The Positive Voices

Independence Day or the 4th of July is one of the few major American holidays where the date is central to the celebration. New Year’s Day and Veteran’s Day on November 11th are the two others. Thanks to Congress and commerce Memorial Day has become a movable feast. Even the commemoration of arguably our most famous holiday Christmas on December 25th is not a result of the direct birthday of Christ but the Roman Catholic Church’s designation of its observance and the Eastern rite Churches celebrate the sacred event on the Epiphany, January 6th. After all birthdays cannot be changed, and the 4th of July is the birthday of the United States of America now 234 years old, certainly worth a major celebration. From coast to coast in cities large and small parades, picnics, and community events will honor the anniversary of our country’s Declaration of Independence. Dogs and suds, hamburgers and sodas will be consumed with gyros, pizza, kielbasa, tamales, egg rolls, Italian sausage, pita bread with hummus and other delights now part of our nation’s rich culture and as American as the Red, White, and Blue! At dusk citizens will gather for spectacular displays of fire works exploding across our nation’s skies. A great time will be had by all and people will go to bed believing the observance was done right. But was it? The ritual was there. What about the reverence? Do most really know what they were celebrating and commemorating? Things have changed even over my lifetime. How many people, especially young ones, can recite the Declaration of Independence or even parts of it? Would they know who wrote and signed it? Where and when? Of course everyone, yes even Sara Palin and Al Franken, would say July 4th and get 1776 right, but I doubt Philadelphia would be remembered as where. To many, Ethan Allen is a furniture company and John Hancock sells insurance. History is forgotten and we are suffering for it. A birthday after all is not just an anniversary of when a person was born, but the celebration of their life. The same is true of a country, or should be. Is it though? I wager most Americans, again even the former Governor of Alaska and the junior Senator from Minnesota, if asked what Independence Day means will answer freedom. That speaks to our nation’s character about our fundamental beliefs and what we stand for as a people. Even after all these years Americans realize Independence represents freedom and that is a good thing. If you ask them what kind of freedom, many will say freedom from an all powerful and tyrannical government and then rattle off the bill rights confusing the Declaration with the Constitution, an honest mistake made by many elective officials that should know better. A large number would say the freedom to be left alone another deep seated American belief and not too different from the original founders. Still people nowadays confuse liberty with license, forgetting with rights come responsibilities something those men in Philadelphia who signed the Declaration understood extremely well.When I was young (yeah I know I sound like a fogey but as a Baby Boomer we think everything happens in context to us so when we were young everyone was) the Greatest Generation was in their prime. They had conquered in World War II, got a draw in Korea, and were building the best economy the world had ever known and one of their own was in the White House. Patriotism and American exceptionalism were at their zenith and even the Moon and stars seemed with in reach. On the 4th of July in the early ’60s celebrations and parades were attended and participated in by Americans that understood the true meaning of freedom and the Declaration of Independence. The Spirit of 76 lived. Heroes of Normandy, Anzio, Midway and other legendary battles marched with uniforms that still mostly fit and in their footsteps walked we cub and boy scouts in awe following the footsteps of giants we loved and wanted to be like. Over the years we have lost our way at times, but it seems whenever we can find those old footprints they still take us in the right direction. When flags passed we saluted if we were in uniform and placed our hand over our heart when wearing ordinary clothes. In school we were taught about the American spy Nathan Hale and how he regretted “only having but one life to give for my country,” Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys, the ride of Paul Revere, Washington crossing the Delaware, Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence, John Nixon first reading it publicly. We had to memorize it ourselves. Does that happen today? If not maybe it should. Now especially when politicians, parties, and movements try to highjack our founding fathers and documents for their own purposes history needs to be studied and remembered. Not just for our own sake but for the sake of future generations. In the heart of the Declaration of Independence below we find our compass. May we forever follow its guidance as it charts for us the course of true freedom. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” America and its foundation belongs to us all. The principles put forth in the Declaration and Constitution are worth dying for, but they are also worth living for and living up to. Happy Fourth of July!

Welcome to The Positive Voices, a new monthly paper dedicated to promoting social justice, civility, debate and honest dialogue. We will also be talking about the positive roles government and organized labor can play in our society. Believing that a mutual respect between labor and management is the only way to effectively advance economic prosperity and justice, we will honor the positive contributions made by union and non-union workers, big and small businesses, and all individuals dedicated to building a better community, state, and nation. The Positive Voices is part of WPRR Public Reality Radio and shares WPRR’s mission to bring you intelligent and challenging features, articles and commentary from many diverse points of view on subjects ranging from philosophy and science to politics and religion. That is the vision of owner Bob Goodrich and something we will attempt to achieve every month. Bear in mind civility does not exclude the truth, which can often be brutal and unsettling. Nor will we shy from satire, sarcasm or provocative and frank debate. We will welcome response in kind. March is a time of change and action, from the seasons to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. This month’s issue stays in that spirit. Our bullpen of Minuteman Media national columnists opines on a number of vital issues. Katie Mounts reminds us we still live in a world of nuclear threat. Daphne Wysham, Michael B. Keegan and Ben Manski take on the US Supreme Court’s decision to treat corporations like persons. Jim Hightower waxes eloquently on the irony of a Chinese company being awarded the glass contract for the new tower going up on the site of the World Trade Towers. Mike Prokosch examines our banking system. Laura Rubin discusses the goal of ending childhood hunger in America. Donald Kaul explains how Wall Street wins no matter what! Marian Wright Edelman, President of the Children’s Defense Fund, remembers Howard Zinn. We are also a forum for non-profits. This month’s Home section features Guiding Light Mission and Dégagé Ministries. Our Senior Section outlines the Nursing Facility Transition program assisting those who have been in nursing home transition back to the community. Michael Burri of our Vets Corner opposes budget cuts hitting our veterans. You see the relationship evident with WPRR as some of our writers will also be radio hosts. This month Foreign Policy and You host José Amorós covers the impact of foreign aid on the culture and citizens of Haiti. Marian Novak of West Michigan Labor Speaks and an organizer for Teamsters JC#43 portrays the changing face of the healthcare industry and its impact on workers. Yours truly of Tuesdays With Tormala looks at the tax proposals placed on the ballot by the cities of Kentwood,Wyoming, and Grand Rapids. Peter Carlberg offers keen insights into economic impacts in his column “Race to the Bottom.” We also hope you enjoy our crossword puzzle and March’s Art from the Heart artist Ann P. We hope you enjoy March’s issue and please let us know what you think. Input, letters, opeds, and articles are welcome for submission. The Positive Voices wants to hear your voices. This is your paper and we want you readers to tell us what you want to hear about. Contact us at 616-656-2619, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

President Obama rightfully referred to a “deficit of trust” citizens have toward the federal government. He cited his 2008 election campaign riding a tide of change and pointed to Senator Scott Brown’s Massachusetts victory as an example of continuing voter anxiety. I agree with him and believe the anger is found at every level of government. Citizens want to be heard. They want their elected officials to listen to their priorities and take constructive actions. Government belongs to the people. They will not be ignored. Tired of scapegoats, they want solutions. They want public servants, not politicians. Too often amongst elected officials there are plenty of profiles but very little courage. More think of the next election, than the next generation. No wonder the trust of the people has diminished. How do we restore it? Governing with truth and transparency would be a good start. Respect the people. Involve them in the process of governing. Give them straight talk instead of trying to tell them what you think they want to hear. There are times when our leaders need to be mirrors reflecting the concerns of their constituents. At other times they should be a light to lead us. Every elected official must be willing to lose their office fighting for what is right. Applying critical thinking, fairness, and imagination to the challenges facing us should be the norm, not the exception. I’m tired of the old cliché “government should be run like a business.” Which ones – AIG, Enron, or some other paragon of America’s corporate elite? Governments and businesses should both be run with efficiency and common sense. All this brings me to the tale of three cities: Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming. All are located in the state of Michigan, facing budget deficits resulting from cuts in state revenue sharing, factory closures, and double digit unemployment, causing the erosion of once stable tax bases. Like many citizens and businesses their expenses have surpassed the money coming in and they are required to balance their budgets through cuts or raising more revenue. Unlike businesses or citizens they have a powerful tool working in their favor, the ability to raise taxes. Appropriately it can only be done with the consent of their residents. On May 4th of this year, all three cities will have tax proposals on the ballot at a time when the American public is up in arms and skeptical of how governments handle their tax dollars. Each city is heavily touting the popular concern of public safety as the purpose for the tax increases. Wyoming is seeking a 1.25 mill property tax increase expected to raise $2.6 million each year to help retain po-lice and fire staffing levels. They also will have a November ballot proposal seeking to shift a millage currently used for capital improvements to the general fund. In the future they may even look at creating a city income tax. Kentwood is proposing a 2 mill request ear-marked for public safety expected to raise $2 million and would pay for the return of police and fire positions. Grand Rapids using its ability to levy an in-come tax has approved a ballot proposal to in-crease the current tax rate from 1.3% to 1.5% for residents and hike the current rate for non-resident workers in the city from .65% to .75%. If approved $7million would be raised annually to rehire police and firefighters. Tax is not a four letter word, but rather the price we pay for services we enjoy, expect and want from government. In each city the public safety positions are desperately needed. That is unquestionable. Even in this anti-tax atmo-sphere a legitimate request for funds should be supported. The appropriate demand to make of the leaders of each city is to provide the evidence supporting their request. If it is legitimate and they can show their budget is devoid of fat, that they are funding the voters’ needs and not their own wants, then I believe even in this economy they will succeed. Every elected official voting to place these measures on the ballot should take to the streets fighting for passage and prove to the taxpayers their budgets are trim and responsible and their tax request is fair and vital to the solvency of their cities. To not do so would be to fail as lead-ers and to reinforce the cynicism of voters. Either it is critically needed or it isn’t. Neutrality is not an option. At least state and federal legislators are forced to go on record when they vote on tax increases. We should expect no less from our local representatives. Again only truth and transparency can overcome the deficit of trust. It is estimated the cost to Grand Rapids citizens for putting the income tax proposal on the May ballot is $83,000 when it could have been placed on the August ballot for free. Ever since the state consolidated elections, the ones held in May are designated for school districts alone and they pay the cities to run them, but if a city places their own proposal on a May ballot they have to cover the costs. Officials in Kentwood, Grand Rapids, and Wyoming should all tell vot-ers what the extra cost of these elections is to their taxpayers, and then explain why they are pushing the proposals in May instead of on a free August ballot. Maybe they have a good an-swer on the timing, but maybe they don’t? Again the public expects and deserves the truth. In fact they are demanding it! Another question begs to be answered. Why didn’t the staff and elected officials see these deficits coming last year? They had to if they really were on top of things. Large holes in budgets don’t suddenly appear. We knew about the poor economy and the revenue sharing cuts. They should have placed these proposals on last year’s ballot, but then they would have had to run for election and re-election while giving their positions on tax increases. If Grand Rap-ids, Kentwood, and Wyoming had announced their deficits before last year’s candidate fil-ing deadline, probably no one would have been running unopposed and the make-up of these respective elected bodies might look quite a bit different today. Mayor Richard Root of Kent-wood in particular cannot blame staff for miss-ing the boat since he is by law a strong mayor. Serving as the city’s chief executive he prepares the budget . Again he ran unopposed. Previously, I outlined some of the reasons why these cities’ budgets were busted. National policies and events cannot be mitigated much or controlled by local governments. They must play the cards dealt them in the most creative and prudent way possible. State revenue shar-ing comes from a municipality’s share of the state sales tax. Under law it is collected by state government and then allocated to the respective cities, counties, and township. Long story short, Michigan’s dysfunctional legislature has been raiding part of the money owed to pay for its own budget problems. It is wrong, and breaks a decades old covenant, but it’s legal. What I find peculiar is despite all the moaning and cries of injustice from the elected leaders of the three cities over the state cuts, to my knowledge none have ever held any local legislators accountable for their actions. Instead they usually support their re-elections while hoping these legisla-tors will then support the dutifully compliant mayors and commissioners that didn’t rock the boat. One of the many reasons citizens count their fingers after shaking the hands of many politicians. I’ve explained the circumstances beyond the cities’ control but there is much they can and should address within their own budgets. I can’t speak to the specifics of the budgets of Kent-wood and Wyoming, but the City of Grand Rap-ids still has much work to do in removing non-essential programs using up scarce tax dollars. Already powerful interest groups like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and a spontaneous uprising of genuinely indignant and fiscally concerned citizens are rising up to mount a campaign against the income tax increase. I expect Kentwood and Wyoming will confront similar opposition, at least from citizens. What can we do? I made these suggestions in January’s issue of Positive Voices and I repeat them again. I’m addressing the Grand Rapids city budget but lessons learned by elected and appointed officials willing to lead and sacrifice by example, coupled with a zero based budgeting approach eliminating unnecessary programs and personnel, are applicable to every city seeking tax increases from the public. Sacrifice starting from the top. The Mayor surrenders his automobile and the Manager turns down his $700 monthly car allowance. They along with the Commission and every city employee making over $100,000 a year take an immediate voluntary pay cut of 10%. That would be real servant leadership and start to restore credibility. Slaughter the Office of Our Families, Sister Cities, the Office of Energy and Sustainability (a city cutting public safety and unable to balance its own budget should practice sustainability, not spend money preaching about it) and all other sacred cows. Freeze all taxpayer funded travel for the Mayor, Manager, and Commission as well as others. Get down to zero based budgeting where every job and program must be proven essential to the core services of the city or eliminated. Vote on every line item so the public knows the truth. Get rid of unnecessary bureaucrats. I hate to see anyone lose their job and the more they make the harder it will be to find a job in this economy, but face the facts we are the City of Grand Rapids, not a tax funded employment agency. Quit paying around $89,000 a year to the Downtown Improvement District. No other governmental entity does. Have the Downtown Development Authority pay $1 million a year to fund police and fire services. It was a good start with $500,000 this year and I applaud Eric DeLonge for putting it in the budget. Lease the parking system to a private entity (except the City-County one which is a cash cow for the General Fund) while maintaining control of the parking prices, keeping them affordable and parking spots available. We might net effective government. Then tax questions will be decided fairly and by reason, not emotion. Unfortunately many cities including Grand Rapids threaten the voters by holding them hostage to public safety cuts. Elected officials and managers know that no one is going to increase their taxes in support of administrators and non-core service programs. Their philosophy is the voter won’t support any tax increase without first feeling the pain of vital service cuts. That is a cynical and unwise position inviting disastrous results. These are our citizens not unruly, selfish children. Disrespect and insult them at your own peril. The discontent growing throughout the country must be acknowledged and recognized in our own communities. Citizen participation is the glue holding our form of government together. We should encourage it through a vigorous and civil debate especially when constructing our budgets and holding elections. The deficit of trust can only be filled by the truth and transparency of an open and effective government. Then tax questions will be decided fairly and by reason, not emotion.