How do we know that the arson is for political purposes, and not just some fire bug taking advantage of the department being short staffed to get his kicks?

In a related development, a number of unarmed, right-wing, former firefighters have been detained on charges that they conspired to extinguish all arson fires without federal funds. A large cache of unregistered, and un-inspected, hoses and buckets were also seized by local authorities. The fanatical group was intent on thwarting the local need for a declaration of emergency and the hiring of several federal citizen fire marshals.

How do we know that the arson is for political purposes?

While it can't be ruled out, timing and quantity argue to the contrary.

This also happens with disturbing regularity in western forests toward the end of a season with few fires so that seasonal firefighters can get the overtime and fire time that assure them of a fat paycheck. Although not on federal land, I would not be surprised to learn that the FBI is assisting in this case as well.

'lanched.

http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/97384/

It's not merely extortion, it's terrorism. The reaction, meaning the awarding of federal grants, is reminiscent of the Spanish reaction following the 2004 Madrid train bombings: "Oh. It hadn't been explained to us that way before."

A small correction: "he doesn't want to allow a different group of criminals to take over the city."

Knowing Flint as I do, I didn't hear much more than a rash of fires and layoffs to put two and two together and suspected it was more than a coincidence. To say Flint is corrupt is an understatement.

Move to Texas.

We already have a perfectly good word for acts of violence, and arson surely qualifies on that account, committed for the purpose of frightening a populace and intended to bring about a politcal change - terrorism.

This is, also, known as Terrorism. When violence is used to impact peoples behavior, that`s Terrorism. Has Homeland SEcurity been notified?

nick at April 10, 2010 11:43 AM asks, This is, also, known as Terrorism. When violence is used to impact peoples behavior, that`s Terrorism. Has Homeland SEcurity been notified?

Of course they were notified, nick. They swung into action immediately. Look at the quote from the Detroit Free Press: U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee, D-Flint, says Flint should be able to rehire 39 firefighters. (p)Democratic U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow say the money comes from $7 million in Homeland Security Department grants to state emergency responders.

Would it be that hard to investigate the very specific suspect list: laid off local firefighters?

Well, it wasn't very hard to CONVICT Black Panthers with nightsticks at polling places either.... oh, wait.

What makes you think the Copperheads will investigate their own?

It would be domestic terrorism if conservatives were doing it -- but of course conservatives don't do stuff like this.

When I Google "Michigan Volunteer Firemen" the first page results appear to point me to government and unions. When I Google "Texas Volunteer Firemen" the first page results point me to real volunteer fire departments. Should be obvious that unions are killing Michigan.

First post from Anne suggested it, but one constructive way to protest against the ratcheting up of local government would be to do their job before they can do it. Mow the neighborhood park. Pick up litter. Start neighborhood watch programs. Try to put out fires before the fire department arrives. Could even warn motorists to slow down before speed traps to deny the city ticket revenue.

Here in Texas, we have volunteer fire departments in underserved communities. Were I in Michigan, I'd start up a volunteer organization.

buncha wreckers

not just some fire bug taking advantage of the department being short staffed to get his kicks?

It still makes it political because the top government officials who layoff police and firefighters first in any fiscal crisis want to inflict fear upon the people so they will be more than willing to pony up MORE money to bail them out of their own problems.

I think this is just the sort of thing to put our little country on notice that if she thinks her dirty socialist-led decline will foster an attitude of all for one and one for all she's smoking crack.

I'd fire them all. Start over from scratch.

Give the Flint Fire District the full Ronnie.

Because you know what? They are all guilty of the coverup.

Not so sure I get the point here. Are you basically alleging that someone in city gov’t is starting fires and burning sh*t down so they can get fed money to rehire firefighters that were laid off due to budget shortage?

I know some folks from Flint, so I can personally attest that they GO HARD. But come on. Firemen were seriously injured in one of these blazes.

“Two firefighters were hurt in the ensuing fires, including one who had a ceiling fall on him. The injured firefighters, who were treated and released, were among those who lost their jobs in the layoffs.”

Do folks really want their jobs THAT badly? I don’t think so.

I find this allegation callous and un-American. Reality is, state/local gov’ts have BEEN getting money to tide over payrolls. That too was one of the much criticized “entitlements” of the Stimulus. Why is this such a horrible thing, as this blogger alleges? Would you rather spend that money on a wing for some aircraft that will sit grounded in New Mexico, or put it in the hands of local gov’ts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people in a time of economic crisis.

Do you think an electrical fire cares of Obama’s President or not? No. Likewise, politicizing the need for first responders, the very people who put their lives on the line to protect us each day is pretty damn callous. These are the very same “Real Americans” the GOP holds up as what’s great about this country. Yet this a-hole marginalizes them as somehow getting handouts from Uncle Barry, and stealing your tax money in the process. Please.

Sheesh, is EVERYTHING partisan in today’s environment? Jesus.

Jay, in case you haven't noticed, we don't trust ANY government / union entity.

i live in flint, and would like to offer another perspective regarding motive for some of the intentionally set house fires.

focus has been on the cuts to the firefighters, however the layoffs affecting law enforcement has left citizens equally frightened. with 76 police officers to serve a city of 110,000, with 3 shifts and vacation time, there is even more incentive to clear neighborhoods of abandoned homes.