216 Days and Counting

216 Days

Since Joe Knollenberg was invited to appear in public to answer questions and has refused to appear and answer questions.

Joe, Will You Support Closing Guantanamo Bay?

Yesterday I attended the Global Security Summit at Oakland University. Doris Tennant, an attorney from Massachussetts discussed her representation of a Guantanamo Bay detainee, Abdul Nagi, who was picked up in Pakistan and has been held without charges for 6 years in solitary confinement at Guantanamo Bay. Read this story, Joe, and tell me we shouldn't close Guantanamo Bay permanently.


215 Days
Since Joe Knollenberg was invited to appear in public to answer questions and has refused to appear and answer questions.

Joe Knollenberg's Choice for President is a Mad Man

Joe Knollenberg has endorsed John McCain for President. I guess he kind of has to, since he's a Republican. I wonder how he's feeling about that endorsement and how he'll feel after watching this video.

Of course, Joe Knollenberg enthusiastically supported President Bush's re-election, so it's really not a surprise he's endorsed John McCain and his policies of war and destruction.

A New Feature, The Knollenberg Watch

In the approximately two years since I've been involved helping elect a Democrat to replace Joe Knollenberg, one of the things I've noticed is that Joe Knollenberg will not come out in public and conduct a public forum of any kind where all constituents are invited to ask the Congressman questions on the issues. I know that on August 9 of 2007 we invited Joe to a public forum on the war in Iraq. So, that is the day we will start counting from. So far is has been

214 Days
Since Joe Knollenberg was invited to appear in public to answer questions and has refused to appear and answer questions.

Congressman Knollenberg, will you hold the President Accountable?

Congressman Knollenberg, this is a very disturbing article that implicates the President and Vice President and many top White House officials directly in torture. I’m hoping that you will read the entire article and provide me with you thoughts regarding whether the President, Vice President and other government officials should be held responsible for their actions regarding torture. After reading this article, please respond as to whether, if the information in this article is true, you would support impeachment and criminal proceedings against the President, Vice President and any other administration officials involved in violating the law.

Thank you for your reply in advance.

Bruce Fealk

The Green Light

As the first anniversary of 9/11 approached, and a prized Guantánamo detainee wouldn’t talk, the Bush administration’s highest-ranking lawyers argued for extreme interrogation techniques, circumventing international law, the Geneva Conventions, and the army’s own Field Manual. The attorneys would even fly to Guantánamo to ratchet up the pressure—then blame abuses on the military. Philippe Sands follows the torture trail, and holds out the possibility of war crimes charges.

CLICK HERE to read the entire article.

Lessenberry thinks Kevorkian won't even get on the ballot

Jack Kevorkian sure got lots of press when he picked up forms to be on the ballot as a candidate for Congress from the 9th District of Michigan. Since then, though, cooler heads have prevailed. Now some think he may not even get the 3,000 signatures needed to get on the ballot, let alone be a real challenge for the seat.

Jack Lessenberry write in Metro Times about Dr. K's bad idea.

Fourteen years or so ago, Jack Kevorkian called me to ask a question. Someone had told him you could collect signatures and get an amendment put on the ballot to change the Michigan Constitution.

Yes, I told him. That was absolutely true. "Well, how many do you need?" he asked. I looked it up; back then it was only about 260,000.

"Is that all? Why, we can get that many in no time," he said excitedly. "I could get that many by myself." Later, he checked in again. He had never voted. Was that a problem? Well, you need to register, I said. How do you do that, he asked?

Eventually, he got himself registered, and Kevorkian and his supporters — he then had quite a few of them —went to work.

But they never got anything close to the number of signatures they needed; insiders told me that when their time expired, they had less than half that. All this came back to me last week, when naive media types reported that the mostly forgotten apostle of self-snuffitude was running for Congress. Even the hint of having Dr. Death in the House was enough to fire up the stand-ups:

Yes, indeed. He'll sure know how to kill a bill. We can't wait till we see the details on his health plan. I can't wait to see how he cuts off debate, etc., etc.

But in reality, you could almost bet the farm that he will not only fail to get elected, he won't even get on the ballot. Kevorkian, who lives in Royal Oak, just barely inside U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg's district, plans to try to get listed as an independent. That has some Democrats worried.

CLICK HERE for the rest of the story

Joe Knollenberg has a hypocrisy problem

I found an article today in the New York Sun where Joe Knollenberg is talking about giving wasteful subsidies to farmers who live in New York City, but have farms outside the city. Joe thinks it's wasteful use of taxpayer dollars.

It made me think, why is Joe against these farm subsidies, but yet he's in favor of subsidies for oil companies that are making billions of dollars in profits off the backs of Americans struggling to put fuel in their cars to get to their jobs. To my way of thinking if you're against "wasteful" spending, it would seem that the oil companies certainly don't need the subsidies and tax breaks that Congress passed when the Republicans were in control.

What do you say, Joe? Shall we end the tax credits for oil companies? I think it's time to invest that money in alternative energy. $6 billion can go a long way.

In an open letter to their colleagues, two congressmen wrote that the subsidies to Manhattan farmers are a true example of government waste. "The American taxpayer deserves better than having their taxpayer dollars used to pay urban 'farmers' in Manhattan," Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Rep. Joseph Knollenberg of Michigan said.

The award is intended to point out that federal funding is funneled to wealthy New Yorkers who live on the densely packed island of Manhattan, nowhere near a farm. Most New Yorkers on the list are not farming in the city but own farms outside New York.

Deliberations over a new farm bill are under way, and Congress is supposed to reach an agreement by April 18. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed that the bill give subsidies only to farmers whose adjusted gross income is less than $200,000 a year.

Mr. Knollenberg, who supports an income cap for farm subsidies, said that under the current plan federal funding is given away to millionaires, CEOs, and entrepreneurs.

"The farmers in Manhattan aren't dumb. They know what they are doing. They are making money on the property and they are making money on the subsidy that is passed along with it, and I guess they are doing it because they can," he said

CLICK HERE for the rest of the article.

This is why Joe Knollenberg and George W. Bush are so dangerous

Please watch this video of Naomi Wolf. She goes through the 10 steps to fascism. It is an eye opening interview. Naomi will be at Oakland University on 4/2 at 7 p.m.



CLICK HERE to do something, the American Freedom Campaign is our best chance to turn things around.

9th District Targeted by Democrats

Gary Peters' race against 8-term incumbent Joe Knollenberg is getting lots of attention at the national level from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Peters has been added to the Red to Blue program for Democrats who have the best chance to unseat incumbents. Peters and Mark Schauer will be targeted with financial resources to help take out Republican incumbents. Michigan is one of the only states with two candidates in the Red to Blue program. Peters task is made a little harder, in that Knollenberg has a bigger war chest, but Peters has enthusiastic supporters in Michigan and across the country. If you want to help out with a little financial support of your own, CLICK HERE. Today is the reporting deadline for the campaign and Peters would appreciate your donation.

Jack Lessenbery Nails Why Kevorkian is Running for Congress

This morning I found this article by Jack Lessenberry about Dr. Death's run for Congress and why he's doing it. I think he's dead on, Kevorkian is crying out for attention and the media has sure given it to him. But Kevorkian's run is a joke and Jack lays out why.

Article published Friday, March 28, 2008
Dr. Death's run for Congress a cry for attention from forgotten man

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - So, Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the man who made assisted suicide a household phrase back in the 1990s, wants to go to Congress? Everybody's first reaction was pretty much the same: We can't wait to see his health care plan … That, or: I'll bet there's a few bills lying around the House he'd really like to kill. Two things are certain: First, Kevorkian in Congress would be a full-employment guarantee for Jay Leno, Dave Letterman, and every stand-up comedian in every coffee house from here to Botswana. And, second, it isn't going to happen. Matter of fact, he almost certainly won't even get on the ballot. Reporters took his announcement far too seriously, and anyone who knows the aging, cantankerous former pathologist knows he is unlikely to have either the stamina or the stick-to-it qualities needed to collect enough signatures to get on the ballot as an independent. What his candidacy is really about, instead, is a cry for attention from someone the world has passed by, and whose quarter hour of fame was used up soon after he went to prison nine years ago.

CLICK HERE for the rest of the story.

Knollenberg to attend Rochester Chamber Legislative Update

It looks like Joe Knollenberg may finally come out of hiding and answer a few questions from the public. On April 11 he will attend the Rochester Chamber of Commerce Legislative update meeting at the OPC in Rochester and the topic will be health care. You can even submit questions in writing to the chamber ahead of time. I know I have a few questions for Joe. How about you? I hope Joe doesn't chicken out and send Shawn Ciavattone, like he did last year.

Rochester Chamber spotlights health care at April 11 Legislative
Update
Health care legislation will be the focus of a special Rochester
Regional Chamber of Commerce forum next month.

The event is the Chamber’s annual Legislative Update. It runs 8-10 a.m.
on Friday, April 11 at the Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Drive,
Rochester. Light refreshments will be served at 7:30 a.m.

Guest speakers at the Legislative Update, which is open to the public, are Congressman Joe Knollenberg, State Sen. Mike Bishop and State Rep. John Garfield. They will brief the audience on their respective areas of government and then tackle health care and health insurance matters. Audience members will be able to question the lawmakers following their updates.

“We hope the community joins us for this event,” says Sheri Heiney, the Chamber’s executive director. “The Legislative Update is a wonderful opportunity to hear and question our local legislators about the state of our government.”
People can also submit questions for Knollenberg, Bishop and Garfield to the Chamber by e-mailing Jennifer Fulton at jenniferf@rrc-mi.com.

Follow Walberg's lead,Joe, Hold a forum on anything

Joe, look what I found. Timmy Walberg, your fellow Bush lackey, held a forum and 40 people showed up. I bet if you held a forum on anything, people would show up in droves and ask you questions that matter to their lives. I dare you, Joe. You choose the date and location and we'll show up and have a lively conversation. You don't have the guts to actually do it, though. You are a coward, Joe Knollenberg. You only want to have telephone townhalls with people that agree with you.

How about a real town hall with people with diverse opinions about the issues of the day, instead of all the safe venues where only people that agree with your votes and stances on issues are invited? I'll make it easier for you, you agree to show up and I'll find the venue and do all the planning.

40 turn out for Walberg forum on foreclosures
Nick Schirripa and Justin A. Hinkley
The Enquirer

For some, foreclosure is a looming threat. For others, it is a harsh reality.

Many of the 40 or so people at Burnham Brook on Wednesday had their own foreclosure stories, and all had concerns about the local and national increase in the number of people losing their homes.

"In two years, I'm going to be facing losing my home," said Dorothy Long of Battle Creek.

The 63-year-old retiree said she lives on a fixed income and is worried she might not be able to pay a balloon mortgage payment due in a few years.

"They tell you to communicate early to avoid foreclosure," Long said, "but my lender isn't trying to help me."

The forum was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton. Kathy Coon, an appraiser with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, was among the experts on hand to answer questions and concerns.

Lennox Announces Run for Michigan State House

Now I guess we know why Dennis Lennox has been trying so hard to get his name in the paper. He was planning a run for the Michigan State House. Now maybe there's someone who will follow Dennis around with a video camera and stalk him the way he's been stalking Gary Peters. Good luck with that, Dennis.

It will be intersting to see where Dennis' financial support comes from and whether the ailing Michigan Republican party will be backing Dennis' run. My guess is Saul will be right there at Dennis' side, like he was for his press conference with the giant milk carton.

CMU activist seeks seat in House
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
ANDY HOAG
THE SAGINAW NEWS
MOUNT PLEASANT -- A Central Michigan University student known for battling with the college over a professor's campaign for Congress is running for state representative in his home district.

Dennis G. Lennox, 23, announced Tuesday he will run in the 105th House District, which spans Antrim, Cheboygan, Charlevoix and Otsego counties. Lennox is from Topinabee in Cheboygan County.

He received a formal reprimand from CMU after campus authorities found him guilty of three student code violations they say he committed in October while passing out documents related to his criticism of CMU educator and political candidate Gary C. Peters, who Lennox said should ''pick either Congress or campus.''

Lennox made his decision to run after the incumbent, Kewadin Republican Kevin Elsenheimer, announced he is seeking the state Court of Appeals judgeship that Midland Republican Bill Schuette is vacating.

I want to thank Joe Knollenberg for laying out the bullcrap that he and his Republican colleagues have been espousing to the American public for years. What is this bullcrap you ask? That lower taxes lead to the ruin of the American economy. Here's the fallacy Republicans ask Americans to believe. If you have an economic problem, lower taxes will solve it.

Here's what really happens though. Republicans lower taxes to the point where agencies that protect Americans from things like polluted drinking water, poisoned food, tainted beef, you know things that keep you from dying, start to collapse from the lack of proper funding. Then what happens. People start dying and then people suddenly say, oh, I guess maybe we do need some of those revenues for government to provide essential services, like keeping my children and myself from dying.

Then when government stops working, Republicans like to say see, we told you, government doesn't work. Every man for himself.

Then Republicans say, we need to wage war to protect America. We have to fight them over there so we don't have to fight them over here. I used to think this was a joke, until I actually had people who believe this crap say it to my face. Republicans actually believe that we can fight an unending war, borrowing money from the Chinese and the Japanese to finance it, outsource the duties that used to be performed by soldiers to Halliburton at 10 times the cost and that this will somehow protect America. The war in Iraq is nothing but a business deal, and a bad one for America at that. No-bid contracts have been going to Dick Cheney's old company for years, to the detriment of the American economy.

And Joe Knollenberg buys into the whole load of bullcrap. How can this guy represent the voters of the 9th District any longer?

We the people need to do something about it in November and it is imperative that we send Gary Peters to Washington D.C. in January of 2009. We can't afford to have Joe Knollenberg represent us any longer, not even one minute longer. Below is Joe's speech regarding the new budget that Republicans are fighting tooth and nail, because Democrats are seeking to protect essential services to average Americans. Don't let them fool you.

Knollenberg Fights to Prevent Massive Tax Increase Record-setting tax hike would
hurt families, kill jobs


Washington, Mar 12 - Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chairman, Iwould yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Knollenberg),one of our leaders in this conference and one of our most distinguished leaders.
Mr.KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Brady, thank you very kindly for yielding. I appreciate that very much.Mr. Chairman, I rise tonight on behalf of the hardworking men and women of Michigan and particularly of my Ninth District.
It will come as no surprise to most to hear me say that Michigan has been struggling mightily of late. For the past 6 years, we have suffered from incomparable job lossesthroughout Michigan. In fact, Michigan was the only State in the Union to have lost jobs in each and every year of that time frame. Our unemployment rate has been the Nation's highest, or close to it, for longer than anyone can remember.Home foreclosures are up. Wages are down. Costs seem to be rising at every turn. To put it lightly, the people of Michigan are facing some tough times.Not too long ago, the Governor of Michigan proposed an income tax increase. The citizenswere on the verge of revolt. The State government actually shut down for a bit.
As Michigan families struggled, the last thing they thought they deserved from their government was a bigger tax bill. But, sadly, they got one anyway.Now the leadership of this body wants to send the good people of Michigan and the peopleacross the country another tax increase. In fact, they want to send, as has been said before, the biggest tax increase in American history.Well, I'm here to say, and to say strongly, enough is enough. Enough with higher taxes. Enough withwasteful spending. Enough.Analysts have calculated that the average family in my district would see their taxes go up by more than $4,100 if this budget were to be enacted. That's $4,100 that families in Oakland County simply cannot afford.
Worse yet, we know that a tax increase this big would do serious harm to the economy, costing even more jobs and putting more people out of work.The other problem is, and some have told me that my district alone would lose some 2,000 jobs in the wake of this scale of tax increase. I do not want to let thathappen. Many are concerned that the national economy is showing signs of weakness. I submit to my colleagues the weakness you may be seeing is just a common cold compared to the prolonged pneumonia Michigan has suffered from during its single-State recession.I'm going to fight and fight hard to protect Michigan's families, as every Member here I know would protect the people fromtheir own States, protect them from higher taxes. Taking more of theirhard-earned money from their pockets will only lead to more problems, more job losses, and more hardships.So I repeat: Enough with higher taxes. Enough with wasteful spending. Simply, enough.If you're thinking of voting for a tax increase this big, I'd invite you to come to see me in Michigan. There you can see firsthand what higher taxes do to an economy. Higher taxes shutter factorydoors. They close small businesses, and they hurt families right to the core.
This budget, and the $4,000 increase that comes with it for Oakland County's families, is simply unacceptable.Instead of raising taxes, we should be focused on solutions that will strengthen the economy, create jobs, encourageinvestment, and foster innovation. Raising taxes would do the exact polar opposite.So I strongly urge my colleagues, Mr. Chairman, to reject this massive tax increase on average Americans. I know firsthand how much harm it would do toMichigan's families, and I have every reason to believe it would do the same to families across America.

Gary Peters is out to win for us all. Kevorkian out for himself

Running as an independent, Jack Kevorkian won't win, but he could be a factor in a close race. Based on the stories in the papers yesterday, Kevorkian's only reasons for running are selfish ones. Gary Peters is out to help provide the change we need in Washington. I have no doubt Kevorkian is in to stay, given his quotes in the stories I've seen. I also believe the votes he does get will come from independents and Democrats. So, what do Democrats have to do to make sure Gary Peters is our representative, work even harder for Gary Peters to make sure the few thousand votes Kevorkian pulls from Peters are not the margin of victory for Joe Knollenberg. Every phone call, every door knocked, every dollar donated have to count. We have to make sure Gary's message gets out effectively by every method available.

How can you help? Click here to make a donation to Gary's campaign, NOW!

Parolee Kevorkian seeks seat in House
Assisted-suicide advocate to push forindividual rights

BY KATHLEEN GRAY • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER •

March 25,2008

"I have never been a political person. I have only voted once in mylife," he said, during a rambling news conference Monday in Southfieldin which he quoted a range of historical figures that included Alexis de Tocqueville and Frederick Douglass.

Kevorkian plans to run as an Independent candidatein the 9th Congressional District, for a seat that is held by U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Township.
Kevorkian promised to stay in officeonly two years if elected.

"I'm 79, almost 80," he said. "That's old."

His goal is to raise awareness of the Ninth Amendment, which says rights spelled out in the Constitution do not diminish rights that aren't specifically spelled out.

Joe, now the young people are speaking out. When will you?

It's so great to see some young people get involved. Over 100 people gathered at Shain Park on Wednesday to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war. How many more have to die, Joe?
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GATHER TO PROTEST WAR IN IRAQ
'Give peace a chance'
By Jay M. Grossman
ECCENTRIC STAFF WRITER

Meet Nolan Astrein, a bright young man with a vision for peace.

"I never thought that nearly a third of my life would be spent watching my country fight in a war," said the 16-year-old Seaholm High School student.

On Wednesday, he organized a candlelight vigil at Shain Park in Birmingham to mark the five-year anniversary of the Iraq war. Dozens showed up, young people and old, holding candles and carrying signs of peace.

"I don't know anyone who's been in the war," Astrein said. "But there's no telling how long this war could last ... and I realize in another time I would almost be at the perfect age for the draft."

The time he's referring to was the Vietnam war, a conflict his father opposed many decades ago.

"Back in the '60s he protested Vietnam," he said about his father, Gary Astrein, 57. "He's never imposed any of his views on me, but he always told me what he thought about things."

His own search for peace began three or four weeks ago, when he searched the Web site moveon.org for a local vigil to attend.

"I noticed there were none in the area, so I decided to do one on my own," he said. "At first it was just for other students, but then I posted something and within days a bunch of people wrote back and said they planned on attending."

Growing up in Birmingham in the heart of Oakland County, Astrein realizes there are very few people from this wealthy enclave who enlisted to fight. At the same time, he believes a majority from this area support the cause.

"The percentage of people from Oakland County who are fighting overseas is so low," he said. "Very few have siblings or cousins over there ... but it's not a good excuse. We should all be aware of the war."

It's a battle he opposes, a conflict he feels is senseless.

"This needs to be quickly brought to an end," Astrein said. "Bringing home all the troops in one day would be dramatic - but it should end in a year."

jgrossman@hometownlife.com | (248) 901-2529

Doing some FOIA Requests of my own on Dennis Lennox

Probably most of the readers of this blog don't know who Dennis Lennox is. Dennis is a student at Central Michigan University who has literally been stalking Gary Peters as evidenced by the video below. This isn't the first video Dennis has taken of Gary, who is working as a professor at Central Michigan, as the Griffin Chair professor. Dennis obviously has been getting from the Michigan Republican Party, since Saul Anuzis has shown up at press conferences with Dennis with a giant Milk carton, which I have a feeling was paid for by the Michgian Republican Party, but I have no proof of that at this point.

Back in October, Dennis wanted to serve a FOIA request on Dean Pamela Peters. Dennis has made FOIA requests prior to this, so he knows that they don't have to be served personally. Dennis made quite a splash on the Internet with his 10 second video where Dean Gates pushes his camera away from her. Dennis has claimed on more than one occasion that Dean Gates "slapped him" even though there is no evidence of her ever having hit Dennis and the CMU investigation of the incident, after interview several witnesses to the incident, concluded that there was no actual physical contact. Dennis even testified, although it wasn't under oath, at a hearing in Alma regarding higher education funding, that Dean Gates slapped him. No witness has ever confirmed this slapping incident.

On top of the fact that no witness has ever confirmed this incident, Dennis himself when the university conducted its investigation of the incident, refused to be interviewed for the investigation.

After Dennis' 10 second video was put up on the Internet, Dean Gates received several e-mails, one of which said that had the Dean treated the sender in the same manner as Dennis was claiming the Dean treated Dennis, "I would have knocked your teath down your throat."

Dennis has pretty much gotten a free ride in the media on this issue, and the media has done no real investigation of Dennis' claims, but they have been taking his word that all of his claims are true.

Another claim that Dennis made in Alma was that his motivations are not political. He just wants Peters to choose between teaching and running for Congress. His logic here escapes me. According to Lennox, candidates for public office can't hold jobs and run for office at the same time. If that were the case, every member of Congress would have to resign from office when they start to campaign for re-election. All 3 of the presidential candidates are members of the Senate. Should they resign from the Senate to run for president?


In addition to Dennis' video, below is a copy of the investigative report of the incident between Dean Pamela Gates and Dennis Lennox, regarding the incident when Dennis claims Dean Gates "slapped" him. CLICK HERE to view the document.

5 Years in Iraq is Enough!

It's been five long years now and we're still in Iraq. Joe Knollenberg, President Bush and Vice President Cheney think things are going great. Actually, for them it is. Oil is at $110 a barrel, gas is closing in on $4 a gallon and their buddies in the oil industry are making record profits. For the rest of us, not so great. Foreclosures are at all time highs, middle-class Americans, so-called are having to choose between paying the mortgage and buying gas to get to work, if they have a job. And yet President Bush and Joe Knollenberg push for more war and more free trade.


When will Joe Knollenberg start caring about the constituents in his district more than the big money interests that fund his campaign? ENOUGH!

Joe, this is the cost of war. And a ruined economy for the rest of us. Thanks a lot.

This is written directly to Congressman Joe Knollenberg. Below are the pictures of the 18 young men from your district that died fighting the disaster of a war in Iraq. 18 families whose sons will never return, because George W. Bush, your president, sent them to war based on a lie. Your votes on continuing this war will come back to haunt you in November, Joe. The people of your district have had enough death and destruction. Your votes have helped to continue this war that has ruined the lives of the families of these 18 young men. Your votes have committed America to a war that cannot be won. Oh, I know you will say the level of violence is down since we sent more troops. But the purpose of the so-called surge was to allow for political reconciliation, which has not happened, even according to General Petraeus.

Now, not only has the war ruined our reputation around the world, but it has come home to roost in the steep decline in our economy and is wreaking havoc here at home. When is enough enough, Joe? When will you stand up for the majority of Americans that want to end this war now? When will our troops come home. You say you support John McCain for President. He wants to stay in Iraq for 100 years, 10,000 years. Do you want to do the same and blindly follow him off that cliff? I assume your answer is yes. If so, then it's time for you and the Republican party to be removed from elected office so that responsible leaders can bring our young men and women home to their families and take care of their needs, physical and mental. Enough!

Oakland Press goes overboard in covering Kevorkian entering Congressional race

This is getting ridiculous. I guess the Kevorkian story was a novelty, but giving this guy as much press as he's received when there is a real race between Gary Peters and Joe Knollenberg is over the top. Kevorkian has never held elective office and has no experience in raising money, putting together an organization, gathering volunteers, and all the aspects of a real campaign. How about asking him his views on the war, the economy, the foreclosure crisis, now the debt crisis in general. I haven't seen one piece of responsible journalism on this story.

Eccentric: Kevorkian brings new life to 9th District race

Dr. Kevorkian brings new life to the 9th U.S. House race

By now I am sure that Gary Peters and Joe Knollenberg are huddling in their respective corners weighing what to do next.

No sooner had Nancy Skinner been knocked out of the race for the 9th U.S. House seat then a new candidate entered the arena.

Jack Kevorkian announced that he is going to run for the seat.

Dr. Death.

Oh, my.

This could upset the entire dynamic of the contest, which already has taken some pretty sharp turns as it is. To recap, incumbent Knollenberg is up for re-election this year to represent the sprawling district, which stretches from Waterford to Royal Oak and from Farmington to Oakland Township.

Knollenberg has been the representative since 1992 and has enjoyed success in every re-election bid he has faced since then.

But things are changing. The district was reconfigured several years ago from the old 11th District to the new 9th District. It now includes Pontiac, which has a sizeable Democratic tilt. And even the Birmingham area has been leaning more toward the Democrats in recent years.

Anyway, in the last election Knollenberg was nearly upset by Skinner, who was at that point known as Nancy Skinner Who?

Actually she had some decent credentials, including being clobbered by Barack Obama in an Illinois Senate race, but she was not a well-known name in these parts. Yet she came within 15,000 votes of upsetting Knollenberg.

You can attribute that a lot to the Iraq War and frustration with the Bush administration and its spending policies. True blue - or is it red? - Republicans don't like what they are seeing in Bush's - dare we say, reckless - domestic spending. And more moderate Republicans are uneasy about the trillion-dollar expense being racked up in Iraq.

Knollenberg has a reputation of walking in lockstep with the Bush administration, even though he has been trying to distance himself from the prez in recent months.

Oakland Press: Letters to the editor on FISA and Our Civil Liberties

Sunday's Oakland Press included two letters to the editor urging Democrats to stand up to the political terrorism of the Bush regime.

Joe votes to allow telecoms and Bush to break the law

The FISA vote occured just moments ago. Of course, Joe Knollenberg voted against the bill without immunity for the telecom companies, and by extension immunity for the George W. Bush regime. However, even without Joe's vote, the bill passed without immunity, 213-197. Joe is on the wrong side again.

It's ok for George W. Bush to break the law and invade our privacy, according to Joe Knollenberg. Way to go, Joe. According to Joe, treasonous acts, like outing a CIA agent is OK, reading our e-mail is OK, tapping our phones is OK, even though all these things can be done legally, Joe Knollenberg thinks George W. Bush and his fellow criminals at the CIA and the NSA should be able to violate our civil liberties at will. We can be safe and not give up our civil liberties, but Joe Knollenberg thinks we don't deserve civil liberties.

It's time for Joe to go.

I wonder if ex-COS issues helped Joe come around on mental health parity

Maybe Joe changed his mind on providing mental health parity after his own ex-chief of staff lost it in a Rochester drugstore.


H.R. 1424

Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2008

Introduced:
03.09.2007 [House]

Sponsor:
Rep. Patrick Kennedy [D-RI]

House: Yea-268, Nay-148

Awaiting reconciliation with the Senate version of the bill.

The Legislation:

The Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act mandates that group health plans provide mental health and substance-related disorder benefits that are at least equivalent to benefits offered for medical and surgical procedures. The legislation renews and expands provisions of the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996. While that bill requires only financial equity for annual and lifetime mental health benefits, this legislation also compels parity in treatment limits and expands all equity provisions to addiction services. Thus, the bill not only requires that the deductibles, co-payments, and out-of-pocket expenses applied to mental health and addiction services be no more

Joe still failing middle class

Joe's grade moved up a little, but I'm sure his mom and dad still wouldn't be happy that he's bringing home a failing report card. Maybe he should be expelled or suspended.

Joseph Knollenberg(R-MI)

Knollenberg's Middle-Class Grades

2008 Final grade to be released 03.2009

2007

2005

2004

2003

2008 Year to Date Score

Voted on 5 of 5 bills considered.

First took office: 1993

Term ends: 2009

indicates votes that count toward the final grade. See the Grade Release FAQ for more information.

Voting Record

2008	Bill	Vote	Supportive of the Middle Class?
	H.R. 5351 Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008	NAY
	H.R. 5140 Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act of 2008	YEA
	H.R. 4137 College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2008	YEA
	H.R. 3963 Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 [Revised bill]	NAY
	H.R. 1424 Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2008	YEA

It's so bad, Joe has to pay College Republicans to knock doors

Normally a politician would hope that he would excite his supporters to the point that he wouldn't have to pay them to go to work for him/her. So, how bad are things for Joe Knollenberg? He's having to pay college Republicons to knock doors in Rochester. That can't be a good sign for Joe.

College students offered money to knock on doors for Knollenberg

by: Todd A. Heywood

Tuesday (03/11) at 20:30 PM

Michigan Congressman Joe Knollenberg (R-9th Congressional District) will stump for votes in Oakland County in April, and joining him will be College Republican club members from the state. At least that is what Michigan Federation of College Republicans Chairman Justin Zatkoff is hoping.

"I am going to tell you how you can make money simply by being a College Republican," Zatkoff said in the video. "That's right, we are going to pay you to do what you do best: be College Republicans. It doesn't get any better than that. But actually it will. Just keep watching."

In a YouTube video posted a week ago Zatkoff goes on to tell viewers MFCR will not only pay $10 for each college student a group brings down to knock on doors for Knollenberg April 11 and 12, but it will also rent transportation for the visitors, pay for their hotels and food. Zatkoff said the MFCR will only pay up to $100 for participation in the event.

Knollenberg is in a closely watched campaign against former Democratic state senator and gaming commissioner Gary Peters.

Democrat takes seat formerly held by Dennis Hastert

In a stunning development, Bill Foster (D)defeated Jim Oberweis (R). The NRCC invested 20% of its cash on hand trying to retain this seat and failed. Why am I mentioning this here? Because it bodes well for Gary Peters defeating Republican Congressman Joe Knollenberg. Oakland county is a 50/50 district and trending more Democratic every election cycle.

568 of 568 Precincts Reporting - 100%

Bill Foster (D): 53% (52,010)
Jim Oberweis (R): 47% (46,988)

Chris Van Hollen, chair of the DCCC, sent the following statement via e-mail last night.

"Congratulations to Bill Foster on his victory tonight. Bill Foster’s victory in the seat that was held by Speaker Hastert sends a political shock wave across America this election year. It is a stunning rejection of the Bush Administration, its Republican allies, and presidential nominee John McCain. Republican candidates learned tonight that Senator McCain, who campaigned with the Republican nominee, cannot save them from defeat this November against strong Democratic challengers, even in districts that voted overwhelmingly for President Bush.

"Despite spending 20 percent of the their cash on hand, the NRCC was unable to hold a seat easily won by President Bush and held by Speaker Hastert for 20 years. Americans of all political stripes are rejecting Republicans’ divisive, status quo politics and turning to Democratic candidates for change. I am grateful to Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Barack Obama, and the Illinois Democratic delegation and candidates for encouraging the people of this district to vote for change by supporting Bill Foster.

"Voters of all political stripes responded to Bill Foster’s commitment to change. With his unique background as a respected scientist and a successful businessman, Bill Foster will be a tremendous asset to our Democratic Caucus, as we continue fighting to strengthen our economy and ease the squeeze on America’s struggling middle class families."

Joe's full record on animal rights and animal protection

Joe's record on animal rights and protection is abysmal. But it doesn't only affect animals. It affects you and your children and your grand children. Joe doesn't even want to protect his constituents from the possibility of sick animals making it into the human food chain. Joe voted to allow downed cows to be able to be processed for human consumption. Think about that the next time you feed your child a Happy Meal at McDonalds. Then think about who you're going to vote for in November. I hope it's not Joe Knollenberg.

Joe's middle class report card F's 3 years in a row

Joe's Middle class report card shows F's. 2007 report card to be mailed soon.

Knollenberg's Middle-Class Grades

2008 Final grade to be released 03.2009

2007 Final grade to be released 03.2008

2005

2004

2003

2008 Year to Date Score

Voted on 4 of 4 bills considered.

Joe joins chorus calling for letting telecoms break the law

Apparently Joe Knollenberg is in favor of letting the Bush regime' and the telecoms break the law and shred the Constitution. Ask yourself this question, if the Bush regime' and the telecoms didn't break the law, why do they need retroactive immunity? I hope it's a rhetorical questions in your mind. I sure hope the Democrats stand tall and don't allow President Bush and the telecoms to destroy our civil liberties and break the law.

From the Michigan Republican "Victory Update"

KNOLLENBERG TO DEMS: STOP PLAYING GAMES WITH OUR SECURITY

Congressman Joe Knollenberg again expressed his disappointment that the Democrat Speaker, Nancy Pelosi continues to play political games with American national security. The failure of the House to hold a simple up-or-down vote on the Foreign Intelligence Survellience Act (FISA) leaves American security hanging in the balance. FISA gives US intelligence agencies critical tools to listen in on al-Qaeda terrorists who are plotting attacks against America. The Democrat leadership has indicated that a FISA vote is unlikely to happen yet again this week because they claim the schedule is too packed.

Lennox receives reprimand from CMU

CMU student, Dennis Lennox, who has been stalking Congressional candidate, Gary Peters around CMU's campus, officially received a reprimand for breaking school rules yesterday.

Joe Votes NO on repealing tax credits on oil companies

The oil companies are charging record prices for their product and making record profits, while average Americans suffer with the highest gas prices in history. The House of Representatives voted to repeal certain tax deductions for oil and gas companies. Joe voted no, don't repeal the tax deductions. Let oil companies make astronomical profits while average Americans suffer. Way to go, Joe.
Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008 - Vote Passed (236-182, 11 Not Voting)

The House voted to repeal certain tax deductions for oil and gas companies in order to pay for the extension of renewable energy and energy conservation tax credits for individuals.

Joe Scores Near the Bottom on Animal Rights and Anti-Cruelty

The United States Humane Society released its mid-term scorecard on Animal Rights issues. And guess what, Joe Knollenberg rated near the bottom of the pile.
This video is a good example of why animal issues are so important.


The 2007 report scores lawmakers on their floor votes on legislation to crack down on animal fighting, protect wild horses and burros from slaughter, and stop the imports of sport-hunted polar bear trophies; their co-sponsorship of key bills such as those to stop horse slaughter, require the labeling of fur-trimmed apparel, and end the use of random source dogs and cats (including stolen pets) in research; and their signing of a letter requesting funding for enforcement of animal welfare laws. Members who led as prime sponsors of animal protection legislation receive extra credit.

Political activist facing charges

Activist faces charges after scuffle with police

Activist faces charges after scuffle with police
By Sandra Armbruster
Eccentric Staff Writer


A Rochester Hills Democrat claims that his arrest Monday at a meeting of the Troy-Clawson Republican Forum was politically motivated.

“I did nothing wrong. I will be vindicated,” said Bruce Fealk.

Fealk faces three charges of assaulting a police officer, trespassing, and hindering and resisting arrest. All are misdemeanors punishable by a 90-day sentence, if convicted.

Fealk’s attorney, Paul Stevenson, said Fealk will have to make a court appearance in the case by March 12.

Troy Police confirmed the incident happened, but would not name Fealk as the person arrested, since he was allowed to post a bond and not face an arraignment on what are disorderly conduct charges.

The arrest at the Troy Community Center came after Fealk tried to videotape a forum meeting that featured a panel discussion on Black History Month and civil rights.

Lt. Gerry Scherlinck said a forum “representative told him that it (videotaping) was not allowed. He refused to stop, leave.”

At that point, the community center manager was summoned by forum organizers, who reportedly told Fealk that he would have to stop or leave the building.
Police were called, Scherlinck said, who reiterated that he would have to stop videotaping.

“He refuses, and there was a struggle between him and a police officer,” according to Scherlinck.

Stevenson said that incidents, such as Fealk’s, are sometimes used “to try to criminalise political activity and political speech.” In this case, he said, the city attorney may deem the incident doesn’t merit the “time and taxpayer’s dollars” to pursue.

A political activist, Fealk has actively campaigned against Republican Congressman Joe Knollenberg from Bloomfield Township.

According to 9th District Republican Committee Chairman Glenn Clark, Fealk has a record of harassing local elected officials, which prompted forum organizers to call the authorities.

In a Rochester Hills parade, Fealk wore a papier mache head of Knollenberg. He also has demonstrated in front of Knollenberg’s house.

“Mr. Fealk is a radical political activist who knows no boundaries,” Clark said in an e-mail.

Clark says that Fealk is raising funds and campaigning for Democrat Gary Peters, who is challenging Knollenberg for the 9th U.S. House seat. He also called for Peters to say whether he is “with Fealk or against him.”

“I support him (Peters), but I’m not working for him,” Fealk said. He later said that Clark “was technically right, I have raised money for him...But as a citizen, I’m not connected with him.”

The incident was “totally unfair and totally political,” he said, adding that he has contacted the American Civil Liberties Union.


sarmbruster@hometownlife.com | (248) 901-2585

Joe on WDET Talking About the Mortgage Crisis

Joe was on the radio today on WDET talking about the mortgage crisis. He tells a story about a woman who needed help and she was able to readjust her budget by stopping her fast food habits at McDonalds and Burger King and voila, she was able to stay in her home. Wow, why didn't I think of that? Cut out fast food and solve the mortgage crisis.

A listener chastises Joe Knollenberg for his vote in favor of the bankruptcy bill.

How Green is Joe? Metro Times Covers Joe and Michigan Congressional Delegation

Today's Metro Times has an article, "How Green is Your Candidate?" Mike Brownfield, Joe Knollenberg's campaign manager feels Joe is being unfairly graded.

But Mike Brownfield, Joe Knollenberg's (R-Bloomfield Hills) campaign manager, says the league's scorecard is.

"This is just another politically motivated hit job by a group with a long-standing record of attacking Republicans," he says. Knollenberg has supported cleaning up the Rouge River, protecting the Great Lakes and improving Oakland County's drinking water during his career — actions and positions that are not reflected in the league's scorecard. "Frankly, it's shocking that they don't consider any of that work," Brownfield says.

To read the National Environmental Scorecard for 2007, go to www.lcv.org/scorecard.

Knollenberg Mortgage Counseling Proposal Too Little, Too Late

I came across this little story in today's Oakland Press. Joe Knollenberg and some colleagues want to provide funding for people who are at risk of losing their homes for counseling. This reminds of Joe's health care plan, to provide a tax credit to employers who provide wellness training. It's completely, unequivocally inadequate.

I don't know what it is with Republicans. They think people should just be able to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, without providing the boots. Republican policies on trade have devastated this country and while I love Bill Clinton, NAFTA was a bad idea and we in Michigan have bore the brunt of bad trade agreements ever since. So, excuse me if I greet Joe Knollenberg's announcement of a counseling program for those about to lose their homes with a health dose of skepticism. They don't need counseling, Joe, they need dollars to pay the mortgage, dollars that we are burning through in that little war Joe Knollenberg supports wholeheartedly, to the tune of $12 billion a month. Imagine what $12 billion could do to help people about to lose their homes. $130 million is a spit in the wind, Joe. They need good jobs that pay good wages, not the $14 per hour the two-tier system adopted in the auto industry. It makes me sick what the Republicans and George W. Bush have done to this country's middle class. They have devastated the middle class at every turn and my hope is that the voters of Michigan and across this country reject Republican policies across the board in November so that we can put America on the track to economic recovery and regaining our standing in the world.

Diebold accidentally releases results of election early

Skinner drops bid for Congress in 9th District

Skinner drops bid for Congress in Oakland County

2/25/2008, 5:29 p.m. ET The Associated Press

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (AP) — Democrat Nancy Skinner is no longer running for Congress in Oakland County.

The former radio talk show host lost to Republican Representative Joe Knollenberg in a close race in 2006.

She was expected to face former state lottery commissioner Gary Peters this year in the Democratic primary in the 9th District, which includes parts of Oakland County.

Skinner announced her decision to withdraw Monday.

She says Democrats need to rally behind Peters, who was beating her in fundraising. Skinner says a costly primary would have jeopardized Democrats' chances of beating Knollenberg in November.

Knollenberg is a major target for Democrats.

Skinner says she will devote more time to her consulting business and appear as a commentator on cable TV shows.

Joe has endorsed John (100 years in Iraq) McCain - Vote Vets New Ad

This is a great ad.

Bruce Fealk's testimony in front of the State Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education Funding

On Friday, February 22, 2008, I drove 4 hours round trip and spent approximately 3 hours on campus at Alma College to have an opportunity to respond to Dennis Lennox's ridiculous assertion that the state delay funding CMU's education budget in response to the hiring of Gary Peters as the Griffin Endowment professor in the political science department.

Fealk and Lennox testify

On Friday, February 22, 2008, I drove over 2 hours to Alma, Michigan. Why? Because the Michigan State Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education Funding was holding a hearing. In attendance was a student from Central Michigan University, Dennis Lennox. You probably haven't heard of Mr. Lennox or if you're a regular reader of the blogosphere, maybe you have. Dennis has been stalking Gary Peters on campus in the dark, on occasion. Dennis is a tool of the Michigan Republican Party.

On Friday, Dennis testified and asked the committee to delay funding to CMU based on his complaint that Gary Peters should not hold a privately funded professorship, which doesn't cost taxpayers one penny, according to the CMU budget.

I also testified in front of the committee and I will be posting video of that testimony later today. Dennis testified that his issue with Mr. Peters is not political, which is a blatant lie. Dennis has even held press conferences with the chair of the Michigan Republican Party, Saul Anuzis.

After the hearing, a reporter from the CMU student newspaper wanted to talk to me about the hearing and Michael Westendorf, from Saginaw Valley State University and contributor to the SVSU student newspaper, followed me through the halls until I found an office where I answered questions for the reporter. Westendorf continued to film me through the window next to the door of the office we were in.
I want to make it abundantly clear, even though Dennis calls me a "paid bozo" in an article in the CMU student newspaper, I am not on the payroll of any Democratic organization, nor Gary Peters' campaign.

Dennis seems to be cut from the same cloth as Trent Wisecup, former Chief of Staff of Joe Knollenberg.


Here is a small piece from the CMU student newspaper, CM Life

In contradiction, Bruce Fealk of Rochester Hills, who writes a blog criticizing State Rep. Joe Knollenberg called Vote No on Joe (Knollenberg), spoke to the senators after Lennox.

"I would ask you not take any action," he said.

Peters is running against Knollenberg in November for the 9th district U.S. House seat.

Fealk said he reviewed CMU's budget, and the Griffin Endowment Chair, the position Peters fills, is a privately endowed chair and does not come from taxpayers' dollars.

Lennox said CMU is a public university and taxpayers have the right to ask legitimate questions.

Fealk also said he called all the Board of Trustee members and each reported no complaints from any students about Peters.

"I don't think it's unusual or unethical for him to run for Congress," he said.

Fealk pointed out that three presidential candidates also are senators.

Lennox said Peters should have been at the meeting to defend himself.

"Gary Peters is an adult and a politician, and CMU should be answering these questions, not a paid bozo from Oakland County," he said.

Birmingham Eccentric: Peters Sides with Workers

Peters sides with workers

Gary Peters has taken a stance for the working man, calling for economic changes in Oakland County and lashing out at Rep. Joe Knollenberg, his Republican rival for the 9th U.S. House seat.

"I will be a strong voice for the working men and women of Oakland County and will fight to bring and protect high-paying jobs and ensure health care is available," Peters said Wednesday at the Pipe Fitters Local 636 in Farmington Hills.

Peters was joined by Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen. Several workers were also in attendance to share their stories of struggle.

"Congressman Knollenberg has partnered with the Bush administration in leveling a disastrous economic policy that has undermined the rights of workers, dished out incentives for companies to invest oversees, and stood idly by, watching the exodus of thousands of Michigan jobs," Peters said.

"Gary Peters is a proven problem solver with a record of results for working families. No one will fight harder on behalf of his constituents and for every Michigan job," Van Hollen said. "Whether it's voting to outsource American jobs or blindly supporting the Iraq war, Joe Knollenberg is one of President Bush's most loyal rubber stamps and is out of touch with the struggles and priorities of working families in this district."

Peters and Van Hollen were joined by Dan Pier, who after 31 years of working for Farmer Jack grocery store lost his job.

"Our current congressman believes that Michigan jobs can not be saved," Pier said. "I do not agree with this. Our present situation calls for someone who will work for us in Washington and in Oakland County and not sit idly by as companies undercut wages and prices while our jobs disappear. We need a change in leadership and I know that Gary Peters will put the priorities of working men and women in Oakland County first."

Joe and his role in beef recall

You've probably heard about this story by now about the huge beef recall, 143 million pounds of it. What you probably don't know is that your Congressman, Joe Knollenberg had a role in this tragedy. HR 3931, introduced by Representatives Gary Ackerman (D-NY) and Steven LaTrourette (R-OH) to prohibit USDA certification of meat from livestock too sick or injured to walk unassisted, making permanent the USDA's administrative ban on "downed cattle" in human food and expanding it to cover other species. The bill had 143 cosponsors. Joe Knollenberg was not one of them.