LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As we paused this Memorial Day to honor the sacrifices of our fallen heroes, it was a time for many to reflect on the values they fought for and the current state of our nation. Today, there is more than a growing concern over the alignment of Michigan Democratic leaders with foreign interests, notably those linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and also the use of taxpayer dollars to support illegal immigrants instead of using that money for Michiganders.

The contrast between the spirit of self-sacrifice displayed by our soldiers and the actions of certain politicians today is pointed to by some as being stark and troubling and was recently highlighted in an article in American Greatness by former Michigan Representative and co-host of the “John Batechelor Radio Show,” Thaddeus G. McCotter, called “A Final Indignity to the Arsenal of Democracy?”

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In his article, McCotter criticizes American politicians on both sides of the aisle for enabling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) linked businesses to operate within U.S. states, particularly highlighting what is going on in Michigan. He argues that this political negligence endangers national security despite warnings from military, intelligence, and law enforcement communities.

McCotter contrasts the patriotic legacy of Michigan’s World War II era “Arsenal of Democracy,” with current politicians’ prioritization of their own electoral viability, economic gains for their local communities and corporate alliances over security.

McCotter underscores the hypocrisy of these leaders, who honor fallen soldiers while compromising the nation’s safety by supporting CCP-affiliated companies. This, he claims, represents a grave disservice to the sacrifices made by American servicemen and women.

The Arsenal of Democracy: a historical perspective:

McCotter says that during World War II, Michigan was a beacon of American industrial might. The Ford Motor Company’s Willow Run Facility, he explains, was a cornerstone of this effort. Built with a $200 million federal investment, Willow Run achieved remarkable production rates, producing a B-24 bomber every hour at its peak in 1944. The facility was a testament to American ingenuity and the collaborative effort to support our troops and allies by producing the armaments needed for the war effort.

However, over the decades, the importance of such facilities has faded in the minds of policymakers McCotter says. The Willow Run plant, which once symbolized American resilience and strength, eventually fell into disuse and was largely demolished in 2014.

He says this decline mirrors a broader trend of neglecting domestic industrial capabilities in favor of short-term economic gains, often involving foreign entities with dubious affiliations in order for (insert any politician name) to say he or she created “X” number of jobs.

The rise of foreign influence in Michigan.

Recently, Michigan has become a focal point for controversies involving foreign companies, particularly those with ties to the CCP. The Democratic administration, led by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, has come under fire for supporting these entities through substantial state incentives.

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One notable example is Gotion, a company looking to build a facility in the Big Rapids area. Despite its links to the CCP via its parent company, Gotion High-Tech, the state announced $715 million in incentives to attract the $2.4 billion factory to Michigan.

Republican lawmakers have attempted to introduce amendments to prohibit the use of state funds for corporations from adversarial nations like China. However, these efforts were blocked by Democrats in both the House and Senate. The partisan divide is evident, with Democrats arguing that these projects will create jobs and boost the local economy, while Republicans stress the potential national security risks and ethical concerns associated with subsidizing CCP-linked companies.

The case of Ford and CATL.

The controversy extends beyond Gotion though. Ford Motor Company’s partnership with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), a Chinese battery manufacturer, has also raised alarms. Ford plans to open a facility in Michigan with over $1.5 billion in state incentives. This project involves licensing CATL’s technology, prompting scrutiny over the implications of such a close relationship with a company from an adversarial nation.

State Representative Andrew Beeler, a Navy veteran, voicing his frustration, has highlighted the irony of defending against the CCP only to see state funds potentially aiding their influence in Michigan saying, “I didn’t spend years in the Navy pushing back against the Chinese Communist Party in the South China Sea only to come to the Michigan legislature and give them government handouts…But House Democrats voted to let hostile foreign powers keep spreading influence and gathering intelligence on Michigan taxpayers’ dime…these useful elected idiots are spending taxpayer dollars to buy the CCP the razor that barbaric regime will use to cut our throat.”

Michigan Senate Majory Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.) adds, “It’s shocking to watch the Democratic majority of Michigan hand over hundreds of millions in tax dollars from struggling Michigan families to multinational corporations that pledge allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party in their corporate documents.”

The broader context of the national security issue also involved immigration.

The focus on foreign influence in Michigan is part of a broader concern that includes citizen safety, national security and unchecked immigration. However, the Democratic Party in Michigan has, in their voting and administrative decisions, been taking the side of protecting the needs of the CCP and the illegal immigrants.

While money is being offered to companies with CCP ties, it is also being used to support illegal immigrants in the state.

For instance, Governor Whitmer’s “Newcomer Rental Subsidy” program offers taxpayer-funded rent assistance to illegal immigrants, a move that opponents claim incentivizes illegal immigration and

strains local resources. Additionally, the chaos at the border and the unchecked influx of illegal immigrants is putting a stress on resources within the state including homeless shelters, food pantries, hospitals, schools and many other areas.

State Representative Matt Hall and Senator Aric Nesbitt have highlighted the chaos and crime resulting from illegal immigration as well, calling for Michigan to adopt stricter measures similar to those in Texas. In an article in the Daily Caller, they argue that federal failures, particularly under President Joe Biden, have made immigration an urgent issue for states to address independently.

The proposed solutions they cite include deploying the Michigan National Guard to aid border control efforts and banning sanctuary policies that hinder cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Moving forward: balancing economic growth and national security.

The current political debate in Michigan regarding its China-linked EV megasites and immigration issues reflect a critical challenge facing many states: balancing the need for economic growth with the imperative of national security and citizen safety.

The influx of CCP-linked businesses into Michigan, facilitated by substantial state incentives, raises serious questions about the long-term implications for both the state and the nation.

And while job creation and economic development are essential, many argue they should not compromise national security, citizen safety, ethical standards, or the future freedoms and prosperity of Michiganders. This perspective is particularly relevant when considering the influx of businesses linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CPP) coming into the state and the large amount illegal immigrants coming in as well.

As Americans honor the sacrifices of those who served for the nation’s freedom, there is an expectation for leaders to uphold the values they defended. This includes prioritizing the safety and well-being of citizens over immediate economic and political gains.