Trumped: Analysis 2017 MIGOP Convention

The Grand Old Party is still run by the Old Guard Cronies and Corrupt GOP Trumped
In Michigan, the first GOP state convention was held this weekend since the election of Donald Trump.

Just as conventions in the past, it was predictable; with some of the same tedious fanfare and general disinterest.

However, there were a couple of differences; the celebration of a Republican elected as President of the US, and the Michigan GOP Chairwoman being selected to head the RNC.

The congratulations were plentiful, and the delegates bathed in their victory, while singing the praises of their leadership.

Repeatedly, they were told the victories were attributed to the “hard work” of the grassroots and the effectiveness of the leadership; the same leadership that was divided during the primaries and even after Trump’s nomination.

Ironically, the event included a video collage displayed on the big screen showing liberal politicians, entertainers, and media pundits who said Trump would NEVER win the nomination, let alone the presidency. Absent in the video was any of the key Republicans and conservative media pundits who said the EXACT SAME THING.

The harsh reality is…Trump would have won the election, regardless of what leadership did or did not do. During the campaign, several key GOP leadership members, publicly and/or privately, vehemently criticized Trump, swore to NEVER support him, or even hoped for a way to replace him as the nominee.

And yet, despite all the disunion, Trump prevailed and the party leadership was all too ready to soak up the credit; and the delegates were just as quick to rain it down on them. Nothing could be less deserving.

Trump won despite the actions of the GOP leadership. His message was a clear departure from what the GOP ever wanted delivered by their nominee and many had even surrendered any hope of him winning. They were wrong. They said he would never be the nominee. They were wrong. They said he wouldn’t get the support of independents. They were wrong.

Nevertheless, there is a portion of the Republican delegates who believe the reason Trump won is because the Democrats had a worse candidate. That might be the one thing they got right.

Based on the numerous times of being wrong, how could anyone find the leadership of the GOP even credible? Trump didn’t win because he is a champion of smaller government or represents more freedom, fidelity to the Constitution, peace in the Middle East, and an improved economy. He won because he is a big “screw you” to the leadership of BOTH parties. So why should anything leadership recommends be trusted? It shouldn’t.

Until the party leadership openly accepts real change from the grassroots, and begins to do what is necessary to protect that new brand, it will be business as usual. RINOS will continue to lead, corruption will remain within state and federal government, taxpayers will continue to bear the cost, and the politicians will maintain their business and government money alliance.

Political “party” for the “Party of One” at the MAC Policy Conference

Michigan’s Crony elitist to gather on Mackinac Island to talk business, politics and racial diversity.

The Mackinac policy conference kicked off this week and the real lobbying will be in full swing this weekend. The who’s who of public trough “feeders” will be there.

But remember, prices increase onsite for registration at the Conference. Prices are now: $2,150 for Chamber members and $2,925 for Future members. Wonder if the lobbyist are admitted free for their campaign coffer donations?

What a joke all those feeding at the public trough have an opinion on cutting their taxpayer funded perks.

Here’s a perfect example of those receiving our tax money through the “failed” MEDC. Doug Rothwell, president and CEO of business group Business Leaders for Michigan, said the cuts would hurt the state’s post-recession recovery.

“While we understand that roads are an important issue to the state, this reduction in FY16 funding severely limits the state’s ability to have an economic development strategy moving forward.”

MEDC CEO Steve Arwood said in a statement. “Furthermore, it threatens to eliminate the entire Pure Michigan tourism effort — an industry which supports 214,333 jobs in our state.”

The tourism industry did their own study on funding the Ad campaign and found that the return on investment just wasn’t there for them to fund it!

Oh but it’s OK for we taxpayers to fund it though! The public trough feeders will all be at Mackinaw this weekend lobbying hard as to keep their snouts in that trough!

The new road funding plan proposed by the House would “divert” money from the Pure Michigan Ad Campaign, the “failed” Economic Development (MEDC) and Obama’s favorite contributors those Hollywood Film Producers.

The Lawmakers’ plan to “shift” more than $100 million earmarked for these taxpayer funded subsidies to roads. Divert Money Feeders Road Plan

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.

China Benefits from Michigan Taxpayers with our Lansing Legislator’s Help

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-idUSBREA1H1LM20140218Snyder-China_GuvOffice

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

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