2014 Primary Edition: Cronyism, Corruption, Lies, Spies and Incumbents
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report, Politics, The Bain Report on August 3, 2014
Tuesday August 5th you have a choice to cast your votes for more of the same old status quo or to cast your votes for real change of Freedom and Liberty which will you choose? 
We the people in the true conservative grassroots Tea Party made a statement in 2010 and put those into power and control here in Michigan thinking we had done the right thing. Unfortunately what we have seen is the exact opposite of what we thought we were getting!
If one was to study and compare the policies that have been enacted in the last four years it’s clear we have had the “wool” pulled over our eyes by false promises and representation out of those we elected to serve our best interest.
Will we continue down this path by casting our votes for more of the same or will we make those that have betrayed us pay the ultimate price for giving us the shaft? I for one will not let this betrayal slide by because of the old argument that casting my vote for one evil over another is the “right” thing to do! 
If Governor Snyder and the Republican controlled legislature is re-elected this will only send a message to them that we like what you are doing and it will be full steam ahead with more liberal and progressive policies we can ill afford here in Michigan.
It’s high time we as a people make a stand and say enough is enough of this top down “dictating” approach that many of us are not at all happy with the direction we are being led that the political party leaders think they know what’s best for Michigan citizens and their families.
We the People are supposed to be in charge “NOT” the Party or the Party bosses along with their big money donors who set public policy over the very one’s who elected them to serve us! If your content with being dictated to and being led like sheep then I feel for you but the problem is your taking those of us who chose the “right” path down with you.
Bailouts, Common Core aka (Communist Core) SnyderCaid (Medicaid Expansion aka ObamaCare) Corruption and Cronyism for the “Friends and Family” program along with the “Business Buddies” fund of the politicians must stop! We have had higher taxes bestowed upon us in the last four years and a expansion of government that we don’t want or need and it’s getting out of control. 
Don’t fall for the rhetoric that any Republican is better than any “evil” Democrat because if you do your just getting a different kind of “evil” and remember evil is still evil no matter which way you spin it.
A couple founding quotes ring true today by one of our founding fathers and his son.
In politics the middle way is none at all ~ John Adams
Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost ~ John Quincy Adams
We have moved.
Posted by rabman13 in Uncatergorized on March 21, 2014
Companies Lay-Off Thousands, Close Stores, Affects “Michigan Workers”
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report, Politics, The Bain Report on March 9, 2014
A Tsunami of Store Closings and Layoffs
I’ve been posting and reporting this for months now while some choose to blow off my reports even going as far as saying the economy is doing much better!
That day of reckoning, some say, has arrived, with one retail watcher predicting a “tsunami” of store closings this year.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140308/BIZ02/303080019
Hewlett-Packard Expands Job Cuts by another 5,000
The computer company will eliminate 5,000 more jobs than originally planned, bringing the total number of layoffs to 34,000 by October. Hewlett-Packard employs thousands of workers here in Michigan.
http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/morning_call/2014/01/hewlett-packard-expands-job-cuts-by.html
RadioShack to Close up to 1,100 U.S. Stores
The Company didn’t immediately identify which stores will close or how many jobs would be affected. A call to the company, based in Fort Worth, Texas, was not returned Tuesday afternoon. RadioShack employs thousands of workers here in Michigan.
Staples to Shutter 225 stores
It’s is unclear how many jobs will be lost or what locations will be shuttered. The company did not immediately return a call from the Associated Press early Thursday. Staples employ thousands of workers here in Michigan.
Denver-based Quiznos to file for Bankruptcy
Quiznos operated about 5,000 restaurants at its peak in 2008, but the count has since dropped to an estimated 2,100 worldwide, including 1,400 in the U.S.
There are numerous Quiznos restaurants located throughout Michigan that employ thousands of workers. Quiznos is the second-largest submarine sandwich shop chain in North America, after Subway.
http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_25241309/quiznos-preparing-file-bankruptcy-protection
Jobs Report: Read Between the Lines When the Media Manipulate the Numbers
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report, Politics, The Bain Report on March 6, 2014
If statistics are like bikinis, revealing only what is interesting; the monthly government jobs data is the swimsuit cover-up. While the headlines out of the report capture a glance, the revealing information is inside.
http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/02/27/3660286/the-week-ahead-look-below-the.html
Michigan Unemployment Rate Plummets to 7.8 percent?
An article published by mlive.com on March 05, 2014 the day after my article on Michigan being the “false” Comeback State is chalk full of misleading information bordering on fuzzy math and propaganda! It sure looks like the liberal media with their “presstitutes” are on the Snyder administration’s liberal payroll?
Definition of “presstitutes” – A person or media entity reporting news in such a biased manner; misleadingly tailoring news to fit a particular partisan, financial or business agenda.
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/presstitute
These numbers, released Wednesday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget a quasi non-elected government agency would anyone expect anything different especially in an election season.
Those within this agency are given jobs by “team” Snyder and we shouldn’t expect a true picture of the unemployment and job numbers.
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget was created by former Democrat Governor Jennifer Granholm in 2009 under Executive Order No. 2007 – 30 and was effective March 21, 2010.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Department_of_Technology,_Management,_and_Budget
Michigan as the “Comeback State” Defies Even Common Sense or Better Yet “Pure Propaganda”
https://bainreport.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/michigan-as-the-comeback-state-defies-even-common-sense-or-better-yet-pure-propaganda/
Michigan as the “Comeback State” Defies Even Common Sense or Better Yet “Pure Propaganda”
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report, Politics, The Bain Report on March 5, 2014
Well it’s election season and the propaganda is in full force. Governor Rick Snyder is trying to redefine not only himself as the “Comeback Kid” reinventing Michigan calling it the comeback state, but the very term common sense. It is critical to the future of our state that voters not fall for either attempt.
It has been pointed out by others and is still worth repeating: Working Michigan families have not experienced a comeback, and therefore the moniker “Comeback Kid” is laughable. The narrative of Snyder’s re-election ad rings decidedly flat for those still experiencing unemployment and under employment in Michigan.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140219/OPINION01/302190004/Comeback-talk-defies-common-sense 
Our state has the fourth highest unemployment in the nation, and almost 400,000 out-of-work “Michiganians” are still waiting for the governor to create “more and better” jobs. Michigan ranks near the bottom, 47th in the nation for not just unemployment but as one of the worst states for doing business.
High taxation, over regulation and crony capitalism is but a few of the issues keeping Michigan at the bottom in both of these categories.
Michigan ranks near bottom of Forbes’ Best States for doing Business
Forbes’ annual Best States for Business list as of year ending 2013 ranked Michigan at No. 47 of the 50 states.
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20130925/NEWS/130929908/michigan-ranks-near-bottom-of-forbes-best-states-for-business-list#
Virginia ranked first and is also one of the 24 right-to-work states that now includes Michigan. Areas that hurt Michigan’s rating included business cost (the state ranked no. 38), labor supply (no. 48), economic climate (no. 47) and growth prospects (no. 47).
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2013/09/25/virginia-tops-2013-list-of-the-best-states-for-business/
Business cost is based off Moody’s Analytics cost of doing business, which includes labor, energy and taxes. Labor supply measures educational attainment based off Census data and also considers migration and population projections.
Economic climate measures economic output as well as unemployment during the past five years. Growth prospects measures job, income and gross state product forecasts from Moody’s Analytics.
http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm
When our Republican controlled legislature is more concerned with the “Friends and Family” programs and the “Business Buddy Fund” along with legislation benefiting themselves and un-related to creating an environment conducive to job creation, “Houston We Citizens of Michigan Have a Huge Problem!”
Concentrating on such legislation as “A Mortgage Bill for the MIGOP Chairman’s Brother” and passing laws regulating “Pigeon’s” along with wasting taxpayer money and time on a legislative “Polar Plunge” during session is unconscionable.
But it just doesn’t end there. The state of Michigan continues to harass private small business owners such as Mark Baker and his “pig” farm. I guess Mr. Baker doesn’t donate to the campaign coffer’s of our elected official’s or have the clout that the Michigan Pork Producers Association does who pay through donations for access and favorable legislation from our legislators?
Michigan Judge Ruling: Mark Baker Can Raise His “Feral” Pigs, But What About Everyone Else?
The state of Michigan wasn’t seeking any longer to bar Baker from raising his pigs, and wasn’t seeking to impose the $700,000 fine it levied last year. But the damage to the Baker family was already done emotionally and financially.
http://thecompletepatient.com/article/2014/february/27/mi-judge-ruling-mark-baker-can-raise-his-%E2%80%9Cferal%E2%80%9D-pigs-what-about-everyone
Sources:
Retroactive state law lets GOP chairman’s brother off hook for $2.4 million
http://www.freep.com/article/20120331/NEWS15/203310415/
In Lansing, a mortgage bill tailored for one
http://www.freep.com/article/20120401/COL04/204010479/
2013 Senate Bill 631: Revise carrier pigeon licensure mandate (Senate Roll Call 53)
Passed 34 to 0 in the Senate on February 26, 2014.
To prohibit a person from getting a state-mandated carrier pigeon license if his or her facilities do not meet regulations imposed by the local government, but preempt locals from banning carrier pigeons outright.
http://michiganvotes.org/RollCall.aspx?ID=685602
2014 Legislative Polar Plunge
Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley Led State Officials in taking the Legislative Polar Plunge
Raising money for charity is an admirable cause but not on taxpayer time. If any Michigan worker were to do this as an employee at their work place do you really think their employer would go for it?
I don’t think so and they would be looking for a new job! Our elected officials are elected to serve all Michigan citizens and not just one special group.
This bipartisan group of legislators had a swimming pool brought in and filled with warm water to take this plunge in front of the Capitol building in Lansing. Some wore suits, some wore costumes such as superman and one was dressed as a German-Austrian with a stein full of beer. Keep in mind this was at 3:00 in the afternoon while “in session.”
http://www.adn.com/2014/02/27/3349135/calley-others-take-plunge-for.html
Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu3HEXH2utU
2013 introduced a resolution for “Talk Like a Pirate Day”
Senator Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Twp. in 2013 introduced a resolution for “Talk Like a Pirate Day” that was approved by his fellow legislators.
Khan celebrated the passage by taking the podium Tuesday while wearing a black eye patch and saying, “It’s time, and now recognized, that the state of Michigan acknowledges this holiday and grants it the recognition it truly deserves.”
Kahn pointed out that Michigan is the Great Lakes state and should support and promote “worthy maritime initiatives.”
http://michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=160886
Are We Michiganians or Michiganders?
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report, Politics, The Bain Report on March 4, 2014
Is Governor Snyder’s Use of the Term “Michiganders” Discriminatory to Women? Michiganian is the “official” term for a person from Michigan, according to the U.S. Government Printing Office.
The Michigan Historical Center also uses Michiganian, and it is the term of choice in the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections, a 40 volume collection of reminiscences, transcripts of historical documents and other historical material about Michigan life dating back to the 1870s.
http://mittenhistory.com/2013/03/05/are-we-michiganians-or-michiganders/
The term goose applies to the female in particular while gander applies to the male in particular. So when Governor Snyder uses the term Michigander he is essentially leaving woman out of the equation and is discriminatory towards Michigan women. Therefore the correct term as to be all inclusive including both male and female citizens should be Michiganians.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goose
The number of women serving in the Michigan state Legislature’s “Good ‘Ole Boy’s Club” has fallen to a 20-year low. Michigan is ranked 36th in the nation in terms of female representation in the Legislature. Even though women represent 51% of the state’s population, only 18.9% of the legislators in Lansing are female.
Governor Rick Snyder Flips Position Agrees with Clinton to “Force Internet Sales Tax”
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report, Politics, The Bain Report on March 3, 2014
Snyder “Favors” State Action on “Internet Taxes!” Governor Rick Snyder said Wednesday the Legislature should tackle the problem of collecting sales tax on Internet purchases instead of waiting for action by Congress as he’s previously advocated.
Snyder’s shifting view on the issue came one day after The Detroit News first reported his newly appointed state treasurer, Kevin Clinton, came out in favor of the so-called “Main Street Fairness Act” legislation aimed at forcing all Internet retailers to collect the sales tax.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140226/POLITICS02/302260099
Main Street Fairness Act was introduced by a Democrat.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Street_Fairness_Act
Snyder’s Newly Appointed State Treasurer Clinton: Force Internet retailers to collect Michigan’s sales tax
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140225/POLITICS02/302250063/Treasurer-Force-Internet-retailers-collect-Michigan-s-sales-tax
Is it time for Michigan’s Legislature to go Part-Time?
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report, Politics, The Bain Report on March 2, 2014
Full-Time Hypocrisy Just Say “YES” to a Part-Time Legislature
The taxpayers of Michigan would be better “served” with a part-time legislature and it would be more in line with the “Pure Michigan” theme. Michigan legislators worked (in session) only 81 days during 2012 and 100 days in 2011; pay them accordingly.
The way it’s set up now only works for the legislators, the powerful “lobbyist” and “special interest” that contribute to their campaign coffers. Essentially public policy is set by these groups over “We the People” who have elected them to represent and serve us. The public be damned.
The idea that they are working for us just does not cut it. The only thing they are working on is getting re-elected so that they don’t lose the gravy train they already enjoy along with their spot at the public “feeding” trough.
Many legislators constantly complain about people receiving welfare benefits without knowing their situations by claiming they are lazy and refuse to look for work. These legislators are in session for less than half of the 365 days a year, and yet receive all the benefits of a full-time worker.
They are nothing more than elected welfare recipients, getting all the benefits from the taxpayers in this state without having to show up for work.
Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce advocates for some semblance of legislative reform, especially in light of the fact that far and away the majority of states across the nation accomplish their work on a part-time basis and have for years.
Since they were able to pass 282 bills (that the majority of us didn’t want) in three weeks of the lame-duck session, three to four weeks is all they need to work. Cut their pay 75% with no more free public-paid health care. Maybe then the citizens of Michigan will finally get their money’s worth.
Feel the pain – it’s time for the part-timers to become part-time. Our illustrious Legislature is overdue to become part-time. Since they act like part-timers and meet so infrequently, let’s make them what they are: part-time! While we’re at it, reduce that over inflated salary to part-time status as well. It’s time these politicians feel the same pain we do with reduced incomes, higher taxes and less benefits.
With big money including “corporations as people,” controlling the legislative process representing the people of your district is a dream.
The only communication I receive from my legislator is a reply from a staff person telling me why my representative disagrees with my position or suggestion, if I receive even that. I have been told by my representative that I just don’t understand how the legislative process works! Oh but I understand all to well.
http://www.freep.com/article/20130204/OPINION04/302040006/Letters-Michigan-legislators-work-only-80-days-pay-them-accordingly
Let’s take a look just some of the wasted time spent by our elected lawmakers in Lansing shall we.
Here in 2014 while our legislators were “in session” Senator Rick Jones (R) got into a facebook exchange with the president of the Michigan Open Carry organization over the Remington Gun manufacturer building a plant in Alabama bringing that state over 2,000 jobs.
Looks to me like our legislators have way to much time on their hands! If they have the time while “in session” to surf the Internet and get into debates we need a part-time legislature.
Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley Led State Officials in taking the Legislative Polar Plunge
Raising money for charity is an admirable cause but not on taxpayer time. If any Michigan worker were to do this as an employee at their work place do you really think their employer would go for it?
I don’t think so and they would be looking for a new job! Our elected officials are elected to serve all Michigan citizens and not just one special group.
This bipartisan group of legislators had a swimming pool brought in and filled with warm water to take this plunge in front of the Capitol building in Lansing. Some wore suits, some wore costumes such as superman and one was dressed as a German-Austrian with a stein full of beer. Keep in mind this was at 3:00 in the afternoon while “in session.”
http://www.adn.com/2014/02/27/3349135/calley-others-take-plunge-for.html
Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Twp. in 2013 introduced a resolution for “Talk Like a Pirate Day” that was approved by his fellow legislators. Khan celebrated the passage by taking the podium Tuesday while wearing a black eye patch and saying, “It’s time, and now recognized, that the state of Michigan acknowledges this holiday and grants it the recognition it truly deserves.” Kahn pointed out that Michigan is the Great Lakes state and should support and promote “worthy maritime initiatives.”
Michigan Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing, however, didn’t think very highly of the resolution. “I just want to thank the senator from the 32nd District for making the most compelling argument he could for a part-time legislature,” Whitmer said.
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/22518808/michigan-to-officially-recognize-talk-like-a-pirate-day
Is now the time for Michigan’s Legislature to go part-time?
You bet it is! I and many I have conversed with all agree that the less time our elected officials spend in Lansing the less damage they can do! More time spent with constituents in their districts and their concerns and the less time spent with “lobbyist” and “special interest” that “pay” for their agenda to be advanced on public policy the better.
The Tea Party, Conservatism, and the Constitution
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report, Politics, The Bain Report on February 28, 2014
With the flurry of “tax increases” that have been levied upon the taxpaying citizens of Michigan at the hands of the Republican controlled legislature in Lansing since gaining power and control with the help of the Tea Party in 2010 is unconscionable.
The Tea Party movement is named, of course, for the famous event in late 1773 when cases of tea were dumped unceremoniously into the Boston harbor. The Boston Tea Party was a carefully orchestrated strike against a commodity that was being taxed and sold by a monopoly provider the British East India Tea Company. The tea the Sons of Liberty dumped into Boston Harbor was in fact from China.
http://www.bostonteapartyship.com/the-tea-act
The link below is an excellent read for those Tea Party Conservative Patriots of Freedom and Liberty who strongly believe in a Constitutional government and a return to those principles that have lost their way in today’s tyrannical government. The following is adapted from a speech delivered by Charles R. Kesler on October 21, 2013, at Hillsdale College’s Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the AWC Family Foundation Lecture Series.
China Benefits from Michigan Taxpayers with our Lansing Legislator’s Help
Posted by rabman13 in Bain Report, Politics, The Bain Report on February 26, 2014
Taxpayers Lose Again, Fisker Automotive Sold to China’s Wanxiang
Wanxiang bought Fisker’s battery supplier, A123 Systems LLC, last year through a similar bankruptcy sale. A123 and Fisker were both recipients of a controversial U.S. Department of Energy loan program meant to support clean energy technology. Michigan taxpayers also suffered dearly when the quasi UN-elected MEDC give away tax dollars to A123 Systems in taxpayer funded subsidies.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/18/us-fisker-wanxiang-sale-idUSBREA1H1LM20140218
Michigan‘s A123 Systems Files for Bankruptcy
State Battery-Plant Subsidy was a “Risky Venture” from the onset with several economist warnings. The Michigan and Government-funded battery maker files for bankruptcy after receiving $249.1 million federal grant money (taxpayer dollars). A123 Systems received a $100 million “cash subsidy” (taxpayer dollars) from the state of Michigan for a 75-acre facility the company had leased in Romulus.
The subsidy was in the form of cash because the plant had been granted “renaissance zone” status by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. This is yet another in the long line of failures of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. an entity that should and must be abolished as to cut the size and scope of Michigan Government and save the taxpayers money!
http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/13557
A123 Systems won another $125 million in tax credits and incentives from the Michigan Economic Development Corp in spring 2009 and a $10 million cash grant from the state in fall 2008. Just move along nothing to see here Michigan Taxpayers just more of our tax dollars down the drain courtesy of the “failed” Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC).
http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/a123-systems-no-assurance-it-can-continue-to-operate-as-a-business-filing-says/
China’s Wanxiang Corp. Bought A123 Systems now Fisker
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/02/18/will-purchase-hybrid-car-firm-make-player-auto-industry/PrkLDrmgtN8UJR2mRdEv6J/story.html
Wanxiang Group Buys American Battery Maker
Michigan taxpayers ponied up a plenty in subsidies for this failed battery maker that was purchased by China’s Wanxiang America Corp.through the “failed” MEDC.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/30/business/wanxiang-group-buys-american-battery-maker.html?_r=0
Wanxiang buys A123 systems
https://www.google.com/#q=Wanxiang+buys+A123+systems
Fisker’s assets to go to Wanxiang
Along with the wreckage of A123 and countless other “stimulus”-driven financial black holes the Chinese have acquired, the government in Beijing and citizens of The People’s Republic thank the United States for both borrowing money from China and then using it to buy assets it sells back to them at pennies on the dollar. Well done Michigan Lawmakers and the “failed” MEDC along with our lawmakers in D.C. more government for everyone!
http://www.autonews.com/article/20140218/OEM05/140219858/fisker-wins-approval-to-sell-assets-to-chinas-wanxiang
Bankrupt Fisker’s assets to go to China’s Wanxiang
https://www.google.com/#q=Fisker%27s+assets+to+go+to+Wanxiang
The Bain Report 