Making America Great?
letters HIT SEND! Love what we’re doing here? Disagree with something you’ve read on these pages? Share your views with a quick letter to the editor by shooting us an email. OUR SIMPLE RULES: Keep your letter to 300 words or less, send no more than one per month, include your name/address/phone number, and agree to allow us to edit. That’s it. Email info@northernexpress.com and hit send!
Another Diagnosis
In response to Karen Martin’s letter about the lack of fact checking, alternative facts, and fake news since the election of our new president – you wonder what to believe. Ms. Martin threw out there a diagnosis of narcissism. It’s possible to have more than one diagnosis. Pathologic individuals tell lies to get what they want, be it tangible or otherwise, i.e. to “take down” another person. These are people who retaliate against those they believe stand in their way. They will cleverly manipulate others into assisting them with their agendas. I invite you to reference Dr. Robert
Hare and evaluate for yourself if you find traits that fit the sociopath. You know he’s different, but question what that “different” is. It’s guesstimated that one of every 23-25 people who walk among us is like that. And anyone can become their target. No time like the present to learn more on this topic. Take it from an “experienced target”: Prepare for more drama, more excuses, more back-pedaling…question everything. As for the next four years, hopefully our new president will surround himself with honest, capable people whom he will listen to and not retaliate against. Bonnee Fradette, Cheboygan
Protect The EPA
Politics aside, whether we are natives, newbies, fudgies, or investors, we treasure the pristine natural beauty of Northern Michigan. Historically, our lakes and environment have been threatened. There have been required cleanups of soil toxins prior to new construction; past or current fish consumption advisories in lakes Michigan, Charlevoix, Elk, Glen, Higgins, Houghton, Manistee, and Torch; and below standard air quality in the Benzie County Crystal Lake watershed as recently as 2014. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with the MI DEQ has been instrumental in preventing, detecting, and even reversing many of our environmental problems. With future threats including Asian Carp, microbead plastics, drain water runoff, and possible underwater oil pipeline rupture, it is illogical and irresponsible for our 1st District Representative Jack Bergman to have co-sponsored and endorse House bills to reduce powers of the EPA. With our shared shorelines, these issues cannot be managed by state agencies alone. Consider the Great Lakes Water Quality Act, the Clean Air Interstate Rule, and the 1973 banning of lead in gasoline. Please help protect our resources by letting Representative Bergman and Senators Stabenow and Peters know that closing down or limiting the EPA could be disastrous for Michigan.
On CNN last week, Carl Bernstein said Trump has “no interest in the truth.” The primary goal seems to be to undermine trust in our press and the FBI and CIA. The present administration is doing a very good job at that. They try to convince us that up is down and in is out. Trump has the audacity to demand names of news sources when he himself continues to make assertions by innuendo and does not pretend to back up his statements with facts. He spews willy-nilly as he labels the ideas of others as dishonest without providing evidence. His namecalling and labelling is juvenile. This is a time of heightened fragility for our citizens and our country. We can’t allow ourselves to lose track of American ideals and principles. The America I have always been part of has stood for equality, integrity, concern for others, tolerance and a welcoming spirit. We must be sure to hold our leadership to the highest standards of our heritage. Refute ignorance for what it is. We must stand up for a free press and let our voices be heard. This is no time for complacency. Reflect on the tiny percentage of Germans who stood by and allowed Hitler to takeover history. They wanted Germany to be great. Shame on us if we allow Trump to destroy our free press in his quest for greatness.
CONTENTS
features Crime and Rescue Map........................................7
Gaylord Gourmet...........................................11 Be Savvy with Your Money..............................12 Maximum Microbrews.......................................14 Paul Sutherland Out to Change the World..........16 Seen..................................................................19
dates...............................................20-23 music Musical Fun, Made in Michigan........................15
FourScore.......................................................24 Nightlife............................................................26
columns & stuff Top Five............................................................5
Spectator/Stephen Tuttle....................................4 Weird................................................................8 Style..................................................................9 Modern Rock/Kristi Kates.................................25 The Reel.......................................................27 Margaret Forgione, Traverse City Advice Goddess..............................................28 Crossword.....................................................29 Freewill Astrology...........................................30 Classifieds......................................................31 Solidarity with ACLU Everyone is now aware of the crucial role of the ACLU in combating the Trump administration’s policies that violate the civil liberties and rights of individuals. This was especially evident in the ACLU’s involvement in the Washington case resulting in an injunction halting President Trump’s misguided and unconstitutional executive order on immigration. But there is another ACLU action about which the public is perhaps not fully aware— that the ACLU has appeared in a suit as amicus curia (friend of the court) brought by the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Northern Express Weekly is published by Eyes Only Media, LLC. Sioux Tribes against the U.S. Army Corps Publisher: Luke Haase of Engineers and Dakota Access, LLP, the 129 E Front Traverse City, MI owner of the controversial pipeline. That Phone: (231) 947-8787 Fax: 947-2425 suit, originally commenced last summer, has email: info@northernexpress.com been updated in light of Trump’s directive www.northernexpress.com (made in his second day in office) overruling Finance & Distribution Manager: Brian Crouch the Corps’ previous position and ordering Sales: Kathleen Johnson, Peg Muzzall, Katy McCain, construction permits to be granted allowing Mike Bright, Michele Young, Randy Sills, Todd Norris the pipeline project to go forward. The case For ad sales in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, awaits a decision. Boyne & Charlevoix, call (231) 881-5943 The ACLU has a national policy that Creative Director: Kyra Poehlman “supports the rights of Native American Distribution: Matt Ritter, Randy Sills, peoples to (1) A tribal land base and Kathy Twardowski, Austin Lowe appurtenant natural resources…and (4) Listings Editor: Jamie Kauffold Enforcement of the commitments made Contributing Editor: Kristi Kates Reporter: Patrick Sullivan to them by the United States in treaties, Contributors: Amy Alkon, Janice Binkert, compacts, and by other governmental Ross Boissoneau, Rob Brezsny, Jennifer Hodges, actions.” Accordingly, as amicus the Candra Kolodziej, Clark Miller, Al Parker, ACLU specifically stands alongside several Michael Phillips, Chuck Shepherd, Steve Tuttle, Tyler Parr hundred federally recognized Indian Photography: Michael Poehlman, Peg Muzzall tribes, among which is the United Tribes Copyright 2016, all rights reserved. Distribution: 36,000 of Michigan which, in turn, is made up of copies at 600+ locations weekly. Northern Express Weekly 12 recognized Michigan tribes including is free of charge, but no person may take more than the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and one copy of each weekly issue without written permission Chippewa Indians. of Northern Express Weekly. Reproduction of all content In short, in the Dakota Pipeline litigation without permission of the publisher is prohibited. the ACLU is representing and supporting our Native American neighbors right here in Leelanau County. Get an ACLU blue ribbon and wear it in solidarity with them! Steve Morse, Suttons Bay
Cynthia Miner, Traverse City
Northern Express Weekly • march 6, 2017 • 3