(RNS) The political violence in Washington and around the United States that culminated in the attack on the U.S. Capitol a month ago showed the depths of the division in our society. Skirmishes between the election and inauguration also showed that a significant segment of extremists in our society is ready to use violence to achieve political ends.
This should shock nobody. Threats and actual violence from right-wing extremists have been rising over the past decade. Their recent, raucous demonstrations at statehouses were their final implicit threat; on Jan. 6 they made it explicit. To protect democracy, we must take action to take their guns away.
State secrets: Michigan lawmakers keep personal finances hidden fox17online.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from fox17online.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
and last updated 2021-02-18 17:39:47-05
LANSING (WXYZ) â As trust in elected leaders nears an all-time low, some lawmakers in Michigan are fighting measures that would lift our state from the bottom of rankings for ethics and transparency.
Today, 48 states require their elected leaders to provide some form of financial disclosure, where lawmakers reveal sources of outside income, significant investments and property ownership.
The disclosures are intended to reveal conflicts-of-interest among lawmakers and discourage members from voting for or introducing legislation that could benefit them.
âThereâs a reason that 48 states have this,â said Sen. Jim Runestad, a Republican from White Lake. âThereâs a reason, and itâs that thereâs too much dirty dealing that can be done.â