Tag: liberty (page 3)

Today's story finds the hero (that would be me) again on the front page in opposition to the way things are.  A story that targets in some way how my misfit shenanigans are unacceptable to so many people, at the same time will help to shine light through debate and understanding of what goes on behind the scenes in government and the willing accomplices. Power, Greed, (possible) Corruption.

"Gillman attacks charity."

That is of course, the intended effect of the headline.  The Traverse City Record Eagle title "Commissioner to challenge Rotary" highlights my perverse attempts at wrangling away the 501(c) status Rotary Charities enjoys. "The poor, the afflicted, the disadvantaged, will be hurt by this crazed commissioner's antics!" being the unprinted subtext.

Except Its not even clear that they serve those constituencies any more.  Something I wondered about early in my term as commissioner, and watched as a Rotary grant check for the master plan of the county was issued.  At the time it was curious to me why they might be interested in such things, but had no objection, as I had no knowledge of why they might do such a thing.

Nothing says "hello summer!" like an adversarial life situation.

But I suppose its not too bad.  The back is only one part of me, the county has programs to cut, and the plants would die of neglect anyhow. And in the big picture, there are bigger fish fries to be had.

So I figured I would let you know there is some good news.  I am polling Michigan State Representatives and Senators for an upcoming article on Freedom to work (right-to-work) initiatives.  I have received almost half of their replies so far, and mostly all of them are going to be with the winning side of freeing our workers to work where their skills find them.  Free to work, with no regard to a forced union membership or dues in lieu of said membership.

Predictably, the Democrats who have answered so far do not believe in worker freedom.  I must give them credit however, for answering my inquiries, with the full understanding of who I am, and where the article will be written.  

While the meat heads in the labor unions are figuring out new ways to persuade our leaders to LIMIT the ability of Michigan business to operate, the scholars in many other countries are figuring out what made America so great for so many years.  And while our leaders in Michigan insert their own brand of controls on Michigan residents and business owners, it offers an opportunity for those who create jobs to "supersize" their crap sandwich from the drive-through window of Lansing's growing bureaucracy.

Laws that tell you what you pay..  Laws that tell you whom you can hire..  Laws that tell you what legal substances can be used in the business you "own." Laws that govern whether you dismiss someone appropriately, the hours they work, and soon whether you should be providing insurance for them.  Add to this, the business owner has become the tax collector.

Is this truly Liberty?  The top four definitions would say not:

lib·er·ty
Showing Spelled[lib-er-tee]
-noun, plural -ties.

1. freedom from arbitrary or despotic government or control.
   
2. freedom from external or foreign rule; independence.
   
3. freedom from control, interference, obligation, restriction, hampering conditions, etc.; power or right of doing, thinking, speaking, etc., according to choice.
   
4. freedom from captivity, confinement, or physical restraint: The prisoner soon regained his liberty.

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The money bomb takes place at http://bit.ly/mb4amash. You can learn more and follow the donation ticker at http://amashforcongress.com/.

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This election season, you have the opportunity to send a principled, consistent conservative with a proven voting record to the United States Congress. There's only one such candidate in the Third Congressional District race--and that's Justin Amash. Check out Justin's voting record and see for yourself: http://michiganvotes.org/.

Republican Justin Amash is Michigan's leading advocate of limited government, free markets, and individual liberty. As a state representative, he has set new standards for transparency and accountability. Justin was one of the first two state legislators to list his office expenses, staff salaries, and legislative benefits online. He has also earned a wide following among Michigan voters for posting all of his votes, with explanations and an opportunity for interactive discussion, on his official Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/justinamash.

Michigan.. and maybe all other locations not populated with a great amount of restaurants.

Aw shucks, if only you didn't smoke.  If you do, maybe you can find a speakeasy that allows such things to go on without the interfering nonsense by "the man."  Maybe one with a good 10 year old "look out" who can make funny noises when a health department stooge is strolling by..  MAYBE they can incorporate a good FATTY FOOD into their menu to irritate the next batch of do gooders who want to save you from yourself.

While we go forward talking about our liberties, and the efforts at Tea Parties in Michigan and otherwise, take just a few moments to change perspective to one that might reflect the hopes and aspirations of our founders as they defended their own liberty and freedom from British rule to become self governing.

If you are on the left.. challenge yourself to place your personal political ambitions in contrast to the sacrifice made by those who gave you the ability to pursue them.  Consider seriously why you might support someone who says "I will not allow you free association" through blockage of right to work legislation. Isn't that quite un-patriotic?