Governor Granholm has apparently been watching the classic film Willy Wonka a few too many times in recent days. She seems to have developed a ’Veruca Salt’ complex, where no matter the consequences, she must have everything she demands...and she must have it now. Such is the case with her current proposal to balance the budget the only way she appears to know how: by raising taxes. As if that were not enough, the governor has blatantly threatened to slash the budgets of our schools and of our healthcare for the elderly and disabled if she doesn’t get her way. Threats against the vulnerable are no means by which to govern. The citizens of Michigan deserve true leadership and compassion, not a temper-tantrum and callous willingness to throw both the young and the old down the furnace chute right behind Veruca Salt.
