Zaagkii Project

Upper Peninsula Swan Song: As state continues its betrayal of the pristine northwoods, the Governor and Hollywood use song to promote Upper Peninsula mining

KBIC tribe & environment groups sue to stop "acid mine"

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and a Hollywood director are using her website to promote an official state song for Michigan - and the song's ONLY comment about the beautiful and pristine Upper Peninsula glorifies mining.

More on that in a moment.

As expected, the state of Michigan continues to betray the sacred trust it has to protect the Upper Peninsula environment.

According to media reports, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is expected to approve permits for the first of dozens of sulfide mines that will soon pepper the northern Michigan landscape.

However, the MDNR decision on those permits has been delayed until at least the February meetings of the Natural Resources Commission.

Let's hope the media reports are not true and the MDNR will have the guts to say "no" to Kennecott Minerals at its Eagle Mine Project near lake Superior that is guaranteed to produce sulfuric acid as part of its unproven technology.

These "acid mines" are expected to be followed by uranium mining - effectively ruining the tourism industry here in Michigan's northwoods.

In December 2007, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality approved permits for the experimental technology for the Eagle Mine near Lake Superior.

If the MDNR follows suits, about the only hope left for stopping this mine is the EPA and a judge because several groups including the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community are suing in an effort to block this first "acid mine."

Here are great background stories on the acid mining future facing the U.P.

"In These Times" Story on "acid" mine:

Read about effects of Acid Mine Drainage

Save the Wild UP

By the way, Indigenous groups are also fighting a nuclear nightmare out west at Yucca Mountain:

The Michigan Earth keepers believe everyone can make a difference and here's a list of ten easy ways to do your part to protect environment from Stop Global Warming group:

The Great State Song-gate in the Great Lakes?:

Are Michigan's governor - and a Hollywood director - engaged in subliminal advertising using a version of the state song for promoting a controversial acid mine that threatens the pristine northwoods?

I ask this question - tongue-in-cheek.

I doubt it's a super conspiracy but it definitely is dirty pool at a time when so many northern Michigan residents are preparing to take an acid bath and mourning the loss of our environmental innocence.

But it seems strange to me that these two - Governor Granholm and Hollywood director Jeff Daniels - are backing a song that only hails one thing about the Upper Peninsula - and that is mining.

Both have remained quiet about the deadly serious issue that will have lifelong impact on the pristine northwoods as these mines pop up everywhere followed by uranium mining.

I have long criticized Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and actor/director Jeff Daniels for not joining the thousands who oppose the proliferation of sulfide "acid" mines in the Upper Peninsula.

Info on subliminal messages from Wikipedia:

At issue is a controversial sulfide mine near Lake Superior that will lead to dozens of similar nickel (and dime) projects and likely will ultimately open the ground to uranium mining in the pristine Michigan northwoods.

An unsubtle message in the Michigan state song or a minor mining coincidence?:

Is an old Hollywood trick the latest act being used by pro-mine supporters and directed by Michigan's Governor under the tutelage of famous director/actor Jeff Daniels?

Now I ask - is Governor Granholm - Michigan's top democrat - engaged in subliminal advertizing for this mine - or is one of her last official acts for 2007 - just a coincidence?

And why does the only line the in the "state song" that refers to the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) seem to glamorize mining?

Crazy you say?

Surely Michigan's Governor would not choose this time to sing praises of mining while ignoring the other attributes of the glorious U.P.

Well, I would agree if not for the fact that the governor's own website admits there is a "more suitable" version of the song for peacetime.

Maybe she's promoting the war version because of Iraq.

By deduction, that means the Governor is promoting a less "suitable" version - on her official state website - that is being sung by actor/director Jeff Daniels.

I wonder why this song - that Governor Granholm loves so much - only mentions the Upper Peninsula in passing - and why the only great thing about the U.P. that is mentioned is mining.

Surely there are prettier things in the Upper Peninsula to sing about than our mines - especially if it's the "unofficial state song."

So enamored with the U.P. mining song and with Jeff Daniel's version - Governor Granholm has posted a link to his version on the official state of Michigan website:

Wikipedia on Michigan, My Michigan song

Governor Granholm - in a crescendo of praise - says of Mr. Daniels:

"As the temperature continues to drop and we prepare for another Michigan winter, there will be days when we look out of our windows and marvel at the beauty of this place we call home," says Governor Granholm apparently searching for her autograph book.

Swooning in Da Moonlight : Da Gov Goes GaGa over Dandy Daniel's Ballad:

"There will also be days when we look out of the same window and see a cold and gray place. To help you through those days, take a moment to listen to Jeff Daniels sing Michigan, My Michigan," proclaims Governor Granholm.

On the Governor's website - apparently posted just before Christmas - are the lyrics for three versions of "Michigan, My Michigan."

The versions are from 1862, 1886 , 1902.

The lyrics in question are in the second line in the song (again the only line in entire state song that even hints that the Upper Peninsula exists) that describes mining in a shining good light and sung to a Christmas tune (O Tannenbaum/O Christmas Tree).

Here is the exact phrase - you judge:

From Saginaw's tall whispering pines

To Lake Superior's farthest mines,

Fair in the light of memory shines

Michigan, my Michigan.

An 1886 version of the same war song - again the second line - states:

"jewels glitter in thy mines" but without the Lake Superior U.P. reference.

Dat's the name of that tune:

Still swooning over Jeff Daniel's version - Governor Granholm tells the state's residents about his version of "Michigan, My Michigan."

"I find this song a helpful reminder of all of the many reasons we are so fortunate to live here," says the star struck governor.

Michigan State Song Debacle: Dissing a song - once voted upon

Governor Granholm weighs in on old debate - endorsing song she wants to represent the state

Wikipedia on "diss" songs

If those three versions of the song don't leave your toes tapping - the Governor's website describes yet another - different but similar - song that at one point at least captured the imagination of the then-Governor Frank D. Fitzgerald and the 1930s legislature.

The1933 song - entitled "My Michigan" - was officially described by state lawmakers "as an official song of the State of Michigan" but not "the" official state song.

"Note the care that the Senate took not to name it as "the" official song of Michigan," states Governor Granholm's state website - going the extra mile several times to proclaim it's not Michigan's official state song.

While Fitzgerald may have liked that version - Governor Granholm apparently prefers the version she promotes: "Michigan, My Michigan."

Granholm's website states:

QUOTE - "Michigan, My Michigan" has long been considered Michigan's unofficial state song. Another song, "My Michigan," has been all but forgotten except in the records of the Michigan Legislature. - END QUOTE.

By the way, Governor Frank D. Fitzgerald, not related to namesake of infamous Lake Superior iron ore boat that sank - was the first and only Michigan governor to die in office and one of only two Michigan governors to serve non-consecutive terms.

Wikipedia on late former MI Governor Frank Fitzgerald

Dire Straights above the Straits of Mackinac

Both Governor Granholm and actor Daniels have proclaimed their undying love for their homestate, yet have not lifted a finger to rescue the U.P. at its more dire straits.

It seems we can't get them to join the fight against the mine - and that shall be their legacy here in the U.P. - but maybe - the pair could spend some quality time along Lake Superior and think up some lyrics for our state song that truly describe the beauty and attributes of the now-pristine Upper Peninsula.

I recommend they do this before the acid mining boom forever changes our landscape.

By the way - "Tuebor" is the biggest boldest word on the undisputed official Great Seal of Michigan - unchanged since 1911.

MI Secretary of State (SOS) on Tuebor and state seal

"Tuebor," means, "I will defend" in Latin.

Please - Governor Granholm - there are thousands of us in the Upper Peninsula who could use some of that protection right about now as we fight for our way of life against a behemoth mining company.

Or do you have better things to do than oppose this acid mine?

Finally - the more research I did on the state of Michigan song and seal - the more insignificant the U.P. appears.

Quite a land deal for Michigan and future Secretary of State (SOS):

SOS outlines why we in da U.P. need help - and don't often find it below the bridge:

Here is what the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) Terri Lynn Land has to say about us Yoopers (slang for an Upper Peninsula resident) - rather bluntly - on her website about the other words on the state's Great Seal:

QUOTE - "Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice" means, "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you."

It is believed this refers to the Lower Peninsula.

The Upper Peninsula was added in 1837, to pay for the loss of a strip of land on our southern border, given to Ohio when Congress made Michigan a state. - END QUOTE

It seems to me the Lower Peninsula for quite a deal for that "stip of land" - the entire Upper Peninsula that most anyone will tell you is by far the best part of Michigan.

Now I understand why some Yoopers have joked about seceding from the state of Michigan - and why those who live below the Mackinac Bridge are sometimes called "trolls."

How the Upper Peninsula became the ultimate spoils of a verbal war:

Wikipedia on "Toledo War" - a verbal fight that led to Michigan getting it's unappreciated Upper Peninsula in exchange for a "strip of land" that's now Ohio.

The Great Seal Act threatens jail for use of state symbols:

Would if I could - but I can't - so I won't:

For the record, in describing our state seal - and coat of arms - I wanted to include a a copy of the seal.

But I can't - under threat of arrest - from the SOS - who warns:

"No facsimile or reproduction of the Great Seal can be used in a manner unconnected with official functions of the state. (MCL 2.45)

A person who violates any provision of the Great Seal Act is guilty of a misdemeanor (MCL 2.46).

All this anti-Upper Peninsula stuff is way too "dark and dreary" for me, besides I'm too busy fighting this acid mine to worry about Michigan State Police "a rap tap tapping (or kicking in) at my chamber door."

"Whatcha gonna do?" - To quote the Bad Boys "official song" of the Cops TV show.

As the choir prepares the swan song to northern Michigan's beauty, tourism and innocence, we who love a natural northern Michigan will continue fighting the good fight.

Tho the last rites to northern Michigan tourism are not far away and funeral services are being planned.

I leave you with the appropriate lyrics and from original meanings of "Swan Song."

Wikipedia on history (and the real) Swan Song

"Farewell, all joys! O Death, come close mine eyes!"

"More Geese than Swans now live, more Fools than Wise."

"The wild swan's death-hymn took the soul

Of that waste place with joy

Hidden in sorrow: at first to the ear

The warble was low."

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) strongly opposes the "acid mine" on the Yellow Dog Plains because sulfide mining tramples ceded territorial rights and the treaties of 1842 and 1856.

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The state of Michigan gave the Upper Peninsula the worst of all possible Christmas gifts promising unimaginable environmental damage - in exchange for a handful of jobs and the threat of even more sulfide "acid" mining to be followed by uranium.

Continuing their valiant fight for northern Michigan's valuable wilderness, environmentalists and Native Americans have sued the state to prevent the mine from opening.

Northern Michigan trout, salmon, deer, bear and other wildlife can not speak for themselves, so it's up to the people to save the woods, streams and lakes of northern Michigan.

Upper Peninsula turned into Land of Kennecott - short-timers who will pillage our minerals, leave behind an enviro-graveyard - and move their shovels from county to county until most remaining pristine areas of the U.P. are reminiscent of Love Canal or the mining ruins of West Virginia.

It's pockets full of cash from other environmental savagery, Kennecott Minerals successfully lured the state down a road of environmental ruin.

At issue is a controversial nickel-copper mine between Marquette and Big Bay with six new mine sites proposed within 50 miles of the Eagle Project - and that's just the beginning.

Those who oppose the "acid mine" protested on Dec. 17, 2007 in front of the federal courthouse in Marquette, MI.

(Marquette Mine Protest Rally Photos by Earth Keeper Gail Griffith, Save the Wild UP (SWUP) board member)

You see, the international mining giant will be long gone in 7 years or less - after creating less than 100 short-term jobs - and local residents will be left with a huge stain (at best) - and possibly a ruined trout stream feeding a soiled Lake Superior.

The ink was barely dry on the promised suit when the owners of the "acid mine" admitted what had been feared all along: similar mines will be popping up like mushrooms in all corners of the U.P. - again trading short-term gain for tourism and recreation.

Many residents call the project an "acid" mine because one of its nasty byproducts is sulfuric acid.

Just as our railroads and other areas are covered in iron ore pellets - much of the Yellow Dogs Plains near Lake Superior will be covered with acid tainted pollution.

At least our iron ore mines are open for a century or more and create thousands of jobs.

Acid, Uranium Mines to spring up like mushrooms across northern Michigan wilderness

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality - and democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm - betrayed the people of the Upper Peninsula in mid-December by issuing three permits that will allow the opening of an "acid" mine by the Kennecott Minerals Company.

This time next year northern Michigan's pristine snow will be mixed with sulfuric acid.

The state's top environmental watchdog - the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality - bit the hand that feeds her - tourism!

"Environmental quality" is in the name of the MDEQ - the top state watchdog for Michigan's gorgeous Upper Pensinula. The agency should be stripped of that name.

How about - MDEQ - Michigan Department of Environmental Quitters?

That way the MDEQ wouldn't have to change the towels that will soak up the lifeblood of the U.P. - tourism.

Protect the Upper Peninsula and our:

Fighting the good fight: KBIC and environmental groups joined by descendants of America's Industrial Revolution

The lawsuit was filed by National Wildlife Federation, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC), the Huron Mountain Club and the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve.

Thank you to these groups for taking this fight to a judge.

I recently criticized the ultra-exclusive, pro-business and secretive Huron Mountain Club for not joining the fight as the "acid mine" will lay at its doorsteps.

For joining the lawsuit - I must now say kudos to the Huron Mountain Club (circa 1890) - a private retreat built by those who led America's Industrial Revolution - that owns 13,000 protected acres including one of the largest tracts of primeval forest in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Thank you to these groups for taking this fight to a judge.

Anatomy of a Murder: Part Two - Site of famous northern Michigan film will be site of mass murder of environment

"Have you left no sense of decency?"

A movie filmed near the location of the planned "acid mine" even has ties to this country's fight against tyranny

We hope the Michigan judge, who could stop this "acid mine," has the common sense of another jurist - Joseph N. Welch - a judge on the screen and in real life - who was portrayed in the famous 1959 movie by Otto Preminger entitled "Anatomy of a Murder" filmed near the site of this mine.

The movie was based on a best selling novel written by Michigan Supreme Court Justice and avid trout fisherman John D. Voelker using the pen name Robert Traver.

A fisherman's fisherman, Voelker spent most of his life wandering the pristine trout streams of the Upper Peninsula.

In a sad irony this mine will dig beneath one of Voelker’s beloved prime trout streams that feeds Lake Superior. And some experts fear the stream will collapse into the mine releasing a flood of acid and other pollution that will be pouring into Lake Superior in a flash and then the rest of the Great Lakes.

Welch - who was a judge in real life and portrayed an outspoken judge in "An Anatomy of a Murder" - was the lawyer who defended the U.S. Army against Senator Joseph McCarthy during his 1954 anti-communist witch hunt.

Welch uttered the following famous words - that could be used today to describe the people who are allowing this "acid mine" to proceed at lightening speed:

Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?"

You can bet the late Judges Voelker and Welch would not let this mine open - and would note its tyranny upon the U.P. wildlife, forests and streams is not unlike the scourage of the McCarthy hearings.

Amen !

Native Americans and the environment groups are livid that Rio Tinto, the parent company of Kennecott, is now targeting six other U.P. sites for mines.

"We had long suspected that this was merely the first in a series of new mines, but hiding that information until after the MDEQ approval was announced is certainly contrary to the 'good neighbor' image Kennecott has sought to portray," said Michelle Halley, an attorney for the National Wildlife Federation and the other co-petitioners

"Whether they knew it or not, the MDEQ and the Governor have egg on their faces,' Halley said.

MDEQ, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm lay with mongrels whose plans will ruin Yellow Dog Plains and tourism

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality could also stop the project - but right now those who care about the future of the U.P. are hoping a judge will have more common sense that the state of Michigan and our illustrious governor who did nothing to fight the project.

Shame on the MDEQ and Governor Granholm - but there is still time for the state's top democrat to be a hero.

Kennecott Minerals is hoping to start construction on the mine in January 2008 - but it's awaiting approval of two permits from the Department of Natural Resources.

Disturbing questions:

Why has Governor Granholm kept quiet on the project?

At best, the answer is she is leading a state in the midst of a severe financial crisis - but common sense dictates the effects of these acid and uranium mines will far outweigh any short term gain.

The mine will dig below the Salmon-Trout River - a prstine fishing stream - and some think it will collapse - mixing acid, other pollution, and clean water.

That pollution will then quickly end up in Lake Superior - and down the chain of Great lakes.

Photo by Jackie Donoho, Northwoods Wilderness Recovery

So I ask again - why is Governor Granholm keeping tight lipped when we need her the most?

Green money means more to the government and media watchdogs than the lush green forests

Why is many members of the northern Michigan media not doing investigative reports on the company, it's history and the effects of other Kennecott operations across the globe. And why is the majority of the media not writing strong editorials opposing the ill-advised project.

Could it be the tons of advertising dollars?

Most of U.P. media fail as watchdogs: Editors of good heart - please take a firm stance against this sulfide mine and join this fight against our acidic future

Why have Marquette's business leaders gone along with the project betraying their forefathers who founded the U.P. and are undoubtedly spinning in their soon-to-be acid soaked graves? Again, could the green of money be outweighing the burnt orange color that the rivers will turn?

It boggles the mind that U.P. business leaders can betray their own grandchildren - and that Michigan Governor is willing to leave a legacy of destroying the Upper Peninsula.

Marquette Mine Protest Rally Photos by Earth Keeper Gail Griffith, Save the Wild UP (SWUP) board member

Unless we are saved by the MDNR, the EPA, a judge - in the next few months northern Michigan will become the West Virginia of the Great White North.