Jack Lessenberry, Author at Lessenberry Ink

Your Turn

Shri was not alone in allowing ego to invest in their respective campaigns. In 1978, Phil Power put his newspaper business in a blind trust in order to wage a campaign for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. He outspent everyone but finished a poor second. Then there was the chap who leveraged Northwest Airlines and made a pile of cash that he thought would buy him a political office in California. It will be sad if Shri now does nothing to help the Democratic candidate who did win, Gretchen Whitmer.

Michael H.

Lessenberry Ink

2018-08-09T08:56:16-04:00

Michael H.

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/michael-heilmann/

It sure seems that we all are in a giant pickle! A big mess... will it ever good for all of us again? I doubt it.

Jill Behrendt

Lessenberry Ink

2019-03-13T09:38:16-04:00

Jill Behrendt

It sure seems that we all are in a giant pickle! A big mess... will it ever good for all of us again? I doubt it.

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/jill-behrendt/

As a Republican (barely anymore) I am embarassed by the dittohead nonsense that tax cuts are the solution to every single problem ever.

As someone who came from a construction family (and the orange barrel guy several decades ago) I know what it is going to take to catch up - lots of money. Which is still cheaper than the tires and struts we have had to buy (did not have such a problem in Ohio).

Tom E.

Lessenberry Ink

2018-08-13T20:32:38-04:00

Tom E.

As a Republican (barely anymore) I am embarassed by the dittohead nonsense that tax cuts are the solution to every single problem ever. As someone who came from a construction family (and the orange barrel guy several decades ago) I know what it is going to take to catch up - lots of money. Which is still cheaper than the tires and struts we have had to buy (did not have such a problem in Ohio).

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/tom-ealey/

Regarding Coleman Young, Detroit's first black mayor: I worked with mostly black Detroiters. I was the minority where I worked. It was like being up close and personal on the inside for the first time in my life. I can say it was quite an immersion into a whole different culture. I would not change the experience for the world. There were fun times and hard times. I saw a side of blacks that very few white people ever get to see. Stereotype- breaking for sure. Hard workers, super intelligent. Sometimes I actually felt like I time traveling back to ancient Africa the cradle of civilization and Egyptian mathematical genius. I never really knew until I worked with the people at the Register of Deeds how much they looked up to Mayor Coleman A. Young. He was a man they revered and supported. Funny seems like we lived in parallel universes. Young was tough because his life was not that of white privilege. I don't blame him for not trusting Bob Berg at first . When I started working at the Register of Deeds I had a lot to prove and earn trust. Many people working there had never really worked with a white person. Amazing as that may sound it was true but I made some very good friends that I still have to this day. Yes, it would have been a treasure to have a book by Bob Berg. Detroit is a unique situation, to say the least -- segregated, feared, sad and so great a jewel to me. Just yesterday as I was walking out of the Tacoma (Washington) East Side community center the Latino receptionist told me she wanted me to join her art class and I started telling her about the DIA and the Diego Rivera murals. She knew right away what a treasure we possessed. It is often not until we leave a place that we realize what treasures we took for granted. Coleman A. Young is a cause for pride for black Detroiters who live in segregation and racism we cannot fully empathize standing on the outside looking in.

Lynnette Shureb

Lessenberry Ink

2019-05-16T17:37:03-04:00

Lynnette Shureb

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/lynnette-shureb-2/

Regarding Detroit Mayor Coleman Young: I think it was his responsibility to instill pride in the people of Detroit. Pride of self, pride of property, pride of unity. I think he spewed so much anger that the community thought they could behave in his angry way. A city that still hasn’t recovered from the riot of the late 60’s? A ridiculous shame! And he gets credit for much of it.

Linda Piccoli

Lessenberry Ink

2019-05-16T17:39:43-04:00

Linda Piccoli

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/linda-piccoli/

Regarding Democratic Presidential Candidate Pete Buttigieg: I wish we as a nation could get over those few, obscure Bible verses that people cling to as a reason for their bigotry. My mother-in-law lived in South Bend for several years and felt Mayor Pete was golden. She used to tell us that some day he would be President.

From what he's done and said, he seems to be a person who would bring honesty and integrity to the Presidency. He also has amazing credentials and would assemble a Cabinet that would bring America forward.

I cannot support the older candidates any longer. We need new ideas and fresh visions for this country and our world. I can only hope & wish that enough others feel similarly that we elect a President who cares for all people and who will champion the Earth.

David Ewick

Lessenberry Ink

2019-05-16T17:42:58-04:00

David Ewick

Regarding Democratic Presidential Candidate Pete Buttigieg: I wish we as a nation could get over those few, obscure Bible verses that people cling to as a reason for their bigotry. My mother-in-law lived in South Bend for several years and felt Mayor Pete was golden. She used to tell us that some day he would be President. From what he's done and said, he seems to be a person who would bring honesty and integrity to the Presidency. He also has amazing credentials and would assemble a Cabinet that would bring America forward. I cannot support the older candidates any longer. We need new ideas and fresh visions for this country and our world. I can only hope & wish that enough others feel similarly that we elect a President who cares for all people and who will champion the Earth.

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/david-ewick/

Jack--
Thank you for this 8/14 column, though I believe it is one of your poorer attempts.

Immigration is an extremely complex issue for our country in the 21st century. The complexity makes it very easy for both political parties to mislead the public and turn it into an emotional issue. Your column does little to indicate the complexity.

A number of independent issues are often conflated as "Immigration"-- legal immigration, illegal immigration, acceptance of refugees who may be fleeing their homes for a wide variety of unrelated reasons, the DACA residents, "birthright citizenship" are just a few.

Each issue has its own problems and its own solutions. Each issue has been taken up as a simplistic political issue by both parties and their supporters and opponents.

This "one size fits all" column and your conclusion ("I am convinced that the best thing that could happen to Detroit would be to settle 50,000 immigrants in the city, in return for their agreeing to live here for at least five years.") do nothing to clarify the situation.

Ernest D.

Lessenberry Ink

2018-08-15T08:35:07-04:00

Ernest D.

Jack-- Thank you for this 8/14 column, though I believe it is one of your poorer attempts. Immigration is an extremely complex issue for our country in the 21st century. The complexity makes it very easy for both political parties to mislead the public and turn it into an emotional issue. Your column does little to indicate the complexity. A number of independent issues are often conflated as "Immigration"-- legal immigration, illegal immigration, acceptance of refugees who may be fleeing their homes for a wide variety of unrelated reasons, the DACA residents, "birthright citizenship" are just a few. Each issue has its own problems and its own solutions. Each issue has been taken up as a simplistic political issue by both parties and their supporters and opponents. This "one size fits all" column and your conclusion ("I am convinced that the best thing that could happen to Detroit would be to settle 50,000 immigrants in the city, in return for their agreeing to live here for at least five years.") do nothing to clarify the situation.

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/541/

Delighted to find your column once again!

Barbara R.

Lessenberry Ink

2018-08-16T19:07:45-04:00

Barbara R.

Delighted to find your column once again!

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/555/

I agree with the article, but sadly the comments about Abdul El-Sayed are troubling. He clearly has best platform, most volunteers and is doing best at outreach statewide.The Dems still lack unity as the (Congressional) race in the 13th cleat demonstrates. Without a massive GOTV effort the horrible Bill Schuette certainly could win! ( I worked a bit on the Fieger campaign in 1998 Yikes! lots of issues as a candidate)

Barbara S.

Lessenberry Ink

2018-07-12T09:03:16-04:00

Barbara S.

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/barbara-stevenson/

Thanks, Jack, for your column about your harassment ordeal. I know it was difficult and painful to write it. I was and am infuriated by what happened to you. (Same with Garrison Keillor, and oh how irate I am about Al Franken.) I enjoyed all your work, every day looked forward to the Michigan Radio commentary. Always enjoyed the Metro Times weekly column, and even the often goofy comments that followed. I enjoyed your Toledo TV show, and miss that. I'm glad to see once in a while you show up in the Blade. You did a great job in all those things, so I think it's a loss to all of us that all that is gone.

So I'm very glad you have this web site. Your commentary and analysis remain valuable to me. And I like the audio comments, hope you will keep it up. And, I always got a kick out of the typewriter sound in the Mich. Radio commentary. Maybe you can put that back here? I would wonder how many listeners had no idea what that sound was. I'm sorry about what happened, can hardly imagine how it has affected you. So thanks for what you're doing here, please continue.

Best Wishes!

Mike D

Lessenberry Ink

2019-03-26T12:19:27-04:00

Mike D

Thanks, Jack, for your column about your harassment ordeal. I know it was difficult and painful to write it. I was and am infuriated by what happened to you. (Same with Garrison Keillor, and oh how irate I am about Al Franken.) I enjoyed all your work, every day looked forward to the Michigan Radio commentary. Always enjoyed the Metro Times weekly column, and even the often goofy comments that followed. I enjoyed your Toledo TV show, and miss that. I'm glad to see once in a while you show up in the Blade. You did a great job in all those things, so I think it's a loss to all of us that all that is gone. So I'm very glad you have this web site. Your commentary and analysis remain valuable to me. And I like the audio comments, hope you will keep it up. And, I always got a kick out of the typewriter sound in the Mich. Radio commentary. Maybe you can put that back here? I would wonder how many listeners had no idea what that sound was. I'm sorry about what happened, can hardly imagine how it has affected you. So thanks for what you're doing here, please continue. Best Wishes!

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/mike-d/

There is no doubt that infrastructure is a major problem and the solution and the politics are too contorted for most overworked and media blitzed citizens to not feel apathetic and resort to the worst feeling a politician would ever want to deal with and that is voter discouragement.

Most politics is more emotional in nature and that is where I see the answer to this stalemate may come.

When you are trying to make sense out of nonsense you finally have to realize that you are talking to a wall of irrational, emotionally driven reactionary factors.

As a mentor of mine would say " Everything is exactly as it should be given ALL the factors involved."

There is a reason why this is what it is and eventually LIFE, the great changer will change the situation with or without the short-sighted, self-centered wilful players.

But there is a better way to learn from the wisdom of experience.

No one needs to keep making the same mistakes over and over unless they are being driven by their own self-destructive egos, flawed thinking, and their false pride. And in the end, if we have any integrity we can find the humility to rise above our false pride and experience what it feels like to achieve a great victory where no one loses.

Lynnette Shureb

Lessenberry Ink

2019-03-26T12:22:13-04:00

Lynnette Shureb

Maybe if the governor got the backing of the billionaires that would help. I am just brainstorming or tripping ...ha! Are there any billionaires that care to say ... I will donate double the tax if the legislature cooperates and promises to compromise? We know the problem and to keep repeating the obvious is not working. The solution may be to look at how impossible stalemates were overcome before. What drastic situation was resolved in the past by new and creative approaches? We live in extreme times where we can't afford obstinate positions caused by violating ethics as in gerrymandering and rigid values ignoring the higher laws of truth and justice because of our human nature lack of character. Who are the most charismatic heroes and would the Governor campaign with them to put public pressure on the legislature that cheated their way into power through unethical means. There is no doubt that infrastructure is a major problem and the solution and the politics are too contorted for most overworked and media blitzed citizens to not feel apathetic and resort to the worst feeling a politician would ever want to deal with and that is voter discouragement. Most politics is more emotional in nature and that is where I see the answer to this stalemate may come. When you are trying to make sense out of nonsense you finally have to realize that you are talking to a wall of irrational, emotionally driven reactionary factors. As a mentor of mine would say " Everything is exactly as it should be given ALL the factors involved." There is a reason why this is what it is and eventually LIFE, the great changer will change the situation with or without the short-sighted, self-centered wilful players. But there is a better way...

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/lynnette-shureb/

Jack, thanks for your March 24 column. I was unaware of your situation but have seen similar situations here at MSU. We have all been stung by the Nasser situation but the reaction is beyond all reason. I hesitate to use the words "witch hunt" (because they are over used) but the analogy holds. If someone calls you a witch, you have the impossible task to prove that you are not. You do that by drowning. I also thought your pinata analogy was appropriate. Institutions seem more interested in avoiding negative publicity than defending their innocent employees.

For the record, I have not been accused of anything. I just tire of watching the inequities around me.

Dennis Paradis

Lessenberry Ink

2019-03-27T18:06:57-04:00

Dennis Paradis

Jack, thanks for your March 24 column. I was unaware of your situation but have seen similar situations here at MSU. We have all been stung by the Nasser situation but the reaction is beyond all reason. I hesitate to use the words "witch hunt" (because they are over used) but the analogy holds. If someone calls you a witch, you have the impossible task to prove that you are not. You do that by drowning. I also thought your pinata analogy was appropriate. Institutions seem more interested in avoiding negative publicity than defending their innocent employees. For the record, I have not been accused of anything. I just tire of watching the inequities around me.

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/dennis-paradis/

In your column of 8/15, you decried the results of Proposal A as leading to the decline of K-12 schools. In today's column, you write about the "theft"by both parties of sales tax money that was dedicated to school funding. Simple question: Without that "theft", how big a problem would Michigan's school funding be?

Jack Lessenberry responds: The schools would be better off, certainly, if they had that $4.5 billion. But that doesn't mean they wouldn't have problems, and sooner or later, all would have been severely damaged by the effects of a broken funding model

Ernest DuBrul

Lessenberry Ink

2018-09-03T17:11:53-04:00

Ernest DuBrul

In your column of 8/15, you decried the results of Proposal A as leading to the decline of K-12 schools. In today's column, you write about the "theft"by both parties of sales tax money that was dedicated to school funding. Simple question: Without that "theft", how big a problem would Michigan's school funding be? Jack Lessenberry responds: The schools would be better off, certainly, if they had that $4.5 billion. But that doesn't mean they wouldn't have problems, and sooner or later, all would have been severely damaged by the effects of a broken funding model

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/ernest-dubrul/

Hi Jack,

First, this is some of the most enjoyable and important writing I have experienced in a long time.

The challenge of restoring the film credits is a massive legislative challenge. Its also a program deserves another chance. The smart thing to do is to keep the amount of credits fixed every fiscal year. My gut feeling would be set that amount at $100 million. No more.

The problem now is getting film production companies to trust the state again with such a program. There were significant investments in Michigan by movies studios when Gov. Snyder decided to end the program. This resulted in a lot of rancor from the industry and job losses (like mine). Even though people like myself, Sen. Morris Hood III, and author Mitch Albom extended every effort to keep the industry from leaving.

Sadly, because of this and other economic factors, my family and I may have to leave the state as well.

Peter Watt

Lessenberry Ink

2018-09-03T17:13:53-04:00

Peter Watt

Hi Jack, First, this is some of the most enjoyable and important writing I have experienced in a long time. The challenge of restoring the film credits is a massive legislative challenge. Its also a program deserves another chance. The smart thing to do is to keep the amount of credits fixed every fiscal year. My gut feeling would be set that amount at $100 million. No more. The problem now is getting film production companies to trust the state again with such a program. There were significant investments in Michigan by movies studios when Gov. Snyder decided to end the program. This resulted in a lot of rancor from the industry and job losses (like mine). Even though people like myself, Sen. Morris Hood III, and author Mitch Albom extended every effort to keep the industry from leaving. Sadly, because of this and other economic factors, my family and I may have to leave the state as well.

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/peter-watt/

As I said, it is next to impossible to get rid of the Electoral College anyway, so what take the time to write about it. Changing the Constitution requires a two-thirds vote of both the House and the Senate (or two thirds of the states) to propose the amendment and then three-fourths of the states to pass. A quick look at the make-up of Congress by state and of the states themselves shows the unlikelihood bordering on impossibility of such an amendment.

But if anyone wants to try, it must be now. Best estimates of the population distribution by 2040 suggests that ~70 percent of Americans will live in 15 states. Therefore, the remaining ~30 percent will choose 68 senators! And the ~30% will be older, whiter, more rural, more male than the 70 percent. Or, more starkly, half the population of the country will control 84 Senate seats.

With the filibuster rules still in place as logic suggests they will be, nothing will get done in D.C. except by once-a-year Reconciliation, Executive actions, and presidential appointments.

Ernest DuBrul

Lessenberry Ink

2018-09-03T17:15:55-04:00

Ernest DuBrul

Of course we should not scrap the Electoral College (nor can we, as I'll get to in a minute). From Plato through the Founders no one has every seen value in a true democracy. Any attempt at one has rapidly degenerated into dictatorship or anarchy. The republic established by our Constitution, a limited democracy, if you will, has served us well, and continues to do so into the 21st century. As I said, it is next to impossible to get rid of the Electoral College anyway, so what take the time to write about it. Changing the Constitution requires a two-thirds vote of both the House and the Senate (or two thirds of the states) to propose the amendment and then three-fourths of the states to pass. A quick look at the make-up of Congress by state and of the states themselves shows the unlikelihood bordering on impossibility of such an amendment. But if anyone wants to try, it must be now. Best estimates of the population distribution by 2040 suggests that ~70 percent of Americans will live in 15 states. Therefore, the remaining ~30 percent will choose 68 senators! And the ~30% will be older, whiter, more rural, more male than the 70 percent. Or, more starkly, half the population of the country will control 84 Senate seats. With the filibuster rules still in place as logic suggests they will be, nothing will get done in D.C. except by once-a-year Reconciliation, Executive actions, and presidential appointments.

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/ernest-dubrul-2/

Bravo! Back to it!

Suzanne P.

Lessenberry Ink

2018-07-26T14:03:02-04:00

Suzanne P.

Bravo! Back to it!

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/suzanne-p/

I had been missing your columns in the Metro Times. That is why I am really pleased my wife found this website. You are always a good, informative read.

Allen S.

Lessenberry Ink

2018-07-26T14:05:45-04:00

Allen S.

I had been missing your columns in the Metro Times. That is why I am really pleased my wife found this website. You are always a good, informative read.

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/allen-salyer/

Comment or Message

"Now we should use this opportunity, especially if this initiative passes, to set up a sensible and proper supply chain system for both medical and recreational marijuana."

I would hope that all of the details about taxing regulating, supplying, etc. are part of the issue we will be voting on. Absent that inclusion, no one should vote for the proposal.

Ernest DuBrul

Lessenberry Ink

2018-09-14T09:04:28-04:00

Ernest DuBrul

Comment or Message "Now we should use this opportunity, especially if this initiative passes, to set up a sensible and proper supply chain system for both medical and recreational marijuana." I would hope that all of the details about taxing regulating, supplying, etc. are part of the issue we will be voting on. Absent that inclusion, no one should vote for the proposal.

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/739/

Jack, we should never forget there are two other factors which caused Michigan's decline, and will likely mean it can never make a significant "comeback." Those are union tactics and the weather. The unions have a bad reputation for keeping "bad" workers in their ranks, and the "bad" way in which the bad weather is dealt with here just isn't something modern man is willing to put up anymore. I have personal stories to tell regarding union behavior; and, if you've been to Wisconsin, Ohio and other places in the winter, and will be honest with yourself, you'll fully understand.

Michael J.

Lessenberry Ink

2018-06-29T14:00:32-04:00

Michael J.

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/245/

Glad to have you back Jack

Lauren S.

Lessenberry Ink

2018-06-29T14:01:58-04:00

Lauren S.

Glad to have you back Jack

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/246/

Yes, it is more expensive to go to college in 2018 than it was in 1969. But it certainly is not prohibitive.

In-county tuitions at community colleges are around $2000/sem. That's ~$8000 for a two-year Associate degree. Not bad considering the benefits for the graduate. That's also about the cost of a well-used car.

From a map of the state universities in MI, it appears that there is a state university with tuition in the range of ~$6000/sem within a one hour drive of any point in the state, though that may not hold for the upper lower peninsula. That's an additional ~$12000 for a four-year Bachelor degree. (I've not factored in books, additional fees, and travel expenses. Nor have I debited tuition avoided by high school completion classes, AP credits, paid co-op, or federal grants. Together they are probably a push.)
The question really is: "Is ~$20,000 for a university degree worth it? Is it such that 'Nobody whose parents aren’t rich can afford that...' " I think not.

The State of Michigan is not making it financially impossible for a student to get some kind of a higher education. $20,000 for a Bachelor degree is not excessive. A new Ford Fusion costs more.

Complaints about the cost of higher education seem to me to be overblown, and large student debt is very often the result of bad choices that may be based on bad advising, incomplete preparation, excessive desire for a certain career, "needing" to go away to school, wanting one's own apartment, etc.

Jack Lessenberry responds: Professor DuBrul makes some good points, but it is misleading to write as if the cost of a college degree was tuition alone. Three years ago Michigan State, for example, told me they estimated the cost of a four-year degree as slightly more than $100,000, and it's risen since then.

Professor E. DuBrul

Lessenberry Ink

2018-06-29T14:04:37-04:00

Professor E. DuBrul

Yes, it is more expensive to go to college in 2018 than it was in 1969. But it certainly is not prohibitive. In-county tuitions at community colleges are around $2000/sem. That's ~$8000 for a two-year Associate degree. Not bad considering the benefits for the graduate. That's also about the cost of a well-used car. From a map of the state universities in MI, it appears that there is a state university with tuition in the range of ~$6000/sem within a one hour drive of any point in the state, though that may not hold for the upper lower peninsula. That's an additional ~$12000 for a four-year Bachelor degree. (I've not factored in books, additional fees, and travel expenses. Nor have I debited tuition avoided by high school completion classes, AP credits, paid co-op, or federal grants. Together they are probably a push.) The question really is: "Is ~$20,000 for a university degree worth it? Is it such that 'Nobody whose parents aren’t rich can afford that...' " I think not. The State of Michigan is not making it financially impossible for a student to get some kind of a higher education. $20,000 for a Bachelor degree is not excessive. A new Ford Fusion costs more. Complaints about the cost of higher education seem to me to be overblown, and large student debt is very often the result of bad choices that may be based on bad advising, incomplete preparation, excessive desire for a certain career, "needing" to go away to school, wanting one's own apartment, etc. Jack Lessenberry responds: Professor DuBrul makes some good points, but it is misleading to write as if the cost of a college degree was tuition alone. Three years ago Michigan State, for example, told me they estimated the cost of a four-year degree as...

https://lessenberryink.com/testimonials/247/

Lessenberry Ink

Jack Lessenberry

The Semi-glorious Fourth

The Broken Country: On Trauma, a Crime, and the Continuing Legacy of Vietnam

Michigan’s Weirdest Governor