Hi, I know I am preaching to the choir here on the Kos, but I want to encourage volunteers, donations and maybe some additional letters to the editor. Below is a copy of a letter I sent to a number of Michigan papers a few days ago about the very deleterious effects of the EM law in Michigan.
If you want to get more involved in the campaign to stop the EM law, go to http://www.standup4democracy.com.
Are we a democracy or not?
I am writing to urge people to vote NO on Prop 1.
I was extremely disturbed, especially as a former Michigander, when I first read about the Emergency Manager law as instituted by Governor Snyder. I consider it the most serious assault on democracy in the country. It makes everyone's vote and their voice meaningless. Your elected officials, your voice in civic matters, are stripped of their ability to govern on your behalf. You become powerless in what is supposed to be a democracy.
No one is saying that these cities and schools don't desperately need help. But not only do I object to the law, I believe it will fail. Michael Stampfler, the former EM of Pontiac called the law "a quick fix of city finances without planning for future economic development and civic engagement". There are a number of other reasonable options that still respect democracy and can provde a more permanent resolution.
Personally I like real solutions. That last.
The choice is simple. Do we want a democracy or not? NO on Prop 1.