Quick hits on a Sunday

I was so excited to see an advertisement for the NHL season opener on Versus. Someone should point out to those at the network that next time they make a commercial, they may want to include when the games will be shown.

Can it be the Tigers are playing meaningful baseball in September?

The President gave some great speeches this week. The one I enjoyed the most probably received the least coverage. Should you get time, check out his remarks from Thursdays meeting at the Clinton Global Initiative. If you find yourself consistently let down by government, check out the work of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), which will remind you that a better world really is possible.

President Bush was at the Cowboys game last Sunday, looking like he's enjoying retirement. Think he ever considers applying to be the Commissioner of Major League Baseball? Selig is on his way out, "W" may be the man for the job.

Starting to feel like fall in Michigan, the leaves are changing!

If so many people detest Glenn Beck, why does he sell so many books and have such high ratings for his cable program? Moreover, why does he receive so much media coverage?

I'll be the minority opinion, I like the new Jay Leno show.

A state lacking leadership

This morning's Detroit Free Press features a short story about a state representative who met with some constituents at a recent coffee event in her district. During the meeting, she proposed doubling the beer tax in Michigan, which was met with fierce opposition. Those gathered could not fathom increasing a tax, much less doubling one. However, once they discovered that doubling the tax would cost them 3.8 cents, and would bring in enough revenue to preserve the Promise Scholarship, many were open to a nickel tax on beer.

If those who buy beer were willing to kick in 30 cents for each six pack they purchase, college for so many kids would be more affordable. Why don't we have leaders that can trust the populace to be intelligent enough to understand such an idea?

Michigan's economy is in shambles. The collapse of the auto industry has put a pinch on every family in the state. We live in times that require leaders, yet, there are so many that run for office in Lansing that won't lead out of fear of losing the next election. This morning we see reports that indicate no members of the legislature (particularly the leadership) wants to struggle with the idea of raising revenue because 2010 is an election year.

Justice Holmes, a conservative member of the Supreme Court, once remarked that "taxes are the price we pay for civilization." Real leaders could explain why we need revenues, as well as make conscious decisions about budget cuts (perhaps beginning with the salary of legislators). Personally, I'd be more inclined to re-elect or vote for someone who could tell me the truth, even when it is difficult.

I pay my fair share of income tax to the state of Michigan, something so many others can say. That said, I'd be willing to pay more if it meant kids could go to better schools, we could find a way to help families send their kids to college, and we could find ways to deliver insurance to those who face bankruptcy if they find themselves faced with a life-threatening illness.

Sadly, in today's landscape of Michigan politics, my ideals won't be realized. There's no one with enough courage to express them in fear they may lose a primary election.

Over-politicized

Next Tuesday, many students return to school to begin another academic year. For people such as myself, there's no better time. A combination of excitement, optimism, and anticipation for so many great moments combines to make this truly, one of my favorite periods of time on the calendar.

The President of the United States plans to address America's students next week. He plans to take on some pretty controversial topics, such as working hard, setting strong academic goals, and taking responsibility for their own learning. This has caused quite the buzz from the public, with parents clamoring they should be able to monitor the message of the President and decide whether or not it is appropriate for their children. The state of Texas, in a move to "protect children" is refusing to air the message at all. Words such as "indoctrination" and "ego" have been thrown around. In this morning's newspaper, the message was called a "waste of taxpayer funds."

While the President has plenty of supporters and opponents, I have to shake my head and wonder what our nation has come to. To take a moment and encourage the nation's young people to do their best and set high goals for themselves is exactly what we should want a President to do. I don't know parents or educators that are not going to encourage kids to work hard, set goals, or take ownership of their own education when the school year begins.

I'd prefer the address be taped - I oppose live television in classrooms - but that doesn't change my view, that someone who is successful encouraging the children of our nation to dream big is a perfect message at this time of year.

Disagree over health care, the stimulus bill, or any other policy you don't like. Bemoan his views on key issues that you see differently. Participate in the national debate. But don't keep your kids home from school on Tuesday because the President of the United States plans to tell the students of our nation to give their best effort this year.

Again, politics gets in the way.