@failures art,
The thing is, that this effort isn't isolated to just this one town in just this one state. If you haven't watched any of the RM show in the last couple days, please watch the portion from tonight's show so you can get the big picture of what is really going on.
It isn't about race...that's what folks want people to think so they'll miss all the clues.
@failures art,
In that respect, you are right. We need to see how far they are willing to go now.
@Butrflynet,
I'm not saying race is a motivator, but an accomplice, and an effective one. I think we are saying the same thing in a way. I think I get the larger picture related to public municipalities, voiding contracts, and deregulating, and no-contest contracts being drawn. Crazy stuff.
A
R
T
@Butrflynet,
Thanks for the links, butrflynet. I am going to bed now, but will look at them tomorrow.
@failures art,
Watch the videos, FART, especially this one:
Republicans quick to ignore "small government" promise
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#42672552
I had never heard of Rachel Maddow, butrflynet. She right on the money, here.
Thanks, Butterflynet, for pointing me over to this thread. Like Edgar, I was beginning to wonder if there was going to be any discussion of this new manifestation of GOP policy: Campaign as if you are for smaller government in order to get elected, once elected apply the full force of government against any groups which might possibly lean against GOP policies.
There are going to be a number of lawsuits over the issue of taking a public park and converting it to private use, especially with the obvious conflicts of interest.
The best thing that can by done and what we can do is continue to talk about the hypocrisy of the "we want smaller government" GOP (except when it comes to your bedroom, your uterus, your public school, your rights as a union member or as someone without a job.)
Joe(Stealth at it's best)Nation
People have got to dig in their heels and simply stop letting these people have their way.
@edgarblythe,
Quote:I had never heard of Rachel Maddow
WOW, Edgar. You've been missing a whole lot. She is one of the best at cutting through the bullshit and nailing the hypocrites. She is a huge breath of fresh air compared to the usual stale, suck up media.
@JTT,
At the risk at being impertinent, JTT, **** yeah!
Joe(fuckyes)Nation
This is about dismantling society and taking us back to a serfdom. One step at a time, but baby steps grow expoentially.
I'm no expert on the details of the law in question, but do know it was passed and enacted in accordance with the laws and democratic process of the state. I believe the core issue here is the state's financial obligation as a de facto or perhaps de jure guarantor of the pension obligations created by the actions of local governments.
Whether the state government or state county and municipal governments are allowed to permit labor unions or grant them negotiating power is indeed a matter well within the state's purview. Many states don't allow unionization of government employees at all and others severely restrict their freedom of action. Further, local governments in Michigan and other states operate under rules and charters prescribed by sovereign state governments.
After decades of misrule by corrupt governments in Detroit and other Michigan cities, and amidst the declining economic activity in a state badly infested by corrupt self-serving labor unions which have effectively stopped new job creation in the state, Michigan badly needs a new beginning. In any event the emergency powers in question were enacted to enable the state to avoid a very serious economic collapse, which, if it occurs, will do great harm to all its citizens. This is certainly a difficult remedy with some bad side effects already noted, but the underlying disease is likely much worse and will, if unchecked, result in far more harm to all there.
But at least in this, the only instance known to me, the law is apparently being effected to secure a land grab for the rich.
@edgarblythe,
Possibly so. However there is very likely a lot to the story that neither of us knows. Benton Harbor has been a seriously dysfunctional city for a very long time. I don't think you really have enough information to justify the rather judgmental conclusion you are making.
I don't know where this is going to end up but it looks like there's been more shenanigans than we've realized.
Yes, I know it's Rachel Maddow.... but watch it anyway if you've been following this story.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/ns/msnbc_tv-rachel_maddow_show/#46973330
@JPB,
It's clear that Michigan's Republicans majority government have become totally corrupt and law-breakers!!!
BBB
