Tough Talk With Taros “Capital Cronyism” Hosted by Paul Taros

This was Recorded Live March 6, 2017 at the Bloomfield Township Public Television Studios. Paul interviews Former Monroe County Republican Chairman Jeff Andring and Former Republican Elected Official and Candidate R Al Bain.

Jeff Andring and Randy Bain are Co-Founders of the Conservative Caucus of Monroe County. At about the 18:32 minute mark Mr. Andring talks about the recent Insurance Fee Rate Hike by the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association bestowed on the states drivers. Click the link below to view interview.
https://youtu.be/hOGDQzqPG00 

“But how is this legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some persons what belongs to them and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong.

See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime.” ~ Frédéric Bastiat

A1 Tough Talk With Taros

After Detroit will Taxpayers be on the Hook again for a Flint “Bailout”

Michigan governor Rick Snyder said in January that he believed there were roughly 235 cities and towns in his state that were financially and functionally bankrupt. One of those towns is Flint, Michigan.

In the last three years, Flint’s finances have collapsed to the point that the city has had to lay off two-thirds of its police force.
http://www.businessinsider.com/what-happens-to-a-city-when-the-money-runs-out-2011-4

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — State officials pledged $2 million Tuesday for Flint’s troubled water system. http://www.elkharttruth.com/news/michigan/2015/02/04/State-plans-to-discuss-resources-to-help-Flint-improve-water.html Flint Michigan

Flint, Michigan is now plagued by Violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act only months after the city severed its water supply from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD).

This article is from the World Socialist Web Site Published by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI)
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2015/01/12/flin-j12.html

“During the course of the week or early next week we hopefully will be coming out with more taxpayer funded steps,” some of which are already under way, and others to be implemented, Snyder said. Sounds like code words for taxpayer funded “bailout” to me.
http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/09/29/snyder-state-action-coming-flint-water/73033462/

With the financial problems in Michigan’s other big cities such as Flint and others where does the taxpayer funded “bailouts” stop? Is this the real reason Lansing is hell bent on raising our taxes?

The rainy day fund to bail out all these communities will eventually run out of taxpayer money and I say that will be sooner rather than later. All these dead-end solutions will lead to a bigger intrusive government and the loss of even more Freedoms and Liberties for the citizens. Tax increases anyone?

Common Core Scam: Conflict of Interest Politicians Using Our Children for “Wall Street Profits”

The Michigan lawmakers who voted to implement the common core educational standards in Michigan are using our school children for a money making scheme. Common Core Stop

Government is not a protector of your rights, or a servant of the people. It’s an Enterprise. It’s a system that has operated over the last 150 years, as a “for profit” activity, stealing the wealth generated by human labor.

This system of government has two goals…self-preservation and enrichment of its elected representatives, by assuming itself to be a legitimate thief for corporations and organizations who return the favor.

Common Core standards for K-12 students approved by Republican controlled Senate. The cowards in Lansing used a voice vote whereas the voting citizens cannot see who voted for or against when the Senate approved a resolution that allows the department of education to implement Obama’s national common core standards.

A “Voice Vote” means each Senator’s position on the bill is not recorded.
http://archive.freep.com/article/20131024/NEWS06/310240218/common-core-education-standards-assessment

2013 House Concurrent Resolution 11: Authorize adoption of “Common Core” school standards
Introduced by Rep. Tim Kelly (R) on September 25, 2013, to authorize the State Board of Education and the Michigan Department of Education to spend money to implement “Common Core” curriculum promoted by an entity associated with the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers.
http://michiganvotes.org/2013-HCR-11

Pearson Plc North American Education Pearson plc (PSO) – NYSE
The Michigan Dept of Treasury (Investment Management) is Michigan (State Of) State Treasurer which is the 7th largest shareholder in Pearson plc listed on the NYSE. Pearson is also listed on the London Stock Exchange.
https://finance.yahoo.com/q/mh?s=PSO+Major+Holders

Business Summary Pearson Plc North American Education
https://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=PSO+Profile

Who benefits from the “Common Core” curriculum in US schools?
This information is off the “World Socialist Web Site” Pearson PLC, a British multinational company headquartered in London, England, is the largest education company and book publisher in the world. Pearson Ed the American subsidiary of Pearson PLC wrote the curriculum and testing materials for the CCSS. The company stands to make billions of dollars selling these products to school districts across the United States.
http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2013/08/05/core-a05.html

Top 10 Reasons to Oppose Common Core
http://www.freedomworks.org/content/top-10-reasons-oppose-common-core

Fight Is On for Common Core Contracts
With financial (Federal Funds) and policy incentives from the Obama administration, 45 states and D.C. initially adopted Common Core. This is akin to ObamaCare’s you can keep your health insurance plan and doctor only this is and you can keep your “Education” for your children too.

Bottom line is our children’s education should and must be left to the patents, teachers and the school board that the people elect not politicians for a money making scheme. As states race to implement the Common Core academic standards, companies are fighting for a slice of the accompanying testing market, expected to be worth billions of dollars in coming years.

That jockeying has brought allegations of bid-rigging in one large pricing agreement involving 11 states such as Mississippi where a contract to Pearson PLC sidestepped the state’s contract-review board, which had found the transaction illegal because it failed to meet state rules regarding a single-source bid.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/fight-is-on-for-common-core-contracts-1415752728

Common Core Based On UN Education Program
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have a program called “Education for All” that includes the same people and same ideas as Common Core.

The Global Fund for Education was formulated by the UN; “agreed to” by Barack Obama, funded by Bill Gates, and Common Core was imposed on the American people through Department of Education (DOE) funding schemes. ~ Jeffrey Kibler
http://www.knowthelies.com/node/9142

Common Core in the Communist Manifesto
Free education for all children in government schools. Abolition of children’s factory labor in its present form. Combination of education with industrial production.

People are being taxed to support what we call ‘public’ schools, which train the young to work for the communal debt system.

We also call it the Department of Education, the NEA and Outcome Based “Education.” Examination of these planks reveals a very disturbing trend in America today!
http://laissez-fairerepublic.com/tenplanks.html

Educational Data Mining Violate the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution
http://www.flstopcccoalition.org/collection-of-data-and-loss-of-privacy/ Common Core Violates Fourth Amendment

Governor Snyder Executive Order 2010-15 P-20 Longitudinal Data System
http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,1607,7-277-57738_57679_57726-252714–,00.html A Snyder Granholm

Governor Granholm Executive Order 2010-16 P-20 Longitudinal Data System
http://www.michigan.gov/formergovernors/0,4584,7-212-57648_21975-242309–,00.html

Governor Snyder Common Core Connected to Snyder’s P-20 Longitudinal Data System
How is the Common Core Connected? The adoption and implementation of the Common Core State Standards has furthered the government’s expansion efforts, because the authors of the Common Core are clear: the success of the standards hinges on the increased collection of student data.
http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/2013/201309100.asp?src=CR Common Core Violates Constitution

Governor Granholm P-20 LONGITUDINAL DATA SYSTEM ADVISORY COUNCIL
SIGNED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 2010 – 15 – This Order is effective October 18, 2010 at 12:01 a.m. Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan this 18th day of August, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and ten. JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM GOVERNOR – BY THE GOVERNOR:
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28cwkacfjvoncubruhsvqbwg45%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=2010-EO-15 Common Core Tenth Amendment

United States Constitution Tenth Amendment
The Tenth Amendment helps to define the concept of federalism, the relationship between Federal and state governments.

As Federal activity has increased, so too has the problem of reconciling state and national interests as they apply to the Federal powers to tax, to police, and to regulations such as wage and hour laws, disclosure of “personal information” in record keeping systems, and laws related to strip-mining.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/tenth_amendment

Melanie Kurdys: I attended the March 2-3 Governor’s Economic & Education Summit. Surprise, surprise, MEDC is a huge player in “fixing education”, paying employers to train their existing employees, paying employers to develop training programs for new employees, paying employers to participate in creating a “workforce pipeline” with programs in community colleges, high schools and middle schools.

MEDC is paying for equipment like welding systems, to facilitate this training. MEDC is a player in creating “a seamless system of human capital from Pre-natal to the workforce”.

While we have been watching the Education policy and appropriations legislation, this has been happening for about a year and a half. Tell me again why we elected this Governor? Common Core Rotten Rockerfeller

“SPOT ON ASSESMENT OF OUR ELECTED POLITICIANS”

Forget the politicians. The politicians are put there to give you the idea that you have freedom of choice . . . you don’t. You have no choice. You have owners. They own you. They own everything. They own all the important land. They own, and control the corporations.

They’ve long since bought, and paid for the Senate, the Congress, the state houses, the city halls, they got the judges in their back pockets and they own all the big media companies, so they control just about all of the news and information you get to hear.

They got you by the short and curlies‘. They spend billions of dollars every year lobbying . . . lobbying, to get what they want . . . Well, we know what they want. They want more for themselves and less for everybody else, but I’ll tell you what they don’t want . . . they don’t want a population of citizens capable of critical thinking.

They don’t want well informed, well educated people capable of critical thinking. They’re not interested in that . . . that doesn’t help them. That’s against their interests. That’s right. They don’t want people who are smart enough to sit around a kitchen table and think about how badly they’re getting screwed by a system that threw them overboard 30 frigging’ years ago.

They don’t want that. You know what they want? They want obedient workers . . . Obedient workers, people who are just smart enough to run the machines and do the paperwork. And just dumb enough to passively accept all these increasingly shittier jobs with the lower pay, the longer hours, the reduced benefits, the end of overtime and vanishing pension that disappears the minute you go to collect it, and now they’re coming for your Social Security money.

They want your frigging ‘ retirement money. They want it back so they can give it to their criminal friends on Wall Street, and you know something? They’ll get it . . . they’ll get it all from you sooner or later cause they own this frigging ‘ place.

It’s a big club and you ain’t in it. You and I are not in The big club. By the way, it’s the same big club they use to beat you over the head with all day long when they tell you what to believe.

All day long beating you over the head with their media telling you what to believe, what to think and what to buy. The table has tilted folks. The game is rigged and nobody seems to notice. Nobody seems to care. Good honest hard-working people . . . white collar, blue collar it doesn’t matter what color shirt you have on.

Good honest hard-working people continue, these are people of modest means . . . continue to elect these rich bastards who don’t give a shit about you. They don’t give a shit about you . . . they don’t give a shit about you.

They don’t care about you at all . . . at all . . . at all, and nobody seems to notice. Nobody seems to care. That’s what the owners count on.

The fact that Americans will probably remain willfully ignorant of the big red, white and blue stick that’s being jammed up their backsides everyday, because the owners of this country know the truth. It’s called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it. ~ George Carlin

Another Crony Gov. Rick Snyder Appointee Target of FBI Probe

                                                    “The Boji Files” Boji Ficano Snyder Richardville
The Snyder administration scandals’ starring his appointee’s is just unconscionable. All this corruption revolves around real-estate, real estate development and construction with our legislators in Lansing. The list is like the energizer bunny it just keeps going and going.
The “Friends and Family” program and the “Business Buddies” fund is alive and well in Lansing and it’s definitely not in the best interest of the citizens of Michigan. Those you elect to serve you are serving the lobbyist and special interest group’s best interest not yours.

FBI Probe into Democrat Bob Ficano and his buddy Snyder Appointee Ron Boji
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/even-with-ficanos-days-numbered-fbi-probe-into-wayne-county-stretches-into-year-three

Wayne County has been ordered to repay an $850,000 federal grant
With the help of Wayne County, developer Ron Boji received federal funds to build it. Boji was a longtime supporter of Ficano, showering him with campaign donations and throwing a fundraiser at his mansion in Orchard Lake.
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local-news/investigations/hud-orders-wayne-county-to-repay-850k-grant-after-fmr-asst-ceos-conflict-with-developer

Despite all the baggage connected to Boji, he’s still a BIG favorite of crony capitalist Governor Rick Snyder. Governor appoints Ron Boji to Michigan Strategic Fund Monday, January 7, 2013

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed Ron Boji, of Orchard Lake, to the Michigan Strategic Fund board of directors.
http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277–292353–,00.html

Ron Boji appointed to state Transportation Commission
Snyder today announced the appointment of Ron Boji, of Orchard Lake, to the state Transportation Commission.
http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277–314872–,00.html

Ron Boji was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder effective Oct. 17, 2013. Mr. Boji is involved with Bob Ficano in the FBI ongoing probe.
http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9623_31969_31970-315012–,00.html

2013 Senate Bill 509: Authorize new state Senate office building
Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville (R) on September 17, 2013
To authorize the sale of the Farnum Senate office building in Lansing and construction of a new building for Senators’ offices.

This was referred to the Senate Government Operations Committee on September 17, 2013. It was reported in the Senate on November 13, 2013, with the recommendation that the bill pass.
http://michiganvotes.org/2013-SB-509

Richardville Pushes Questionable Real Estate Bill “MIGOP” History of Crony Capitalism Combined With Unsavory Characters Casts Dark Cloud Over SB 509
https://bainreport.wordpress.com/2014/01/09/richardville-pushes-questionable-real-estate-bill-migop-history-of-crony-capitalism-combined-with-unsavory-characters-casts-dark-cloud-over-sb-509/

Michigan Senate moves to allow sale of Michigan Senate building to Ron Boji
http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/12/michigan_senate_moves_to_allow.html

Ron Boji has hosted Ficano fund-raisers at his West Bloomfield home
Ron Boji and the Boji Group: Data and Deceit
http://ludingtoncitizen.ning.com/forum/topics/ron-boji-and-the-boji-group-data-and-deceit?xg_source=activity

Chaldean appointed to state transportation commission
LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Ron Boji to the state Transportation Commission. Boji is Chaldean.

Boji is president of the Boji Group, where he manages, develops and leases the company’s real estate portfolio. Can you say the Senate Farum building in Lansing or the Bob Ficano FBI ongoing investigation?
http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/news/id_7638/Chaldean-American-appointed-to-state-transportation-commission.html

Chaldean Mafia Threat Analysis
This article by the National Criminal Justice Referance Service profiles the emerging “Chaldean Mafia.”

The Chaldean Mafia is a gang composed almost exclusively of individuals tracing their roots to the country of Iraq, and has a conspicuous presence in areas with large Middle Eastern populations such as Michigan.
https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=200792

Urban dictionary on Chaldeans
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Chaldean&defid=3848574

 

A “Reality Check” on Politicians and “Those Who Elect Them”

1 An Informed RepublicWe have all heard that voting for the worst of two evils is still evil but the electorate continues this madness.

This voter ideology presents severe dangers to our Liberties, Freedoms and the very existence of our Republic as we know it.

Many of our elected officials have drifted away from the concept of civic duty in “serving the people’s interest” and have become self serving to themselves and their political party.

Many have also failed as a husband, father and a representative of the people and indulged in things they should have avoided.

With politicians it seems to be easy to fall into the trappings of temptations with the perceived power that comes with being elected as a public servant. Some reporters have referred to certain politicians as rock-stars within the political arena which goes right to their heads.  3 Bribe Politicians

The allure of the big money through (Campaign Donations) being thrown at these politicians by the many lobbyist and special interest are a huge part of the problem but the lack of morality and principles of these legislators falls directly on them! 

If we as a people are to change the direction of our state and country we must change the way we cast our vote for the current ideology of casting our votes for the worst of two evils will be our own downfall and the downfall of our state and country! There are other options besides the two major political parties.

We the People are in need of a viable alternative to the two major political parties. The Constitution Party is that option. Here in Michigan the Constitution Party http://www.constitutionparty.com/ has an affiliate (USTMP) http://www.ustpm.org/about.html

Famous Quotes: 2 Diapers & Politicians

The most difficult choice a politician must ever make is whether to be a hypocrite or a liar ~ Unknown

Politicians are like diapers; they need to be changed often and for the same reason ~ Mark Twain

We’d all like to vote for the best man, but he’s never a candidate ~ Kin Hubbard

In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous. ~ Tacitus

Absolute power does not corrupt absolutely, absolute power attracts the corruptible. ~ Frank Herbert

Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other ~ Oscar Ameringer

Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies ~ Groucho Marx

A Conservative Political Party Test: Which would you cast your vote for? A Moderate Republican or a Conservative Democrat?

                                                               Continue reading below the picture 1 John F Kennedy Discrediting Liberal Values

Once again we’re being lied to. The mainstream media wants us to believe that only “moderation, cooperation and compromise” can save the GOP…and America. This is one of the greatest lies ever told.
First of all, moderation won’t save the GOP. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is the GOP has had a long list of moderate “saviors:”

Nevada Republican Party Drops Opposition to Gay Marriage, Abortion from Party Platform
Don’t think for one minute this isn’t coming to the Michigan Republican Party! The signs are all there for this to be changed within the MIGOP.
http://www.towleroad.com/2014/04/nevada-republican-party-drops-opposition-to-gay-marriage-abortion-from-party-platform.html

Past GOP moderates proved to be losers 1 All Past GOP Moderates Candidates

Current GOP moderates will follow the same fate 1 All Current GOP Moderates Candidates

In the United States, a member of the Democratic Party who holds personal political views that are conservative in comparison to those of the majority of his or her political party is known as a conservative democrat.

Although views considered typical for a conservative democrat change over time, many support gun rights, a strong military, education, free market capitalism, smaller government, and fiscally conservative policies and may be anti-abortion with a demonstrably “stronger religious orientation” than moderate and liberal Democrats. 1 John F. Kennedy on God

Like liberal Republicans, conservative Democrats are a minority wing in the party but may provide deciding votes on divisive political issues.

Although conservative Democrats are elected all over the United States, most come from Southern states and have been previously known as “Dixiecrats” or “Boll Weevils.”

These terms were not always used in a complimentary fashion by Democratic Party representatives who drew attention to conservative Democrats that did not vote with the party on key issues.

For example, the term “boll weevils” was frequently applied to conservative Democrats in the 1980s who consistently voted in favor of then Present Ronald Reagan’s increase of military spending, tax cuts and deregulation of the financial system.

http://townhall.com/columnists/wayneallynroot/2013/11/24/why-moderate-establishment-republicans-are-killing-the-gop-n1750865/page/full Limited Government Ronald Reagan

There could be an alternative to the two major Political Party gridlock. If like minded Conservative Democrats and Republicans along with the Tea Party faithful who believe in the strict adherence to the Constitution as to how our country should be governed just maybe we could prevail.

If these factions joined forces as to cast their votes for the Constitution Party with an affiliate here in Michigan  The United States Taxpayer Party a much needed viable political Party could emerge as a true representative of “We the People” that we don’t have now. For years both major Parties have been all about Party and not about the best interest of we citizens.

Jobs Report: Read Between the Lines When the Media Manipulate the Numbers

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.htmlJobs Report Read Between the Lines

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?

http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2014/03/michigan_unemployment_rate_dro.html#incart_river_default

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/presstituteJobs message from the Presstitutes

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”
http://bainreport.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/michigan-as-the-comeback-state-defies-even-common-sense-or-better-yet-pure-propaganda/

Is it time for Michigan’s Legislature to go Part-Time?

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.A Part Time Legislature

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?A Legislative Polar Plunge

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.”A Roger Kahn Pirate Patch

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.

Is “Team” Snyder tied to Kawme Kilpatrick’s Criminal Enterprise?

Governor Rick Snyder’s economic “team” was one of several contractors who pumped millions into ex-Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s alleged criminal enterprise. Although the government hid the companies’ identities in the indictment, public records and interviews helped put names to aliases. The list of companies includes deep-pocketed donors and powerful executives. Hmmm… maybe that’s why the governor chose to abolish the “Nerd Fund” rather than to expose his donors?Kawme & Snyder

The companies involved are going to be needed by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help prosecute the case. “It’s always hard to say whether the payer of a bribe is culpable or a victim of the crime,” said Peter Henning, a law professor at Wayne State University and former federal prosecutor.

“Sometimes that’s hard to distinguish.” So far, most executives linked to the corruption probe have escaped indictment. Some witnesses were granted immunity and others are victims, U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said.

Among the contractors who were allegedly extorted to retain Bobby Ferguson as a subcontractor include Walbridge, a general contractor headed by John Rakolta Jr., a longtime area powerbroker who was recently named to the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) by Snyder. Wayne County and its Building Authority has filed a law suit seeking to recover $154 million from 3 jail contractors including John Rakolta’s Walbridge.

John Rakolta’s film studio, Raleigh Film Studios in Pontiac was awarded taxpayer funded subsidies when this studio defaulted on it’s bond payments the taxpayers of Michigan are now on the hook for making those missed payments through the under funded state pension fund. These subsides were awarded through the “failed” MEDC prior to Rakolta being appointed to the MEDC board. Can you say conflict of interest?

As of Sept. 30, 2010, the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System and the Michigan State Employees’ Retirement System were unfunded by $21.7 billion.

The “secrecy” and back-door “deals” are very suspect to say the least surrounding politicians, government, and businessmen and looks to be a scheme (scam) bilking the taxpayers of Michigan out of millions of tax dollars all for political and financial gains. Let’s just hope and pray that U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade and her “team” continue looking down this rabbit hole of corruption and bring those businessmen and politicians to justice.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20101217/METRO/12170403&template=artiphone

Additional Sources:
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20131031/NEWS/131039973/wayne-county-files-suit-seeks-to-recover-154-million-from-3-jail

Bob Ficano, John Rakolta And The Big Jail Problem
http://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/5094/bob_ficano_john_rakolta_and_the_big_jail_problem

Feds’ subpoenas target Wayne County business dealings
http://www.freep.com/article/20111117/NEWS02/111170499/Feds-subpoenas-target-Wayne-County-business-dealings

Wayne County Executive Bob Ficano replaces top officials (Romney related)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2805204/posts

So, what was Schuette’s cut?
http://rightmi.com/old/www.rightmichigan.com/story/2013/11/4/113017/236.html

Suspicions sometimes followed after Kilpatrick, Ficano dealings along with John Rakolta
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20120909/FREE/309099962/suspicions-sometimes-followed-after-kilpatrick-ficano-dealings

John Rakolta allegedly through media reports donated $10,000.00 to Democrat Bob Ficano’s campaign war chest only to receive the contract for the new Wayne County jail project.
http://bainreport.wordpress.com/2013/11/24/welcome-to-michigans-world-of-the-political-illusion/

Public Employee Pension Systems Raided To Pay Film Studio Bills
http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/18384

Michigan-Subsidized Film Studio Fails; State Pension Fund Had Guaranteed Loan
http://taxfoundation.org/blog/michigan-subsidized-film-studio-fails-state-pension-fund-had-guaranteed-loan

House Cuts $25M State Film Subsidies in Proposed Budget – Not So Fast Say’s Richardville
https://bainreport.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/house-cuts-25m-state-film-subsidies-in-proposed-budget-not-so-fast-says-richardville/

Report: State pension funds bankroll Pontiac studio; taxpayers lose on films
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/general-news/20130308/report-state-pension-funds-bankroll-pontiac-studio-taxpayers-lose-on-films

Michigan Pensions Cover Missed Bond Payment for Film Studio
http://news.heartland.org/newspaper-article/2012/02/02/michigan-pensions-cover-missed-bond-payment-film-studio

Why Snyder and Republicans Believe in “Bailout” for Detroit’s “Comeback”

As to why Republicans believe in Detroit as the Comeback City only if you can handle the truth I’ll tell you why? Just look at all the players who are reaping taxpayers’ money for their business ventures! The politically connected businessmen and their politician buddies up in Lansing are making huge profits off us taxpayers.

The taxpayer money is being funneled and laundered through the “failed” quasi government un-elected entity the Michigan Economic Development Authority (MEDC) in a “pay to play” scheme that would make even Bernie Made-Off proud! Where’s the FBI or U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade?

This scam perpetrated on we taxpaying citizens of Michigan could be summed up as “Pure Corruption”. The pay part in this scam involving these businessmen and politicians goes through the MEDC by way of subsidies, grants, tax break incentives and or by other legislative means. Then the politicians’ campaign coffers are enriched as payback for services rendered either directly or indirectly. Follow the money!
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140212/OPINION01/302120002

Bad Why Corruption Reins King