April 23^rd

Today I shall draw a contrast between two organizations. In this morning’s paper there was a column by Phil Power, the burden of which was to question whether or not any of the current Presidential hopefuls had faced the kind of adversity faced by Franklin Roosevelt who overcame the devastating effects of polio to become President. According to Power, Roosevelt emerged from his trial a “warm compassionate figure known to millions.” Power questions whether any of the current crop of candidates have faced and overcome equivalent adversity? The answer is almost certainly no.

Power heads a “think and do tank” called “The Center for Michigan.” I looked at the website. There are the names of many of the primary players and their email addresses, including Power’s. Much of what you would like to know about this organization, a 501 C 3, is there, as is columns on a variety of issues of concern to Michigan.

Now we will compare this outfit with “American Commitment” run by another Phil, Phil Kerpen. I wrote about this group just yesterday. If you go on their website you’ll find just one name, Phil Kerpen, no one else. There are surely other people doing a variety of chores there just as there are at “The Center for Michigan,” but you won’t find any names and you certainly won’t find any email addresses. You will find names but these will be the names of liberal politicians with whom Kerpen and his ilk have a beef. Anyone opposing the pipeline, anyone suggesting reducing emissions from coal and the villain-in-chief Harry Reid will all have their names mentioned. There will be suggestions that you call or email your Senator or Representative and remind him or her to vote as Kerpen suggests; all for the good of the country, of course. Finally, there is a section inviting you to contribute to Kerpen’s cause.

My blog entry today is not necessarily committed to promoting Mr. Power’s “The Center for Michigan.” I don’t know what their positions are on a variety of issues. The do invite guest columnists but the views of these folks may not reflect the views of the organization. For example, a recent column was favorably disposed toward a law increasing the gas tax. Of course the roads and bridges need to be fixed but I don’t believe another regressive tax is the best answer. Still, Phil Power’s response to political problems is very different from Phil Kerpen’s and much to be admired.