May we never forget.

Bits of Tid: May 27, 2010

Lots of Good News Edition

• First of all: Sorry I haven't been blogging much recently. I recently experienced a significant event in my life - an event best known as 'graduating from college.'
  
  It was pretty neat - I mean, minus the minute or two of hail and the holding-on-to-my-hat-so-the-wind-wouldn't-blow-it-off part. But I'm proud to have joined the ranks of about 180,000 other people in becoming alumni of Central Michigan University. Fire Up Chips!
• Speaking of which, a random fact: I graduated from East Kentwood High School five years ago today - May 27, 2005.
• In other good news: Unlike in 2008, when I was one of three candidates on the ballot for two positions as Precinct Delegate in my precinct, this time it's the other way around. I'm one of two people running for three spots - which means there's a 99.999% chance I will be re-elected!
• After my one-vote re-election victory in 2008, one of the things I did in my role as Precinct Delegate was to introduce two resolutions - one of which deals with the ban on gay men from giving blood, while the other discussed higher education funding. Both resolutions were adopted by the Kent County and Michigan Democratic Parties.
  
  Well, I probably shouldn't take too much credit for this, but the feds may be on the verge of lifting that ban!
• BP might be facing criminal charges.
• Bill Schuette hasn't even been nominated for Attorney General by the Republicans - yet the Michigan Democratic Party is already going after him. Why? I don't know for sure, but click the link to see my thoughts.
• Finally - speaking of giving blood - let me remind you that there is always a need for blood. Have you given blood lately? If you haven't given blood since April 1, head on over to Michigan Blood's website and find a blood center or blood drive near you.

A Big Weekend for the Granholm Legacy

I was watching Off the Record a couple of months ago when they were reviewing Governor Jennifer Granholm's State of the State address. Tim Skubick said that the governor had "made history" by becoming the first governor to preside over an economic downturn, but not an upturn. Never mind that we still had 11 months to go, or that, by most accounts, the downturn began in earnest under Engler.

Still, it's no surprise to se that the economy is weighing on people's minds, both when it comes to this year's election, and when it comes to looking at the legacy of the incumbent.

However, if you ask me, this governor's legacy extends beyond the latest unemployment figures. It strikes at the heart of what she has been able to do, despite stiff opposition from greedy opponents in the Legislature hell-bent on stopping her at every turn

To me, this governor's legacy has a great deal to do with the pledge she made in 2002: To fight to protect our families and educate our kids. despite all of the obstacles she has faced, she has fulfilled that pledge. And this weekend shows why.

THURSDAY: The Canadian government has made a rather generous offer: They have agreed to pick up Michigan's tab for the new DRIC bridge that is being proposed for Detroit. Estimates indicate that this new bridge could mean some 10,000 new jobs for Michigan.

FRIDAY: I'm not the biggest fan of Oprah Winfrey, but when I heard that our esteemed Governor would sign Michigan's new anti-texting ban on Oprah's show, I knew I had to watch. Here's the magic moment for you to enjoy. The law takes effect July 1.

SATURDAY: Today is the day Michigan's no-smoking ban goes into effect. Like the DRIC bridge and the texting while driving ban, the smoking ban is good for our state - and has been supported by nearly all Democrats and even a few Republicans.

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While I definitely don't think she has been perfect (no governor is), I am proud of our Governor for all she has done in the past 88 months top protect our families and educate our kids. Thanks to her efforts, more jobs have been created and retained, our air is a little bit cleaner, and Michigan is a safer place in which to drive.

And that's not a bad legacy to leave!