Wednesday, February 24, 2010

I Love these Ladies


I am sure this is an oxymoron, but "Common Sense in Government" is at it again. You have to admire the imagination of Wendy Day and Melanie Hall. These two can think up more ways to make a point than any two people I know. Their latest adventure was to build snowmen at the foot of the capitol steps - more than a dozen of them. They even made Fox News.

Wendy told me that they try to make fun out the work they are doing to cut government taxes and reduce their spending. I guess she wasn't kidding. These ladies always have a smile on their face when I see them and you can see their enthusiasm in their work.

I can't do the things I used to. I guess there is envy in my heart. I would be right there with them, building their snowmen and distributing flyers, if I could. That fact does not discourage me from asking you to join them when you can. It is so very important that the fight be brought to the forefront. We need to make our elected officials aware that we are watching them and we will hold them accountable.

No matter what your ability, do what you can.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Something You Shouldn't Miss

Austin Texas then and now.





You really should subscribe to the "Michigan Capitol Confidential". Its free, well written, entertaining and factual. The only thing that might upset you is the content. They expose government waste and things that you may not find out in the press or may have missed on the tube.

The internet has given us an oportunity that was not available before and we should take advantage of it. Individuals are now able to discover things and comunicate them. If you are young and it has always been the way things are, you can not appreciate the difference.

The Tea Party movement would not be the movement it is without the internet. Grass root conventions, seminars and meetings would not be as well attended or as easily organized. It is much harder for a despot to take control of our government without being exposed because of the internet. There is always the comfort in the realization that you are not alone in your thinking.

Most of all, it gives even those who are unable to get out much, the elderly, moms with small children, those who are still employed and those who are not, an oportunity to get involved.

Click on the link it will be worth your time.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Is Life So Dear or Peace So Sweet ...

Is the MHBCCC Defunded? from Mackinac Center on Vimeo.



It seems that government at all levels has gotten completely out of control. My city is early retiring police and firemen. They then receive their hospitalization and pension from PA 345 funds which are funded by a separate millage which is regulated by disbursements. They are then subcontracted back by the city who now no longer has to pay their benefits from the city budget.

At the State level there is so many things going on that the list is prohibitive for this space. But, the video above gives you a taste of the disregard they have for taxpayers, the corruption taking place, and the lack of respect for the State Constitution.

You can not help but be aware of the indifference toward their constituents of the majority of our elected officials in Washington. Everyday on the news you can see them trying to get around the law and attempts to implement their will over the will of the people.

If we do not wake up the rest of our neighbors and friends and encourage them into action, we may soon find we have waited too long to take our country back in a peaceful manner. It is important that we keep respect for ourselves and our government and insist that those we elect do the same. The great experiment proved to be more than theory. We can not allow ourselves to slip back to a form of government that historically and repeatedly failed.



"These principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation. The wisdom of our sages and blood of our heroes have been devoted to their attainment. They should be the creed of our political faith, the text of civil instruction, the touchstone by which we try the services of those we trust; and should we wander from them in a moment of error or alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and to regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty, and safety."

Thomas Jefferson

Thursday, February 04, 2010

State of the Citizen Makes a Point.



Once again the taxpayers are left out in the cold. This time they didn't seem to mind. What a lively bunch. While the governor and legislators were inside staying warm for the State of the State address, about 500 people were on the steps of the capitol expressing their dissatisfaction with the way their tax dollars are being spent and the way that policy has been directed.

Chants of "it's our money" and "blown away",referencing the goveror's promise, were loudly repeated between speeches. The topics of the state of the taxpayers, the state of business and the state of the family were discussed. It was cold but it was inspiring and I am glad I went. Empty chairs, set up for legislators who wished to attend the state of the citizens instead of the state of the state for the lame duck governor remained empty, at least until we were sure the legislators were not coming. If you didn't attend you missed a great event. I hope we will see you at the next one.

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

The State of the Citizen is Here



Tomorrow February 3, 2010, the people of Michigan will hear the real condition of the State of Michigan as understood and felt by it's citizens. We hope you will join us at 6:30 - 8:30pm outside the Capitol Building. It will be interesting to see if any of our legislators show to listen to their constituents.

The governor will be speaking inside the building at the same time. It is not unusual for the taxpayers to be left out in the cold. Our politicians need to understand that we will not go away and given the severity of the issues we can not give up because the stakes are to high.