NIE reports Iran halted nuclear weapons program in 2003

The National Intelligence Estimate reports today that Iran halted it's nuclear weapons program over 4 years ago, that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon, that Iran has not restarted it's nuclear weapons program, and that Iran is less determined to develop nuclear weapons than had been assumed since 2005.

Pete Hoekstra would like you to believe they are the next great threat. Just like in Iraq in 2006 when Hoekstra and ousted Senator Rick Santorum claimed they found proof of WMDs in Iraq. In September 2006 UN's IAEA inspectors investigating Iran's nuclear capability called Hoekstra's report on Iran "outrageous and dishonest" and said that the report contained "erroneous, misleading and unsubstantiated statements."

Bush said today "that while the latest intelligence report is "positive news," they won't abandon their strategy of applying "intensified international pressure" on Iran."

From a Faux News interview March 2007

WALLACE: Congressman Hoekstra, just briefly, because we have to move on to other subjects, your feelings about Iran and how much you really know about what's going on there.

HOEKSTRA: Well, we don't know a lot about some of the specifics, but I think if you take a look at the bigger picture, their activities with the nuclear weapons program, their relationships with Hamas, Hezbollah, their activities in Iraq, Iran is clearly somebody that we need to be very, very concerned about.

The fear mongering continues....

FISA funtime hour with Joe Klein and Pete Hoekstra

Joe Klein's error riddled FISA piece in TIME magazine had many in the blogosphere in an uproar. But who fed him the information that he didn't bother to check? Why it's (drumroll please....wait for it, you'll be shocked I'm sure.....) The Lying Dutchman Pete Hoekstra!

Pete "outed" himself as Klein's source (shocked aren't you!) in an oped in the National Review . He backs his good buddy Joe Klein and continues to woo us with gems like these:

"The issue is not nor has it ever been about surveillance of Americans, as some Democrats have irresponsibly suggested."

The straw-man complaint of the Left, however, is that Americans who talk to targeted foreigners in foreign countries might incidentally have their conversations intercepted.

Oh it just goes on and on and on.

More on the Klein deal at Firedoglake The Next Hurrah and DKos

Hoekstra offers up "Bugs and Bunnies" intelligence

In a press release regarding Gov. Granholm creating a panel to analyze climate change's effect on MI Pete says:

“The intelligence community is currently using its assets and experts to study the worldwide impact of climate change, and I would be more than willing to share their findings with Governor Granholm."

But in May 2007 he blasted the idea of using our resources to study the effects of climate change on the United States. Pete said

"Now House Democrats want to return to the days when the CIA wasted valuable resources on "bugs and bunnies". Let other federal agencies, as more than a dozen already do, cover the "bugs and bunnies." But let our spies be spies."

That's our Pete...always caring about the environment and always reaching across the aisle!

Pete Hoekstra's desire for endless war - Religious crusade or war profiteering?

(Welcome to guest blogger MichiganGirl...crossposted with permission from MichiganLiberal and dailyKos)

I've been asking myself a question for quite awhile, "What drives Pete Hoekstra's desire for eternal war?

Is it possible that the infinite statements from Pete Hoekstra (Lying Dutchman MI-02) like this:

"Our nation faces a serious and ongoing threat from radical, militant jihadists. I fear that some believe that by pushing a date certain for withdrawal from Iraq we will somehow make the radical jihadist threat just go away."

"As the radical Islamists themselves have made clear, it will not, and we need to remain engaged to counter this threat."

Might have something to do with this little fact:

Before the run-up to the Iraq War the lying Dutchman hadn't received campaign contributions from the Defense industry. However, starting in 2003 that all changed.

In fact, Hoekstra's list of campaign contributors changed a LOT...

Pete Hoekstra's Campaign Contributions from the Defense Industry:

2008 Election Cycle

1. RAYTHEON COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $5,000
2. LOCKHEED MARTIN EMPLOYEES' POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $5,000
3. SAIC VOLUNTARY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $4,000
4. WASHINGTON GROUP INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEEDefense $1,000
5. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
6. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
7. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
8. L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
9. L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
10. L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
11. SWALES AND ASSOCIATES INC POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
12. GOODRICH CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
13. GENERAL DYNAMICS VOLUNTARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PLAN (GDVPCP) Defense $1,000
14. GENERAL DYNAMICS VOLUNTARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PLAN (GDVPCP) Defense $1,000
15. GENERAL DYNAMICS VOLUNTARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PLAN (GDVPCP) Defense $1,000
16. SI INTERNATIONAL INC POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
17. SI INTERNATIONAL INC POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
18. SAIC VOLUNTARY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
19. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
20. BAE SYSTEMS INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (BAE SYSTEMS USA PAC) Defense (British Defense Contractor accused of “longstanding, widespread pattern of bribery allegations.”) $1,000
21. EMPLOYEES OF NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION PAC Defense $1,000
22. Soimar, Michael
Muskegon, MI 49441
L3 Communications/PRESIDENT (Defense) $500 07/31/2007
23. Meade, Richard
Falls Church, VA 22042
BKSH & Associates/Director (Lobbying firm for Blackwater USA) $250 03/31/2007
24. Bos, Lisa
Washington, DC 20003
Cassidy & Associates/Senior Associate ( Lobbying Firm for Phillips Morris and Pakistan) $250 03/31/2007
25. Bos, Lisa
Washington, DC 20003
Cassidy & Associates/Senior Associate ( Lobbying Firm for Phillips Morris and Pakistan) $1,000 09/30/2007
26. Shields, Mary
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Cassidy & Associates/Executive VP ( Lobbying Firm for Phillips Morris and Pakistan) $500 09/30/2007

2006 Election Cycle

27. GENERAL DYNAMICS VOLUNTARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PLAN (GDVPCP) Defense $5,000
28. LOCKHEED MARTIN EMPLOYEES' POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $5,000
29. LOCKHEED MARTIN EMPLOYEES' POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $5,000
30. EMPLOYEES OF NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION PAC Defense $5,000
31. RAYTHEON COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $4,000
32. EMPLOYEES OF NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION PAC Defense $4,000
33. RAYTHEON COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $3,500
34. FRIENDS OF ISRAEL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE - FRIPAC Foreign Lobby $2,500
35. ITT INDUSTRIES PAC (ITTPAC) Defense $2,500
36. SAIC VOLUNTARY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $2,000
37. GENERAL DYNAMICS VOLUNTARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PLAN (GDVPCP) Defense $2,000
38. SAIC VOLUNTARY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $2,000
39. BAE SYSTEMS INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (BAE SYSTEMS USA PAC) Defense (British Defense Contractor) $2,000
40. GREENBERG TRAURIG LLP PAC Lobbying Firm $1,000 (Bush/Abramoff Lobbying Firm Abramoff worked at Geenberg Traurig.)
41. EMPLOYEES OF NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION PAC Defense $1,000
42. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
43. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
44. UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
45. LORAL SPACECOM CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY FUND Defense $1,000
46. LORAL SPACECOM CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY FUND Defense $1,000
47. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
48. GENERAL DYNAMICS VOLUNTARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PLAN (GDVPCP) Defense $1,000
49. SAIC VOLUNTARY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
50. GENERAL DYNAMICS VOLUNTARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PLAN (GDVPCP) Defense $1,000
51. GENERAL DYNAMICS VOLUNTARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PLAN (GDVPCP) Defense $1,000
52. ITT INDUSTRIES PAC (ITTPAC) Defense $1,000
53. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
54. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
55. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
56. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
57. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
58. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
59. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
60. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
61. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
62. GOODRICH CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
63. GOODRICH CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
64. GOODRICH CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
65. BAE SYSTEMS INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (BAE SYSTEMS USA PAC) Defense (British Defense Contractor) $1,000
66. BAE SYSTEMS INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (BAE SYSTEMS USA PAC) Defense (British Defense Contractor) $1,000
67. BAE SYSTEMS INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (BAE SYSTEMS USA PAC) Defense (British Defense Contractor) $1,000
68. L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
69. L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
70. L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
71. L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
72. DIGITALGLOBE PAC INC Satellites/Defense $1,000
73. L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
74. ADCS INC. PAC Brent Wilkes' Company $1,000 (Money given to charity a year after the donation was made.)
75. RAYTHEON COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
76. RAYTHEON COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
77. SI INTERNATIONAL INC POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
78. RAYTHEON COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $472
79. RAYTHEON COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $472
80. Gray, Charles
Huntsville, AL 35802
R&G International Inc./Defense Sale $500 07/26/2005
81. Bauer, Fred
Holland, MI 49424
GENTEX/CEO (Defense) $1,000 04/26/2006
82. Bauer, Fred
Holland, MI 49424
GENTEX/CEO (Defense) $1,000 11/03/2006
83. Bauer, Fred
Holland, MI 49424
GENTEX/CEO (Defense) $1,000 08/23/2005
84. Bauer, Lois
Holland, MI 49424
HOMEMAKER/HOMEMAKER Defense (Wife of Gentex CEO) $1,000 08/23/2005
85. Bauer, Lois
Holland, MI 49424
HOMEMAKER/HOMEMAKER Defense (Wife of Gentex CEO) $1,000 11/03/2006
86. Bauer, Lois
Holland, MI 49424
HOMEMAKER/HOMEMAKER Defense (Wife of Gentex CEO) $1,000
87. Soimar, Michael
Muskegon, MI 49442
L3 Communications/PRESIDENT (Defense) $500 04/10/2006
88. Weinberg, Bruce
Spring Lake, MI 49456
L3 Communications/Vice President (Defense) $500 03/14/2005
89. Allen, Terry
Fairfax, VA 22032
Alexander Strategy Group/Partner (Blackwater USA Lobbying Firm) $1,000 02/15/2005
90. Behrends, Paul
Sterling, VA 20165
Alexander Strategy Group/EXECUTIVE (Blackwater USA Lobbying Firm) $500 03/31/2005
91. Behrends, Paul
Sterling, VA 20165
Alexander Strategy Group/EXECUTIVE (Blackwater USA Lobbying Firm) $500 07/26/2005
92. Hall, Gary
Alexandria, VA 22309
The Potomac Advocates/Partner (Defense Industry Lobbying Firm) $1,000 11/08/2005
93. Nichols, William
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Potomac Advocates/Partner (Defense Industry Lobbying Firm) $1,000 03/31/2006
94. Palowitch, Andrew
Mc Lean, VA 22102
SAIC/EXECUTIVE (Defense) $500 12/31/2005
95. Thomas, John
Reston, VA 20190
SAIC/EXECUTIVE (Defense) $500 12/31/2005
96. Prince, Erik D.
Mc Lean, VA 22102
Blackwater USA Business Owner $1,000 03/31/2005
97. Sojka, Gary
Springfield, VA 22150
Potomac Advocates/Partner (Defense Industry Lobbying Firm) $1,000 03/31/2006
98. Bos, Lisa
Washington, DC 20002
Cassidy & Associates/Senior Associate ( Lobbying Firm for Phillips Morris and Pakistan) $500 09/30/2005
99. Mihalke, Michael
Washington, DC 20007
Alexander Strategy Group/Partner (Blackwater USA Lobby Firm) $1,000 02/15/2005
100. Neal, Laura
Washington, DC 20016
Cassidy & Associates/VP ( Lobbying Firm for Phillips Morris and Pakistan) $250 10/21/2005
101. Smith, Duncan Campbell
Washington, DC 20037
Blank Rome LLP/Associate (Defense Industry Lobbying Firm) $500 04/26/2005
102. Prior, Lawrence
Poway, CA 92064
SAIC/EXECUTIVE (Defense) $500 12/31/2005
103. Shea, K. Stuart
San Diego, CA 92121
SAIC/SENIOR VP (Defense) $750 11/30/2005
104. Wilkes, Brent
Poway, CA 92064
Group W Advisors/PRESIDENT (LOBBYIST) $1,000 02/15/2005 (Duke Cunningham defense industry briber)
105. Buckham, Edwin
Frederick, MD 21702
Alexander Strategy Group/Partner (Blackwater USA Lobbying Firm) $1,000 02/15/2005
106. Cox, Larry
Harwood, MD 20776
SAIC/EXECUTIVE (Defense) $500 12/31/2005
107. Flajser, Steven
Bethesda, MD 20817
Loral Space & Communications/Vice P (Defense) $500 06/30/2006
108. Ford, Carl
Germantown, MD 20874
Cassidy & Associates/Executive VP ( Lobbying Firm for Phillips Morris and Pakistan) $500 09/30/2005
109. McNamara, Dan
Silver Spring, MD 20904
Cassidy & Associates/VP ( Lobbying Firm for Phillips Morris and Pakistan) $500 10/21/2005
110. Shields, Mary
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Cassidy & Associates/Executive VP ( Lobbying Firm for Phillips Morris and Pakistan) $500 09/30/2005

2004 Election Cycle

111. L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $5,000
112. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $5,000
113. LOCKHEED MARTIN EMPLOYEES' POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $4,000
114. RAYTHEON COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $3,000
115. EMPLOYEES OF NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION PAC Defense $3,000
116. GENERAL DYNAMICS VOLUNTARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PLAN (GDVPCP) Defense $3,000
117. GENERAL DYNAMICS VOLUNTARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PLAN (GDVPCP) Defense $3,000
118. SRA INTERNATIONAL INC FUND FOR BETTER IT GOVERNMENT Defense (Data Mining) $2,000
119. EMPLOYEES OF NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION PAC Defense $2,000
120. GENERAL DYNAMICS VOLUNTARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PLAN (GDVPCP) Defense $2,000
121. EMPLOYEES OF NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION PAC Defense $1,000
122. HALLIBURTON COMPANY PAC Defense $1,000
123. EMPLOYEES OF NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION PAC Defense $1,000
124. EMPLOYEES OF NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION PAC Defense $1,000
125. L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
126. RAYTHEON COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
127. RAYTHEON COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
128. ITT INDUSTRIES PAC (ITTPAC) Defense $1,000
129. RAYTHEON COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
130. BAE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (BAE SYSTEMS USA PAC) Defense $1,000 (British Defense Contractor accused of “longstanding, widespread pattern of bribery allegations.”)
131. BAE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (BAE SYSTEMS USA PAC) Defense $1,000 (British Defense Contractor accused of “longstanding, widespread pattern of bribery allegations.”)
132. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
133. BOEING POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
134. RAYTHEON COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
135. RAYTHEON COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
136. LOCKHEED MARTIN EMPLOYEES' POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
137. LOCKHEED MARTIN EMPLOYEES' POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $1,000
138. DYNCORP FEDERAL PAC - AN AFFILIATE OF COMPUTER SCIENCES CORPORATION PAC Defense (Military Contractor and competitor to Blackwater USA.) $1,000
139. ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC EMPLOYEE CITIZENSHIP FUND Defense (Weapons manufacturer) $1,000
140. EARTHWATCH INCORPORATED D/B/A DIGITALGLOBE PAC (DIGITALGLOBE PAC) Satellites $500
141. GENERAL DYNAMICS VOLUNTARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PLAN (GDVPCP) Defense $500
142. GENERAL DYNAMICS VOLUNTARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PLAN (GDVPCP) Defense $500
143. LOCKHEED MARTIN EMPLOYEES' POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE Defense $500
144. Doyle, Frederick
Evergreen, CO 80439
Space Imaging Corp/EXECUTIVE (Satellite Imaging) $250 09/27/2004
145. Nichols, John
Washington, DC 20002
The Potomac Advocates/Partner (Defense Industry Lobbying Firm)$769 09/30/2004
146. Bauer, Lois
Holland, MI 49424
HOMEMAKER HOMEMAKER $1,000 06/09/2003 (Wife of Gentex CEO)
147. Babiak, Nicholas
Arlington, VA 22205
Skylet Inc. PRESIDENT (Defense Industry Lobbying Firm) $250 10/31/2003
148. Dodd, Joseph
Mc Lean, VA 22102
Space Imaging Corp EXECUTIVE $500 09/27/2004
149. Prince, Erik D.
Mc Lean, VA 22102
Blackwater USA BUSINESS OWNER $1,000 08/24/2004
150. Jacques, Steven
La Plata, MD 20646
Jacques and Associates CONSULTANT $500 11/10/2003 (Defense)
151. Lawrence, Taylor
Annapolis, MD 21403
Northrop Grumman Vice President $250 06/30/2004
152. Peckham, Gardner
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
BKSH & Associates Managing Director (Lobbying firm for Blackwater USA) $500 09/27/2004
153. Wilson, Thomas
Clarksville, MD 21029
EXECUTIVE Swales Aerospace $200 10/05/2004
154. Wilson, Thomas
Clarksville, MD 21029
EXECUTIVE Swales Aerospace $500 10/07/2003
155. Allen, Terry
Fairfax, VA 22032
The Alexander Strategy Group (Blackwater USA lobbying firm) $250 07/27/2004

Of course, I could be wrong... Pete's desire for never ending war could have something to do with the fact that an awful lot of his personal wealth is tied up in the defense, energy, and intelligence related industries?

I used to think that Pete's desire for endless war was because he was just a crazy fundamentalist religious fanatic... Well that is what I used to think, until I spent some time looking at Pete's campaign and personal finances. Then I realized that Pete isn't so much crazy as he is just a greedy soulless **** that is profiteering off the blood of our soldiers and the blood of the Iraqi and Afghani people.

My sincerest hope is that whomever happens to end up the next President of these United States will ensure that those who have used their power and influence to profit off the death and destruction of war are held accountable and punished accordingly.

Pete Hoekstra votes against Veterans

Quite a busy quarter for the Lying Dutchman. First it was children and now among many others it is Veterans. Who doesn't Pete vote against? HR 3043 among many other things, provides for veterans:

$231 million for Veterans' Employment and Training programs to assist returning veterans to find and train for jobs
$23.6 million for the Homeless Veterans' Program.
$10 million for those veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), for their rehabilitation, hospital care and long-term support.
$3.4 billion for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

I wonder if he mentioned this when we was giving a speech in Holland,MI for Veteran's Day? For the men and women who give all for our country, this is how your Congressman repays your service.

But on Hoekstra's government website he says:

We cannot forget their sacrifices that make our freedoms possible. The commitment in Congress to meeting the needs of America’s veterans is strong...I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that the men and women who have served, are serving or will serve in the U.S. military receive the compensation and assistance they deserve.

Maybe he forgot...and maybe what he says and what he does are two completely different things.

hat tip to GSMSO for the info, visit her site HERE

"TurtleGate"- Granholm puts Hoekstra in check

Continuing his media assault over the turtle fence in Muskegon, Pete sent a letter to Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm. To which Gov. Granholm responded. Here's the blow by blow point for point.

Pete said:

I am writing to request that you convene a working group to study how the State can better allocate funds from its budget. I am willing to volunteer my time and effort to help determine how to more effectively spend federal dollars coming into the state(snip)

The Honorable Governor Jennifer Granholm with a shap jab!

I speak for many in the state capitol rejecting your offer to convene a state budget working group, and instead urge you to focus on the vast amount of unfinished federal business, including your rejection of ommon-sense, bipartisan children's health care legislation.

WHAM
Pete said:

The fence will run along a stretch of highway that lies in the congressional district I represent, and despite my being aware of the remedy the fence seeks to provide, I am alarmed at the lack of prioritization demonstrated by this allocation of funding.

The Gov with a nice uppercut

On the US 31 project the Michigan Department of Transportation responded in writing to your concerns June 1, 2005, by pointing out that federal transaportation law requires states to expend a portion of their federal highway funds on non-construction purposes and expressly allows environmental mitigation to reduce wildlife mortality. At the time, you were in the congressional majority and a key participant debating final decisions on this federal transportation law. You could have used your position to change the law to disallow wildlife protection. Did you attempt to change the law, and if so, why were you not successful?

Oooooh that's gotta hurt!
Pete said:

As you know, approximately one-third of Michigan’s budget comes from federal funding. Yet, at no time have I nor any of my federal counterparts – to my knowledge – been approached about providing greater flexibility with the allocation of federal dollars.

Granholm with a right...and a left and another right!

In fact, I believe you were present at the May 2003 hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee when I came to Washington and testified on the federal transportation bill and specifically asked for more state flexibility under federal highway laws.

Pete is weaving and bobbing...he doesn't look like he's gonna make it

Your elected leaders in Lansing have not had the luxury you have had of repeatedly rubberstamping unbalanced federal budgets. In fact the federal budgets of the past several years have grown at an average annual rate of more than seven percent since 2002, while Michigan's general fund spending was lower in 2007 than it was in 2002. With all due respect, I do not believe your state budget advice would advance our state's budget or economic climates.

Pete is out!!! Granholm is the winner!!!

We dub thee...."TurtleGate"

The newest diversionary tactic being used by the Hoekstra camp is making waves in West Michigan. A 4 foot fence is being erected along US-31 in Muskegon for the purpose of diverting turtles from the highway.

two state-protected turtle species -- the wood and Blanding's turtle -- are among those being victimized on the highway, along with one of special concern, the Eastern box. Snappers, painted and map turtles also are common victims.

During the spring migration, hundreds of turtles die while trying to cross the highway in search of nesting sites in the Muskegon River marsh. State officials said they believe this section of U.S. 31 is Michigan's deadliest stretch of road for turtles and statistics put it on par with some of the nation's worst turtle kill zones."Highway turtle mortalities in these lowland areas tend to be mostly female turtles migrating to nesting grounds leaving behind a mostly male population of turtles, which is very detrimental to maintaining a sustainable turtle population," said Gary Noble, MRWA chairman. "Turtle mortality surveys were conducted during 2005 and 2006 confirmed that this stretch of U.S. 31 accounts for some of the highest adult turtle mortalities recorded nationwide."

Ohhh Pete Hoekstra thought he just found his cover for his Not One, Not Two, But THREE NO VOTES ON SCHIP.

U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, calls the $318,000 fences a poor use of money that could be better used on road construction in Muskegon County.

But in fact the money can't be used for road construction. The money is from federal enhancement funds dedicated for environmental and aesthetic improvements specifically.
Bill Shreck, MDOT's state director of communications says:

"We are required by federal law to spend these funds on enhancement projects and this is a project that improves safety while finding a solution to a problem that goes beyond transportation, MDOT partnered with the DNR and the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly to find the most cost-effective solution."

Mike O'Malley, MDOT Transportation Planning manager:

"This fence is a low-cost solution when you consider the potential safety, environmental and economic impacts that could arise if the situation were allowed to continue, MDOT is required by federal and state law to protect threatened and endangered species."

See also: Hoekstra flips the bird to the environment for the sake of posturing by LiberalLucy front page at MichiganLiberal.com
More to come soon...