I work at the new Delta Township Assembly GM plant, which is located in the 7th congressional district. For some reason Mike Rogers is going to be allowed to tour the plant. As you can imagine I was not happy about this so I put together a little vote history on Rogers that was sent to the floor of the plant. Here is what was sent to membership:
We have been made aware that U.S. Representative Mike Rogers from the 8th congressional district will be visiting our facility soon. In case any of you are unaware of Mike Rogers and his voting record here is some very important information that should tell you a little about what Mr. Rogers stands for:
During the 109th congress (2006) Mike Rogers;
-Voted for the huge tax cuts for the richest Americans, which was nicknamed the Paris Hilton tax cut! (H.R. 4297)
-Again looking out for his good friend Paris he voted for the elimination of the Estate tax. (H.R. 5638)
-Continuing to rubberstamp the Bush administration Rogers then voted FOR the Oman Free Trade Agreement (H.R. 5694), which expanded the failed policies of NAFTA and CAFTA (which he also supported).
During the 110th Congress (2207) Mike Rogers;
-Voted against raising the Minimum Wage. (H.R. 2)
-Voted against Stem Cell Research. (H.R. 3)
-Voted against the Employee Free Choice Act, which makes it easier for workers to join unions. (H.R.800)
- Rogers voted against a bill that would outlaw gasoline price gouging. (H.R. 1252)
- Rogers also voted against a bill that would allow shareholders to have a NONBINDING vote on CEO’s and executives pay. (H.R. 2264)
- Rogers was one of only 6 elected officials who refused to return campaign contributions from convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
-Mike Rogers does have something to be proud of! He was voted one of “the top 18 “Public Enemies of the Middle Class” in congress” by Americans United for Change.
Please be sure to make Mike Rogers feel right at home here at LDT, and be sure to ask him about some of these votes if you get the chance.
hopefully some of our more informed members will get to ask Rogers about his horrible voting record and make him feel as unwelcome as he really is!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Crossover Day
North Carolina has a law banning the unionization of state employees. Teachers are considered state employees rather than employees of their local district, as is the case in Michigan. Several labor groups and the North Carolina Association of Educators (an interest group, not a union) spent heavily on Democratic campaigns in 2006 and had hoped to find support for changing the law against public unions after a successful election season.
Yesterday was "Crossover Day", the point in the legislative session where bills introduced in one chamber need to be passed in order to move on to the other chamber. A bill in committee to lift the ban did not move yesterday. The link at the end of this post will explain the current situation. Because a change in the law would possibly require an appropriation it isn't necessarily dead, but nothing is expected to happen right now.
The link is http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/579608.html
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.
Yesterday was "Crossover Day", the point in the legislative session where bills introduced in one chamber need to be passed in order to move on to the other chamber. A bill in committee to lift the ban did not move yesterday. The link at the end of this post will explain the current situation. Because a change in the law would possibly require an appropriation it isn't necessarily dead, but nothing is expected to happen right now.
The link is http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/579608.html
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Same Old Engler!
I must apologize for writing on this topic so much but this is just toooo good to pass up. You remember the crony that I have been writing about here and here, well John Engler, the man in charge of destroying Michigan’s infrastructure as governor, came out in support of Baroody. Surprise, surprise. The N.Y. Times quotes Engler as saying Baroody was the
victim of an “unprincipled smear campaign waged against Mike, aided and abettedI know many readers will be shocked that king John is coming to the defense of one the people that did his bidding and was about to continue efforts to destroy any oversight that currently exists at the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Here is the complete article.
by an unethical release of his financial records.” “Watching this abuse of
process,” Mr. Engler said, “apparently without consequence for the wrongdoers,
makes me wonder why any qualified citizen would submit to run today’s Senate
gauntlet.”
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
GONG!!!
Good news everybody, the appointment of Michael Baroody that I have been writing about for a while has been stopped! Baroody withdrew his name from consideration after consumer groups and several U.S. Senators said that they would oppose his nomination. The AFL-CIO blog has a small piece on the news here. Hopefully this won’t lead to another disgraceful choice to replace him.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Rubber Stamp Rogers at it again
So in case you aren’t aware of the recent fuss over Murtha vs. Rogers here is a news piece on the “fracas”. After going through the usual web surfing of all the cool blogs; Michigan Liberal, Liberal, Loud and Proud, Dailykos and the AFL-CIO’s blog I then move to sites I usually don’t frequent with as much regularity. One of those sites is the LSJ Blog that is where I saw the Rogers v. Murtha and the following comment from someone:
Not only is this person poorly informed but an obvious right wing zealot. I just had to respond! Here is my response:
Feel free to add your comments to the LSJ blog and tell them how you feel about Mike Rogers. Communications guru at Mr. Rogers Neighborhood did a great write up on the story here.
I’m highly impressed with the tenacity of Rep Mike Rogers in exposing the
immoral tactics of this ethically challenged Pelosi thug known John Murtha. We
should all be proud that we have a representative who isn’t afraid to stand up
to such sleazy democrats. From Abscam to the 1989 C-20 jet embarrassment,
through his disgraceful comments regarding the integrity of our service folks,
Murtha has been a one man cesspool. It is time that Rogers and the GOP expose
this troll from Pennsylvania for what he really is – another America hating
democrat whose only desire is to see us lose this war.
Not only is this person poorly informed but an obvious right wing zealot. I just had to respond! Here is my response:
Not only is it disingenuous to suggest that Rep. Murtha “hates America” (he
earned two purple hearts, Rogers; zero), it is nothing more than bombastic
rhetoric to suggest that after years of Mike Rogers rubberstamping the Bush
administrations failed policies that suddenly he has developed a conscious and
is going to “buck the system” in defense of America. As for the accusation that
Democrats are sleazy; I would remind Mr. Tomaso that he is lauding the party of
Tom Delay, Mark Foley, Duke Cunningham, Jack Abrahamof and Alberto Gonzales.
History will no doubt remember the 109th congress as one of the most corrupt
ever and we should remember that it was controlled by the right wing. Rogers not
only accepted campaign contributions from Abrahamof but refused to donate them
to charity or even return them after his conviction, talk about a “cesspool”!
Rogers has shown the same type of poor decision making that the Bush
administration has about choosing whom to surround himself with when it was
recently reported that one of his staff was jailed for domestic violence. Sadly
Rogers and Bush apologists will defend their failed ideas no matter what the
results instead of stepping back and looking at things without partisan colored
glasses.
Feel free to add your comments to the LSJ blog and tell them how you feel about Mike Rogers. Communications guru at Mr. Rogers Neighborhood did a great write up on the story here.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Calling All Zealots!
I recently wrote about some Bush appointments that would be disastrous if allowed to go through and then updated with the info that several of them were “recess appointments” so as to not have to deal with that pesky thing called senate confirmation. Well one of the nominees that was mentioned in a previous post (at the bottom) is in the news again; Michael Baroody will receive $150,000 “departing payment” from the National Association of Manufacturers (N.A.M.) for whom Baroody was a senior lobbyist. So what’s the big deal you ask? Baroody will now lead the Consumer Product Safety Commission (C.P.S.C.) which has levied millions of dollars in fines and penalties against the members of N.A.M. and has many cases currently pending against the companies he recently represented. Here is a N.Y. Times article (password required) about Baroody.
Just to provide a small “greatest hits” package for Baroody’s work here are some lowlights:
Baroody fought like hell for Asbestos Manufacturers to limit their liability in lawsuits.
Baroody helped out big tobacco companies when he lobbied to stifle legislation that would make cigarettes less likely to cause fires.
He also fought for N.A.M. when they recently lobbied to RELAX requirements on when companies must notify the C.P.S.C about defective products.
In 2000, NAM successfully killed a bill in the Senate that would have helped reduce safety risks to motorists by requiring tire manufacturers to report accident data and potential defects to the National Highway and Transportation Safety Board.
So as you can clearly see Baroody is a perfect fit for the watchdog for consumers’ best interests! He has so much support that the N.Y. Times recently wrote an editorial about his nomination here is some of it:
The full editorial is here (password required). The letter written by Public citizen is still active and if you haven’t sent it already maybe this news will convince you to do so, here is the letter.
Just to provide a small “greatest hits” package for Baroody’s work here are some lowlights:
Baroody fought like hell for Asbestos Manufacturers to limit their liability in lawsuits.
Baroody helped out big tobacco companies when he lobbied to stifle legislation that would make cigarettes less likely to cause fires.
He also fought for N.A.M. when they recently lobbied to RELAX requirements on when companies must notify the C.P.S.C about defective products.
In 2000, NAM successfully killed a bill in the Senate that would have helped reduce safety risks to motorists by requiring tire manufacturers to report accident data and potential defects to the National Highway and Transportation Safety Board.
So as you can clearly see Baroody is a perfect fit for the watchdog for consumers’ best interests! He has so much support that the N.Y. Times recently wrote an editorial about his nomination here is some of it:
Across six years, the Bush administration has mocked all standards of conflict
of interest by choosing private industry zealots for high regulatory posts —
where they worked to roll back hundreds of rules on transportation, workplace
and mine safety, the environment and other issues. The latest in this subversive
chain must surely take the fox-in-the-henhouse statuette: President Bush has
nominated Michael Baroody, lobbyist for the powerful National Association of
Manufacturers, to lead the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The full editorial is here (password required). The letter written by Public citizen is still active and if you haven’t sent it already maybe this news will convince you to do so, here is the letter.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Being David Broder
I have never met Mr. Broder, but I do wonder what it would be like to see things through his eyes. If his recent editorial regarding the supposed deal reached between Democratic leaders and the Bush Administration and Congressional Republicans is any indication of how he sees things; the first thing I would do is get some new glasses so that I was able to read all the information and accurately report it as is a journalists number one priority.
From the very beginning of this piece, Mr. Broder fails to accurately report the facts. He states that this deal was “painfully” negotiated between Democrats and the White House. He fails to mention that a host of business interests were brought in from the beginning so they would have the chance to protect the far overreaching language regarding their right to sue governments (including ours) and privatize public services and a guarantee that a failure to do so would result in being compensated with the people’s money.
The people’s money that should be used to improve our schools, make healthcare a reality for all people, improve access to higher education and build the public infrastructure remains vulnerable to these challenges by multinational corporations under this deal. Organizations representing working people, the environment, consumers groups and family farmers were consulted but ultimately their longstanding concerns with the aforementioned overreaching language in trade agreements were pushed aside.
The eyes of Mr. Broder failed again when he wrote of the enforceability of the labor and environmental provisions. What Mr. Broder fails to mention is that regardless of what this Administration says, they have not enforced one labor violation in already existing agreements. A primary example is that last year the New York Times ran a story on the forced labor and slavery problems in Jordan. Members of Congress talked about this during hearings so it is well documented. The Bush Administration has not done one thing to stop the abuses of our brothers and sisters in Jordan and they are indeed the only ones who can challenge these abuses. To add insult to injury, during this same Senate Finance Committee hearing, Bush appointees to the United States Trade Representatives admitted that they had no idea the problem existed until they read the story in the New York Times. This serves as proof that this Administration can’t be counted on to pursue an end to grotesque human rights and worker abuses. Mr. Broder, whose main job is to cover Congress for the Washington Post conveniently, omits this fact.
In his diatribe, Mr. Broder proceeds to dive head first into the mud and resorts to pettiness instead of focusing on the facts at hand. He refers to Fair Trade advocate David Sirota as “a blogger”. David Sirota has written a best selling book, worked in Washington and contributes to a variety of publications. Being called a blogger isn’t necessarily a bad thing or a slap down, but when it is coming from an establishment “journalist” it is meant to be just that.
Being David Broder must be a pretty special thing. You can write whatever you want without any fear that the facts at hand directly conflict with the reality of the situation. This isn’t the first time Mr. Broder has entered into the trade policy foray. He helped write propaganda pieces to help pass NAFTA which directly led to the Republican takeover of Congress in 1994. Here he is again, working with his same friends who think they are using him, but in reality, are being used by Broder and the big money interests who could care less about job loss, wage stagnation and offshoring because in their minds- these are good things. Being David Broder must be a lucrative gig if it is able to make a journalist abandon the most fundamental elements of journalistic integrity.
From the very beginning of this piece, Mr. Broder fails to accurately report the facts. He states that this deal was “painfully” negotiated between Democrats and the White House. He fails to mention that a host of business interests were brought in from the beginning so they would have the chance to protect the far overreaching language regarding their right to sue governments (including ours) and privatize public services and a guarantee that a failure to do so would result in being compensated with the people’s money.
The people’s money that should be used to improve our schools, make healthcare a reality for all people, improve access to higher education and build the public infrastructure remains vulnerable to these challenges by multinational corporations under this deal. Organizations representing working people, the environment, consumers groups and family farmers were consulted but ultimately their longstanding concerns with the aforementioned overreaching language in trade agreements were pushed aside.
The eyes of Mr. Broder failed again when he wrote of the enforceability of the labor and environmental provisions. What Mr. Broder fails to mention is that regardless of what this Administration says, they have not enforced one labor violation in already existing agreements. A primary example is that last year the New York Times ran a story on the forced labor and slavery problems in Jordan. Members of Congress talked about this during hearings so it is well documented. The Bush Administration has not done one thing to stop the abuses of our brothers and sisters in Jordan and they are indeed the only ones who can challenge these abuses. To add insult to injury, during this same Senate Finance Committee hearing, Bush appointees to the United States Trade Representatives admitted that they had no idea the problem existed until they read the story in the New York Times. This serves as proof that this Administration can’t be counted on to pursue an end to grotesque human rights and worker abuses. Mr. Broder, whose main job is to cover Congress for the Washington Post conveniently, omits this fact.
In his diatribe, Mr. Broder proceeds to dive head first into the mud and resorts to pettiness instead of focusing on the facts at hand. He refers to Fair Trade advocate David Sirota as “a blogger”. David Sirota has written a best selling book, worked in Washington and contributes to a variety of publications. Being called a blogger isn’t necessarily a bad thing or a slap down, but when it is coming from an establishment “journalist” it is meant to be just that.
Being David Broder must be a pretty special thing. You can write whatever you want without any fear that the facts at hand directly conflict with the reality of the situation. This isn’t the first time Mr. Broder has entered into the trade policy foray. He helped write propaganda pieces to help pass NAFTA which directly led to the Republican takeover of Congress in 1994. Here he is again, working with his same friends who think they are using him, but in reality, are being used by Broder and the big money interests who could care less about job loss, wage stagnation and offshoring because in their minds- these are good things. Being David Broder must be a lucrative gig if it is able to make a journalist abandon the most fundamental elements of journalistic integrity.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Road Trip; Day 3
Upon returning from the AFL-CIO convention mentioned in my last post, I immediately took action! I spent a large portion of my morning and afternoon at the state capitol lobbying legislators. I have called and talked to Rep.’s and Sen.’s countless times even occasionally making the trip to offices outside of the capitol to meet with staffers in person but this was the first time I was at the capitol actually lobbying. It was a great time! Walking into Rep. Bauer, Meadows and Byrum’s offices and have them stop what they were doing to sit and explain their take on budget issues was awesome! All of these great friends of labor were naturally on our side and eager to help our state get back on its feet. To my great pleasure I ran into LiberalLucy in Rep. Meadow’s office, which made me feel even more relaxed!
My state Rep. is Dick Ball, after being reassured that Dr. Ball is a Republican that isn’t afraid to support his state by all the afore mentioned legislators, I happened to bump into him in the hallway of the capitol as he was going into session. He stopped when I called his name and graciously took about ten minutes to talk with me about my concerns in the middle of the hallway. I was very impressed that he bothered to do this considering the session was starting when I spotted him. Dr. Ball was very receptive to revenue increases and perhaps even graduated income tax as a ballot proposal, this was NOT a man who is pushed around by his party and I never felt like he was using a talking point (VERY refreshing!) I made sure to tell him that I appreciated him stopping and talking with me and let him know that I feel the state cannot afford any more cuts AT ALL! He said that he supported a combination of cuts and revenue increases and was sure that the issue would be solved in that manner. He thanked me for my input and said “it was a pleasure talking with you; I wish both sides of the aisle could talk like this more often.” All in all the day was great and I will absolutely do it again! Maybe a blogger lobby day is in order!?!?
My state Rep. is Dick Ball, after being reassured that Dr. Ball is a Republican that isn’t afraid to support his state by all the afore mentioned legislators, I happened to bump into him in the hallway of the capitol as he was going into session. He stopped when I called his name and graciously took about ten minutes to talk with me about my concerns in the middle of the hallway. I was very impressed that he bothered to do this considering the session was starting when I spotted him. Dr. Ball was very receptive to revenue increases and perhaps even graduated income tax as a ballot proposal, this was NOT a man who is pushed around by his party and I never felt like he was using a talking point (VERY refreshing!) I made sure to tell him that I appreciated him stopping and talking with me and let him know that I feel the state cannot afford any more cuts AT ALL! He said that he supported a combination of cuts and revenue increases and was sure that the issue would be solved in that manner. He thanked me for my input and said “it was a pleasure talking with you; I wish both sides of the aisle could talk like this more often.” All in all the day was great and I will absolutely do it again! Maybe a blogger lobby day is in order!?!?
Monday, May 14, 2007
Trumka Nails It!
Greetings, from Detroit
I am at the state AFL-CIO constitutional convention conference and have enjoyed a great assortment of speakers and presentations during the first day of the conference. The list of speakers included UAW president Ron Gettelfinger, Senator Debbie Stabenow, State Sen. Mark Schauer, Mark Brewer and many more from labor and politics. The real surprise to me was the speech given by Richard Trumka the Secretary Treasury of the National AFL-CIO. His speech was filled with passion and he spoke with intensity. Trumka spoke about feeling like the Maytag repairman during the Republican controlled congress, no one ever called him to do his job, and how his life now seems like the movie “Groundhog Day”, the same thing every day. He spoke about what a relief it is that now the AFL-CIO is being called before congress and being brought into the debate on many issues that effect labor. Mr. Trumka voiced his pleasure with the new practices of inclusiveness but made it very clear that testifying before congress is not enough! Labor stating its case is not a victory without the appropriate legislation to go along with it. Trumka said “A fierce minority is still pushing failed Bush policies! What are you going to do about it?” challenging a roomful of labor activists gets everyone’s attention QUICK! He then pointed out that the same work ethic that delivered the elections in 06 for the Dem.’s needs to be applied to lobbying efforts that take place during “off” election years. “RELENTLESS” activism WILL NOT be denied! Needless to say Trumka captured the attention of the room and really nailed his delivery. I had never heard of Richard Trumka before today but I sure know who he is now and will not soon forget his remarkable speech!
On the agenda tomorrow; Gov. Granholm!
I am at the state AFL-CIO constitutional convention conference and have enjoyed a great assortment of speakers and presentations during the first day of the conference. The list of speakers included UAW president Ron Gettelfinger, Senator Debbie Stabenow, State Sen. Mark Schauer, Mark Brewer and many more from labor and politics. The real surprise to me was the speech given by Richard Trumka the Secretary Treasury of the National AFL-CIO. His speech was filled with passion and he spoke with intensity. Trumka spoke about feeling like the Maytag repairman during the Republican controlled congress, no one ever called him to do his job, and how his life now seems like the movie “Groundhog Day”, the same thing every day. He spoke about what a relief it is that now the AFL-CIO is being called before congress and being brought into the debate on many issues that effect labor. Mr. Trumka voiced his pleasure with the new practices of inclusiveness but made it very clear that testifying before congress is not enough! Labor stating its case is not a victory without the appropriate legislation to go along with it. Trumka said “A fierce minority is still pushing failed Bush policies! What are you going to do about it?” challenging a roomful of labor activists gets everyone’s attention QUICK! He then pointed out that the same work ethic that delivered the elections in 06 for the Dem.’s needs to be applied to lobbying efforts that take place during “off” election years. “RELENTLESS” activism WILL NOT be denied! Needless to say Trumka captured the attention of the room and really nailed his delivery. I had never heard of Richard Trumka before today but I sure know who he is now and will not soon forget his remarkable speech!
On the agenda tomorrow; Gov. Granholm!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
ACTION! ACTION! ACTION!
Lets get to work!
The folks who make the famed “Cherry Bomb Mufflers” are on strike and have been replaced with SCAB workers. After the CEO Ken Banks instituted a wage freeze AND increased health premiums at the same time the workers went out on strike. The move by Banks meant a 70 cent per hour pay cut for the workers. Here is a link to keep you updated on IAM local 2545’s fight. What can you do? The AFL-CIO has a letter for CEO Ken Banks you can send here.
Here in Michigan there has been some disturbing news coming from the Senate Appropriations committee, they have been looking into privatizing the foster care system and many of the juvenile justice services. We have already seen how this can turn out at the federal level (Walter Reed, Medicare Advantage). Again the Michigan AFL-CIO has written a letter that will be sent to your legislators asking them to stop the outsourcing of our state. The letter and more info are here.
The State Children’s Health Insurance Program is scheduled to get slashed by over $7 Billion over the next 5 years. Working America has put together a nice action letter here.
Do you have any money invested in Fidelity? Did you know that Fidelity invests money in a company that has funded the genocide in Darfur? Tell Fidelity to stop investing in companies that finance genocide here.
Again there is a big push to restore Habeas Corpus. Here are a couple of letters; this one from True Majority, and this letter from Human Rights first.
Firestone workers in Liberia recently went out strike and were the subject of outrageous harassment from the company, you can send a letter to the CEO and the company president, and here it is.
I recently wrote about drilling that may happen in Alaska and on the Chesapeake Bay, here is the post. There was a link attached to that piece and the Defenders of Wildlife have put together another one here.
Bush is appointing yet another big business stooge to head a government consumer protection group. Public Citizen has some more info and a letter located here.
The folks who make the famed “Cherry Bomb Mufflers” are on strike and have been replaced with SCAB workers. After the CEO Ken Banks instituted a wage freeze AND increased health premiums at the same time the workers went out on strike. The move by Banks meant a 70 cent per hour pay cut for the workers. Here is a link to keep you updated on IAM local 2545’s fight. What can you do? The AFL-CIO has a letter for CEO Ken Banks you can send here.
Here in Michigan there has been some disturbing news coming from the Senate Appropriations committee, they have been looking into privatizing the foster care system and many of the juvenile justice services. We have already seen how this can turn out at the federal level (Walter Reed, Medicare Advantage). Again the Michigan AFL-CIO has written a letter that will be sent to your legislators asking them to stop the outsourcing of our state. The letter and more info are here.
The State Children’s Health Insurance Program is scheduled to get slashed by over $7 Billion over the next 5 years. Working America has put together a nice action letter here.
Do you have any money invested in Fidelity? Did you know that Fidelity invests money in a company that has funded the genocide in Darfur? Tell Fidelity to stop investing in companies that finance genocide here.
Again there is a big push to restore Habeas Corpus. Here are a couple of letters; this one from True Majority, and this letter from Human Rights first.
Firestone workers in Liberia recently went out strike and were the subject of outrageous harassment from the company, you can send a letter to the CEO and the company president, and here it is.
I recently wrote about drilling that may happen in Alaska and on the Chesapeake Bay, here is the post. There was a link attached to that piece and the Defenders of Wildlife have put together another one here.
Bush is appointing yet another big business stooge to head a government consumer protection group. Public Citizen has some more info and a letter located here.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Republican Senator Stops Cheap Medicines for Americans
If anyone ever wondered exactly how much power the big drug companies have in Washington, just look at the vote yesterday in the Senate. The Senate took up Senate bill 1082 which was to make some changes to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Senator Dorgan (D-ND) offered an amendment to allow for the re importation of pharmaceuticals into the United States from countries like Canada who are sold the same drugs by American firms that we have here...but for up to 50% less. This is an effort that was started by then Congressman and now Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) about a decade ago. The notion is to cut down on our health care costs and not make people choose between food and their medicines. The amendment passed by voice vote. Why should Americans be punished with higher priced prescription drugs by the very companies who have received OUR tax dollars for research to develop these drugs? Seems logical, right? Enter corrupt and bought off politician.
Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) offered what is called a second degree amendment to the common sense, money saving and long overdue Dorgan amendment. The amendment would require the FDA to certify that everyone of these re imported drugs is safe. The Bush Administration and his FDA had already said that they can't accomplish this. This is what's called a poison pill amendment and it's intended to totally negate what another amendment did. The poison pill passed 49-40. Cochran sold Americans up the river in his effort to make sure that his buddies in the drug companies can continue to bilk Americans for the foreseeable future. You do want to look at who helped him out and who wasn't there to help Americans contain their medical costs.
Was the amendment by Cochran necessary? Unequivocally not. These drugs have been coming over the border for years and there is not one instance where someone taking these medications they purchased in Canada became ill as a result. Add to this that the Bush Administration has been cutting the funding for FDA while giving drug companies bigger tax breaks and access to more of our tax dollars for research which leads to massive profits and this is not only wrong; it's disgusting.
When you look at who voted for the Cochran amendment you will see some Democrats on the list of supporters. They need to hear from you and I like to think that some of them are planning striking the language when this bill goes to conference with the House bill to hash out the differences. You will see staunch supporters of the people like Ted Kennedy listed in support of this bill. As I said, I hope this is his plan. You will also see a list of the usual suspects like Joe Lieberman, Mary Landrieu and Max Baucus who defy definition. Do they think it's the right thing? Yes, for their campaign accounts.
So how much influence do the drug companies have in Washington? They just made a few senators cast votes for a poison pill amendment that had it not been passed, would have helped us out at the bargaining table by taking some of the cost of health care away as we try to increase wages for workers through collective bargaining. They have enough influence to have the Dorgan amendment passed by voice vote o when there is a recorded vote for the Cochran amendment, you don't have a bunch of " I actually voted for the amendment before I voted against it" Hopefully these senators will put on their summer footwear attire when it comes time to hash this out in conference committee. Until then, they need to hear from us.
Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) offered what is called a second degree amendment to the common sense, money saving and long overdue Dorgan amendment. The amendment would require the FDA to certify that everyone of these re imported drugs is safe. The Bush Administration and his FDA had already said that they can't accomplish this. This is what's called a poison pill amendment and it's intended to totally negate what another amendment did. The poison pill passed 49-40. Cochran sold Americans up the river in his effort to make sure that his buddies in the drug companies can continue to bilk Americans for the foreseeable future. You do want to look at who helped him out and who wasn't there to help Americans contain their medical costs.
Was the amendment by Cochran necessary? Unequivocally not. These drugs have been coming over the border for years and there is not one instance where someone taking these medications they purchased in Canada became ill as a result. Add to this that the Bush Administration has been cutting the funding for FDA while giving drug companies bigger tax breaks and access to more of our tax dollars for research which leads to massive profits and this is not only wrong; it's disgusting.
When you look at who voted for the Cochran amendment you will see some Democrats on the list of supporters. They need to hear from you and I like to think that some of them are planning striking the language when this bill goes to conference with the House bill to hash out the differences. You will see staunch supporters of the people like Ted Kennedy listed in support of this bill. As I said, I hope this is his plan. You will also see a list of the usual suspects like Joe Lieberman, Mary Landrieu and Max Baucus who defy definition. Do they think it's the right thing? Yes, for their campaign accounts.
So how much influence do the drug companies have in Washington? They just made a few senators cast votes for a poison pill amendment that had it not been passed, would have helped us out at the bargaining table by taking some of the cost of health care away as we try to increase wages for workers through collective bargaining. They have enough influence to have the Dorgan amendment passed by voice vote o when there is a recorded vote for the Cochran amendment, you don't have a bunch of " I actually voted for the amendment before I voted against it" Hopefully these senators will put on their summer footwear attire when it comes time to hash this out in conference committee. Until then, they need to hear from us.
The High Road to Economic Development
Its days like today that make me love this state! 82 degrees and sunny, what else could we ask for? How’s about an investment in our state? It’s Election Day and many cities are voting on a millage for their schools and various ballot items
An article written in the “The School Administrator” really sums up why I believe we need to support the public education systems in our communities. While the article was written last year it points out several very important reasons to consider spending money on education an investment rather than a burden.
The article looks at the “antiquated view” we have of economic development:
The article goes on to discuss “a high road to economic development”
Next, there is a long list of the societal benefits of funding education and some of the costs of not funding it. This section called “Why It Matters” is very insightful and has some eye-opening figures. The article goes on to discuss the how portion with a very administrative slant that is likely very helpful to superintendents or board of ed. members. Here is the entire article.
Looking at some of what is going on in Michigan with regards to cuts being made to education I was surprised to see this podcast from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan where he makes some VERY SERIOUS suggestions about where local schools might need to make cuts in order to continue operating for the full school year. In the Saginaw area school leaders expressed their anger in an emergency meeting, here is the full article.
And in one of the most shameful stories you will hear about locally, state Senator Michelle McManus(R-Lake Leelanau) actually called security on a group of 4th graders who were on a class field trip to the state capital, pathetic! The kids after hearing about the cuts to their school wore shirts saying -$125, signifying the amount their school would lose per pupil, the students never vocalized a complaint and went about their field trip in a well behaved fashion. Here is the full story. And here is the breakdown of what her district stands to lose in funding.
An article written in the “The School Administrator” really sums up why I believe we need to support the public education systems in our communities. While the article was written last year it points out several very important reasons to consider spending money on education an investment rather than a burden.
The article looks at the “antiquated view” we have of economic development:
Sadly, the common definition of economic development is one that focuses
narrowly on an antiquated and myopic perspective on business climate, one
characterized by low taxes, lax regulations and low wages. Unfortunately, this
approach to a good business climate is actually a race to the bottom.
The article goes on to discuss “a high road to economic development”
A better way to consider economic development is that it balances efforts to
enhance profitability with other objectives, such as more equitable place-based
growth, broadened asset and business ownership by the disadvantaged, increased
middle-class job and career advancement opportunities, more environmentally
compatible development and enhanced and new public goods. Ultimately, economic
progress is achieved in places where everybody matters and development health is
judged not just by profits and patents, but by wages, benefits and the quality
of working life. This is the high road to economic development, and its prime
imperative is to promote a more widely shared and sustainable standard of
living.
Next, there is a long list of the societal benefits of funding education and some of the costs of not funding it. This section called “Why It Matters” is very insightful and has some eye-opening figures. The article goes on to discuss the how portion with a very administrative slant that is likely very helpful to superintendents or board of ed. members. Here is the entire article.
Looking at some of what is going on in Michigan with regards to cuts being made to education I was surprised to see this podcast from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan where he makes some VERY SERIOUS suggestions about where local schools might need to make cuts in order to continue operating for the full school year. In the Saginaw area school leaders expressed their anger in an emergency meeting, here is the full article.
And in one of the most shameful stories you will hear about locally, state Senator Michelle McManus(R-Lake Leelanau) actually called security on a group of 4th graders who were on a class field trip to the state capital, pathetic! The kids after hearing about the cuts to their school wore shirts saying -$125, signifying the amount their school would lose per pupil, the students never vocalized a complaint and went about their field trip in a well behaved fashion. Here is the full story. And here is the breakdown of what her district stands to lose in funding.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Edwards for President
John Edwards appeared on George Stephanopolous today and honestly, I've never seen anything like it. George tried to bait him repeatedly about "changing his position" on things and asked if Americans could really trust him as to whether or not he was changing his mind to get votes. I wish the former Senator would have responded with something like this:
"Do you remember when you were younger and you thought you knew everything and you made decisions in that way?" Do you remember when you were ten years older than that and you looked back and said, God was I dumb and then proceeded to make another decision that didn't turn out the way you hoped it would?" I remember when I was a Senator. I was proud to serve the people and my job was to make decisions. I used the intelligence that I was given to make that decision and then, after the fact, I find out that it was bunk intelligence. Every Member of Congress was lied to by President Bush and his cronies. Some, like me, care and want to set the record straight; others don't.
I am upset about that and the best thing I can do is be honest and say i made the wrong decision. And for how upset I am, our men and women in the military should be upset beyond words. They were sent to Iraq based on a lie, this president is living a lie and when I'm elected president I will not lie to the American people to justify anything I want to do as president. I will rely upon good and honest people regardless of their party affiliation, race, color, religion and filter everything through the lens of what is best for this country, our world and making sure we leave the world in a better state than it was left for us.
Is John Edwards saying what he says to win the Democratic nomination? We don't really know until he is president. But, unlike his fellow Democrats, he's saying the right things on what matters to the millions of people who are scared of losing their job, health insurance, retirement security and their hope that one day we'll have an honest person in the White House who may make a mistake, but he'll fess up, try and fix it and it won't be made because he relied on bad information.
He may not have said this but I'm sure when he reflects on that interview by a former Clinton White House employee I'm confident he would answer with something like this.
"Do you remember when you were younger and you thought you knew everything and you made decisions in that way?" Do you remember when you were ten years older than that and you looked back and said, God was I dumb and then proceeded to make another decision that didn't turn out the way you hoped it would?" I remember when I was a Senator. I was proud to serve the people and my job was to make decisions. I used the intelligence that I was given to make that decision and then, after the fact, I find out that it was bunk intelligence. Every Member of Congress was lied to by President Bush and his cronies. Some, like me, care and want to set the record straight; others don't.
I am upset about that and the best thing I can do is be honest and say i made the wrong decision. And for how upset I am, our men and women in the military should be upset beyond words. They were sent to Iraq based on a lie, this president is living a lie and when I'm elected president I will not lie to the American people to justify anything I want to do as president. I will rely upon good and honest people regardless of their party affiliation, race, color, religion and filter everything through the lens of what is best for this country, our world and making sure we leave the world in a better state than it was left for us.
Is John Edwards saying what he says to win the Democratic nomination? We don't really know until he is president. But, unlike his fellow Democrats, he's saying the right things on what matters to the millions of people who are scared of losing their job, health insurance, retirement security and their hope that one day we'll have an honest person in the White House who may make a mistake, but he'll fess up, try and fix it and it won't be made because he relied on bad information.
He may not have said this but I'm sure when he reflects on that interview by a former Clinton White House employee I'm confident he would answer with something like this.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Down South
Straight outta Lee County, North Carolina, I wanted to share some info and thoughts with you...
North Carolina's progressive income tax rates start at 6%. After you reach the poverty line or so it goes up to 7%. Michigan's regressive rate is 3.9%. North Carolina's sales tax is also higher. The income tax and sales tax are certainly NOT two areas where Michigan residents are overtaxed.
Dear Michigan voter: Please do two things as soon as you can. First, demand a state constitutional convention in 2010. This year is bad, and next year will be worse. A 1963 model of government is no longer adequate. Unless somehow Democrats can get 3 Republican senators recalled and replaced with Democrats, this is what you are going to have until 2010. The Constitution prior to 1963 lasted 55 years. Forty-seven years for the replacement is a pretty good run.
Second, please understand how many school districts you have. I counted them up-yes, not much of a life here-and just a quick check of the State Department of Education list shows over 550 districts. Think about how many superintendents you're paying for! That one individual makes more than any other employee of the school district but spends precious little time with children. If you're paying to educate kids put more money in the classroom by cutting the massive amount of administrative spending. I can think of a lot of good uses for the money Lansing paid their new super to move. I'm pretty sure $5000 would do some good in a school library somewhere in the district. Lansing just said 51 teachers are on their layoff list-I'd rather see 51 administrators. Kids probably won't cry when they leave. I taught at Sexton High School in Lansing last year. Thirty-seven kids in a class is bad for students, teachers, and parents.
So what I'm throwing out there is a statewide system of schools based around the county. It would be similar to what I've seen down here in North Carolina. A few cities have their own school district, and then every county has an elected board of education. The County Board of Commissioners controls the money the board can spend. Think about it...over 550 districts down to about 100. The ridiculous situation Engler left behind, where the state provides the money but somehow areas that can't raise their own money except for technology and building schools have "local control", is wiped away.
It's just one possibility. It doesn't require any money to be thrown at anything. North Carolina is most likely going to either tie Michigan or have more representatives in Congress than Michigan in the next Census, so this isn't an idea coming from some little state. And it's better than the current discussion of education in Michigan.
North Carolina's progressive income tax rates start at 6%. After you reach the poverty line or so it goes up to 7%. Michigan's regressive rate is 3.9%. North Carolina's sales tax is also higher. The income tax and sales tax are certainly NOT two areas where Michigan residents are overtaxed.
Dear Michigan voter: Please do two things as soon as you can. First, demand a state constitutional convention in 2010. This year is bad, and next year will be worse. A 1963 model of government is no longer adequate. Unless somehow Democrats can get 3 Republican senators recalled and replaced with Democrats, this is what you are going to have until 2010. The Constitution prior to 1963 lasted 55 years. Forty-seven years for the replacement is a pretty good run.
Second, please understand how many school districts you have. I counted them up-yes, not much of a life here-and just a quick check of the State Department of Education list shows over 550 districts. Think about how many superintendents you're paying for! That one individual makes more than any other employee of the school district but spends precious little time with children. If you're paying to educate kids put more money in the classroom by cutting the massive amount of administrative spending. I can think of a lot of good uses for the money Lansing paid their new super to move. I'm pretty sure $5000 would do some good in a school library somewhere in the district. Lansing just said 51 teachers are on their layoff list-I'd rather see 51 administrators. Kids probably won't cry when they leave. I taught at Sexton High School in Lansing last year. Thirty-seven kids in a class is bad for students, teachers, and parents.
So what I'm throwing out there is a statewide system of schools based around the county. It would be similar to what I've seen down here in North Carolina. A few cities have their own school district, and then every county has an elected board of education. The County Board of Commissioners controls the money the board can spend. Think about it...over 550 districts down to about 100. The ridiculous situation Engler left behind, where the state provides the money but somehow areas that can't raise their own money except for technology and building schools have "local control", is wiped away.
It's just one possibility. It doesn't require any money to be thrown at anything. North Carolina is most likely going to either tie Michigan or have more representatives in Congress than Michigan in the next Census, so this isn't an idea coming from some little state. And it's better than the current discussion of education in Michigan.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Appoint This!
Following the recent testimony of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales I noticed many people were shocked that President Bush said he was pleased and even more supportive of the Atty. Gen. Many asked the Question: after a performance like that, over 70 answers of “I don’t recall”, how could anyone be more supportive? My question to these people is: haven’t you been paying attention?
The administration has long valued loyalty over competence and placed loyalty to party over loyalty to country. The administration can’t be bothered with differences of opinion after all when you are always right why waste time convincing people of the truth. The Executive branch has sought to further its power by propping up incompetent “yes men and women” in many appointments throughout the government. The result of appointing people based on loyalty and like minded extreme ideology has lead to some of the most bizarrely hypocritical behavior that the country has ever seen. Julie MacDonald recently resigned an appointment as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks. An article from the AP gave us this on the
resignation:
MacDonald, a civil engineer with no formal training in natural sciences, had served in her post since 2004. She was a senior adviser in the department for two years before that.
Julie Macdonald had pressured scientist to change findings and had leaked confidential documents to private sector sources to protect them. Read the full story here. There are stories like this one throughout the government where Bush appointees are trying to manipulate and intimidate scientists to get more business friendly results. here is a "A to Z guide to Political Interference with Science".
We are just starting to find out about Randall Tobias, the recently resigned Deputy Secretary of State who is involved with the "D.C. Madam" at some level. the real story here is that PEPFAR, a global health campaign headed by Tobias, was only giving grants and funding to countries and aid organizations that would officially denounce prostitution. There is more hypocrisy to this story and it is well laid out here by the Houston Chronicle here.
These are just two examples of many, I have already written about others here. I don't intend to stop writing about them until the president stops appointing them!
The administration has long valued loyalty over competence and placed loyalty to party over loyalty to country. The administration can’t be bothered with differences of opinion after all when you are always right why waste time convincing people of the truth. The Executive branch has sought to further its power by propping up incompetent “yes men and women” in many appointments throughout the government. The result of appointing people based on loyalty and like minded extreme ideology has lead to some of the most bizarrely hypocritical behavior that the country has ever seen. Julie MacDonald recently resigned an appointment as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks. An article from the AP gave us this on the
resignation:
"Julie MacDonald's reign of terror over the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service is finally over," said Kieran Suckling, policy director of the
Center for Biological Diversity. "Endangered species and scientists everywhere
are breathing a sigh of relief."
MacDonald, a civil engineer with no formal training in natural sciences, had served in her post since 2004. She was a senior adviser in the department for two years before that.
Julie Macdonald had pressured scientist to change findings and had leaked confidential documents to private sector sources to protect them. Read the full story here. There are stories like this one throughout the government where Bush appointees are trying to manipulate and intimidate scientists to get more business friendly results. here is a "A to Z guide to Political Interference with Science".
We are just starting to find out about Randall Tobias, the recently resigned Deputy Secretary of State who is involved with the "D.C. Madam" at some level. the real story here is that PEPFAR, a global health campaign headed by Tobias, was only giving grants and funding to countries and aid organizations that would officially denounce prostitution. There is more hypocrisy to this story and it is well laid out here by the Houston Chronicle here.
These are just two examples of many, I have already written about others here. I don't intend to stop writing about them until the president stops appointing them!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Will of the people? Never Heard of Him!
In the same manner in which the president has ignored the will of the people recently by vetoing the funding for the troops, Bush has also started the push to open even more land to oil and gas drilling. The latest target for the oil lobby: Virginia and Alaska, the Chesapeake Bay off the coast of Virginia and in Alaska the same area that was devastated by the Exxon Valdez oil tanker spill. An article in the NY times shared some of the Democratic responses to the news:
The full article is here.
The Bush administration has also targeted other public lands such as YELLOWSTONE PARK! Yes even Yellowstone is not safe from the path of destruction that this administration is waging on our public lands. The Wilderness Society has put together a letter for us to send urging the Bureau of Land Management to at least slow the expansion of the drilling to a more reasonable rate, here is the letter.
But Democrats in Congress criticized the plans for Alaska and Virginia, and they
are likely to extend the current ban on drilling off Virginia. Gov. Tim Kaine of
Virginia, a Democrat, said he supported limited drilling for exploration but has
refused to endorse production.
“Whatever pressing energy issue comes before
the American people, the Bush administration always responds with the same oil
answer: more oil,” said Representative Nick J. Rahall II, Democrat of West
Virginia and chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee.
The full article is here.
The Bush administration has also targeted other public lands such as YELLOWSTONE PARK! Yes even Yellowstone is not safe from the path of destruction that this administration is waging on our public lands. The Wilderness Society has put together a letter for us to send urging the Bureau of Land Management to at least slow the expansion of the drilling to a more reasonable rate, here is the letter.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Happy May Day!
Happy May Day!!! We in the U.S. celebrate Labor day but lets not forget that the rest of the world celebrates May Day, which originated in the U.S. after winning the fight for the eight hour work day, here is some more info on May Day.
Another blogger named Jim Ramelis wrote a passionate and well written post about May Day and what it SHOULD mean to all of us. PLEASE read this post it is very powerful!
Another blogger named Jim Ramelis wrote a passionate and well written post about May Day and what it SHOULD mean to all of us. PLEASE read this post it is very powerful!
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