My Wealth vs. Government Taxation

My wealth and success are the direct result of my individual effort and rugged determination to make something of myself. Thus my wealth is a sure indication of God's specific blessing on me.

Too many individuals are slothful, inattentive and other-directed, and often are found in need of money or assistance in some manner. There are those who cater to the needs of the poor, the indolent, the lazy and have devised and used the coercive power of government to find means to provide for such "leechers" in society.

Most often it's the sinful lives of individuals that produce deadly disease, poor health, mental atrophy, and enscounce irrevocable habituation of lifestyles that hinder and prevent them from taking necessary "personal responsibility."

Sin Is Expensive
Throughout our declining culture "sin" has undermined the American Dream. Abandonment of families, children neglected and abused by parents, dishonest actions, sexual aberrations and unbridled license, theft on the job, rampent drug use, these all lend themselves to a real dashboard costs. The data is there.

The single mother with an illegitimate off-spring, a brain eaten away by drugs and delusions, the slothfulness of the "lazy" living on unending welfare, the "welfare cheat," these and others committing petty crimes, frauds, and major felonies are a dead weight on my economic well-being.

All things that are sinful, created by the sinful acts of others, cost me money. Those are high costs, borne by those with resources and some measure of income and/or wealth. Right bearing "strict values" activists must act to put "sin" under strict control and set real limits for the future. Isn't this what we learned from our Puritian Fathers? The Killer Clincher

To tax me, to coerce me to surrender my "blessings from God" is a very great evil. If you take from me my resources to enable those unworthy sinners who will not work and do not take "personal responsibility" for themselves, you (as represented by the police powers of government) are robbing me of God's Blessing. Therefore, I have a god-given right fight back, to defend myself from government taxes that are stripped from me to give "unearned" support to, and prosper, those who refuse to care for themselves.

Sin may come on other forms than that of the criminal mind, the mooch or the indolent welfare recipient. We view the worker who organizes to have power to participate collectively in the inner workings and privileged areas of business ownership that bear upon working conditions, safety, and wages, etc. as another kind of "thief." The union worker takes from ownership the powers of control over their own realm and makes demands that are inconsistent with the sterling standard of a right to "hire and fire at will."
We must defend the "divine rights" of proprietorship and wealth to be free of "sin's takings."

"It is a policeman's duty to protect men from criminals -- criminals being those who seize wealth by force. It is a policeman's duty to retrieve stolen property and return it to its owners. But when robbery becomes the purpose of the law, and the policeman's duty becomes, not the protection, but the plunder of property -- then it is an outlaw who has to become a policeman."

-- Ayn Rand, (1905-1982) Atheist & Author, Source: Atlas Shrugged, P. 535 (1957)

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Remember When: Conservatism meant something good, wholesome, and dependable

If only we could believe again that Conservatism meant something good, wholesome, and dependable. Its definition being: Conservativism - a political or theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes.

Whatever is infusing the Michigan Legislature and the Michigan GOP at this juncture-Reinventing Michigan-it is not that traditional understanding and that historic definition of what it means to be a true conservative. Indeed, conservatism as thus defined has long ceased to exist in Michigan, all apologies to Russell Kirk. It's all about Ayn Rand, Rand Paul, and Congressman Paul Ryan, and the "virtues of selfishness" and "extreme individualism" with special contempt for government of all kinds.

We have been entering a dangerous and unholy time. Language as we once knew it had a dependable meaning. Civility, while badly assaulted on occasion, was known to exist in our public discourse and respect for the "loyal opposition" was the rule of the day. Long ago drinking in the Michigan legislative chambers was banned, and David Jaye was embarrassed when his pistol slipped to the floor of a House ante-chamber (while it is not clear where proposed legislation will take or permit carrying of handguns in this state) we have set some gun limits which have been upheld. It was perhaps that profane ruffian, Gil DiNello who last struck a fellow in the chambers, such events had become rare. Now however, there is a new and mercurial tone in the Lansing Capitol building, one of real hard feelings and a ill-tempered spirit of "gottcha" that has all but poisoned the people's house.

The very idea that the State of Michigan would find support to turn on itself in such a vicious and unseemingly manner as is now occurring would be for true statesmen and "men of goodwill" an in-toleration and an insult to the institution, if not basic morals. But the attitudes and the stoneheaded minds now inhabiting the people's house are set against all contrary views- displayed by the maurading new breed of TeaPublicans. As one has said, it's not about re-election for himself, it is about doing "God's work." Can it be that stifled debate and killing all compromise is the plan of the Almighty? Delusion reigns. This rouge crowd has created a terror by majority.

It must be said that much of what has happened to Lansing is an import from outside our state, not that there have not been untoward ideas raised and grim reprisals mouthed about prior. One of the most despicable outside Michigan, one of the dispoiling sources of disunity and conflict is the person of Newt Gingrich. Newt's connections to Michigan via Amway, Engler and Saul Anusis are well-documented and easily tracked. Newt's presence in Michigan always spells increased civil discord and trouble.

This current kind of "conservatism" is so close to anarchy it can hardly be distinguished from that brand of revolutionary-government is the problem, less government, more personal freedom to act as one wishes ala Ayn Rand is the new prototype for systemic corruption of what remains of the Founder's ideals and the concept of American democracy.

In a recent blog article entitled, "Budget Battle Pits Atheist Ayn Rand vs. Jesus" there is this assessment concerning U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R Wisc:

"'You've got a guy who is a rising Republican star, and who wrote the budget, saying he's read her books and Washington needs more of her values,' said Eric Sapp, executive director of the American Values Network, which produced the video. 'If you're a Christian, you've got to ask some serious questions about what's going on here.' In other words, Sapp argues, you can follow Ayn Rand or Jesus, but not both."

USA Today reprinted this from the Tuscan Citizen in Tuscon, Arizona, thoughts from Stephen Prothero, religion professor, Boston University:

"In Rand's Manichaean world, it is not God vs. Satan, but individualism vs. collectivism. While Jesus says, 'Blessed are the poor,' she sings Hosannas to the rich. The heroes of Atlas Shrugged (which, alas, is only slightly shorter than the Bible) are captains of industry such as John Galt. The villains are the 'looters' and 'moochers' - people who by hook (guilt) or by crook (government coercion) steal from the hard-won earnings of others.

"Turning the tables on traditional Christian morality, Rand argues that altruism is immoral and selfishness is good. Moreover, there isn't a problem in the world that laissez-faire capitalism can't solve if left alone to perform its miracles."

This new kind of "conservatism" has no basis in traditional Conservatism and enhances, preserves, or protects nothing of the real American Values we all once learned to cherish and for which many have fought and died.
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Celebrating the Many Things That Made Hon. William G. Milliken a Great Governor

We Honor the Traits That Made William G. Milliken, Michigan's Longest Serving Governor, a Superb Example.

Let's start by enumerating the things Gov. Bill Milliken was NOT about:

He was not about raw power...
He was not about ambition...
He was not about profit before charity...
He was not about instituting arbitrary/dictatorial authority over local communities...
He was not about retribution or revenge...
He was not about looting the public's investment in civic institutions...He built and sustained them, even in several severe economic downturns...
He was not about sanctioning the majority to abuse or undermined the rights of the minority...He sat at the governors conference table, week after week, with both sides, and helped to build both cooperation and consensus...
He was not about putting profit and loss above the public good...

So What Did Milliken's Excellent Example Teach Us About Good Governorship? He Taught Us Statesmanship With Character.

He was about community and our children--the future!
He taught us it is all about credibility- expressed in constructive public policy.
He showed us all about serving to protect and enhance the commons, the natural resources.
He excelled in modeling for us honor and respect for the historic achievements of human and individual rights...especially in his concern for Inner City Detroit.
He reminded us governing is all about protecting the weak, the poor, the elderly, and the victims of crime, the disadvantaged, and the mentally ill; and it is about defending the public servants who serve them.
He knew it is all about the deeply human spirit.

Gov. Milliken has a personal understanding, that sacred sense of the high office and knowing the hearts of the people of his state, coupled with a driven sense of leadership that encompasses, yet today, the broader and deeper spiritual sense of the "common welfare of all."

In a word, Gov.William G. Milliken, tutored Michigan about doing the right thing in good times and bad: Acting on an equal basis regardless of race, class, achievement or life circumstance, putting people ahead of enterprise, denying favoritism and powerful players, for the good of every soul dwelling within one's state; so help us God.


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Things That Make a Governor Great

First, what's the Governorship Not About?

It is not about power...
It is not about ambition...
It is not about profit...
It is not about instituting arbitrary/dictatorial authority over local communities...
It is not about retribution or revenge...
It is not about looting the public's investment in civic institutions...
It is not about sanctioning the majority to abuse or undermined the rights of the minority...
It is not about putting profit and loss above the public good...

What's the governorship all about? Statesmanship.

It is about community and our children--the future!
It is all about credibility- expressed in constructive public policy.
It is all about serving to protect and enhance the commons, the natural resources.
It is about modeling honor and respect for the historic achievements of human and individual rights.

It is about protecting the weak, the poor, the elderly, and the victims of crime, the disadvantaged, and the mentally ill; and it is about defending the public servants who serve them.

It is about the deeply human spirit.

It is understanding that sacred sense of the high office and knowing the hearts of the people of your state, coupled with a driven sense of leadership that encompasses the broader and deeper spiritual sense of the "common welfare of all."

In a word, it is about doing the right thing in good times and bad. Acting on an equal basis regardless of race, class, achievement or life circumstance, putting people ahead of enterprise, denying favoritism and powerful players, for the good of every soul dwelling within one's state; so help you God.


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Defense of Michigans Teacher Tenure Act

Response to "End K-12 Teacher Tenure" by the Detroit / Mackinac News on November 23. 2009.  

Listed Source: Tom Watkins, former State Superintendent of Public Instruction, 2001-05, and Mackinac Center for Public Policy.


How many pubic school teachers would the Detroit News have Michigan school boards fire if the Tenure Act were removed?

Coincidental with the sharp, unfounded criticisms the News has directed toward the right of Michigan's public school teachers to have tenure ("End K-12 Teacher Tenure", Detroit News, Nov. 23, 2009) has been the introduction of State Sen. Patricia Birkholz's bill to alter or strip the Act of protective provisions for teaching professionals. The anti-tenure argument always runs with the mantra, "tenure shields incompetence." In times when things are economically very difficult such legislation arises on a predicable and regular basis. Obviously one way to save money is to remove teachers, especially those most experienced and highest paid. This attack is always framed as some form of "reform."

The News and Sen. Birkholz mistakenly believe that such sweeping action is necessary to "get rid of" certain under-performing teachers. How short sighted and punitive!

Repeal of the Tenure Act or undertake a radical stripping of its provisions that will affect all teachers.
Good teachers will suffer-the high performing and stellar mentors as well as those targeted by the News and perennial public school critics. Consider the times, there are those rancorous individuals, whom some have called "busybodies," who have any number of private complaints and religious agendas with which they regularly besiege the local school board meetings.

Just who advised Patricia Birkholz, herself a former public schools employee, to take such action at this time? How many fine teachers will be made vulnerable by her drastic action and will be subsequently exposed to a field day of capricious accusations and charges-which many ultimately lead to administrative harassment, burn-out or out right dismissal? No one can predict. What is completely predictable was the legislature attacking organized teachers utilizing the budget crisis as a cover or excuse.

In the current tense and highly negative atmosphere surrounding the state's historic budget crunch, this kind of "claw back" and "push back" against the Michigan Education Association for its ardent and vigorous defense and support of excellence in education for our children is both deplorably predictable and a repeat of earlier attacks under the malicious John M. Engler.

Suggesting a radical change in tenure is always used as a "shot-over-the-bow" indicating the legislature is resentful and wearied by MEA's skills, logic, and success in conducting legislative negotiations which support and sustain the local communities, school districts, and our children--so much impacted by the draconian cuts which the national economy has dealt the state's finances. In the recent past, such notables as former House Speaker Paul Hillegonds and previous governor Engler had used this tactic to intimidate the MEA.

Surely the Detroit News, the Mackinac Center, or Sen. Birkholz herself have some solid, substantive and well-documented study or report which gives an indication of the actual number or a percentage of teachers thought by them to be replaceable or unproductive. Or is this push just another attempt to settle a long standing political score with MEA?

How many teacher's political or religious beliefs will form the basis of trumped-up charges under Birkholz's stripped Tenure Act? Exposed without statewide, objective protections under the Tenure Act, a provision which has a governance board, procedures for dismissal, and an appeal mechanism, what specific lifestyles and voice in public affairs will be permitted for continuing teachers without reprisals?

There are editorial arguments, which have cropped up over the years and in the past several weeks, which ride on certain conditions such as under FTA in Detroit schools (where existing abuses are possible under due to iron-clad provisions of the Federation's contract with Detroit schools) or some other carefully chosen cases.

It is useful to anti-tenure forces to focus on the extreme or exceptional cases decided in favor of the teacher, often rest on technical merits. The press has honed certain of the more bizarre of these cases to support their editorial anti-tenure positions. These "showcase" legal incidents, that are inflammatory in character, do arise and cause the general public to misunderstand or distrust the tenure procedures-given the known facts found at the level of a publicly printed, sensationalized or purposefully slanted press news story.

Recent polling of administrators shows that they have a high level of discomfort with the tenure process, kinds of evidential documentation, and the procedures they must follow to "prove the case" for dismissal or discipline of a tenured teacher. However hard it is, in some cases, to discipline or fire a teacher that you yourself may have hired, it must be done if proper cause is there.

Dismissing a Teacher is Necessarily Serious Business
Good administrators must do their jobs well and effectively when dealing with teachers who merit dismissal or demerits. That is part of their work and responsibility. When carried out within the current law, incompetence and malfeasance are dealt with in an effective, fair, and appropriate manner. When administrators attempt dismissals or discipline on insubstantial, flawed evidence and/or procedure, the outcomes reflect that deficiency.

Teachers, themselves, neither hire or fire, that is the sole realm of administration, pleasant or unpleasant, in terms of public scrutiny and press coverage, as their work may be.

Iris Salters, president of the MEA has been quoted as being very clear on the topic of criminal, unworthy or under-productive teachers. This week Salters is quoted as saying: "Let me make one thing completely clear, MEA does not have any interest in protecting bad teachers."

MEA is responsible for seeing to it that teacher rights are observed and upheld under the law (representation). When administration fails to do the proper job of dismissal or discipline, or when the filed complaints are false or inflated, the association does help with the defense of the teacher-if the teacher merits and asks for such assistance.

The persistent anti-public school teacher stance of the Detroit News (in and of itself) does not justify calling for the summative elimination of professional tenure for all of Michigan's well-over 110,000 teachers. This get tough attitude is all too characteristic of the "right of right" reactionaries who have come to occupy the Michigan Republican Party for too long. Some of these ideologues don't want the public, neighborhood schools to survive and will use every tool in their tool box to work toward that end.

Other elements are at work also in undermining the security of tenured public school teachers. In their galaxies wholesale dismissals would be a great way to reduce costs. The News, in joining in their hue-and-cry, has allowed itself to become a useful tool in this thinly veiled attempt to break the teacher associations.

Break the teacher unions!
Now there is a goal long sought by certain business interests. But for now they will content themselves with hyping Birkholz's changes in the Tenure law as a method to streamline dismissal of "deadwood."

Teachers are so numerous. They are found in every community large or small. Some fall short of professional standards, but what profession can you think of that doesn't have its persistent minority of under-productive? Almost everyone has heard of a dentist or attorney that others have strongly recommended we should avoid seeking their services.

Why is it so hard for critics to accept the teacher's right to associate with other teachers in a professional organization?

It is ludicrous to believe that teachers, to be credible, have to stand by themselves, alone.

We don't expect that of doctors, attorneys, Realtors or Chamber of Commerce members. Albeit, opposition to teacher associations continues to be a contentious bone to chew, the idea being that teachers, when they band together, are a great threat to society.

Turn on teachers and teacher tenure and then watch the "best and the brightest" lose all interest in a teaching career!


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