The Dissenting Democrat has reported on the efforts of the Governor Rick Snyder and the Republicans in Michigan to suspend democracy in local governments. Under the Republican “financial martial law”, the Governor may abolish democracy in any local government in the State and rule by decree through a Governor-appointed Gauleiter. The appointed viceroy may dismiss locally elected governments, end programs, dismiss staff and tear up contracts.
The first town for Imperial rule has been selected and is the city of Benton Harbor MI.
Well, this must be a drastic measure to restore fiscal responsibility, isn’t it?
Sure, you can believe that but consider the backstory. Benton Harbor is a poor town, its residents make an average of $ 10,000 annually and the town has few assets. One of which they are proud is a large lakeshore public park.
The park is so perfect that a developer has been eyeing it for years. Investors want to take it over and turn it into a super golf course along with luxury condos. One little hangup has been that the people’s government wouldn’t give up the public’s park for private use.
Now with the Republicans in charge of the Statehouse this impediment to development is being removed. Using the budget emergency act, the State has taken over Benton Harbor, and will be giving the public park to the private developers for an upscale golf club and luxury housing. Benton Harbor residents will be able to avail themselves of the new development . . . . upon payment of an annual fee of $ 5000!
This isn’t your father’s Republican Party. The people who own the Republicans announce as goals to elimination of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. They have proved willing to violate the law to get their way. They have and continue to work to bust unions, lower wages, end benefits and destroy the middle class in this country. Now they have decided to overthrow democracy if the people’s representatives get in their way.
Tinpot Scott in Wisconsin after destroying public unions has set his sights on eliminating democratic government at the local level. Fellow Gauleiter Snyder’s attack on democracy will be tailored into a Wisconsin bill. And once this is accomplished the Gauleiters in other states will follow suit. The owners of the Republican legislators and governors want what they want and will do anything to get it. Constitutions, laws, democracy . . . it doesn’t matter, whatever it takes to produce a return on their investment in politics.
My forefather fought in the American revolution, and was imprisoned aboard a British prison ship. Others fought the Slaveocrat traitors when they sought to divide our nation. The generations before me fought in the Second World War and in Korea. They did not fight to stabilize the profit statements of the Corporateers but to secure the liberty of their families and communities.
They fought to establish a free and democratic society; we must be willing to fight to keep it.
The Dissenting Democrat 