Senator Carl Levin was in Houghton County this week and attended an event in Hancock as Honorary Chair of Friends of Dianda campaign for Scott Dianda who is the Democratic candidate for the 110th District Michigan House of Representatives. The Senator asked Candidate Dianda why he is running for the state legislature.
Video of the exchange:
Ever get email like that?
You no doubt know someone, likely a relative, who thinks it is their duty to forward any email that either:
Email of this variety, which we tend to call “spam,” is easy to manage by setting up a few email rules that route email with terms like “Fwd: FW:” to your trash folder. Unfortunately, many folks do not take the few requisite minutes to learn how to set filters and rules to manage their email. So, once in a while, politically motivated email messages do their magic by casting just enough doubt or suggesting just enough fear in the mind of the well-intended citizen email recipient that compels them to open and read the forwarded message.
These politi-spam messages are easy to spot. Authors of scary email like to use ALL CAPS in the “subject” line, and the email almost always includes “FWD: FW: FW: FW:” or similar leading abbreviation for “forward” in the subject, which indicates the message has traveled like the Gulf oil leak and has soiled the inbox of nearly everyone who ever shared their email account with a neighbor, coworker, or their family reunion email list.
Open the email message and you see all the other email victims getting cousin Clem’s alarming discovery. I have never received email spam that indicates who the original author was, although some spam forwarders thoughtlessly preserved multiple generations of forwarding, as evidenced by hundreds of email addresses littering the first five pages of the spam.
Below the email addresses of the other victims are generally random indented assortments of photographs that are embedded as “proof” and no fewer than four font types with at least as many font colors (bright red is often one of them) and several larger-than-normal text sizes to apparently dazzle tired eyes. This technique is no accident. Emotional arousal reduces our ability to be rational. Spam artists know how to write email that gets forwarded. It must evoke emotion, or it will die on the first round.
Emotional arousal easily takes control of decision-making, sometimes becoming the only thing that matters to us. Facts become merely obstacles on our mission to do something – anything- about what we feel. Hopefully, you and I resist such detours from sensibility, although I admit to a few side trips myself over the years. But I digress.
The other day my Mother forwarded email she received from a cousin of mine. The spam begins, “THIS MAKES ME SICK!” and rambled on about how our new President refuses to have American flags in the White House and nonsense about redecorating the Oval Office in Asian wallpaper and included a photo of Obama in front of a gold curtain and photos of the previous four Presidents in front of a bunch of American flags. My Mother asked if this email was true? She probably wondered if the President really is getting rid of all that American decor and Flags – essentially desecrating the White House.
Of course this email was nonsense, but I cannot just say that to my Mom, who was not sure. I encourage my Mom to send me email that causes her to doubt or fear or question because she really is interested in what is true. Yet, it sometimes takes time to find the proof to dispel the myths. Fortunately there are places to go that offer help to the fact-checking citizen.
One of the places I search is over on Snopes.com, a site that researches scary rumors, astonishing “facts,” amazing experiences, etc, that are spread often by email. Sure enough, they knew of that scary email, and showed an example and explained the facts. Other sites for fact-checking can be found on the Resources page on our website (about half way down the page).
My reply to my rather religious Mom referencing the email spam from the rather religious and libertarian relative:
Mom,
ANSWER:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/photos/ovaloffice.asp (Snopes displays a similar email as an example then Snopes.com editors dispel the myth propagated by the usual fear mongerers, false witness bearers, tea party fanatics, and those numb to fact but who become excited by rumor.)
To vote for the politicians US voters think will best represent their interests is American. However, it is completely unAmerican to undermine the government of the United States of America by inciting rumors about and questioning the patriotism of its rightfully elected officials starting with the township clerk all the way up to the President of the United States. Persons who spread filth such as the example below should be ashamed of themselves and ought to beg forgiveness of God for boldly ignoring His 9th commandment, and repent for their sin. Yet, in their blind self-righteousness, these persons seem to appoint themselves judge and jury and act as if they have a God-ordained mission to publicly lynch anyone who doesn’t look like or act like them. THAT makes ME sick.
Feel free to forward this back to (name of relative redacted).
Brian
How do you respond to scary myth? Should we call out our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors when they forward this sort of nonsense? Do you think people are affected by rumors and fear mongering about our elected officials? Are we harmed if people spread lies about us?
Let us have a campaign based on fact, not fabrication or fear.
The following is from a post in Mother Jones I recommend reading. It is by a losing incumbent GOP primary candidate for a congressional seat, about the so-called “tea party.”
I remember one year Bill Clinton—the guy I was out to get [when serving on the House judiciary committee in the 1990s]—at the National Prayer Breakfast said something that was one of the most profound things I’ve ever heard from anybody at a gathering like that. He said, “The most violated commandment in Washington, DC”—everybody leaned in; do tell, Mr. President—”is, ‘Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor.’” I thought, “He’s right. That is the most violated commandment in Washington.” For me to go around saying that Barack Obama is a socialist is a violation of the Ninth Commandment. He is a liberal fellow. I’m conservative. We disagree…But I don’t need to call him a socialist, and I hurt the country by doing so. The country has to come together to find a solution to these challenges or else we go over the cliff.
Congressman Bob Inglis (R) banned from another term by a Tea Party GOP because he sided with truth
Read the entire article, including what it is like for a rational Republican to run in these times. Then, be cautious about the Republicans who win primaries today. The full post is here.
Bridge Award to Rep. Bob Inglis, Republican from South Carolina for sharing his experience, knowing it will end his chances for leadership in his party for some time.
Portage Lake District Library
Our community is fortunate to have a treasure in our midst: the Portage Lake District Library. It’s a place where you and your family can borrow books, CDs and DVDs, where you can use a computer and access the Internet for free. It’s a place where you can find out almost anything, using free databases including a new foreign languages database. It’s also a place where children can listen to stories, find help with their schoolwork or meet the library’s resident pet—a lovely little tarantula. Adults can enjoy free films and concerts, meet authors, learn their community’s history—all this and more for an average cost per household of $5 to $7 a month, less than 25 cents a day.
But the library is at a crossroads. At the primary election on August 3, voters in Houghton, Chassell and Portage Township will be asked to vote on library millage renewal. The future of the library depends on the outcome.
The millage is low—less than 2 mills. That means a tax of $1.97 per thousand dollars of your property’s taxable value, this value is the smallest number on your tax bill, much less than the market value of your home. This is not a tax increase; it is actually a little less than the library has been getting for the past five years.
The library cannot operate without this millage. The support it receives from the state and other sources is negligible. Unless the millage renewal passes, the library will have to close.
Please vote yes for the library millage renewal on the August 3 ballot, and remind your family, friends and neighbors to vote.
If the millage does not pass, the library’s doors will close.
by Dennis Garver, President
Portage Lake District Library Board of Trustees
Robert Black is one of the three Democratic candidates for the 110th District of the Michigan House of Representatives. Bill Doan and Scott Dianda are the other two Democratic candidates for this office. Both wrote posts for this blog in the past few days, as did each of the two Democratic candidates for Houghton County Prosecutor, Pamela Dobbs and Michael Makinen.
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I wanted to say it was nice meeting new friends and visiting with ole ones. As I’ve been working very hard on the campaign trail I never had much time to blog on here since I have my own “where’s Bob” blog on www.blackforstaterep.com and I also have my TV ad on Facebook too. But wanted to make sure everyone knows I will always have an open policy for any one and email is the best way to find me. I’ve learned a lot as a County commissioner and also representing the Western UP on many boards and look forward to implementing some ideas for job retention and tourism. Thank you again Bob
Robert Black
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We would like to thank all the candidates for participating in a number of our events and meetings, and for each writing something for this blog.
Houghton County Democratic voters please remember to vote Tuesday.
We bring you another of our primary candidate posts. This post is from Scott Dianda, Democratic primary candidate for the 110th District State House of Representatives seat currently held by Mike Lahti. As you know Rep. Lahti is running for the State Senate seat being vacated by Senator Prusi who is term-limited and retiring at the end of this term.
Houghton County Democrats,
My name is Scott Dianda and I am a democrat running for the 110th district house seat. I was born and raised in Calumet and was a small business owner. After selling the Dianda Party Store I began working with the Michigan Department of Transportation. Working for the State let me see firsthand the problems and inefficiencies in State Government.
The State of Michigan is currently facing a 2 Billion dollar budget deficit. The legislature promised us that they would have a budget done by July 1st and they missed that deadline. With the upcoming elections it’s doubtful this legislature will even have a budget completed by the beginning of the fiscal year October 1st. Some members of the MI legislature have proposed an “all cuts” solution. As a former State Employee I know what kind of impact this will have on our communities here. If we only cut we will not be able to properly fix and maintain our roadways. We will not be able to process requests at the Secretary of State. Our children will not be able to receive the quality education they deserve. Revenue sharing to our cities and townships will be cut and this could mean reductions in city employees, police officers, and fire fighters. An all cuts budget will only negatively impact our neighborhoods.
There is another way that will not hurt communities in the Upper Peninsula. We have to have candidates who know how State government operates so that they make wise decisions about how to allocate our resources. Why do we have to cut funding to our schools and townships here in the UP while they remodel the Attorney General’s office in Lansing? Why do 16 billion dollars in State contracts go uncut, and in the legislature continues to spend more and more of our tax dollars on these unregulated contracts. We have to reevaluate our tax structure in order to make sure tax cuts to business are actually creating jobs in Michigan.
We need a representative who will work within state government and make decisions that will help bring jobs to the UP and grow our economy. I have experience working for the State and as your next representative to the 110th district I will work with the legislature to make balanced budgets. I will represent all people of the UP fairly. I am running because I want to help improve the lives of people in our communities. Please take a look at my website, www.votedianda.com or call me at 906-369-3338. I look forward to talking with you and helping to move Michigan forward.
Thank you for your support,
Scott Dianda
Democrat for the 110th District
Scott Dianda
Recently, Bill Doan, also a Democratic candidate for the 110th addressed readers of this blog. We will bring you remarks if received from Bob Black, the other Democratic candidate for the 110th.
See posts by our two candidates for Houghton County Prosecutor Michael E. Makinen the current office holder, and his challenger Pamela B. Dobbs.
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NOTE:
CANDIDATES: All Democratic primary candidates whose names will appear as candidates on the ballot August 3rd in Houghton County are welcome to send us an email with the text of your message. Include a link to a photo or a photo, or we may try to find one we have, or link to one from your campaign site, if available.
READERS: are welcome to post comments or questions for the candidates in the comments area under candidates’ blog posts (spam and inflammatory comments will not be published).
NEW TO COMMENTING? If you are new to posting comments, and cannot find the place to add your comment or question, you may be looking at our blog from the front page, which scrolls down through the posts by date. Click the title of the post that you wish to comment to. Comments can be left at the bottom of the page where clicking the title takes you. You need to type the words int the little box below the comment box to let our computers know you are human. We know trying to figure out the words is a hassle, but it eliminates a lot of spam from busy internet robots who have even more trouble reading those words than you do.
In our continuing series of messages from Democratic candidates appearing on the Houghton County ballot in the August 3rd primary, we bring you the following from the current Houghton County Prosecutor:
I wish to thank everyone who has provided support and encouragement throughout the primary campaign. Unfortunately, the work of the prosecutor’s office does not diminish because of the primary election season; so I have continued to perform the daily duties of my office. This has limited the amount of campaigning I can do. It does, however, follow advice I received when I learned this election would be contested: “Keep doing what you have been doing, and you will be fine.”
The person who provided the advice is not a politician, but someone I regularly work with. He told me to keep applying myself conscientiously to my job. Doing so is a fundamental characteristic of the Democratic Party. When we undertake a job, we seek it to do it properly and to the best of our ability. We do not short change the job for our self-interest.
In carrying out my duties, I also keep in mind another bit of advice I received: “Remember you are not only an extension of law enforcement, you are a protector of the constitution. Your job is to do what is right, not what is popular.” This is another characteristic of our party, to do what is best for society, even though it may not be popular. As prosecutor, I do this by evaluating each case individually and giving due consideration to multiple factors. This allows me to reach a conclusion that is legally justified, fair to the victims and in the interest of the community as a whole.
In civil matters, my goal is to provide quality service in a timely and cost efficient manner to any official or agency requesting my assistance.
If returned to office, I will continue to provide full, fair, and timely service to the community. I ask for your support in the August 3rd Democratic primary.
Thank You,
Mike Makinen
Michael Makinen
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NOTE:
CANDIDATES: All Democratic primary candidates whose names will appear as candidates on the ballot August 3rd in Houghton County are welcome to send us an email with the text of your message. Include a link to a photo or a photo, or we may try to find one we have, or link to one from your campaign site, if available.
READERS: are welcome to post civil comments or questions for the candidates in the comments area under candidates’ blog posts (spam and inflammatory comments will not be published).
NEW TO COMMENTING? If you are new to posting comments, and cannot find the place to add your comment or question, you may be looking at our blog from the front page, which scrolls down through the posts by date. Click the title of the post that you wish to comment to. Comments can be left at the bottom of the page where clicking the title takes you. You need to type the words int the little box below the comment box to let our computers know you are human. We know trying to figure out the words is a hassle, but it eliminates a lot of spam from busy internet robots who have even more trouble reading those words than you do.
The Michigan Democratic Party State Convention will take place on Saturday & Sunday, August 28th & 29th, at Cobo Center in Detroit. We invite you to take this opportunity to nominate your favorite candidates for office: Lt. Governor, Supreme Court Justice, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Michigan State Board of Education, and all the University Education Boards. We are expecting nearly 3,000 elected officials, candidates, Democratic leaders, and activists to attend.
In order to vote at the State Convention a person (other than precinct delegates, candidates, and elected officials) must be a member of the Michigan Democratic Party at least thirty (30) days prior to the State Convention.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE MDP BY FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2010.
Our invitation to candidates to post on our blog was accepted by another candidate. Democratic Primary Candidate for Houghton County Prosecuting Attorney, Pamela B. Dobbs sent us the following:
To the Houghton County Democratic Party:
As you know, I am running for the position of Houghton County Prosecuting Attorney. This is the first time I have been involved in an election, and the experience has been interesting, to say the least! I have appreciated the words of encouragement from other Democratic candidates in other races, those I met at the Party meetings and then have met again at parades and festivals. My campaign committee and I are all new to this and are feeling our way through this process, and all encouragement, advice, criticism and war stories have been deeply appreciated.
On Sunday, August 1, 2010, my opponent Mike Makinen and I will be interviewed by WCCY/ WHKB radio. The show, moderated by news director AJ Coffey, will air on Sunday on WCCY 1400 AM at 8:00 a.m. It will air again at 9:00 a.m., on WHKB 102.3 FM. The show is pre- recorded, with Mr. Coffey interviewing us individually, so it won’t be an actual debate. However, we will each address the issues raised by Mr. Coffey in the interview, so the public will be able to learn more about each of us and how we stand on certain issues. I welcomed this opportunity to have this contact with the community, and hope that it is answers questions that people may still have. I have had two articles in the Daily Mining Gazette which have been read by many people in the community, judging by the response to the door-to-door campaigning my family and I have been doing. We have walked several neighborhoods, with many more areas to reach before Monday night!
It is difficult to know how the voter turnout will be, and how many people will vote the Democratic ticket because of this particular race that is only being run in the Democratic party. I have been told by several Republican friends that they will be voting on the Democratic ballot because their vote has more impact in a local race than in the state race. I certainly hope many people feel that way.
Thank you for all of your support. Regardless of the outcome, I intend to remain in contact with the Democratic party and will do what I can to support candidates in the general election in November. Best of luck to all who are running!
Sincerely,
Pamela B. Dobbs
(The above photo is from the candidate’s campaign Facebook page)
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NOTE:
CANDIDATES: All Democratic primary candidates whose names will appear as candidates on the ballot August 3rd in Houghton County are welcome to send us an email with the text of your message. Include a link to a photo or a photo, or we might decide to find one for you that we have, or link to one from your campaign site, if available.
READERS: are welcome to post civil comments or questions for the candidates in the comments area under candidates’ blog posts (spam and inflammatory comments will not be published).
NEW TO COMMENTING: If you are new to posting comments, and cannot find the place to add your comment or question, you may be looking at our blog from the front page, which scrolls down through the posts by date. Click the title of the post that you wish to comment to. Comments can be left at the bottom of the page where clicking the title takes you. You need to type the words int the little box below the comment box to let our computers know you are human. We know trying to figure out the words is a hassle, but it eliminates a lot of spam from busy internet robots who have even more trouble reading those words than you do.
The Houghton County Democratic Party invites all local Democratic primary candidates to address our readers on this blog in the interest of supporting a better informed voting public. The primary election in Michigan is next Tuesday (August 3rd) and there are a number of candidates on the ballot.
The following is by one of the three Democratic candidates for the 110th District of the Michigan House of Representatives seat currently held by Rep. Mike Lahti, who is running for state senate. It should be noted the Houghton County Democratic Party has not endorsed a candidate in the primary.
Houghton County Democrats;
It has truly been my honor to have the opportunity to meet with many of you over the past few months. Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming primary election, I look forward to working together in the future with all of my new democratic friends in Houghton County to build strong communities in the Western UP.The overwhelming feedback that I have received on the campaign trail has been recognition of my honesty and sincerity. I will undoubtedly make mistakes as your State representative should I have that opportunity but I assure you that I will always have your interests in mind and work tirelessly to represent you.
As Democrats we are right on the issues but make no mistake the opposition is very good at tag lining, creating anger, and presenting half truths. Anger is a very powerful emotion which means we have our work cut out for us. Talk to anyone from the opposition and the first thing most of them will express is anti-government rhetoric with many truly believing that all government is an intrusion of individual freedom. We must challenge them on these assertions with facts and even some good humor and we need people who have the finesse and courage to do this.
On the campaign trail I have had many conversations with people who have a disconnect between the anti-government slogan and the weekly or monthly checks they receive from Social Security or the unemployment office. They have bought into the idea that health care reform is the worst thing that has ever happened in this country without knowing any of the facts and without recognizing how they will benefit directly from these measures. It is a dangerous road for so many in our society to blindly follow this road of hate and anger. Our challenge is to build a new road that is based in fact and logic and an optimistic view of our future.
With one week to go, and no polling results to indicate a front runner in the three way race for the 110th district State House seat, we can only assume that it is anyones game. On Tuesday of next week the choice will be made as to who will go on to the General election and then on to Lansing to represent the people of this district. We need a leader in Lansing who will work for everyday people, who has the courage to challenge inaccurate and misguided information, who utilizes intellect over emotion to solve complex problems, and we need someone who will do it with honesty, integrity and respect. That is the type of leader I am and I ask for your support as we move forward on this journey together. There is but a minute’ difference between mediocrity and excellence and only together can we make that difference.
William (Bill) Doan
Candidate for State Representative
110th District
www.doanforrep.com
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