Letters 10/19/06

Oct. 18, 2006

Our race to the bottom
Our leaders on both sides are clinging to the same massively expensive strategy for job creation in Michigan: spend billions in tax-breaks and other incentives, and weaken labor and environmental protections in a race-to-the-bottom effort to attract giant multi-nationals to our region.
In the 1990s, Michigan leaders gave as much as $193,000 of taxpayer money to auto companies – per job created. In 2006 that’s small change, compared to what states are now spending in an effort to attract or keep big corporations (like $2.5 million per job to Boeing in Washington). And for what? These companies rarely meet their promises, and sooner or later leave town to extort taxpayer money somewhere else.
It’s time we shift our strategy to supporting the thousands of smaller, community-owned businesses that are more likely to stick around, offer good pay, good benefits, environmental responsibility and concern for the community. How do we do it?
Start by coming to the community-wide conversation being held October 19th at the Grand Traverse Heritage Center. Folks from every segment of the community are meeting to discuss ways to re-localize our economy. You can visit www.artmeetsearth.org to learn more or register.

Brad Kik • The Institute for Sustainable Living, Art & Natural Design (ISLAND) • Bellaire

Poor judgment
I thought I was going to spit out my coffee... ...when I read Anne Stanton’s article featuring Sheriff George Lasater, which detailed the “dangers of police work.” It seems that George is trying to get more attention for the Shulick incident... yet all it does is exemplify his poor decision-making and leadership skills. Nobody doubts it was a dangerous situation.
Nobody doubts that Mr. Lasater suffered trauma and subsequent post-trauma symptoms. But for a seasoned sheriff to be surprised by the outcome is perplexing.
I myself was a victim of assault by a paranoid, abusive man, and have also suffered the night terrors, heightened startle response, insomnia, and depression of Post Traumatic Stress. The difference between Mr. Lasater and me is that at the time of my assault I was three years old, and had no way to predict and prepare for it.
George is a grown man whose job is to deal with violent people and difficult situations. He has a whole staff of intelligent, experienced sheriff deputies with whom to consult and work as a team. So, why would he personally volunteer to negotiate with a man who sees him as public enemy number one?
Confronting Shulick in the early morning and shining a flashlight in the eyes of an already paranoid man is just plain dumb. You can assume Mr. Shulick is going to get violent with the man he hates most. What comes to mind is: Don’t Be a Hero.
It is interesting to note that Anne describes Lasater as “looking lifeless” in the picture that show his facial injuries (most likely due to his closed eyes.) Yet three paragraphs later we learn that Lasater himself requested that photo, wanting documentation. I’ve never known a lifeless man to make requests. Also, the act of framing a bloody shirt from the incident makes a pretty strong statement about Lasater. It indicates that he doesn’t feel worthwhile unless he gets attention for being a victim, instead of feeling good about who he is on the inside. Mr. Lasater, go get counseling, and learn how to put your safety before your ego.

Elizabeth Winter • Petoskey

He made jobs... in China
I am writing in regard to another flurry of misleading political ads.
According to Dick DeVos’ daughter (from a recent ad in my mailbox) and Lee Iacocca (in a TV ad) Dick is a jobs maker.
In truth, even The Grand Rapids Press reported that Dick DeVos eliminated 1,400 Michigan jobs. While he was Amway CEO for eight years the company’s revenue declined -- the first decline in nearly a decade.
The Detroit News (May 17, 2006) published a letter from the former Amway President himself. In the letter, Dick DeVos said his company invested $200 million in China.
There are more Amway jobs in China than the company’s home state of Michigan. Alticor’s Media Blog (April 13, 2006) admitted DeVos’ China investment ended with 4,300 jobs in China.
The Amway sales formula followed a Ponzi (pyramid) Scheme in which an ever-growing number of people on the bottom “worked for” and funded those at the top (Dick DeVos). Hmm, this idea is similar to Bush‘s Republican economic practices.
When I lived downstate people registered their disillusionment with Amway by sporting bumper stickers which read “Amway is not my way.”
No matter who is elected, it is doubtful any of us will end up at the top of the pyramid, but there is little doubt that if DeVos is elected, you will find yourself further down at the bottom. Vote Granholm.

Joyce Walter • Suttons Bay

The DeVos dividend
We should all support Dick DeVos for Michigan Governor. I know him on a personal and professional level. I am not part of any campaign – I just believe in him to be overwhelmingly the best for our state. Why?
He isn’t running because he needs the job – it is because he knows he can help our state, (his home state), particularly its economy. He is willing to subject himself to the trials and tribulations of running for Governor for YOU – not for his direct benefit. His skills and experience will make the difference in our economy. Dick DeVos feels it is his obligation to his state.
He listens more than speaks – a rarity in politics. We learn more with our ears open and mouth closed. Dick knows this and lives this every day. He wants to know you, not just be the politician you remember in the voting booth.
If his or his family’s wealth, or the success of Alticor (a Michigan company) is something that makes you feel uncomfortable, look at it this way: Isn’t it time for you and your neighbors to collect on the dividend of his experience and success for your economy!? He is effective – no question.

Kevin Nelson • TC

Just say ‘peace’
With the concept of word, thought, deed, we can change the world for the better. With one word, it could be done.
If we added our greeting of hello and goodbye to the word peace, it would eventually become an everyday thought (concensus or not) and could actually happen. If this word/greeting became universal, in every language, just “imagine“ the good it would do.
It‘s that simple, and if we are “the change we wish to see,” it‘s worth a try. Spread the word. Ahola, peace.

C. Moore • Honor

A new game bird idea
I have been following the debate over the killing (excuse me) harvesting of mourning doves for sport in these pages and elsewhere and it has set me to thinking about other feathered flyers that have been unfairly
excluded from the DNR’s exclusive club called “game birds.”
Now, as we all know, there just aren’t enough birds in that club to legally kill (excuse me again) harvest. Many have been discriminated against, so I would like to propose a new candidate for the list.
The bird that is most qualified in my mind meets all the criteria for a great “game bird.” It is a fact that is abundant (overly so), very plump and probably tasty considering its diet, though admittedly it may take a few more to fill the pot than other birds. It also pops up nicely when startled, or “jumped,” as I think “harvesters” say. As an aside, this bird is as much loved and enjoyed as the dove, maybe more so. So, ladies and gents, the bird in question is? Are you ready? The bird that should ascend to the List of Lists, the Club of Clubs, is the red-breasted robin.
Now laugh if you must, but remember how most of us laughed (at first) at the idea of a hunting season on mourning doves? New ideas take awhile to settle in and become familiar, so give it a moment’s thought before dismissing it entirely along with this writer’s sanity.
Persons of vision are often thought to be quite off their rockers initially. In the end though, any responsible evaluation of my proposal should include a consultation with the principals to determine what they might think of such exclusivity.

Steve Kaphaem • Interlochen

Don‘t be fooled
I‘m writing to warn your readers not to be fooled by the anti-affirmative action proposal by California businessman Ward Connerly on the Nov. 7 ballot.
Called the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, it is neither civil nor right, but if adopted, will eliminate affirmative action and outreach programs in Michigan.
As a woman, this amendment is unfair to everything that we have accomplished here in Michigan -- our successes in education, growth in athletic programs, and furthering our careers.
Michigan has taken many steps forward throughout the years. Why would we even consider taking a giant leap backward by supporting this campaign?
Vote no on Proposition 2 Nov. 7.

Irene Brown • TC

Save farms with ethanol
Tax increases? Or giving consumers the choice, as our fellow Minnesotans are doing, to save farmers?
The true cost of an oil/transportation-based economy is horrendous.We all must sacrifice to save agricultural America. Let those sacrifices be in pennies only.
When you go in a gas station, ask them how long before ethanol will be coming to their enterprise.

David John • TC