Political Ruminations

Maddow: Update on Michigan Dictatorship

I’m short on time, and so I just grabbed Maddow’s latest vid (from last night), and I am presenting it with out much comment.

I will try to remember to grab the transcript for this segment when it gets posted, so check back if you’re interested. (you can now read the transcript after the jump)

This segment is primarily about Benton Harbor and the Catherine Ferguson Academy. Benton Harbor is planning to sue on constitutional grounds.

Of note, Rachel mentions that Rick Snyder will be the first governor since 1984 to act as Benton Harbor’s grand marshall in the city’s Grand Floral Parade (part of their Blossomtime Festival). This is happening in Benton Harbor next week, on May 7. Feel free to go and throw some rotten tomatoes. Certainly, no one deserves that more than Gov. Rick Snyder.

While I’m talking about the parade, I should mention that a friend of mine is producing a documentary about the anti-democracy movement in Michigan, and he will be at the parade to document the tomatoes, and any other occurrences.

Watch:

Saugatuck Dunes the Target of Slash and Burn Republican Developers

Eclectablog has the story here.

The Corporatization of Michigan

Via Laura Conway, writing for Maddow Blog, I learned today that there is pushback from a reporter for the Kalamazoo Gazette regarding Maddow’s position on the events occurring in Benton Harbor. .

The reporter, Julie Mack, writes:

What's worse for Benton Harbor: A financial manager with dictatorial powers or an utterly dysfunctional city government? Are Benton Harbor residents better served by 90 acres of parkland, or 68 acres and a new source of revenue for cash-strapped city coffers? Is it insensitive to build an upscale development in a downtrodden community, as Maddow suggests? Or does it show that the business community hasn't turned its back on Benton Harbor?

Yes, Ms. Mack apparently thinks (or was told to write by her corporate bosses) that both the governor, and his wealthy cronies behind the golf club, are doing Benton Harbor a favor.

I strongly disagree. Here's why.