Michigan Democrats:
Bush's mirror images

Aug 2, 2004

Michigan's two most prominent Democratic officials spoke at the Democratic Party National Convention. Governor Jennifer Granholm and Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick were hailed as up-and-coming Democratic stars. In their speeches, they attacked Bush for losing jobs and lowering the standard of living for workers. But what are they doing on their home turf? Cutting jobs and lowering workers' standard of living!

The same week that Kilpatrick told delegates "the nation's long-term success hinges on strengthening and creating high-paying jobs," his administration announced 1000 layoffs in the Department of Transportation. In every contract negotiation with city unions, the Mayor has demanded wage, benefit, and manpower concessions.

Governor Granholm told delegates, "American families are getting doubly squeezed. While income is down, expenses are up." She didn't mention the proud part she has played in reducing the income of Michigan state employees by two hours' pay every week. She didn't mention how she took over from a Republican governor who had cut state workers and services to the bone – and then she cut some more: about 3000 more workers lost their jobs, and Michigan citizens all were hit with increased fees for many services such as motor vehicle registration and use of parks.

It's true that workers have suffered mightily under the Bush administration. But the last thing workers need is more so-called friends like these "stars."