Tag: Philanthropy

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.

Nolan Finley points out merely one way in which progressive controlled government fails its citizens.  In light of "Facebook" Mark Zuckerberg's recent donation to New Jersey schools, Finley reminds us that the hotbed of self destruction in Michigan had its chance as well..

"Thompson must be scratching his head. While Zuckerberg's generosity put him on top of Oprah's Great Guys list, Thompson's attempt to give twice as much money to Detroit's schoolchildren got him a kick in the butt.

And while Zuckerberg's gift amounts to roughly 10 percent of his personal wealth, Thompson was all in; the $200 million he offered Detroit was nearly his entire fortune."

Bob Thompson, who was willing to give back to a state which had given him so much was denied that opportunity.  Kilpatrick, and Her Mudgesty Jennifer Granholm along with the blessing of the MEA, pretty much put the whole plan in the dumper.  

Scholarships, or grants toward studies are typical competitive examples of philanthropy.   And now..  One of those contests has reached its conclusion.

This year, Industrial Covert Unlimited (our company) had a scholarship competition that was announced here and a few other places.  We handed out about 45-50 pocket sized constitutions from the heritage center for Halloween, email blasted, and posted on blogs the details of the competition.  The purpose of this contest was to reward and promote the understanding of our nation's most important and permanent laws; the United States Constitution.  The reward, though not "life changing" in its size, very real nonetheless; $100 for whatever purpose desired.