[gnab gib]

Originally Posted by Siberia

Democrats won't be happy until every citizen in American is 100% dependant on the Government in an effort to ensure complete equality for every citizen on every level. An idiotic fantasy mix of socialistic policy in a capitalistic defined democracy.

Republicans won't be happy until we conquer and convert every "terrorist" entity into Democratic Christian Nations. And while we are at it, let corporate greed turn then entire planet a toxic waste dump with 100 degree F year round global temperatures.

How anyone can vote for either party is beyond me...the clannish/cultish vote down the party line mentality by both the politicians, and the citizens...very scary indeed...

STANDING OVATION! I wish more people felt like this ...

[gmmhastings]

Well put...now if we can get rid of the lobbyists, special interest groups, start voting specific issues without all the extra baggage, elect officials that will represent the people, then maybe we can get this country back on track.

[Coldjensens]

I cannot remember who I voted for. We were not pleased with Grandholm, her campaign message was basically "You have not seen anything yet" (no kidding?) Hardly a resounding reason for re-electing an incumbent. However I had big problems with the ethics of Amway. Could they not find better candidates than a Canadian who did nothing in four years as governor and the guy who created the Amway pyramid scheme?
I thought Arnold was disappointing (we moved here from CA in 2005). This really takes the cake. I am blown away all right. Someone said that at least Grandhom is trying to address the economic problems. What is she doing? I see no effort at all to cut pet projects that the State does not need and cannot afford nor to re-negotiate entitlements with the State employee unions. I see no effort to eliminate laws and regulations that make Michigan an unfriendly environment for businesses. Instead they tax small businesses out of existence, try to tax services so we can add a new group of businesses leaving the State, and then threaten to cut safety, let criminals out of prison (which they do now anyway) and cut school funding. This is typical political strong arm tactics that people should see through in an instant. There is plenty of room to trim the budget, it just is not politically expedient to do so.

By the way, did they fund the great college tuition giveaway program (every student who completes 2 years gets $4000)? I think that it is supposed ot start with the class of 2007. That program sounds wonderful, especially since I have four kids within 4 years of college age, but how can a State that cannot afford to keep the lights on pay for a program like this?

They need to put "None of the above" on the ballot as an option and if "none" wins, run a new election with different candidates.

What amazes me is that when I left Michigan in 1988 Don Riegel was our senator and Michigan was a donor state. I return in 2005 and Riegel is still senator. He must have substantial seniority and be on many important committees by now, yet Michigan is still a donor state. Now desert states are talking about taking our water. ( I would be happy to trade water to New Mexico if they will give us their biggest consumer of water (Intel). That would be a fair deal).

We had better elect some strong leaders soon to protect this State and its resources or we will find ourselves completely left out to dry.

Is there no leadership in Michigan?

[gmmhastings]

You hit the nail right on the head. Well stated...Thanks

[randomguymike]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

What amazes me is that when I left Michigan in 1988 Don Riegel was our senator and Michigan was a donor state. I return in 2005 and Riegel is still senator. He must have substantial seniority and be on many important committees by now, yet Michigan is still a donor state.

OK, if you don't even know who the State's senators are, you are part of the problem and not in a position to gripe. Don has not been in office since 1995. In fact, we've gone through a do-nothing Senator in Spence Abraham and are now in the midst of Silent Stabenow's tenure.

We do need to get more power in the state, but Levin is stuck on foriegn affaris and Debbie thinks the whole state is like Lansing & Claire and refuses to treat us like a major player, instead treating us like Nebraska or other traditional midwest areas bound to manufacturing and agriculture.

[Coldjensens]

Oops wrong guy. I meant Levin. When we left the senators were Levin and Riegel. The point is that we have very long term senators who should wield a lot of influence by now. Why are we still a donor State? Why is Michigan seen as a weak player in Washington? How can a politician who hopes to run for president someday dare to stand up and say that Michigan and other great lakes states need to "share" our water? Last I knew every other State sells their resources and if a politician argued that their resources should just be taken away, they would be done. Will California and Florida "share" their oranges with us? Why is there no outcry over this? Where is the leadership that is supposed to be looking after Michigan?

[gmmhastings]

Let's face it, we have no leadership. And by the way, do you think any of the politicians mentioned above take the time to read posts on this site. If they did, do you think it would make any difference? They're too detached from the real problems that face Michigan. Michigan tradition is alive and well, however in the meantime, the rest of the world is passing us by. This is the only place I've lived where nothing has really changed in the last 20 years. We need to evolve to progress. It's not only politicians, but many people who reside here. They're stuck in their old ways and don't want to change. Without change, we are surely doomed. I've tried to change the antiquated thinking of many here, but my efforts get little attention.

[SALteacher]

Originally Posted by Cliffie

I did, partly on the strength of her promise that she would not lay off any more state employees. I was laid off a few weeks after her re-election.

But that's nothing. Think how many times Engler got re-elected as he laid waste the state's economy while lining his own pockets. At least Granholm is TRYING to fix it.

I just got my first paycheck since the change in the income tax. The difference is negligible, I'm very happy to say. You guys had me sweating bullets.

Granholm, is just as guilty of lining her own pockets. Developers in her back pocket every time. So please don't pull that song and dance. Engler certainly wasn't the greatest, but she's just awful.

[Sparrow_temp]

Engler's big crime was going up against the teacher's union and being demonized because of it. Engler lowered taxes; Granholm raised taxes -- I know which I prefer.

Originally Posted by SALteacher

Granholm, is just as guilty of lining her own pockets. Developers in her back pocket every time. So please don't pull that song and dance. Engler certainly wasn't the greatest, but she's just awful.

[ErikU19]

Not Me!