| ——Michigan Libertarian—— April 2010, Volume 39: No. 4 |
(To view this newsletter in your browser, click here) Online newsletter for the Libertarian Party of Michigan Subscribe/Unsubscribe Instructions |
Greeting
From the Chair
From the Political Director
Libertarian saves millions for taxpayers
Libertarian Party convention reminder
Ken Proctor throws hat in governor ring
Stories, Platform Committee, Erratum
Quote of the Month
Photo/Cartoon of the Month
Music Video of the Month: Restore the Republic
Book/Movie
Past Blast
Feedback
Calendar
Welcome to the March 2010 issue of the online newsletter of the Libertarian Party of Michigan, Michigan Libertarian. The newsletter is our main vehicle for sharing what's happening for Libertarians in Michigan. You may manage your subscription by going here or visiting our Web site www.mi.lp.org (same as www.michiganlp.org).
by Emily Salvette [main]:
As depressed and disgusted as I was on Monday after passage of the disastrous ObamaCare bill (and the ensuing media-fest proclaiming that health care is the new right for all Americans), I was encouraged by the thought that we as Libertarians can really do something about this. We can run candidates who are free to tell the truth about this and all the other ever-expanding entitlement programs. Unlike hypocritical Republicans, whose party line is “denounce ObamaCare because it cuts Medicare,” our candidates can boldly proclaim that government-run health care and other entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, destroy the three important Fs: our country’s finances, the future of innovation in health care and retirement markets, and our freedom of action and privacy. I predict we’ll clean up in candidate debates!
I want to thank everyone who has volunteered to run for office and help with the campaigns; almost 600 people have contacted us in the last 2 years eager to learn more about the Libertarian Party and to get involved. Now what we need are volunteers to be leaders of this party. We need energized individuals who will make a commitment to manage the essential activities and personnel to get our Libertarian message out to the public. We need strong leaders in our local affiliates who can organize new volunteers in their communities. We need state party leaders who can manage affiliate growth, direct communication with our members and the media, and coordinate our campaign efforts. Our candidates have the right ideas to combat this national malaise, we just need more support to mobilize our army of volunteers!
At our state convention in Okemos on Saturday, May 22, we will elect a new state chair, vice chair, secretary, treasurer and 5 at-large members of the state Libertarian Executive Committee. Please think hard about whether you can commit to filling one of these offices. There are also major committee chairmanships that you could consider: Membership/Marketing, Political, Technology, Communication, Financial, and Affiliate Support. If you have skills in any of these areas, can organize a team, and reliably get things done, please consider stepping up to fill one of these vital leadership roles.
Our message, combined with strong leadership, can make the Libertarian Party an unstoppable force in Michigan politics. If you would like more information or would like to step up to volunteer, please contact me at chair@mi.lp.org or 734-645-5809. We are counting on you to lead the Libertarian Party to victory!
by Bill Hallpolitics@michiganlp.org
616-460-9516
[main]
My Libertarian Activist Checklist for Spring 2010 This is my “To Do List”, to actively support the Libertarian Party in this busy time between now and June. Please join me in as many of these activities as possible. I plan to:
Attend the Candidate Training Conference from 1 pm to 5 pm on April 17 at the Brighton Holiday Inn Express. It’s free, and we’ll provide lots of help to jump-start your campaign. We have great speakers lined up to talk about subjects like Campaign Basics, Targeting Your Message to Voters, Using Social Media, Working with the Media, and Campaign Websites. Please RSVP to me at politics@mi.lp.org.
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 this page 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.
[main]
O
n March 17th Patrick Clawson was featured in an Associated Press article for exposing an attempt by a convicted embezzler to get a 9.1 million business tax credit from the state of Michigan. According to the article, “Convicted Embezzler Given Mich. Tax Break Arrested [ http://www.clickondetroit.com/money/22869771/detail.html ],” by Kathy Barks Hoffman.
“State Rep. Tom McMillin was upset after learning of Short's past when private investigator Patrick Clawson brought it up during a hearing Wednesday while testifying against a bill that would ban employers from checking job applicants' credit ratings.”
Clawson was also given credit for the find during the WDIV-TV4 newscast [ http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/22882173/index.html ] by investigative reporter Ron Meloni. During the broadcast Clawson says, “I want to know who screwed up, and I want to know who’s getting fired.” And asks, “Distressed cities attracted maggots. How do you know these people are on the level or not?” The embezzler, Richard Short shared the stage with Governor Granholm on a previous occasion.
Since the story broke, the chair of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has resigned over the matter, and Governor Granholm has issued an executive order to revise procedures. [ http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/22946198/index.html ]
Patrick Clawson used to be an investigative reporter for CNN, and has apparently continued in this role pro bono. He was a guest speaker at the 2009 Libertarian Party of Michigan Convention [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYS4mP7lf2c ]. The title of his speech was, “Getting Positive Press.” Clawson has donated his time at other LPM events to advise candidates and activists how communicate with the news media.
The Free Deadline is fast approaching!!
Now is the time to get registered for the State Convention and save in the process. April 22 is the deadline for free registration. Members registered by April 22 can attend the business meetings without charge. After that date, it will cost $15.
Take time now to get registered, go to this page on the LPM Website.
If you don't wish to register online, print the mail in registration -- also must be mailed by April 22. Don't miss the fun, important business, and interesting speakers lined up.
Our Luncheon Program will feature some of our most active candidates - lots of ideas and a unique chance to get involved.
The Evening Banquet will include our special guest, Lawrence Reed of the Foundation for Economic Education. See: http://fee.org/people/lawrence-w-reed/ Larry is one of the most dynamic speakers you'll ever hear. The former President of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy has deep roots in Michigan. This promises to be a great time.
Act now.
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 Gelineau (freedomlover59@hotmail.com, 616-723-2776)
March 25, 2010
I have always thought that we, as Libertarians, could do a better job communicating with each other. So with that in mind, I want to share the fact that I will be a candidate, for your consideration, for the office of Governor, at our State Convention May 22, in Okemos, MI.
My name is Ken Proctor. I am a Life Member of the National LP, and have been a member of the State LP since 1992. As a Libertarian I have run for federal office eight times. I have run for U.S. Congress seven times, and U.S. Senate once. As you can see I have a bit of experience.
Like all Libertarians, I am a defender of individual liberty and freedom as it was recognized by our founding fathers in their creation of our Constitution and our Bill of Rights.
I am a decorated Viet Nam war veteran. I was a visual tracker on an army Combat Tracker Team. After working for General Motors for 35 years, most of that time as Skilled Trades Machine Repairman, I retired in 2006.
I am a Life Member of the NRA, and JWV. I hold or have held memberships in Amnesty International, National Taxpayers Union, Drug Policy Alliance, Cato Institute, and Michigan’s Mackinac Center, just to name a few.
It is my hope that the Michigan LP affiliates, that will receive this letter, will share it with their membership through emails, or meetings. I will be grateful for any support or suggestions I receive concerning this campaign.
In Liberty,
Ken
Geez, I dunno, Ken. Granholm is so totally hot. -- bw
From other sources:
Detroit News: Wary Michigan residents say census treads on privacy
http://www.detnews.com/article/20100326/METRO/3260386/Wary-Michigan-residents-say-census-treads-on-privacy#ixzz0jhg54o3j
Referred by Jon Addiss:
New York Times: To Reduce Partisanship, Get Rid of Partisans
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/22/opinion/22keisling.html
Detroit Metro Times: The big push
A planned ‘compassion center’ 'compassion center' could test medical pot law
http://www.metrotimes.com/news/story.asp?id=14915
LPM Platform Committee Formed – Proposed Revisions Sought
At our state convention in Okemos on Saturday, May 22, we will consider revisions to our Libertarian Party of Michigan platform, which you can read at http://www.mi.lp.org/Shared%20Documents/Platform.aspx.
LPM members may suggest revisions to the platform by submitting proposed changes by May 10 to Nathan Allen, former LPM state chair who has agreed to serve as the 2010 LPM Platform Committee Chair. His email address is trustynathan08@yahoo.com. Nathan is joined on the platform committee by LPM State Vice-Chair Dan Johnson, LEC Member-at-Large Andy LeCureaux, and former LPM state chair, Scotty Boman. This committee will review proposed revisions and order them for ease of deliberation at the convention’s morning business session. Please contact Nathan Allen with questions, trustynathan08@yahoo.com or 248-891-3003.
Correction
In the recent USPS mailing to members and supporters asking for candidates and donations, there were several mistakes in the candidate list. The term of office for both the Secretary of State and Attorney General is 4 years, not 8.
“Michael, we don’t have a lot of time on this earth. We weren’t meant to spend it this way. Human beings weren’t meant to sit in little cubicles starring at computer screens all day, filling out useless forms, and answering to eight different bosses drone on about mission statements.”
—Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston), Office Space
Courtesy Emily Salvette:
Patient Protection and Health Care Affordability Act
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.
Book Review via Column
Secure the Blessings of Liberty, by Robert K. Jones
...in the column: O-Slammer-Care and the Constituition, by Brian Wright
My friend, regardless of how we may feel about the government becoming involved in the health care business, it DOESN'T REALLY MATTER. THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY FOR HEALTH CARE. There, sorry for shouting. I also produced a column in which the original author made the point quite convincingly. The feds do not have the Constitutional authority to create a health care system, or even to regulate one, or even to do all those other things the Demopublicans want and have implemented already. So the question is, do you think we should abide by the Constitution? ... [full column ] [main]
Movie Review
Amreeka
Tale of dispossession and hope
Amreeka is the story of Muna's experience, which is based loosely on similar experiences by 
writer/director, Cherien Dabis, a second generation Lebanese woman who grew up in the Midwest. From Roger Ebert's review:
"Cherien Dabis incorporates some of her own story in her film. A Jordanian raised in Dayton, Ohio, during the years of the Gulf War, she was discriminated against. American anti-Arab prejudice apparently considers all Arabs to be on the wrong side of every problem. To explain that Palestinians had no involvement with Saddam's invasion of Kuwait would be a waste of time with such people, who seem to believe Arabs shouldn't exist at all, or at the very least should stay at home."
[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 March issue of 1990. Click on this link for the full PDF version of this newsletter. (http://michiganlp.org/Past Newsletters/Michigan Libertarian Vol 17.1 1990 March-April.pdf)
Newsletter editor Greg Stempfle has compiled the entire body of available Michigan Libertarian newsletters up on this page of the LPM Website.
I'm a hardcore Libt and along with my brother we run Nikola's Restaurant in Southfield. I ran for US Congress in Kalif in '98. [Is that in the UP? -- bw]
Just wanted to make you aware of the restaurant. It's got a great interior and we're known for the huge portions and we were just voted 3rd place for WDIV's best barbecue. We have a separate room that holds 140 for functions.
Please let me know if we can be of service.
Velko
248-514-1468
Home of hard core libertarian and Liberty Dollar “provocateur” David GillieFelt he deserved an ad because he sent me a 1-oz LD with his business name on it, and I haven’t found the time to return it yet. It’s been like three years. – bw.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
April 9 – Tea Party Rally – Sault Sainte Marie – 5–7 pm – Bud Weber Park, 600 Ashmun St, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783. Sponsored by the Northern Michigan Liberty Alliance. Speakers will include Ken Proctor, who is seeking the LP nomination for Governor, and LPM Vice-Chair Dan Johnson. The National Tea Party Express will be stopping by around 6 pm. Note this is not an LPM sponsored event, but may be of interest to our members. Contact Chad Stevens, chad@libertytc.com, (906) 440-6084.
April 13 - Libertarian Party of West Michigan Annual Convention – 6:30 pm at Brann’s Steakhouse, 5510 28th SE, Grand Rapids 49512. The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM and nominations will start at 7:30 PM. Contact Bill Gelineau freedomlover59@hotmail.com
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
April 15 – Tea Party Rally – 5-6:30 pm Ah-Nab-Awen Park in Grand Rapids (near Gerald R Ford Museum). Not an LPM event, but likely of interest to our members. Contact Josh Lillie, joshlillie77@gmail.com
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
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.
April 21 – LP of Oakland County Monthly Meeting – **NOTE NEW DAY**The LP of Oakland County now meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. 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, or Johnny Skosnik, LPOC Secretary, 248-840-8604. 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.
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
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
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
May 3 - 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
May 4 – 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
May 5 – 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 Larry Johnson, michlibertarian@comcast.net
May 5 – 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.
May 6 – Wayne County LP Monthly Meeting – 7 p.m. - Kiernans Steak House, 21931 Michigan Ave, Dearborn (at Monroe). Contact Ray Warner, 313-598-3666
May 6 – Livingston County LP Monthly Meeting and Candidate Caucus. The newly re-organized Livingston County LP meets 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
May 10 - LPM Platform Change Submission Deadline – Send proposed changes to the LPM Platform, which will be deliberated at the State Convention on May 22, to Platform Committee Chair Nathan Allen trustynathan08@yahoo.com
May 11 – 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
May 19 – LP of Oakland County Monthly Meeting – The LP of Oakland County now meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. 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, or Johnny Skosnik, LPOC Secretary, 248-840-8604. 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.
May 19 – Libertarians of Macomb County Monthly Meeting – The Libertarians of Macomb County meet on the third 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
May 19 – 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 Larry Johnson, michlibertarian@comcast.net
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 and delegates to the national LP Convention in St. Louis. Contact Bill Gelineau, freedomlover59@hotmail.com
May 25 – LP of Calhoun County Monthly Meeting - Executive Committee, 7 p.m. Please contact Jack Worsham for location. (269) 963-2679, WORSHAM74@aol.com
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
Michigan may send 39 delegates and 50 alternates to this convention. Contact Emily Salvette, chair@mi.lp.org, if you would like to be considered for a delegate or alternate spot. freedomlover59@hotmail.com
More...
For all events, see the full online calendar on the Website:
http://www.mi.lp.org/Shared Documents/Calendar.aspxThe 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.orgNote: 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
About the Michigan Libertarian |
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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