Editorial

By BRUCE EDWARD WALKER   When a man first veers permanently from a virtuous path, Southerners call it “breaking bad,” which is also the name of the AMC television series created by former “X-Files” producer Vince Gilligan. Currently in its second season, the show serves as a fitting metaphor for our state and federal governments’ slide down the slippery slope of Bailout Mountain and increasing intervention in the private sector — for once character Walter White breaks bad, each illegal and immoral action prompts several other … [Read more...] about Breaking bad breaking the bank

THE RICH LOWRY COLUMN By Rich Lowry   Now, that’s cost efficiency. It took a mere $165 million to discredit the entire $11.6 trillion edifice of bailouts, capital infusions and guarantees that have accompanied the financial meltdown.   The bonuses AIG wants to pay its employees are a pittance compared with the $170 billion it has received in government bailouts, a trifling .097 percent. But nothing so angers the gods of populism as the word "bonus" (surely some genius is formulating a suitable euphemism even as we speak). … [Read more...] about The shame of AIG

Former Gov. William Milliken did Michigan a service when he signed this state’s wetlands protections into law 30 years ago. He is still doing right by his home state in insisting those protections should stay in place.   Milliken joined many voices in opposition to a recent proposal by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. She wants to scrap state wetlands oversight — and save $2.1 million — by turning over its management to the federal government.   Granholm is being penny wise but pound foolish. Wetlands are particularly valued in … [Read more...] about Protect our wetlands

By PAUL KERSEY   It has been suggested more than once lately that Michigan’s problems would be less severe if other states had the sort of strong unions we have here. This is nothing more than wishful thinking that impedes real solutions. We cannot, and should not, expect other states — especially those not as hard hit by current economic conditions — to embrace unions at the expense of productivity and competitiveness.   Last December Jonathan Cutler, a professor at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, opined in The … [Read more...] about Dragging ’em down to our level

THE RICH LOWRY COLUMN By Rich Lowry   Last fall, Barack Obama was deemed by all the great and good as the man to save the country from its financial crisis because of his calm. As John McCain flailed around, Obama stayed steady, and commentators ascribed to him the most extraordinary leadership qualities based merely on his equipoise.   How is that working out? Well, the stock market has lost roughly 25 percent of its value in the past two months, destroying more than $2.6 trillion of wealth. But at least President Obama … [Read more...] about At least he’s calm

There has been a breakdown in public trust of government. Whether it’s stimulus rewards, bailout dollars or state appropriations, taxpayers want accountability. They want to see — clearly — how their money is being used. Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Legislature should support Senate legislation that would give Michigan taxpayers free online access to where their tax dollars are going. That kind of transparency promotes public accountability and good governance.   Michigan is expected to receive around $6.7 billion from the … [Read more...] about Show taxpayers the money

By Sue Suchyta   “Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is offering its unique and macabre musical magic at the Fisher Theatre now through April 5. In the wake of the popular Johnny Depp movie, the touring company has taken several innovative steps to set themselves apart.   The production is introduced through the memory of a traumatized boy, whose tortured mind recalls the events to be retold. Furthermore, the staging puts the instruments in the hands of the actors on stage to viscerally impact the story’s … [Read more...] about ‘Sweeney Todd’ playing at the Fisher

Editor:   In response to the article in the Times-Herald Newspapers regarding unpaid property taxes on the Garrison Oaks Condominium development, I feel compelled to write this letter. I want everyone to clearly understand that I am a member of the corporation that build this development but not legally responsible for its obligations. However, because of the concern this situation has caused many in this community, I am personally promising to pay the taxes on behalf of the organization in the next 30 days.   I want to … [Read more...] about Abraham Letter

Editor:   A small item in Sunday's paper spoke to the up coming May 12 filing deadline for Dearborn City Council members. The city of Dearborn is hurting, as are many small towns. My mind wanders back over 25 years ago when Maureen Keane had a dynamic mayoral platform and today I wonder where our downtowns, east and west, would be had she won. Today I wonder who will run for a council position that might have the same kind of true love for Dearborn. What do these candidates feel are worthy of concern?    Anne … [Read more...] about Bennett Letter

Recently Dearborn citizens have learned that Dearborn City Councilman Robert Abraham is late in paying real estate taxes a total of some $80,000 on properties located on Garrison in Dearborn. The city of Dearborn has a policy of removing from office any elected official who owes back taxes to the city claiming it is a violation of the City Charter to owe the city of Dearborn taxes and hold elected office in Dearborn. I, myself, was removed from my elected position as Dearborn Charter commissioner because my mother's estate, the estate … [Read more...] about Dobkowski Letter