News Release (February 2, 2010)
Libertarian Party Comments to Granholm's State of the State
by Emily Salvette [main]:

Tonight, Governor Jennifer Granholm will deliver her final State of the State address. In anticipation of her speech, the Libertarian Party of Michigan is sharing its own views of the sorry state of our State.

"Governor Granholm will make appealing promises to cut spending and reform government, something that we and many Michigan voters strongly support," began Emily Salvette, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Michigan. "Just as she did last year, and every year since she become Governor. Unfortunately, we know from bitter experience that the chance Governor Granholm will actually keep these promises is virtually nil."

"As in the past, she will also promise to pursue many policies that will harm Michigan’s economy, and its people. And unfortunately, she will keep those promises. More bailouts for favored industries. More “incentives” for jobs promised, but never delivered. More handouts for the special interests who helped elect her."

Salvette continued: “The State of the State is dire, and the Libertarian Party of Michigan has a plan to turn it around. We Libertarians propose, for a change, that our government be fair, open and honest. Fair, as in no bail outs. No hand outs. No special deals for businesses, unions or individuals. Instead, cut spending now by eliminating all incentives, benefits, and programs that don't benefit the average voter or business, and cut the tax rates paid by all.”

“Open, as in promote transparency by promptly posting budgets, finances, proceedings, legislation and documents for all levels of government on line.”

“Honest, as in recognize that the cause of the tidal wave of political corruption washing over our nation and government is the broad scope and power of government itself. Only by restricting the scope and power of government to grant special benefits to a few can we minimize the incentive for power-hungry individuals to seek public office and special interests seeking favors to corrupt our representatives. Cutting government spending, regulations and agencies, returning to part-time legislatures and demanding ethical behavior of our representatives are key to creating a good place to live, work and raise our families.”

“Together, we can make a better Michigan. Together, we can repair the damage caused by years of bipartisan control and neglect of our once-free State.”

Candidate Training Seminar Update

We are finalizing our plans for our Candidate Training Seminar on the afternoon of Saturday, April 17, at the Holiday Inn Express in Brighton. Our agenda now includes segments on "Ballot Strategies", "Campaign Basics", “Targeting Your Message to Voters,” “Working with the Media,” "Fundraising", "Campaign Websites", "Using Social Media", and “Campaign Paperwork/Campaign Finance.”

This program is free to all potential Libertarian candidates. Please RSVP to me at my email address set forth above, so we will have enough materials for all participants. And if you have any photography skills, we are looking for a photographer with a digital camera who can snap photos of attending candidates for use on candidate websites and in brochures. Please contact me if you can share your photography skills.

To Run for Office, Attend Your Affiliate Nominating Caucus

Becoming a Libertarian Party nominee for public office on the November 2010 general election ballot is easy! No petitions or filing fees are required. For offices whose districts are completely within the jurisdiction of a local party affiliate, the local party affiliate usually opens caucus nominations at a local meeting in March, April or May, and will then finalize its nominations at the State Convention on May 22 in Okemos. The Libertarians who vote on a nomination are those who live within the district for the particular office. Hence, it is important to attend your local LPM affiliate meetings and get to know the people who will be voting on your nomination. Go to http://www.michiganlp.org/Affiliate%20Pages/Affiliates.aspx to find contact information for your local LPM affiliate. And check our calendar for your next affiliate meeting, and the date your local affiliate meets to begin its nominating process.

“2010 MICHIGAN CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION: GOOD OR BAD - AN EDITORIAL”
BY DANIEL W. GROW

Every 16 years, Michigan voters are asked if a new constitutional convention is needed, and they will be asked again this November. Overwhelmingly rejected in 1978 and 1994, if the voters approve Proposal 1 on the November ballot, it will begin the two-year process to overhaul Michigan’s constitution. The current version was adopted at such a convention in 1963.

Earlier this year in an article in the Detroit News, Governor Granholm stated her support for such a convention, stating, "The State of Michigan is dramatically different than it was in 1961, and we need a foundation document that reflects the 21st century. Having a constitutional convention would help set the stage for a streamlined government that moves Michigan forward in a comprehensive way.” I expect that Governor Granholm’s vision for moving Michigan forward stands in stark contrast to anything close to libertarian vision (in a recent radio interview on WJR, Granholm, in reference to a quote from the Mackinac Center said, "Why are you quoting those guys?" and “...they don't like government at all.”).

It should be known that for many years, political insiders have been working diligently on securing support both for a 2010 constitutional convention and changes to serve their big-government goals. One group, “Citizens for Michigan,” began working on proposed changes in 2003, and as early as 2006 they issued 62 “recommendations.” A self-appointed volunteer group, it included the former AG Frank Kelley, former publisher Phil Power, L. Brooks Patterson and other former legislators, legal “experts,” and lobbyists.

Included in their 2006 recommendations was an end to Michigan's system of constitutional proposals by petition, longer term limits, changes in selection of Supreme Court justices and Court of Appeals judges, a statewide millage for school infrastructure, and ending of the Headlee roll-back. In general, their 2006 proposals seem to favor safeguards for incumbents and the elimination of safeguards against runaway spending and tax increases. One of their most haunting proposals was the proposed deletion of the current language of the Constitution that states, "The state shall not be a party to, nor be financially interested in, any work of internal improvement, nor engage in carrying on any such work, except for public internal improvements provided by law."

Citizens for Michigan also attacked Michigan’s ballot initiative system, and their proposals would outlaw non-Michiganders from gathering signatures to amend Michigan's constitution, or at least require back-to-back general election voter approval in order to amend the state constitution. Elected officials across the country have vilified the initiative process in general, even though these are the very reforms wanted by the people. Some of their other 2006 recommendations: (1) allowing the governor to appoint members of the State Board of Education and the governing boards of the state's three largest universities, subject to advice and consent of the State Senate and a partisan balance. Currently, members of the State Board of Education, regents of the University of Michigan, trustees of Michigan State University and governors of Wayne State University are elected; (2) allowing the governor to appoint Supreme Court Justices to a single 10-year term with partisan balance on the high court; (3) allowing the levy of an additional statewide mill to fund school district building programs that over time would reduce bonding mills at the local level; (4) grant the governor the option of a "pocket-veto."

Given the complexities of the process, it is my humble opinion that any constitutional convention would be dominated by insiders who have been working for years to garner support for their proposals. With each of their arguments buttressed by “experts,” the insiders will have the resources and professional support to play an active roll in the process, insuring an outcome favorable to the expansion of government. Without a groundswell of grass-roots opposition, any amendments can be expected to enhance the scope and strength of the state government, increase regulations and taxes, and weaken the public’s ability to influence government in a libertarian direction.

If there is one issue that should unite everyone in Michigan interested in Michigan’s economic recovery, it should be the opposition to a constitutional convention in 2010.

Daniel W. Grow is an attorney with a civil litigation practice in Southwest Michigan, and has been the Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Southwest Michigan for four years, served on the 2008 National Platform Committee, and is currently an LPM Judicial Committee Member. He can be reached a dwg@danielwgrowpllc.com.

The LPM will hold its annual convention in Okemos this year, Saturday, May 22. Bill Gelineau is the convention organizer and has plans for a first-class gathering featuring Larry Reed of the Mackinac Center at the banquet, and other quality speakers yet to be named for the luncheon and in the presentations. This is a nominating convention, so the party plans to field a full slate of quality candidates for 2010, people dedicated to taking back our state and our country.

Go to the Convention page on the LPM Website for more information, where you will be able to register in advance (until April 22) for reduced rates—either online or using the PDF form to mail in your fees. Please register early. As everyone knows, we are reaching a watershed in this country and in the state. The people are facing a choice: the state or liberty. Assuming they choose liberty, they are going to want qualified people in positions of leadership.

For more information, please contact Bill Gelineu (freedomlover59@hotmail.com, 616-723-2776)

Dear Libertarian friends,

I am pleased to announce the Libertarian Party of Michigan is now partnering with LPStuff to offer LPMichigan branded items. You can now purchase shirts, caps, mugs, business cards, and other useful items with our newly designed Libertarian Party of Michigan logo. It's a great way to show off your Libertarian pride and spread the Libertarian Party of Michigan brand to the public.

This program is also a fund-raising opportunity for us as we receive commissions on every LPM item sold. We also receive a commission on ANY item you buy from LPStuff as long as you have come to their site through our Home page at www.mi.lp.org (or www.michiganlp.org). You'll see the the LPStuff link on the left side of the page.

So please support the Libertarian Party of Michigan by visiting www.mi.lp.org, clicking on the LPStuff link, and shopping for liberty!

Thank you for your support,

Emily.

Letter from Christopher Hansen of Sterling Heights:

Hello. I am a fellow Libertarian in Michigan. I have an idea: does the LP party affiliate with the Tea Party Movement? I am part of that movement. I know that they are only focused on 3 things: fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government, and free markets. They sound like libertarians to me! They don't want to splinter the movement, so that is the only 3 things they are focused on. I believe that the libertarians and tea partiers should team up. Please let me know what you think. Thanks.

Response from Emily :

Dear Mr. Hansen:

Your inquiry has been forwarded to me by our Web master. Many Libertarians around the country are involved in the Tea Party movement. As we share a common interest in limiting the size and scope of government, we truly welcome Tea Party activists into our party. I have spoken about the LP at two Tea Party events; I know other leaders in our party have reached out to groups in their areas, too. We often post information about rallies and other Tea Party events on our Web site, www.mi.lp.org.

I hope many Tea Party activists will choose to run for office on the Libertarian Party ticket this year. We offer several advantages to potential candidates. Because the Libertarian Party nominates by party caucus not party primaries, it is relatively easy to get on the ballot as a Libertarian--just be nominated at our convention on May 22 in Okemos. Tea Party activists who run as Libertarians are also assured of party support for their limited governmental platform.

There is no such thing as a "moderate" Libertarian when it comes to supporting America's founding principles of economic freedom, personal liberty, and Constitutionally limited government. Since its founding in 1971, the Libertarian Party has always promoted lower taxes, less government spending, and guarded the rights of individuals against those who expand government for their own self interest. We have a lot of experience staying true to this message.

I hope you will spread the word to your Tea Party colleagues that we are eager for them to join us. If you would encourage them to visit our state and national Web sites, join the party, and sign up to run for office as Libertarian candidates, I think we'd have a great partnership that could help put Michigan back on the road to freedom. Thanks for your help in seizing the extraordinary opportunity 2010 brings!

Best regards,
Emily Salvette, State Chair
Libertarian Party of Michigan
chair@mi.lp.org

You have to stay in shape.
My grandmother, she started walking five miles a day when she was 60.
She's 97 today and we don't know where the hell she is.
—Ellen DeGeneres

Note: Please submit photos and cartoons for inclusion in the monthly newsletter by sending them to E-Newsletter@michiganlp.org

The following review excerpts are courtesy LPM Webmaster Brian Wright's commentary and review site, The Coffee Coaster. If you would like to submit book or movie reviews please notify the editor.

Movie Review
Invictus
Eastwood hits another cinematic home run

Invictus is an exciting, inspirational movie that will have serious moviegoers scrambling to visit Wikipedia on their computers to look up "Nelson Mandela" and "rugby." What Americans generally don't know about either subject could fill volumes. Of the two, rugby is going to be a lower priority for you civics teachers, but trust me, this is the only movie having anything to do with rugby that makes the sport worth watching or even, if one were a younger man, participating in.... [full review] [main]

In this tome, author Edward Griffin delivers a devastating expose on the background, execution, and remedies to the Federal Reserve Banking system (FRBS). The system, which amounts to a national bank under control of (surprise) the money interests who dominate the government of the United States, was rather sneakily enacted into law by Congress just before Christmas recess in 1913. Creature shows how this surreptitious meeting on Jekyll Island, a private resort off the coast of Georgia owned by J.P. Morgan and associates, led to the FRBS and its seemingly unlimited license to steal continuously from the productive class... [full review] [main]

Take a stroll down memory lane with this excerpt from one of the longest-running state Libertarian newsletters. Today, check out the September issue of 1975. Click on this link for the full PDF version of this newsletter. (http://michiganlp.org/Past%20Newsletters/Michigan%20Libertarian%20Vol%2017.1%201990%20Jan-Feb.pdf)

Newsletter editor Greg Stempfle has compiled the entire body of available Michigan Libertarian newsletters up on this page of the LPM Website.

A Letter the Editor:

Just thought I’d let you know that I had a Letter to the Editor published in the Lansing State Journal Wednesday Feb. 10, 2010 that mentioned libertarian. Here is what it said and you can find it on www.lsj.com.

Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans “get it” when it comes to rebooting our economy and creating more jobs. Bailouts and Band-Aids are counterproductive and a waste of taxpayer money.

A more Libertarian solution is both simple and fair: “Permanently exempt the first $25,000 of personal and business income from federal income taxes. Allowing Americans to keep more of their own money will stimulate the economy simply because they will have more money to spend and also to pay down their own personal debts. What are the priorities of our leaders in Washington; wealthy special interests, or the interests of the average American?

Ken Proctor Charlotte

We would like to hear feedback from you, real people, on any little thing, preferably with something short and punchy. Please voice your comments or opinions to the newsletter editor, Greg, via email by the 25th of the month... and we will post them.

March 1 - Tri-City LP Monthly Meeting – group meets on the 1st Monday of the month. Dinner at 6, meeting at 7 at Damon’s, 4960 Towne Centre Rd, Saginaw Township, MI 48604 (off Tittabawassee, just west of I-675 at exit 6). Everyone interested in liberty, from Bay, Saginaw, Midland, Genesee, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot and Isabella counties is invited. Contact Jim Fitzpatrick, Liberty2333@wmconnect.com

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March 2 – LP of St Clair and Sanilac Counties Monthly Meeting - group meets the 1st Tuesday of the month starting at 6 pm at Military Street Music Cafe, 1102 Military Street (downtown), Port Huron. Contact Mark Byrne, 810-987-9856, iwantska@hotmail.com

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March 3 – LP of Washtenaw County Monthly Business Meeting -7 to 9 pm at Classic Cup Cafe, 4389 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor (In the Parkland Plaza west of Ann Arbor). Contact James Hudler, 734-475-9792, or Larry Johnson, michlibertarian@comcast.net

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March 3 – LP of South West Michigan Executive Committee Meeting – 6:00 – 6:50 pm at IHOP, 1981 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor. Guests are welcome. Followed by: Round Table Political Forum hosted by the LP of South West Michigan. 7-9 pm at The Livery, 190 Fifth St, Benton Harbor. Visitors are welcome to participate. Contact Bill Bradley, 269-637-4525, Dan Grow, grow.daniel@gmail.com.

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March 4 – Wayne County LP Monthly Meeting – 7 p.m. - Kiernans Steak House, 21931 Michigan Ave, Dearborn (at Monroe). Contact Ray Warner, 313-598-3666

March 4 – March 4 – Livingston County LP Monthly Meeting **NEW GROUP** The newly re-organized Livingston County LP will meet the first Thursday of each month at Cleary's Irish Pub, 117 E Grand River Ave, Howell 48843, from 7PM-8:30PM (non-smoking area). The meeting will have 4 parts: Mingling (over dinner, if you want to order something), studies in liberty, news and party business. Contact Tim Keirnan, mailTim@sbcglobal.net.

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March 9 – Capital Area LP Monthly Meeting – 7 pm at former LPM office, 2722 E Michigan Ave, Ste 22, Lansing (park and enter in back). Contact Will Tyler White, 517-349-3806, whitewi5@msu.edu

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March 10 – LP of Oakland County Caucus - 6:30 pm dinner, 7:30 meeting. Sila's Restaurant, 4033 W. 12 Mile (2 blocks east of Greenfield), Berkley. The county caucus will open for nominations of candidates for public office in Oakland County. Contact Jim Fulner, LPOC Chair, fulner@gmail.com.

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March 17 – Libertarians of Macomb County Monthly Meeting - LMC now meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. All members of the Libertarian Party, their friends and family, and anyone interested in learning more about the LP are invited to attend. The meeting begins at 7:30 but feel free to join us for good food and conversation at 6:30 pm at the Loon River Café, 34911 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights. Contact Jim Allison, jim.e.allison@gmail.com

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March 11 – LP of West Michigan special event: Discussion Topic: Divorce and the Friend of the Court abuse Guests Darrick Scott-Farnsworth, Libertarian activist and Sally Borghese, filmaker and activist as producers.
Where: Studios of KWTV on 5261 Clyde Park SW. It's behind a bank and a Grand Valley Health center of some sort. Very modern building accessible from a driveway between the bank and health center. We will have pizza and soft drink beginning at 6 PM; Begin filming at 7 PM, go until 9 PM.
The format of the show is interviewing each other in turn. If someone in the audience is inspired, he/she can signal whom to replace. The conversation goes on 2 more minutes to let the replacee finish, and the change is made. Great fun and no stress. So bring your friends; The new format is very nice; Modern, professionally lit and we'll have 3 cameras switched by Larry Warner. Contact Nicholas Sundquist: nicholas.sundquist@yahoo.com

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March 17 – LP of Washtenaw County Social/Work Meeting -7 to 9 pm at Classic Cup Cafe, 4389 Jackson (In the Parkland Plaza west of Ann Arbor). Contact James Hudler, 734-475-9792, or Larry Johnson, michlibertarian@comcast.net

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March 23 – LP of Calhoun County Monthly Meeting - Executive Committee, 7 p.m. Please contact Jack Worsham for location. (269) 963-2679, WORSHAM74@aol.com

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April 1 – Livingston County LP Monthly Meeting - The newly re-organized Livingston County LP will meet the first Thursday of each month at Cleary's Irish Pub, 117 E Grand River Ave, Howell 48843, from 7PM-8:30PM (non-smoking area). The meeting will have 4 parts: Mingling (over dinner, if you want), studies in liberty, news and party business. Contact Tim Keirnan mailTim@sbcglobal.net

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April 1– Wayne County LP Monthly Meeting – 7 p.m. - Kiernans Steak House, 21931 Michigan Ave, Dearborn (at Monroe). Contact Ray Warner, 313-598-3666

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April 5 - Tri-City LP Monthly Meeting – group meets on the 1st Monday of the month. Dinner at 6, meeting at 7 at Damon’s, 4960 Towne Centre Rd, Saginaw Township, MI 48604 (off Tittabawassee, just west of I-675 at exit 6). Everyone interested in liberty, from Bay, Saginaw, Midland, Genesee, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot and Isabella counties is invited. Contact Jim Fitzpatrick, Liberty2333@wmconnect.com

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April 6 – LP of St Clair and Sanilac Counties Monthly Meeting - group meets the 1st Tuesday of the month starting at 6 pm at Military Street Music Cafe, 1102 Military Street (downtown), Port Huron. Contact Mark Byrne, 810-987-9856, iwantska@hotmail.com

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April 7 – LP of Washtenaw County Monthly Business Meeting -7 to 9 pm at Classic Cup Cafe, 4389 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor (In the Parkland Plaza west of Ann Arbor). Contact James Hudler, 734-475-9792, or Larry Johnson, michlibertarian@comcast.net

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April 7 – LP of South West Michigan Executive Committee Meeting – 6:00 – 6:50 pm at IHOP, 1981 Pipestone Rd., Benton Harbor. Guests are welcome. Followed by: Round Table Political Forum hosted by the LP of South West Michigan. 7-9 pm at The Livery, 190 Fifth St, Benton Harbor. Visitors are welcome to participate. Contact Bill Bradley, 269-637-4525, Dan Grow, grow.daniel@gmail.com.

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April 13 – Capital Area LP Monthly Meeting – 7 pm at former LPM office, 2722 E Michigan Ave, Ste 22, Lansing (park and enter in back). Contact Will Tyler White, 517-349-3806, whitewi5@msu.edu

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April 14 – LP of Oakland County Monthly Meeting - 6:30 pm dinner, 7:30 meeting. Sila's Restaurant, 4033 W. 12 Mile (2 blocks east of Greenfield), Berkley. Oakland residents interested in running for office as a Libertarian are strongly encouraged to come to this meeting. Contact Jim Fulner, LPOC Chair, fulner@gmail.com. Also, Michigan Libertarians interested in re-writing a section of the Michigan Constitution are invited to contact Nathan Allen at trustynathan08@yahoo.com, 248-891-3003.

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April 17- Libertarian Party of Michigan Candidate Training Session – 1-5 pm at the Holiday Inn Express, 8285 Movie Dr, Brighton 48116. No charge. Contact Bill Hall, politics@mi.lp.org

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April 17 – Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee Meeting – after the candidate training session in Brighton at a place TBD. LEC meetings are open to the membership. Contact Emily Salvette, chair@mi.lp.org.

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April 21 – Libertarians of Macomb County Monthly Meeting - LMC now meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. All members of the Libertarian Party, their friends and family, and anyone interested in learning more about the LP are invited to attend. The meeting begins at 7:30 but feel free to join us for good food and conversation at 6:30 pm at the Loon River Café, 34911 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights. Contact Jim Allison, jim.e.allison@gmail.com

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April 21 – LP of Washtenaw County Social/Work Meeting -7 to 9 pm at Classic Cup Cafe, 4389 Jackson (In the Parkland Plaza west of Ann Arbor). Contact James Hudler, 734-475-9792, or Larry Johnson, michlibertarian@comcast.net

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April 27 – LP of Calhoun County Monthly Meeting - Executive Committee, 7 p.m. Please contact Jack Worsham for location. (269) 963-2679, WORSHAM74@aol.com

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May 22 – Libertarian Party of Michigan State Convention – 9 am – 10 pm at the Okemos Conference Center, 2187 University Park Dr, Okemos, MI 48864. Nominations of candidates for public offices; election of state party officers. Contact Bill Gelineau, freedomlover59@hotmail.com

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May 28 - 31 – National Convention of the Libertarian Party – St Louis, MO. Join Libertarians from around the country to shape the Party’s policies and strategies through bylaws and platform debate and election of national party officers. Info and registration at www.gatewaytoliberty.com. Contact Emily Salvette, chair@mi.lp.org

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More...

For all events, see the full online calendar on the Website:
http://www.mi.lp.org/Shared Documents/Calendar.aspx

The Michigan Libertarian ONLINE is distributed on the first of each month. Send calendar events and news articles by the 25th of the prior month to:
e-newsletter@michiganlp.org

Note: The final print edition of the Michigan Libertarian is available online at http://www.mi.lp.org/Past%20Newsletters/ Michigan%20Libertarian%2038.2%20summer%202009.pdf

The Michigan Libertarian is published/posted on the first of each month. Send calendar events and news/articles to e-newsletter@michiganlp.org by the 25th of the prior month.

The Michigan Libertarian is one of the longest-running Libertarian newsletters in the country, debuting in 1973 shortly after the founding of the Libertarian Party of Michigan. The "new" Michigan Libertarian (a predominantly online version) debuted on August 1, 2009 and replaced the monthly LPMOnline and the printed-and-mailed ML.  We will post on the Website and deliver via email on the first of every month. A printed version of the new Michigan Libertarian will be sent free to anyone who signs up, which you may do at the LPM web site www.mi.lp.org (or www.michiganlp.org).

LPM members who need a hard copy may request one be mailed to them by contacting
e-newsletter@michiganlp.org or calling the LPM toll-free number 888-Free-Now.

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