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The MIwatchdog website was created by Andrew Mac Donald, an MSU graduate, small business owner, and life-long Michigander.
 The primary mission of the MIwatchdog web site is to provide a forum to discuss issues, challenges, and opportunities in Michigan. We also monitor events and trends that effect state residents, economy and environment.
Seeds of the MIwatchdog were sown from the onslaught against Michigan's automotive industry; the demise of the public education system, particularly the Detroit school system; the on-going state budget problems; the exploding Michigan prison population and its cost; and concerns over protecting the environment -- in particular the Great Lakes, which holds 90% of all fresh water in the U.S. and 20% of the world's supply of fresh water. We are also very concerned about how so few people get involved in their local community, are informed about important issues, or even take the time to vote.
Clearly there is no shortage of problems for the state of Michigan. But problems also present opportunity. We want to open the dialogue, push the dialogue, and discuss possible solutions with politicians, experts, and private citizens. The interviews you hear on the MIwatchdog were all recorded over the telephone and have not been taken out of context in any way. When handled in a polite and civil manner, disagreement and controversy are healthy and can lead to compromise and solutions. Let's not be afraid to disagree. The real problem is apathy; sitting on the sidelines waiting for someone else or some entity to make a decision, and then complaining when you disagree. People should be involved in the process and their community. The solutions don't have to be complicated and/or generated by a person with a doctorate. Many of the best ideas and solutions are very simple in nature, tend to be less costly, and have greater impact. An example is the 4-day/10-hour-per-day work week being pushed by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Governor Jennifer Granholm. This saves money for the worker and the employer, not to mention provides more leisure time.
We encourage you to follow through on your passions and ideas, whatever they may be. At worst you will at least have made AN ATTEMPT to improve your life and those around you. Conversely if your efforts do generate tangible results -- you will make A MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTION to your community and society. The time to act is now, this is not a dress rehersal. |
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