Time to Celebrate George Washington

By Michael Warren If images of wooden teeth, cherry trees, dollar bills, and carpet sales popped into your mind, I suspect you would be in very large company. Do these images accurately reflect his importance to America? Not so much. His contributions to the American experiment in self-government are unparalleled: Virginian legislator and revolutionary; Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army; President of the Constitutional Convention; and first President of the United States of … [Read more...]

Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County Sheriffs and Detroit Police Chief Invite the Community to Constitution Day Commemoration on September 17

Metro Detroit’s top law enforcement officers and other community leaders are inviting members of the community to join them in a Constitution Day commemoration on September 17, the 228th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. The event will serve as an opportunity to reflect and pray upon the role of law enforcement officers in fulfilling the purpose of “We the People” in seeking “...to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the … [Read more...]

Uniting the Country in Challenging Times

By Judge Michael Warren We live in challenging times. With a 12-hour news cycle, the hashtag culture, pointed posts, treasonous tweets, poisonous videos, vitriolic political arguments, and the demise of shame, America appears to be unraveling at the seams. Indeed, there definitely appears to be a lessening of a common culture, the atomization of our place in our society, severe political polarization, and the fracturing of common beliefs. Perhaps one of the least recognized, and … [Read more...]

Large American Flag on Display for 9/11 Anniversary

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has ordered a 60 x 30 foot American flag draped on the façade of the west wing of the Oakland County Circuit Court building in honor of those remembered during the 14th anniversary of 9/11. The flag is visible now and will remain up through Thursday, Sept. 17. “Nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives that tragic day,” Patterson said. “Since then, our military and first responders have been on the frontlines protecting our way of life. The flag is … [Read more...]

Lincoln’s Leadership Lessons

February 12 is Abraham Lincoln's birthday. In honor of this, we welcome the Honorable Michael Warren who has prepared the following commentary on what can be gleaned today from Lincoln's leadership: As we commemorate the 206th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, most people celebrate his birth — if at all — by grabbing a great bargain at the mall. This trivialization is deeply concerning for many reasons, not the least of which is ignoring his tremendous leadership. Even a casual review reveals that … [Read more...]

Down with President’s Day-Up with Washington’s Birthday & Patriot Week

Commentary by Judge Michael Warren We recently went through the buffoonery of celebrating Presidents’ Day through grand sales at retail outlets and a delay in the post. Meanwhile, Washington’s Birthday went by without a whisper. Why exactly the culture has decided that we should celebrate every single President - including the luminaries of Chester Arthur and Franklin Pierce - with deep discounts on appliances is beyond me. Like so many of our other civic holidays, Presidents’ Day is mostly … [Read more...]

Students to learn about Civil War with new hands-on lessons

Deputy County Executive Matt Gibb, on behalf of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, and Oakland Schools Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Markavitch introduced an instructional curriculum today centered on the county’s Civil War map that will enhance students’ understanding of local history. Patterson unveiled the "Oakland County in the Civil War" map in 2011 to mark the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. Two years later, Waterford School District staff development … [Read more...]

Local Senior Receives Award for Patriotic Essay Contest

Oakland County Circuit Judge Michael Warren, Co-Founder of Patriot Week, and Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson presented high school senior Lindsey Pieper with her first prize award for this summer's patriotic essay contest. Pieper, 18, attends Marian High School in Bloomfield Hills. She is the daughter of Dr. Dan Pieper and Donna Pieper of Bloomfield Hills. The essay contest, sponsored by the Michigan Secretary of State's office to help celebrate Patriot Week, asked students in … [Read more...]

North Oakland NAACP honors Circuit Judge Michael Warren

Oakland County Circuit Judge Michael Warren was honored with the H. Wallace Parker Preservation of Justice Award from the Northern Oakland County Branch NAACP last week at the group’s 92nd Annual Freedom Fund Dinner in Pontiac, Michigan. The award states that it was presented to Judge Warren for “Acknowledging with gratitude, his efforts to renew the spirit of America, encourage Michigan’s citizens of all ages to exhibit pride in patriotism and learn about our country’s historical and … [Read more...]

Senate Approves Patriot Week Bill

Oakland County, MI (May 17, 2011) – Today, the State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 282, which would permanently recognize Patriot Week. Patriot Week was co-created by Oakland County Circuit Judge Michael Warren and his 12-year old daughter Leah.  “We really appreciate the Senate’s leadership on this issue,” said Leah Warren.  “Patriot Week will excite students and the general public to learn about – and celebrate – what makes America the greatest nation in world history.” “Senate … [Read more...]