Granholm an Interesting Choice for Cabinet

By: Kate Mortensen

When Barack Obama came to this campus in early October, he expressed warm approval and admiration for the second term governor of The Great Lakes State, remarking, “I am so proud of the work that she has done under the most difficult circumstances.”

I was surprised to hear applause after this comment from the thousands of Michigan residents flocked on Adams field who were very likely victims of “the circumstances” in one way or another. Maybe Obama just has such a way with words that the audience forgot about their parents, friends, and neighbors losing their jobs. In addition, there are the tuition increases that can be traced right back to Lansing leadership. And now, a little over a month later, there she is; just behind and to the right of the president elect as a member of his transition economic advisory committee.

Now there is buzz that she’s up for a judicial position or possibly Energy Secretary. Maybe Obama thinks he’s doing Michigan a favor by removing her from Lansing and her 40 percent approval rating, or maybe he would like some advice on how to raise taxes in a less than favorable economy, or how to drown small businesses. Whatever the reason, the words, “Granholm to Advise Obama on Economy,” as a headline in newspapers across Michigan makes me feel less than comfortable about the times ahead, and a little bit humiliated about the times we are leaving behind.

Sure, her current priorities include jobs, education, the auto industry, and energy alternatives. She wants to save Michigan, and she and Obama think they can do it together from Washington. But what she says during a press conference rarely coincides with her actions. This is the woman who stressed higher education and keeping graduates in Michigan during her first campaign and then in 2005, proposed funding cuts for higher education, withholding scholarships, and pushing for more rigorous high school graduation requirements with the reduced funds.

Granholm’s budget ideas almost always penalize the working citizens first, then business, large or small. As if this isn’t enough, Granholm moves from simply taxing workers at work and at home, to suggesting that they are taxed on recreation as well, such as a “ticket tax,” among other outrageous fees.

I can see why Obama would be interested in her ideas about how to tax, spend, cut funding, and highly regulate business all at the same time. Granholm advocates legislature that favors small business when she’s in front of the microphone, but inside her office walls, these very bills have seen nothing but her veto pen. Then we wonder why no one wants to start a business in Michigan.

All of this is evidence that Governor Granholm is not exactly the expert on ethics, and probably not a good choice for a judicial position. She often shows a lack of principles, such as failure to investigate a problem when it arises, that is, until the press points it out. Kwame Kilpatrick’s case this fall should jog Michigan’s memory. She also shows failure to act out of more than just political motivation. For example, now that alternative energy is the trend, she suddenly supports it as if she is its biggest proponent.

Say what you will about what Engler may or may not have left for her to deal with. As governor of Michigan for almost six years, Granholm has talked much and produced little. She can flip-flop with the worst of them. We are all aware that the state of Michigan needs help from Washington, and it is a good sign that Obama is looking to within the state for a representative. For Michigan’s sake, I hope that he looks for someone whose interests seem more than just political; someone who actually has Michigan’s citizens in mind.

Racial Preference Critic Visits MSU

By: Christoper Joshua Arndt

Jennifer Gratz is the triggerwoman for the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative. The MCRI served to promote policies like the California Civil Rights Initiative in Michigan. The policies would implement color-blind selection processes and end affirmative action in government-run and government-funded institutions. Because of Jennifer Gratz and MCRI, there were aborted attempts of the Colorado and Missouri Civil Rights Initiatives and successes of the Arizona and Nebraska Civil Rights Initiatives.

When someone questions the role and worth of one young woman within the history of race-relations, just remember that sometimes, extraordinary character and ability can trump all odds.

Thursday, November 13 Gratz spoke at Michigan State University about her cause. She explained her journey from an above-average high school student and rejected would-be Wolverine to someone who called for and influenced the end of affirmative action policies in several states. She started with a dream of racial equality, and she pursued the dream until it became policy. She tells quite a story, emphasizing that the start of her work was really a reflexive thought. In the beginning, she was a victim of affirmative action; eventually, she became part of a lawsuit. Gratz v. Bollinger made racial discrimination in favor of a minority for publicly funded institutions unconstitional, but it did not end the practice.

When Gratz suggested to Ward Connerly that the California Civil Rights Initiative could be attempted in Michigan, he was about to retire and take his crusade with him. Nonetheless, she persuaded him to continue his work with her, and they pursued ending affirmative action in Michigan. As may be expected, this idea received opposition from left. Not so expected, she also received monetary and rhetorical opposition from the Republican gubernatorial candidate for Michigan, Dick DeVos, and he set the party after this worthy cause.

Ultimately, these sorts of ballot initiatives consist of collecting signatures to get the Proposal on the ballot and persuading the people to vote yea or nay on the Ballot Proposal. Getting the precise language approved can be a trial in and of itself. The opposition included the status quo, the establishment, the Leftists, the unions, many lobbyists, some members of the Republican Party. Essentially, Gratz’s organization was six underpaid individuals in a small office. The battle seemed it would inevitably end in failure. However, Gatz’s exceptional character kept the ball rolling. Her expected contribution of being an “envelope-stuffer” was quite surpassed by her actual role as the face of the effort. The success of the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative proved that this color-blind effort was viable for many states, not solely California.

The effort is not about justice for white people or for anyone who is not a minority. It simply eliminates racial preferences during selection processes within government-run and government-funded institutions.

In attendance at the event, was Leon Drolet, currently of Michigan Taxpayers Alliance and formerly the Chairman of the MCRI, as well as Doug Tietz, who managed the campaign and last managed the victorious Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative (NCRI). The event was hosted by the Young Americans for Freedom. Speaking to the worth of Gratzs’ cause and the eloquence of her speech, there were no protesters present to dilute her message.

New Books Divide Madison Freshman

By: Don Higgins

James Madison College at Michigan State University has challenged freshmen from the very beginning. MC 201, Introduction to the Study of Public Affairs, uses texts and reading from the founding of the United States to the current debate: Is America becoming an empire.
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Lesbian Group Raids Local Church

By: Katherine Rohr

On Sunday November 9 a group that defines themselves as a “militant” lesbian group, Bash Back, held a demonstration in front of Mount Hope Church in Lansing. Beyond having members of the protest in front of the church, the group had members enter the church’s sanctuary. Members of the group were escorted out, the police were called, and the demonstration was quickly over. Confusion fell upon the members of Mount Hope Church. Members did not understand why the radical homosexual/transgender group targeted their church.
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MI GOP Youth Count Initiative Stopping Michigan’s Brain Drain

By Anthony Burkart

Barack Obama’s recent rise to political prominence has been heavily assisted by his ability to energize the youth vote. However the Democrats are not the only party who has been attempting to mobilize the youth vote; the GOP recently allocated funds to start a new program which provides conservative minded youth the opportunity to become involved in their political system. Read more

Bouchard Bring Creativity and Experience to the Table

By Louie Glinzak

With the election just around the corner there are many candidates who are trying to demonstrate how the position they are running for will directly affect students at MSU. With two MSU Board of Trustee seats up for grabs, MSU students should be paying particular attention to a race that will definitely have a direct affect on them. Read more