In the tidal wave of ugly news that engulf the state in 2008, one story got washed ashore and went almost unnoticed…until right now.

      What happened to the tax revolt?

      It never materialized despite the efforts of Macomb County anti-tax crusader Leon Drolet who huffed and puffed about blowing the House down with recalls but he turned out to be just a bag of hot air.

      To his credit, the former conservative GOP lawmaker did have everyone's undivided attention as he threatened this lawmaker and that for supporting the income tax increase. 

      His recall hit list of upwards of a dozen lawmakers was well read around these parts in the aftermath of the 2007 tax hike vote and even though he failed miserably on that front, there was still a good deal of tre pidation going into the 2008 election. 

      Maybe the voters would succeed where Drolet and company failed? But alas when they counted the votes, not a single lawmaker who supported the tax hike was ousted from office.

     And to add insult to injury, house democrats who championed the tax hike actually picked up nine seats.

     Could it be the voters simply forgot about the tax increase?

     Nope.  Republicans running for the house reminded voters at every turn.

     Could it be the voters didn't feel the financial pinch from the tax hike?

     Nope.  They felt it, but maybe, ju st maybe, they knew deep down inside that if you wanted to save state services for the needy, for the schools and the cops, you had to pay for it.  And even though they didn't like the tax hike, they understood what Mr. Drolet and company refused to admit:  Somebody has to pay for this stuff.

      So much for anti-tax fever.  A healthy dose of common sense was a good elixir for that.

---

Listen to 350+ music, sports, & news radio stations – including songs for the holidays – FREE while you browse. Start Listening Now!