Greed, Eggs, and Ham

Dark Knights

2008-07-22T14:05:00.001-07:00

Everyone's talking about the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight, but I much prefer the Black Knight...

Greed, Eggs, and Ham

2008-07-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

I had to edit this post because the website from which it was taken is now defunct, but, without further ado....

The author isn't clear, but the person being referenced is the mother of basketball player Darvin Ham:

One, I brought my mother there for fresh air and powdered wombat bone so she can convalesce and get away from the pressure of her upcoming trial aka the "Burning Ma"am" Festival, for torching her 86 Benzo for insurance dimes. We hope to get the Judge Who Cried from the case of Anna Nicole Smith v. The Darkness trial. He seems a a fair man and would understand that just because my mom, Former Saginaw Mayor Wilmer Jones Ham, fled from police in a white pinto with her best friend Altamese Allen is not sign of guilt but of normal flight mechanism of scared animals. I know people want to turn my mom into power crazed "Lady Macbeth" but stubborn stains do not equal madness, even bacon stains. But Im no Rod Strickland. I knows a bum beef when I sees one. I am committing my times to hunting down the "real" firebugs: Cecil A. Collins Jr. and Handyman Jerry W. Wilkins. Hey JDubs, there aint nothing "Handy" about passing out drunk in the bosses backseat with a can of gas and a lit Newport. And then There are so many natural ways a ladys car can catch alight. Saginaw as u know has bad problem with Mexican possums and fire is only way to burn those buggers out when they take nest in your car. Plus have u seen what kind of Guy Fawkes pyrotechnics happen when a unattended hair iron is left on around a plastic salad bowl full of week-old Dudley's Salon Control Gel Activator????

No, Darvin, I have not.

Education Still on Back Burner

2008-06-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

Instead of going out and enjoying the beginning of their weekends like normal people, legislators chose to stay in session late Friday night and early Saturday morning contemplating ways to cut more revenue from public schools. These late night cram sessions seem to be quite effective, almost like pulling an all-nighter in college the day before a test. You'd think they would have learned their lesson years ago.

To be fair, state universities SVSU, Delta, and CMU will still see 1% funding increases, but it falls 2% short of expectations and could lead to increased tuition once again for students.

Funding for K-12 is yet to be determined.

Republicans are reluctant to to get on board with the Governor's plan to establish 100 new high schools with the intent of having smaller class sizes and decreasing drop-out rates. It's further proof that Republicans don't consider public education a priority.

I guess the good news is that legislators are close to an agreement over a budget, so maybe they did learn something afterall.

Dems Take it to the House; Houses to be Demolished

2008-06-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

The House Banking and Financial Services committee passed a package of bills yesterday that would require lenders to make sure loans benefitted borrowers.

According to MIRS, the pro-consumer bills "require loan agencies to assess whether the loan will be 'reasonably advantageous' to the borrower, mandates use of an automatic underwriting system, and prohibits falsifying or misrepresenting a borrower's credit history or income."

Area Representatives Andy Coulouris (D-Saginaw) and Jeff Mayes(D-Bay City), along with two other Democrats and one Republican, voted for the package, while 3 Republicans committee members did not support it.

Meanwhile, MLive reported yesterday that the city of Saginaw received funds from the Michigan Housing Development Authority's Cities of Promise initiative to tear down an estimated 297 vacant homes. Last year 187 homes Saginaw homes were demolished.

The Right Response to Obama in Detroit

2008-06-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

After watching the live stream of Obama's appearance in Detroit last night, I suffered through several of the the cable news network programs last night. Like a bystander of an auto accident, the lust of my eyes couldn't help but stop for a few moments on FOX News to see what they had to say about Gore endorsing Obama.

Sean Hannity and Karl Rove criticized Obama's decision to unveil Al in Michigan. They said that Gore doesn't play well in Michigan because talking about environmental issues would backfire since Michigan depended so much on the auto industry.

Clearly, neither of these numbskulls realized that Jennifer Granholm spent most of her time on stage talking about how Michigan is trying to transform the economy and lead the way in developing, researching, and producing alternative energy technology. They also don't realize that people in Michigan care about the environment. Spending time outdoors is the favorite past time of our residents, whether they are hunting, going to the beach, or whatever. We especially care about taking care of our great lakes, a great natural source from which we are fortunate to still benefit.

Several Factors in Unpredictable Election Results

2008-06-09T08:30:00.001-07:00

A story from The State News today discussed the negative effect cell phone usage by younger voters will have on political polls. Anyone who has recently made phone calls for polling purposes can understand that most of the people with land lines are likely older voters and families that have settled into a permanent residence. While these voters tend to turn out in higher numbers than younger, transient voters, even the former group is becoming more dependent upon cell phones than land lines.
The number of people with "no solicit" signs on their front doors seems to be pretty high, as well as the number of vacant houses; people are becoming harder to contact through traditional means. While hitting doors in neighborhoods is probably the most effective campaign strategy, it isn't as efficient as direct mail or phone calls. What makes the task of identifying voter preferences even more difficult is the fact that home foreclosures and depleted infrastructure, among other issues, are causing people to move out of their neighborhoods. Combine this with the increased cell phone usage and gathering data of any kind is increasingly difficult.

It's not all bad, though. Remember in 2000 when inaccurate exit polls led to Al Gore prematurely being named the winner of the Presidential election? It was a reminder that polling is not perfect. In the upcoming election, the public disapproval of the Bush Administration and the invigorating campaign of Barack Obama are likely to engage voters that have never participated before. Young and African-American turnout are likely to be higher than ever before, which makes it even more difficult to predict using exit polling. In particular, this could apply to more impoverished areas like Detroit, Flint, and Saginaw that have very strong Democratic bases with traditionally low turnout. This will especially hold true if the campaigns successfully activate neighborhoods that have been untouched in the past.

The Obama campaign has addressed these issues and has revolutionized the way campaigns contact voters by using social media and other technology. Doing so has enabled them to tap into a new group of voters, many of whom are voting for the first time. They’ve acknowledge that traditional ways of contacting voters will not cut it, and they’ve engaged a new generation of voters as a result, which has both short term and long term political ramifications. This is a trend that should continue as other campaigns copy the strategy to try to bring younger voters into the fold and as land lines continue to be phased out. Soon, social media will be the primary tool used by organizers to engage voters and garner support for candidates and issues.

When a Home is not a Home

2008-06-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

Sitting here in a thunderstorm with the road blocked by a fallen tree that was struck by lightening (with a downed powerline blocking one of the busiest streets in town), it dawned on me just how valuable simple things like the internet and cellular phones are and how much we take them for granted. They are wonderful inventions.

We also take for granted things like...having a home to live in, having reliable transportation, having a few bucks to pick up a beverage from a gas station on an 80 degree day as a tornado whips by you. I was in a neighborhood that averages about 4 vacant houses for every block.

One resident, who was complaining that he basically bought his house twice due to refinancing, said the biggest problem in the neighborhood was the excessive number of rentals; hardly anyone owned the house they lived in. When people don't own the property, they don't maintain it; and the people who own it don't live in it so they don't care enough to maintain it for them. The government sure as hell ain't doing anything about it (paraphrased).

The blame, according to this resident, should be placed on the banks. Banks should pick up the tab and people should get to keep their houses without having to make any back payments. It's an idea that might seem a bit radical, but it actually makes sense. That's why it's so important that people who serve in public office actually meet their constituents face to face by walking door to door.

Housing issues and blight are such big issues this election cycle. It seems to have snuck up on us in the past year or so, but its been brewing for years. The banks continue to consolidate and houses sit unoccupied, and neighborhoods become blighted as crime overtakes them. Meanwhile, Republicans are ignoring it, but what we must remember is that they are also the cause of it. The government isn't doing its job. Wealthier politicians like Roger Kahn sit in their comfy township neighborhoods ignorant of the problems that exist just a few miles away.

Sure, this resident was a little on the quirky side, but by talking to people like him you learn what average people really care about. They don't care about banning things that are already banned (like gay marriage) or taking vacations to Mackinac Island and calling it work. They just want to live a normal life, with a house they can call their own, a car to get around, and a few extra bucks to spend. It's not too much to ask for the government to take care of the people that got them elected in the first place.

Can Obama Win Michigan? Yes He Can

2008-06-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

It's true that John McCain performed well in Michigan during both the 2000 and 2008 Republican primaries. He has attracted many Independent and Democratic crossover voters in a state with open primaries (and a non-existent Democratic primary this year).

It's also true that Hillary Clinton possesses quite a bit of union support in Michigan and that, in recent years, union members have begun voting for Republicans more often than they used to. It's also true that one of the key reasons why Americans do not have universal health care is because the Clinton Administration signed into law NAFTA, which pissed off labor unions by allowing jobs to more easily be outsourced to other countries. Now, if we extend our blame to that entire administration and include Hillary as part of the decision-making process, it is truly irrational for Clinton to have more union support than Obama.

Finally, it is true that Obama did not campaign in Michigan because he was not on the ballot, and that could potentially hurt him in November. However, I think it is unwise to assume that Obama will lose simply because the Great Lakes State is untested waters for his campaign. Obama has a very strong following in Michigan, and his strength as a candidate is underestimated.

The State of Michigan has been trending more and more Democratic for the past decade. John Engler left our state in shambles, and Granholm has been scrambling to try to pick up those pieces. Republicans are nothing more than obstructionists and Democrats will get two more years under Granholm to make some progress before the pendulum swings back the other way.

The public understands that John McCain and other Republicans will bring us more of the same. They understand that Republicans do not care about the issues facing Michigan, like the loss of manufacturing jobs, reduced revenue affecting public education, and lack of health care. Michigan, of all the states, needs hope the most, and Obama offers a positive and optimistic vision for the future.

MEA Turns Back on Workers, Supports Republicans

2008-05-29T23:40:00.000-07:00

According to MIRS, the Michigan Education Association (MEA) is hosting a fundraiser for the House Republican Caucus on June 4th. As a member of the MEA, I am outraged by this news.

I've been an advocate of labor unions ever since I was aware of them. My mother (a single mother) raised me and my sisters on an income that was just enough to get by. Without unions, it would not have been enough. Because of the efforts of labor unions and of my mother, I was able to graduate from college and have endless possibilities for my future. I am thankful for these opportunities.

I sit on the bottom of the seniority list in my union and haven't had a chance to become active mainly because despite being in the union, I'm still only part-time and don't receive the same benefits, like healthcare, as full-time employees, which means I must work another part-time job on the weekends. However, I still pay union dues just like everyone else.

This conflict of interest was brought to my attention a few months ago when I received an email from our PAC requesting contributions. It was later explained that the PAC money is given to legislators in both parties. I understand this is the nature of lobbyists and interest groups, however, I refuse to give money to Republicans, even if indirectly, if I can help it. I'd rather donate my time helping on a campaign of my choice to defeat the same Republicans.

If you go to the MEA Web site and click on the Legislative & Political Information tab, the top story is about MEA's opposition to the Right to Work scam, an effort that will surely be pushed by Republican leaders in and out of state. According to the story, "MEA will be bringing you regular updates and facts about this dangerous initiative." The last update was November 29, 2007.

Since becoming part of a union, I've realized that with every benefit a worker receives from labor unions, that there can be a downside to being a member of the union. But I try not to let this discourage me from supporting unions. I recognize the importance of unions to ensure fair representation for workers in collective bargaining. I know that groups like MEA are essential to make sure legislators are appropriating money to public education.

I can honestly say that after reading the story on MIRS that I am not proud to be a member of the MEA. It's behavior like this that creates disgruntled union members, and that's when scams like Right to Work begin to seem appealing and labor unions crumble.

A Case for Repealing the 12th Amendment

2008-05-22T23:50:00.000-07:00

For all intents and purposes John McCain and Barack Obama have won their respective party's nomination and are now sorting through the various candidates for Vice President, perhaps the most irrelevent office in the American Political System.

Suppose, for a moment, that the 12th Amendement of the U.S. Constitution did not exist. According to Article Two, Section 1, Clause 3:

"The Person having the greatest Number of Votes Shall be the President...[i]n every Case, after the Choice of the President, the person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President."

In theory, the idea of giving the runner-up the duty of being second-in-command makes sense. However, the development of political parties, particularly the two party system, made the concept impractical due to the significant differences between the two parties (ie the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans). Because of the 12th Amendment and the Electoral College, the current circumstances exist.

Imagine how different the last 8 years might have been without the 12th Amendment. Would it have been easier for Al Gore to concede knowing that his consolation prize was 8 more years of being Vice President? Clearly he was more qualified to hold the position. Perhaps his role in the White House would have tempered the neo-conservative assault of our government.

The national media is now concerned with who McCain and Obama are considering for Vice Presidential candidates. We could avoid this whole mess by repealing the 12th Amendment. You want checks and balances? Try having the other party's leader looking over your shoulder 24/7. It's a refreshing prospect given the past two terms of corruption.

Throughout the general election, we will hear each campaign criticize the other candidate for their weaknesses; Obama is inexperienced and knows nothing about national security/McCain is old and knows squat about the economy. They would complement each other fairly well, no matter who came out on top, and the VP could still hang out with their buddies in the Senate.

They've both discussed having members of the opposition party in their cabinet so this is a possible solution that lends a bit more credibility to the office.

Meijer Leading the Charge on E85 and Biodiesel in Michigan

2008-05-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

I'm well-aware and admittedly upset by Meijer's efforts to recall elected officials in Acme Township in Grand Traverse County because they wouldn't let Meijer put a store in the township. And I also understand that Meijer has had to make some unfortunate changes in recent years due to the the infiltration of our communities by Super Wal-Marts.

However, I'm still a regular customer at the Kochville Township Meijer in Saginaw County mainly because of my hatred for the nearby "Wally World" and the limited selection at Kroger (I'm also aware of the claims that Kroger is "red," but I do have a Kroger card that I use on occassion so if anyone cares to speak about this issue go right ahead because I cannot find anything). But I digress...

Meijer recently remodeled their service station located on Tittabawassee Road. On a recent shopping trip, I noticed the sign listing the different types of fuels, which included E85. I was pleasantly surprised to see E85 listed because I was talking to my girlfriend's grandfather a few weeks ago about how there were a limited number of E85 stations for his his new Flex Fuel car he purchased.

Yesterday as I was driving by the service station once again, I noticed a bush blocking part of the sign listing the fuel types. As I peaked around it I realized that not only did they have E85, but they also sell biodiesel!

This is the first time I've seen or heard of biodiesel being sold. Granted, its more expensive than E85 or regular gasoline, but it's a pretty big deal. All I ever hear is ethanol, ethanol, ethanol, but according to biodiesel.org, there are plenty of biodiesel fueling stations in the region and the U.S. as a whole:

http://biodiesel.org/buyingbiodiesel/retailfuelingsites

Prior to Meijer opening 20 E85 stations, only 5 existed in Michigan. I've heard the arguments against ethanol...that it's increasing the supply of corn and raising the price...that they cannot afford to keep building and running ethanol plants...that it takes so much water or fuel to create ethanol that it isn't worth producing. Well, I'd still rather use ethanol than drill in our Great Lakes for oil, and the reason biodiesel is such a big deal is because I actually think it is more sustainable than ethanol since biodiesel is created from agricultural waste (not corn that is grown specifically for making ethanol). It's not as susceptible to the market as ethanol because its simply the leftovers, and, therfore, is a better investment.

McCain McCan't Beat Obama

2008-02-18T18:59:00.000-08:00

Let's assume that McCain is the Republican nominee for President (not a stretch at all) and Barack Obama somehow fights off the Clinton machine to capture the democratic nomination. I'd bet my mortgage, if I had one (not that having a mortgage is desireable these days) that Republicans will emphasize John McCain's national security expertise and claim Obama would be weak on such matters. All due respect to McCain's record of service, but fighting in a war and being captured during it might qualify you to be labeled a war hero, but it doesn't mean you know squat about national security. Granted, he has years of experience dealing with such matters in the Senate so he is probably more qualified to understand these matters than most candidates who run for office (it also gives him credibility on the issue of torture). However, the Obama campaign would be smart to point out that there really isn't a whole lot more to McCain, especially when you consider his biggest accomplishments to date have everything to do with helping Democrats pass legislation and nothing to do with helping the Republican cause.

Republicans will attempt to prove how McCain's position on the war is the most informed and most responsible position, and how Obama's lack of experience and knowledge will mean that he will withdraw troops immediately without any consideration of the ramifications. I think such an argument seriously underestimates Obama's intelligence and judgement. Keep in mind that Obama is the only viable candidate (Ron Paul does not count) against the war in Iraq from the beginning. His plan to withdraw troops is not even as aggressive as Hillary Clinton's, which shows he doesn't take these decisions lightly. Just because Obama was against the war from the beginning, does not mean he cannot make an important policy decision about the war that is responsible. In fact, I think it is probably safe to say that Obama (or any Democrat, for that matter) is more likely to show compassion for innocent Iraqui's potentially affected by such a withdrawal because he (we) care less about our own personal interests and more about the well-being of other people, regardless of which country they reside.

Even if Obama enters the Oval Office and suddenly realizes we cannot withdraw as soon as he anticipated, it doesn't mean he was wrong. And I don't think that being for the war from the BEGINNING or for the surge makes one more qualified to be in charge of the war NOW. I would argue (and so does Obama) that this campaign is about judgement. I would argue that anyone for the war (at any point in time) exercised poor judgment (I know thats a pretty strong blanket statement, but I stand by it). There is a fundamental difference between Obama and anyone else still in this race (including Clinton) and it is their fundamental and philosophical differences on the war. Perhaps the policy going forward won't be that significantly different if one candidate is elected over the over (Presidents and presidential candidates propose, not pass, legislation), but we need someone who will lead by questioning conventional wisdom. Fundamental opposition to the war is the only position that will allow us to repair the damage we've done because the position itself represents the vary reasons we should use war as a last resort. Obama was against the war, therefore, he has the best judgment to deal with these types of issues in the future.

It's not like that's the end of the story...we don't need any pre-emptive wars with Iran, Syria, etc...anytime soon, and Obama has expressed his willingness to speak personally with leaders of countries we consider enemies. Diplomacy may not be the answer to all of our problems, but until our leaders realize that it is the most important and most responsible way of dealing with foreign nations-to treat them with respect and as equals-then the United States will continue to be seen as dividers and conquerers.

Camp says against discrimination, but votes for discrimination

2007-11-09T09:01:00.000-08:00

Representative Dave Camp's website touts his vote to override President Bush's veto of the water bill, but it fails to mention that he voted "no" to end discrimination against gays, lesbians, and bisexuals in the workforce. It seems like a common sense bill and one that could easily justify a "yes" vote regardless of party affiliation or ideology, but Camp cleverly found a way to weasel his way out of it.

According to the Midland Daily News, three other Republican congress critters from Michigan voted for the bill, which would be the first federal ban of its kind. Camp's reasoning?

"Discrimination is wrong, pure and simple. However, the legal remedy should not create a special class of rights for individuals that becomes a dream-come-true for trial lawyers and a nightmare for employers. This bill provides unprecedented protection against discrimination based on 'perceived' sexual orientation, but fails to define the 'perceived' sexual orientation. The term 'perceived' does not appear in any other civil rights legislation, including those that protect race, color, religion, sex and national origin. This legislation, on that point alone, is fatally flawed."

Bollocks, Mr. Camp. How dare you claim to be against discrimination, and then fail to use your influence as a "representative" to prevent said discrimination from occurring.

Despite the fact that the bill does not cover transgender people, it is a major step forward for this country. If the Employment Non-Discrimination Act is passed by the Senate, it would likely fall victim to Bush's veto pen once again, at which point we can only hope Camp, 158 other Republicans, and 25 spineless Democrats will change their minds.

Saginaw Election Results

2007-11-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

Voters in the city of Saginaw filled five openings on the city council on Tuesday by electing Joyce Seals, Paul Virciglio, Daniel Fitzpatrick, Amos O'Neal, and Amanda Kitterman-Miller. Now the council members must decide which of the 9 members will become the new major of Saginaw.

Though Joyce Seals has not served on the council for the past 5 years, she is the most experienced as she previously spent 9 years on the council and she recieved the most votes. She also serves on the Executive Board for the Saginaw County Democratic Party and ran for State Representative in the 2006 Democratic Primary against Andy Coulouris and four other candidates. Among those undecided on who they will support for mayor are Greg Branch, Kitterman-Miller, O'Neal, and Larry Coulouris, Andy Coulouris' grandfather.

According to the Saginaw news, "Mayor Carol B. Cottrell and Mayor Pro Tem Wilmer Jones Ham McZee decided against seeking re-election." It's a sad day for me as my blog's name is somewhat inspired by Wilmer Jones Ham's controversial insurance fraud charge in which she allegedly set fire to her own car.

Retired school administrator William Scharffe, SVSU alumna Dennis Woods, and incumbent council member Willie Haynes fell short in their bids to sit on the council. Voter turnout was 14.3 percent.

Other area election news:

A three year tax renewal was approved by voters to fund STARS, the bussing system that covers the city and township. It will also allow the system to run until 8pm, an hour and a half later than before.

The Saginaw Township school bond failed, which would have given the Saginaw Township Community Schools $39.9 million.

Thanks to Saginaw News staff writers Justin Engel and Corey Mitchell for their coverage.

Spreading Hate at SVSU

2007-10-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a group of people allegedly from East Lansing came to the campus of Saginaw Valley State University to protest homosexuality and promote "God's Word." I have no further information, but will update as I find out more. Here are some pictures I was able to obtain from a friend...

Rally Against Camp, For Children

2007-10-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

President Bush just vetoed health care for children. In only his fourth veto ever, he blocked health care coverage for millions of uninsured—and mostly poor—kids. Rallies are being organized across the state and the country to urge congressman to vote in favor of this bill to override Bush's veto. There is a rally today in Midland at 6pm in front of Republican Dave Camp's office. I can't attend because of work, but hopefully there will be a solid turnout.

Failing Our Students

2007-08-12T23:44:00.000-07:00

As a recent college graduate, I have sympathy for students and parents facing record tuition increases at some of Michigan's public universities. Even with some of the lowest college tuition rates during my academic career, I find myself buried in a debt that will seemingly never go away.

Two weeks ago I participated in a "protest" at Saginaw Valley State University to make the SVSU Board of Control aware that we do care, even if they can't themselves prevent the increase. Unfortunately the group of protesters wasn't even allowed to speak at the meeting. The Board didn't respect its constituents enough to at least let them speak...their time was too precious.

Meanwhile, they had no problem approving $25,000 in additional perks for SVSU full time employees in an effort to attract employees. The list of wasteful spending is probably quite long, but my point is that SVSU has concentrated too much in recent years on improving on the wrong things; often their image. They have successfully built a reputation as a small campus that values the student/instructor relationship and giving its students opportunities to be successful. SVSU's marketing strategy for its undergraduate programs has been superb and it has embraced the role of regional center for educational and economic growth.

When the SVSU budget cannot take a 12.9% tuition increase, shouldn't the focus be on cutting costs in other places? The President and other prominent figures are not taking pay cuts eventhough they could afford to live comfortably on tens of thousands of dollars less (in the case of the President, hundreds of thousands). When it comes time to set the budget, shouldn't legislators consider education to be a top priority? They obviously do not.

Though I am no longer a student, I still consider myself to be one. I value a publicly funded educational system because it is the only kind of educational system that is accessible to everyone. The "leaders" of our state are failing our universities, and the "leaders" of our universities are not responding appropriately to address these issues. Something must be done to stop the devaluation of our educational system.

Not Another Abandoned Project or Bishop is a Censorship Whore

2007-08-07T00:37:00.000-07:00

Don't worry folks...I've spent too many sleepless nights designing this site to simply abandon it. I simply don't have enough time and good enough access to the internet to blog consistently.

There's quite an uproar in the Michigan blogging community as Senator Majority Leader Mike Bishop and fellow Senate Republicans are responsible for one of the most blatant attempts at censorship seen in recent years. Check out blogs by LiberalLucy on DailyKos and Michigan Liberal for more insight on the Senate's censorship of Blogging for Michigan. This is clearly a violation of our right to free speech and Michigan bloggers are rightfully fighting back.

On the U.S. Gay-dar

2007-06-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

I received this in an email from one of the local GLBT organizations...and you thought "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was ridiculous...

A Berkeley watchdog organization that tracks military spending said it uncovered a strange U.S. military proposal to create a hormone bomb that could purportedly turn enemy soldiers into homosexuals and make them more interested in sex than fighting.

Pentagon officials on Friday confirmed to CBS 5 that military leaders had considered, and then subsquently rejected, building the so-called "Gay Bomb."

Edward Hammond, of Berkeley's Sunshine Project, had used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain a copy of the proposal from the Air Force's Wright Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio.

As part of a military effort to develop non-lethal weapons, the proposal suggested, "One distasteful but completely non-lethal example would be strong aphrodisiacs, especially if the chemical also caused homosexual behavior." The documents show the Air Force lab asked for $7.5 million to develop such a chemical weapon.

"The Ohio Air Force lab proposed that a bomb be developed that contained a chemical that would cause enemy soliders to become gay, and to have their units break down because all their soldiers became irresistably attractive to one another," Hammond said after reviwing the documents.

"The notion was that a chemical that would probably be pleasant in the human body in low quantities could be identified, and by virtue of either breathing or having their skin exposed to this chemical, the notion was that soliders would become gay," explained Hammond.

The Pentagon told CBS 5 that the proposal was made by the Air Force in 1994.

"The Department of Defense is committed to identifying, researching and developing non-lethal weapons that will support our men and women in uniform," said a DOD spokesperson, who indicated that the "gay bomb" idea was quickly dismissed. However, Hammond said the government records he obtained suggest the military gave the plan much stronger consideration than it has acknowledged.

"The truth of the matter is it would have never come to my attention if it was dismissed at the time it was proposed," he said. "In fact, the Pentagon has used it repeatedly and subsequently in an effort to promote non-lethal weapons, and in fact they submitted it to the highest scientific review body in the country for them to consider."
Military officials insisted Friday to CBS 5 that they are not currently working on any such idea and that the past plan was abandoned. Gay community leaders in California said Friday that they found the notion of a "gay bomb" both offensive and almost laughable at the same time.

"Throughout history we have had so many brave men and women who are gay and lesbian serving the military with distinction," said Geoff Kors of Equality California. "So, it's just offensive that they think by turning people gay that the other military would be incapable of doing their job. And its absurd because there's so much medical data that shows that sexual orientation is immutable and cannot be changed."

http://cbs5.com/topstories/local_story_159222541.html

2008 Ballot Initiatives

2007-06-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

According to the blogosphere (links to detailed descriptions at bottom), the following proposals could be on the Michigan ballot in 2008:

Part-time legislature - Rep. Jack Hoogendyk advocates making legislator a part-time occupation.

Unicameral Michigan - This would create a legislature with only one chamber by eliminating the Senate and increasing the size of the House of Representatives.

Term limit extension - This would increase the length of Michigan's term limits.

Motorcycle helmet laws - This would eliminate Michigan's law that requires motorcyclists to wear helmets.

Right to Work - This would make union membership optional for government employees.

Fair tax - A tax proposal that would tax consumers at the point of purchase on goods and services and eliminate all other taxes.

Graduated income tax - This proposal would essentially implement a progressive tax, where the percentage taxed increases as the level of a person's income increases.

Medical marijuana - This proposal would legalize marijuana for medical purposes.

Domestic partnership benefits - This proposal would allow domestic partner benefits for gays and lesbians (pending a Supreme Court decision regarding whether Proposal 2004-02 banned domestic partner benefits.

http://noise.typepad.com/election_countdown/2007/06/ballot_proposal.html

http://www.michiganliberal.com/frontPage.do

Raging Against the Machine

2007-03-04T03:18:00.000-08:00

An often neglected aspect of progressive activism is the ability of music to engage America's youth. Teens and young adults listen to bands like Anti-Flag and Rise Against, which have political lyrics and messages in their music videos. The reason this is overlooked is because the established parties and activitst organizations are out of touch with youth.

Perhaps this is why one of the greatest progressive activist bands, Rage Against the Machine, is reuniting for the upcoming Rock the Bells Festival, an annual hip-hop concert series. For the past few years 3 of the 4 members of Rage have been playing with rock sensation Audioslave, but that band broke up after the release of their latest album. Inspired by the 2006 Democratic wave and the potential continuation of the movement in 2008, Tom Morello, the lead guitarist and one of the most dedicated political activists of our day, decided to get the band back together (at least temporarily).

Maybe this is the shot in the arm we need. If the reaction to Rage performing 3 shows this summer is great enough they could be inspired to have a full fledged reunion, inspiring millions of youngsters in the United States to become engaged in the political process. And maybe if the right chain of events occurs, including the nomination and election of a real progressive presidential candidate, we might see some real change in these United States.

Please remember that such bands get their start at the local level just like politicians. So if you see a local band playing, make sure you get the word out and make sure you support them financially. Bands are a good way to fundraise for political groups and candidates as well. If the established parties and activists want to engage the youth, tap into the potential that lies on the streets of cities like Saginaw by paying homage to the local music scene. Check out Myspace or the bars on Hamilton Street in Saginaw. You might just awaken a sleeping giant.

My American Dream

2007-02-23T00:32:00.000-08:00

For anybody who actually reads my blog, I want to apologize for not updating it more often. I find myself stuck in a situation many Michigan and American citizens experience their entire lives. I have debt, I live in an unsatisfactory living arrangement, and I suddenly find myself in possession of a vehicle that is damaged beyond repair. Perhaps if I lived in the big city or in a European country, lacking my own transportation would not be such a big issue. But, unfortunately, we live in a country where everyone must own their own gas guzzling car.

As I walked down the streets from my apartment complex to my job at Ponderosa in the cold, windy, winter weather, I kept my spirits high by thinking of the 3 weeks I spent in London over the summer. On one cold May morning, I woke up early and walked 3 blocks to a small store owned by Arabs to purchase a half-gallon of milk. What sounds like an insignificant event is actually one of the most memorable moments of my life. As I walked down the streets of South Kensington in the light, drizzling rain, I realized what life is really about. I realized that life is enjoyable because you make it enjoyable. It's the simple things...the walks alone that allow you to think about life and to view the natural beauty of our Earth in its most primal state. Walking down the street...alone...in the elements...its the way life should be. Today as I walked down Bay Road with all the traffic flowing and the street signs erected, I imagined I was walking down the streets of London. This 15 minutes of walking was nothing compared to my previous treck. I told myself that Americans must strive to be less dependent on foreign oil, yet not be so independent that we require our own vehicle every time we'd like to travel. There should not be a stigma to riding the bus. It shouldn't mean you somehow cannot afford a vehicle. It should simply mean that you choose to ride the bus.

When my car broke down on I-75 yesterday, a piece of me was lost. I no longer had my freedom. I could not come and go as I pleased. If I was somewhere else, it would be normal for me not to have my own method of transportation. I'd be like everyone else riding the bus or the subway or the taxi. After spending three nights in a row at a bar just hanging out with the Saginaw locals, I can clearly see the path that must be taken. I don't care if I must walk to work every day for the next month. I don't care if a person thinks I'm a loser because I don't have a car right now. If they don't accept me and my situation, then they are not worth knowing.

This is temporary for me. There are people who spend their entire lives like this. Whether its their own fault or not, it sucks that they must do it. There should be a way for them to improve their situation. Little things like mandatory car insurance and registration fees are obstacles for them.

On one hand, I was scared to be done with school because I'm afraid of the unknown. On the other hand, I was excited because I really had no more obligations besides paying off loans/debt. Those can be ignored, if I so choose to do so. I can dissappear if I want to. Despite not having my car, I have the ultimate freedom. I have money and I can do whatever the hell I please....and nobody can stop me. At this moment, it seems apparent that this is the American dream. It's not necessarily getting married, having children, buying a house, and paying taxes. It's being able to do whatever the hell you want with your life.

For those who believe in a higher purpose, I believe in a higher purpose. But my purpose isn't exactly divine (it could be, but that's not why I do it). When people ask me what I'm going to do next...my simple answer is that I'm going to do whatever makes me happy. If that means spending the next six months working 40 plus hours per week, walking to work, going to the bar after work, and sleeping the rest of the time, then that should be ok. If it makes me happy to do that and to also volunteer with local political or non-profit organizations, then I should do it.

I think our government should provide a social welfare safety net for its citizens, if that's what it's citizens want their government to provide. I think the government should stay out of the lives of citizens, except when the citizens' rights are being violated by other citizens or corporations. We should have redistributive taxes. We should have mass public transportation. We should have legalized gay marriage or no legal marriage at all. We should have alternative energy. We should have quality public education. We shouldn't have a national language. We should have secure borders that allow people to legally cross over and become citizens. We should have whatever we decide we want to have. There is no universal or ideal way to do things.

Do I need a car? Yes. Will I survive without one? Yes. Am I required to have on in order to be happy? No. There is no requirment. We set our own expectations.

I shouldn't be asking myself what I can do for myself, I should be asking myself what I can do for others. And everyone else should be doing the same, unless they choose to do something different.

And that, my friends, is the American dream.

A Republican Kahn Job

2007-02-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

Saginaw Township resident Roger Kahn has spent most of his life as a physician and heart surgeon so its fitting that his legislative career has focused on health care issues. One might assume his expertise would lead to positive legislation, but his voting record has come into question on several occasions.

Kahn, a Republican, began his political career as a Saginaw County Commissioner. Then he beat Timothy Muter in 2004 to win the 94th District State House seat. After only one term he challenged term limited 95th District Representative Carl Williams for the 32nd State Senate seat (covering Saginaw and Gratiot Counties) and won by less than 500 votes. Ballots in some precincts were destroyed and could not be recounted, raising suspicion of voter fraud.

Kahn was recently chosen to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee and Vice Chair the Transportation Committee. He is the Chair for the Department of Community Health Subcommittee, Vice Chair for the Department of Human Services Subcommittee, Vice Chair for the Judiciary and Corrections Subcommittee, and Vice Chair for the Retirement Subcommittee.

Because of his reputation as respected doctor, residents give him the benefit of the doubt when it comes to his voting record and his attacks on Williams in the recent election. Kahn is a known supporter of legal immunity for drug companies whose drugs harm or kill patients, and he attacked Williams by saying he was weak on terrorism and child molesters; not to mention the constant race baiting on his campaign literature that undoubtedly helped him win in predominantly white precincts. While the race was labeled "dirty" by local media, it was Kahn's campaign that did most of the mudslinging.

In addition to his political and professional life, Kahn has an interesting personal background. He has been married three times, with each ex-wife receiving large sums of money (rumored to be up to one million dollars) in divorce settlements. Let's hope his ex-wives are pumping that money back into Michigan's economy!

For the time being, Kahn seems committed to providing affordable health care to Michigan's citizens. According to a Press Release by the Michigan Senate Republicans, one of Kahn's goals"...is to find a way to provide health coverage for those who are currently uninsured or underinsured." It will be interesting to see if bipartisan efforts will succeed in producing quality health care reform, especially when one of the Democrats' top priorities is eliminating the drug company immunity that Kahn has supported.

Eagles and Pucks and Bears? Oh My!

2007-01-30T00:45:00.000-08:00

The Saginaw Spirit and Stephen Colbert formed a relationship in 2006, with the Ontario Hockey League team adopting Colbert as their mascot after Colbert mentioned the team on his show. Since then Steagle Colbeagle the Eagle has become quite famous; skating around and greeting fans while sporting Colbert's trademark glasses. I had a chance to meet Steagle in November while protesting Dick DeVos as he dropped the ceremonial puck at a Spirit game.

Recently, Colbert made a bet with John Gray, the mayor of Oshawa, home of one of the Spirit's rivals, the Oshawa Generals. If Oshawa beat Saginaw, Colbert would wear a Generals jersey for an entire show. If Oshawa won, Gray would declare his birthday "Stephen Colbert Day." The Spirit beat the Generals 5-4 to help Colbert win the bet. This is just one of many gimmicks Colbert has pulled on his show, which has given the Saginaw Spirit national recognition.

In addition to their new found fame thanks to Comedy Central, the hockey franchise is hosting the first OHL All Star Game ever to take place outside of Canada on Wednesday at the Dow Events Center in Saginaw. At last week's City Council meeting, Council Member Larry Coulouris emphasized the importance of this event as a chance for the city of Saginaw to earn revenue and to convince people that Saginaw is a place to visit. If successful, this could create more opportunities for the city of Saginaw.

Thanks to nirmal from Capital Viewpoint for inspiring me to write this entry.
For more details about the bet, see the AP story at MSNBC.com
For more details about the mascot, see the October 23 edition of the Valley Vanguard

Introducing the State Representatives

2007-01-28T23:48:00.000-08:00

The Michigan House of Representatives from the Saginaw Valley region (for the sake of this entry, districts 93-97) include some veterans and some newcomers, although with term limits nobody is really a veteran. Recently, Speaker of the House Andy Dillon announced committee appointments. Of the five Representatives in this region, two are members of the Democratic majority.

I included the 93rd district because it covers my hometown of Alma and because it makes up the other half of 32nd Senate District that includes Saginaw. Republican Paul E. Opsommer is married with two children and recieved his B.A. in Education from Michigan State University. Before being elected, he was the Vice President of Action Management Corporation, which provides human resource training and consulting services. He was the mayor of DeWitt for 5 years, served on the City Council for 4 years, and served on the Clinton Conservation District Board for 12 years.He was endorsed by Right to Life of Michigan, Greater Lansing Association of Realtors, Michigan Doctors Association, Michigan State Medical Society, and Gratiot County Farm Bureau. He will be serving on the Education; Energy and Technology; and Intergovernmental, Urban, and Regional Affairs committees.

Republican Ken Horn beat fellow County Commissioner Bob Blaine in a close race for the 94th district, formerly represented by Roger Kahn. Horn, a graduate of Concordia University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, owned Horn's Restaurant's in Frankenmuth for 15 years. After selling the business he was a substitute teacher in Bridgeport and Frankenmuth while pursuing a degree in Organizational Leadership from SVSU (it does not say on his Web site whether he finished). Horn was also the Vice President for Donor Services at the Saginaw Community Foundation. He has two children with his wife, Veronica. He was endorsed by Michigan Right to Life PAC, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners, and the Police Officers Association of Michigan, among others. He will serve on the Energy and Technology; Military, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security; Oversight and Investigations; and Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, and Natural Resources committees.

Democrat Andy Coulouris is a former Saginaw County Assistant Prosecuter, Saginaw City Council Member, and a graduate of University of Michigan Law School. One of the biggest surprises when committees were announced was that the Saginaw County freshman Representative will Chair the Banking and Financial Services Committee and Vice Chair the Judiciary Committee. He will also serve on the Commerce; Health Policy; and Intergovernmental, Urban, and Regional Affairs committees. The Democrats have made it a priority to make drug companies accountable for products that harm or kill patients, a critisizm against State Senator Roger Kahn who Coulouris could possibly challenge in four years for the 32nd State Senate district.

Second term Democrat Jeff Mayes of Bay County was selected to Chair the Agriculture Committee and Vice Chair the Energy and Technology Committee. He will also serve on the Banking and Financial Services; Tax Policy; and Tranportation committees. According to The House Democratic Caucus Web site, Mayes "will remain in the position of Co-Chair of the Local Government Caucus and will serve as an Assistant Democratic Majority Whip." Mayes has made alternative energy a high priority because "[f]armers will have a wider market for their crops. More money in the pockets of our farmers and our workers means more money will be pumped into our local economy." In the past, Mayes has hosted a regular cable television program called "Capitol Update," but there is no news on whether the show will continue.

Republican Tim Moore's district covers Bay, Arenac, Clare, and Gladwin counties, which is a little out of the way yet still relevent. He will serve with Democratic counterparts Coulouris and Mayes on the Banking and Financial Services committee, and he will serve on the Insurance Committee, which is chaired by Virgil Smith, a Democrat from Wayne County. One campaign contribution that stood out from the rest was a $1000 donation from Marathon Oil Co. in Findlay, Ohio. Aside from committee assignments and campaign contributions, no other information is available online.

Republican John Moolenaar is entering his third term as a Representative for Midland and Saginaw counties. Some of his key campaign endorsements included Right to Life of Michigan, Citizens for Traditional Values, National Rifle Association, Michigan Education Association, and Michigan Chamber of Commerce. His largest donor was the Michigan Wine and Beer Wholesalers PAC. Moolenaar's "legislative accomplishments" listed on his campaign Web site include eliminating the single business tax, giving tax credits for wind energy and homeowners who use green energy, reducing oil dependency, and the Homeowner Fairness Act that requires "the Michigan DEQ to use the best available scientific methods before branding an resident's property as a toxic facility." He will serve on the Education; Energy and Technology; and Great Lakes and Environment committees.

Bush's State of the Union Address Provides Alternatives for Michigan

2007-01-25T12:29:00.000-08:00

As I watched President Bush's State of the Union Address and read the 26 page document detailing his 2007 policy agenda, I realized that for the first time in 6 years I actually had something positive to say about our President. Granted he's under alot of pressure right now and its one of those issues that anyone with half a brain would support, but you can't tell me I'm the only person to question whether there was anything except empty space between his ears.

One of the key points of Bush's agenda is energy independence. He wants to reduce U.S. oil usage by 20 percent in the next 10 years by "reforming and modernizing corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards..." The plan also calls for an increase in "domestic oil production in environmentally sensitive ways." In doing so, the President is acknowledging the existance and consequences of Global Climate Change, which is definitely a plus. And he wants to stop the "projected growth of carbon dioxide emissions...within 10 years." Most importantly, the President made it a priority to invest in renewable and alternative energy.

Alternative Energy is the wave of the future, and could mean the survival of our state and our country. The three top sources of revenue for Michigan's economy have historically been automobile manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The day of the family farm is gone, and in order to succeed in the agricultural sector one must adopt a big business strategy. The manufacturing industry in Michigan has been dwindling over the past decade, with factories shipping jobs out of state, oversees, or simply shutting down. Tourism alone cannot strengthen our economy.

Investing in alternative energy, specifically biofuels, will help re-energize both manufacturing and agricultural industries. Biofuels use home-grown natural resources like corn to create ethanol. The nation of Brazil recently became 100% independent from foreign oil by using the leftover waste from sugar cane to make ethanol. The U.S. could do the same. However, it has yet to be proven that alternative energy can be profitable, which we all know is the bottom line for American businesses. So it will take government assistance to get this industry up and running.

The best thing about the biofuel industry is that it can't be outsourced. It's cheaper to grow these products in our own state, which means we employ our own citizens and have no shipping costs. This also helps the environment. Gas stations that sell E85 (fuel that is 85% ethanol, and 15% traditional gasoline) already exist. In fact, there is one located in nearby Bay City. Institutions of higher education like Saginaw Valley State University are researching and developing biofuel technology that can be used to attract investers to the region and boost the local economy. While the President touts hydrogen fuel cells, solar power, and other forms of alternative energy, biofuels is probably the best option for Michigan. It will provide jobs for all the laid off manufacturing employees, research and development opportunities for college students, and career opportunities for college graduates that typically leave the state for work.

This issue affects education, environment, and the economy, and it also makes an impact globally by allowing us to be independent from areas like the Middle East. As this decade comes to a close, citizens should embrace the idea of alternative energy for all the reasons mentioned above. I've always considered education my highest priority, and now I'm including alternative energy because I feel it ties into education perfectly. We must encourage children to go into science and other areas related to alternative energy, and teach them why it is important to be active citizens. If we do so, we will have built a self-sustaining economy for our great state of Michigan.

Political Integration of Campus and Community in Saginaw

2007-01-20T23:29:00.000-08:00

As a recent graduate of Saginaw Valley State University and a participant in local and state politics this past year, I made it one of my goals for 2007 to help bridge the gap between the community and the campus. I hope to accomplish this goal by using this blog and other means of communication to ensure that information is exchanged between political entities.

One way that SVSU is attempting to improve the political landscape at a typically apathetic campus is to create a department similar to those in existence at other major universities: The Center for Policy and Public Service (CPPS).

Still in its infancy, the CPPS has already made tremendous strides to overcoming SVSU's stagnant political environment. Thanks mostly to the hard work and dedication of Director John Kazcynski, the CPPS already has taken steps to create interest among the student population through group activity, and it has a full slate of events planned for the 2007 winter semester.

Kazcynski has laid the foundation for the College Democrats and College Republicans. While efforts to establish such organizations occurred in the past, those efforts could not be sustained over time. This expansion is necessary for a campus community that had only one political student organization, the Organization for Progressive Politics, prior to the 2006-07 academic year. As a co-founder of OPP and a former officer for SVSU's Gay Straight Alliance, I have experienced first hand the difficult task of engaging students at a small, regional school consisting mostly of commuter students. The CPPS offers hope that such efforts can be sustained this time around through financial assistance and improved coordination.

So far the CPPS has planned monthly symposiums, which focus on Health Care (January), Economy (March), and Collective Solutions to Violence (April). These symposiums will include experts from the field, scholars, and public officials and will allow students to be active participants in the presentations. CPPS is also trying to find innovative ways to advertise, create honor societies and a model United Nations, and bring nationally recognized personalities to the campus. All would be great accomplishments for a university that only has approximately 10,000 students enrolled per year.

Finally, a key component of the CPPS is to provide a network for students to find internships in and out of state. Previously, students had to research internships themselves and request the assistance of professors. The CPPS will keep an updated list of internships and other opportunities and communicate regularly with all students to ensure such opportunities are maximized.

As a student who sat on the CPPS Student Advisory Committee during its first semester and experienced the ups and downs of political leadership at SVSU, I am confident that SVSU is well on its way to being a center of political activity and a valuable resource for the region and for the state of Michigan.

Look Left Before Crossing

2005-10-10T23:36:00.000-07:00

Do liberals hate America? According to many people, they do. Yet, I know that most liberals love our country and it is unfortunate that such claims are made. It is the Left's responsibility to refute them.

While we all agree that the Constitution is the nation's founding document and that it legitimizes our government, the Right insists that it is acceptable to ignore or change the Constitution simply because it is not consistent with their particular beliefs. They often contradict themselves and set double standards. The hypocrisy should be the focus of the attack on the Right, but the Right does a better job of pointing out the flaws of the Left who, apparently, have no moral values.

The Left prefers a more secular government in which individuals may practice religion without infringing on the rights of others. The problem with the Left is that they allow the Right to paint such a damaging picture of them. Instead of ignoring issues of religion and morality, the Left should propose their own moral standards. Granted, there are a few Democrats who already do this, like Illinois Senator and future president Barack O'Bama, but one person is not enough.

Is it morally wrong to deny people equality and freedom? Is it morally wrong to let poor people suffer, go uneducated, and die? Is it morally wrong for the government to sanction the murder of innocent people? These are questions that should be asked, and answered, by the Left.

It is the Right's rhetoric that makes it okay for Americans to lead crusades in the Middle East or on a college campus if they choose to do so. It is because Christian Americans supposedly believe in a different God, a more righteous God, than other crusaders. It is why a student organization can take the letters "CRU," turn it into a fish, slap it on a piece of paper, and promote themselves as a positive entity. It's why some punk on Facebook can purchase an advertisement that states "Liberals Hate America" and get away with it. The Right has no respect for the Left.

Even though the Right has a monopoly over morality, they still claim to be threatened and actively work to accumulate more power. Does this scare anyone? The Leadership Institute is just one umbrella organization trying to lead "grassroots" campaigns of conservativism on college campuses across the United States. They disseminate their message by spreading lies about liberals. They say that socialists (a.k.a. liberals) want to "make God illegal" or "Save the environment. Kill off all the people." Most intelligent people, regardless of ideology, know these statements are false. Yet, they would not use these tactics if they were not proven to be successful.

I doubt all people on the Right are like this. I even doubt that all Christians fit into this hateful group mentioned above. There are plenty of people who vote Republican because they are fiscally conservative, and there are plenty of people on the Left who are devout Christians. But even these people need to take a step back to realize what they are doing to this country if they vote for Republican and are not critical of the extreme right wing of the party. If they endorse a Republican or remain quiet, they are approving of the lies about the Left.

If one feels threatened by the lies, then they should speak up. If one is moderate, independent, or simply not involved, they should consider finally doing something to stop the extreme right. Dissent, not apathy, is the way to make a difference, which is what being liberal is all about. Conservative organizations have a right to exist and they have a right to say whatever they want, but everyone else has a right to reject them and their hateful message.

Right to Attack Planned Parenthood

2005-09-25T12:58:00.000-07:00

I recently met two women from the Tri-Cities Planned Parenthood, which is located in Saginaw. While Planned Parenthood provides many useful services, some people would prefer that Planned Parenthood did not exist.

Michigan Right to Life is attacking Planned Parenthood because, they claim, Planned Parenthood is the nation’s largest abortion provider. The truth is that Planned Parenthood is only responsible for about 15% of all abortions in the United States. The four Planned Parenthoods in East Central Michigan, including the one in Saginaw, do not perform abortions at all. Pro-life advocates oppose public funding of “abortion clinics,” and the Michigan Right to Life’s Legislative Director, Ed Rivet, made the same declaration about the Saginaw “abortion clinic.” But Saginaw’s Planned Parenthood is not an abortion clinic and it does not receive public funding.

The Saginaw clinic is the only Planned Parenthood in the Tri-cities, which is sensible considering the economically disadvantaged city of Saginaw has a greater need for such services. To put Planned Parenthood out of business would be disastrous for all the adolescents in Saginaw without affordable contraceptives and health care.

Instead of focusing on abortions, perhaps the Michigan Right to Life should focus on all the good services Planned Parenthood provides. These women were giving out pamphlets and brochures about sexually transmitted diseases, birth control, adoption, and general health issues for which everyone, including men, should be aware. Despite the obvious need and the overwhelming support for family planning, some would like to prevent access to this type of information, which is simply tragic.

Practice abstinence, one might say, and Planned Parenthood would not be necessary. The truth is that Planned Parenthood endorses abstinence. A statement on Planned Parenthood’s Web site responded to Mr. Rivet’s admission that he would be ok with Planned Parenthood if they did not do abortions by saying they “would welcome the chance to work with the local Right to Life groups on our common concern of reducing the number of unintended pregnancies.” If Rivet would stop misrepresenting the facts about Planned Parenthood some progress might be made.

The Michigan Right to Life is busy arranging fundraising dinners with seasoned pro-life veterans like Dave Bereit and forming coalitions like the Concerned Citizens of the Tri-Counties Opposed to Planned Parenthood. They should take a lesson from the failure of the Bush Administration: If you are going to attack something, at least get the correct target. If the Right paid more attention to the positive, educational aspects of Planned Parenthood instead of attacking them for unsubstantiated reasons, they might see that Planned Parenthood gives young people access to great resources, which will make them wiser and more responsible adults.

Medical Marijuana Struck Down by Supreme Court

2005-07-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

The Supreme Court recently rendered a decision regarding medical marijuana that was largely misunderstood and, given that the issue at hand is often misrepresented, it is not surprising that their decision made little sense.

First and foremost, it is important to note that the Supreme Court does not make laws; the Supreme Court interprets the Constitution. When a pundit or politician uses the term “activist judges” they mean that the judges are making decisions based on their personal opinions and not by a strict interpretation of the law. It is common for liberal judges to be labeled “activist” and conservative judges to be labeled “constructionist,” but of course “activist” really only means that one disagrees with the court’s legal interpretation. In Gonzales v. Raich, it is difficult to argue that anyone was an “activist judge” even if one disagrees with the decision. The positions in the drug debate can easily be divided into two categories: those opposed to legalized drugs and those in favor of legalized drugs. However, the recent decision regarding medical marijuana was much more complicated. The 6-3 decision against medical marijuana was not consistent with the ideologies of the respective judges; the three dissenters—Sandra Day O’Conner, Clarence Thomas, and Chief Justice William Rehnquist—were all appointed by Republican Presidents.

The Supreme Court did not vote for or against marijuana. In fact, they did not even decide that medical marijuana was illegal because that would mean they were making a law (and it would be appropriate to label them “activist”). What they really decided was that the Constitution allowed the federal government the authority to make laws regarding medical marijuana that essentially trump state laws. For example, California and Arizona passed referenda to legalize medical marijuana in 1996, and 7 other states also have laws in place that permit physicians to prescribe, dispense, or distribute marijuana for medical purposes. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Gonzales v. Raich allows the federal government to pass legislation that would ban medical marijuana; overriding laws of those 9 states and allowing the federal government to prosecute physicians who administer medical marijuana to patients. There is a good chance that the federal legislature will eventually pass such a bill.

This decision has riled libertarians and states-rights advocates because it gives too much power to the federal government, which is dangerous because it creates bigger government and leads to corruption. Considering the current administration that is in power, I can sympathize. Ideally, the federal government should only have jurisdiction over the states in issues pertaining to national security, individual rights, or interstate commerce; the majority chose the latter to justify their decision. According to Justice John Paul Stevens, "Congress' power to regulate purely activities that are part of an economic 'class of activities' that have a substantial effect on interstate commerce is firmly established.” Because marijuana is often sold (illegally) across American borders, the court determined that the federal government could regulate it.

Opponents of medical marijuana may or may not acknowledge the potential of medical marijuana, but they claim that the issue is really about legalizing all marijuana. After all, it would make marijuana more accessible to citizens. They claim that medical marijuana is just a smoke screen for proponents of legalized marijuana (and other recreational drugs), since a vast amount of the resources used to promote medical marijuana come from such advocates. It is given that these people will contribute to the cause, but their participation should not discredit the entire group. This issue is really about helping sick people, not whether one is for or against legalizing recreational drugs. People with AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis, Tourette’s syndrome, and glaucoma can experience a higher quality of life because marijuana relieves the symptoms associated with these illnesses. The use of marijuana as a therapeutic ingredient in natural remedies has existed for thousands of years. While marijuana does not cure anything, it does help people with incurable diseases live more comfortably. It would be in the best interest of these victims, and society as a whole, to permit the use of medical marijuana.

The Supreme Court did not consider the advantages and disadvantages of medical marijuana because that is not their job. Instead, they examined the Constitution carefully and determined that the federal government had the authority to regulate medical marijuana. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the majority, it is important to recognize that this was simply the system of checks and balances at work. The reasoning used in this case seems like a stretch because obviously marijuana is illegal so it could not possibly be considered commerce of any kind. However, I can rest assured that this decision, for which I side with the dissenters, was reached democratically. Hopefully democracy will prevail in the end by citizens urging representatives to pass a bill that legalizes medical marijuana.

George Bush: No Superman

2004-11-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

As an actor Christopher Reeve faced villains that tried to cripple him with kryptonite, but his next challenge was more formidable than a green chunk of rock.

In real life he was thrown from a horse and crippled permanently. Reeve lived 2 years longer than expected for victims of spinal cord injuries. His longevity is attributed to this financial stability, his own will power, and scientific breakthroughs for spinal cord injuries. Many people throughout the world suffer from similar disabilities. Must their paralysis be permanent?

Reeve dedicated the final years of his life to a great cause. He knew his disability would not be cured in his lifetime, but he hoped future victims would only have to deal with spinal cord injuries as temporary problems. There is hope on the horizon, but the greatest obstacle preventing us from reaching this scientific frontier is the current presidential administration.

On August 9th, 2001, President George W. Bush addressed American citizens on national television. During the speech he said stem cell research is an “issue that is one of the most profound of our time.” He stated that scientists “believe that stem cell research derived from embryos have unique potential” and they “believe that research on embryonic stem cells offer the most promise.”

After hearing the President state the scientific arguments in favor of stem cell research, I thought he was coming to his senses. But I was mistaken. President Bush decided that stem cell research would inevitably lead to cloning human beings, and that stem cell research is harvesting “excess life.”

These are f course false claims used to scare the public. Embryonic stem cells are taken from fertility clinics, and not from mad scientists in government laboratories. Even those in favor of stem cell research realize the ethical concerns and are willing to comply with ethical guidelines.

This President laughed in the face of science. He used his misguided personal beliefs to prevent our great nation from fulfilling its legacy as a world leader in developing technology that improves the quality of life for all people.

According to the Stem Cell Research Foundation, adult stem cells are less versatile than embryonic stem cells. Cells extracted from embryos are more effective because they are capable of developing into any kind of cell, tissue, and organ. So, while adult stem cells do have potential, only allowing research on non-embryonic cells is limiting the potential for stem cell success.

Stockpiles of frozen embryos are waiting to be tested, but the President will not allow scientists to study them because extracting their cells will destroy the embryo. Keep in mind that these cells are already incapable of becoming human life. Bush is taking a passive stance on this issue because he does not want to lose votes from either side of the stem cell issue.

Elderly Americans fight everyday to overcome the debilitating effects of diseases that could be treated by stem cell research. Why should we choose not to help our grandmothers and grandfathers? The generations after them, including our generation, will encounter the same problems.

Republicans would like you to know that President Bush is the first president ever to allow federal funding for stem cell research, however, that claim is misleading. The President only allowed funding for stem cell lines derived before August 9th, 2001. He said there were over 60 of these stem cell lines, but, according to the International Society for Stem Cell Research, very few of those lines are available, and some experts believe most of the cells are contaminated and useless.

President Bush supports private funding for stem cell research, but there is simply no profit to be made from it. Who wants a piece of that investment? Not the President. Especially when most of his support base is convinced that stem cell research is justification for abortion. Even if private researchers and investors could make a profit, it would render stem cell therapy too expensive for the average patient. Money in the pocket and votes in the ballot box equals failure for science.

Another argument against privatization of embryonic stem cell research is the lack of federal oversight in the private sector. Without federal funding, the government could not regulate the research, and, therefore, could not ensure that scientists uphold ethical guidelines. Top educational and medical institutions would not be able to participate in the research, which would slow down the scientific progress. Finally, without federal funding, the government does not have the ability to use our tax dollars for a purpose that serves the best interest of the American people.

According to the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), “nearly half of infertile couples say they would like to see some good come from their excess eggs.” Polling organizations like PEW Research Center and Gallup show that all political parties and the “majority of Americans (regardless of religious affiliation) support embryonic stem cell research.”

Washington Post writer Ceci Conolly provided an analogy that “to limit researchers to 60 lines…is like telling mathematicians they can pursue their studies but they can never use numbers bigger than 10.”

Stem cell research could potentially cure 100 million Americans of diseases like cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, spinal cord injuries, diabetes, and any other diseases that require the replacement of organ tissue. But the number of available stem cell lines will continue to decrease without federal funding until it eventually stops altogether. Even the presidential appointed Council on Bioethics admits, “Strong financial support, public and private, will be indispensable to achieving success.”

It's ironic how Bush tried to play the middle ground, but when the Republican controlled congress actually had bipartisan support for a stem cell bill, he solidified his extremist opposition with a veto.