Privatize Everything

Sept. 7th, 2011

Andy Kroll reports over at Mother Jones:

"Michigan Republican Sen. Phil Pavlov, who chairs the state Senate's education committee, is preparing legislation that would allow public school districts to hire teachers through private, for-profit companies. Privatizing the hiring process would presumably allow school districts to bypass compensation packages sought by teachers unions and let private companies compete for contracts with districts."

The fact the private firms would have every reason to incentivize the insertion of their own for-profit positions in the curriculum doesn't seem to bother Sen. Pavlov. Just another modern Republican leading Michigan down Gov. Snyder's path to plutocracy.

To contact Sen. Pavlov, click HERE

Michigan Residents Fight Back

June 22nd, 2011

Remember that "Emergency Manager" law up in Michigan?

From the NY Times:
"More than two dozen residents of Michigan filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against top officials in the state contending that a new law broadly expanding the powers of emergency managers in the most financially troubled cities violates Michigan’s Constitution.

The lawsuit, filed in Ingham County Circuit Court, contends that the law approved by Michigan lawmakers this year improperly allows the state to place new costs on municipalities without paying for them and, in essence, bars local residents from picking their own elected representatives."

I hate to resort to cliche, but taxation without representation is what again?

Gov. Rick Snyder's Attempt To Subvert Elected Government

Mar 14th, 2011

CBS has finally picked up the story of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's unilaterlist and corporatist attempt to impose his own will over elected officials.:

"Michigan lawmakers are on the verge of approving a bill that would enable the governor to appoint "emergency managers" -- officials with unilateral power to make sweeping changes to cities facing financial troubles.

Under the legislation, the Michigan Messenger reports, the governor could declare a "financial emergency" in towns or school districts. He could then appoint a manager to fire local elected officials, break contracts, seize and sell assets, eliminate services - and even eliminate whole cities or school districts without any public input.

The measure passed in the state Senate this week; the House passed its own version earlier. The two versions of the bill are expected to be reconciled next week, and Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has said he will sign the bill the bill into law.

Democrats and their allies are decrying the legislation as a power grab and say it's part of a wider effort taking place in several states, such as Wisconsin, to weaken labor unions.

"It takes every decision in a city or school district and puts it in the hands of the manager, from when the streets get plowed to who plows them and how much they are paid," said Mark Gaffney, president of the Michigan State AFL-CIO. "This is a takeover by the right wing and it's an assault on democracy like I've never seen."

Yes, Virginia, It's Called Corporatism

Mar 11th, 2011

What is it called when elected leaders are merely figures serving at the whim of one who can remove them from office through decree? I call it corporatism. That's being polite in the extreme. Whatever you call it, it is neither American nor is it just. Welcome to Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's vision for the future. Rachel Maddow shines a light on this scurrying corporatist who seems to want to really outdo his fellow enemies of the middle class.

We strongly recommend that Americans of good conscience contact Gov. Snyder and let him know these actions will not be forgotten.

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