Published July 17th, 2006 - 'Get rid of Do Nothing Debbie' in the Holland Sentinel
Unedited version -
What do you do when you have a problem? Do you throw money at the issue and expect it to resolve itself? Do you give it six more years of your life with the hope that things will get better? NO! You identify your problem and you solve your problem with the best possible solution.
Our current problem is a lack of leadership and representation in the U.S. Senate. Our current problem is Sen. Debbie Stabenow. Since taking office in 2000, Sen. Stabenow has done next to nothing to represent you or your best interests from her seat in the U.S. Senate. Her voting record shows her to be a representative of abortion rights activists and illegal aliens, not the common Michigander. She has repeatedly voted against banning partial birth abortions. She has also voted for legal residency programs for illegal aliens, while voting against strengthening our borders.
Our problem goes far beyond Stabenow's voting record. Did you know that since taking office almost six years ago, Sen. Stabenow has only written one bill into law? Did you know that this one bill did nothing for you as citizens of this great state? "What was it," you ask? She changed the name of a building. "Which building is it and what is its new name," you wonder? Who cares!?! What does changing the name of a government building have to do with representing your best interests?
You thought Debbie Stabenow was voted into the U.S. Senate to be an effective advocate for the citizens of Michigan. Our problem believes that she was voted into office to be an opponent of the Republican political machine. Day after day, you will see her big smiling mug floating behind the likes of Senators Kennedy and Kerry, as they spew their left wing lunacy into your television set. If Rep. Nancy Pelosi or Sen. Harry Reid publicly slam the president or protest the actions of our current administration, odds are you will find Sen. Stabenow in that picture as well. Where you won't find her is doing the job you pay her to do.
Although there are many aspects of each position, we elect public officials for one reason and one reason only. We vote people into office to represent our interests to the best of their ability. Our interests include national security, public safety, economic stability, etc. Sen. Stabenow does not seem to realize why she was elected to the U.S. Senate. She has squandered a number of opportunities to represent your best interests. She has repeatedly placed your security, safety and stability in the back seat for the sake of exercising partisan politics.
Sen. Stabenow has properly earned the nick-name, 'Do Nothing Debbie'. Michigan cannot afford to keep this problem for another six years. It is time for us to solve this problem with the best possible solution. It is time for a change in Washington. It is time to do away with Do Nothing Debbie.
"What is the best possible solution," you ask? A star has risen in the East of our state which is shining brightly on the horizon of hope. His light has exposed the inept practices of our current problem. His radiance is like the glow of a lighthouse beacon, illuminating the path to safety and a prosperous future. His rays represent integrity, honor and sincerity. This star's name is Keith Butler.
Keith Butler is a long-time political advocate and a former City Councilman for Detroit. He was the only Republican to serve on that council in 50 years. Keith Butler is the founder and senior pastor for a growing church in Southfield, MI. He also runs the Faith Christian Academy, a successful elementary/middle school.
Unlike our current Democratic leadership, Keith Butler understands the requirements of his job as a U.S. Senator. Mr. Butler has an action-based platform for his senatorial campaign. He has a powerful declaration for the war on terror. Keith Butler has a realistic vision for future job growth here in Michigan. His system for educating our children is founded in experience. Keith Butler has a faith-based plan to protect traditional families and family values. He is also prepared to take a stand against the onslaught of illegal immigrants by beefing up border patrols and increasing the use technology to stop illegal immigration.
If you have not had a chance to hear the candidates speak, find someone who has. Ask them what they thought of Keith Butler. Ask them who they think has the best chance to unseat Debbie Stabenow. I have met both Republican candidates for U.S. Senate and I have heard them both speak about the issues. There is no doubt in my mind that Keith Butler is the best person for the job at hand.
The primary election is just a couple of weeks away. In many cases, the primary election is actually more important than the general election. This year, the results of both elections will have long-lasting consequences for all Michiganders. The time for decision is now. The time for action is now. Mark your calendar and go to the polls on August 8th. Casting your vote for Keith Butler is the first step to solving this problem with the best possible solution.
Alan Helvig lives in Fillmore Twp. He can be reached at alan@helvitorial.com.
A rebuttal to this article hit the Holland Sentinel on Sunday, July 23rd, 2006, which is worthy of a response. The writer downplays Debbie's position as a Pro-Choice Senator. In fact, Stabenow has earned a 100% pro-choice rating from NARAL, while earning a 0% rating from the Christian Coalition, for her anti-family voting record. With the majority of Americans being Pro-Life and Pro-Responsibility, she is clearly on the wrong side of the abortion fence.
The writer also points out Debbie's 2002 vote against the use of force in Iraq, asking "What would our economy look like now if we weren't in that quagmire?" His question proves that he is suffering from Left-Wingitus, a disease of the brain caused by the liberal press and leftist blogs. First off, we are not in a quagmire. We are in the middle of a global war on terror, which must be won. Furthermore, Stabenow's 'No' vote placed her on the losing (WEAK) side of a 23-77 senate vote, which did authorize the President to use military force in Iraq. Why did Debbie vote 'No'? Was it to get on the good side of fellow nay-sayers, Ted Kennedy and Carl Levin?
The real question is, what would the war on terror look like today, if we were not in Iraq? How many terrorists would still be alive today, if were were not in Iraq? As for our economy, the nation is doing great. It is mainly here in Michigan that we are still suffering. This suffering is not because of the war in Iraq. It is because of poor leadership in Lansing.
Anyone can find quotes or votes by any senator or representative which can be used to say that an elected official is doing a good job of representing their constituency. We must look at the senator's whole record and evaluate her entire tenure in office. In doing so, you will find that Debbie Stabenow is weak on defense, pro abortion, anti-family, against the second ammendment, pro-union, anti-corporation, pro-ACLU, anti-voucher, and in favor of illegal aliens gaining citizenship in America. This puts her on the wrong side of the issues for most Americans.
Don't take my word for it. Look it all up yourself. You can find the truth at www.ontheissues.org.
Posted by: Alan Helvig | July 23, 2006 at 08:12 AM