If “freedom isn’t free,” as they say, one payment may be to remember that “promote the general welfare” part of the Constitution.
Conor Dugan
Conor Dugan is an attorney with Warner Norcross & Judd LLP in Grand Rapids, where he lives with his wife and four children. The views expressed here are his own, including his equivocation on a favorite brunch dish: A tie between smoked salmon and waffles. He blogs on the Michigan appellate courts at One Court of Justice. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
This west Michigan conservative pulls the lever for voter participation
Is the system so broken that a principled Catholic conservative can’t be a part of it? This one takes issue with a previous Brunch columnist, and says no.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Could Michigan provide a third way for young 'radicals?'
Today’s religious conservative is not the one you might remember from the televangelism days. Therein lies an opportunity for our state.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
In a place they’re dying to get into, a look at our living communities
Cemeteries used to be places one feared to enter. Now they’re a bad business risk. The journey along the way tells us a lot about ourselves, a Grand Rapids author says.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Visit a few gems on the sunset side before summer sets
A national travel guide spills the beans on its top 10 travel guides, and guess which state made No. 1? A native makes some trip suggestions.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
In decades past, Michigan produced great design; can it again?
A Grand Rapids exhibit of 20th century design born in Michigan shows a way for the state to reclaim its mojo, via art married to commerce.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
A Grand Rapids oasis for tinkerers, dabblers and dreamers
Will ‘makerspaces’ breathe new life into Michigan manufacturing? It’s certainly an idea worth messing around with. Got a screwdriver?
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Children are too precious to be pawns, even to serve a noble cause
We try to support our local communities however we can, but does that extend to sending children to sub-par schools? Even if they’re the ones who would improve it?
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Buried, with boots on: Notes from Michigan's snowy west
Even in this snowy winter, there's one place where the drifts are always higher. Our West Michigan Bruncher puts away his shovel long enough to send us a dispatch from Grand Rapids.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Beer from Michigan, shoes from Zappos – where to draw the 'local' line?
BUT IS IT LOCAL? It’s easy to buy local beer or produce. But do we have an obligation to patronize other local business? (Photo courtesy of Founders Brewing Co.) I’m sitting at home sipping my locally brewed Founders Backwoods Bastard – the best beer I’ve ever had. I’ve just finished eating a dinner made with […]