Northville Democratic Club Blog

Burn The Koran and the Moslem Center at Ground Zero

2010-09-10T21:38:00.001-04:00

What do you think about this?

Will Benero or Snyder Win?

2010-08-04T14:40:00.002-04:00

Setting aside your personal political affiliation (if that's even possible), who do you think will be our next governor, Bernero or Snyder? And why?

Will You Be Voting for Andy Dillon or Virg Bernero

2010-07-12T16:30:00.002-04:00

With the primary fast approaching on Tuesday, August 3, 2010, have you made up your mind who you are going to vote for? If so, who will you be voting for and why? And why won't you be voting for the other guy? We would like to know your take on the pros and cons for each candidate.

Your Prediction for November

2010-07-07T13:07:00.002-04:00

Most pundits say that the Democrats will lose seats to Republicans in this November's election. This happens in most off Presidential election years where there seems to be a throw-the-bums-out mentality. What is your prediction?

Do You Agree with Frank Rich Re: Afghanistan?

2010-06-27T16:06:00.002-04:00

Frank Rich of the NY Times said in today’s opinion column that “The gaping discrepancy between Emanuel’s upbeat assessment and the reality on the ground went unremarked because absolutely no one was paying attention. Everyone is now. That, at least, gives us reason to hope that the president’s first bold move to extricate America from the graveyard of empires won’t be his last.” Do you agree?

Your Neglected Concern?

2010-06-18T19:27:00.002-04:00

Tired of hearing about the BP oil spill? Do you feel that all of this attention on the spill has taken attention away from one or more of your national concerns? If so, what are your neglected national concerns?

Democratic US Congress Candidate Natalie Mosher's Opinion on the BP Oil Spill

2010-06-13T23:38:00.004-04:00

The BP Oil Disaster: A Case for Really Going ‘Beyond Petroleum’

“I cannot tell a lie. I chopped down this cherry tree.” As legend has it, this famous phrase came from our founding father, George Washington. And while it is only a legend, it endures because it captures one of our most basic and fundamental beliefs: when you do something wrong, you must own up to it. Take responsibility for your actions and take the steps necessary to remedy the situation. Now, we seem to be living in a society where passing the buck is a virtue.

For more than a month, oil has been pouring into the Gulf waters, wreaking havoc on the environment, after the tragic rig explosion which killed eleven people. What’s truly outrageous is that the largest oil spill in history could have been prevented if proper safety and maintenance measures were taken. BP, Transocean, and Halliburton all had a role in failing to secure that oil rig. But instead of accepting responsibility for their part in this disaster, we saw a circular firing squad, as the corporations passed the blame to each other at recent Congressional hearings.

Let’s be clear: this was not just an accident. BP and its corporate partners caused this oil spill with intentionally inadequate rig and well management. According to experts, BP could have prevented this disaster for $500,000. BP made $5.5 billion in first quarter profits this year. For 1/100th of a percent of their first quarter profits, BP could have prevented the deaths of those eleven workers and spared the Gulf from the worst oil spill in history. Where is the sense of responsibility?
BP claimed that the spill releases about 5,000 barrels a day, while scientists are now saying it is more like 100,000. As far as clean-up, BP is using a chemical dispersant, Corexit, which has been banned by other countries due to its high level of toxicity. Workers helping out with the cleanup are getting sick. Why has the EPA allowed this to go on? Why has the Obama administration allowed BP so much control in dealing with this oil crisis? Why isn’t our representative in Congress demanding oversight and why hasn’t he made any public comments about the Gulf disaster at all? Where is the leadership? We should be seeing congressional action everyday with both sides fully engaged. This crisis is too big for one party alone while the other stands silent on the sidelines or insists that offshore drilling is a sensible energy solution.

The truth is lobbyists are too cozy with lawmakers and officials. In an effort to protect BP and other corporations, obstructionist senators in Washington are blocking legislation that would raise the liability cap from $75 million to $10 billion. This leaves the tax payers to foot the rest of the bill. When is enough, enough?

We see a lack of responsibility everywhere these days, from the Big Banks on Wall Street, who almost ushered in another Great Depression with their irresponsible derivatives trading, to the executives at Massey Energy Company, who ignored safety regulations and caused 29 deaths in their West Virginia coal mine. Regulations are in place for a reason, and they must be enforced. Americans simply won’t stand for anything less.

We hear pundits like Rush Limbaugh, blaming environmentalists for the disaster, while, at the same time, denying it’s a problem at all. Others are sticking to their chants of ‘Drill, Baby Drill’. We have to stop playing politics with our energy policy. We have to recognize this disaster for what it is: a warning about the costs of our addiction to oil. We can’t and we won’t drill our way to energy independence. We need to work together as Democrats, Republicans, and Independents for clean, safe, and renewable forms of energy.

I promise if I ever make a mistake, I will own up to it. No hiding behind slogans, passing the blame, or staying silent at a time when strong leadership is most necessary. As with Harry S. Truman, the buck stops here. Attempting to trivialize the effects of this disaster or ignoring the urgent need for a sensible energy policy is irresponsible and it’s not the kind of leadership we deserve in corporations, our regulatory agencies, or especially in the Congress. It’s time to stand up together, take responsibility for what we do and always look for the best solutions. It’s time to move ‘beyond petroleum’.

Natalie Mosher
Candidate for U.S. Congress, Michigan's 11th District

Do You Have an Idea on How to Stop the BP Oil Spill?

2010-06-13T23:18:00.003-04:00

It seems that with every passing day, we hear another new idea on how to stop the BP oil spill. We have heard about the "top hat," the "junk shot," Kevin Costner's certifuges and even a nuclear bomb. None of them have worked. So here is your chance. You can't do any worse than Nobel prize winners and other experts. So give it a shot.

Is Obama Doing Enough About the Oil Spill

2010-06-04T18:16:00.002-04:00

Most informed observers believe that the BP oil spill in the gulf is the worst environmental disaster in our country's history. If so, is President Obama doing enough? If not, what more should he be doing?

Marc Corriveau Withdraws at Last Moment

2010-05-17T12:43:00.002-04:00

State Representative Marc Corriveau withdrew his candidacy for the Michigan Senate on Friday, May 14 which was the last day that he could do so. Marc stated that family reasons and personal finances were the reasons why he did it.

Your thoughts?

Spring Gala Reviews

2010-05-05T08:37:00.002-04:00

We would appreciate seeing your comments regarding last Saturday's Spring Gala.

Sould this be an annual affair? Even in non-election years when elected officials and candidates are less likely to attend?

What do you recommend that we do to make this event better?

Is Obama Feeling His Oats?

2010-03-29T17:39:00.002-04:00

President Obama scored a huge victory with the passage of the health care insurance reform bill. Yesterday, he told Karzide to shape up in Afganistan and stop the corruption. He is also moving forward with legislation to regulate Wall Street and the too-big-to-fail banks. So is Obama feeling his oats?

Will It Finally Happen?

2010-03-12T19:27:00.002-05:00

President Obama has delayed his trip to Indonesia because he wants to be in Washington on Saturday, March 20 because it appears that the House will finally have a vote on the Senate's health care bill. Will it finally happen? Will the bill pass? What do you think?

Televised "Discussion" with Republicans

2010-02-28T10:29:00.001-05:00

A few days ago, President Obama conducted his second televised "discussion" with Republicans about healt care insurance reform. What do you think was the result?

Is "Dont' Ask, Don't Tell" Dead and If So, Is this a Good Thing?

2010-02-07T11:22:00.002-05:00

Last week the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and even Colin Powell recommended that Congress end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and allow gays to openly serve in our military. Senator John McCain spoke out against it. What do you think?

President Obama's State of the Union Speech

2010-01-27T19:10:00.002-05:00

Tonight, President Obama gave his State of the Union speech. What do you think?

Brown Wins in Massachusetts - What Does It Mean?

2010-01-20T20:56:00.002-05:00

Republican Scott Brown won the special election in Massachusetts to replace the late Senator Kennedy. Democrats also lost their super majority in the Senate. Now what?

Cherry Is Out. Now What?

2010-01-10T10:14:00.002-05:00

Lt. Governor Cherry who was the front runner for the nomination for governor on Michigan's Democratic ticket. He surprized most if not all by dropping out of the race this week. So who do you think will now run as a Democratic for governor? Who do you want to run? What impact will this have on the rest of the Democratic ticket?

Fire Napolitano?

2009-12-30T18:37:00.002-05:00

In the aftermath of the Christmas airplane attack that failed, many are calling for Napolitano to be fired. Is this the answer to the problem? What do you think?

Krugman Follow Up

2009-12-25T12:56:00.002-05:00

Happy Holiday to All:

The response to Paul Krugman's article "Pass the Bill" received more comments (14) than any other posting to this fledgling blog so far. As such, it only seems appropriate that we publish Krugman's follow up. Here it is. What do you think?

Tidings of Comfort

By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: December 24, 2009
Indulge me while I tell you a story — a near-future version of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.” It begins with sad news: young Timothy Cratchit, a k a Tiny Tim, is sick. And his treatment will cost far more than his parents can pay out of pocket.

Fortunately, our story is set in 2014, and the Cratchits have health insurance. Not from their employer: Ebenezer Scrooge doesn’t do employee benefits. And just a few years earlier they wouldn’t have been able to buy insurance on their own because Tiny Tim has a pre-existing condition, and, anyway, the premiums would have been out of their reach.

But reform legislation enacted in 2010 banned insurance discrimination on the basis of medical history and also created a system of subsidies to help families pay for coverage. Even so, insurance doesn’t come cheap — but the Cratchits do have it, and they’re grateful. God bless us, everyone.

O.K., that was fiction, but there will be millions of real stories like that in the years to come. Imperfect as it is, the legislation that passed the Senate on Thursday and will probably, in a slightly modified version, soon become law will make America a much better country.

So why are so many people complaining? There are three main groups of critics.

First, there’s the crazy right, the tea party and death panel people — a lunatic fringe that is no longer a fringe but has moved into the heart of the Republican Party. In the past, there was a general understanding, a sort of implicit clause in the rules of American politics, that major parties would at least pretend to distance themselves from irrational extremists. But those rules are no longer operative. No, Virginia, at this point there is no sanity clause.

A second strand of opposition comes from what I think of as the Bah Humbug caucus: fiscal scolds who routinely issue sententious warnings about rising debt. By rights, this caucus should find much to like in the Senate health bill, which the Congressional Budget Office says would reduce the deficit, and which — in the judgment of leading health economists — does far more to control costs than anyone has attempted in the past.

But, with few exceptions, the fiscal scolds have had nothing good to say about the bill. And in the process they have revealed that their alleged concern about deficits is, well, humbug. As Slate’s Daniel Gross says, what really motivates them is “the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, is receiving social insurance.”

Finally, there has been opposition from some progressives who are unhappy with the bill’s limitations. Some would settle for nothing less than a full, Medicare-type, single-payer system. Others had their hearts set on the creation of a public option to compete with private insurers. And there are complaints that the subsidies are inadequate, that many families will still have trouble paying for medical care.

Unlike the tea partiers and the humbuggers, disappointed progressives have valid complaints. But those complaints don’t add up to a reason to reject the bill. Yes, it’s a hackneyed phrase, but politics is the art of the possible.

The truth is that there isn’t a Congressional majority in favor of anything like single-payer. There is a narrow majority in favor of a plan with a moderately strong public option. The House has passed such a plan. But given the way the Senate rules work, it takes 60 votes to do almost anything. And that fact, combined with total Republican opposition, has placed sharp limits on what can be enacted.

If progressives want more, they’ll have to make changing those Senate rules a priority. They’ll also have to work long term on electing a more progressive Congress. But, meanwhile, the bill the Senate has just passed, with a few tweaks — I’d especially like to move the start date up from 2014, if that’s at all possible — is more or less what the Democratic leadership can get.

And for all its flaws and limitations, it’s a great achievement. It will provide real, concrete help to tens of millions of Americans and greater security to everyone. And it establishes the principle — even if it falls somewhat short in practice — that all Americans are entitled to essential health care.

Many people deserve credit for this moment. What really made it possible was the remarkable emergence of universal health care as a core principle during the Democratic primaries of 2007-2008 — an emergence that, in turn, owed a lot to progressive activism. (For what it’s worth, the reform that’s being passed is closer to Hillary Clinton’s plan than to President Obama’s). This made health reform a must-win for the next president. And it’s actually happening.

So progressives shouldn’t stop complaining, but they should congratulate themselves on what is, in the end, a big win for them — and for America.

NY Times Krugman Says "Pass the Bill"

2009-12-19T10:44:00.003-05:00

In his Friday column, New York Times columnist Paul Krugman said the following:

"A message to progressives: By all means, hang Senator Joe Lieberman in effigy. Declare that you’re disappointed in and/or disgusted with President Obama. Demand a change in Senate rules that, combined with the Republican strategy of total obstructionism, are in the process of making America ungovernable.

But meanwhile, pass the health care bill."

Here is the link to Krugman's article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/18/opinion/18krugman.html?_r=1

What do you think?

Grade President Obama

2009-12-14T21:29:00.002-05:00

In his 60 Minutes interview and his Oprah interview, President Obama gave himself a grade of a "solid B+." What grade would you give him?

Are You Well Informed?

2009-12-09T18:38:00.002-05:00

Click on the link below (or copy and paste it to your browser) and take the test to see how well you are informed on current affairs. Good luck.

http://pewresearch.org/politicalquiz/quiz/index.php

President Obama's Afghanastan Speech

2009-12-02T06:44:00.002-05:00

So now you have heard his speech. Did he persuaded you that the troop increase is necessary?

Do You Agree with President Obama's Reported Plan to Increase US Troops in Afghanistan?

2009-11-29T11:58:00.002-05:00

All reports indicate that this Tuesday night when President Obama addresses the nation from West Point, he will announce an increase of some 30,000 troops to fight in Afghanistan. The progressive left appears to be opposed to this increase while Republican hawks say it's not enough. What do you think?

Is Trying Khalid Shaikh Mohammed in New York a Mistake?

2009-11-25T06:28:00.003-05:00

President Obama and Attorney General Holder have decided to try Khalid Shaikh Mohammed in Federal Court in New York City just a few blocks away from the 9/11 terrorist attack. Republicans have been hyper critical of this decision including former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Vice President Dick Cheney. Is it a mistake to hold this trial in Federal Court as opposed to a military tribunal and if not, is it a mistake to hold the trial in New York City?

Is A Job's Summit Too Little Too Late?

2009-11-24T16:50:00.002-05:00

President Obama has called for a job's summit in December. As a result, he is drawing fire from both the right and the left. Basically both sides are critical of Obama because he is once again "studying" a problem instead of taking action while millions of Americans remain unemployed. What do you think?

NDC Member Bill Craft Has Died

2009-11-21T11:18:00.002-05:00

It is a sad day for the Northville Democratic Club. Bill Craft who was one of the Club's most enthsiastic members and supporters has died. As some have already commented, Bill was a very positive influence in the at large Northvlle community and was a man who was "very easy to like."

Another Saturday Night Live

2009-11-20T14:43:00.003-05:00

The Senate is scheduled to have a vote tomorrow (Saturday, 11/21/09) on whether to bring the health insurance reform bill to the floor for debate. Harry Reid says that he is confident that he will have the 60 votes necessary to get this done. Your thoughts?

Sarah Palin's Book

2009-11-14T11:44:00.001-05:00

Sarah Palin's book which will be released in the next few days is already at the top of the best seller's list. Will you read it?

Michigan's Supreme Court

2009-11-12T07:37:00.002-05:00

Last night, over 40 NDC members and supporters gathered for a town hall on the Michigan Supreme Court. The principal theme was that Justice Young has to be replaced with a consumer friendly Democrat in November 2010 election. Ways of defeating Young were discussed. What do you think?

House Passes Health Care Reform Bill

2009-11-08T08:23:00.002-05:00

Last night at 11:15 PM, a majority of Democrats and one Republican passed its healtch care reform bill. Your thoughts?

George Perles for Governor?

2009-11-05T14:39:00.002-05:00

Former MSU football coach George Perles says he intends to announce after Near Year's Day if he will run for governor of Michigan. Perles is the thrid winningest coach in Spartan history. The 75 year old Democrat had two Big Ten titles and won a Rose Bowl. He has been a member of MSU's Board of Trustees since 2006. The other candidates to announce so far are Lt Governor John Cherry, State Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith and health care reform advocate John Freeman. Any thoughts?

Win One, Lose Two

2009-11-04T19:19:00.002-05:00

The pundits are having a field day analyzing yesterday's election results. Republican candidates for governor won in New Jersey and in Virginia while the Democratic candidate won in the 27th congressional district in upstate New York. What do you make of these results?

New York Times Sunday Columnists

2009-11-01T16:44:00.002-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/

I admit that I am a fan of three of the NY Times colunists who publish almost every Sunday - Rich, Dowd and Friedman. However, seldom have I found all three to publish columns that are in my opinion so very relevant. I recommend that you use the link to read their columns and then post your thoughts.

What to Do About Joe Lieberman

2009-10-31T10:23:00.002-04:00

Independent Senator Joe Lieberman, once on Gore's ticket as a candidte for Vice President, has stated that he will join Republicans to filibuster against a public option and has just stated that he will probably campaign for some Republican candidates in the 2010 election. Meanwhile, Senante Majority Leader Harry Reed has said the Lieberman is "the least of my problems." What do you think that the Democratic caucus should do about Lieberman if anything?

Back to the Same Old Question. Is the Public Option In or Out?

2009-10-29T14:10:00.002-04:00

It seems really difficult to tell what will become of the so called public option. One day it's out, then it's in , then it's back out again. Will a filibuster succeed or will it fail? Express an opinion it you like, but be prepared to change it an hour later.

The Public Option Is In

2009-10-26T16:59:00.002-04:00

Today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reed announced that the so called public action is in the health care reform bill that will go to the Senate floor for debate. However, it will contain an opt out provision for individual states. Your thoughts?

Is Obama "Dithering?"

2009-10-24T14:12:00.002-04:00

Former Vice President Cheney has critisized President Obama for not making a decision faster about sending more troops to Afghanistan. Chenny has accused Obama of "dithering." Is Cheney right?

Tax Credit for Pets?

2009-10-20T18:03:00.001-04:00

Our Congressman McCotter has introduced a bill to give all Ameicans a tax credit of $3,500 for pet care. What do you think?

Is The Public Option In Or Out?

2009-10-15T20:48:00.003-04:00

Well, at long last, the Senate Finance Committee has finally reported out a bill, but one without a public option. Now Senators Reed, Dodd, Harkin and Baucus and the White House are meeting to produce a bill that will be debated by the full Senate. Will it contain a public option? If so, will it pass? Will a Republican filabuster be successful? What do you think?

Senator Snowe Votes In Favor of the Baucus Bill

2009-10-13T15:35:00.004-04:00

Senator Snowe of Maine voted in favor of the so called Baucus Health Reform Bill. So now the Democrats can say they have bipartisan support. What does this mean to you?

Also, the Republicans are now going to deny Snowe a committee chairmanship as punishment for her vote. What do you think of that?

What Do You Think of Nancy Pelosi?

2009-10-12T14:25:00.001-04:00

(Oct. 12) -- If Republicans end up scoring gains in next year's mid-term elections, they might have the top Democrat in the House to thank.

A key part of the GOP's 2010 strategy is to link Democratic candidates in conservative or moderate districts to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, according to the Wall Street Journal. The report cites a recent poll that found 44 percent of all respondents -- and 53 percent of independents -- have negative feelings about Pelosi, who's long been portrayed by critics as the quintessential "San Francisco liberal."

The National Republican Congressional Committee started turning up the heat last week, after Pelosi questioned Gen. Stanley McChrystal's call for more troops in Afghanistan. An NRCC statement mocked the speaker as "General Pelosi" and urged McChrystal to "put her in her place." Pelosi's response: "I'm in my place. I'm ... the first woman speaker of the House, and I'm in my place because the House of Representatives voted me here." She suggested the jab about "her place" was sexist.

Her hometown newspaper, the San Francisco Chronicle, acknowledges Pelosi is "disliked by most Americans" and has become the GOP's "favorite foil." But her party is in control as Congress grapples with such major issues as health-care reform and Afghanistan. "This is Pelosi's moment," says the Chronicle's Carolyn Lochhead, adding that the speaker's path is littered with those who underestimated her "intelligence and toughness."

What do you think of Nancy Pelosi?

Michael Moore Gives Second Thoughts About Obama Being Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

2009-10-10T21:59:00.000-04:00

Get Off Obama's Back ...second thoughts from Michael Moore
Saturday, October 10th, 2009

Friends,

Last night my wife asked me if I thought I was a little too hard on Obama in my letter yesterday congratulating him on his Nobel Prize. "No, I don't think so," I replied. I thought it was important to remind him he's now conducting the two wars he's inherited. "Yeah," she said, "but to tell him, 'Now earn it!'? Give the guy a break -- this is a great day for him and for all of us."

I went back and re-read what I had written. And I listened for far too long yesterday to the right wing hate machine who did what they could to crap all over Barack's big day. Did I -- and others on the left -- do the same?

We are weary, weary of war. The trillions that will have gone to these two wars have helped to bankrupt us as a nation -- financially and morally. To think of all the good we could have done with all that money! Two months of the War in Iraq would pay for all the wells that need to be dug in the Third World for drinking water! Obama is moving too slow for most of us -- but he needs to know we are with him and we stand beside him as he attempts to turn eight years of sheer madness around. Who could do that in nine months? Superman? Thor? Mitch McConnell?

Instead of waiting to see what the president is going to do, we all need to be pro-active and push the agenda that we want to see enacted. What keeps us from forming the same local groups we put together to get out the vote last November? C'mon! We're the majority now -- the majority by a significant margin! We call the shots -- and we need to tell this wimpy Congress to get busy and do what we say -- or else.

All I ask of those who voted for Obama is to not pile on him too quickly. Yes, make your voice heard (his phone number is 202-456-1414). But don't abandon the best hope we've had in our lifetime for change. And for God's sake, don't head to bummerville if he says or does something we don't like. Do you ever see Republicans behave that way? I mean, the Right had 20 years of Republican presidents and they still couldn't get prayer in the public schools, or outlaw abortion, or initiate a flat tax or put our Social Security into the stock market. They did a lot of damage, no doubt about that, but on the key issues that the Christian Right fought for, they came up nearly empty handed. No wonder they've been driven crazy lately. They'll never have it as good again as they've had it since Reagan took office.

But -- do you ever see them looking all gloomy and defeated? No! They keep on fighting! Every day. Our side? At the first sign of wavering, we just pack up our toys and go home.

So, at least for this weekend, let us celebrate what people elsewhere are celebrating -- that America now has a sane and smart man in the White House, a man who truly wants a world at peace for his two daughters.

Many, for the past couple days (yes, myself included), have grumbled, "What has he done to earn this prize?" How 'bout this:
The simple fact that he was elected was reason enough for him to be the recipient of this year's Nobel Peace Prize.
Because on that day the murderous actions of the Bush/Cheney years were totally and thoroughly rebuked. One man -- a man who opposed the War in Iraq from the beginning -- offered to end the insanity. The world has stood by in utter horror for the past eight years as they watched the descendants of Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson light the fuse of our own self-destruction. We flipped off the nations on this planet by abandoning Kyoto and then proceeded to melt eight more years worth of the polar ice caps. We invaded two nations that didn't attack us, failed to find the real terrorists and, in effect, ignited our own wave of terror. People all over the world wondered if we had gone mad.

And if all that wasn't enough, the outgoing Joker presided over the worst global financial collapse since the Great Depression.

So, yeah, at precisely 11:00pm ET on November 4, 2008, Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. And the 66 million people who voted for him won it, too. By the time he took the stage at midnight ET in the Grant Park Historic Hippie Battlefield in downtown Chicago, billions of people around the globe were already breathing a huge sigh of relief. It was as if, in that instant, one man did bring the promise of peace to the world -- and most were ready to go wherever he wanted to go to achieve that end. Never before had the election of one man made every other nation feel like they had won, too. When you've got billions of people ready, willing and able to join a cause like this, well, a prize in Oslo is the least that you deserve.

One other thought. The Peace Prize historically has been given to those who have worked to throw off the yoke of racial discrimination and segregation (Martin Luther King, Jr., Desmond Tutu). I think the Nobel committee, in awarding Obama the prize, was also rewarding the fact that something profound had happened in a nation that was founded on racial genocide, built on racist slavery, and held back for a hundred-plus years by vestiges of hateful bigotry (which can still be found on display at teabagger rallies and daily talk radio).

The fact that this one man could cause this seismic historical event to occur -- and to do so with such grace and humility, never succumbing to the bait, but still not backing down (yes, he asked to be sworn in as "Barack Hussein Obama"!) -- is more than reason enough he should be in Oslo to meet the King on December 10. Maybe he could take us along with him. 'Cause I also suspect the Nobel committee was tipping its hat to all of us -- we, the American people, had conquered some of our racism and did the truly unexpected. After seeing searing images of our black fellow citizens left to drown in New Orleans -- and poor whites seeing their own treated no better than the black man they had been raised to hate -- we had all seen enough. It was time for change.

Thank you, Barack Obama, for giving us the opportunity to redeem ourselves. Now for the tasks ahead. We need you to do all that you promised to do. We need it. The world needs it.

My prediction for the future? You become the first *two-time* winner of the Nobel Peace Prize! Yeah!
Fred (that's Norwegian for "Peace"),
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com

President Obama Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

2009-10-09T08:28:00.000-04:00

President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Did he deserve it? If yes or no, why?

"Capitalism: A Love Story"

2009-10-08T14:55:00.000-04:00

Last night, some 20 NDC members and supporters viewed Michael Moore's latest movie "Capitalism: A Love Story." Whether you saw the movie last night with the group or at some other time, we would like to know what you think about it. Post you review here.

Frank Rich Criticizes Obama's Lack of Control Over Democratic Lobbyists

2009-10-04T11:33:00.000-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/04/opinion/04rich.html

Has President Obama failed to keep his promise to stop the "revolving door" of former government employees including Democrates becoming well heeled lobbyists? New York Times columnist Frank Rich seems to think so. What do you think?

Bouchard Names Land as Running Mate

2009-10-02T20:11:00.000-04:00

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard named Michigan Secretary of State Terry Lynn Land as his running mate as he seeks the Republican nomination for governor. This may bode well for Jocelyn Benson who is seeking the Democratic nominaton for Secretary of State.

Other Republicans seeking the nomination for governor are Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder, U.S. Representative Peter Hoekstra, state Senator Tom George and Tim Ryan, a Huron County emergency medical technician.

The leading candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor appears to be Lt. Governor John Cherry.

Your thoughts?

Township to Lay Off Police and Dispatchers

2009-09-29T15:38:00.000-04:00

Northville Township Police Officers Association

Dear Northville Township Resident,

On September 21, 2009, the Board of Trustees notified the Northville Township Department of Public Safety that five Police Officers and two Public Safety Dispatchers will be laid off effective January 1, 2010. Additional Northville Township Public Safety layoffs are also being considered after January 1, 2010. This is in addition to existing police and fire positions that remain unfilled.

While we recognize these are difficult economic times, Public Safety remains a priority and concern for all communities. We do not believe that these proposed actions reflect the priority of this community. The lay off of seven Public Safety personnel does not afford Northville Township residents the level of police service to which you are accustomed.

The citizens of this community have not been given the opportunity to vote on this issue. There is limited time to influence this outcome. A budget decision on this matter by the Northville Township Board is scheduled for the next board meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 7 p.m. Your elected township officials need to hear from you. Please contact the Northville Township Board of Trustees via phone, e-mail, and attend the meeting in person. Urge them NOT to support this cut to public safety.

If you want to be heard, attend the meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2009.
Location: Northville Township Hall
44405 Six Mile Road (Sheldon / Six Mile)

Date / Time: Thursday, October 1, 2009, 7:00 PM

It's Easy Being Green

2009-09-27T09:27:00.000-04:00

Club secretary and Green Up Northville activist Pilar Fierro submitted this article by NYT columnist Paul Krugman entitled "It's Easy Being Green." Here is the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/opinion/25krugman.html

Krugman's conclusion is this:

"So here’s the bottom line: The claim that climate legislation will kill the economy deserves the same disdain as the claim that global warming is a hoax. The truth about the economics of climate change is that it’s relatively easy being green. "

What do you think? Post a comment.

NDC Calendar of Events for October and November

2009-09-24T20:12:00.000-04:00

October and early November will keep us all busy with Club related events.

Sunday, October 4, 2009 – 49th Annual Philip A. Hart Dinner
When: Sunday, October 4, 2009 - 6:00 PM Congressional Reception, 7:00 PM Dinner & Program
Where: Somerset Inn, 2601 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48084
Speaker: U.S. Congressman Barney Frank
Basic Seating - $85; Preferred Seating - $100; Congressional Reception (doesn’t include dinner) - $150.
For more information, contact OCPD at 248-584-0510 or at info@ocpd.org.

Thursday, October 8, 2009 - Town Hall Meeting on Global Warming/Cap and Trade
When: Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Where: Northville Public Library
Speakers: Lisa Kamil and Kerry Duggan

Monday, October 26, 2009 - Town Hall Meeting on Health Care Reform
When: Monday, October 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Where: The Forum, Hillside Middle School, Center Street at 8 Mile Road, Northville
Speakers: Dr. Hebert Smitherman, Member of President Obama’s National Health Care Committee; State Representative Marc Corriveau, Chair of Health Policy in Michigan Committee; Dr. Matthew Davis, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Michigan.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 – NO NDC Membership Meeting
Note: Because the Club is having three town hall meetings in October and early November, there will be no membership meeting in October.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 - Town Hall Meeting on Michigan’s Supreme Court
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Where: Northville Public Library
Speakers to include a panel put together by Fran Brennan.

Can Carbon Emissions Be Cut With Out Hurting Economic Growth

2009-09-23T14:58:00.000-04:00

Can Countries Cut Carbon Emissions Without Hurting Economic Growth? - WSJ.com

Click on the link above to read this Wall Street Journal article. What do you think?

Last Minute Reminder - Membership Meeting This Tuesday

2009-09-20T13:21:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 – NDC Membership Meeting
When: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: The Cady Inn at Mill Race Village on Griswold in downtown Northville.
Note: For Northville Citizens Concern, we will be collecting canned goods, cereal, paper products, soap and cleaning items, and baby products. Please bing these items to the meeting. This organization has 501c status which means that all donations are tax deductible.

TV Westerns

2009-09-17T19:47:00.000-04:00

Many of us were kids in the 50's and 60's when westerns were king on TV. So in what is admittedly a departure from politics (and reality shows), let's hear about your favorite westerns from Gunsmoke to Bonanza. Personally, I liked Steve McQueen as the bounty hunter in Wanted Dead or Alive.

DOES MAUREEN DOUD HAVE IT RIGHT?

2009-09-16T15:39:00.000-04:00

Maureen Doud has written a column regarding Joe Wilson's "You lie" shout out during President Obama's speech last week. Read her column here Op-Ed Columnist - Rapping Joe’s Knuckles - NYTimes.com . What do you think?

Last Minute Reminder

2009-09-16T08:02:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 – Northville Dems Health Reform Phone Bank
When: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: The Law Offices of Stempien & Stempien at 315 N. Center Street, Northville
Note: It would be much appreciated if you brought a cell phone. For more details, please call Liz Johnston at 248-344-1140.

Message from Bill Craft

2009-09-15T15:48:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends:

This is Bill Craft. I have been in rehab at Heartland in Canton for several weeks. I hope to get out soon. I would love to hear from any of my friends in the Club.

Bill

Editor's note: Bill's email address is craft.bill@sbcglobal.net.

Is the public option dead?

2009-09-14T19:44:00.000-04:00

The New Your Times reported on Sunday that the "public option" was dead and will not be a part of any health care reform bill that is eventually passed. What do you think?

Northville Democratic Club Blog Initiated

2009-09-13T22:12:00.000-04:00

This is the initiation of the Northville Democratic Club blog and this is Chuck Nichols, the moderator of this blog. Your postings are invited and encouraged.