Tag: DNR

You can believe the well produced propaganda piece on Michigan's new-found prosperity, OR you can observe what has been happening to the men and women and families that feed us.  No amount of Rah-Rah for right to work (which I support tremendously) and budgets done on time can take away the rotten stink of tyranny that comes through our state's administrative efforts. As far as the bureaucratic 'rule makers' are concerned, the peasantry is far to pitiful to fear, except for a few trouble makers.

A few troublemakers, merely following tradition by doing what generations have done to make the country healthy and prosperous. Farmers, who like any other business that must inevitably deal with an onslaught of government intrusion into their affairs, making a mockery of presumed prophylactic and protective measures for the public good. Family Farmers, like other mom and pop business ventures who have had the oxygen sucked out of their existence by expansive government till they fall one by one.

Veteran Mark Baker of Baker's Green Acres is the equivalent of today's canary-in-the-coal-mine that is Michigan.  Except THIS bird isn't dying to tell you the oxygen has left the premises.

His words are straight up and easy to understand.

Snyder inherited this issue from the former governor.  When he was elected by a minority of Republicans, and faced a loonytunes SOB in the general "hired", there was a clear warning that this could hurt Michigan families, yet he ignored it.

Tomorrow's court hearing will likely signal more of the end to private property ownership and farming for small family organizations.  The hearing is at 111 Canal St. Lake City, MI and starts at 2 pm. The Bakers are facing a DNR $700,000 fine for wanting to do business as they have for decades. Donations are being accepted for their legal costs of defending not only THEIR way of life, but challenging the state imposed rules which CRUSH small farms and small business for nothing less than "the best of intentions."

The Attorney General, OR The Governor COULD 'save the day' of course, but it could have happened already.

Anyhow, The Bakers can still keep an upbeat attitude. In fact they are having a pig roast on Saturday along with some fund raising activities. And you are all invited. Celebrate the farm Saturday at their place.

"The hogs are scalded and ready to roast.  The yard is looking good.  All the animals have been admonished to be on their best behavior.   We are anticipating good weather (if the weatherman can be trusted), which makes a hay ride a lot more fun.  There will be several ways you can enjoy and help support the farm: bid on products from our friends and associates in the Silent Auction, take home some farm products, and donate to the "piggy bank."

Here's the plan for the Celebration of the Farm on Saturday:  ..."

Best of luck to the Bakers.

Rodney Stokes, the parks and rec guy appointed by Jennifer Granholm, and kept on board by Rick Snyder, misread the regulations his agency was responsible for, and this year finished the job of destroying family based operations which bred and marketed particular breeds of swine.  The DNR mislabeled captive swine with certain characteristics, as 'feral' and used that designation as causality to destroy them, or force destruction by the owner's hands directly.

All of this of course happened with nary a peep from the governor, who had more important issues to deal with than the systematic destruction of those family institutions which had operated for decades providing food, jobs, and game sport.

And NOW, as a bonus for his exemplary work destroying a way of life for so many breadwinners, Rodney Stokes will be given a job that has a chance to destroy a way of life for many many more.  From the MI News wire:

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced that Rodney Stokes will be the administration's point man on working with cities to help them become more vibrant and inviting by enhancing their existing resources. Stokes, who currently serves as Department of Natural Resources director, will leave that position to join the Executive Office.

"Michigan's cities are brimming with unique natural and man-made assets that can be cultivated in ways which attract families and visitors, retain talented workers, encourage investment and enhance our overall quality of life," Snyder said. "Rodney has the talent and experience to make that happen. His expertise in the areas of natural resources, outdoor recreation, policy development and civic engagement make him well suited to partner with cities in these efforts. A strong Michigan needs strong cities. Rodney's work will be key to that success and we're fortunate to have a person of his caliber at the forefront of this critical initiative."

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced that Rodney Stokes will be the administration's point man on working with cities to help them become more vibrant and inviting by enhancing their existing resources. Stokes, who currently serves as Department of Natural Resources director, will leave that position to join the Executive Office.

"Michigan's cities are brimming with unique natural and man-made assets that can be cultivated in ways which attract families and visitors, retain talented workers, encourage investment and enhance our overall quality of life," Snyder said. "Rodney has the talent and experience to make that happen. His expertise in the areas of natural resources, outdoor recreation, policy development and civic engagement make him well suited to partner with cities in these efforts. A strong Michigan needs strong cities. Rodney's work will be key to that success and we're fortunate to have a person of his caliber at the forefront of this critical initiative."

As the governor's special adviser for city placemaking, Stokes will work with cities on projects such as ensuring the availability of quality green space and enhancing recreational opportunities.
....

Snyder emphasized the need for Michigan and its communities to adopt a "placemaking" mindset in his March 2011 Special Message to the Legislature on Local Government Reform. Placemaking recognizes that economic development and community development go hand in hand. It is a multifaceted approach that encourages a fresh look at the potential use of assets such as parks, downtowns, waterfronts, neighborhoods and buildings.

Rest here

Could Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder be a vice presidential pick?

That's what one Republican political consultant is betting on in an opinion piece published Thursday naming Michigan's "one tough nerd" freshman governor as Mitt Romney's running mate.

"My bet is he's Romney's man for vice president," Chris Ingram, a Tampa Republican political consultant, wrote in an opinion piece for Tampa Bay Online.

Snyder's office said the speculation is a sign people are taking notice of changes in Michigan and focused on Michigan's progress.

Ya right, don't bust your arm patting yourself on the back, Rick.  5th worst.

"There is that perception that Michigan still has a ways to go," said J.P. Donlon, editor in chief at Chief Executive Group. "We haven't received much in the way of feedback that evidences the changes are yet significant for them at this stage."

Donlon said CEOs criticized Michigan for a strict regulatory environment that issues penalties instead of working with and helping businesses.

Actually, Snyder makes a lot of sense for Romney, especially when the Obamneycare debates start in the general election.  Snyder is the only governor pushing hard for the Health Insurance Exchange.  That should be a huge clue that the GOP heir apparent will merely tinker with retooling the ACA.  Wanna bet $10,000 on that?  LOL

What a disgusting abuse of power by a Peter Principle agency bureaucrat.  Thank God that Sens. Hune and Booher have taken the initiative to intervene on this outrageous dictatorial assault on private property rights.

Conservationist and hunter Ted Nugent on Alaska, California, and our own feral DNR.

"Its worse than the planet of the apes"