The Upper Hand - Progress Michigan

high school drop out

User from Center Line, MI — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:56:02 EDT

in our school district if you have a child with behavior problems the first thing to do is suspend him for everything and up to 10 days. how can i keep my son in school when the school don't want him?

Evian: Naïve Spelled Backwards

Emma — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:17 EDT

There’s a lot of talk about water this week. And it’s not all coming from Slip ‘N Slide enthusiasts, either.

The good news is that on Monday, June 23, a deal was brokered between the Michigan House and Senate to protect the Great Lakes and our inland rivers and streams from withdrawal by dry states in the southwest. This deal makes Michigan the seventh state to ratify the Great Lakes Basin Compact – a package deal that would provide protection for the Great Lakes and its eight surrounding states. We’re looking at you, Pennsylvania.

The bad news, however, is that this fight is far from finished.

The protectors of the Great Lakes still have 20,000 leagues to go before victory is totally and finally accomplished. As water-protection advocates like Cyndi Roper and the rest of Clean Water Action’s Michigan team have warned, the struggle for public control over our state’s water supply still lies ahead. So does the effort to thwart bottled water industries who wish to swoop in and drain the falsely-deceptive “endless” water supply of the Great Lakes. (There’s a reason why “naïve” is “Evian” spelled backwards).

If ensuring public control over our water supply is ever to be a reality, legislators need to stop treating water as industrial commodity, and give it the respect it deserves: as a publicly-owned, highly valuable natural resource. Protection from the bottled water and corporations that would like to sell our water for profit to other H20-hungry states and nations must be established, and firmly at that. If Michigan legislators ever hope to push our state forward and cast us as a major protector of water, emphasis on the public’s right to control our own water is absolutely essential. The Great Lakes belong to the people, not to gigantic corporations or sprawling subdivisions in Arizona.

Get ready for the fight ahead over public trust or corporate control. It’s up to Michigan’s residents to stand up for the Great Lakes and our precious inland water sources. Together, we can prevent greedy corporations and other states and nations from pulling the plug and sending Michigan’s water down the drain.

Democracy for America Training Tonight

Emma — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:13:11 EDT

Tonight at 8:30 PM, Democracy for America will be holding an online training session. The event is part of DFA's "Night School," an online training program that allows anyone to learn the skills to win elections for progressive candidates from their own home. Each session is an interactive conference call and Web presentation where trainees participate and ask questions. This week's training is entitled "Getting a Job on a Campaign" and will be offered jointly by both DFA and Democratic GAIN.

Action for Darfur!

Tom — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 13:31:28 EDT

We need one last push to get Lansing to FINALLY pass Sudan Divestment!

The Senate has the potential to show it won't play politics with the lives of innocent civilians in Darfur who are dying and running out of food and time.

However, we need your help to give one final push! Call or e-mail the Senate committee members to make them do the right thing and vote YES!

Suggested script: "As a concerned constituent, I would like to ask Senator_______________ to call for a vote on House Bill 4854, and vote YES to help save the people of Darfur at no cost to us!"

Please, call today!

The contact information for the leadership is is below:

Senator Mike Bishop: (517) 373-2417
senmbishop@senate.michigan.gov

Michelle McManus: (517) 373-1725
senmmcmanus@senate.michigan.gov

Alan Cropsey: 866-305-2133
senacropsey@senate.michigan.gov

Cameron Brown: (517) 373-5932
sencbrown@senate.michigan.gov

Mark Schauer: 888-962-6275
senmschauer@senate.michigan.gov

Buzz Thomas: 866-348-6304
senbthomas@senate.michigan.gov

Triangle Responds to Anti-Gay Discrimination at Spectrum Hospital

Colette Beighley — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:04:18 EDT

From the blog: Mostly Sunny with a Chance of Gay

Instead of compassionate medical treatment, Ashleigh Haberman and Erica Schaub received a "lifestyle" lecture from a Spectrum Hospital physician.

The couple went to Spectrum Health South Pavilion Urgent Care Center in Grand Rapids for treatment of Schaub's lingering cold. According to a WOOD TV 8 report, the physician responded in an inappropriate manner asking who Haberman was to Schaub. Ashleigh Haberman and Erica Schaub have made a life-long commitment to each other and were married in Canada. When Schaub explained Haberman was her life partner, the lecture began.

The physician asked for the couple's opinion on the recent California Supreme Court marriage decision and "he proceeded to give his opinion on how he felt that marriage, gay marriage, shouldn't be called a marriage because it's a religious-based word, and he's a Christian, and there's no way that marriage could be considered legal in the gay sense," said Haberman.

BWL to Lansing: Everyone do the Dinosaur!

Emma — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:06:20 EDT

With the Board of Water and Light’s recent proposal to build another outdated coal-fired power plant, you’d think we’d been transported to the year 1885. It’s a year that has been vanquished for nearly 150 years, but its influence continues to prattle deafeningly on, especially when it comes to the proposals of one particular Lansing-based corporation. During the course of this year, a vaccine for rabies was patented, Huckleberry Finn was published, and, this particular corporation in question, Lansing’s Board of Water and Light was established. And, much like its initial business strategy originally executed upon the Board’s year of birth, the BWL is pledging to remain shadowed in the Victorian era by succumbing to the proposal of another coal-fired plant – it’s a technology so new and innovative you’d think that we were all wearing rigid, rib-crunching corsets. Chester A. Arthur would be proud.

While the debate between the US’s dependency on fossil fuels and its converse quest for alternative energy sources rages on, it’s always surprising to find out when a public mainstay like Lansing’s Board of Water and Light plays a part as one of the chief offenders in coal abuse. The organization’s Erickson plant, located in Delta Township, has been fired on coal power for decades, and now, to make matters worse, the BWL has proposed a new, mostly coal-fired plant to join its Erickson facility in an irresponsible campaign.

The BWL’s refusal to see the light is a prime example of the ways in which the heads of some major energy corporations just don’t seem to get it. By running a plant that provides power for a vast majority of the state capital and surrounding area, the BWL leaders should be willing to look beyond older, outdated modes of generating electricity and embrace the future. The cost of coal is skyrocketing; its use keeps us dependent on imported energy; and it is a chief contributor to global warming. Perhaps the most important factor to this argument is that alternative sources of energy like wind and solar power would be much cheaper to harness, not to mention a lot healthier, especially considering public health and environmental impacts of burning coal. It’s a better investment, creating more good-paying jobs than coal and is unlimited in supply. After all, they don’t call it “renewable” energy for nothing.

The BWL has been a staple of the Lansing community since 1885; how ironic, given that the corp’s latest energy proposal seems as though it had come straight out of the 19th century. If corporate execs at BWL keep insisting on sticking with the same technology found in the novels of Charles Dickens, it’s probable that they will end up hurting the very people who they are supposed to be helping – the people of Lansing. Stubbornly clinging to Victorian-era business methods and obsolete technology just doesn’t work: there’s a reason why the Big Horseshoe and Conglomerated Opium industries have long since faded away.

The insistence of BWL execs on the reliance of coal stands out as an eye-catching example of the comprehensive problems in Michigan. Without the ability to adapt to new thoughts and innovations in industry, our state’s economy is doomed to fail; left behind in the dark ages of coal and its blackening, fossilized kindred.

Oh, by the way, in addition to the coal fiasco proposed by BWL, Michigan is being threatened by seven – count ‘em, SEVEN – other coal plants. They call it the “coal rush” and it will take our state backwards. The good news is, you can fight the scurvy knaves by going to http://www.nocoalrush.com/.

Good News for Michigan - Drolet Fails Again

kpominville — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:24:58 EDT

This is good news for Democracy and for the rule of law. The far right wing fringe in Michigan failed to get enough signatures for their frivolous recall petition for House Speaker Andy Dillon. Their attempt to disrupt the state legislature would have been harmful to Michigan, especially at a time when we need constructve progress, not chaos from some angry extremists who don't understand how taxes or economies operate.

Drolet and ilk, such as far-right radical Grover "drown government in a bathtub" Norquist, are a group of anti-tax zealots who offer only criticism and negativity and present no solutions of their own to the many problems faced by the citizens of Michigan.

All they have to offer is exactly the kind of minimalist, ineffective government we saw respond to Katrina.

They have a very narrow, ideological view of taxation that is not based in reality or pragmatism. They obviously do not have the best interest of the citizens of the state at heart because they offer no constructive solutions to any of the real problems we face, such as record layoffs and foreclosures.

On the other hand, Andy Dillon has been instrumental in the bill earlier this year which created 29,000 new jobs by investing in Michigan and brought the movie industry to Michigan by offering the best incentives in the nation.

What people like Drolet and Norquist do not understand is that taxes are merely the mechanism by which government generates revenue and that governments are non-profit, so if they really wanted to lower taxes they would offer meaningful ways to lower costs so we can cut spending and thereby legitimately and responsibly lower taxes.

The sad, inescapable truth is that Leon Drolet is more interested in pushing a failed ideology than in helping the citizens of Michigan.

The End of Coal Fever

Emma — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:52:41 EDT

Just a few short months ago – January of this year, in fact – a grand total of seven companies began a scheme to build a slew of dirty, outmoded coal-burning power plants all around the state of Michigan. Thankfully, a group called Clean Energy Now stepped in to combat this backward drive, courtesy of the coal companies. You might say that CEN is acting as the Indiana Jones to Big Coal’s devious pit of snakes.

By merit alone, CEN and other proponents of modern energy efficiency have many points. Tons of points. So many points, in fact, that if points were a source of renewable energy, we wouldn’t need to be having this debate in the first place. As for Big Coal, clearing out all the choking, burning coal-smoke reveals those pesky facts that fossil fuel-pushing execs would rather keep safely buried in the tar-pit. You know, the ones that are always getting in the way of lies and propaganda? Yeah, those facts.

Coal as Energy:

· Coal is an old, antiquated, and completely out of date source of energy. Have I mentioned that it’s old? Why, I remember when coal was a new and innovative technology… back in 1769. In fact, the use of coal came to prominence during the same time period in which every physical ailment known to man was caused by demons and cured by leeches. Since the use of bloodsuckers by any hospital today would likely result in a something involving the words “class-action” and “lawsuit,” it’s time that Michigan’s energy companies update, too, and learn to embrace modern forms of energy production

· Coal is dirty. Just ask Cinderella. $20 says she would have far preferred to reside under a solar panel than buried in five pounds of ash and soot

· Coal keeps us dependent on imported sources of energy. The vast majority of fossil fuels are imported into Michigan, which in turn spends over $20 billion a year to feed this destructive habit. Cutting our addiction to coal and other fossil fuels would slash costs exponentially, as well as keep more cash in the state of Michigan – creating jobs and investing in our communities

Renewable Energy Sources and Efficiency:

· Renewable energy sources are not just good for the environment, but good for the economy and job growth, as well. According to the Renewable Energy Policy Project, Michigan could stand to gain over 35,000 new jobs if alternative energy sources comprised at least 20% of the total power output by the year 2020. This strategy has already shown success in places like Pennsylvania and Texas, where both states have seen an increase of almost 5,000 jobs as a direct result of implementing renewable energy plans

· Renewable energy sources would help stimulate Michigan’s struggling economy. If we cling to the use of coal as a primary power source, our state will fail in attracting the 21st century jobs it so desperately needs; however, if we acknowledge the benefits of renewable energy, our state will attract more outside business and trade, and thus establish itself as a leader in the alternative energy revolution

· Energy efficiency provides more bang for the buck. Coal does not. Statistically speaking, for every dollar that is spent on efficiency, $3 more would be saved. This means that this spared profit margin could be invested back into the economy, and help to create more jobs

And so, there you have it: the barebones facts about both coal and renewable energy. If it wasn’t for the massive expenditures on high-priced lobbyists by coal companies, it seems as though the advocates for renewable energy would have to do little more than clear their throats to prove their point. Given the macabre condition of both the economy and the lack of substantial job growth, there is no time to waste on counterproductive ideas for the state. Renewable energy represents the future, then it’s about time we stopped clinging to the past. Go to http://progressmichigan.org/page/speakout/coalrush and fight back!

Rally - Detroit Teachers Fight for Survival and Equity

Evelyn Foreman — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:18:56 EDT

On Thursday, June 19th at 4 p.m. teachers and community residents will rally at Spain Middle School at 3700 Beaubien between Mack and Warren(across from Children's Hospital) to due to 14 areas of concern listed by the Detroit Federation of Teachers in a June 10, 2008 "Union Hot Line" alert. Those 14 issues and a legal decision favoring one DPS teacher have pushed the local into a fight mode. Go to www.detnews.com - Type Conn - click on Judge:DPS Teacher Gets Job Back and read this article. If you are interested in thespecifics of the 14 issues contact me.
Evelyn

MIRS: Angerer, Jones Tackle Nursing Home Standards

SEIU Healthcare Michigan — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:53:02 EDT

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Legislators attacked Michigan's nursing home standards at a press conference today, unveiling a seven-bill package aimed at strengthening standards and protecting Michigan seniors.

The press conference was held in conjunction with "Old Michiganians Day," a day for senior advocacy at the Capitol. Roughly 500 seniors filled the Capitol, meeting with legislators and attending meetings regarding senior-specific legislation.

The bill package, sponsored by Rep. Kathy ANGERER (D-Dundee) and Rep. Robert JONES (D-Kalamazoo), focuses on three main areas: transparency and ownership, financial capacity and quality standards.

Many of the bills would implement changes that the speakers considered "common sense," such as establishing penalties for employees that provide fraudulent information to investigators and requiring nursing homes owners to prove they have the money for proper funding and care. They also require that nursing homes be properly insured prior to operation and that they notify residents and their families at least 30 days before there is a change in ownership.

Jones and Angerer agreed that one of the culprits behind deteriorating nursing home care is the transfer of ownership to private equity investors, which increases the distance between the owner and the residents. The issue of ownership hit the Michigan stage last year when the Carlyle Group acquired 28 Michigan nursing homes owned by Manor Care. The Carlyle Group is a Washington D.C.-based private equity firm (See "Hearings Held On Nursing Home Sales," 12/06/07).

Angerer, as chair of the House Health Policy Committee, and Jones, as Chair of the House Senior Health, Security and Retirement Committee, held joint hearings on the Carlyle acquisition issue last winter.

"When private investors come to Michigan shopping for nursing homes, it is our parents, grandparents, family friends and loved ones who may be adversely affected. We want to make sure that doesn't happened here," Jones said.

Part of the package gives the Department of Community Health (DCH) the authority to decide whether or not to license the corporation purchasing a nursing home.

Rep. Mike SIMPSON (D-Jackson) spoke of two examples of neglect that had been brought to his attention regarding a patient found with ants in her mouth and another patient found sitting in her own waste for five hours after an aide refused to change her. He said this legislation would be a "warning shot" to those operating nursing homes that deplorable conditions would no longer be tolerated.

Allison HIRSCHEL, president of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care, praised the legislation, saying that it "specifically addresses weaknesses in Michigan law."

The bills were introduced in session today.

HOUSE DEMS PROPOSE MORE STANDARDS FOR NURSING HOMES

SEIU Healthcare Michigan — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:50:58 EDT

After holding a series of meetings across the state on what it means to patient care when a private equity firm purchases nursing homes in Michigan, House Democrats rolled out a legislative package Wednesday that would require homes to be more financially sound and provide more information to residents regarding who owns their home.

Democrats announced the legislation the same day Michigan senior citizens held a lobby day at the Capitol.

Focus from the House Health Policy and Senior Health, Security and Retirement Committees on private equity purchases came after The Carlyle Group bought 28 nursing homes from HCR ManorCare.

In May, an official from Manor Care testified before the committees and told lawmakers that The Carlyle Group's purchase has not altered care at the homes and that HCR Manor Care now doesn't have to worry about Wall Street expectations allowing investments in the homes to be made for the long term (See Gongwer Michigan Report, May 8, 2008).

But officials in the industry and government have also told lawmakers the state doesn't have enough oversight of these kind of transactions to properly ensure that care of senior citizens is the foremost concern.

The legislation, which has yet to be introduced, would allow the Department of Community Health to decide on whether to license a nursing home when a large corporation purchases it, require notice to residents of the home of a change in ownership and for ownership information to be clearly posted, provide penalties for nursing home employees or administrators when they provide fraudulent information to surveyors or investigators, mandate that nursing home owners show they have proper funding, insurance and quality care to be licensed.

While the legislation would apply to all 425 nursing homes in the state, not just those purchased by private equity firms like Carlyle, Rep. Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo) said, "When private investors come to Michigan shopping for nursing homes, it is our parents, grandparents, family friends and loved ones who may be adversely affected. We want to make sure that doesn't happen here."

Rep. Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) said the bills would not affect Carlyle's transaction, but would apply to all nursing home owners going forward, including when a facility's license is up for renewal.

Asked what kind of effect this would have on how DCH operates, Long Term Care Ombudsman Sarah Slocum said while she couldn't comment specifically on its impact, she believes it will help staff carry out their jobs better because it gives them more tools to assess what's happening at these homes.

Crikey!

Chile Dog — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:15:51 EDT

Lets promote Conversation about Conservation...above all pending Human wants and needs...aka Affluenza!

Put the breaks on this COALition

Emma — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:36:21 EDT

Let’s pretend, for a moment, that you’ve driven from Alpena to Monroe to purchase that “dream car” you saw posted on Craigslist. Sure, the pictures looked inviting, the description was flawless, and the price was lower than the net number of current George W. Bush enthusiasts, so comparing this vehicle to a dream is nothing short of an apt analogy. Unfortunately for you, once you finally stagger into town after hours of grueling travel, you arrive at the car dealership and find that this dream car, according to your polyester suit-wearing salesman, is missing only a transmission, radiator, battery, three-to-four wheels, and engine, and is covered with non-removable “REO Speedwagon” and “Reelect Nixon ‘72” bumper-stickers.

The above analogy, though seemingly nonsensical, accurately represents the relationship that the coal industry maintains with the people of Michigan and, indeed, the rest of the United States. There are virtually no taboo methods that the advocates of coal energy will employ to trick, deceive, and, in some cases, outright lie to the public about the virtues of its product.

Just look at Web sites like this one: http://www.michiganjobsandenergy.org/. Sure, it looks very enticing. The color scheme is bright and appealing, as is the smooth, sweet-talking narrative; that which cascades up and down the pages, like rainwater baptizing a windowpane. Notice how the word “coal” never once appears anywhere in the rhetoric, which ostensibly oozes with altruism. Neither is a clear-cut mission statement ever outlined. This Web site must belong to one of the good guys, right?

Wrong. The Michigan Jobs and Energy Coalition is, in fact, a cunningly disguised agent of the Big Coal Industry – a collective that seeks to disenfranchise the merits of alternative energy and continue empowering passé outlets like coal and other fossil fuels. Upon further investigation, it seems improbable that they could be anything else, given that they can count Consumers Energy and DTE Energy as prominent members, among others.

The careful expose of MJEC and its foul kindred is a crucial component in the fight to break Big Coal’s stranglehold on the realm of energy production in Michigan. This is an industry which is fully aware that, in terms of efficiency, cost, public health, pollution, and overall merit, the benefits of alternative energy will always trump those of coal and other synonymous fossil fuels, yet continues to consciously mislead the public into believing the exact opposite. Here’s the truth: promoting alternative energy sources will help stimulate Michigan’s economy by creating thousands of new jobs, reducing our reliance on imported energy, and decreasing public health risks caused by coal-burning. To learn more about efficient and renewable energy, visit: http://www.michigancleanenergy.com.

To put it plain and simple, efficient and renewable energy is offering a trustworthy a reliable solution for Michigan’s energy future. Big Coal is offering a pig wearing lipstick. Enough’s enough: this COALition has got to go.

Help Governor Granholm Trash SB 776!

Emma — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:39:33 EDT

Last week, Michigan legislators gave in to anti-choice forces by voting to pass Senate Bill 776. This bill prohibits a rarely used yet medically necessary abortion method and does not provide an exception to protect a woman’s health. Furthermore, no matter what Michigan law says, this medical method is already outlawed here and across the country: Perhaps legislators have forgotten that the terms set by SB 776 are already banned federally by the U.S. Supreme Court! This makes SB 776 completely redundant and unnecessary.

Now, it’s up to Governor Granholm to take action and veto this piece of legislative waste. Show the Governor you support her veto of the bill by going to http://www.progressmichigan.org/choice and letting your voice be heard. Let her know that, rather than focusing on the real issues that are facing us, supporters of SB 776 are wasting both taxpayers’ time and money by failing to work on the important issues facing Michigan, like the economy, job growth, and skyrocketing foreclosure rates. Michigan is in the midst of an economic crisis, and it’s time we stood up for women and stopped pandering to anti-choice groups. Attention must be brought back to what really matters in our state, and how we can work to make our home a better place.

Let's keep Michigan blue.

User from Holt, MI — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:43:55 EDT

This evening Senator Obama has been declared the Democratic Candidate for President. Let's work together to elect him as our next president. With Hillary Clinton's help we can unite the country and our great state to provide quality education which in turn will provide the jobs and improve the economy for all our citizens. Let's work together to make it happen.

Health Care, or Health Scare?

Emma — Thu, 29 May 2008 09:55:42 EDT

When push comes to shove, immediate action must be taken. The “push,” in this instance, would be a proposed ballot initiative to ensure that state legislators will pass laws to assist those living in Michigan without health care. Consequentially, a “shove” is required to get Michiganders health care now.

Once in a great while, it becomes crucial to nudge Michigan legislators in the right direction, and require initiatives that put the fine art of altruism where it always should have been: as a part of their jobs. Although there are several representatives in the Legislature who have fought to make greater healthcare coverage a reality, the vast majority still need to be pressed. The Health Care for Michigan campaign, which has spearheaded this measure, is proposing that many of Michigan’s healthcare crises could be solved by simply getting legislators to face that we have a crisis and then do something about it.

While there are nearly as many pros to this argument as there are coffee-stained copies of “Powersanding Today!” in a hospital waiting room, some of the best virtues of this ballot initiative revolve around its ability to improve the outlook of Michigan workers, our state’s fledgling economy, and the leaders who represent us in Lansing.

To begin with, a measure like this would help the many Michigan residents who have found themselves in the deplorable position of living without healthcare. Nearly one million Michigan citizens are currently living without healthcare, and many more are at high risk for losing their coverage. It goes without saying that hard-working and rule-abiding workers should not have to endure crushing debt or losing a home if illness happens to befall them. That would be like asking George Washington to lead the foundation of America through the Revolutionary War, and then rewarding him with a one-way, nonrefundable ticket to Britain.

Michigan’s businesses and economy are in great need of the benefits from this measure, too. With healthcare costs skyrocketing out of control, many small businesses are forced to cut healthcare plans for employees, and therefore cannot afford to expand, hire, promote, or develop in any significant way. Even GM and Ford, two of our state’s highest epicenters for employment, must add over $1,000 to the cost of each vehicle they produce, just to keep healthcare plans for their employees covered.

Finally, those politicians in Lansing – elected to represent a people in a dire state of anguish – would, with the passage of this ballot initiative, be forced to recognize the plight of their people and take action. The representatives in our state capital already receive the kind of benefits package that a plant worker in Detroit could only dream of; it’s time to pass this plethora of healthcare onto those who made it possible for legislators to serve in the first place. Writing this measure into law would make political leaders do what they should have been doing in the first place: their jobs. It would no longer be possible for elected officials to overlook the healthcare crisis, and the long sought after relief would, at last, find itself bestowed upon those in such desperate need of it. The period of inattention has passed, and the time for action is now.

Anti-Choice Legislation: Nothing but a Big Distraction

Emma — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:52:04 EDT

With state-wide unemployment rates soaring, the threat of Canadian garbage spilling – quite literally – into our hands, and gas prices higher than the administrative cabinet of the Cheech and Chong fanclub, it seems that the last thing Michigan citizens deserve right now is a massive distraction from the issues that really matter. Nevertheless, leaders in both the House and Senate have chosen to overlook these critical facts and instead pay focus to an issue of complete irrelevance: late-term abortion.

Bill 776 was introduced by Republican Senator Cameron Brown and driven by anti-choice organizations. SB776 has already been passed by the Senate in a margin of 24-13, and has been prolonged and deadlocked for several weeks in the Democrat-controlled House. Just yesterday, the bill passed in a House vote of 74-32. The Senate, unlike the House, is dominated by the Republicans.

Perhaps those Michigan Senators who cast their voices in support of this measure have forgotten that late-term abortions are already banned on a federal level; meaning, of course, that any legislative decision made on the state level is really nothing more than obnoxious reinforcement. You might say that the legislators who voted for and sponsored Bill 776 are, in this instance, accomplishing nothing more productive than sticking their tongues out at the state of Michigan. Since such abortions are already illegal throughout the US, the action taken by Michigan leaders in Lansing has mounted to little more than political pandering towards ultra-conservative and religious groups.

House Speaker Andy Dillon, himself a pro-lifer, made a promise to his caucus that the issue of abortion would never be brought before Michigan legislators during his term in office. At the time of this promise, it seems that Dillon felt – and rightly so – the state of Michigan was facing more pressing matters than partisan wedge issues like abortion. But now that Bill 776 is resonating loudly in front of the entire legislative body, Dillon has effectively broken his word to Michiganders all over the mitten and proven to be an untrustworthy representative of our great state. By diverting focus from more relevant concerns, such as health care and job growth, Dillon and other leaders in both the House and Senate have regrettably led the citizens of Michigan through a drastic tumble down the rabbit hole, and lowered the level of civil, political discourse from a plain of competent governing to Pee Wee's Playhouse.

It is indisputable that Michigan's social and economic climates are in a condition of dual dire straits. Currently, Michigan holds the highest unemployment rate of all 50 states, and has found itself in the midst of an economic slump unlike any that has been witnessed in decades. Shouldn't our elected officials be working in support of the people of Michigan, rather than wasting time on pointless pieces of legislation? It's time for Michigan to pull itself back to its feet, and bail out of the rabbit hole; those who are diverting attention from this unarguable fact are simply working against the betterment of Michigan and its people.

Throw The Bums Out!

MoJo — Wed, 28 May 2008 03:28:07 EDT

When are Michigan Progressives going to throw off the shackles of our lame and weasel-like "leadership", when we are going to FIRE Debbie Dingell, Mark Brewer and everyone in their inner circle and bring Michigan into the light?

The lost votes are their fault. We will not be allowed to help choose a candidate, and it's their fault.

For me, not a dime for the Michigan Democratic Party until those people are gone.

Motor City Pride is Coming: Great for Progressive Organizing

User from Oak Park, MI — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:03:08 EDT

Are you ready for Motor City Pride? On June 1st Michigan's largest gay pride festival will return to the streets of downtown Ferndale. Triangle Foundation is proud to produce this community event.

The event goes from noon-8pm and is an excellent opporutnity for your group or campaign to organize. With nearly 40,000 mostly progressive folks at MCP it is the perfect opportunity for candidates for office or ballot measure campaigns to enlist new volunteers and gather signatures.

For more information visit us at www.MotorCityPride.org.

Time is running out though.

Michigan's water is NOT for sale!

Brian with Progress Michigan — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:04:29 EDT

Do we really need more bottled water? Recent legislation passed by the Michigan Senate certainly moves us in that direction. Among the many things that SB 860 does to help open up Michigan’s water to corporate interests, it allows for up to two million gallons of water to be withdrawn each day without any kind of supervision or permit. Two million! Each day! By comparison, in Minnesota the limit is 10,000 gallons per day (one from each of their 10,000 lakes I would presume).