Brad Paquette

Sex rejecting procedures performed upon minors will come to an end one day here in the State of Michigan. It should end sooner rather than later. These medicalized pathways for physically healthy children are not founded upon any quality long term evidence and the harm done in the name of care is coming to light through the advocacy of incredible Michiganders like Prisha Mosley and Jonni Skinner. Their experiences, along with the systematic reviews across the world can only lead us to call for an end to the experimentation. We also must do our best to support and bring justice for those who have been harmed. We passed significant legislation (HB 4466-68) this evening to move us one step closer to these worthy goals.

I was in ardent opposition to @RepMattHall becoming speaker of the Michigan House two years ago. We were first elected together and never saw eye to eye on much in how Lansing operated. Although rifts are common among colleagues, ours was very fervent stemming from our different approaches to the 100th Legislature. My belief was that he would be worse than Lee Chatfield and even told him as much. He, of course, said otherwise and listed out some of his goals which aligned with mine. Yet, I could not believe him and helped lead opposition against his becoming speaker. I was wrong and have been the first to admit it. The man grew immensely as a leader. He turned to his caucus first on every issue, he even had Desana's back when many wanted him out of the caucus. He took a lot of flak for it. Yes, there are plenty of things that could rub others the wrong way, but he achieved much of what he said he would. Taxpayer dollars require transparency as earmarks must go through committee because he held the line. He made funding roads a priority. He put the brakes on corporate welfare. He was low on the lobbyist free meal list, and many lobbyists actually hated him for the aforementioned points and wanted him gone. He carried himself honorably in that office. And, like it or not, everyone must admit that he dominated as the lone Republican voice in the Michigan blue wilderness at press conferences like no one before. The Michigan House consistently has had single term speakers. Sometimes that is good. In this case, with the potential that Hall has for growth and improvement, it is tough to see with people pinning our losses on him alone. Therefore, I am compelled to testify on his behalf.

A pretty clear indicator of where things are headed with this and top staff in the senate being a lobbyist from the greasiest firm in town. Michigan's democratic majority will continue to be run by the big powerful special interests for at least another 4 years with all the traditional culture war leftist side dishes.

If a photo could capture my party choosing to fall down and break its hip right after falling down and breaking its hip... this is the one.

The best places in the world can only be made better when you have loved ones to share them with.

A wise buddy pointed out that it is better for us to go through trying times than our children. It must be the highest priority to leave our world better than we found it.

Could this mean: Ending abortion for population growth. Removing gender theory and teacher union influence for education. Stop picking winners and losers with corporate welfare/crony lobbyist capitalism for stagnant economic conditions. Or will it just be more of the same lip service under Whitmer, like saying we don't have money for roads when they spend 500 million on pork?

That Charlie Kirk "nursing home ruling class" quote hits hard today.

Lobbyists continue to run the show in Michigan politics.

Can the American people get a briefing?

Because legislators seek security in them rather than their constituents. It is rare for a bill and talking points to not be written entirely by the lobbycore and given to a legislator where the wheels are greased all the way to a signature. It doesn't have to be this way.

We need to enter another era of civil service reform.

If you want to remember why we lost the midterms. All difficult to see side by side, but the Howard Lutnick segment is toughest to watch because even after being exposed in his lying about Epstein in front of Congress, he remains as Secretary of Commerce.

No more dropping the ball. Ds and Rs both ran on this issue over the last 5 years. Corruption in government is one of the top problems all voters are concerned about. Epstein files must turn into Epstein trials.

DeSantis @RonDeSantis and Massie @RepThomasMassie were friends in Congress right? That might be the only combo that could breathe life into 2028.

Any person in politics who regularly connects with people who are not in politics saw this coming from miles away. The problem is that the top echelons in the GOP don't spend much time connecting with regular people like it's their job.

The heartbreaking new normal.

As caretaker PM, what keeps Netanyahu from burning the ships between now and April to bring US soldiers to Kharg Island? Hard to see how the next few months can be good for any of us.

The root produces the fruit. Total disregard for the future of the nation can only bring about ruin as those at the top pillage and seek out more wars.

Epstein had his roots in both sides for a long time and it is a very sad thing to think about if you love our country.