The dysfunction in Lansing continues. Today Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson described a 39-bill package of election law changes introduced by Senate Republicans as “poisonous,” “un-American” and “an affront” to voters on Thursday. The legislature and governor hardly agree on anything. In the meantime, the state is suffereing more than any other state as a result of the pandemic. The deadline for the shut down of the line 5 pipe line is in the near future and there is no discussion going on between the parties involved. The legislature and governor cannot agree on how to spend the 2 billion allocation it received in December and soon there will be another 5-6 billion coming from the most recent federal stimulus package all while our roads and infrastructure are pathetic at best. All communication is either in press releases, press conferences, or legal challenges. Bi-partisan legislation is a thing of the past. Compromise is a four letter word. No one is talking to each other trying to come up with a solution that is best for our citizens. We must demand more of our state leaders. Whether Republican, conservative, liberal or Democrat, you are not doing your job to the best of your ability if you are not working together for the best of our state and our citizens.
I am not the only one frustrated with our state government. Today I received an email from a subscriber of this blog, Jim Haveman, former Director of Health and Human Services under the Engler and Snyder administrations. Jim was also the former senior advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Health, under President George W. Bush’s administration. Jim’s summary of the problem accurately reflects my feelings. Here is a copy of his email.
WE HAVE DONE BETTER
I don’t know about you but I am getting sick and tired of the polarization and disfunction in Lansing. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Republican led legislature are poles apart and have taken to just tossing insults. It is hard to find any unifying statements in the past 12 months.
In the middle of this legislative mess the unintended consequences continue to flow. Appropriations are not being finalized and policies are not being formulated. News conferences and side bar media conversations become the tools for communication. Indirect actions are taken to disrupt the open exchange of ideas. The taxpayers of this state who elected the Lansing elite deserve better.
My suggestion is to ask for the assistance of a small number of bi partisan former Representatives and Senators. Have them do the shuttle diplomacy necessary to bring the diverse factions to the table to move the agenda forward. Everyone knows who these experienced legislatures are who could assist. In the past they proved their ability to move a bi partisan agenda forward in Michigan. Leadership is about compromise and leadership is what is lacking in Lansing.
If you think the fighting in Lansing is bad now wait until the 6 billion for Michigan from President Biden’s relief package arrives in Lansing. Based on present realities we will have a major food fight which can only lead to more division, less services and Michigan will regress. We have done better in the past, so lets use that past experience to calm the political and legislative waters going forward. It’s a win win for Michigan
On a brighter note, congrats to A.J Hinch and the Detroit Tigers for going into Houston and sweeping three games from the Astros during Hinch’s first return visit to the team he led to the world series championship prior to being fired as a result of the sign stealing scandal.
The U of M men’s basketball team received good news today when senior guard Eli Brooks agreed to take advantage of an additional year of eligibility granted to all NCAA athletes due to Covid-19. In addition to being Michigan’s best on ball defender, Brooks is like a coach on the floor. His experience will be immeasuarable to next years incoming freshman class, which is considered the number one recruiting class in the nation.
Stay safe. Schedule your vaccine. Wash your hands regularly. Wear your mask properly. Social distance.
Quote of the Day: “We should find common ground on this simple mission: Voting ought to be easy, cheating hard.” Greg McNeilly, Chairman of the Michigan Freedom Fund
Second Quote of the Day: Chris Shepler, the longtime owner of Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry and a self-described conservative Republican regarding the line 5 pipeline. “Everything has a life expectancy. Why are pipeline officials pushing that envelope with something that is so valuable as the Great Lakes? An oil leak is going to go everywhere and will not be contained. We have one third of the world’s fresh water supply here in the Great Lakes basin. So people should be worried about this everywhere,”
Orchid of the Day: Eli Brooks for taking advantage of a fifth year college scholarship to advance his education and basketball career.
Onion of the Day: Our state leaders, or lack thereof.