Auchtoon!

Originally published in the Grand Rapids Family magazine, February 2010

Originally published in the Grand Rapids Business Journal, February 15, 2010

As I alluded to last week, my local congressional representative Vern Ehlers recently announced he has no intention of running again this fall. Good for Vern. He’s a physicist by training, and I’m sure he will get much more enjoyment pursuing his scientific interests (Honey, I’m going to build a cyclotron in the basement!) than dealing with a dysfunctional congress. Ehlers is a decent guy — a Republican and fiscal conservative with an open mind, particularly for environmental issues. Or, as the cartoon refers to him, an endangered species.

So it will be interesting to see who wins the Republican nomination, which is essentially the de facto winner for our district. Already there are true bloods lining up to out zealot each other with “I hate government, government hates us” this and “taxes ruin everything always every time” that. Bad for us. Perhaps if Ehlers has something left in his tank for serving his country, he will work toward devising a ray gun that can be used on politicians who follow their party’s line too closely — the beam would stimulate the disused reason and thoughtful consideration parts of the brain back to activity. How about it, Vern? Please?

Originally published in the Grand Rapids Business Journal, February 8, 2010

This actually ties in nicely with the recent announcements of some sane/sensible congress folks (Representative Vern Ehlers of Michigan, Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana) to not seek re-election. Yes, yes, the government, the system, the elected officials, the MAN all have a big hand in the dysfunction. But if you are an incumbent with some grasp of reality, would you want to bother trying to convince voters likes this little old lady to do the right thing? Me neither.

Originally published in the Grand Rapids Business Journal, February 1, 2010

Ha! I was starting to write a horribly convoluted story about technology and vehcile safety and long, gray nostril hairs, but I just realized: I’ve got too many things to do and have too many thoughts distracting me. To continue would likely result in the blog entry equivalent of a car wreck. And that would be ironicish. (See? I’m making up words!) I’m going to go try paying attention to just one thing at a time now….

Originally published in the Grand Rapids Business Journal, January 25, 2010

Ah, yes. Nine years into our Michigan recession, lawmakers in Lansing are ready to lead us in a bold new direction! *Sigh*