It's an off time for many in the business and political world, with much focus placed on holiday shopping, friends, family, and New Year's Eve parties. The news cycles are equally slow too- if it weren't for the Gaza crisis, we would be relegated to hearing endless analysis of the Blago scandal and shirtless pictures of Barack Obama.
In the interest of spicing things up a bit, I wanted to throw out a new idea for investing in Michigan's economic future. Sure, hybrid car batteries and solar/wind turbine production is great, but what about an industry that not only draws down lots of private sector dollars, but also federal dollars? The sector I am talking about is aerospace.
Michigan has what it takes- several good schools with aviation technology programs (WMU, etc), many established airfields (mostly former military airfields anyways), large-scale heavy industrial capacity (and a ready-to-work labor force too). Lots of related products are produced in Michigan already in terms of on board systems for both civilian and military aircraft.
These areas will be even more important as we look at the continued push to explore 'the final frontier': space technologies have historically created very long-term, high-paying, stable jobs that help attract the finest minds in the entire planet to an area. Just look at Coca Beach.
It is not unprecedented to pursue private sector space companies either. While the industry is arguably still in its infancy, New Mexico has had great success attracting investment in spaceport construction by partnering with Virgin Galactic, and has made many overtures to the commercial satellite industry.
The capability for cost-effective launches of traditional rockets requires that a location be closer to the Equator, something Michigan is, regrettably, not (to the chagrin of anyone who has spent the winter here). However, with three of the world's leading universities within one hour of each other, placing design, command, and administrative services in Michigan would give companies an instant in to some of the best educated workers on the planet.
Governor Granholm said she would go anywhere and do anything to bring jobs to Michigan. It may be that the location that needs her focus is not on earth, but above it.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
New Year's Resolutions in Lansing
It may be shortly before Christmas, but it's not too early to start thinking about 2009. As is common when looking to the future, people create resolutions- New Year's Resolutions, to pick one or a couple of things that they want to improve. These resolutions are much maligned in popular culture as being promises that are never fully implemented (who can forget the famous 'loose weight' line?). But sometimes, when the right people set the right goals with the right amount of determination, a New Year's Resolution can be a true impetus for change.
Our leaders in Lansing are already on vacation. I wonder how many of them are thinking on 2009 and their New Year's Resolutions as they sit down to Christmas dinner. What form will these resolutions take? Will we see our leaders resolve to work together to address the pressing issues we have in Michigan, such as smoking regulation, individual market health insurance reform, auto insurance reform (lest we forget the Kreiner Report), expanding public transit, tourism, and high-tech green industries and research, et all? Or will they look back on 2008 and be proud of their 'accomplishments': delaying the passage of a RPS, failing to incentivize economic development, and removing Michigan's national political influence through a botched primary- and resolve to 'keep up the good work'?
With the crisis our state and nation faces going into 2009, one would hope the need for change would be apparent. Let's hope that legislators resolve to change more than their girth come January 1st.
Our leaders in Lansing are already on vacation. I wonder how many of them are thinking on 2009 and their New Year's Resolutions as they sit down to Christmas dinner. What form will these resolutions take? Will we see our leaders resolve to work together to address the pressing issues we have in Michigan, such as smoking regulation, individual market health insurance reform, auto insurance reform (lest we forget the Kreiner Report), expanding public transit, tourism, and high-tech green industries and research, et all? Or will they look back on 2008 and be proud of their 'accomplishments': delaying the passage of a RPS, failing to incentivize economic development, and removing Michigan's national political influence through a botched primary- and resolve to 'keep up the good work'?
With the crisis our state and nation faces going into 2009, one would hope the need for change would be apparent. Let's hope that legislators resolve to change more than their girth come January 1st.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Bill Richardson: Plans to Save Darfur
On October 8th, Sudanese government proxies attacked and destroyed a village controlled by the Sudanese Liberation Army, a group with which they have an established cease-fire. 100 people were killed and the town was razed.
This shameful act underscores the need for swift action on the world community’s part to halt the genocide. We need the Bush Administration to put some of its highest ranking diplomats on this issue, giving it the attention it deserves. We need to target Sudan’s economic partners, such as China, to force change in Khartoum. We need to prevent the conflict from spreading to neighboring nations such as Chad. The regime is not the only group we should engage, but also the rebel groups and we should moderate productive discussions between them officially. Finally, if we are to stand for international law against genocide, we should join the International Criminal Court.
These six steps are Governor Richardson’s plan to end the genocide. However, we can’t wait till January 20, 2009 to see these policies implemented. We, as citizens, need to stand with the Governor and oppose the outright massacre of innocent civilians every day until the crisis is resolved.
This shameful act underscores the need for swift action on the world community’s part to halt the genocide. We need the Bush Administration to put some of its highest ranking diplomats on this issue, giving it the attention it deserves. We need to target Sudan’s economic partners, such as China, to force change in Khartoum. We need to prevent the conflict from spreading to neighboring nations such as Chad. The regime is not the only group we should engage, but also the rebel groups and we should moderate productive discussions between them officially. Finally, if we are to stand for international law against genocide, we should join the International Criminal Court.
These six steps are Governor Richardson’s plan to end the genocide. However, we can’t wait till January 20, 2009 to see these policies implemented. We, as citizens, need to stand with the Governor and oppose the outright massacre of innocent civilians every day until the crisis is resolved.
Letter to State News: Fairness in Coverage
I would like to write today in regards to the cartoon printed in the Wednesday, August 29, 2007 edition of The State News, relating to the ‘reservations’ some seem to have with Senators Obama and Clinton in their bid for the presidency. The portrayal of Obama as a weak child and of Clinton as enraged and manly, was offensive, and takes away credibility from those who do have legitimate concerns with their leadership ability. Senator Obama could be viewed as inexperienced, it is wrong to characterize him as weak. While Senator Clinton does appear to many to be too much of a ‘Washington insider’, the gender jokes should be reserved for a more appropriate venue, such as the halls of a local middle school.
The cartoon also continues to demonstrate the unwillingness of The State News to cover the other candidates in the Presidential Roundup. The Republicans are virtually nonexistent in coverage, and solid Democrats such as Bill Richardson or John Edwards seem wholly discounted.
If you are going cover politics, cover them equally and fairly. Do not hop on to one train of thought and ride it to the detriment of those more legitimate. As an influential publication with a large readership, you have the duty to be fair to your readers, and provide them with content that caters to the college intellect, rather than the gutter-mindedness of teenagers.
The cartoon also continues to demonstrate the unwillingness of The State News to cover the other candidates in the Presidential Roundup. The Republicans are virtually nonexistent in coverage, and solid Democrats such as Bill Richardson or John Edwards seem wholly discounted.
If you are going cover politics, cover them equally and fairly. Do not hop on to one train of thought and ride it to the detriment of those more legitimate. As an influential publication with a large readership, you have the duty to be fair to your readers, and provide them with content that caters to the college intellect, rather than the gutter-mindedness of teenagers.
Fight the Changed Primaries
This past week, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed legislation to move Michigan's presidential primaries up to January 15th. This was a grievous mistake, and has ramifications for the State of Michigan, as well as the state of democracy.
Under this legislation, taxpayers have to pay for these member-only elections. When looking in the hole of a $1 billion deficit, tacking on another $10 million is fiscally irresponsible.
Democracy will also suffer. If Michigan wants to be significant in national politics, turning away candidates is not the way to do it. Instead of giving people a better choice and more information, voters will be ill-informed. The less-well covered candidates, such as Governor Bill Richardson, will be at a disadvantage to the 'media rock stars'.
Do not support this crimp on democracy. Let your voice be heard in opposition to this horrible idea, and preserve the sanctity of democracy, and our fiscal future.
Under this legislation, taxpayers have to pay for these member-only elections. When looking in the hole of a $1 billion deficit, tacking on another $10 million is fiscally irresponsible.
Democracy will also suffer. If Michigan wants to be significant in national politics, turning away candidates is not the way to do it. Instead of giving people a better choice and more information, voters will be ill-informed. The less-well covered candidates, such as Governor Bill Richardson, will be at a disadvantage to the 'media rock stars'.
Do not support this crimp on democracy. Let your voice be heard in opposition to this horrible idea, and preserve the sanctity of democracy, and our fiscal future.
Romney: Wrong For Michigan
Many have seen the Mitt Romney campaign ads in Michigan on the television, where he stands in a warehouse lamenting the growth of China and pledging to implement policies to keep the US as the 'world's only economic superpower'.
However, while he makes these statements, Bain Capital (the investment firm he found and led in a state other than Michigan) is doing the opposite. 3com, an established and respected American semiconductor manufacturer, has recently come on hard times. In a bid to gain more access to the American market and 3com's advanced technology, a group of Chinese investors came together in an attempt to take over the company. And, guess what company was partnering with them in this bid: the same Bain Capital.
When making a choice for president, or even for candidates, make sure you have the full story. Vote for people who stand up for America, in both word and deed. Romney has failed that test, and has failed the people of Michigan.
However, while he makes these statements, Bain Capital (the investment firm he found and led in a state other than Michigan) is doing the opposite. 3com, an established and respected American semiconductor manufacturer, has recently come on hard times. In a bid to gain more access to the American market and 3com's advanced technology, a group of Chinese investors came together in an attempt to take over the company. And, guess what company was partnering with them in this bid: the same Bain Capital.
When making a choice for president, or even for candidates, make sure you have the full story. Vote for people who stand up for America, in both word and deed. Romney has failed that test, and has failed the people of Michigan.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Public Transit in Detroit: Ensure Long-Term Viability
Amid the bevy of proposals that legislators in Lansing have to ponder in this session, one that has been receiving much positive attention is the proposed light rail system along Woodward Ave in Detroit.
Supporters of this proposal are touting the great effects this can have for the city- linking the two main entertainment areas to encourage more tourism. They believe that this can finally get suburban residents to want to go downtown for more than just the Tigers/Wings/Lions/Gambling. Also, it would spur private investment in city beautification: while that part of the city is not the most blight-stricken, the money gained from the corporate sponsorship of the stations would create a more tourist-friendly environment.
I fully support this proposal. The People Mover has proven to be a colossal failure, and something like this line has much more potential. When focusing on improving tourism, linking downtown to the theaters would encourage people to make a night of it in Detroit, rather than simply go for the event and leave.
The question that sits at the forefront of my mind is this: how will the system prove to be profitable to the taxpayers? In this proposal, there would be a co-mingling of public and private funds to offset some of the burden on the taxpayer initially, but what about in the future? At the same time, given the harsh seasons here, would such a line be able to gain steady ridership, and thus steady revenue? How much would a ride need to cost to just maintain the system? How much of that cost can the ticket prices support without adversely affecting ridership?
On the whole, public transit systems are rarely profitable, needing government infusions of funds in order to subsidize ticket prices to attract riders. These funds are usually gained from taxes on gasoline, or levied on all residents in the forms of mills. In Detroit, we not only see decreasing gasoline prices, but also rapidly plummeting property values. This means that there is an ever-decreasing local tax base to help subsidize this line, possibly necessitating county, state, or federal funds to keep the line afloat in the long run. I could foresee such outlays bear the brunt of Republican spending cuts, damaging the city and public transportation in general.
Again, I support this program. It is a first step to start to get Michigan on the right path towards public transportation, though we still have a long way to go. Ensuring the long-term viability of this line is of the utmost importance, requiring strict oversight from Lansing and local leaders working in cooperation to create a plan for the future rather than just a 'feel good' outlay.
-Tom Choske
Supporters of this proposal are touting the great effects this can have for the city- linking the two main entertainment areas to encourage more tourism. They believe that this can finally get suburban residents to want to go downtown for more than just the Tigers/Wings/Lions/Gambling. Also, it would spur private investment in city beautification: while that part of the city is not the most blight-stricken, the money gained from the corporate sponsorship of the stations would create a more tourist-friendly environment.
I fully support this proposal. The People Mover has proven to be a colossal failure, and something like this line has much more potential. When focusing on improving tourism, linking downtown to the theaters would encourage people to make a night of it in Detroit, rather than simply go for the event and leave.
The question that sits at the forefront of my mind is this: how will the system prove to be profitable to the taxpayers? In this proposal, there would be a co-mingling of public and private funds to offset some of the burden on the taxpayer initially, but what about in the future? At the same time, given the harsh seasons here, would such a line be able to gain steady ridership, and thus steady revenue? How much would a ride need to cost to just maintain the system? How much of that cost can the ticket prices support without adversely affecting ridership?
On the whole, public transit systems are rarely profitable, needing government infusions of funds in order to subsidize ticket prices to attract riders. These funds are usually gained from taxes on gasoline, or levied on all residents in the forms of mills. In Detroit, we not only see decreasing gasoline prices, but also rapidly plummeting property values. This means that there is an ever-decreasing local tax base to help subsidize this line, possibly necessitating county, state, or federal funds to keep the line afloat in the long run. I could foresee such outlays bear the brunt of Republican spending cuts, damaging the city and public transportation in general.
Again, I support this program. It is a first step to start to get Michigan on the right path towards public transportation, though we still have a long way to go. Ensuring the long-term viability of this line is of the utmost importance, requiring strict oversight from Lansing and local leaders working in cooperation to create a plan for the future rather than just a 'feel good' outlay.
-Tom Choske
Monday, December 8, 2008
U.S. has resources available to help end genocide in Darfur
How can we make a difference in Sudan? This question has sparked much debate in the news of late. Some believe the only way is through deploying troops. However, that is not the case. The U.S. can help end the genocide in Darfur at little cost and no loss of life.
Divestment is the first step. Much of the world — the U.S. included — divested to end apartheid in South Africa in the 1990s, so we can divest from Sudan to end the genocide. The Sudanese government makes most of its money from oil revenues, which the people don’t see a penny of, by pressuring foreign oil conglomerates that are involved in Sudan to put pressure on the government. To get the oil companies to do this, they must be engaged by their shareholders, such as fund managers and even individual people. If they don’t change their practices, we as concerned citizens will take our money other places.
This strategy has worked already. Schlumberger, a French oil company, stopped supporting the genocide and is now building hospitals and schools in Darfur. It carried virtually no cost for the investors, as there are plenty of more profitable companies out there to invest in, and it made a difference on the ground. There were no lives lost, either.
Stand up and support divestment legislation. It is the first step, and a significant one, that can help a lot of people at little cost.
-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published October 19th, 2007
Divestment is the first step. Much of the world — the U.S. included — divested to end apartheid in South Africa in the 1990s, so we can divest from Sudan to end the genocide. The Sudanese government makes most of its money from oil revenues, which the people don’t see a penny of, by pressuring foreign oil conglomerates that are involved in Sudan to put pressure on the government. To get the oil companies to do this, they must be engaged by their shareholders, such as fund managers and even individual people. If they don’t change their practices, we as concerned citizens will take our money other places.
This strategy has worked already. Schlumberger, a French oil company, stopped supporting the genocide and is now building hospitals and schools in Darfur. It carried virtually no cost for the investors, as there are plenty of more profitable companies out there to invest in, and it made a difference on the ground. There were no lives lost, either.
Stand up and support divestment legislation. It is the first step, and a significant one, that can help a lot of people at little cost.
-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published October 19th, 2007
Senate Votes can Help Darfur Region
It has claimed 200,000-400,000 lives. It has displaced millions. It has tortured countless millions more. And it continues to this very day — with no end in sight.The situation in Darfur is real. Real people are being forced from their homes. Real people are being tortured. Real people are dying. To date, the genocide waged by the government of Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir has taken the lives of well over 200,000 people, and the attacks by the Janjaweed, local mercenaries hired by the regime, have tortured and displaced millions.
The only way to bring an end to this is to target the money the government gets, namely the foreign oil companies. They must be engaged by their shareholders, and the State of Michigan has a lot of shares. If the state can engage these companies, we can make a difference on the ground in Darfur. To do that, though, we need your support as concerned citizens to get the government to pass SB 555 and HB 4854, the Michigan Sudan Divestment legislation.
Tom Choske
president, Spartans For Progressive Divestment and international relations and German senior
Published on Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The only way to bring an end to this is to target the money the government gets, namely the foreign oil companies. They must be engaged by their shareholders, and the State of Michigan has a lot of shares. If the state can engage these companies, we can make a difference on the ground in Darfur. To do that, though, we need your support as concerned citizens to get the government to pass SB 555 and HB 4854, the Michigan Sudan Divestment legislation.
Tom Choske
president, Spartans For Progressive Divestment and international relations and German senior
Published on Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Help Prevent the UN Darfur Mission from Failing
Darfur needs our help. The United Nations has released a statement that, unless the government in Khartoum fully complies with UN Resolutions and allows all aid into the country, the peacekeeping mission will fail and hundreds of thousands more will die.
Michigan has legislation to divest from companies aiding the genocide, hitting the Sudanese President where it hurts: his wallet. However, this legislation is sitting in a Senate committee, never receiving a vote.
The people of Darfur need this. Michigan needs this. Please call your legislator and urge them to bring Senate Bill 555 and House Bill 4854 up for a fair vote.
-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published November 13th, 2007
Michigan has legislation to divest from companies aiding the genocide, hitting the Sudanese President where it hurts: his wallet. However, this legislation is sitting in a Senate committee, never receiving a vote.
The people of Darfur need this. Michigan needs this. Please call your legislator and urge them to bring Senate Bill 555 and House Bill 4854 up for a fair vote.
-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published November 13th, 2007
Stand Up For Divestment
Yesterday, the United Nations released a statement that the government of Sudan is, once again, failing to comply with UN Security Council Resolutions. Unless they allow all Peacekeepers into the country, hundreds of thousands more will die.
Michigan can make a difference. Existing legislation would divest our tax dollars and tuition dollars from companies aiding the genocide. This would hurt the Sudanese President in a very tender place: his wallet. Also, it would make a statement that Michigan doesn’t want Lansing to send its money to foreign companies that help murder innocent civilians.
However, this legislation is sitting in a Senate committee, never receiving a vote. Certain lawmakers are stifling this legislation for political gain, much as they did for the budget. We all know how bad that was for the university and the state.
The people of Darfur need this. Michigan needs this. Please call your legislator and urge them to bring Senate Bill 555 and House Bill 4854 up for a fair vote.
-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published November 15th, 2007
Michigan can make a difference. Existing legislation would divest our tax dollars and tuition dollars from companies aiding the genocide. This would hurt the Sudanese President in a very tender place: his wallet. Also, it would make a statement that Michigan doesn’t want Lansing to send its money to foreign companies that help murder innocent civilians.
However, this legislation is sitting in a Senate committee, never receiving a vote. Certain lawmakers are stifling this legislation for political gain, much as they did for the budget. We all know how bad that was for the university and the state.
The people of Darfur need this. Michigan needs this. Please call your legislator and urge them to bring Senate Bill 555 and House Bill 4854 up for a fair vote.
-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published November 15th, 2007
Divest, Because Genocide Waits for No Politician
The death toll is rising, and you money is making it possible.
Currently, Michigan tax dollars are supporting companies that aid the Sudanese government in its genocide in Darfur. Already 400,000 have died in addition to the over 2 million refugees. This needs to stop.
Michigan can make a difference. Existing legislation would divest our tax dollars and tuition dollars from companies aiding the genocide. Together with the other 20 states doing this, Michigan can say with a clear voice that, just as we didn’t support Apartheid, we don’t support genocide.
However, this legislation is sitting in a Senate committee, never receiving a vote. While the House voted divestment through almost unanimously, the Senate is, once again, playing politics with people’s lives.
The people of Darfur need this. Michigan needs this. Please call your legislator and urge them to bring Senate Bill 555 and House Bill 4854
up for a fair vote.
-Tom Choske and Jeff Lakin
President and Vice President for Government Outreach (respectively)
Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published November 28th, 2007
Currently, Michigan tax dollars are supporting companies that aid the Sudanese government in its genocide in Darfur. Already 400,000 have died in addition to the over 2 million refugees. This needs to stop.
Michigan can make a difference. Existing legislation would divest our tax dollars and tuition dollars from companies aiding the genocide. Together with the other 20 states doing this, Michigan can say with a clear voice that, just as we didn’t support Apartheid, we don’t support genocide.
However, this legislation is sitting in a Senate committee, never receiving a vote. While the House voted divestment through almost unanimously, the Senate is, once again, playing politics with people’s lives.
The people of Darfur need this. Michigan needs this. Please call your legislator and urge them to bring Senate Bill 555 and House Bill 4854
up for a fair vote.
-Tom Choske and Jeff Lakin
President and Vice President for Government Outreach (respectively)
Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published November 28th, 2007
Continued Darfur Perseverence
While not as sexy as drug overdoses or the withering away of Fred Thompson’s presidential aspirations, the crisis in Darfur is still going on, unabated. Despite the lack of media attention, it is imperative that we act to help turn the situation around.
Earlier this year, the African Union mission was replaced with a UN-Hybrid force. However, the Sudanese government has refused to allow this force the equipment it needs to carry out its mission, in addition to banning troops from some major donor nations. Unless this changes soon, this force will be rendered as ineffective as the AU force of old.
Michigan can help. $150 million of taxpayer dollars are invested in companies that support President Al-Bashir’s genocide. If Michigan passes HB 4854 and SB 555, it would join with 22 other states in pressuring these companies to change their tune.
Please help. Urge your state senator to call for the introduction and passage of these groundbreaking pieces of legislation. Together, we can make a difference.
-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published January 23, 2008
Earlier this year, the African Union mission was replaced with a UN-Hybrid force. However, the Sudanese government has refused to allow this force the equipment it needs to carry out its mission, in addition to banning troops from some major donor nations. Unless this changes soon, this force will be rendered as ineffective as the AU force of old.
Michigan can help. $150 million of taxpayer dollars are invested in companies that support President Al-Bashir’s genocide. If Michigan passes HB 4854 and SB 555, it would join with 22 other states in pressuring these companies to change their tune.
Please help. Urge your state senator to call for the introduction and passage of these groundbreaking pieces of legislation. Together, we can make a difference.
-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published January 23, 2008
Chad Civil War and Darfur Divestment
Civil war in Chad. This democratic country that has stood against the forces of tyranny for years is now falling victim to the march of extremist terrorism. However, far from being motivated by a distorted religious creed, this terrorism is motivated by fear: fear of what could happen if responsible countries pushed to end the Darfur genocide.
The terrorists invading the capital of Chad are the same ones murdering hundreds of thousands in Darfur. They are attacking the government of a country that has allowed the refugees the hope to escape this tragedy. If others join Chad to put an end to this genocide, the Janjaweed’s free reign of terror would be squashed. This scares them.
There is something we can do here. We can make the terrorists more afraid. If
Michigan divests from companies aiding the Janjaweed, it will push the US government to take more action against these terrorists. They know that the only thing keeping them alive is the apathy of the first-world nations. Fight apathy. Fight terrorism. Push for Sudanese divestment in the Michigan Senate.
Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published February 4th, 2008
The terrorists invading the capital of Chad are the same ones murdering hundreds of thousands in Darfur. They are attacking the government of a country that has allowed the refugees the hope to escape this tragedy. If others join Chad to put an end to this genocide, the Janjaweed’s free reign of terror would be squashed. This scares them.
There is something we can do here. We can make the terrorists more afraid. If
Michigan divests from companies aiding the Janjaweed, it will push the US government to take more action against these terrorists. They know that the only thing keeping them alive is the apathy of the first-world nations. Fight apathy. Fight terrorism. Push for Sudanese divestment in the Michigan Senate.
Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published February 4th, 2008
Help Stop Darfur Genocide, Help Stop Terrorism
The terror in Darfur shows no signs of ending. Yesterday, countless years of efforts to quell the violence were thrown out the window, when the Sudanese government recklessly attacked three Darfurian towns, displacing thousands more and killing hundreds. Far from hurting the rebels, this strike served to embolden Omar Al-Bashir and his terrorist force, the Janjaweed.
The terrorists murdering hundreds of thousands in Darfur were linked to the bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000. This is not just a Sudanese problem, or an African problem, but an American and a global problem.
There is something we can do here. We can make stand against these terrorists and against the wanton slaughter of millions. If Michigan divests from companies aiding the Janjaweed, it will push the US government to take more action against these terrorists. They know that the only thing keeping them alive is the apathy of the first-world nations.
Fight apathy. Fight terrorism. Push for Sudanese divestment in the Michigan Senate.
-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published February 11, 2008
The terrorists murdering hundreds of thousands in Darfur were linked to the bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000. This is not just a Sudanese problem, or an African problem, but an American and a global problem.
There is something we can do here. We can make stand against these terrorists and against the wanton slaughter of millions. If Michigan divests from companies aiding the Janjaweed, it will push the US government to take more action against these terrorists. They know that the only thing keeping them alive is the apathy of the first-world nations.
Fight apathy. Fight terrorism. Push for Sudanese divestment in the Michigan Senate.
-Tom Choske
President, Spartans For Progressive Divestment
Published February 11, 2008
Great Lakes need to be Preserved
Many MSU students have probably been to at least one of the Great Lakes, if only once. In fact, a large number of Midwesterners have come to lakes Michigan, Huron, Superior, Erie or Ontario to swim, boat, fish or vacation.
Besides supporting Michigan’s tourism industry, which is the second largest contributor to our state’s economy after manufacturing, the Great Lakes are an important environmental resource, housing many freshwater fish and plants. Their freshwater reserves — the largest surface reserves on the entire planet — supply thirsty Michigan and Midwestern agriculture (the third largest economic contributor), in addition to many thirsty Michigan citizens, the water necessary to live and grow.
However, what would happen if those lakes weren’t there anymore? What would happen if one or more of the lakes were made off-limits to tourists and residents, citing high pollution levels? What if the water was unable to be pumped to the cherry producers in Traverse City or the soybean growers in Monroe, let alone to the lead pipes supplying parched Case Hall residents at MSU?
Some may tell you this will never happen. They have the same false logic as many outside of the state — that Michigan is “awash” in water. The water cycle, some say, ensures that the thousands upon thousands of gallons wasted to water lawns and from table water at restaurants will somehow come back to the Great Lakes to be consumed again.
Why then are the Lakes at or near the lowest levels they have ever been? Why do certain areas of Michigan have to enact water moratoriums every summer to control dwindling water supplies amid drought conditions? The answer is we do not have unlimited water to do with as we please. The wasteful practices we have been indulging in for decades combined with the effects of climate change are coming back to haunt us. Unless we change our outlook on the Great Lakes and the environment, we will rapidly destroy the state many of us have come to treasure.
Change is slowly beginning to happen, though. Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the Great Lakes, Great Michigan package of bills in February 2006. Constraints were placed on Dasani and other water bottling companies to prevent them from sucking our lakes completely dry. In 2006 and 2007, the Legislature began to make progress on regulating aquifer tapping (the process of draining the groundwater that supplies the lakes, streams, rivers, tributaries and us), another step in fighting low lake levels. Also, the public outcry was great when BP Amoco PLC wanted to dump vast amounts of ammonia and sludge into Lake Michigan, with Facebook.com groups, Web sites and other forms of grassroots activism coming into play to protect our most treasured resource.
Despite this progress, there is more that needs to be done. Michigan, while the only state to border four of the five Great Lakes, is one of the eight states to have territorial claims to them. Efforts need to be made so that should Michigan reject a company from draining the lakes, it doesn’t just relocate to Illinois or Wisconsin to continue its destructive practices. The strongest attempt to do this is the Great Lakes Compact, an eight-state legislative package that, when fully ratified, will put the power to control water withdrawals into the hands of the people rather than a few legislators.
This compact is falling victim to the water politics it is seeking to abolish. Three states have already passed it, while Michigan and the other states are considering it. Wisconsin and Ohio are presenting a challenge to this bill, wanting to amend it to allow more areas than just the Great Lakes Basin areas to withdraw water. This is problematic as the compact only goes into effect if every state passes the same language. If one state refuses to agree, it acts as a veto, sinking the entire project.
There is no excuse for this. Politicians from both parties need to have the leadership necessary to fight politics as usual and make a decision with the interests of the people in mind, rather than their careers. It is at this point we need to stand up and show our elected officials we will not support continuing the policies of the past that risk destroying the Great Lakes — the environmental jewel that sustains us and provides us great enjoyment.
Tom Choske is a State News columnist. Reach him at chosketh@msu.edu.
Published on Thursday, February 21, 2008
Besides supporting Michigan’s tourism industry, which is the second largest contributor to our state’s economy after manufacturing, the Great Lakes are an important environmental resource, housing many freshwater fish and plants. Their freshwater reserves — the largest surface reserves on the entire planet — supply thirsty Michigan and Midwestern agriculture (the third largest economic contributor), in addition to many thirsty Michigan citizens, the water necessary to live and grow.
However, what would happen if those lakes weren’t there anymore? What would happen if one or more of the lakes were made off-limits to tourists and residents, citing high pollution levels? What if the water was unable to be pumped to the cherry producers in Traverse City or the soybean growers in Monroe, let alone to the lead pipes supplying parched Case Hall residents at MSU?
Some may tell you this will never happen. They have the same false logic as many outside of the state — that Michigan is “awash” in water. The water cycle, some say, ensures that the thousands upon thousands of gallons wasted to water lawns and from table water at restaurants will somehow come back to the Great Lakes to be consumed again.
Why then are the Lakes at or near the lowest levels they have ever been? Why do certain areas of Michigan have to enact water moratoriums every summer to control dwindling water supplies amid drought conditions? The answer is we do not have unlimited water to do with as we please. The wasteful practices we have been indulging in for decades combined with the effects of climate change are coming back to haunt us. Unless we change our outlook on the Great Lakes and the environment, we will rapidly destroy the state many of us have come to treasure.
Change is slowly beginning to happen, though. Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the Great Lakes, Great Michigan package of bills in February 2006. Constraints were placed on Dasani and other water bottling companies to prevent them from sucking our lakes completely dry. In 2006 and 2007, the Legislature began to make progress on regulating aquifer tapping (the process of draining the groundwater that supplies the lakes, streams, rivers, tributaries and us), another step in fighting low lake levels. Also, the public outcry was great when BP Amoco PLC wanted to dump vast amounts of ammonia and sludge into Lake Michigan, with Facebook.com groups, Web sites and other forms of grassroots activism coming into play to protect our most treasured resource.
Despite this progress, there is more that needs to be done. Michigan, while the only state to border four of the five Great Lakes, is one of the eight states to have territorial claims to them. Efforts need to be made so that should Michigan reject a company from draining the lakes, it doesn’t just relocate to Illinois or Wisconsin to continue its destructive practices. The strongest attempt to do this is the Great Lakes Compact, an eight-state legislative package that, when fully ratified, will put the power to control water withdrawals into the hands of the people rather than a few legislators.
This compact is falling victim to the water politics it is seeking to abolish. Three states have already passed it, while Michigan and the other states are considering it. Wisconsin and Ohio are presenting a challenge to this bill, wanting to amend it to allow more areas than just the Great Lakes Basin areas to withdraw water. This is problematic as the compact only goes into effect if every state passes the same language. If one state refuses to agree, it acts as a veto, sinking the entire project.
There is no excuse for this. Politicians from both parties need to have the leadership necessary to fight politics as usual and make a decision with the interests of the people in mind, rather than their careers. It is at this point we need to stand up and show our elected officials we will not support continuing the policies of the past that risk destroying the Great Lakes — the environmental jewel that sustains us and provides us great enjoyment.
Tom Choske is a State News columnist. Reach him at chosketh@msu.edu.
Published on Thursday, February 21, 2008
How politically savvy are you?
GOTV. “Get Out the Vote.” This should be familiar to members of our generation. In 2004 and 2006, campaigns such as “Vote Or Die” sought to get us off of our Xboxes and Facebook.com and into our local polling precinct. Every election cycle, celebrities and political elites get together to encourage us Generation Yers to participate in our democracy.
However, what does participation really mean? At a speech at Georgetown University last month, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean claimed these programs worked, with “participation” of 18 to 29-year-olds up 61 percent. But these statistics define “participation” as people who cast ballots.
At the same time in 2006, we saw affirmative action, a standby principle of civil rights for Democrats and Republicans for almost 40 years, overturned in Michigan. In 2004, the Defense of Marriage Act dealt a blow to both homosexual and heterosexual couples by denying either group the right to enter into a less-than-marital living arrangement. The years 2004-06 saw lawmakers such as Randy “Duke” Cunningham in California and Bob Ney of Ohio get re-elected, while the full extent of the Jack Abramoff lobbying ring was just starting to come to light. Howard Dean’s 2004 grassroots candidacy, which was targeted at college students, was knocked out by a billionaire whose campaign relied heavily on the older, “traditional” base of the Democratic Party.
How is this possible then? If young people are truly being “mobilized,” then why do corrupt politicians keep getting re-elected? Why do campaigns geared toward our generation fizzle out? Why do ballot initiatives pass that overturn the progressive social change our ancestors fought for, or are so poorly worded that they hurt people not even affiliated with the issue?
Straw poll time. Have you ever been to the state capitol or local city hall of your own free will? If so, one point for you. Have you ever sent a letter to an official — without having your civics teacher force you — to voice your opinion on an issue? Two points for you. Have you ever researched a candidate not running for president, or a ballot proposal to form your own opinion of it? Give yourself three points for this one. Now, the $64,000 question: Have you ever volunteered or donated to a campaign or an organization supporting a platform you agree with? A whopping five points for those of you who have.
Total up the points. How many do you have? This is the true test of political participation. To those of you with three or more points: Congratulations, your civics class did not fail you. These people know what avenues were built into our democratic system to allow them the ability to voice their opinions besides voting. To anyone with more than three points, you are great examples of citizens taking the power of government into their own hands.
However, there’s another category: those with one point or less. Unfortunately, it seems most college students (and adults for that matter) fall into this category. While they may vote, they are uninformed on the issues or candidates. Many may have an apathetic view of government and lament how corrupt politicians are. This is always crystallized for me by the “George Bush is stupid” Democrats — people who know nothing except the mantra that President Bush is stupid, and think they should vote for whoever has a “D” next to their name.
Is this truly participation? Have we been deluded into thinking voting is all that is needed for a democratic government to function? If vague mantras, partisan politics and glitzy media campaigns are all people have to base their vote off of, no wonder we have seen our government become so ineffective. GOTV shouldn’t focus on getting people into the polls; it should be about educating the electorate and making up for where our civics education has failed.
Sandra Day O’Connor wrote, “One way of getting people to protect our system is to be sure that they understand it.” In 2008, our system will be in danger. Do we re-elect the same party hacks who have ridden roughshod over our nation for the past decade, or do we take our country back? In this struggle, GOTV is not the answer. Real democratic engagement and participation is. Let’s show the talking heads in Washington, D.C. and the rest of the world what we really think of the government by getting involved in our democracy and fighting for real change.
Tom Choske is a State News columnist and an international relations and German senior. Reach him at chosketh@msu.edu.
Published on Monday, March 24, 2008
However, what does participation really mean? At a speech at Georgetown University last month, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean claimed these programs worked, with “participation” of 18 to 29-year-olds up 61 percent. But these statistics define “participation” as people who cast ballots.
At the same time in 2006, we saw affirmative action, a standby principle of civil rights for Democrats and Republicans for almost 40 years, overturned in Michigan. In 2004, the Defense of Marriage Act dealt a blow to both homosexual and heterosexual couples by denying either group the right to enter into a less-than-marital living arrangement. The years 2004-06 saw lawmakers such as Randy “Duke” Cunningham in California and Bob Ney of Ohio get re-elected, while the full extent of the Jack Abramoff lobbying ring was just starting to come to light. Howard Dean’s 2004 grassroots candidacy, which was targeted at college students, was knocked out by a billionaire whose campaign relied heavily on the older, “traditional” base of the Democratic Party.
How is this possible then? If young people are truly being “mobilized,” then why do corrupt politicians keep getting re-elected? Why do campaigns geared toward our generation fizzle out? Why do ballot initiatives pass that overturn the progressive social change our ancestors fought for, or are so poorly worded that they hurt people not even affiliated with the issue?
Straw poll time. Have you ever been to the state capitol or local city hall of your own free will? If so, one point for you. Have you ever sent a letter to an official — without having your civics teacher force you — to voice your opinion on an issue? Two points for you. Have you ever researched a candidate not running for president, or a ballot proposal to form your own opinion of it? Give yourself three points for this one. Now, the $64,000 question: Have you ever volunteered or donated to a campaign or an organization supporting a platform you agree with? A whopping five points for those of you who have.
Total up the points. How many do you have? This is the true test of political participation. To those of you with three or more points: Congratulations, your civics class did not fail you. These people know what avenues were built into our democratic system to allow them the ability to voice their opinions besides voting. To anyone with more than three points, you are great examples of citizens taking the power of government into their own hands.
However, there’s another category: those with one point or less. Unfortunately, it seems most college students (and adults for that matter) fall into this category. While they may vote, they are uninformed on the issues or candidates. Many may have an apathetic view of government and lament how corrupt politicians are. This is always crystallized for me by the “George Bush is stupid” Democrats — people who know nothing except the mantra that President Bush is stupid, and think they should vote for whoever has a “D” next to their name.
Is this truly participation? Have we been deluded into thinking voting is all that is needed for a democratic government to function? If vague mantras, partisan politics and glitzy media campaigns are all people have to base their vote off of, no wonder we have seen our government become so ineffective. GOTV shouldn’t focus on getting people into the polls; it should be about educating the electorate and making up for where our civics education has failed.
Sandra Day O’Connor wrote, “One way of getting people to protect our system is to be sure that they understand it.” In 2008, our system will be in danger. Do we re-elect the same party hacks who have ridden roughshod over our nation for the past decade, or do we take our country back? In this struggle, GOTV is not the answer. Real democratic engagement and participation is. Let’s show the talking heads in Washington, D.C. and the rest of the world what we really think of the government by getting involved in our democracy and fighting for real change.
Tom Choske is a State News columnist and an international relations and German senior. Reach him at chosketh@msu.edu.
Published on Monday, March 24, 2008
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