Blog

All eyes will be on Michigan this week as this “Union blue state” will become the 24th Right to Work state. The final vote in the Michigan State Legislature will come Tuesday.

A friend of mine said to me “I am in a ‘suspended state’ as it just hasn’t entirely sunk in”. I totally agree!

This is monumental not only for Michigan but for the right to work movement.

And this is exactly why Unions and their Progressive allies will descend upon our Capitol Tuesday.

When “surfing” the Internet about this I came across some ominous information.

One particular Tweet stood out, Civil Disobedience training this Saturday at UAW Local 600 in Detroit. The Tweet identifies UAW 600 as the location for the training and also includes Occupy Detroit.

Other Tweets similar can be found using various hashtags: such as #NoRTWMI

I could not find anything on the UAW Local 600 web site, so either they are allowing it or doing it as a covert-type operation, but I did find these pictures, the claim is “Practicing peaceful protest”.  Additionally, law enforcement has received information that some are promising “to make Michigan worst than Wisconsin”. Does anyone doubt that this may be tried as union thugs backed up by Progressives know that Michigan is pivotal? This is not a protest, but a pay back and a notice to other states who dare try to implement right to work in their state.

Furthermore, the fact that the eight protesters who were arrested at the Capitol this past Thursday have yet to be charged  :  “It is my understanding … that the * prosecutor’s office  is still reviewing this matter,” 54A *District Judge Hugh Clarke Jr. said. “So they have not filed charges against you at this time.”

* Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart J. Dunnings III Endorsed by: United Auto Workers, Greater Lansing Labor Council (AFL-CIO) Michigan Education Association

*Endorsed by: AFL-CIO, 2012 UAW Reg 1-C MEA, MI Progressive Endorsements and the City Pulse, Lansing Progressive rag

A lack of prompt follow through has clearly only emboldened these rabble rousers, as the impression is that you can engage in unlawful conduct (disrupting a legislative session, etc.) without real consequences.

More pictures show that a number of people were brought in from out of state this past Thursday, like the protester from Ohio (a sheet metal worker…dressed…in a fireman’s uniform???).

When looking at the Tweets with the #NoRTWMI, you can see that legislators are using the hashtag. Just one example is my own term-limited House Rep Barb Bryum, who isn’t exactly a stranger to conduct which lacks decorum (formerly/http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/201206/two-michigan-state-democrats-banned-from-speaking-on-house-floor).  This is very troubling – lawmakers are making public comments to a specific audience – that’s the point behind using a specific hashtag. In doing so, they are contributing to further ginning people up. Is Ms. Bryum (or staff) aware of all of the discussion taking p lace among the users of that hashtag? If so, are the obvious plans being made, which are potentially harmful, being reported to the authorities?

Progressive legislators are fanning the flames on these types of action by their incendiary comments. I was in the Capitol Thursday when some of these incendiary remarks were being made on the Senate floor and heard by and directed toward union “activists” If your look at the Senate Legislative Journal you can read the outrageous comments from these legislators claiming everything from racism to criminality about these bills.

Furthermore, Democrat minority leader, Senator Whitmer appeared on the Fox News Show “On the Record” Greta Van Susteren’s show to repeat the lie that people were arbitrary removed from the Capitol. Unfortunately Ms Van Susuteren gave her a pass when she agreed! So much for “fair and balanced” and “journalists” doing their due diligence researching. You may see the interview HERE

Media bias has also helped to fuel anger.

By these actions, these organizations, legislators and those engaging in media bias will share responsibility for any potential violence or damage to our beautiful Capitol on this coming Tuesday!

Organizations planning to protest Tuesday:

Planned Parenthood

AFL-CIO/Working America

The Teamsters

The Michigan Nurses Association

Michigan Education Association

The Washtenaw Community Action Team

Rainbow Push Detroit

MoveOn.org

I know there will be Right to Work supporters, mostly seasoned activists, at our Capitol this coming Tuesday. However considering the climate – the rumored threats and organizations involved – I do not think this is a good time for anyone to be at the Capitol.

If you want to do something positive about this issue, give encouragement to your House Rep or Senator, if they voted YES, by calling and thanking them for that YES vote.

IF anyone who works at the Capitol, works downtown or is a risk taker bound and determined to go down on Tuesday, sees violence, intimidation, vandalism, or other unlawful behavior, you may call the Michigan state police directly at (517) 332-2521, to make a report.

Of course NEVER hesitate to dial 911

We will continue to keep you updated

Thank you for all you do, you are the heart and soul of our state.

How did your Legislator Vote?

House Bill 4054 – Passed 58 to 52 in the House on December 6, 2012, to prohibit employers from enforcing a union contract provision that compels employees to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment. The bill also includes a $1 million appropriation to make it “referendum-proof.” All Democrats voted “no” and all Republicans voted “yes” except for Reps. Forlini, Goike, Horn, McBroom, Somerville and Zorn.

Senate Bill 116 – Passed 22 to 16 in the Senate on December 6, 2012, to prohibit employers from enforcing a union contract provision that compells employees to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment. The bill also includes a $1 million appropriation to make it “referendum-proof.” All Democrats voted “no” and all Republicans voted “yes” except for Sens. Casperson, Green, Nofs and Rocca.

House Bill 4003 – Passed 22 to 4 in the Senate on December 6, 2012, to prohibit Michigan governments and schools from enforcing a union contract provision that compels employees to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment. Awaiting House action.