Tag: Cap and Trade

NO?  Me either.

It just happens to be the analogy (well ONE of them) that comes to mind with what appears to be Michigan Democrat's pick for the US senate seat that is being vacated by Carl Levin in 2014.  Gary Peters is one of those cats that have been around for too long, with policy desires that stink to high heaven, and will be hauled out for even higher levels of destructive office occupation when they have nothing better to offer.

And they really don't. Have. Any. Better. Oh..Whats that smell?

MEET MICHIGAN DEM'S #1 RECRUIT For US SENATE
- He supports Cap & Trade.

There is nothing like a made up global crisis to provide for a cronyism scheme that is enforced by government to instill confidence in a free people, hmm?  His vote for the The job killing Waxman-Markey Bill; The "American Clean Energy And Security Act Of 2009" cleared the house 219-212.  Had it passed the senate, it would have mandated changes in the way we live our lives, eventually putting controls on when and HOW we could use energy without paying severe penalties.  In fact, if taken to the extremes, the air you breathe could have actually been taxed under that bill.

Take a deep breath.  There is more.

The effect on industry would have been even more draconian, effectively putting the EPA in charge of operational elements of all industry, adding regulatory expense and killing jobs.  A 20% mandate on renewable energy built in to the bill would have made it nearly impossible for energy producers to keep costs at a level that promotes local (U.S.A.) manufacturing and jobs. More jobs would flee to other nations that have yet to strangle their industrial base with such unrealistic legislation.

Romney Republicans needed

I agree with Republican consultant Dennis Lennox that the Republican Party needs to purge its extremist elements to restore a much needed two-party system and help solve our country's problems ("Bring GOP back to mainstream," Nov. 8). But the reality is that such a purge might not leave many members to build from. Republicans have been purging reasonable moderates from their ranks since 1980. Does anyone see a Bill Milliken or George Romney in the Michigan Republican Party?

Leonard Page, Cheboygan

Ya, that's the ticket.  All Hail the Squishy Democrat-lite!  Yes, Dennis, push the father of the EPA, or the father of the State Income Tax.  Pray tell, Mr. "Republican consultant," exactly how many Democrats do you wish to elect with every establishment-gamed safe Moderate that's run up the flagpole to only receive the one-fingered salute?  Winning stratagem, kid.  And another thing, exactly how stupid do you think We the People are with those on the alleged Right now using The Left's terminology?  Extremist = TEA movement.  Concerned folks aren't stupid enough to not notice this.  

Good Lord!  Milliken, and Romney, are the Liberal Rockefeller Extremists of the GOP.  That's why the Republicans lose to Democrats.  Bill Milliken, was such an abject failure as governor that Jim Blanchard, actually appealed to voters as a good idea.  George Romney, instead of trimming waste from the state budget, he pushed the State Income Tax through, and the expansion of Lansing government has never stopped.  Then, George went on to be a national tool of The Left with mocking then Gov. Reagan, and aiding with the defeat of Barry Goldwater, of which, was always the goal of the Rockefeller Family.

Despite having cap and trade legislation rejected by elected officials and the American public last year, the recalcitrant Obama administration is going ahead with similar measures through blunt regulatory decree. The current Republican Policy Committee has now warned that the proposed rules are "more costly than (cap and trade) legislation."

So what does that mean for our state?

By 2030, Michigan jobs will decrease by about 66,000, economic output will deteriorate by an alarming $12.1 billion, and our 5,178 schools and universities and 187 hospitals could see a 28.2% to 42.0% increase in energy costs, which will likely be passed to taxpayers and patients. Luckily, SOME of our elected officials are trying to wake the Obama Administration before they impose this regulatory nightmare on the nation.

But whom?  For Michigan's future, it seems we have to rely on help from a little further South.

For some perspective, the entire budget for the State of Michigan in one year is about $45 billion.  That is money for things like public education, prisons, and roads.  

In Washington, DC though that is chump change.

First, in January of this year Congress passed a $787 billion "stimulus" bill.  That bill spent money we don't have on everything from ant research to new toilets and on thousands of checks to dead people and convicted felons.

Then, Congress passed President Obama's budget which calls for $9 trillion in NEW debt over ten years.  That's a doubling of the already staggering $12 trillion national debt accumulated since America's founding.  According to this budget, by 2020, each man, woman and child would owe $150,000 in debt.

Late yesterday, through the miracle of technology, I had a chance to catch up with the Congressman while he was in the District of Columbia.

RightMichigan: Congressman, thanks for making the time.  I know your schedule is crazy right now!

Congressman Hoekstra: Glad to join you and the community here at Right Michigan.

I am in DC trying to fight off the Democrat's Cap and Tax bill so that Michiganders and the manufacturing industry don't get hammered more by anti-growth leadership.  Democrats announced that (Friday) they will attempt to pass a massive Cap and Tax program to fight global warming and in the meantime are willing to pass the costs onto consumers via higher energy prices.

RM: Thanks for fighting that fight.  Wish you had a little more support from the rest of the Michigan delegation, but that's a different discussion.  Big campaign news broken in Grand Rapids today.  

What is your reaction to Secretary Land's decision to abandon her own campaign and instead back Mike Bouchard?

CPH: I know that when I announced I was retiring from Congress, I took some time with my family so that we could decide together what was best for us and our future in Michigan. I am sure Secretary Land did the same.  Since I announced my candidacy back in March I have been focused on charging ahead, getting out and around the state and conducting a conversation about turning around Michigan.  That remains my focus.  I am very happy with my decision.  I can't speak for her, but I imagine the Secretary feels the same way today.

RM: How do you think this affects the electoral playing field?

CPH: People in our state are worried about their jobs, families and this economy - and so I haven't heard a whole lot of clamoring for my insight on party politics or my ability as a pundit to predict the field.  But since you asked Nick, my thoughts on it are pretty straightforward: I have always figured that the field would likely dwindle down by the time August 2010 rolled around and that the best candidate will emerge.  My opinion hasn't changed. I'm not sure Terri's decision does anything beyond confirming that the field will shrink some before we get to the primary, and the voters will decide who is best-equipped for the job.  

RM: Many are now speculating that Land would become Bouchard's running mate should he win the nomination.  Have you put any thought into who might join you on a Hoekstra ticket?

CPH: Just like I have done during my 16 years serving west Michigan, I'm focused on hearing from the people around the state and being the kind of leader that they need.  If I do that well and set a strong example of servant leadership I intend to provide, I think like-minded people will gravitate to my campaign and we will build a strong team from the bottom up.  There are a tremendous amount of talented people out there who share my passion for this state and I look forward to working with as many of them as possible going forward.  We can cross that bridge later.

RM: What would you say to win voters, especially west Michigan voters who might have supported a Land campaign and now might be seriously considering following their candidate to the Bouchard camp?

CPH: I don't think voters look at our crisis of leadership in Michigan as regional. I am in the race because I have a passion for West Michigan, Northern Michigan, Southeast Michigan, Central Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.  I understand that the people losing jobs in west Michigan and the businesses closing in west Michigan have something in common with the people of the rest of state: they are all struggling and starved for leadership.  

I think Michigan's future starts with all of us, and I am prepared to lead as we tackle our biggest challenges.  No other person in this race has 15 years as an executive in the private sector and 16 years served in public office.  I think that balance gives me an edge.  

RM: Congressman, thanks again!