Finding the upbeat in Michigan

A recent anonymous reader asked, "Why are you so bitter?"

I don't feel bitter, mostly just concerned about our state's future and economy and people. Perhaps it is time to remember some good things about Michigan.

Autumn color, vast fresh-water lakes, the U.P., Cornish pasties, Detroit Institute of Arts, fudge, golf, coney dogs, lumber jacks, Tony the Tiger, the Mighty Mac, Iggy Pop, Ted Nugent, Madonna, the Soo Locks, the Real McCoy, bow hunting, Big Boy, blue berries, moose, cars, Governor Milliken, Sleeping Bear Dunes, mastodons, Lake Michigan cabernet sauvignon, Pinconning Cheese, Interlochen Arts Camp, the Tigers, the Dirtbombs, University of Michigan, the Lions, Vernors, the UAW, Michigan State University, the State Fair, tulips, motown, whitefish, Rosie the Riveter, Sojourner Truth, cherries, Sweetest Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Gerber baby food, raw milk, wolverines, Dance for Mother Earth Annual Pow Wow, community supported agriculture, fly fishing, snow, lake freighters, light houses, the Red Arrow Highway, Jiffy Mix, iron, copper, lumber, corn, the Whiting!

Ah, that's better.

Now, don't forget these things -- continuation budget, partisan gridlock, recall campaign, below national average college completion rate, 40% higher incarceration rate than neighbor states, term limits, structural deficit.