Is Michigan a harbinger for the U.S. economy?

[AztecWilliam]

Michigan is in sad shape economically. Why is that so? There are no doubt multiple reasons, but government policy is surely one of them. "Industrial policy" is a term referring to the goal of government to guide the economy, supposedly in a fashion superior to that of non-political businessmen. Does that make sense? Are people with political motives better able to control an economy than those who merely want to make a profit?

In the case of Michigan, we may have an example of how political rather than business reasons do in terms of shaping an economy.

article.nationalreview.com/424065/michigans-blueprint-for-america/henry-payne?page=2

AzWm

[aztecwin]

Michigan and California are two cases where the voters have just got to throw everyone out on both sides of the political spectrum and elect those and only those who will cut spending and balance a budget with at least a small surplus. It will be tough on everyone, but we do want to survive.

I think my Congressman, Issa, is OK but I am wondering about Bilbray. Does anyone have good insight on what he does about earmarks and spending in general? Should the GOP or Independents identify a better fiscal conservative person in the primary to run against Busby if the Democrats don't run someone else who would be suitable?

We have got to identify and vote for people who will work in the best interest of all Californians and not just be the least bad.

PS: I am willing to look at Issa as well, but as far as I can tell he votes on the right side of all issues. I don't know about earmarks.
If someone wants to do research on Issa and earmarks, here is a start.
blogs.pe.com/politics/2009/03/issa-swears-off-earmarks.html