Columnist John Bice's work is always insightful and enlightening, with a good dose of humor mixed in. While he often gravitates toward spirituality and the hypocrisy of organized religion, "Conservative double-standard is abundant" (SN 7/13) was a fine example of his work.
It is ironic that Republicans are against abortion, yet they hate funding "urban" programs that so often help underprivileged and minority communities. In Michigan, the Republicans tell Gov. Jennifer Granholm to cut more services, so we lose special programs that help the destitute, mentally disabled, physically challenged and those who desperately need to continue their adult education.
It is amazing because if Republicans had their ways, imagine how many extra children would be in need of the services that they will not pay for. While teenage pregnancy and fatherless children are a huge problem in today's society, just think if there was no abortion - how many unwanted destitute children would be born into this harsh world?
Lansing's dropout rates are actually worse than in Detroit. Cities are left to fend for themselves as representatives in the Senate and House seek to cut "urban welfare" and concentrate on getting pork in their own districts. Republican blowhards exit the political arena and take up jobs in agribusiness that pay six and even seven figures. Guys such as Rick Johnson and Chuck Perricone play the system and set themselves up with great retirement packages.
Because of the small-minded "us versus them" mentality, Michigan has fragmented into separate societies. I have seen racism for years in our great state, with local branches of the Ku Klux Klan in Howell and Charlotte. My old barber years ago taught me that the real South began as soon as you crossed the Michigan border into Indiana and Ohio.
It has increasingly become clear to me that there are two types of people out there. Some view people as people - period, point blank. Others view people as black people, brown people, yellow people, red people or white people. Which group do you belong to?
Connolly G. Carolan
East Lansing resident
