April 19 marks the shot heard ‘round the world. For well over a decade, the British Empire engaged in a wide-ranging campaign to crush colonial liberties in America. Contrary to popular modern belief, this was much deeper than taxation without representation. King George III and a compliant Parliament had declared that the Empire was supreme in all cases whatsoever; the colonials must submit to the Empire’s dictates even if they were not represented in Parliament; and the colonials possessed … [Read more...]
Michigan’s Billion-Dollar Lottery Winner has two Silent Partners
State Reps. Mark Tisdel and Diana Farrington, both members of the House Tax Policy Committee, today detailed the taxes Metro Detroit’s recent big Mega Millions winner will be shelling over after collecting the jackpot. The two members of the House Tax Policy Committee released a tongue-and-cheek video highlighting the amount the winner will pay in taxes if he or she selects the one-time cash payment of about $739 million. “My wife and I bought a Mega Millions ticket and enjoyed … [Read more...]
State Rep. Mark Tisdel Appointed to Four House Committees
State Rep. Mark Tisdel today was appointed to four House committees for the Legislature’s 2021-22 session by Speaker Jason Wentworth. Tisdel, of Rochester Hills, will serve as vice chair of the Tax Policy Committee and as a member on committees related to Health Policy, Insurance, and Families, Children and Seniors. “All of these issue areas are significant to people in the greater Rochester area,” Tisdel said. “I’m looking forward to providing a voice for people in our community and … [Read more...]
Remembering Sue Ann Douglas
Sue Ann Douglas, age 77 of Rochester, passed away December 17, 2020. Loving wife of Thomas Douglas for 56 years, dear mother of Roger Douglas. Sister of Nancy (Donald) and Candy (Glen). From April 2019 - Mayor Robert J. Ray with Rochester residents Sue and Tom Douglas - photo by Michael Dwyer Sue was well known locally for her public service on the Rochester Planning Commission, Rochester City Council, and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Before she started her public service … [Read more...]
Judge Warren Patriot Week Commentary
Hon. Michael Warren Over a decade ago, my then 10-year-old daughter Leah pounded on a table and demanded a new celebration for America - and Patriot Week was born. She did so because the traditional civic calendar had been hallowed out by empty excuses for three-day weekends, barbecues, and appliance sales. The idea was to renew the spirit of America. Little did we predict that in 2020 the nation would need Patriot Week for another reason - to heal the spirit of America. The toxic … [Read more...]
Gyms and Pools to Reopen
Organized Contact Sports to Resume with Strict Safely Measures but Remains Frowned Upon by State Officials, and Gyms and Pools are Permitted to Reopen. Governor Gretchen Whitmer Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-176 reopening Michigan’s gyms and pools in those regions where they remain closed and allowing for organized sports practices and competitions to resume in those regions where they remain restricted, subject to strict protections meant to limit spread … [Read more...]
Judge Michael Warren Commentary about Threats to Judicial Independence
Recent polls have shown a dismaying ignorance of civics and American history which is coming home to roost. Less than half of the people can identify the three branches of government: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. This might explain the vitriol, death threats, and violence that are spewing at our judicial officers. As Alexander Hamilton explained in the Federalist Papers, of the three branches, the judicial has always been considered the least dangerous. It does not set … [Read more...]
No Mask, No Service
Following an Uptick in COVID-19 Cases, Governor Whitmer Says "Mask Up, Michigan" and Signs Executive Order Requiring Mask Use in all Indoor Public Spaces Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-147, which reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space. It also requires the use of face coverings in crowded outdoor spaces. Most significantly, the order requires any business that is open to the public to refuse … [Read more...]
Michigan Return to School Roadmap
Governor Whitmer Releases MI Safe Schools Roadmap and Directs School Districts to Develop Return to School Plans with Guidance on PPE, Hygiene, and Cleaning Protocols, Athletics, and More. Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the MI Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap, a comprehensive document to help districts create local plans for in-person learning in the fall. The Roadmap outlines a number of safety protocols for schools to implement in each phase of the governor’s MI Safe Start … [Read more...]
Proud to be an American?
Independence Day Commentary Proud to be an American? A recent Gallup poll reveals that such pride has dropped precipitously this year and is at its lowest point since the poll began. 42% are extremely proud, 21% are very proud, 15% are moderately proud, 12% are a little proud, and 9% are not proud at all. As recently as 2016, 81% were extremely or very proud - today it has dropped to 63%. Is it any wonder? With a toxic political environment, pandemic, economic collapse, and mass protests, … [Read more...]