From the Oct. 16 issue of the Gladwin County Record and Beaverton Clarion:
Not the America I grew up in
To the Editor:
There are
people who receive their news from various sources, some from newspapers
like the Detroit Free Press, Detroit News or CNN, MSNBC, Fox News.
Maybe some don’t bother to get their news from anywhere but their own
neighborhood coffee shops or the local weekly newspaper.
When I
read the letters to the editor it more than perturbed me to read a
person quoting our President, saying he was putting fences around our
national monuments to “punish our enemies.”
I read the Detroit
Free Press and Detroit News most days and watch CNN and MSNBC, and I
never once heard him say that! I’m wondering if it may have been on Fox
News? It is the next best reliable news channel to picking up a tabloid
at the grocery store!
I think the reporters seem to trash-talk
Obama. Its viewers are a certain segment of our society with low IQs and
bigotry and intolerance for our half white/half black leader.
I’ve
never seen any letters in our local paper praising him, ever! Our state
voted overwhelmingly for mostly Democratic presidents, so where are the
loyalists to him? For God’s sake, will you speak up?
I’m sorry
the vets couldn’t visit their special places of honor. I’m sorry
national parks are also shut down, and for all the other sacrifices to
many citizens.
Let’s see who shut down our government? People in
Congress, mainly the Republicans who would love to destroy the
Affordable Care Act and won’t let go of trying to do their best to
rewrite history by taking Obama out of the history books!
Mitch
McConnell came out right after the first election making the statement,
“The main purpose should be to destroy President Obama.” Now he’s saying
“enough is enough, we need to come to an agreement.”
Speaker
Boehner isn’t strong enough to stand up to the Tea Party nuts, so now
that the Republican Party’s ratings are at an all time low they’re
finally coming to their senses and maybe, just maybe, this mess will end
very soon!
Who remembers GWB giving away cash to his countrymen
and not vetoing one spending bill, and starting an unnecessary war? He
never increased taxes to start paying for either war!
That was the
war where Halliburton went in and rebuilt the destruction we made, and
where other American construction companies made repairs without paying
one cent of American tax dollars.
Do you think President Obama enjoys mopping up all his messes plus getting handed the Great Recession?
The
national debt has decreased by 50 percent, the economy is getting
better, but taxes are almost as low as they were in the 1950s.
We’ve
experienced one national disaster after another. The disparity between
the top one percent and the rest of us is widening more and more. All
the while the Republicans say no to new revenues!
What the hell is
supposed to pay for the crumbling infrastructure we have? Face reality
Americans. You can’t fix something out of nothing unless you’re Almighty
God!
Move to another country if you hate the way things are going and pray to end bigotry and hatred!
Kathy Randle
Beaverton
P.S. I’m Irish and democrat.
From the Oct. 23 issue of the Gladwin County Record and Beaverton Clarion:
In response to Mrs Randle’s Oct. 16 letter,
“Not the America I grew up in”
To the Editor:
I also believe that this is not the America I grew up in.
I’ll
go as far as to say major news networks are slanted with an agenda to
push, and that agenda is profit. The ratings bring their reward. News
used to be objective, and a free press was a valuable tool to protect
society from the overreaches government power introduces. When the media
stops being objective, and starts reporting news subjectively slanted
towards a demographic, it is no longer news – it is propaganda.
And it takes place in all major outlets. Why would it not?
Considering GE (General Electric) owns NBC and MSNBC…. GE also owns:
CNBC
, A&E, The Biography Channel, The History Channel, History Channel
International, The History Channel en Español, Military History Channel,
Crime & Investigation Network, Bravo, Telemundo, and Universal
Studios.
CNN is owned by AOL-Time Warner Corp. They also own HBO,
Cartoon Network (which, like the news, can brainwash children), Warner
Bros., New Line Cinema, Turner Classics, The CW Channel, various
internet and telecommunications companies and more.
Massive
corporations dominate the U.S. media landscape. Through a history of
mergers and acquisitions, these companies have concentrated their
control over what we see, hear and read. In many cases, these companies
are vertically integrated, controlling everything from initial
production to final distribution.
I do find it easy to see the
connection of putting fences around open air monuments and national
parks as making it uncomfortable for citizens, while demonizing the
opposition to the president’s signature legislation (The Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act). It could be argued that gating off
the monuments and parks is more costly than keeping them open, which
gives credence to the accusations of citizen punishment.
In
regards to the incessant accusations of racism by any who oppose the
sitting president, it is wearing thin. While it may work against
politically weak leadership, the common sense American citizen sees
squarely through the hatred that the Liberal Left continues to manifest
in their efforts to further divide this country if steady and timely
leftist progress is not made.
While racism may never be completely
purged from society, I can assure you it is the president’s failing
policies that have stirred America’s sleeping – and usually silent –
moral majority.
I will agree that it would be best if Mitch
McConnell and speaker Boehner would step down now, but not for shutting
down the government, which is an absolute spin since the House of
Representatives voted and passed multiple spending resolutions up to and
including fully funding the government with a one year suspension of
the ACA mandate; but because they have betrayed the conservative base of
America that have been literally melting phone lines to representatives
telling them to stay firm.
I do not see where low approval
ratings for Republicans are of any concern to the American Left except
for celebration. The last time I checked, Government’s overall approval
is in the teens of percents.
The Left loves reminding us of GWB
and his unfunded wars. But as the liberal leaders in Congress beat war
drums to support BHO and his quest for war, the silence is deafening as
questions about Fast and Furious, Benghazi, and the IRS acting as
political adversary mob thugs go unanswered.
To counter the
misstatement that the national debt has decreased by 50 percent begs an
American grade schooler to question – if that is so, why has our debt
ceiling been raised for the 79th time? And how have we just crested the
17 trillion dollar debt level, not including unfunded liabilities quite
possibly into the 100 trillion dollar range?
Also, as far as tax
rates, 43 percent of Americans will pay zero federal income tax due to
tax credits, while our country has the highest combined corporate tax
rates in the world, which encourages the creation of multinational
corporations not returning profits made abroad back into the U.S.
economy.
(We can thank our convoluted tax system for that; blame
whomever you wish. The TEA party doesn’t care who’s to blame for that -
wrong is wrong.)
Also, to address the income disparity of the rich
and poor, it should be easy to see that increased inflation due to
failed economic policies will disproportionately affect the poor on
fixed incomes, while the costs of goods and services continue to rise
with the weakening of our dollar, and the small to large business’ raise
their fees to maintain viable budgets and profits.
Last but not
least, the Federal government has never collected more tax revenue in
the history of this country. And the crumbling roads and bridges could
be funded handily if we work together to pare down our over-extended
federal partner, and push it back down into the box of enumerated powers
and responsibilities that our framers intended. Make States take back
their sovereign responsibilities and re-institute at all state and local
levels the stigma attached to taking handouts that are not necessary
and actually contribute to our looming national financial crisis.
The
TEA party folks across this land are not terrorists. They are the
American bell ringers who have woken up to this progressive train ride
engineered by revolving donkeys and elephants who are either to weak to
apply the brakes, or fully willing to lead us into the moral, fiscal,
and Constitutional tragedy which lies ahead.
By our nation’s
repentance, the dedicated service of citizen patriots, and the divine
providence of God, these United States may just remain the Sweet Land of
Liberty.
Tab Faber
Beaverton
P.S. We’re fully assimilated Americans.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Millage / Candidates Discussion 10-22-13
Peter Konetchy Introduced himself to local residents and spoke on the
importance of the tenth amendment and a return to constitutionally
limited government. If We the People in the 4th district share Peter's
website and videos through social media, email, and spread the word of
Peter's firm constitutional stance, ENCOURAGE voter registration and get
out the vote in the primary election, We can get Pete on the ballot
for united states house distirct 4 !
http://www.peterkonetchy.com/
Josh Reid spoke to us on the declining revenue sharing, declining property values, and the budget streamlining / cuts made to date. Josh assures us "if we were not broke as a county, We wouldn't be asking for more money". The public safety millage would insure sheriff dept. and local police funding for 5 years. This does not increase the sheriff's dept budget, but it does free up the general fund money that is earmarked for the department to be utilized for other aspects of county operation. What the county would look like if the millage fails is not being offered. Reid has also been explaining that health care rates are going up. The rates / cost increases are not yet identifiable and this makes upcoming union negotiations with county departments very difficult. Some residents believe there are more cuts that could be made, some are focusing on public safety. The voters will decide Nov 5th.
Please consider Ray Nau, and surely tell your family and friends who are Beaverton City residents to vote Nov. 5th!
Beaverton City Police Sargent Jason Campbell invited everyone to
attend the Gladwin County Meet and Greet / Open House event and ask questions about the upcoming Public Safety Millage and learn more about our local City Council and Mayoral races. Throughout the day there will be door prize drawings. Food and beverages will be free and provided throughout the day.
Scheduled times for the event:
http://www.abc12.com/story/
Sharon Smith encourages community involvement with the Tobacco River Muzzle Loaders "SIGHT IN DAYS" November 9th thru 14th 9am to 5pm.
Thank you to all who attended and those of you who could not attend, we appreciate your support in Liberty!
--
In Liberty,
http://www.peterkonetchy.com/
Josh Reid spoke to us on the declining revenue sharing, declining property values, and the budget streamlining / cuts made to date. Josh assures us "if we were not broke as a county, We wouldn't be asking for more money". The public safety millage would insure sheriff dept. and local police funding for 5 years. This does not increase the sheriff's dept budget, but it does free up the general fund money that is earmarked for the department to be utilized for other aspects of county operation. What the county would look like if the millage fails is not being offered. Reid has also been explaining that health care rates are going up. The rates / cost increases are not yet identifiable and this makes upcoming union negotiations with county departments very difficult. Some residents believe there are more cuts that could be made, some are focusing on public safety. The voters will decide Nov 5th.
Cari Jefferson introduced herself as a candidate for Beaverton City Council.
City Council needs some independent / strong / common sense representatives.
I encourage you to consider Cari on Nov. 5th and if you are
not a Beaverton City resident, please share her information with any
city friends or relatives you may have. Get them registered and get them
to city hall Nov. 5th.
Ray Nau introduced himself as one of two Mayor candidates for the City of Beaverton
Ray
has some great ideas he'd like to bring to city government. His
motivation is to bring the culture of city government back into a
serving attitude and tighten up some city department policies. Ray has
the desire and the time to do his best for the City of
Beaverton. Ray promises to be available to the people and
encourages anyone to contact him with questions or concerns. "I'm the
only Ray Nau in the phone book, call me" Also keep a look out for the
yellow cub cadet ATV running around town. Stop and say Hi. Please consider Ray Nau, and surely tell your family and friends who are Beaverton City residents to vote Nov. 5th!
Beaverton City Police Sargent Jason Campbell invited everyone to
attend the Gladwin County Meet and Greet / Open House event and ask questions about the upcoming Public Safety Millage and learn more about our local City Council and Mayoral races. Throughout the day there will be door prize drawings. Food and beverages will be free and provided throughout the day.
Scheduled times for the event:
8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Beaverton City Police Sgt. Jason Campbell
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Beaverton City Hall
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Beaverton Mayor Candidate Ray Nau
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Gladwin City Council, Gladwin City Manager Bob Moffit, Gladwin Chief of Police Duane Bean
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Beaverton City Manager Kerry Posey
2:00 p.m. - 6 p.m. Gladwin County Det. Sgt. Jim Cuddie
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Gladwin County Prosecutor Aaron Miller
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Gladwin County Commissioners
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Beaverton City Council
5:00 p.m. - 8 p.m. Beaverton Mayor Candidate Matt Lang, Gladwin County
Sheriff Mike Shea, Animal Control Officer Jim Maveal, Judge Josh
Farrell, Emergency Manager Leo Gary, Beaverton Fire Department, Gladwin
Co. Clerk Laura Brandon-Maveal, Gladwin Co. Treasurer Christy Van Tiem,
and 911 Director Mike Brubaker.
http://www.abc12.com/story/Sharon Smith encourages community involvement with the Tobacco River Muzzle Loaders "SIGHT IN DAYS" November 9th thru 14th 9am to 5pm.
Thank you to all who attended and those of you who could not attend, we appreciate your support in Liberty!
--
In Liberty,
WTP Steering committee
Something to Consider........
From George Washington in 1789 through George W. Bush in 2009, our National debt grew to 10 Trillion dollars. Since 2009, congress and the current administration piled on an additional 7 TRILLION dollars. Our nation has hit our debt ceiling for the 79th time. We did not just recently raise the debt ceiling. Our congress agreed to discuss the debt at a later date.
WE CURRENTLY HAVE NO DEBT CEILING SINCE WE HAVE SURPASSED THE CURRENT CEILING OF 16.6999 TRILLION.
Images of the ransacked Walmarts come to mind after the people realized there was a temporary limit removal from their EBT cards.............................
Consider the terms "radical" "terrorists" "anarchists" "unreasonable" and please consider who those terms would be better fitting, Conservative Activists? or the elected leaders enslaving our children with atronomical, unsustainable debt.........
Monday, October 7, 2013
We The People to host candidate, millage discussion Oct. 22
Are you looking for a chance to learn more about the Public Safety Millage from local officials? Do you want the opportunity to meet candidates that are running for local offices in the cities of Beaverton and Gladwin? Then don’t miss the next We The People of Gladwin County event!
Everyone is invited to come ask questions – or just listen and learn - as We The People of Gladwin County hosts a Townhall-style forum open to any candidates who are on the Nov. 5 ballot.
The meeting will also give attendees the ...chance to ask questions of Gladwin County Board Chair Josh Reid about the County-Wide Public Safety Millage.
Peter Konetchy will also be on-hand to speak to guests. Peter is challenging U.S. Representative Dave Camp in the 2014 Primary Election.
The forum will take place at the Beaverton Community Center on Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Any candidate for local office is welcome to introduce themselves and speak at the forum. As always, there will be free light refreshments.
If you have any questions, or you would like more information, please call 989-435-8851; or email wethepeople48624@gmail.com
We are not all in this together
Government has grown entirely to large. We were not born to live in servitude to a bloated federal government.
It's not true we are all in this together – there is a private class, and there is a government class. The government class is under the assumption that the tax dollars that feed them will always be available.
When you lose your job, when you default, when you struggle to fill your tank for $4.00 per gallon, when you struggle to pay for a cart full of food, does the government cry for you? Because I have a hard time crying for the nonessential casualties from the shutdown.
Government creates nothing. They take and distribute. Growing the public sector does not grow an economy. Private sector companies building products that are needed or desired by consumers, traded by free association. With a demand that requires additional labor, that's what creates wealth and growth.
You can't make the pool deeper by moving a bucket of water from the east end of the pool and pouring it into the west end.
It's not true we are all in this together – there is a private class, and there is a government class. The government class is under the assumption that the tax dollars that feed them will always be available.
When you lose your job, when you default, when you struggle to fill your tank for $4.00 per gallon, when you struggle to pay for a cart full of food, does the government cry for you? Because I have a hard time crying for the nonessential casualties from the shutdown.
Government creates nothing. They take and distribute. Growing the public sector does not grow an economy. Private sector companies building products that are needed or desired by consumers, traded by free association. With a demand that requires additional labor, that's what creates wealth and growth.
You can't make the pool deeper by moving a bucket of water from the east end of the pool and pouring it into the west end.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Mud Bog Case Back in Court Tuesday - Will You Be There?
We have the chance this week to see the wheels of justice turn in yet another of the disturbingly increasing number of cases involving private property rights: The Mud Bog Case in Gladwin County against Denise and Kelly Miller.
The motion and settlement conference will take place Tuesday in Gladwin County's 55th Circuit Court. Many of us are planning to attend the hearing, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The case stems from an “ordinance violation” regarding a 40-acre private property farm belonging to the millers that has been used for years as a popular venue for mud bogs.
In the Summons and Complaint dated April 24, 2013, it is alleged that the Defendant, Denise Miller, owner of the property in question on Nettleton Road, has hosted along with her husband, Kelly Miller, mud bogs on the private property, which the county says is a violation of its Zoning Ordinance.
In the complaint, the Plaintiff, County of Gladwin, asks the court to confirm that mud bogging is a nuisance per se, and is violation of the County's Zoning Ordinance.
They also ask for an injunction against the activity on the Millers’ property, “…or any premises in Gladwin County unless a permit is obtained.”
We've said it in our blog before: This is not about a mud bog. It's about property rights. But it's also about something else - it is about examining the validity of the Zoning Department in enforcing the issue.
For many years, the mud bogs have been a staple at the Miller farm. In fact, aside from the fact that it's private, patented property, over which the county has no jurisdiction, it's been going on longer than the county's zoning has been in place. The County's Zoning Ordinance was enacted in 2007.
According to Michigan Zoning Enabling Act PA 110, 2006 - Activity should be legal nonconforming use, as confirmed by written statements in file. So why does complaint focus on mud bogging as a nuisance per se, and not the Fair/Festival aspect? In any case, non-conforming *legal* use should apply. There have been mud bogs on the property since 2002; others claim as far back as 1999.... Millers have obviously complied with requests - parking, sanitation, noise reduction (berm), which shows cooperation... Not like they have shirked requests. Uninformed on the issue does not constitute disobedience...
This case is yet another example of how Zoning is the death of property rights, and how bureaucratic departments are being used to enforce sometimes bogus "violations" over people, places, and even animals over which they should have no jurisdiction.
Take this case, for example:
Mark Baker vs. The Department of Natural Resources. DNR redefines the words "feral" and "domesticated"; issues Invasive Species Order against their definition of "feral" pigs, allowing them to build a bridge from their intended purpose - to manage wildlife on state land - to exerting their authority over farm animals on private property.
Learn more. Start here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA_OyraGo-o&feature=c4-overview&list=UU-cAVy-oC3v7ENiQu-Ls-4w
There are countless other cases where questionable measures are used as means to various ends -
FDA attack on organic egg producers by using fear tactics:
EPA making the determination that we can totally eat significantly more amounts of Monsanto's Round-Up this year:
Or a Zoning Authority's impact on a rural hobby farm.
If you read any of these cases and questioned motives, or felt at any time, "That's not fair." You're not alone.
Because of the examples of seeming overreach by unelected bureaucrats, WE - the people - should always examine cases thoroughly, even when they are controversial and emotional. The more we allow an agency to create case law, the more we bolster its authority to commit the same action again.
Think about the implications of creating case law regarding mud bog activity, and more importantly - the dangerous potential in any bureaucratic office to exert a police-like authority over a situation involving what appear to be separate incidents that are criminal in nature, to punish landowners where law enforcement was not able to, using the methods employed by the duties assigned to them by your local government.
This lawsuit was initiated by The County of Gladwin, through its Zoning Department. The County in essence gave the authority to the department to enforce the rules how they see fit, even to the point of initiating litigation, all without a vote.
That's the part that should be concerning: When unelected bureaucrats appointed by the legislative body of a municipality, in this case Gladwin County, are free to initiate lawsuits without a vote BY that legislative body - in this case, the Board of Commissioners - we have lost our representation.
We elect the county commissioners to represent us, not to turn over the checkbook to any of its unelected bureaucratic offices - in this case, the Zoning Department. We elected them to make financial decisions with our tax money, and in this case they have failed us. They have started a lawsuit without a vote.
A lawsuit on our behalf, no less. Who is the County of Gladwin? It's US, folks. It's The People, The Taxpayers. Had the issue been taken to the Board of Commissioners for a vote, we may have been able to weigh in on the potential of spending thousands of dollars of taxpayer money on what some of us feel is a frivolous lawsuit.
Which is why we invite each and every one of you reading this to come out and be there to see this case play out in the courtroom. After all, if you live in Gladwin County, you're essentially a plaintiff; and you're paying the fees to the attorney.
Beyond that, even if you don't live in Gladwin County, we know that many of you feel very strongly about property rights, and we would love to have you there. This case may seem small, but any case that infringes upon the property rights of homeowners on private land - private, patented land in this case - affects all of us.
Learn more about the death of property rights. Watch our video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McN_KI5jUxw
Saturday, October 5, 2013
What We're Teaching
No bullying. No life lessons in handling poor behavior amongst ourselves.
No fighting. The animal kingdom we belong to requires establishing hierarchy. No checks and balances allowed at the personal level.
Go to the authorities, they will deal with the injustice. We used to discourage tattling.
Guns are dangerous and there will be zero tolerance. We used to teach gun safety. We used to teach that guns level playing fields when protecting property and life.
We used to go to church and plant seeds of morality. Now the worst examples of hypocrisy are used justify subjective morality.
We used to teach that marriage is a holy vow between a man and woman, and a promise to God. Now it's a convenience for tax status and survivorship benefits, with God nowhere in sight.
We used to respect the miracle of life. Now we struggle to define what that means and encourage young women to consider selfishness as an option.
We used to teach abstinence and the repercussions of having children out of wedlock. Now we witness most kids with one parent, or two duplicate sets if they're lucky.
We used to teach that hard work will bring your material desires. Now many high schoolers are handed better vehicles than families struggling to make ends meet.
We used to teach the value of mechanical aptitude. Now we teach academics can trump common sense in the work force.
We used to discourage government handouts. Now we promote it unapologetically.
We used to teach spare the rod, spoil the child. Now we employee armies of child protective service workers.
We used to teach the exceptionalism of the American experiment. Now we teach our small footprint on the globe.
We've created a society on fast forward that sees the glamorization repeatedly in our pop culture of bullying, fighting, gun violence, indifference to faith, divorce, hooking up, gay lifestyle, women's rights over the womb, non traditional family units, non contact discipline, and a mocking of the greatness that America was – and could be again.
But you won't hear that from traditional media.
How do you combat generations immersed in degradation of morality? How do you explain to the youth that all those movies and video games glorifying martial arts fighting, weapon skills, gun handling, is not tolerated even in role playing scenarios? And that any hint to it is grounds for dismissal?
How do you get through to a society that has swallowed that pill and have no idea how to handle any situation without tattling to the authorities? Will the desensitization of violence through media allow an acceptance of it through the very authorities we now depend on to prevent our petty injustices?
We now discourage holding firm positions for fear of offending an opposing view.
I'm not sorry that I refuse to get with the times.
No fighting. The animal kingdom we belong to requires establishing hierarchy. No checks and balances allowed at the personal level.
Go to the authorities, they will deal with the injustice. We used to discourage tattling.
Guns are dangerous and there will be zero tolerance. We used to teach gun safety. We used to teach that guns level playing fields when protecting property and life.
We used to go to church and plant seeds of morality. Now the worst examples of hypocrisy are used justify subjective morality.
We used to teach that marriage is a holy vow between a man and woman, and a promise to God. Now it's a convenience for tax status and survivorship benefits, with God nowhere in sight.
We used to respect the miracle of life. Now we struggle to define what that means and encourage young women to consider selfishness as an option.
We used to teach abstinence and the repercussions of having children out of wedlock. Now we witness most kids with one parent, or two duplicate sets if they're lucky.
We used to teach that hard work will bring your material desires. Now many high schoolers are handed better vehicles than families struggling to make ends meet.
We used to teach the value of mechanical aptitude. Now we teach academics can trump common sense in the work force.
We used to discourage government handouts. Now we promote it unapologetically.
We used to teach spare the rod, spoil the child. Now we employee armies of child protective service workers.
We used to teach the exceptionalism of the American experiment. Now we teach our small footprint on the globe.
We've created a society on fast forward that sees the glamorization repeatedly in our pop culture of bullying, fighting, gun violence, indifference to faith, divorce, hooking up, gay lifestyle, women's rights over the womb, non traditional family units, non contact discipline, and a mocking of the greatness that America was – and could be again.
But you won't hear that from traditional media.
How do you combat generations immersed in degradation of morality? How do you explain to the youth that all those movies and video games glorifying martial arts fighting, weapon skills, gun handling, is not tolerated even in role playing scenarios? And that any hint to it is grounds for dismissal?
How do you get through to a society that has swallowed that pill and have no idea how to handle any situation without tattling to the authorities? Will the desensitization of violence through media allow an acceptance of it through the very authorities we now depend on to prevent our petty injustices?
We now discourage holding firm positions for fear of offending an opposing view.
I'm not sorry that I refuse to get with the times.
Update will be given on Groninger v. DEQ at Freedom 21 meeting Oct. 15
MIDLAND COUNTY – An update to a case originating in Midland County, which impacts property rights, will be given at the next Freedom 21 Meeting. The meeting will be held in Midland on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Salvation Army in Midland, located at 330 Waldo Ave.
Recently, Midland County 42nd Circuit Court Judge Stephen P. Carras issued an order granting the Department of Environmental Quality’s Motion for Summary Disposition Sept. 6 in a case filed against them by a local couple and their lease holders.
In the case of Greg Groninger, Carol J. Groninger, Kenneth Thompson and Thomas Dunn v. State of Michigan, aka Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Plaintiffs refused to allow the DEQ – a state agency with jurisdiction and authority over land in the Public Domain – access to their private, patented property in order to determine if it was a protected wetland under the Michigan Wetlands Protection Act (MCL 324.43001 et seq.) As a result of the landowner’s refusal, the plaintiffs were informed that an administrative warrant would be issue to give the DEQ access to their property without their consent. The plaintiffs then filed a lawsuit seeking declaratory relief, alleging Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress by the DEQ, and asking the court to find that the DEQ cannot enter their private, patented property.
The Defendant’s Motion for Summary Disposition filed by the DEQ on July 9, 2013, argued three points, including the point that they feel the Michigan Wetlands regulations apply to the Plaintiff’s private, patented property; that … “even if Michigan law did not apply to the Plaintiffs’ property … federal wetlands regulations apply to the Plaintiffs’ property, and those federal wetlands regulations are enforced by the DEQ; and that Plaintiffs Thompson and Dunn lack standing to participate as plaintiffs in this lawsuit.
Regarding the third argument about Plaintiffs Thompson and Dunn, who lease a portion of the property in question for hunting purposes, the Court opined that he could not find that Thompson and Dunn had any interest in the land; further stating that “…even if Plaintiffs Thompson and Dunn had produced a document entitling them to place hunting blinds on the property they still would not have standing.
While the Groningers can show a particularized injury if the DEQ enters and places restrictions on the use of their land, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Dunn cannot.” In the Motion for Summary Disposition argument regarding the application of the Michigan Wetlands Statute to the Plaintiff’s land, Judge Carras held the opinion that the plaintiffs had “…no legal basis for their action as they are mistaken in their reading of the law, the Wetlands Statute is meant to apply to all land within the state, including privately owned patented land.” Furthermore, it was the judge’s opinion that the DEQ, as an arm of the Department of Natural Resources, had the authority to regulate wetlands under the Wetlands Protection Act.
In his conclusion, Judge Carras noted that, “…when viewed in a light most favorable to Plaintiffs there is no issue of material fact upon which this motion for summary disposition could be denied,” thus opining that the Michigan Wetlands Protection Act applies to the Groningers’ private, patented land, and that the DEQ has the right to come onto that private property and enforce regulations on behalf of the state and/or federal government.
Although disappointed with the opinion of Judge Carras, the judge’s findings were not unpredictable.
“I can’t say we were surprised by his ruling, we predicted it, but the opinion and order are full of errors and fiction of law. The judge’s opinion is in direct conflict with the United States and Michigan Constitution," said Dunn. “One has to wonder what part of ‘No Law shall be passed impairing the Obligation of Contracts’ – found in both the United States and Michigan Constitution – did they not understand?"
He added, "How can the judge say the following and not feel we can sue for protection? In the Judges own words: ‘While the Groningers can show a particularized injury if the DEQ enters and places restriction on the use of their land, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Dunn cannot.' Maybe this is because the word Constitution does not seem to be in the vocabulary of either the MDEQ or the judge because it has never came out of either of their mouths or pen on paper during this case to date.”
On July 9, Judge Carras heard the Motion by the Dept. of Environmental Quality [DEQ] to have this case dismissed, and on Sept. 6 – 58 days later – he ruled in favor of the DEQ.
Additionally, the plaintiffs still do not have a transcript that was requested for that July 9 hearing, even though records show that the check for the transcript in question was cashed on July 15.
According to Michigan Court Rule 8.107 http://courts.mi.gov/Courts/MichiganSupremeCourt/CurrentCourtRules/1Chapter8AdministrativeRulesofCourt.pdf :
“Statement by Trial Judge as to Matters Undecided (A) Time. Matters under submission to a judge or judicial officer should be promptly determined. Short deadlines should be set for presentation of briefs and affidavits and for production of transcripts. Decisions, when possible, should be made from the bench or within a few days of submission; otherwise a decision should be rendered no later than 35 days after submission”.
In a statement issued by the plaintiffs, they explain:
"Ever since we filed this Constitutional and Statutory case against the DEQ for threatening to enter our land and control activities on our land, the state has been doing everything they can do to drag this case out – hoping we will drop the case, and folks like all of you will lose interest. We will not drop the case, and we hope you will continue to follow the case and witness the delay and bully tactics the government is using to bury the constitutionally protected contracts that the founders used to grant land from the public domain into private ownership and control. This case will have impact on everyone – just think what America would be like if the government owned and controlled all the farm land, forests and land that contained oil, gas and other minerals? That would be the end of the free market system and our way of life."
An appeal has been filed in the case.
To learn more about Freedom 21, go to https://sites.google.com/site/freedom21michigan.
Recently, Midland County 42nd Circuit Court Judge Stephen P. Carras issued an order granting the Department of Environmental Quality’s Motion for Summary Disposition Sept. 6 in a case filed against them by a local couple and their lease holders.
In the case of Greg Groninger, Carol J. Groninger, Kenneth Thompson and Thomas Dunn v. State of Michigan, aka Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Plaintiffs refused to allow the DEQ – a state agency with jurisdiction and authority over land in the Public Domain – access to their private, patented property in order to determine if it was a protected wetland under the Michigan Wetlands Protection Act (MCL 324.43001 et seq.) As a result of the landowner’s refusal, the plaintiffs were informed that an administrative warrant would be issue to give the DEQ access to their property without their consent. The plaintiffs then filed a lawsuit seeking declaratory relief, alleging Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress by the DEQ, and asking the court to find that the DEQ cannot enter their private, patented property.
The Defendant’s Motion for Summary Disposition filed by the DEQ on July 9, 2013, argued three points, including the point that they feel the Michigan Wetlands regulations apply to the Plaintiff’s private, patented property; that … “even if Michigan law did not apply to the Plaintiffs’ property … federal wetlands regulations apply to the Plaintiffs’ property, and those federal wetlands regulations are enforced by the DEQ; and that Plaintiffs Thompson and Dunn lack standing to participate as plaintiffs in this lawsuit.
Regarding the third argument about Plaintiffs Thompson and Dunn, who lease a portion of the property in question for hunting purposes, the Court opined that he could not find that Thompson and Dunn had any interest in the land; further stating that “…even if Plaintiffs Thompson and Dunn had produced a document entitling them to place hunting blinds on the property they still would not have standing.
While the Groningers can show a particularized injury if the DEQ enters and places restrictions on the use of their land, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Dunn cannot.” In the Motion for Summary Disposition argument regarding the application of the Michigan Wetlands Statute to the Plaintiff’s land, Judge Carras held the opinion that the plaintiffs had “…no legal basis for their action as they are mistaken in their reading of the law, the Wetlands Statute is meant to apply to all land within the state, including privately owned patented land.” Furthermore, it was the judge’s opinion that the DEQ, as an arm of the Department of Natural Resources, had the authority to regulate wetlands under the Wetlands Protection Act.
In his conclusion, Judge Carras noted that, “…when viewed in a light most favorable to Plaintiffs there is no issue of material fact upon which this motion for summary disposition could be denied,” thus opining that the Michigan Wetlands Protection Act applies to the Groningers’ private, patented land, and that the DEQ has the right to come onto that private property and enforce regulations on behalf of the state and/or federal government.
Although disappointed with the opinion of Judge Carras, the judge’s findings were not unpredictable.
“I can’t say we were surprised by his ruling, we predicted it, but the opinion and order are full of errors and fiction of law. The judge’s opinion is in direct conflict with the United States and Michigan Constitution," said Dunn. “One has to wonder what part of ‘No Law shall be passed impairing the Obligation of Contracts’ – found in both the United States and Michigan Constitution – did they not understand?"
He added, "How can the judge say the following and not feel we can sue for protection? In the Judges own words: ‘While the Groningers can show a particularized injury if the DEQ enters and places restriction on the use of their land, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Dunn cannot.' Maybe this is because the word Constitution does not seem to be in the vocabulary of either the MDEQ or the judge because it has never came out of either of their mouths or pen on paper during this case to date.”
On July 9, Judge Carras heard the Motion by the Dept. of Environmental Quality [DEQ] to have this case dismissed, and on Sept. 6 – 58 days later – he ruled in favor of the DEQ.
Additionally, the plaintiffs still do not have a transcript that was requested for that July 9 hearing, even though records show that the check for the transcript in question was cashed on July 15.
According to Michigan Court Rule 8.107 http://courts.mi.gov/Courts/MichiganSupremeCourt/CurrentCourtRules/1Chapter8AdministrativeRulesofCourt.pdf :
“Statement by Trial Judge as to Matters Undecided (A) Time. Matters under submission to a judge or judicial officer should be promptly determined. Short deadlines should be set for presentation of briefs and affidavits and for production of transcripts. Decisions, when possible, should be made from the bench or within a few days of submission; otherwise a decision should be rendered no later than 35 days after submission”.
In a statement issued by the plaintiffs, they explain:
"Ever since we filed this Constitutional and Statutory case against the DEQ for threatening to enter our land and control activities on our land, the state has been doing everything they can do to drag this case out – hoping we will drop the case, and folks like all of you will lose interest. We will not drop the case, and we hope you will continue to follow the case and witness the delay and bully tactics the government is using to bury the constitutionally protected contracts that the founders used to grant land from the public domain into private ownership and control. This case will have impact on everyone – just think what America would be like if the government owned and controlled all the farm land, forests and land that contained oil, gas and other minerals? That would be the end of the free market system and our way of life."
An appeal has been filed in the case.
To learn more about Freedom 21, go to https://sites.google.com/site/freedom21michigan.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Peter Konetchy will speak at Freedom 21 Meeting Oct. 15 in Midland
MIDLAND - Peter Konetchy, the man who will challenge Dave Camp in the 2014 Republican Primary, will speak to guests at the Freedom 21 Meeting in Midland on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Salvation Army in Midland, located at 330 Waldo Ave.Konetchy, a Roscommon businessman, is running as a republican for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat in the 2012 election. Konetchy said his frustration with government left him no choice.
"I’m watching my country being destroyed in front of my eyes," said Konetchy. "I can no longer sit and wait for the ‘professional politicians’ to solve our problems. They just make them worse."
Konetchy has always felt that the federal government’s role is a limited role.
"My understanding of the U.S. Constitution reinforces that fact," he said.
He added that he believes the government was designed to establish us as a sovereign nation and to represent us in the world community.
"It has no authority to control the daily lives of the people," he said.
He also believes that many of the problems facing the country today are a direct result of the federal government overstepping its authority. Konetchy feels that federal "one-size-fits-all" programs produce many more unintended consequences than benefit.
"Economic development is critical to this nation’s survival," said Konetchy.
He added that government cannot produce jobs, but instead drain resources away from the private sector to support its own needs.
"I don’t think anyone can honestly think our government is not a bloated bureaucracy," he said.
Konetchy feels that the way to revitalize the U.S. economy.
"The federal government must be frugal with the taxpayer’s money," he said.
Energy Independence is high on Konetchy’s agenda.
"We have three times more oil reserves domestically in this country than all of the OPEC countries combined," Konetchy said. "It’s criminal that our federal government is prohibiting the domestic development of our own reserves. We should not only be energy independent, but we should be selling our oil to other industrialized nations and using the revenue to pay down our debt."
Konetchy’s focus will be to immediately balance the federal budget; eliminate deficit spending; and concentrate on eliminating wasteful, duplicative, and non-constitutionally authorized programs.
Konetchy and wife Zhanna have five children. He is a partner at Desktop Business Solutions which provides software to law firms throughout the nation. Konetchy filed his FEC papers in January and has been travelling the state introducing himself and explaining his positions.
For more on Peter, visit his website www.peterkonetchy .com or join him on Facebook.
To learn more about Freedom 21, go to https://sites.google.com/site/freedom21michigan.
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