B l o g g i n g   F o r   M i c h i g a n
Mobile Edition



Subscribe to our newsletter

Preview




S O L I D A R I T Y




BFM Video


President Obama Weekly Address: 8/28/2010


Press Conference on the Michigan Supreme Court


Meet Virg Bernero


Pure Michigan- "Fresh"

BFM YouTube Channel





Michigan Bad Guys

BFM was Censored by Mike Bishop Aug 2-7, 2007


· The diabolical Obstructo Man!
· The Mike Bishop Diaries
· The Censorship Diaries


Michigan Political Parties
The Democratic Party

· Michigan Democratic Party
· MI Blue Tiger Democrats
· County Parties
· Caucuses
· Congressional District Committees
· Benzie Dems
· Blue Chips (CMU Dems)
· Clare County Democratic Party
· Genessee County Young Dems
· Grosse Pointe Dems
· Isabella County Dems
· Kicking Ass (UM Dems)
· Living Blue (Liv Co Dems)
· Saginaw County Dems
· WMU College Dems

The Green Party

· Michigan Green Party
· Detroit Green Party
· Flint Greens
· Huron Valley Greens
· Ypsilanti Greens
· All MI Green Party Organizations

Other Minor Parties

· Libertarian Party of MI
· Socialist Party of MI
· Independence Party of MI



BFM Hits   Granholm    Schauer    Bishop    Dillon    Economy    Senate Dems    Search BFM


Thaddeus McCotter

Thaddeus McCotter (MI-11): Against Wasteful Spending Except When He's For It

by: Cordelia Lear

Wed Jul 14, 2010 at 00:16:30 AM EDT

This is rich. From Politico:


Rep. Thad McCotter (R-Mich.) has spent at least $30,000 in taxpayer-provided Republican Policy Committee funds to hire a consulting firm run by his chief of staff's brother, Saul Anuzis, even as McCotter planned to kill the policy committee because it's a "superfluous" waste of federal money.

The payments of $5,000 per month to Anuzis's Michigan-based Coast to Coast Strategies, discovered by POLITICO in a review of RPC spending records, could roil a high stakes Republican leadership power struggle over the controversial proposal by McCotter, chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, to eliminate the 61-year-old policy shop - a fight that carries larger implications for the House GOP's balance of power.

It gets better. Since it's unlikely that the Republican Policy Committee will be disbanded before the new Congress is sworn in next January, Saul Anuziz will likely collect another $45,000 on this federal contract, for a total of $75,000 of tax payer money.

Nice gig, if you can get it. But, enough about the free-loading former Michigan Republican Party Chair, Saul Anuzis.

The real story here is Thaddeus McCotter's hypocrisy. It has two flavors. The first is succinctly put by Steve Ellis, Vice President of Taxpayers for Common Sense:


"Anytime you see that a lawmaker's using their budget - whether it's an office budget or the Republican Policy Committee budget - to support a close family member of one of their staffers, it should raise eyebrows..."

Take a look at what Coast to Coast Strategies does:

We design a program of targeted engagement designed to assist lobbyist and government or community efforts to affect public policy.

Some of the specifics include:

  • Social Media Management
  • Blogging Updates
  • Text Management

Wow. Just Wow.

I have a question for you Thad. What does your staff do?

We know they don't have to worry about policy, or legislation, since you and your party's answer to everything is a NO vote and blathering platitudes about "Americans need a tax cut."  Exactly what do we get for our taxpayer dollars?

In 2009, your Chief of Staff, Andy Anuzis was paid $168,808.25 in taxpayer money. Randall Thompson, who is officially listed as a Congressional aide and the Republican Policy Committee Chief of Staff, was paid $68,299.96 by the taxpayers and another $3,500 a month from your campaign election committee.

So after all that, you still need to give Andy's big brother another $5,000 a month for sending text messages and dealing with social media sites?

Yes, this smacks of cronyism. Who needs earmarks if you can just push a government contract over to your CoS' brother? If you were so concerned about government waste, you wouldn't have spent the money.

And psst, Thad? Saul and your staff aren't doing a very good job at the social media and blogging. There is a July 7 post about abolishing the RPC. Before that the previous post was in April. It looks as if you're paying Coast to Coast to do nothing.

Next, there is the hypocrisy of pretending that abolishing the Republican Policy Committee is going to save taxpayers money. Fat chance. Again from Politico


While McCotter, a member of Boehner's inner circle, frames the plan as a way for Republicans to demonstrate dedication to fiscal restraint, the $360,000 policy committee budget would just be repurposed for other congressional initiatives...

People in Michigan are losing their jobs and Thaddeus McCotter is playing politics, fostering cronyism and teetering on the edge of ethics violations.

Oops, I almost forgot the two other phrases in his vocabulary: NAY and "we need more tax cuts" for the rich.

Mr. McCotter, you're a perfect example of what is wrong in Washington. It's time for you to go.

Discuss :: (4 Comments)

McCotter: The Wrong Side of History

by: Natalie Mosher

Mon Mar 22, 2010 at 13:08:44 PM EDT

On Sunday, the U.S. House made history by passing a health care reform bill. The legislation represents an important first step toward fixing our nation's crumbling health care system. As a result, millions of Americans can stop fearing for their financial security when a medical emergency arises in their family.

The legislation, which now awaits President Obama's signature, will provide much needed relief to Michigan's hard-working citizens. But once again, Congressman Thaddeus McCotter, who represents the 11th District, voted "no." In doing so, he put right-wing ideology ahead of the lives of his constituents.

In the 11th District alone, according to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the health-care legislation will:

  • Give tax credits and other assistance to over 100,000 families and 12,000 small businesses.
  • Extend coverage to 26,000 uninsured residents.
  • Guarantee coverage to 9,100 residents with pre-existing conditions.
  • Improve Medicare for 100,000 beneficiaries.
  • Allow 46,000 young adults to stay on their parents' health insurance plans.
  • Protect 2,100 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs.

McCotter voted to deny relief to all of these individuals.

Americans expect their elected representatives to stand up for their interests. Mr. McCotter, however, has turned a deaf ear to them. In fact, as Chair of Republican Policy Committee, he is directly responsible for the GOP's obstructionist tactics, cheap theatrics, and spin. Worse still, he does this while he receives first-class health care as a benefit afforded to all Members of Congress. Guaranteed health care is okay for him, but not for you, or me. He should be ashamed of himself.

It gets worse. Ironically, Mr. McCotter is the sponsor of H.R. 3501, legislation that would allow IRS deductions for pet care expenses. Many American households include a pet, but logic and decency do not include subsidizing these animals' veterinarian bills while denying people access to basic health care.

Last week, Mr. McCotter said, on the floor of the House, that government is "broken." If he wants to know why, he needs to look in the mirror. He has spent almost his entire adult life as an elected official. As a member of the House, McCotter has consistently sided with insurance companies and other special interests, mouthed right-wing talking points, and repeatedly voted against his constituents' welfare.

McCotter and his Republican colleagues take the position that the status quo is a better alternative to the health care reform legislation. They all need to get out of their Beltway bubble and talk to real Americans who struggle to make ends meet and desperately need a lifeline from their government.

McCotter's "solution" to the health-care crisis comes straight out of the GOP playbook. He offers the usual snake-oil remedies: health savings accounts, tort reform, and allowing consumers to shop across state lines for insurance.

Health Savings Accounts are a great deal for the wealthy. These accounts will enable them to shelter even more income from the tax man. But they do nothing for the rest of us. The 50 million people with no health insurance do not qualify for an HSA. In addition, many people who are covered at work will not qualify because their policy is not "high deductible." The GOP argument that average Americans can trust their health care future to HSAs is a cruel hoax.

"Tort reform" is Republican shorthand for slamming the courthouse door in the face of victims of corporate wrongdoing. Caps on non-economic damages-a key part of the tort-reform agenda-would be especially unfair to children, stay-at-home moms, and older Americans. Curbing the right to sue goes hand in hand with another Republican strategy, dismantling regulatory agencies that were created to help the public. It is all part of McCotter and his Republican colleagues' policy of putting corporations ahead of people.

Finally, letting insurance companies sell policies across state lines will not result in better care. These companies have no economic incentive to hold down rates or treat policyholders fairly. In fact, competition among insurers results in companies hiring people whose job it is to cancel policies, deny coverage, and fight claims. At the same time, they impose huge premium increases and tell policyholders "take it or leave it." Republican promises of "more competition" will do nothing to curb these abuses.  

Americans need affordable health care. The historic legislation that just passed is far from perfect, but it represents a start and a foundation on which we can build and improve. Most importantly, it will provide much-needed relief to many Americans-children in particular--as soon as President Obama signs it. Thaddeus McCotter's vociferous opposition and "no" vote will put him on the wrong side of history.

Natalie Mosher
Democratic Candidate for Congress
Michigan's 11th District

Discuss :: (1 Comments)

McCotter Says He'll Campaign on Repealing Health Care Reform

by: bfealk

Fri Mar 12, 2010 at 19:57:58 PM EST

Tonight on Hardball with Chuck Todd, had Chris VanHollen, and Thaddeus McCotter disucssed health care reform.  McCotter admitted that he would campaign on repealing health care reform. 

Natalie Mosher is running against McCotter.  If you'd like to help her campaign, click here.

Discuss :: (5 Comments)

No, No, No, No, No on Protecting Kids

by: Cordelia Lear

Thu Mar 04, 2010 at 18:54:05 PM EST

Thaddeus McCotter, Mike Rogers, Candace Miller, Dave Camp and Fred Upton voted no yesterday on H.R. 4247, a bill titled "Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools." The bill is straight forward.

From the Congressional bill summary:


Keeping All Students Safe Act

Sec. 5.  Directs the Secretary of Education (Secretary) to establish minimum standards that: (1) prohibit elementary and secondary school personnel from managing any student by using any mechanical or chemical restraint, physical restraint or escort that restricts breathing, or aversive behavioral intervention that compromises student health and safety; (2) prohibit such personnel from using physical restraint or seclusion, unless such measures are required to eliminate an imminent danger of physical injury to the student or others and certain precautions are taken; (3) require states to ensure that a sufficient number of school personnel receive state-approved crisis intervention training and certification in first aid and certain safe and effective student management techniques; (4) prohibit physical restraint or seclusion from being written into a student's education plan, individual safety plan, behavioral plan, or individual education program as a planned intervention; and (5) require schools to establish procedures to notify parents in a timely manner if physical restraint or seclusion is imposed on their child.


These Members of Congress are determined to say NO to everything Democrats introduce. SO determined that they can't even vote for the physical and mental safety of our children and grandchildren.

Everyone should be outraged.

Stupak D-1 Yes
Hoekstra R-2 Didn't Vote
Ehlers R-3 Yes
Camp R-4 No
Kildee D-5 Yes
Upton R-6 No
Schauer D-7 Yes
Rogers R-8 No
Peters D-9 Yes
Miller R-10 No
McCotter R-11 No
Levin D-12 Yes
Kilpatrick D-13 Yes
Conyers D-14 Yes
Dingell D-15 Yes

It doesn't matter what constituents want, or need. The party of NO continues to thumb their noses at us figuring we can't do anything to unseat them. Go give their opponents a few bucks, or volunteer a few hours of your time. Let's make their arrogance an issue.

And Mr. McCotter, we haven't forgotten your outlandish comments about kids on the floor of the House during the S-CHIP debate. It wasn't cute then, and it isn't cute now.

Discuss :: (1 Comments)

McCotter Is Concerned About "Cats"

by: Kathy

Mon Feb 01, 2010 at 10:52:51 AM EST

Thaddeus McCotter says Republicans can no longer pretend the issue doesn't exist -  Republicans have a "hip gap."

Of all the problems confronting our state and country, I'm pretty sure being "hip" is the least likely concern voters focus on at election time.  And McCotter is hardly a role model when it comes to hipness. Note his words of advice via Andrew Breitbart's Big Government blog.

But, let's be honest:  a large gaggle of GOPers have yet to put a toenail into the Twenty-First Century's cultural crosscurrents - or, for that matter, the Nineteenth's.

Still, let us not curse the darkness.  Let us light a cultural candle to illume our whereabouts upon the path to hipness.  Thus, the following is a True or False pop culture test.  Anything less than 100% - or if you ask the cat next to you for help - scientifically proves you are part of the hopelessly unhip GOPast and should stay holed up in your internet-less study a-rhythmically tapping your white wing tips to that "risqué" Scott Joplin 78 rpm blaring from your Victrola.

Cat? Illume? Come on, McCotter. I'm a baby boomer and not up on the latest slang myself, but words like "cat" went out with Maynard G. Krebs and the beat generation. And why all the emphasis on whether Republicans are hip or not? You should be focused on your constituents, like the ones that show up at your office in Livonia that you refuse to meet with.

McCotter has always struck me as a bit eccentric, especially since his lame idea to give dogs a more favorable tax break than people, but I have to admit he has a point when he says Republicans aren't hip, if by hip he means popular, because Republicans aren't popular. However, it's not because they're technologically challenged or old-fashioned, it's because so many of their beliefs and policies are from another era. Our country is maturing. We no longer tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia, religious intolerance, inequality and all the other hateful beliefs Republicans try to cram down our throats. We want a better country for all people. Republicans only want a better country for people who think, live, and act like them, and that's so uncool.  

Discuss :: (2 Comments)

Thaddeus McCotter Loves Dogs More Than People

by: bfealk

Thu Sep 24, 2009 at 08:47:39 AM EDT

McCotter seeks co-sponsors for pet health care tax credit

Even as his party blocks Democratic attempts to expand health insurance for humans, a Republican congressman is trying to round up support for a bill that would provide a $3,500 annual tax deduction for Americans to pay for the medical care of their pets.

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) sent out a "Dear Colleague" letter on Tuesday asking fellow members to co-sponsor his Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act, despite the upsurge in concern over the rising cost of health care coverage for actual
 humans.

"Dear Colleague," the letter reads.

"According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, 63% of United States households own a pet. Indeed, the human-animal bond has been shown to have a positive effect upon people's emotional and physical well being. In families with children, pets help to create a nurturing environment and provide ample educational opportunities. For people in later stages of life, pets offer important companionship. No matter the age of the owner, pets have been shown to reduce stress, safeguard against depression, improve social skills, and even ease loss.

"In light of this, please join me in becoming a cosponsor to H.R. 3501, the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act. If enacted, H.R. 3501 would amend the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to allow an annual tax deduction of up to $3500 for qualified
pet care expenses. Specifically, "qualified pet care expenses" would be defined as funds spent in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a legally owned, domesticated animal.

Natalie Mosher is running against McCotter and is close to making the Red to Blue Program with the DCCC.  Your contributions would be appreciated.  Click here to contribute. 

 

Discuss :: (0 Comments)

Saturday Open Thread & Worst Political Quote of the Week

by: Cordelia Lear

Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 01:37:49 AM EDT

We've heard plenty of outrageous political rhetoric this week - both locally and nationally. So I say we vent. Share a quote (or close approximation) that made your blood boil this past week.

Here's mine:

From Thaddeus McCotter, the thin-skinned mama's boy who chairs the Republican House Policy Committee and was elected to represent the citizens of MI-11. Despite signing constituent letters "I work for you," he doesn't.


"Today, on the 70th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Poland, President Obama announced that he will abandon the country's missile defense program, effectively abandoning our strategic relationship with Poland and the Czech Republic.

Once again Thaddeus demonstrates that he's stuck in the cold war era and out of touch with reality. And he needs to be reminded that he can't make stuff up. The Center for Defense Information, whose Military Fellows includes General Anthony Zinni, has this to say about the Administration's decision:


President Obama and Defense Secretary Gates recently announced the new U.S. approach to missile defense. The four-stage plan incorporates flexible options to contain the increasing Iranian short-range missile threat. Although abandoning the previous plan to install interceptors in Poland and radar surveillance in the Czech Republic, the revised plan still aims to maintain security for U.S. interests both domestically and abroad, and to protect allies in Europe and the Middle East.

To view this fact sheet on the official White House page, please click here.

It continues:


President Obama has approved the recommendation of Secretary of Defense Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff for a phased, adaptive approach for missile defense in Europe. This approach is based on an assessment of the Iranian missile threat, and a commitment to deploy technology that is proven, cost-effective, and adaptable to an evolving security environment.

Robert Gates was appointed Secretary of Defense by President George W. Bush.  It was good Robert Gates when Bush was President. Now it's bad Robert Gates when Obama is President.

Stop making stuff up and fear mongering Thaddeus. It really doesn't become a Member of Congress - let alone someone in a "leadership and policy" position.

What leapt off the screen, or page,  when you read it this week?

Discuss :: (3 Comments)

Jon Stewart Mocks Thaddeus McCotter

by: Cordelia Lear

Fri Sep 18, 2009 at 12:39:16 PM EDT

I love it when other people notice McCotter's hypocrisy.

Hat tip to Raw Story:


When the House of Representatives passed a resolution of disapproval against Rep. Joe Wilson for his outburst during President Obama's address last week, some Republicans were quick to label it a time-wasting distraction from more important issues.

"At least Republicans weren't wasting time demanding meaningless apologies," Stewart noted with seeming approval.

Stewart then played a clip from last July of Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) introducing a resolution "calling on President Obama to retract and apologize for his remarks regarding the conduct of Cambridge, Massachusetts police sergeant James M. Crowley, Jr."

Raw Story has a video. Just follow the link above. The Daily Show has one too.

Discuss :: (3 Comments)

Thaddeus McCotter & His Town Hall, or Media Frenzy

by: Cordelia Lear

Fri Sep 11, 2009 at 15:29:14 PM EDT

Labor Day has come and gone, Congress is back in session, and McCotter --- who as head of the Republican House Policy Committee has the fourth highest leadership position in the GOP House minority --- held a grand total of zero town halls over the summer. This is par for the course for Thin-Skinned Thad, who seems to be allergic to unscripted events and unscreened audiences.

On the other hand, McCotter has done a lot of talking to people who aren't his constituents. His official website contains the following podcasts for July and August:

  • July 2: On the Dennis Miller Show discussing foreign affairs.
  • July 10: With Inga Barks Kern on the future of the "new GM."
  • July 13: On RTT News discussing the "new GM" and Michigan's economy.
  • July 13: With Steve Gill, WLAC on CIA, the economy, and taxes.
  • July 13: On Dateline Washington discussing the "new GM" and the possibility of 20-percent unemployment in Michigan.
  • July 15: With the House Republican leadership on "Proposed Health Care Bureaucratic Mess."
  • July 16: On WWJ Newsradio 950 explaining his "yes" vote on the auto dealer "Reset" amendment.
  • July 16: WDET on the "Stimulus That Has Not Worked" and Michigan's economy.
  • July 20: On Frank Beckmann,. WJR, discussing health care and jobs.
  • July 24: On the Steve Gill Show criticizing the current health care plan and its end-of-life provisions.
  • July 27: With Howie Carr WRKO, Boston, discussing his resolution demanding that President Obama apologize to Cambridge police officer James Crowley.
  • July 27: With Mitch Albom, WJR, telling his own story of "police officers doing their job."
  • July 27: With Dick Purtan, WOMC, about the Crowley resolution.
  • July 27: On Washington Times America's Morning News discussing the Crowley resolution.
  • July 27: On Paul W. Smith show discussing the Crowley resolution.
  • July 27: On Alan Colmes radio criticizing "presidential overstepping" with respect to Officer Crowley.
  • July 28: With Bob Dutko, WMUZ, disccussing the Crowley resolution.
  • July 28: Discussing the Crowley resolution on American Family Radio.
  • July 28: With Mancow WLS, Chicago, on the Crowley resolution.
  • July 29: With Inga Barks Kern discussing the Crowley resolution and commenting on health care.
  • July 30: On Finneran's Forum, WRKO, demanding a presidential apology to Crowley and commenting on the health care debate.
  • August 4: With Greg Corombos discussing clunkers and tax hikes.
  • August 5: With Dennis Miller on Michigan economy and health care.
  • August 5: With Greg Corombos discussing "clunkers" and tax hikes.
  • August 5: With Dennis Miller on the Michigan economy and health care.
  • August 12: Discussing health care with Fred Thompson.
  • August 15: Discussing health care on FOX with Brian Wilson.
  • August 23: On Fox News with Eric Shawn Discussing unsolicited e-mails by the White House.
  • August 24: On Americas Newsroom with Megyn Kelly, discussing White House "spam e-mail."

Right-Wing Media Outlets 29
Constituents 0

To sum up, McCotter can make time to spout right-wing talking points on television and radio (mainly on right-wing media outlets) and can do the Full Ginsberg on a meaningless-and hypocritical-resolution involving the president's remarks about a police officer in another state but can't find the time to meet with constituents back home.

McCotter's office maintains that he held "telephone town halls."


his spokesperson, Anne Tyrrell, said McCotter has conducted "town hall meetings by phone" on three occasions. Telephone calls go to constituents and, if they choose to do so, the recipient can respond. McCotter received input from 30,000 constituents through these calls, Tyrrell said. Town hall meetings draw about 200-300 people, she said.

I'm cynical. I believe those "telephone hall meetings by phone" never happened, or if they did, the participants and their questions were screened for McCotter-esque sympathy, and philosophy.  

So how about it Thad? Prove me wrong. Release those "telephone town halls." And yes, Thaddeus, you will have to provide evidence that they really occurred during this summer's Congressional recess.

Just a reminder, this is the guy who has the unmitigated chutzpah to close his letters to constituents with "I work for you." It's time to help him find a new line of work.

Discuss :: (4 Comments)

Call Members of Congress - NOW!

by: Cordelia Lear

Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 14:44:28 PM EDT

Please. Tell them you support health care form and it must include a public option. And tell them you expect the legislation to be passed this year.

When a Member of Congress advocates that you call him and his colleagues, you have to think it'll make a difference. This morning that's exactly what Russ Feingold, Senator from Wisconsin communicated in an email.


Greetings,

Last night President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to health care reform saying: "I am not the first President to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last." He isn't going to give up on real reform. Neither am I. And I know from you emails and online comments that you aren't either. This is our opportunity to pass meaningful health care reform, including a strong public option, and we can't let it slip through our fingers.

I don't usually do this, but now more than ever, my colleagues and I need to hear from you. Please take a moment to call their offices today.

Call the White House: 202-456-1111

Call Your Representative in Congress: 202-224-3121

Call Your Senators: 202-224-3121

Right now the best thing you can do is keep the pressure on your elected officials, no matter what their stance is. My colleagues and President Obama - need to keep hearing form supporters of real reform. Thanks for all you do.

Sincerely,
Russ Feingold, United States Senator

What's the matter? Oh. You live in McCotter's district and know he'll blow you off. Call his office anyway. If nothing else it'll annoy him.

Now go call.

Thank you.

Discuss :: (4 Comments)

McCotter's Campaign Committee Gave Joe Wilson $4,000

by: Cordelia Lear

Thu Sep 10, 2009 at 02:36:08 AM EDT

No lie.

Thaddeus McCotter's Campaign Committee disbursed $4000 to the Joe Wilson for Congress Committee in October 2008. Thin-skinned Thad gave the guy who so rudely interrupted President Obama twice during his address to Congress last night by yelling "you lie."

And since we're looking, who else did McCotter give money to in 2008? Here's a pared down list.

Michele Bachmann MN-6 $4000
Lincoln Diaz-Balart FL-25 $4000
Virgil H. Goode, Jr. VA-5 $4000
Duncan Hunter CA-52 $4000
Lynn Jenkins KS-2 $2000
Daniel Lungren CA-3 $4000
Marilyn Musgrave CO-4 $4000
Bill Posey FL-15 $2000
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen FL-18 $4000
Jeannette Schmidt OH-2 $2000
Tim Walberg MI-7 $6000

It reads like a list of the birther caucus, eh?

And since there is apparently no end to his generosity, he also made substantial contributions to his party.

Michigan Republican Party $58,300
National Republican Congressional Committee $356,000

It speaks volumes about McCotter. Simply put, he backs and bankrolls the most extreme right wing nut jobs.

Update below the fold

There's More... :: (6 Comments, 63 words in story)

The Well-Oiled Global Warming Denial Machine Does Livonia

by: Snarky Anderson

Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 21:13:01 PM EDT

Lucky me. Last week I got a robo-call inviting me to an "energy rally," held on Thursday evening at Burton Manor in Livonia. You might have heard about these rallies. They're a classic example of "astroturfing": phony grassroots activity funded by the special interests. In this case, they're funded by Big Oil.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...

Local blogger Chris Savage pointed out that the rally got scant coverage from the state's top-tier media. However, the Observer newspapers did cover it.

I'm glad I gave it a miss.

There's More... :: (4 Comments, 360 words in story)

McCotter's Chief of Staff in Blackmail Strike Zone

by: Cordelia Lear

Thu Sep 03, 2009 at 04:29:18 AM EDT

What do you call it when a Congressman's Chief of Staff misleads a constituent by telling them it is illegal under Michigan law to record a telephone conversation when they're a participant?

Blackmail.

What do you call it when a Congressman's Chief of Staff tells a constituent that the office won't talk to him unless he removes YouTube videos from the web?

Blackmail.

Last month Eric Shelley, who was the 2008 Green Party candidate for Congress in MI-11, recorded several conversations with McCotters's office as he fruitlessly attempted to ask about town halls and set up a meeting with McCotter.

You guessed it.

There's a new video. In it, McCotter's Chief of Staff Andy Anuzis (yes, he's Saul's little brother) told Shelley that recording conversations was illegal and also said McCotter's staff would not talk to him again unless he removed the earlier videos from YouTube.com.

If you assume a value to Shelly's videos - if they have no value, why is the Congressman's office so interested in them - and since Anuzis is the agent of a public official who is using his influence to talk about "a crime" and is withholding access to McCotter until those videos are removed, this starts to smell like extortion.

The state law that specifically addresses this area is Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.539c.

750.539c Eavesdropping upon private conversation.
Sec. 539c.

Any person who is present or who is not present during a private conversation and who wilfully uses any device to eavesdrop upon the conversation without the consent of all parties thereto, or who knowingly aids, employs or procures another person to do the same in violation of this section, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in a state prison for not more than 2 years or by a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.

History: Add. 1966, Act 319, Eff. Mar. 10, 1967

In Michigan it's not illegal to record a conversation in which you are a participant. Mr. Anuzis should read Sullivan v. Gray, 342 N.W. 2d 58, 60-61 (Mich. Ct. App. 1982).  The court ruled that a participant in a private conversation may record it without violating the statute because the statutory term "eavesdrop" refers only to overhearing or recording the private conversations of others.

You don't get to make stuff up in order to intimidate constituents Andy.

And about that "requirement" that the YouTube videos be removed in order to be able to talk to a Congressman's office, maybe you ought to think about why they were made in the first place. Thaddeus McCotter refuses to meet with people who whose positions differ from his. And it's painfully obvious that McCotter has no intention of meeting with Shelley even if he removes the videos.

Is a prosecutor going to argue blackmail in front of a grand jury about this? No. However Congressman McCotter, it really is time for you to go. You've crossed another red line here.

Discuss :: (7 Comments)

MI-11: The Intersection of Film Criticism and Wingnuttery

by: Snarky Anderson

Sun Aug 30, 2009 at 22:05:21 PM EDT

The PGA season is winding down, but it appears that we're in the midst of sectional qualifying for the 2009 Wingnut Open.

One of the star qualifiers is Michael S. Rulle, Jr., who wrote an article comparing Thaddeus McCotter to Walt Kowalski, the Polish American Detroiter played by Clint Eastwood in the film Gran Torino. I kid you not.

If the Pro Wingnuttery Tour keeps statistics, Rulle is in line for a trophy for Most Right-Wing Talking Points in What Passes for Film Criticism.

There's More... :: (2 Comments, 400 words in story)

Voices From the 11th District: Health Care Reform

by: Cordelia Lear

Tue Aug 18, 2009 at 14:12:23 PM EDT

My Congressman is Thaddeus McCotter.  He's made it quite clear that he doesn't want to hear from constituents. So, I'm happy to see his opponent, Natalie Mosher, step up and talk to people in the 11th Congressional District.

Ms. Mosher recently visited some local establishments and struck up a few conversations on the subject of health care.  Please watch.

McCotter has been out right lying and fear mongering about the topic. Affordable heath care for all is something we can't back down on. I'm glad to see Natalie thinks so too.

Discuss :: (3 Comments)

How Not to Write, by Thaddeus McCotter (Summer Semester Edition)

by: Snarky Anderson

Mon Aug 17, 2009 at 19:43:38 PM EDT

You've got to hand it to Thaddeus McCotter. Not only is he a member of the House GOP leadership--head of the Policy Committee, to be exact--but he's firmly established himself as the Walter Mitty of that body.

Last year at this time, you might remember the "speak-in" he organized in the House chamber. That was a make-believe House session--albeit with real, but very right-wing members--he called after the real House adjourned for the summer. McCotter was upset that the House hadn't passed an energy bill: the GOP energy bill, also known as the Drill, Baby, Drill Act of 2008.

Not satisfied with starting a repertory company, McCotter recently tried his hand at writing rock songs.

There's More... :: (3 Comments, 411 words in story)

Thaddeus McCotter's U-Turn on End-of-Life Planning

by: Snarky Anderson

Fri Aug 14, 2009 at 15:20:34 PM EDT

Thaddeus McCotter is a "deather"--that is, someone who argues that President Obama's health-care legislation will encourage assisted suicide.

A recent MLive.com article contained the following McCotter quote:

This provision may start us down a treacherous path toward government-encouraged euthanasia if enacted into law."

"...With three states having legalized physician-assisted suicide, this provision could create a slippery slope for a more permissive environment for euthanasia, mercy-killing and physician-assisted suicide because it does not clearly exclude counseling about the supposed benefits of killing oneself.

Assisted suicide is a red-flag issue here in Michigan, where Jack Kevorkian assisted in a number of suicides before making the grievous error of acting as his own lawyer in a murder prosecution against him.

Republicans like McCotter are good at waving red flags at voters.

There's More... :: (2 Comments, 355 words in story)

Thaddeus McCotter gets called out again by Rachel Maddow

by: bfealk

Tue Jul 28, 2009 at 21:37:30 PM EDT

(McCotter: the gift that keeps on giving. - promoted by Snarky Anderson)

Thaddeus McCotter is getting lots of face time on The Rachel Maddow Show.  Tonight Rachel calls him out for advancing the idea that the Democratic health care plan calls for encouraging euthanasia for senior citizens.  Shame on you, Thad.

 

Discuss :: (3 Comments)

Congressman Thaddeus McCotter's Resolution calling for Presidential Retraction

by: bfealk

Tue Jul 28, 2009 at 05:13:44 AM EDT

Even after President Obama walked back from his "acted stupidly" remark in regard to the arrest of Professor Henry Gates, Congressman Thaddeus McCotter isn't satisfied.  He wants to introduce a resolution in Congress calling for a Presidential apology.  What a waste of time.

 

Discuss :: (5 Comments)

DCCC Running Ads in MI 11th Thaddeus Mccotter for Voting Against Middle-Class Tax Cut

by: bfealk

Tue Apr 07, 2009 at 16:13:44 PM EDT

( - promoted by djtyg)

Republicans are always talking about tax cuts.  Well, Thaddeus McCotter voted against a huge tax cut for 95% of Americans.

 

Discuss :: (1 Comments)
Next >>


Grassroute Guide
Organizational Development, Team Building and Effective Leadership Training for Non-Profit Community Service and Advocacy Groups.



Get the essential tools and insights to develop and maintain a positive, "high-energy" in your grassroots community group.

Click here for ebook and video

BFM Welcome Center
Your BFM Menu:

Make a New Account

Username:

Password:



Forget your username or password?

- About/Contact BFM
- BFM Privacy Policy
- Contribute To BFM

BFM To Go:
 - RSS Diaries and Blasts
 - RSS Recent Comments
 - BFM Newsletter
 - BFM on Twitter
 - BFM on Facebook







BFM Clicklist
· A2Politico
· Absolute Michigan
· ACLU of Michigan
· A Jared Manifesto
· Arbor Update
· Christine Barry
· Blue November
· Center For Michigan
· Conservative Media
· DailyKos Michigan
· The Deaf Edge
· Democracy for Metro Detroit
· East Michigan Blue
· Eclectablog
· Far Left Field
· Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Scott
· Ironicus Maximus
· Liberal, Loud and Proud
· Liberal Values
· Mark Maynard
· MI Blog
· Michigan Auto Insurance
· Michigan in Pictures
· Michigan Liberal
· Michigan Positive
· Motor City Liberal
· My Michigan Connection
· Opinion Artillery
· Our Michigan
· PhiKapBlog
· Positive Detroit
· Powers Court
· Reading For Leading
· Stone Soup Musings
· West Michigan Politics
· West Michigan Rising
· Wizardkitten
· Working in Bare Feet
· YAF Watch

Blogging in Color
· African American Political Pundit
· AfroSpear
· Angry Black B-
· Blabbeando
· Blac (K) Ademic
· Black Commentator
· Culture Kitchen
· Debra Dickerson
· Electronic Village
· Francis L Holland
· Jack and Jill Politics
· Jasmyne Cannick
· Keith Boykin
· La Shawn Barber
· Latino Politico
· Miss Wild Thing
· Oliver Willis
· Prometheus 6
· The Field Negro
· The Republic of T
· Rod 2.0 Beta
· The SuperSpade
· The Whichota NAACP Blog
· TransGriot

This list shamelessly jacked from PHB

Environment & Energy
· Black Bear Speaks
· [con]serving Michigan - MI League of Conservation Voters
· Dave Dempsey - Great Lakes Blogger
· Earthanet
· Ecology Center
· Greenflight EV
· Green Machines Tour
· Healthy Car
· Lead Free Wheels
· MI Network for Children's Environmental Health
· Network Green
· Save The Wild UP

The Establishment
· Call of the Senate Democrats
· US Congressman John Conyers
· Governor Jennifer Granholm
· Michigan House Democrats
· Michigan Senate Democrats





All content copyright Blogging For Michigan, 2010 All rights reserved unless otherwise specified.

Powered by: SoapBlox