Finlandia Property Bought Up, Free Speech on UP Higher Ed Campuses, Primaries in the 109th, Powell Township Says No to Rockets, & From the World Around Us
– INFORMED BREVITY –
Finlandia Property Bought Up
Finlandia Foundation National has purchased two of the buildings that were part of Finlandia University in Hancock. They bought the building that is the Finnish American Heritage Center and the North Wind Book store. The purchase is intended to assist in the preservation of the Finnish culture in the Upper Peninsula. Finlandia University announced its closure last year and they are in the process of working with folks to sell assets.
Free Speech on Upper Peninsula Higher Education Campuses
We have all read about the firing of university presidents around the issue of free speech on their campus and the campus debate about free speech. The University of Michigan just issued a Board of Trustees policy on free speech on the Ann Arbor campus. This follows similar announcements by universities and colleges across the country.
Several of our readers have contacted us about what we know about the free speech policy on the university and college campuses in the Upper Peninsula. We don’t have an answer for them. So Whispers fans, what do you know about this issue on our campuses? Hey Upper Peninsula campus leaders, tell us what your policy is and when was it adopted?
Primaries in the UP’s 109th House District
The only Democratic House district in the Upper Peninsula has lots of primary action to begin 2024. Incumbent Democratic Representative Jenn Hill is out there running hard and has a primary going. On the Republican side there are several candidates, including a former TV weatherman. We will keep you posted as we hear more about the candidates. Should be very interesting to watch and learn about these candidates.
Upper Peninsula’s Powell Township Says No to Rockets
The township was proposed to be a rocket launch site by the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association. Powell Township said no, no. It voted to prevent a launch facility from being built in the township.
From the World Around Us
SOME TRIVIA TO BEGIN THE NEW YEAR
Which U.S. President liked to have his head rubbed with petroleum jelly? (Hint: not one of the two most recent presidents). See end of this issue for the answer.
TSA ANNOUNCEMENT ON GUNS
The TSA has announced that they found 6,737 guns at airport security checkpoints. They say about 93% of them were loaded–the guns not the owners. (Axios.1.18.24)
Quotes
“There is nothing quite like a stupid person trying to prove he’s not stupid.” Lawrence O’Brien.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep balance, you must keep moving.” Albert Einstein.
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“WE BELIEVE YOU ARE SMART ENOUGH TO FORM YOUR OWN OPINIONS, AND WE TRY TO GIVE YOU SOME SOURCES TO DEVELOP YOUR OPINIONS.”
TRIVIA ANSWER:
President Calvin Coolidge is said to enjoy having his head rubbed with petroleum jelly when he ate breakfast. He believed it was good for his health.
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Guns are often found when people forget the weapons are in their purses, backpacks, work bags. Years ago when this happened, we asked the citizens to take the weapon outside (they often put it in their car in the parking lot). They were then free to enter the “sterile “ area. Today they are subjected to a labyrinth of regulations, procedures, & fines that can cost them well over $12,000 for the mistake.
It is personal responsibility to look in your carry on bag before you go to the airport. Given the crazy behavior on planes I do not want anyone with a firearm on the plane unless they are a federal Marshall. After the Lee Chatfield incident, I was somewhat curious as to WHY a young politician would feel the need to carry a firearm. Then when it was revealed that Lee was frequenting strip clubs and other places of “ill repute” in Detroit I understood why. He did not suffer any consequences from this incident, except for a long and embarrassing video of his detention and eventual release at the airport. I think in many of the discussions about rights, either 2nd Amendment or free speech, there seems to be a lot of demand for rights with zero emphasis on the responsibility having those rights require. BTW I am a lifetime firearm owner.
https://rankings.thefire.org/rank
Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has completed a voluntary college campus score. The Overall Score combines thirteen unique dimensions to identify the top ranked college campuses for student free speech and open inquiry
Keep UP the great work!
What ideas are being floated about the main Finlandia campus?
So glad the Heritage Center and bookstore are being preserved. Loved visiting there several years ago.
Wish I lived closer to take advantage of any great deals in the sell off of arts related equipment.