en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/652656 Comments by useyournoodle http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/michigan/Economists-arrive-in-Lansing-for-budget#IDComment51547766 CosineMkt, it's people like you that make me breathe a sigh of relief that someone out there is more interested in calm dialogue and common sense than hysterical, partisan arm-waving. Thank you for a sane post. I hope our legislature is able to approach the coming budgets based on conservative projections of revenue and come up with humane and fiscally responsible actions. At this stage, I'd rather they underestimate the revenue than overestimate it. I am deeply concerned that the elected officials tend to react more in response to their own district polling for their reelection campaigns than they do on setting up the State budget in a manner that best serves the residents. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:56:50 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/michigan/Economists-arrive-in-Lansing-for-budget#IDComment51547766 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/Teen-alleged-shooters-in-court#IDComment49471740 I would possibly argue your statement to a certain degree. With the information provided, we know nothing about the parents, their involvement in their son's life, their parenting techniques or any other circumstances. The boys are 100% responsible for their own actions at 16 and 14. It is too often shifting the blame for children's actions onto the parents that absolves them of facing their own consequences and choices. Might the parents be culpable? Sure. Are the boys responsible? Yes, absolutely. Can all of them face what has happened and find better ways to meander through life in the future? I sure hope so - and also that the injured girl fully recovers and can feel safe again at some point. I know families, as probably all of us do, where out of a bunch of kids raised by the same parents, in the same way, under same circumstances - all but one turn out great. Sometimes it is just the kid. Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:11:54 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/Teen-alleged-shooters-in-court#IDComment49471740 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/muskegon_county/3rd-man-guilty-in-great-grandpa-killing#IDComment46806229 I'm not sure that I understand... The gentleman was shot and killed. How and why should that be dismissed as even possibly acceptable under a different "social culture?" Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:31:20 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/muskegon_county/3rd-man-guilty-in-great-grandpa-killing#IDComment46806229 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/More-people-hungry-in-West-Michigan#IDComment44077809 It's Obama's fault. It's Bush's fault. It's Granholm's fault. It's Wall Street's fault. Global economic crisis. Michigan hard-hit due our manufacturing base. Hmmm... how about less energy on the finger-pointing and more on finding solutions, and helping out with a can of soup or a loaf of bread to your neighbors when you're able. Without calling them deadbeats, losers, failures and whatver other assorted must-be-thier-own-doing-so-it-couldn't-happen-to-me logic. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:05:43 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/More-people-hungry-in-West-Michigan#IDComment44077809 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/early-lines-for-palin-at-woodland-mall#IDComment43942666 Anyone catch the national news coverage on this? Cringe-worthy. Apparently most (I hesitate to say all because I wasn't able to catch every station's coverage) of those attending this book signing couldn't even put a coherent reason together on why they were there, and thought Palin voted/supported/stood for the exact opposite of her reality. The reporters were struggling to not laugh outright, and to come up with verbiage that wasn't outright mocking at what they were seeing. <sigh> Ah, well. She's gone. Maybe it'll be quiet around here for the next week while those thousand folks huddle in and read their new books. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:47:51 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/early-lines-for-palin-at-woodland-mall#IDComment43942666 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/early-lines-for-palin-at-woodland-mall#IDComment43805947 The Republicans outnumber the Democrats in the Alaskan legislature. She quit after the election. The DNC was not a part of that equation. Her quick-jump into National politics jaded her future sitting in Alaska's governor's chair. Palin saw an opportunity to cash in on her exposure and ran with it. I think a lot of people would choose the same thing. But saying she quit for the good of the Alaskans? Not buying it. And the RNC hired scores of lawyers to investigate all of their Democratic opponents - it isn't a one-sided action. It's actually pretty much SOP. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:07:01 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/early-lines-for-palin-at-woodland-mall#IDComment43805947 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/early-lines-for-palin-at-woodland-mall#IDComment43765353 Palin continues to get attention because she is waving her arms about asking for attention. And there is a mix of amusement that Conservatives point to her with such enthusiastic seriousness while she continues to present herself on a national scene as a lightweight, and confusion that Conservatives point to her with such enthusiastic seriousness. I agree that she should be ignored. I also agree that she is insignificant and an incompetant buffoon. Curious... you've listed every national television media except for one. I take it that you believe Fox News is the only media outlet that tells you the truth? Do you realize that one man named Rupert Murdoch owns Fox News (as well as some newspapers and magazines) and that he has his own stated agenda to advance Conservatism and his own bank account? The State does not run ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN or MSNBC. I figure you won't believe that, but feel it's necessary to say. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:10:19 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/early-lines-for-palin-at-woodland-mall#IDComment43765353 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/early-lines-for-palin-at-woodland-mall#IDComment43761472 Logic and facts disputing hype, name-calling and forays into fantasy land cannot really be described as fear. Biker7,do you even have a definition for Marxism? And you're still harping on the birth certificate thing? The only fear Liberals should have is that there are a handful of citizens who agree with what you believe. No Liberal thinks Obama is the Messiah. Most of them are disappointed that he isn't pushing their agenda harder. This story is about Palin. In my opinion, she is in it for the money. She's allowed - this is America, and she's taking advantage of her Golden Ticket. But those same folks accusing others of believing Obama is messianic seem to want to put her in the role of Mother Mary.... and I find that more than a bit disturbing. She's pretty, can hold a casual conversation, but she's not above average in smarts, she has a cruel streak, is overtly ambitious, and really does not seem to want to entertain other viewpoints as being possibly valid. All fine traits for a commentator - not so good for a person elected to represent everyone. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:30:15 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/early-lines-for-palin-at-woodland-mall#IDComment43761472 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/early-lines-for-palin-at-woodland-mall#IDComment43756518 Outside of some late arrivals just hoping to get their faces on the 6:00 news... Are the wristbands really necessary, or just part of the "excitement?" I'm thinking those who slept on the frosty pavement are probably the only ones who are going to be standing in any lines. And since they obviously aren't worried about reporting to jobs, you have to wonder why they are spending money on a book they should be able to pick up for free from the library and read in an afternoon. Or do they not know she won't see them unless they buy her book? Embarrassing. Like her because she is "hot" and may be a famous Fox News commentator some day. Like her for knowing how to exploit those dazzled by her bs and loving how she viciously attacks anyone that disagrees with her. But don't give her credit for truly being smart or wanting the best for her fellow man. And why you'd want to donate to her coffers...? There are Republicans out there more deserving of your wallet's contents. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:18:11 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/early-lines-for-palin-at-woodland-mall#IDComment43756518 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/economy/Mich_9_others_risk_fiscal_calamity#IDComment42871031 The comments here sum it all up nicely. Democrats and Republicans can't get along - all the way up to the highest levels of State and Federal office. Rather than working together to strengthen our State or our Nation (hopefully including the actual human beings that make those States and our Nation), we'd rather all fight and point fingers and do whatever has to be done to stop the "other side" from scoring a good point, and to make any mistakes instantly epic and everlasting... Ten years from now, China and Europe will be laughing their butts off as they buy up all of what's left of our assets for half-pennies on the dollar. Anyone remember the story in the Bible where the king was going to cut the baby in half to settle the argument? Guess what... if it was up to our two major parties, that baby would be a goner. Substitute Michigan and the USA for that baby, if you don't get the metaphor. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:48:45 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/economy/Mich_9_others_risk_fiscal_calamity#IDComment42871031 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/local_Santa_and_13_year_veteran_dies#IDComment42870298 No, you don't need the family's permission to comment. Mr. Schestag served our country, as well as his community, to ensure that you have the right to say whatever negative things you wish about him, for whatever bizarre reason. As a member of humanity, however, your need to cause unnecessary pain just because you can is really unfortunate and disappointing. Perhaps you should turn your "pair" in and pick up some compassion instead. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:37:43 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/local_Santa_and_13_year_veteran_dies#IDComment42870298 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/local_Santa_and_13_year_veteran_dies#IDComment42860814 My deepest sympathies to you and your family on your loss. You were blessed to have had such an inspiring and generous grandpa. Please don't let a few callous and ignorant fools' comments upset you. I applaud your defense of your grandpa's memory, especially on Veteran's Day. He was a rare man in this age of greed. God Bless him, your grandma and all of you, and I hope that this story inspires others to pick up where he left off and share some true Christmas spirit with their neighbors and families. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:40:25 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/local_Santa_and_13_year_veteran_dies#IDComment42860814 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/GR_city_manager_to_cut_126_from_payroll#IDComment42684464 That's called "raising taxes," if you think about it. No one wants to pay more. Some can't afford more. But reality is starting to appear. I'll gladly pay another ten or twenty bucks a month to contribute towards leaving our police and firefighter staffing levels up. I'm sure there are lines in the budget that I would consider wasteful. But if we're truly at bare bones - with more bleak numbers to come over the next year: deep breath and raise the dang taxes to cover. They can always be lowered again. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:46:16 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/GR_city_manager_to_cut_126_from_payroll#IDComment42684464 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/Sarah_Palin_will_go_Rogue_in_GR#IDComment41993845 Sure, Truth, and that hurts me so badly... You're taking the whole day off to go get a signed copy, aren't you. I'm not quite certain what part of my statement offended you. I gave her praise for raking in on her fame while she has it. That's the American way, after all. Was it the Zombie statement? There was a real event in downtown GR... Oh, wait. It must have been that I haven't heard anything of substance from her. I tried to. I listened often. But mostly I just heard immature name-calling and a lot of made up facts and self-promotion. And then I heard a resignation speech. But it's all subjective. If you think she's wonderful.. chase that signature and throw a few bucks her way. I'm sure she'll appreciate it. I don't care if you like what she promotes. That's your right as an American. Wed, 4 Nov 2009 21:41:25 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/Sarah_Palin_will_go_Rogue_in_GR#IDComment41993845 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/Sarah_Palin_will_go_Rogue_in_GR#IDComment41968730 Which Barnes & Noble location do I have to avoid, and when? Good for her for cashing in on her time in the spotlight, but I'll pass on her book and her meet-n-greet. I haven't heard anything of interest or substance come from her yet. Of course this is a very conservative area, so I'm sure she'll have a few people stop in. If no one else, I'm betting the media will show. After all the official Zombie walk is over... Wed, 4 Nov 2009 17:53:50 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/grand_rapids/Sarah_Palin_will_go_Rogue_in_GR#IDComment41968730 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/michigan/granholm_finishes_signing_budget#IDComment41204298 Granholm's name is in the headlines for signing the bill, but let's not forget where the bills came from and the partisan maneuvering that created those bills. At election time, we need to remember the players as we all adjust to our lives under this new budget. Granholm won't be on the next ballot, but Bishop and many many others will. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:04:09 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/michigan/granholm_finishes_signing_budget#IDComment41204298 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/politics/michigan_budget_bills_sent_to_granholm_102009#IDComment39581588 When the results of this budget start to become visible over the next year, let's all remember the deliberate gaming that took place here, and who took what stance. I know it isn't a popular or pleasant idea, but I would be willing to pay another ten dollars a month if it would keep our police and firefighters at their same level of functioning. And to keep basic medical care available for our poor seniors and children. While there is something to be said for continuity in government, so there are at least some persons with past experience to help move the machine along... I'm thinking these next two election cycles need to be a purging of the incumbents on each side. Let them step back into the private sector and deal with the society they've created. Because obviously they're not in it to serve Michigan residents, just their own agendas for power and manipulation. Let them make a paper crown and go stand on a rock somewhere, being King of their own mountain... and leave the future governing to some mature adults. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:13:54 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/politics/michigan_budget_bills_sent_to_granholm_102009#IDComment39581588 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/Portage_man#IDComment39553753 I wish the update had been correct. Your family is in my prayers, and I hope that Joshua finds his way safely back home. These sites bring out the worst in people. It's an anonymous path for accusations, fault-finding and plain cruelty. Please try to let the personal comments wash away. You owe no explanations for how your family is trying to teach Joshua to function in life. He's obviously well-loved and has been cared for, which has helped him retain his sense of trust, mental capicity or not. Good luck. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:59:36 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kalamazoo_and_battle_creek/Portage_man#IDComment39553753 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/145_Kent_County_job_cuts_proposed#IDComment37527603 I have to agree with you, Logic. Can't argue with a single thing. Tue, 6 Oct 2009 20:26:41 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/145_Kent_County_job_cuts_proposed#IDComment37527603 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/145_Kent_County_job_cuts_proposed#IDComment37527463 Be nice if it was just the governor. That would mean shortly all will be wonderful when she terms out. Unfortunately, it's more on those one step below her that are avoiding doing their jobs so they don't get blamed for anything. And hate to say it on this site, but the majority are Republicans. Frankly, I don't care any more about pointing fingers. I want a solution. If they vote to extend the budget decision again, they all need to be removed from office. Sorry - love the parks and tourism is needed, but I'd rather they let go the folks mowing the lawns than more police. Tue, 6 Oct 2009 20:25:17 +0000 http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/kent_county/145_Kent_County_job_cuts_proposed#IDComment37527463