Has anyone noticed that the most recent issues around gun control, energy, and immigration revolve around the ability of the House or Senate member to maintain his or her office?  There has been no true discussion of how these issues affect you or me, but how the issues affect the most prominent purchasers of politics.  Even now in Michigan, a local representative is putting forth legislation to “disclose many” (read: Not all!) chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process.  (http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/politics/pnr-bill-could-change-guidelines-on-hydraulic-fracturing-in-michigan-20130129,0,3238464.story)  The back room process here is political relief for companies wishing to continue and expand fracking.  Sure, they will come forward with their protests of the bill, but behind the closed doors and away from public view, the fracking companies and the bill sponsor will be toasting a public slap on the wrist while chemicals continue to flood the ground.  How is that so?  The bill allows companies to withhold disclosing “proprietary” and/or “trade secret” chemical washes used in the process.  Do they think we’re that stupid?  I implore the legislature to do more.  We are surrounded by the most precious resource of fresh water now known to us.  If you wonder what could happen, check out the Aral Sea.  (http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/WorldOfChange/aral_sea.php)  The super PAC dollar continues to roll through the United States.  Nothing is out of reach for those who purchase politicians.  Not even the ruination of the Great Lakes watershed.