“A republic, madam, if you can keep it” — Benjamin Franklin. The story goes that Franklin, at the end of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, was asked, “Well, doctor, what have we got? A republic or a monarchy?” His answer was perfectly relevant to the political concerns of the 18th century, a world in which […]
Michigan needs direct action to ban paying for petition signatures
Posted inMichigan Government
Pro-bridge video stretches points on Ambassador's life, U.S.-Canada links, Truth Squad finds
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANAYSIS: “Why the new bridge is so important to Michigan” Who: Lt. Gov. Brian Calley What: Web video Truth Squad call: Warnings In this video, Michigan.gov, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley promotes the proposed bridge linking Detroit and Windsor, a partnership project with Canada pushed by Gov. Rick Snyder, who sees it as […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Land Wars: Senator targets private land conservancies
A state senator who introduced Michigan’s controversial land cap law now wants nonprofit land conservancies to pay property taxes — unless they provide unlimited public access and allow motorized vehicles in privately owned nature preserves. Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, said he has drafted legislation that could ensure public access to tens of thousands of acres […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Senator: 'A primary objective should be to return land to private ownership'
State Sen. Tom Casperson has become a lightning rod for criticism from environmentalists and some conservation groups. The Escanaba Republican wrote the initial land cap legislation. He advocates for increased logging in state forests. And he has championed legislation that would make it easier for people to build in coastal sand dunes. Casperson’s supporters have […]
Posted inLand O Links
Land O Links
“Knowledge is not eating, and we cannot expect to devour and possess what we mean. Knowledge is recognition of something absent; it is a salutation, not an embrace” — George Santayana, philosopher. * A tick bite can make you allergic to meat: http://discovermagazine.com/2012/jul-aug/09-how-a-tick-bite-made-me-allergic-to-meat * “A recent (automotive engineering) recruit got a $17,000 raise and bonus of as […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Politicians get big favor with IRS-backed spending accounts
By Steve Harry What are 527 accounts and why should the voters of Michigan care? I’ve been all worked up about Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero’s 527 account since September 2009, when I read an article in the Lansing State Journal by Derek Melot. I looked up the contribution and expenditure detail on the IRS website, […]
Posted inMichigan Government
'Out-of-state' attack draws warning from Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Out-of-state special interests” Who: Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution What: Radio ad Truth Squad call: Warnings Questionable statement: “We’d like to continue the private auction of the Michigan Constitution. Next up for bid is writing state energy policy into the constitution. I open the bidding at $2 million.” This statement refers to […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Pro-union 'teacher' ad gets warning from Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Teacher” Who: Protect Our Jobs What: TV ad Truth Squad call: Warning Though under a “Protect Working Families” logo, the ad is funded by Protect Our Jobs, the labor-backed initiative that seeks passage of a constitutional amendment to guarantee collective bargaining in Michigan. Project Our Jobs has already raised more than […]
Posted inSuccess
Bridge coverage earns conservation award
Jeff Alexander, a contributor to Bridge Magazine who focuses on conservation, environmental and outdoors issues, is being honored by the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club. Each year, the conservation group honors journalism in three media: online, print and broadcast. “Jeff always does a great job of covering the whole story on the issues he […]
Posted inMichigan Government
'Headlines' ad earns foul from Michigan Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Headlines” Who: HandsOffOurConstitution.com What: Television ad Truth Squad call: Foul HandsOffOurConstitution.com is a website created by Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution, which is working to defeat ballot proposals that would amend the state constitution. The group was created by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and had raised $340,150 through July 20. Questionable […]
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