Want A $3.7 Billion Bailout for Michigan? Buy Local!

With all the bailout talk going one, here's an an idea I can get behind. Buy Local and Let's Keep Our Money in Michigan!

Buy Michigan Now challenges supporters to Think Michigan First to support and build a strong Michigan economy.

Download their holiday gift and grocery guides, and while you're there, Take the Pledge to 'think Michigan first'. Spend local to build a strong and diverse Michigan economy.

Here's a couple of stores to consider.

Michigan Made in Plymouth ships gift baskets with filled with Michigan products around the country. Those born in Michigan but living elsewhere can get a little touch of home (like Sanders).

If you're an art lover, check out the Art-is-in Market at Laurel Park Mall in Livonia, exclusively featuring the work of Michigan artists.

I'll leave you with this webvideo of Charlie Wollborg of CurveDetroit.com demonstrating how you can support the Michigan economy while food shopping.


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I've Got The Bailout Blues

I'm ticked off at the way Congress is grilling the automakers. Yeah sure, they didn't help their case by flying their private jets to Washington unprepared three weeks ago, but give me a break.

In contrast, Citibank, AIG et al practically had money thrown at them. Frankly, the stark difference in treatment smacks of cronyism. And why wasn't there an "oversight board" established to account for how they spent the money?

The auto industry drives 6 million jobs in our economy according to TheEngineOfDemocracy.com. If you think this is just a Michigan problem, think again. This is the ad they ran in the Washington Post today. Then check out their map and roll your mouse around to see what the impact is for each state.

In the end, I agree with mad money Jim Cramer...if everyone is unemployed, who are the banks going to loan money to?

Big Bad "B" Words

Bush, Bridge Loan, Bailout...lots of "B" words are being bantered about the cause of our current financial crisis and possible solutions.

We here in Michigan never really enjoyed the recovery after 9/11 the way the rest of the country did. Now with the meltdown of the economy, the auto industry has taken a huge hit. Unfortunately, Congress adjourned for the Thanksgiving holiday without making a decision on assistance for the automakers.

Mixed feelings aside about what the best course of action should be, I thought Rep. Thaddeus McCotter stated Michigan's case pretty well.