DISQUS

Perhaps you missed this... Dobson has announced that if proposition 8 (the so called marriage amendment) fails in California the culture war will have been lost. I wondering if we can send more money to California. I mean come on, the end of the culture war with one vote? Let's do it! Of course, I am not sure Dobson et al have an exit strategy...

Nothing new here I remember when Sen. Debbie Stabenow was running for Governor, we had bridges literally falling apart in Detroit, but good old John Engler was happy to report to our citizens he had cut the cost of government. He just forgot to mention the cuts would mean our roads would fall in over our heads.

This is the same old game Agema has made this play for years, and for years he has lost in his bid to make it happen. There are several reasons for this, not least of which is that most public universities and colleges which offer DP benefits are paying for them with non-public money. I know this because when Lansing Community College voted to accept a new health care contract with its unions, I was on the board and I was concerned about a provision in state law which requires that no state funding be used to fund abortions in health care.I wanted to make sure that medical option was available to the women covered under our insurance programs.  We had a long discussion about this issue and I was assured that we were paying for health care with funds not derived from public monies.

That in turns leads to the question, where is that money coming from? Generally out of the student's pockets in the terms of higher tuition rates and fees. So Agema, in an attempt to shove his agenda down the throats of Michigan residents is asking that we increase the costs to students and parents by using tuitions and fees to pay for health care.

And people wonder why the citizens are fed up with the state government? Rep. Agema, how about doing something constructive before your terms ends. You know, build a highway or fund a public building. But stop causing higher out of pocket costs for people trying to get an education.

HPV in the community Frankster,

HPV is a serious STI which very few minority communities are discussing. This includes the LGBT community which has done nothing to educate members in the gay men's community that HPV has been linked to oral cancer, anal cancer and penile cancer. The focus on women is one which started by looking at cervical cancer, but some how morphed, under the mega pharma companies, into the creation of women as the only people impacted by HPV. It is essential that just as the LGBT community did in the early 80's, the LGBT community must respond to the HPV epidemic, and this includes demanding to know if the vaccine works for men-- particularly sexually active gay men.

Frank its about choice First, let's be clear about this. The embryos exist and are literally sitting around in deep freezes. Bush sought to stop experimentation on stem cells from embroyos because it played to the right to life agenda, while ignoring the significant potential for bringing about cures for many things, including HIV or depression.

Second, there already has been a choice made. The embryos have been discarded by the biological parents because they got one to take hold and grow into a child which they are raising and living with. They have no need for the frozen clumps of cells.

Thirdly, being pro-choice, for me anyway, is about allowing others to do with their bodies as they fit-- just as the LGBT movement is about doing with the bodies of consenting adults as they choose to do. The embyros have already been relegated to a deep freeze of oblivion, why not revive the choice they represent and use them in vital research which could save the lives of thousands, hundreds of thousands, of Americans?

As a sidenote, the pro-lifers are fabulous at sobbing about fetuses, but you never see them fighting to end poverty for the children they are forcing women to have by taking their choice away, now do you? They are pro-life from conception to birth, then neglectful to life from that point on. You also find most pro-lifers are pro-death penalty, an irony all in itself.

I guess what I am saying is you have to look at things from a bigger picture, and logically Frank. Some college girl crying about clumps of cells that have been abandoned to a deep freeze does not negate the very real, positive impact those tissues may have in saving real lives of people already abandoned by the pro-life movement.

So... So you will support McCain, who has promised 100 years more war in Iraq, over Obama, because Obama has supported the right of a woman to choose to have an abortion? And just what exactly have you been doing for all the children that are being born as a result of the draconian rules, regulations and laws passed by right wings zealots to control other's bodies?

Abortion is something that should be legal, safe and rare. But when our federal government refuses to allow health education to teach about condoms and other pregnancy prevention  methods, in conjunction with abstinence education; we are preparing our young people for out of wedlock pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and other issues. You are not being compassionate when you are not arming people with the knowledge to prevent pregnancy, then punishing them for not having that knowledge in the first place.

Your love of "life" like most prolifers ends with the birth of the child. Jesus would shun you as surely as he shunned the Pharisees. 

HIV testing As I note in the story, the CDC now recommends that all Americans be tested yearly as part of their annual physical. The belief, the CDC said in its report and recommendations, is that by making it routine health care medical professionals will do two things:

1) they will educate clients about HIV and the way it is and is not spread; and


2) clients, being tested for HIV annually, will in turn remove the stigma attached to testing itself.

The stigma of being HIV positive however, will remain until the first goals are addressed.

Domestic animals and Rabies Actually the most likely domestic animal to get rabies is a cat. Then cows and horses-- not dogs. Yet there is no mandate to vaccinate these animals for rabies, only dogs. Hell the counties could easily cover costs by forcing rabies vaccines for other domestic animals and license them. But the feline lobby won't let it happen.

The handling continues The Obama campaign has been handling the media and the crowds all along. I mentioned it from Grand Rapids, and I have discussed it among the other fellows. Obviously, some control has to be exerted in order to present the vision the campaign is seeking to project, but when basic values of human decency are being violated we need to start asking more questions. For instance, why is we as media are not allowed to wander the crowds? Here is a perfect example. This story would have been all over the news last night before Gore ever set foot on stage, and the furor would have overwhelmed the Gore endorsement.

air pollution An interesting stat that Commissioner Lindemann shared with me was that the lilypads and arrowhead plants in the areas evaporated 10,000 gallons of water a day, through the process of photosynthesis. That much evaporation certainly adds to capturing particle pollution and bringing it down to the earth, to be caught in the ponds.

Good piece Ed Although I would point out that Mark Grebner said last week in an interview with Michigan Messenger that he thinks Ohio is the potential rough spot for Obama, specifically because of the southern conservatives. In addition, he said he felt Michigan was likely a safe Democratic state.

Nazis and others You know funny you should point out the alleged absurdity of linking the "hate groups" to the Kent County GOP. If you note in the photo blog, who showed up but neo-Nazis and Justin Zatkoff, head of the Michigan Federation of College Republicans and a former leader of the Young Americans for Freedom U of M chapter. But silly me for knowing who is who...

"I think Obama will do that" Um, that was no slip, that was an endorsement of Barak Obama. Plain and simple. He did not say I think Hillary Clinton or Barak Obama will do that (unite the party and be leaders). Pretty clean cut to me

hardly kids whining while you might have had a charming existence at Gull Lake during your formative years, I can assure you from speaking to parents and students at Gull Lake, that is not the experience of all of them.

And frankly, the public statements on the Kalamazoo Gazette by the Gull Lake Community Schools principal several weeks back I think demonstrates the issues in the community. The principal told a columnist for the Gazette that he didn't want foreign exchange students in the school because they took up seats for other, in district students. Forget that he is obligated under Michigan law to accept any student who lives in the district, if that is the attitude of the principal towards "foreign exchange students" which broaden the educational experience for everyone, just how open and supportive do you really think that school is towards less acceptable differences such as sexual orientation?

It's time to wake up and smell the coffee...

Meds I am currently not on the medications. My health is superb.

The issue with Africa is that we have many suffering with HIV related illness right here in this country and it is time for us to face it with the same stiff upper lip we claim to have for the issue in Africa. It's our tax dollars after all, and shouldn't they be spent making sure our citizens are safe and healthy before we dash off to rescue other countries? Particularly when the whole thing is set up so Bush can get a military base in Africa for the war on terror? Which is more important? Addressing HIV honestly, or playing that it is a problem somewhere else so we can manipulate third world countries into giving us military operational bases?

No reason anyone can't play Being as I have the fashion commentary earlier, I should note I could never be caught on the greens of the local golf course wearing those hideous golfing outfits. There is the real limitation of golfing. Remember when Chi Chi LaRue tried to sue over a drag queen using his name in To Wong Fu... need we explain any further?

Watch for more Frankster There are more stories coming Frankster, so watch the Messenger!

I have read... I have read the information in the Mediamouse post. I find it interesting that there is a justification for an act of violence, whether human life was taken or not. Fire fighters risked their lives to put that fire out. The report is an accurate portrayal of what was available, and you can rest assured further stories will continue to explore the issues involved. However, the MediaMouse post basically says the violent act of arson was an acceptable act of protest. From that am I to imply you expect MichiganMessenger.com to take that tact as a progressive news outlet? To support violence? If supporting violence and placing people's lives in jeopardy is the measure of being progressive or not, I suppose I fall on the not a progressive end. I will not, nor cannot, support violent acts.

"hate group" The New Black Panther Party is listed by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group, and Mr. Shabazz is listed as the leader of this group. Those are simple facts

Did he say anything at the rally which would be considered racist or inflamatory, no.

However, had the Grand Knight of the KKK showed up and spoken in support of the protest, it would still be germane to the reporting to note he was the head of the hate group the KKK.

I am working on a follow up piece so we can all better understand who the New Black Panther Party is and why the Southern Poverty Law Center has listed them as a hate group.

Please remember that Michigan has 25 identified active hate groups in the state according to the SPLC.

And, finally, no other media outlet reported this information, and it certainly is germane to the conversation at hand-- ending hate.

Ward the tie is important because he is well known. that is the only reason.

My error Chetly

You are correct, the comment was Ed Brayton's not yours. I have edited the piece to make sure your quote is in there. it came off the comments section, and is public consumption information. Thanks for pointing it out. The commentary stuff gets a bit confusing for we computer neophytes.

Cheers

Heywood

response Chetly,

Let's be clear here, objectivity is a red herring. There is no such thing. The very process of writing is one of SUBJECTIVE action. The only thing a reporter can do is tell the truth, and ironically you are not questioning the truth of information, you are questioning the words used. It is a clever argument which takes away from the facts, which are a bit too uncomfortable to defend.

The "attack" video, if you watch is closely shows two important things. 1. It shows me moving away and the camera man, Dennis Lennox, II following me and shoving the camera in my face. 2. It shows clearly the video was violating my personal space.

Those facts alone bring one to conclude my actions were an act of self defense. In fact, a police report was filed, by me, charging the person who weilded the camera, again Dennis Lennox, II with assault as well as a violating campus ordinances. Prosecutors felt there was not enough evidence to charge Mr. Lennox, however there was an eyewitness statement available through FOIA from a member of the peace team in addition to my own testimony.

Incidently you might be aware that Mr. Lennox has done this same thing to a Dean at CMU recently, causing controversy.

And finally on this matter, since you were not there, let me make you aware of the chaos ensuing around us. I moved to that area because I saw police moving in aggressively and I was there as a reporter to cover the event. Not to have a kid shove a camera in my face in the middle of crowded aisle way, and continue to do so in an aggressive manner. With that much melee occurring around you, as a reporter, you have to be aware of what is happening as well as protect yourself and your space. I moved a camera from my face, it was about 6 inches from my face and had been shoved there twice in a violent motion. the camera was small, hand held and contained in the hand of Mr. Lennox. The motion was much like a punch coming at my face. I moved in a way to protect myself and used the necessary force to do so. Once MSU Polce stepped in and moved Mr. Lennox back I was fine. Funny how that works huh?

It is also important to note that I have declared a conflict of interest in covering Dennis Lennox, the assailant, but not on YAF. YAF certainly was not responsible for Lennox's attack and the fact I filed a criminal charge indicates how far I went to establish I would not tolerate physical assault.

Funny how I condemn the actions of antiYAFers who chased YAFers down after the Griffin event, and even assisted the YAFers by assisting with getting police there. But you claim I support the melees? You are off base and judging me without knowing me, or my personal views. I abhor violence, and I oppose it in all its forms. Period.

Secondly, as I reported in March, Dr. Allen is defending YAF. In fact, his defense goes so far as to appear paranoid, in my humble opinion. As anyone who knows me knows, technology is not my strong suit. However, when confronted with the internal memos and webposts of YAF, instead of saying wow I did not know that was happening, Dr. Allen instead accused me of hacking the website to post them. I printed his response in its entire form in Between the Lines. Perhaps you missed that story. I assure you I have enough trouble figuring out how to post on pre-designed systems like this to be able to hack anything. A former partner of mine who is a computer engineer laughed at the allegation saying "You can barely turn the computer on."

So, that said, either Dr. Allen is woefully out of touch with what his group is doing, or he is a paranoid delusional from his own statement. I would prefer to say he is a conservative, which he is, than accuse him of delusional thinking. If he is out of touch, an allegation by the way supported in my December 7, 2006 BTL story on YAF where he admitted having no knowledge of the protest of the comprehensive civil rights ordinance in Lansing by YAF, in violation of his advisor responsibilities as outlined by MSU policies available on MSU.edu, Iw ould certainly argue it is time for him to step aside from the advisor role and allow another professor to step up and run the advisory process. Dr. Allen is mentioned in the speech only because he is in fact responsible as advisor. I have no idea if he supports the agenda or not.

Again, in the spartansedge.com interview, Bristow said the 13-point agenda was "absolutely" the agenda of YAF. In March, he told the State News that it was the agenda of YAF, there was no couching of it as abhoring racially segregated groups. It was YAF supports this agenda.

And finally, the documentation of YAF's hate is overwhelming. Read the entire YAFWatch.blogspot.com It is a never ending litany of hate filled rhetoric after hate filled rhetoric. I spent two hours presenting documented evidence which fit under the criteria established on the SPLC website on hate groups:

"All hate groups have beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people, typically for their immutable characteristics. Hate group activities can include criminal acts, marches, rallies, speeches, meetings, leafleting or publishing. Websites appearing to be merely the work of a single individual, rather than the publication of a group, are not included in this list. Listing here does not imply a group advocates or engages in violence or other criminal activity."

So there are the criteria. Take a check at YAF's blog againa and weigh this description. The facts are in, YAF is a hate group. One supported by Saul Anuzis as the kind of leader republicans want.

Speech Chetly,

The speech will be posted in its entire run on YAF Watch in the near future. YAF has an amazing ability of taking video and posting the least information possible.

Clearly, the presence of Wiginton at the event proves the link written about, beyond just the administration of a facebook link.

As for evidence, I think any rational person spending even a brief time reading the SpartanSpectator.blogspot.com would reasonably conclude Young Americans for Freedom is hate group.

When they sponsor events  like Koran Desecretion, call on homosexuals to be killed, and use language like "Smash Left Wing Scum," they are raising to the level to advocating violence against minorities.

As for the agenda, you might be reminded that Mr. Bristow has twice since the listing announcement said the agenda, as it was, was in fact the agenda of the Young Americans for Freedom. In fact in a spartansedge.com interview, months before the listing by SPLC, when asked about the agenda and if it was the agenda of YAF, Bristow specifically said "absolutely."

Only in one interview following the listing did Mr.Bristow say the agenda was misconstued, and that was with the Lansing State Journal. But he turned around the next day and told the State News it was the agenda of YAF and supported by the group's membership.

Allegations from Chetly It is disappointed you would make such a claim without any proof of the allegation. In fact, I have never advocated teh shutting down of events, and I have consistently told people the answer to hate speech is not less speech but more speech.

You on the other hand without taking the time to investigate the evidence-- you were not in attendance at the speech the other night-- have defended YAF on your own blog, and condemned SPLC. The evidence is overwhelming btw, I presented two hours worth of documented racist, sexist and homophobic information during the speech. YAF fits 6 of the 8 SPLC criteria for a hate group, and they have never waivered from that stance.


I am pleased to see you are condemning Griffin and Wiginton, but when are you going to condemn Bristow and his group? You had the opportunity to see the evidence for yourself, and you failed to show up to take advantage of that opportunity. Are you participating in a willful display of ignorace to allow plausible deniability?

Response to last question When the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs has done this calculation in the past, they have found that overall, for every dollar in grants awarded by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the return is thirteen dollars.

Neeeta Delaney by email