increase over 20 years to pay for a recreational program in the City of Howell and the townships of Marion, Oceola, and Genoa(not sure if all of Genoa or Western Genoa is covered). It will cost $100 a year for a $200,000 home.

RENEWALS:

Cohoctah Township is asking for a renewal of 1.4404 mills for dust control and road maintanence.

Green Oak is asking for renewals of 1.55 mills for police and 1.45 mills for the Fire Dept. The current millages expire at the end of this year.


Hartland Township is asking for a renewal of 1.8905 mills for five years for fire department operations and equipment. It is to pay for fire department expenses with the Hartland-Deefield fire authority.

Howell Township is asking for a .9532 mill renewal for road improvement and mainance.

Obviously, our municipal governments think we are made of money.....

Chris Dodd in 2008? (God help us)

From the Political Wire

Dodd Gears Up for White House Bid

Sen. Christopher Dodd (DC) said today he has "decided to do all the things that are necessary to prepare to seek the presidency in 2008," the Hartford Courant reports. He "will hire staff, raise money and travel around the country in the next few months as he tries to enlist support."

Another gun grabbing New England liberal. The only thing good I can say about Chris Dodd is that he's not his dad Thomas Dodd who wrote the draconian 1968 gun law.

Family Firearms Day makes the Argus

Here's a good story about kids and guns that made the Argus

Kids get the message: safety first

For 10-year-old Nicholas Borchardt, Saturday's Family Firearms Day at the Howell Gun Club taught him a few important rules to handling a gun.
For starters, always keep it pointed in a safe direction and, second, don't keep your finger on the trigger unless you intend to shoot.

Of course, Nicholas had other interests at the safety-focused event.

"It's cool because some of the guns I've never gotten to shoot before," Nicholas said, adding that firing the shotgun made his arm sore.

(snip)

This event was organized by SAFR, a pro-2nd amendment organization well worth joining. It's main focus is state level legislation which protects our 2nd amendment rights, but we also have nonpolitical events like Family Firearms Day as well to teach gun safety.

Latest news

Sorry for the lack of updates. I was Up North and had no internet access up there. Regular updates should return soon.

In the upcoming days before August, election profiles will be added to the sidebar and the currently listed election profiles will be updated with the final list up. There will also be local election information as well.

Also - The Argus has an editorial about the trouble with Howell opening Parker High School

Lastly, Go Pistons!!!