© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Auchter's Art

  • Every once in a while I like to remind people (including myself) that it may not be entirely the fault of politicians that they are the way they are. I mean, this in no way excuses the Mitch McConnells of our world for being such loathsome Mitch McConnells. But it can't always be easy dealing with our not quite achievable expectations.
  • Three out of four bottles or cans are returned for recycling in Michigan while only one out of four are in states without deposit laws. Is there an alternative that can guarantee the same or less landfill waste and litter?
  • If you want it to be above freezing all year long, well, then you also get the bugs, flies, spiders, reptiles, and other creepy-crawly things that come with it. Isn't that reason enough to be concerned about climate change?
  • It's easy to point to what you're against — it takes effort to thoughtfully consider and then articulate what you're for. That's what worked for Reagan. That's what worked for Obama. We'll see if Michigan Democrats figure it out.
  • Okay, so not having a candidate that you're excited about voting for in the upcoming primary next week is not really on the same level of pettiness, but I do think it qualifies as a first-world problem. I, too, wish for a selection of more engaging choices.
  • You'd think we'd know enough from history that there's nothing good down the hyper-nativist path. And yet, rallying to the nativist calls is often seen as the most patriotic thing we can do. For a country of immigrants, we sure have a particular disdain for immigrants.
  • The parents of the shooter had clearly been negligent in their responsibilities to their son and their community. Jennifer Crumbley will now have to face lawful consequences for her actions (or, more accurately, inaction). It doesn't fix anything, but justice does provide a reason to be hopeful that lessons have been learned.
  • It's disheartening how quickly it goes from people's real concerns to the gamification of those concerns.
  • Shawn Fain has made quite a name for himself for being an authentic, often salty voice of the working class. He can be theatrical, but he also says what he means and doesn't seem to suffer fools. I've also read similar things said in praise of Donald Trump (usually by Trump himself).
  • Okay, granted, winter did hit later than it usually does this year. But in the end, it is January, and this is Michigan, so it really isn't that remarkable. And yet, that doesn't stop all of us from persistently remarking, does it?