A Duck with Teeth

FYI: if you are short on time or attention feel free to just skip to the last 2 paragraphs.
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Politics in general has always been a topic I have avoided like the plague.  I truly believe everyone is entitled to their beliefs (even if they are stupid) so long as they aren’t harming anyone.  That was literally my entire political philosophy. I have always wished everyone educated themselves fully on the issues in question but realize that even this is not a reasonable request, one person simply can’t know (or care) about it all, our tiny worldview might implode. One thing I really thought to be common sense and good for all Michiganders (and the world really) was taking care of the environment. Duh’ right?
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So, it’s lame duck season. For those of you who don’t fully understand what this entails, lemme break it down.  It’s open season on everything for the political and financial gain for special interest groups or people (usually in the form of corporations).  Sometimes this works out really awesome… like for instance Senate Bill 0579.  This bill (among other things) has given the beverage industry a really nice tax break, but only if it can be certified that they are using at least 40% Michigan grain and fruit.  This is a huge win, except for those of course that lose the benefit of the tax revenue.  It is my hope that businesses will use this new piece of legislation to strengthen or initiate relationships with Michigan farms, and to build their businesses (and the tax base as a whole).  This ultimately would be a win for everyone. This will certainly benefit my distillery (as we use 100% local grain and fruit). 

However, I would without hesitation give up all of this, in order to squash another lame duck bill, SB1197, from being passed (along with other sketchy-as-fuck notables like SB1211.) Anyone who is for this bill is absolutely, 100%, not interested in preserving the Great Lakes.  It really is that simple.  The argument for Unbridle (Line 5 pipeline owner) is painfully weak and riddled with absolute garbage statistics.  I can almost always at least “put myself in someone else’s shoes” so to speak… not with this one.  This proposed corridor would be fine if not for the petroleum aspect.  We are talking about putting one of the worlds greatest resources at risk (whether… or not we possibly get cheaper fuel in the future is moot at this point… how short-sighted).  We have literally put a man on the fucking moon, but can’t figure out how to get oil from point A to point B without putting it through the WORLD’s largest surface freshwater system? For real? 

A leak would be devastating. Complete devastation, total economic collapse for Michigan.  Best yet, this new bill would make it the responsibility of the taxpayers to clean up.  We would lose everything: land value, drinking water, wildlife, tourism, industry, jobs, residents (cause who the fuck would want to live next to an oil spill). This company already has had a bad spill in the Kalamazoo River, and we are going to just trust them? Umm, nah. This isn’t just Michigan’s problem.  What about the other states connected to this great system of water? Shame they don’t get a vote…although looks like we don’t either. Not even incoming government would be able to help as this legislation is designed to tie their hands as well (no, seriously). This is our home, we must protect it, and the time to act is literally upon us. Call your representatives, call your senators, and call Governor Snyder (he’s very much for the bill).

If you live by me you can call or write to the following officials: 

SENATOR Wayne Schmidt :
517-373-2413 or [email protected]

• Ask Mr. Schmidt why he voted yes on this bill.

REPRESENTATIVE Tristan Cole:
517-373-0829 or [email protected]

• Ask Mr. Cole to consider all the stakes at risk, and vote no.

GOVERNOR Rick Snyder:
517-373-3400 or [email protected]

• Tell Mr. Snyder you know right where he can stick his precious pipeline.

 
Please help the fight to keep Michigan awesome.  I am so damn grateful to be here, and just want it to stay beautiful for many generations.

​- Geri