  Fletcher: Lots of thoughts on various topics  January 2, 2013
The Alpena News  You didn't miss last week's column - I took a
sabbatical leave. This week, however, I've got much to share as
I reflect on the past year.  First, let's talk about how the
Green Party in 2012 elected our U.S. congressman, Dr. Dan
Benishek, to another term. I haven't seen anyone commenting on
the fact that Benishek was returned to the House of
Representatives by less than 50 percent of the total vote. The
Green Party, which is out on the left fringe of the Democrat
Party, took just enough votes away from Democrat challenger Gary
McDowell to allow Dr. Dan to sneak in for another term.  It's
kind of funny actually that with all of the uproar about the Tea
Party that a leftist party beats the Democrat candidate. Many
folks were angry with Benishek because the first time he ran for
office he said he would not raise taxes nor support new
spending. Surprise, he meant what he said! When local government
officials wanted more pork barrel c