Saturday, May 15, 2010
Go get 'em
We have sent out petitions for Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom with our May newsletter. Now it is time to get the signatures and return them. You can drop off or pick up more petitions at our May 26, Wayne County Taxpayers Association meeting at 7:00PM. at Leon's Family Dining on Michigan Ave. just east of Telegraph.
Even if you just want to come in and sign a petition or just have one or two signatures on yours, every signature is important.
Now that what we suspected right along is true, that Obamacare is going to cost much more than originally indicated, we should find it even easier to collect signatures to get this constitutional amendment on the November ballot. It is too important to leave it to someone else to do. It is important to the economy, job creation, our individual access to treatment and the cost to each and every one of us.
Here is a summary of the amendment language:
• DECLARES THE RIGHT OF PERSONS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE WITHOUT BEING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY COMPELLED BY GOVERNMENT ACTION TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
• PROHIBITS THE GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING PROHIBITIONS ON THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF HEALTH INSURANCE OR HEALTH COVERAGE IN PRIVATE HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS.
• PROHIBITS GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING PENALTIES OR FINES AGAINST PERSON, EMPLOYERS, AND HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS FOR PARTICIPATING IN DIRECT PAY ACTIVITIES FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
• PROHIBITS GOVERNMENT FROM CREATING ANY DISADVANTAGE AGAINST A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR PERMITTING A PERSON OR EMPLOYER TO PAY DIRECTLY FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES OR FOR PERMITTING A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO ACCEPT DIRECT PAYMENT FROM A PERSON OR EMPLOYER FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES
If you want more Information or locations where you may pick up or sign a petition, please contact me at 313-278-8383 or email me at wctaxpayers@comcast.net or, you may also contact Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom at www.MICHIGANHCF.COM .
Please don't just sit back and do nothing. If we all work toward the goal it should be easy.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Action at All Levels
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 is scheduled for the Grosse Pointe Shores Recall at thier City Municipal Building. We wish then good luck in their efforts.
SPECIAL ELECTION
TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2010
POLLS OPEN 7:00 AM TO 8:00 PM
GROSSE POINTE SHORES MUNICIPAL BUILDING
795 LAKE SHORE ROAD
According to the Shores Recall Website, if you are a Shores taxpayer and are not outraged by the current fiscal crisis, then you are not paying paying attention to the facts! From what we have read of the situation they have every reason to be upset.
I will be there for another reason. I will be circulating petitions for the Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom. From 1-8:00 PM you can sign, drop off or get petitions. We are attempting to get the amendment on the November ballot and the amendment will do the following if approved:
• DECLARES THE RIGHT OF PERSONS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE WITHOUT BEING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY COMPELLED BY GOVERNMENT ACTION TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
• PROHIBITS THE GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING PROHIBITIONS ON THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF HEALTH INSURANCE OR HEALTH COVERAGE IN PRIVATE HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS.
• PROHIBITS GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING PENALTIES OR FINES AGAINST PERSON, EMPLOYERS, AND HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS FOR PARTICIPATING IN DIRECT PAY ACTIVITIES FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
• PROHIBITS GOVERNMENT FROM CREATING ANY DISADVANTAGE AGAINST A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR PERMITTING A PERSON OR EMPLOYER TO PAY DIRECTLY FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES OR FOR PERMITTING A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO ACCEPT DIRECT PAYMENT FROM A PERSON OR EMPLOYER FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES
If you want more Information or locations where you may pick up or sign a petition, please contact me at 313-278-8383 or email me at wctaxpayers@comcast.net or, you may also contact Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom at www.MICHIGANHCF.COM .
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
RESA Wants Millage Increase
The Wayne County Intermendiate School District RESA wants a millage increase. Suprisingly, they are getting school districts to agree that they want more money. The Detroit School Board still believes, or at least claims to believe, lack of money is their problem. I guess more than $11,000 per student in Detroit is not enough to expect some kind of resonable education. This is insanity.
How did this come about? With the passage of Proposal A and the change in how schools were funded, the only way to increase operating millage was on a county wide millage. Exempt from this were sinking funds and bonds which were still allowed on a local district level and are used unmercifully.
The County millage could be increased up to 3 mils with the approval of the districts that together make up more than half the student population of the county district and then it would be placed on the ballot. We should be grateful they are so considerate to ask for only 1.9 of the three mills allowed. That is only $1.90 for every $1,000 of taxable value on your property. If your taxable value is $50,000 this means you will only have to pay $95 more per year. This millage will only generate $92 million. It will then be distributed back to the districts based on student population. More redistribution of wealth with no accountability and guarentee of better education.
If we let this happen we deserve it. Accountability first. If we don't get accountability, we are throwing good money after bad.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Do We Need and Want a Constitutional Convention?

The picture above was sent to me by a friend about a week ago and started me thinking. It was taken in 1990 during the Headlee Tax Cut Initiative. For those of you who do not recognize those in the picture Dick Headlee of the Headlee Amendment fame is on the left and the lady with the owl looking glasses on the right is me. It seems that a similar picture could have been taken a number of times over the years as I have worked on many Constitutional Amendments.
In November of 2010 we will be asked if we want to call a Constitutional Convention. According to the Citizens Research Council the State Constitution has been amended 31 times since it went into effect in January of 1964. The length of the document has increased from 19,203 to 36,525 words. We agree that a shorter more succinct version would be desirable, but we have to credit the courts and the legislature itself for making this necessary.
Every time the legislature tries to subvert the will of the people it becomes necessary to amend the Constitution in a way that allows little room to misinterpret the language. Because of their efforts, a common theme of the amendments has been to reduce the power of the legislature in favor of the citizens. It is not that we have abandoned the idea of representative government, it is that they have failed to take their obligation seriously. They don't even have the ability to pass a budget on time.
The legislature itself has placed issues on the ballot. As early as the mid 1890s they realized the need for ballot initiatives but it wasn't until the adoption of the 1908 Constitution that it became a reality. It was so restrictive that it was not very functional. It wasn't until the 1913 amendment to the Constitution that it took on its present form allowing constitutional, statutory and referendum amendments.
CRC Special Report on Michigan Constitutional Issues
Approval Rates by Decade
In the first three decades of the life of the 1963 Constitution, approximately one-third of the proposed
amendments were adopted, whether proposed by joint resolution (34.4 percent) or initiative petition
(33.3 percent). Since 1993, however, over three-quarters of the proposals have been adopted by the
voters, with 100 percent of the legislative proposals adopted and 42.9 percent of the initiatives passing.
All of the amendments proposed in 2004, 2006, and 2008 were adopted.
There is no need to call a Constitutional Convention. It took a lot of work and sweat to make the changes we have. We can not trust a hand full of political cronies to make decisions for all the people and legislators who had ideas accepted by the citizens of Michigan. There has been talk of limiting the referendum, expanding term limits and streamlining language that protects us from skirting the intent of the amendments. If the ideas are good they can presented one at a time for considered analysis and informed decision.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Tea Party Lansing April 15, 2010
It was a great day in Lansing and all over Michigan. We helped sponsor the Tea Party in Lansing, but there were Tea Parties everywhere. If you missed the excitement at these parties, you really missed something. You can feel the energy in the crowd. The people are upbeat and ready to do what they have to to preserve our system of government and demand accountability from our elected officials.
I gave a short speech in Lansing and I let the people know how happy I was to see them there. The one thing you can always count on is the American Spirit. They gave me hope and warmed my heart with their sincerity and willingness to do what needs to be done.
From there,it was too late to go to the Plymouth Tea Party, so I went to Sterling Heights where Michigan Taxpayers Alliance was having a rip roaring Tea Party. I serve on their board, so I guess that was another reason I wanted to make sure I got there. Mr. Perks, the giant pink pig was there as well. I ran into many familiar faces and a lot of new enthusiastic ones.
The thing that amazes me the most is, when anybody asks the question if these people have been involved in politics before, the majority of the people say they haven't.
That is what makes this so exciting.
From there, it was off to St. Clair Shores to the Metro Detroit Freedom Coalition to hear a debate between the candidates running for governor. The moderator was Frank Beckmann from WJR. He is a great guy and did an excellent job with the four candidates who where there.
Keep up the great work folks. We the people will straighten out this mess yet.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Onward and Upward
This video is as meaninful now as it was last year.
The final stop in Michigan of the Tea Party Express in Clinton Township was a great success. Now it is time to think about the next event.
On April 15, tax day the Wayne County Taxpayers Association will be cosponsoring the Lansing Tea Party at the steps of the Capitol. The legislature will be in session and it will do them good to know that the people Michigan will not give up our country or state. The Governor, legislators, and special interests want to raise taxes by billions of dollars. With the highest unemployment rate in the country and Michigan per capita income dropping from 9th to 41st in the country we need to send a message to politicians that they must put our economy first and bureaucrats second.
Noon – 1:30 PM
State Capitol lawn, Lansing
Featured Speakers include:
• Attorney General Mike Cox
• Rich Michaels, Host of WMMQ-FM 94.9 Michaels in the Morning
• Joan Fabiano, Grassroots in Michigan
• Kyle Olson, Education Action Group
• Rose Bogaert, Wayne County Taxpayers Association
• Tina DuPont, Tea Party of West Michigan
• Kathy Hoekstra, Mackinac Center for Public Policy
Please show us your support. Send them a message and let them know that we are not going away. If you can not attend in Lansing, and I hope you will, try to make it to one of the local tea parties even if just for a little while. Go to http://michiganactivists.com and find a location near you. I will be attending as many as possible.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Tomorrow, April 9, is the kick off in Wayne County of the Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom Petition Drive. The problem is that there are a bunch of other activities going on at the same time. We encourage anyone who doesn't already have plans to join us at:
Canfield Community Center
1801 N. Beech Daly
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
8:00pm to 9:00pm
At first I felt a little sad until I realized that the activities that are happening are worthwhile and that all they have to do is contact me and I would see that those who could not join us get petitions. It also meant that they are out of their chairs and doing something to defend their freedom and encouraging others to do the same. As a matter of fact I was impressed by the numbers. I hope to see you there.
Now for April 15, tax day, the Wayne County Taxpayers Association is co sponsoring:
The Michigan Tea Party Rally in Lansing.
Thursday, April 15, 11:30am – 1:30pm
100 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Capitol Steps (East)
The Michigan House and Senate will be in session. This is an opportunity to show Lansing politicians that the people of Michigan are serious about free market reforms, smaller government and lower taxes. Speakers included (subject to updates): WMMQ’s Rich Michaels and Kyle Olson of Education Action Group will be joining us and you can expect the Capitol steps and lawn to be full of activist leaders.
There are Tea Parties all over the state that day and I will try to visit as many as I can schedule. In the mean time, check out the Michigan Activist Calendar that will give you an opportunity to keep up on the things that are happening around the state.
There will be other updates on what is happening around you. Get involved, save your country, and do something important for your family.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Come Join Us
Canfield Community Center
1801 N. Beech Daly
Dearborn Heights, MI
Friday, April 9, 8:00 to 9:00 PM
COME AND GET YOUR PETITIONS!
The objective is to place on the November ballot a referendum to amend the State Constitution to fight back against the Washington health care takeover.
If you wish to distribute petitions or know of a location that might allow us to distribute them, please let us know. In the future, information will be available on our website http://www.wctaxpayers.org/ .
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Inaction Is Not An Option
I have volunteered to be one of the county coordinators for Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom.The objective is to place on the November ballot a referendum to amend the State Constitution to fight back against the Washington health care takeover.
Here is a summary of the amendment language:
• DECLARES THE RIGHT OF PERSONS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE WITHOUT BEING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY COMPELLED BY GOVERNMENT ACTION TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
• PROHIBITS THE GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING PROHIBITIONS ON THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF HEALTH INSURANCE OR HEALTH COVERAGE IN PRIVATE HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS.
• PROHIBITS GOVERNMENT FROM IMPOSING PENALTIES OR FINES AGAINST PERSON, EMPLOYERS, AND HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS FOR PARTICIPATING IN DIRECT PAY ACTIVITIES FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES.
• PROHIBITS GOVERNMENT FROM CREATING ANY DISADVANTAGE AGAINST A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR PERMITTING A PERSON OR EMPLOYER TO PAY DIRECTLY FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES OR FOR PERMITTING A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO ACCEPT DIRECT PAYMENT FROM A PERSON OR EMPLOYER FOR LAWFUL HEALTH CARE SERVICES
If you want more Information or locations where you may pick up or sign a petition, please contact me at 313-278-8383 or email me at wctaxpayers@comcast.net or, you may also contact Michigan Citizens for Healthcare Freedom at www.MICHIGANHCF.COM .
If you wish to distribute petitions or know of a location that might allow us to distribute them, please let us know. In the future, information will be available on our website www.wctaxpayers.org . You can also access our blog from that site.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
There Is No More Integrity
I can not believe that all that posturing that Stupak did was just for show. He lied like a man who had no quams about it. He spoke like a man of priciple and caved like a man without integrity. This video was made last year without his knowledge. He knew all along that he would vote for health care reform. Now it is our duty to teach him that he should not lie to the American people and pretend he is something he is not.
He must now be voted out of office along with all the others who are trying to transform our country into a socialized nation. The blatent disregard for the will of the people makes them all targets in the next election.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
We should be embarassed that we have let things get this far before doing something. This great country has provided us with many advantages that others could only dream of and admire. We have the ability to correct our errors in a non violent way because others have fought and died for our system of government, which provides for that means.
Our duty to be vigilant and to do the work necessary to maintain our way of life does not allow us to lay back and do nothing while our freedom slips away. It is all of our responsibility. We must, while hoping to keep the fruits of our labor, not take them from others.
For too long we have allowed government to control our lives and surendered for perceived comforts which can only lead to lack of choice and a restiction of our freedom. It is not to late to take back what "the God of nature has placed in our power" - the right to life, liberty and the persuit of happiness.
If we are to give up our lives, it should not be because some bureaucrat makes the decision but for the sake of liberty.
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
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.
Friday, January 29, 2010
I Appeal to You

Monday, January 25, 2010
Ficano Is It True?
The Wayne County Commissioners should investigate Mr. Ficano’s over the top mishandling of public funds for his own personal private benefit. A media firm in Clawson, Michigan was sub-contracted to produce this Ficano “campaign commercials” masquerading as a Public Service Announcement.http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=264826959408
The media firm ----
Magnetic Cinema was retained by FMG. Is FMG the same Oakland County Firm FMG (First Media Group) that is also a Wayne County Airport Authority Contractor? Is it a coincidence that FMG owner Delora Hall Tyler also hosts a radio program on WCHB with Ficano gal pal Mildred Gaddis?Is this the ranting of a disgruntled employee? Is this the rantings of an opponent? We may soon find out.1. Did this contract and sub-contract go out for bid?
2. What county employees were involved with this?
3. How much was paid, including commissions, to produce these spots?
4. What budget did they come out of?
5. What was the purpose of that budget as originally approved by the CountyCommission?
6. Were federal funds used?
It is time to put a stop to Ficano’s Mass Manipulation of the Detroit Media Market.
Why all of these Flu Shot Radio and TV ads surrounded by children??? Did the parents give permission for this possible political exploitation? Is this “PSA” running in free air time or was even more money squandered to make paid media buys? HOW CAN A BROKE COUNTY AFFORD FICANO THIS INDULGENCE? Flu season was over in Nov/December. But campaign season is just starting. Ficano may have broken the law if he shifted federal funds from free flu shots for the poor to producing these "political commercials". Did he once again use the media company owned by Mildred Gaddis (1200 AM) or Kevin Deitz to produce these campaign commercials that pretend to be Public Service Announcements??? Is this a clear violation of Michigan Campaign Finance Law or FCC rules? If these were truly public service announcements then perhaps the public health director or a nurse should be doing them --- not Freeloading Ficano. When will the TV Stations wake up and realize that Ficano is duping them again to plastering his Face all over the air for free? . Amazing how these “PSA” always start up when he is running for office. Oh well I guess he is desperate for free air-time since he does not have Benny Napoleon to put in his race this time to split up the black vote. (Ricardo Solomon )
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Thick Sculls
What I heard from the president was that he did not do a good enough job explaining what we should think. I personally spent a lot of time researching the situation and I do not appreciate anyone, president or not, telling me what to think. I would prefer that he tell me what the heck he was thinking.
People who are desperate enough to dedicate their time and money to send a message should at least be listened to and not ignored. It is the policies that we object to, it is not an understanding problem. Fortunately, we understand very well where the present policies are leading.
Government is spending to much, borrowing to much, confiscating to much power and interfering in our personal lives with powers that far exceed those granted them under the federal and state constitutions. The policies they have put forward have failed. Look to history and look to the present. Our elected officials put forth policies and deny culpability, then blame someone else. If that is not bad enough, they present us with more of the same.
Don't give up. Keep the pressure on. Keep involved. The president used the term fight more then 20 times in his last speech. We have to use it in every sentence we speak to counter the arguments. Join us in Lansing on February 3, for the State of the Citizens on the steps of the Capitol 6:30 - 8:30 pm.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
How to Appeal Your Assessment Seminar

Well we finally found a place for our first seminar in Detroit. We don't have much time to advertize, so if you will help us spread the news we would appreciate it. Send it to those who live in the area.
Make sure to check our website for updates on other locations as we set them up.
How to Appeal Your Assessment Seminar
Type: Education - Workshop
Where: Redford Library in Detroit
21200 Grand River / 6 Mile
When: Saturday, January 16, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
This is the first in a series of seminars on How to Appeal Your Property Assessment sponsored by the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance and the Wayne County Taxpayers Association. This was scheduled in early January because the people of Detroit must appeal to the assessors review in February to appeal to the Board of Review in March. We had great success with our presentations last year and expect this year will meet or exceed last year’s expectations.
A powerpoint presentation and hand out will facilitate out program. A question and answer session will be held at the end.
We are asking for a $1.00 donation for the cost of the material.
Check for future seminars as they are scheduled on our website.
http://www.wctaxpayers.org
For more information call 313-278-8383
