Greeting
LP Condemns Indefinite Detention
Gary Johnson to seek LP nomination

LPM News and Announcements
  
   Liberty Fest coming in March, need Libby nominees
   LPM Affiliates contest winner
   Check out LPM Stuff online
   The 2012 LPM Convention
   LPM opportunity in special election
   RIP 2011: Jack Kevorkian, John Hospers, Nathan Allen RIP

Image of the Month
Quote of the Month
Past Blast
Letters
Book and Movie Reviews
Contacts
Calendar

[main]
Welcome to the January 2012 issue of the online newsletter of the Libertarian Party of Michigan, the 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).

News Release Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle 12/2/11

WASHINGTON - Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle released the following statement today regarding the indefinite detention provisions of Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012.

"The Obama administration has already claimed that the president has the authority to kill Americans overseas, if he believes they are terrorists.

"Now, in the latest National Defense Authorization Act, Congress is trying to give the president power to imprison Americans indefinitely, without charges or respect for habeas corpus, if he claims they are terrorists.Democrats and Republicans in the Senate have already joined hands to pass the bill.

"This contempt for our rights is outrageous. Any member of Congress who supports that provision is grossly violating his or her oath to uphold the Constitution. If the president thinks you are a terrorist, let him present charges and evidence to a judge. He has no authority to lock you up without any judicial review, just because he and Congress believe he should have unlimited power.

"That is the kind of power held by tyrants in totalitarian regimes. It has no place in the United States.The Libertarian Party opposes terrorism. We also believe our government should stop taking actions that provoke terrorism. We want to end military involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other countries, and we want to repeal the Patriot Act." Full news release.

December 28, 2011, Santa Fe, NM

At a morning news conference in the Rotunda of the New Mexico State Capitol, former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson today announced that he is seeking the Libertarian Party nomination for president. Governor Johnson’s announcement statement:

“Today I am announcing that I will seek the Libertarian nomination for President of the United States. The Libertarian Party nominee will be on the ballot in all 50 states – as they were in 2008, and will offer a principled alternative to the Republican and the Democrat.

“This was both a difficult decision – and an easy one. It was difficult because I have a lot of Republican history, and a lot of Republican supporters. But in the final analysis, as many, many commentators have said after examining how I governed in New Mexico, I am a Libertarian — that is, someone who is fiscally very conservative but holds freedom-based positions on the issues that govern our personal behavior. Full news release.

Liberty Fest to be held in Lansing area, March (day TBD)
Andrew Hall
halla12@ferris.edu

"Save The Date" Libby Fest 2012 will be in March [we are leaving the date to be determined to try to arrange one of the LP presidential candidates to be speaker] in the Lansing area. I am also asking for nominations for Libby awards by January 23 at 5 pm. Below is a description of each award. LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF MICHIGAN - DEFENDER OF LIBERTY AWARDS (THE LIBBYS)
Award Categories:

• Spokesperson for Liberty - A member of the community whose patriotism and conviction have inspired contributions to the cause of Liberty. ·
• Promoter of Liberty - A Libertarian whose efforts have done the most to promote the LP and Libertarian principles. ·
• Producer of Liberty - A dedicated, behind-the-scenes Libertarian whose quiet labors over the years exemplifies the backbone of the LP.

If you have any nominations for the Libby Awards please email me at halla12@ferris.edu with the subject “Libby Fest Nomination 2012".

LPM Affiliates Contest, The Winner is...
Denee Rockman-Moon
denee.rockman-moon@live.com
810-241-8561

I am pleased to announce that the Libertarian Party of West Michigan Affiliate is the WINNER! There were 37 new members between national and state level, with West Michigan collecting 10. Please help me in giving them a CONGRATULATIONS on a job well done! Larry Warner is the affiliate Leader and will be contacted very soon on collecting their $500.00. Great Job West Michigan!

An anonymous donor to the Libertarian Party of Michigan offered $500 to the affiliate that brings in the most NEW members (not renewals) to the LP from May 1, 2011 until October 31, 2011.

Check out all the cool the LPM Stuff on the LPstuff.com banner

Several months ago the LPM made an arrangement with LPstuff.com to run a banner on our Webpage for products that display the LPM logo—t-shirts, emblems, sweatshirts, coffee cups, nametags, etc. In return, the LPM gets a piece of the action. From those who have checked out the merchandise, they say the quality is first rate:

Bill Hall: "When we first signed up I ordered business cards and a magnetic-backed name tag for my office as LPM Political Director, both of which were very professional-looking, and I used a fair amount."

Timothy Kiernan: "I'm very pleased with my LPM t-shirt (design 2) from there. I had them print "Livingston County" on it so it looks super local. I think Pam and Ron Sanderson ordered them as well. I also got a magnetic name tag. Just my name, so it applies no matter what officer position I hold (and when I don't). I really like it because there's no pin to mess up your shirts with, you just press the back magnet against the front through your shirt and it stays put.

Gearing up for the 2012 Convention

We're already gearing up for the 2012 State Convention in June, but we need your help to pull it off!! We're looking for a few great volunteers to join the LPM Convention Committee. The committee is responsible for developing the agenda, venue arrangements, promotion, registration, and on site logistics. Meetings will either be on line or via conference call. Please join Renee Lewis (livingstonladyliberty@gmail.com) on a conference call January 10, 2012 at 7 p.m. to be part of the convention planning team or have input. See details in calendar below.

Opportunity in Special Election

Looking for liberty-leaning folks up in the Grand Blanc area who'd be willing to run as a Libertarian. With Rep. Paul Scott being recalled, there will be a special election on February 28, and a great opportunity to promote libertarian ideals in an election without a lot of other distractions going on. Contact Jim Fulner at fulner@gmail.com.

LP RIP 2011: Jack Kevorkian, John Hospers, Nathan Allen

Dr. Jack Kevorkian died Friday, June 3rd. His name became a household word as a result of his work in performing assisted suicides, and his campaign to legally put end of life decisions in the hands of patients. Most people, however, are not familiar with his relationship to the LPM: In 1993, he was given the “Freedom Fighter of 1993” award by the LPM. His late sister, Margo, accepted the award on his behalf. This award began the annual tradition that came to be called the “Defender of Liberty Awards.” Kevorkian also provided end of life services for a sister of Libertarian author and activist Mary Ruwart. A public memorial service was held in his honor at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, MI at 9:30 AM Friday June 10th.

John Hospers, the Libertarian Party's first presidential nominee in 1972, died on June 12, 2011 in Los Angeles, California at the age of 93. Full story here. Hospers became the Libertarian Party's first nominee for U.S. President at its first national convention in Colorado on June 18, 1972. Hospers and his running mate, Tonie Nathan (1st woman to receive an electoral vote), each received one electoral vote in the 1972 election from Roger MacBride, a renegade elector in Virginia. Hospers was a professor of philosophy at several universities, including the University of Southern California.

Nathan Allen passed away May 26 (after a long battle with cancer. Nathan was a long-time activist for libertarianism in Oakland County. He has served most ever position available for the LPOC over the past 10 years. He also spent one year at the chair of the Libertarian Party of Michigan, and just last year was a king maker receiving enough votes as a Libertarian to make up the difference between the Democrat and the Republican candidates in the State Rep. District 39 race. Here is the resolution honoring Nathan passed at convention last month.

A Text Message Too Far

The Constitution of the United States asserts that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed and that they are entitled to freedom of person, freedom of religion, freedom of property, and freedom of press. — Thomas Jefferson

Take a stroll down memory lane with this excerpt from one of the longest-running state Libertarian newsletters. Today, check out the January/February 1984 issue. Click on this link for the full PDF version of this newsletter.

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

A Libertarian Mnemonic

... courtesy LP presidential candidate Carl Person:

"I thought it might be useful for the LP to have a mnemonic for use in recalling the main talking points for Libertarians. I'm extracting below the talking points part of the attached release. I'm inviting you to suggest any improvements."

Less regulation
Internet neutrality
Ballot access
End victimless crimes / release prisoners
Reduced government spending
Transparency of government
Accountability of government officials
Reduced taxes
Immigration reform
A ban on all wars
No crony capitalism
International peace
States' rights
Monetary reform

Ed.— On the letters to the editor front, nobody sent one in this month, so true to my word, instead of the sexist, pandering Miss America photos, we once again display the horrifying image of 'Staties' Angels.' Better get on the stick and send those letters in to e-newsletter@michiganlp.org now. Don't wait another day.

The following review excerpts are courtesy LPM Webmaster Brian Wright's commentary and review site, The Coffee Coaster. If you are interested in receiving the e-newsletter for the Coffee Coaster, so you may receive notice of his site's reviews and commentary, please fill out the form link here then check the Email List box 0_Coffee_Coaster. [Reader submissions of reviews are also solicited for this feature.]

Movie Review
Super 8 (2011)
An ageless, fantabulous family film ___ 8/10

I point out this clip because I have never seen a better illustration of the difference between poor acting, mediocre acting, and the best acting. In the scene the girlfriend/wife (played by Fanning) is having a heartfelt conversation with the male lead, the detective in this movie within a movie. The detective character says he must take his investigation to a faraway place—Michigan. It's a trip she knows is fraught with danger, and he may not return. Fanning (as Alice) first reads her lines in a cursory manner. The director and troupe show disappointment, but decide to go ahead and roll the scene. What Fanning brings next is pure screen magic... for the movie AND for the movie within the movie.[2] [Full Review]

Book Review
Three Men in a Room (2006)
New York politics a microcosm of 'Borg' Central
by Seymour P. Lachman

It simply makes sense that when such immense power has been thusly concentrated it prefers to exercise that power thru pushing the fewest number of levers. What Lachman shows, in the case of the fourth largest budget in the United States—only the feds, California, and Texas are bigger—, is that the levers of power in New York have been distilled to three guys: the Governor, the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the Assembly. Their agreements in closed meetings determine what legislation is passed, which other government officials will be suppressed or advanced, and, fundamentally, who gets the money (out of a budget of ~$112 billion). [Full Review]

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

---

January 4 - LP of Washtenaw County Monthly Meeting -7 to 9 pm at Classic Cup Cafe, 4389 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor (In the Parkland Plaza west of Ann Arbor). The LP of Washtenaw County meets on the first Wednesday of every month. You can see more announcements and information regarding the LPWC at its new website, http://lpwc.wordpress.com. Contact LPWC Chair, Paul Giuliano, pgiulian@umich.edu

January 4 – 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, wbradley@i2k.com 269-637-4525, or Dan Grow, grow.daniel@gmail.com

January 5 – Wayne County LP Monthly Meeting – 7 p.m. - Kiernans Steak House, 21931 Michigan Ave, Dearborn (at Monroe). Contact Ray Warner, 313-598-3666

January 5 – Livingston County LP Monthly Meeting - 7-8:30 pm. The Livingston County LP meets the first Thursday of each month at Cleary's Irish Pub, 117 E Grand River Ave, Howell 48843. Join them to discuss local and national news from a Libertarian perspective. Contact Todd Richardson chair.livingstonlp@gmail.com for details

January 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

January 10–Conference Call to Help with LPM Convention Planning–7 p.m. It looks like convention will be June 2, 2012.  As soon as a venue is set, it will be posted on LPM site and in newsletter. Renee Lewis (livingstonladyliberty@gmail.com)is setting up a a conference call for those interested in helping with the planning on Tuesday, January 10th at 7p.  Check LPM site (http://www.michiganlp.org) for callin details.

January 10 – LP of West Michigan Monthly Meeting – 6:30 pm. Join the LPWM on the second Tuesday of the month at Branns Restaurant on Leonard St. at US 131 in downtown Grand Rapids. Contact Nick Sundquist, Nicholas.sundquist@yahoo.com, 231-750-5468

January 18 – LP of Oakland County Meeting – 6:30 pm dinner, 7:30 meeting -The LP of Oakland County meets the third Wednesday of the month at Sila's Restaurant, 4033 W. 12 Mile (2 blocks east of Greenfield), Berkley. Contact Jim Fulner, fulner@gmail.com

January 18 - Libertarians of Macomb County Monthly Meeting - 6:30 for dinner, 7:30 business meeting, at Loon River Café, 34911 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights. All members of the Libertarian Party, their friends and family, and anyone interested in learning more about the LP are invited for good food and conversation. Contact Dan Flamand, daniel.flamand@att.net.

January 31 – LP of Calhoun County Monthly Meeting - Executive Committee, 7 p.m. Please contact Jack Worsham for location. (269) 963-2679, WORSHAM74@aol.com

---

February 1 - LP of Washtenaw County Monthly Meeting -7 to 9 pm at Classic Cup Cafe, 4389 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor (In the Parkland Plaza west of Ann Arbor). The LP of Washtenaw County meets on the first Wednesday of every month. You can see more announcements and information regarding the LPWC at its new website, http://lpwc.wordpress.com. Contact LPWC Chair, Paul Giuliano, pgiulian@umich.edu

---

February 1 – 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, wbradley@i2k.com 269-637-4525, or Dan Grow, grow.daniel@gmail.com

---

February 2 – Wayne County LP Monthly Meeting – 7 p.m. - Kiernans Steak House, 21931 Michigan Ave, Dearborn (at Monroe). Contact Ray Warner, 313-598-3666

---

February 2 – Livingston County LP Monthly Meeting - 7-8:30 pm. The Livingston County LP meets the first Thursday of each month at Cleary's Irish Pub, 117 E Grand River Ave, Howell 48843. Join them to discuss local and national news from a Libertarian perspective. Contact Todd Richardson chair.livingstonlp@gmail.com for details

---

February 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

---

February 14 – LP of West Michigan Monthly Meeting – 6:30 pm. Join the LPWM on the second Tuesday of the month at Branns Restaurant on Leonard St. at US 131 in downtown Grand Rapids. Contact Nick Sundquist, Nicholas.sundquist@yahoo.com, 231-750-5468

---

February 15 – LP of Oakland County Meeting – 6:30 pm dinner, 7:30 meeting -The LP of Oakland County meets the third Wednesday of the month at Sila's Restaurant, 4033 W. 12 Mile (2 blocks east of Greenfield), Berkley. Contact Jim Fulner, fulner@gmail.com

---

February 15 - Libertarians of Macomb County Monthly Meeting - 6:30 for dinner, 7:30 business meeting, at Loon River Café, 34911 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights. All members of the Libertarian Party, their friends and family, and anyone interested in learning more about the LP are invited for good food and conversation on the third Wednesday of every month. Contact Dan Flamand, daniel.flamand@att.net.

---

February 28 – LP of Calhoun County Monthly Meeting - Executive Committee, 7 p.m. Please contact Jack Worsham for location. (269) 963-2679, WORSHAM74@aol.com

---

March [TBD] – Libertyfest. Contact Andrew Hall (andrew.hall@mi.lp.org).

---

May 2-6, 2012 - Libertarian Party National Presidential Nominating Convention -Red Rock Resort, Las Vegas NV. [Ref. Wikipedia page.]

---

June 2, 2012 - Libertarian Party of Michigan State Convention. Livonia Marriott.

---

More... For all events, see the full online calendar on the Website:
http://old.michiganlp.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://old.michiganlp.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 weekly LPMOnline and the printed-and-mailed ML.  We will post the newsletter 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.

Subscribe/Unsubscribe to Newsletter
You are subscribed to a newsletter email list on http://test.michiganlp.org/mailinglist: Click here to modify your message preferences or to unsubscribe from any future mailings. We respect all unsubscribe requests.

Newsletter URL (Webpage address for this issue of the ML):
201201/201201_ML.html

###