—Michigan Libertarian
November 2012, Volume 41: No. 11
(To view this newsletter in your browser, click here)
Online newsletter for the Libertarian Party of Michigan

Subscribe/Unsubscribe Instructions

In This Issue

Greeting
Write it in for Johnson/Gray
LEC recommendations on MI ballot proposals
Mary Ruwart to keynote Liberty Fest on November 18
From the Chair
Gary Johnson: The Book
Boman qualifies for debate
Afton bros in historic prosecutor races
NDAA Detention Nullification Michigan news
In Allen Park Vote Yes on (Allen Park Charter Amendment) Proposal 2

Other LPM News and Announcements
  
   Ruth Johnson ballot treachery portends LPM major party status
   LP 8th District Congress candidate warns of Republican Rogers' warhead 
   James Lewis gains support of Livingston homebuilders
   Cannabis Legalization measure to appear on Detroit ballot
   Nolan Chart to be displayed at Detroit art institute
   Real debate of presidential candidates postponed by Sandy to November 5

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


Welcome

[main]
Welcome to the November 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).


Write In Ballot
8Write in your votes for Johnson/Gray

Bill Hall
whall@wnj.com

At press time, we've not been successful in fighting the removal of our presidential candidate Gary Johnson from the ballot. However, anticipating this problem, we did qualify both Gary Johnson for President and James P. Gray for Vice President as independent write-in candidates in Michigan. [Michigan law requires that write-in candidates file paperwork with the Secretary of State by September 7 if they desire their votes to be counted.]

Here is what you need to do to write in their names (word-for-word from the Secretary of State's website): WRITE-IN CANDIDATES: To vote for a candidate whose name is not printed on the ballot, write or place the name of that candidate in the blank space provided and (completely darken the oval) or (complete the arrow).

This must be done even if you cast a straight party vote. Do not cast a write-in vote for a candidate whose name is already printed on the ballot for that office. Send a message that you do support Gary Johnson for President and James P. Gray for Vice President. Write in their names on your ballot!

Emily Salvette has prepared a sample of a ballot that shows how to fill in the names of our two write-in candidates. The figure is shown at right. Please contact me if you have any questions.


8Inside Skinny on Ballot Proposals

These are the recommendations of the LEC
chair@michiganlp.org

These are short descriptions of the proposals on the November 6 ballot along with the recommendations of the LPM. Full explanations of the recommended vote are located in the following PDF document: http://old.michiganlp.org/ENewsletters/201210/Proposals_2012.pdf.

Proposal

Purpose

Recommended Vote

1- STAND UP FOR DEMOCRACY Referendum Petition.

Petition seeks to invoke the right of referendum for the emergency financial manager law, 2011 PA 4.

No

2- PROTECT OUR JOBS
Initiative Petition

Proposed constitutional amendment to create a new right to collective bargaining.

No

3- MICHIGAN ENERGY, MICHIGAN JOBS
Initiative Petition

Proposed constitutional amendment to require utilities to obtain at least 25% of their electricity from clean renewable energy sources.

No

4- CITIZENS FOR AFFORDABLE QUALITY HOME CARE
Initiative Petition

Proposed constitutional amendment to establish the Michigan quality Home Council, provide certain information to consumers, require training of providers, and provide limited collective bargaining rights.

No

5- MICHIGAN ALLIANCE FOR PROSPERITY
Initiative Petition

Proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit the imposition of new or additional taxes or expansion of the base of taxation by the State of Michigan unless approved by a 2/3 majority of members in each chamber of the legislature or by a statewide vote of the people.

Yes

6- THE PEOPLE SHOULD DECIDE
Initiative Petition

Proposed constitutional amendment to require a vote of the people before the State of Michigan can construct or finance new international bridges or tunnels for motor vehicles.

Yes


8Liberty Fest 2012, November 18

Taking the LP to the Next Level

Date and Time: Sunday, November 18, 2012, 3:00 p.m.
Location: The Club Venetian, 29310 John R. Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071
Information here:
http://old.michiganlp.org/webpages_Aux/2012/Libfest_2012_Flier.pdf

Online registration and payments here: http://old.michiganlp.org/webpages_Aux/2012/Libfest_2012_Payments.html

SCHEDULE:

  • 3:00 – Doors open
  • 3:25 – Welcome and introduction
  • 3:30 – Dinner served
  • 4:00 – Announcement of 2012 Libby Awards
  • 4:15 – Speaker: Dr. Mary Ruwart
  • 5:15 – Acknowledgments and closing remarks Social engagement to follow…

PACKAGES:

  • GOLD Dinner, three free drinks, seat at head table, full-page ad in the booklet and public acknowledgment of your gold level support $200
  • SILVER Dinner, free drink, seat at guest speaker’s table, half-page ad in our booklet. [Note: ads may state whatever supporter desires.] $100
  • BASIC Dinner $45
  • COLLEGE Dinner, free drink $40
  • SPECIAL Until Nov. 1, two basics for $65

RuwartOur speaker is research scientist and author, Dr. Mary Ruwart. Dr. Ruwart is a native of Michigan and onetime leader in the Kalamazoo area affiliate of the LPM. Holding numerous positions in academia and in the pharmaceutical profession, she branched off two decades ago to become a writer and social activist particularly in the medical ethics and civil liberties fields. She has authored several books and her magnum opus, Healing our World—first edition 1992, second edition 2003—is a libertarian classic. Joseph Terrano of Visions Magazine refers to HOW as the ‘book of the decade.’ Her accomplishments and her activities to assist the less fortunate and help sustain a heathful natural environment are noteworthy: she is profiled in American Men and Women of Science, Who’s Who in Science and Technology, World Who’s Who of Women, International Leaders of Achievement, Who’s Who of American Women, Community Leaders of North America, among other prestigious directories. She has been active in the Libertarian Party, seeking several offices, including the nomimation for President in 1983 and 2008. She is a popular and engaging speaker at worldwide Libertarian and libertarian events. She currently resides in Texas. Website: http://www.ruwart.com/

Defender of Liberty Awards (The Libbys)
Winners must live and/or work in the state of Michigan.
Three categories have been established:

  • 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 exemplify the backbone of the LP.

Please email your Libby candidate nominations to:
2012 Libertyfest Organizer Karl Jackson brokarl@msn.com


8From the Chair

Home Stretch 2012
Denee Rockman-Moon
chair@michiganlp.org

"To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones." — George Washington

http://old.michiganlp.org/Pictures/Denee.jpgJust some notes on important events and plans for the many campaigns, candidates, and events in this most exciting of seasons, more in the stories below the chair's report:

Election Day Tuesday November 6th

Have you picked out your candidates? Please remember if you would like to help on any campaigns, needing a Libertarian or Gary Johnson yard sign, or bumper sticker, please contact chair@mi.lp.org, I will do everything I can to see that you get them quickly:

                  “LIVE FREE”
Your Life. Your Voice. Your Option
.

Thank you for the contributions to the billboards!

I would like to begin to say “Thank You” to all those that have donated to the billboard campaigns. We were able, because of your generosity, to put up the following billboard from Sept 10th through Oct 7th at the following locations: a) I-75 South of Coldwater Rd, facing south -Flint/Lansing, b) US-31 South of Sherman Rd, facing north -Muskegon, c) I-96 West of Greenfield Rd, Facing West -Detroit. Who knows how many motorists were drawn to our message of freedom who otherwise might have wandered around lost indefinitely in the jungle of the two-party duopoly.

Billboard

Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged Part II”

Atlas Shrugged IIOn October 12, 2012, the second part of the three part movie, Atlas Shrugged, opened in 343 cities. Some Michgan Libertarian reviews:

We all thought the movie was really good! Most of the actors and actresses were different than in part 1 (I liked the first Dagny better) They changed some things to better reflect the current times, like the price of gas being so high the best mode of travel went back to trains. It is difficult to get all the ideals that come across in the book into the movie but I think the some major points were related well. Ron and I downloaded part 1 from Amazon (pretty cheap for 24 hours) and watched it before seeing part 2 on Sunday. Now I want to see part 3!! — Pamela Sanderson

If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas that you would like to share with me, please send me an email at chair@michiganlp.org.


8Gary Johnson: The Book

Seven Principles of Good Government
Referred by Will White
whitewi5@msu.edu

Seven PrinciplesGary Johnson makes the most consistent and compelling arguments for limited government of any politician on the American scene today. Even if you don’t agree with everything he advocates, his new book is worth reading for its common-sense policy proposals and intellectual honesty. Silver Lake Publishing is proud to announce the release Gov. Gary Johnson’s SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF GOOD GOVERNMENT. CLICK HERE to get this book at the best price available anywhere. Johnson is the former two-term governor of New Mexico. He made headlines during his tenure as governor for supporting school vouchers, a freeze on all state taxes, real cuts in government agency funding and the decriminalization of marijuana. In 2012, he is running for President of the United States on the Libertarian Party ticket. He will be campaigning aggressively through the fall in all 50 states.

SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF GOOD GOVERNMENT is Gov. Johnson’s first book. It’s part memoir, part campaign document and part advice from a successful entrepreneur, governor and father of two. In the book, Johnson writes: "Government should protect you and me from those who would do us harm, threaten our rights and take away our civil liberties—whether they be foreign or domestic enemies, unscrupulous businesses or corporations, or individuals." The retail price for SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF GOOD GOVERNMENT is $12.95. If you order directly from Silver Lake Publishing, you can get one book for $9.95. Or five books for only $39.95. Or, the best price, 50 copies for $299.95. That’s less than half of the retail price and the best deal available anywhere.


8Boman qualifies for Senate debate, Stabenow bails...

Boman Qualifies, Stabenow Cancels Libertarian Pushes for Debate
10/15/2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Scotty Boman. 313-247-2052
scottyboman@hotmail.com

http://www.gravispolls.com/2012/10/michigan-senate-poll.html, Detroit, MI

United States Senate Candidate Debbie Stabenow backed out of participation in the traditional televised debates three days after Libertarian Scotty Boman qualified to be in them. She cited disagreements with Republican challenger Pete Hoekstra as the reason for the withdrawal in a recent press release. Since 1996 there have been two well-publicized debates between specially qualifying candidates: One on public Television at Grand Valley State University, and one hosted by the Detroit Economic Club.

Libertarian Scotty Boman qualified to be in the debates after a state-wide scientific poll showed he would likely receive 7% of the vote. Polling at 5% or better is the one requirement for participation in the televised debates that has long eluded minor party candidates. In 2008, the host public television station WGVU specifically cited this criterion as cause for not including Boman in the Senatorial debate between Jack Hoogendyk and Carl Levin. Of course, this was a "Catch 22" for the Libertarian since no scientific state-wide, general election poll that year included him as a choice.

The recent poll of nine hundred and seventy likely Michigan voters was conducted on October 5th and 6th by Gravis Marketing -- a national, non-partisan research firm based in Florida. With the Libertarian included as a third option, Democrat Stabenow polled 48.0% to Republican Hoekstra’s 39.3% with Boman favored by 7.0%. The remaining 5.7% were undecided or preferred another candidate. In a previous poll, conducted by public policy polling between February 10th and 12th, Boman, who was then considering a possible bid for the Republican nomination, received 6 % among likely Michigan Republican primary voters.

The press release in which the Gravis Poll results were announced, also quoted Boman as saying, "Now that there is a credible, independent poll showing me above the threshold for participation [in the televised debate]," Boman mused, "it will be interesting to see what kind of creative excuse they will come up with to keep me out this time."

“Well I guess I got my answer;” Boman said, “They are keeping me out by cancelling the event altogether. I don’t know if that was the motive, but it is certainly the result.” Boman remains hopeful that these opponents will have a change of heart,

“Michigan residents are best served by a lively, and thoughtful, exchange of ideas. I am willing to debate with all of my opponents, and have already had that opportunity with Republican Pete Hoekstra and Green Harley Mikkelson in the past. If Hoekstra or Stabenow wish to debate me on WGVU or at a Detroit Economic Club event, without the other being present, I will be pleased to participate.”

Boman is open to other venues too, “I have a standing offer from Liberty Town Hall at the M33 studio in Rose City to participate in such a multi-partisan debate, and the program would be available to stations around the state.”


8Afton Brothers' Campaigns are Big News

Detroit News story features our prosecutor candidates for Oakland and Wayne counties
submitted by Denee Rockman-Moon

Here's a Detroit News article that was just published today Thursday October 25, 2012 on Steven and David Afton. Both candidates for County Prosecutor in Oakland and Wayne Counties, respectively:

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121025/METRO/210250370/1409/metro/From-politics-professional-careers-brothers-share-ambition

Identical Twin Brothers Both on November Ballot,
Vying for Top Prosecutor Jobs in Neighboring Wayne and Oakland Counties

Sharing distaste for the drug war, experience working both at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office and as criminal defense lawyers, and a libertarian ideology, identical twin brothers are the respective Libertarian Party nominees for County Prosecutor in neighboring Wayne and Oakland counties.

AftonsLike many identical twins, David and Steven Afton share many of the same interests, goals, and even career choices. They’ve both worked in the asset forfeiture department for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, and later as lawyers defending criminal cases, many involving drug and other non-violent, vice-type offenses. They also share a history of libertarian views and activism. Not surprising then is their decision to mount challenges for separate offices of County Prosecutor in neighboring Wayne and Oakland counties, respectively. They’re both on the November ballot as Libertarian Party candidates for those offices, each promoting a simple platform promising to end prosecutions of “victimless” vice crimes, to scrap civil asset forfeiture programs, and to never oppose jury nullification—where one or more jurors refuse to convict someone of a crime because the underlying law seems immoral or unfair. Subheadings:

  • No Victim, No Crime—“We both worked in the forfeiture department for the Wayne County Prosecutor and later doing criminal defense work,” said David Afton, candidate for Wayne County Prosecutor. “We saw first-hand the damage caused to the community by unfair laws that punish people for undesirable or unhealthy but non-violent behavior like drug use or prostitution as if they were violent crimes perpetrated against real victims, like rape, murder, or burglary. But they’re vices, not crimes, and they should be treated like health or behavioral problems.”

    The brother’s point out that, according to the ACLU, the U.S. has 5% of the world’s population but is the world’s leading jailer with 25% of the world’s prisoners—more than Russia, Iran, or Cuba. One in 99 adults are living behind bars in the U.S., marking the highest rate of imprisonment in American history, and since 1970, the U.S. prison population has risen 700%. Many of these incarcerations are from the “war on drugs” and other vice-related offenses. “If it’s true that ‘civilization is the triumph of persuasion over force,’” added Steven Afton, running for Oakland County Prosecutor, “then the U.S. is in bad shape from a personal liberties standpoint.

    It’s a no-brainer: no victim, no crime, meaning no charges, no prosecution, and no jail. Sure, the number of prosecutions will plummet, but only because a large chunk of activities previously defined as ‘crimes’ vanish, so crime rates effectively drop too.”


  • Ending Asset ForfeitureHaving both worked for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s asset forfeiture department, the brothers also advocate ending all county-run asset forfeiture programs. “In Michigan, from 2001 to 2008, more than $149 million dollars in total revenue resulted from forfeited property,” said Steven. “These forfeiture programs—once tools of only the now-failed drug war but increasingly used in relation to gambling, prostitution, and other non-violent vices—are simply immoral wealth transfer schemes that let police and municipalities benefit from cash, cars, and land seized from people even simply accused of drug and other victimless crimes, let alone convicted.”

  • Jury NullificationThe two candidates also advocate jury nullification, pointing out that juries historically have been the final barrier to unjust laws, prosecutors and judges, through even one juror’s power to acquit an accused, regardless what the law or judge say. The two candidates promise that if elected they will never interfere with attempts by defense lawyers or defendants to remind jurors they may refuse to convict if a criminal law seems unfair or unjust.

    The brothers are hopeful their platform—decidedly unconventional from the viewpoint of the typical County Prosecutor—will at least stimulate serious discussion about the damage caused by the drug war and asset forfeiture and the benefits gained by ending them. Adds David, “The other party candidates running for County Prosecutor in Wayne and Oakland counties are using typical fiery rhetoric while promising to ‘get tough on crime’ by ramping up the drug war, jailing more people for victimless crimes, and forfeiting cash, cars and houses. But as Libertarians, we’re doing the opposite: saying what we won’t do—that we won’t go after people who never victimized another person or property.”

About David and Steven Afton

David Afton and Steven Afton graduated from Michigan State University in 1986, and from Thomas M. Cooley law school in 2000. Both have been licensed Michigan attorneys since 2001. They both previously worked for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office in the drug / prostitution asset forfeiture department, and also as criminal defense attorneys. Both currently work as insurance claims attorneys. David Afton is a resident of Dearborn, and Steven Afton lives in Rochester Hills. For more information about their campaigns, contact them at:

David Afton – Candidate for Office of Wayne County Prosecutor
Cell: (586) 822-5089
E-mail: Liberty@Afton4CountyProsecutor.com
Website: http://www.Afton4CountyProsecutor.com

Steven Afton – Candidate for Office of Oakland County Prosecutor
Cell: (248) 275-8348 Alt. (248) 659-8405
E-mail: SteveAfton@SteveAfton.com
Website: http://www.SteveAfton.com

The LPM is running another outstanding campaign for prosecutor in Washtenaw County, who has been featured on these pages before, Mr. Justin Altman (http://www.altmanforprosecutor.com/). These men are the real deal and with adequate exposure can win their races, they are obviously head and shoulders above the older party candidates who have zero/zilch/nada for solutions and only exist to suck the people dry of their blood, their treasure, and their liberties. A vote for Afton, Afton, and Altman is a vote for justice, any other vote in these prosecutors' races is for blatant tyranny and corruption. The fact that Afton, Afton, and Altman are running makes me proud to be a Libertarian.


8NDAA Indefinite Detention Nullification bill being considered

HB 5768 now before the House
Dan Goebel dan@dangoebel2012.com

Nullification of Indefinite Detention HB 5768 In Lansing Tuesday September 25, a public hearing was held for HB 5768. The Bill was introduced by Reps. McMillin, MacMaster, Irwin, Ananich, Foster and McBroom. This Bill is intended to address the Indefinite Detention Provisions in the NDAA. HB 5768 “A bill to prohibit any agency of the state, any political subdivision of this state, any employee of any agency of this state or any political subdivision of this state, or any member of the Michigan national guard from assisting an agency of the armed forces of the United States in the investigation, prosecution, or detainment of any citizen of the United States under certain circumstances.

Dennis Marburger provided a full report of the movement of the bill thru committee here:
http://old.michiganlp.org/ENewsletters/201210/Marburger.pdf

From spokespersons familiar with the Campaign for Liberty and other organizations supporting HB5768, the idea is to use the bill as a trial balloon, determining where the various members of the House stand on the idea of 10th Amendment nullification of unconstitutional laws. Inside skinny holds that proponents of NDAA detention nullification want a a bill that has teeth, associating criminal penalties on federal officials who violate the law. Look for a highly visible debate in the Michigan legislature and among the public on Nullification of NDAA-detention, Obamacare, and a huge backlog of federal-authority overreach.

Two Michigan Counties Nullify NDAA Detention Provisions!
Dennis Marburger hadji1954@hotmail.com

NDAAObamaOakCountyRarely do patriots get to report on a victory. But today, we get to do just that. Here's the BIG News! Oakland County, Michigan, one of the best run counties in the nation, nullifies the NDAA! This is a victory for all Americans!!

  1. Oakland County, Michigan Defends U.S. Constitution Against NDAA -
    http://peopleagainstndaa.com/oakland-county-michigan-defends-u-s-constitution-against-ndaa/
  2. Second Michigan county says “NO!” to federal kidnapping (Oakland Cty joins Allegan Cty) - http://blog.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2012/10/second-michigan-county-says-no-to-federal-kidnapping/#.UIBnD_av9pc.facebook

8Allen Park Ballot Issue

Vote Yes on 2 in Allen Park
Contact Tim O'Brien
TOBrien321@gmail.com

AllenParkYeson2


8Other LPM News and Announcements

Michigan Johnson-on-Johnson crime gives us major party chances...
Scotty Boman

Newsflash! After Libertarian Jon Coon nearly got 4.2% of the US Senate vote in 1994, Michigan changed the definition of “Major Party” to mean only the top two vote getters. This change was only cosmetic. In all other respects, the political party who’s top-of-ticket candidate receives at least 5% of the total vote cast for Secretary of State in the previous election becomes a major party.

The top of ticket for the 2012 election should have been Libertarian Presidential nominee, Governor Gary Johnson, but Secretary of State, Ruth Johnson has pushed him off the Libertarian slate, and he is now an independent write-in candidate*. Historically, far fewer voters are likely to vote “Libertarian” for Presidential candidates than for other offices. Thanks to Ruth Johnson, Scotty Boman is now at the top of the Libertarian ticket. That means we have a unique opportunity, to put the Libertarian Party of Michigan in the top tier of Michigan’s two tier election system. Don’t let opportunity slip away!

Don't let the opportunity slip away!
Donate your dollars to Scotty Boman today!

Scotty Ad

* Since Governor Johnson can’t run as the Libertarian nominee in Michigan, those wishing to vote for him must write in president and vice president as: Gary Johnson/James Gray. See above.


Dan Goebel, Libertarian for U.S. Congress MI 8th
Important note on Mike Rogers, Republican candidate, warmonger

GoebelFirst, Dan spoke at Oakland University on October 23rd to a group at their Candidate meet and greet.  Dan was interviewed by staff of the University Press as well as having his picture taken for the article.  Other Libertarian Candidates were also there, as well as Livingston County Libertarian Party Secretary Karl Kiefer, and Treasurer Ron Sanderson. Special note from Dan Goebel regarding his Big Government Republican opponent Mike Rogers, who will rush America headlong into World War III:

"The link below shows U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers being interviewed by CNN on Oct 27, 2012. Note that he thinks that having the U.S. drop a bunker busting bombs on Iran is not an act of war. He is also the standing Chair of the U.S. Congressional Intelligence Committee which advises the President on these matters. By posting and forwarding the link below you may help divert WWIII because China, Russia, India and Brazil will likely side with Iran on this one, and who can blame them." — Dan Goebel

http://libertycrier.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5869e757e30c53d50c98107bf&id=18599c1950&e=4f35a8e189


Home Builders Applaud James Lewis Plan to Cut Taxes
Incumbent Rogers’ ideas met with silence, contradicts himself on own voting record

James Lewis(Brighton, Mich.) – At Wednesday’s Candidate Panel Discussion, sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Livingston County , the only applause was for candidate James Lewis, running against incumbent Bill Rogers and challenger Shanda Willis for a seat in the state House. Representing the 42nd district, Lewis advocates eliminating personal state income tax and cutting property taxes as a first step in recharging the home building and other local industries.

The Lewis plan calls for cutting the state budget by 11% across the board to afford the elimination of personal income taxes. He asserts this will make the state more attractive to businesses and the people they employ, and will help jumpstart new business growth. Lewis received applause from the audience, which consisted mainly of builders and related tradespeople and affiliated industries. Rogers, whose building company is a member of the HBALC, found his ideas were met with decidedly less enthusiasm.


Detroit Voters to Vote on Cannabis Rights
Cannabis legalization measure to appear on Detroit November ballot

Colleagues, The Detroit Election Commission voted to formally place our Detroit cannabis legalization measure on the November ballot this afternoon. When the time came for public comment, one of our legal eagles Matt Able ably gave em hell. With a big smile and snarky tone to my voice, I congratulated the commission on "obeying the law" and saying "I had a feeling two years ago we would all be meeting again..."

Tim Beck
ContemporaryDetroitDetroit, Michigan
313-881-8995


Nolan Chart on Display at Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit
Come check out our display and take the world’s smallest politial quiz
Contact Denee Rockman-Moon at chair@michiganlp.org

The LPM will be having an interactive display at Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit, this event is focused around political posters for this election. The event will be open to the public November 2nd through November 9th, 2012 with performances and discussions around this election. It will be displayed amongst many other posters that will be sent from around the nation in hope to represent all parties.


Final and Real Presidential Debate, November 5
Final Presidential debate (between Johnson and Stein) rescheduled for election eve
Column in Independent Examiner:
http://www.examiner.com/article/final-presidential-debate-rescheduled-for-election-eve?CID=examiner_alerts_article

JohnsonSteinThe first Free and Equal Presidential debate, held last week in Chicago, featured the Libertarian Party’s Gary Johnson, the Green’s Jill Stein, the Justice Party’s Rocky Anderson and the Constitution Party’s Virgil Goode. While Stein and Anderson, both progressives, tended to agree on most issues, former Congressman Virgil Goode was a steadfast defender of smaller government, lower taxes and the conservative cause. Moderate former 2-term New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson held the middle ground, sometimes agreeing with Goode and sometimes with Anderson and Stein. For 24 hours after the first debate last Tuesday, viewers had the opportunity to vote for the candidate they’d like to see move onto the second and final debate in Washington DC this coming Monday night. Structured like a playoff, only the top two candidates were allowed to move onto the next debate. When the votes were counted, those two candidates were Libertarian Gary Johnson and the Green Party’s Jill Stein.

Details of the November 5 debate appear in the calendar below.


Image of the Month

This comes from National. Shows the night and day difference of Johnson from the evil lessers.

JohnsonTable

So make sure to send this handy-dandy comparison chart to all your friends and family. There is still time to make history. Nobody has any enthusiasm for Tweedledee (war and tyranny) or Tweedledum (tyranny and war). Use the following link:
http://www.lp.org/finally-a-stark-look-at-all-3-presidential-candidates?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Libertarian%20Party&utm_content=Stark


Quote of the Month
[main]

To sin by silence when we should protest makes cowards out of men.
— Ella Wheeler Wilcox


Michigan Libertarian Blast from the Past
[main]

Take a stroll down memory lane with this excerpt from one of the longest-running state Libertarian newsletters. Today, check out the September-October issue 2004. Click on this link for the full PDF version of this newsletter.

MLNovDec2008

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.



Feedback, Letters, Ads, Humor

Boycott Republicans for keeping Libertarian candidate for President off ballot
Leonard Schwartz leonard@leonardschwartz.us

Opinion: Republicans think that we don't care that they won't let any Libertarian Party candidate for president be on the ballot in Michigan. I suggest that we show our displeasure by boycotting all Republican candidates.

For all offices in which there is no Libertarian candidate, either vote for the Democrat or vote for no one. When you talk to Republicans, I suggest that you tell them why you won't vote for any Republicans this year. We need to boycott all Republicans this year to help deter future exclusion of Libertarians.

Reminder: You can write "Gary Johnson/James Gray" in the space for write-in candidates on the ballot. These write-in votes will be counted.

Leonard


Voters need NOTA on ballots: revamped for Election 2012
Peter Ponzetti III impete80@yahoo.com

For too long, those who go to the polls, and those wanting to but do not for lack of better candidates, have been unable to withhold their votes and still have them numerically count. When voters see candidates as unsuitable, they must either choose those they do not want or forego voting altogether.

There are two types of “none-of-the-above” (NOTA) voting options: binding and non-binding. With binding, if NOTA receives more votes than the candidates listed, either a new election is ordered or the office goes unfilled. In the case of non-binding, if NOTA wins, it is symbolic. With both options, none-of-the-above sends a message to all political parties and their NOTA-defeated candidates. Run more publicly-favorable individuals or you will lose to “none-of-the-above.”

NOTA on Michigan ballots is not farfetched. In 1995, House Bill No. 4794 was introduced by six state representatives but, unfortunately, never made it past its first committee. In Nevada, a non-binding NOTA voting option has been in place since 1975. The main argument against none-of-the-above goes like this: voters already have the option to vote none-of-the-above by writing it in on Election Day. The problem with this contention is that, in Michigan anyway, only votes for candidates who register as write-in candidates prior to the election are actually counted and reported.

NOTA voting options on ballots would give Michiganders a much-needed alternative. It is a no-cost, worthwhile option that would benefit voters whether they choose to use it or not. Until legislators permit their constituents to do so, however, the electorate will have to keep voting for candidates they dislike or not vote at all.

Peter


Movie and Book Review Feature
[main]

The following review excerpts are courtesy LPM Webmaster Brian Wright's commentary and review site, The Coffee Coaster. [Other submissions of reviews are solicited for this Michigan Libertarian Movie and Book Review feature. Please contact us via webmaster@michiganlp.org -- ed.]


Movie Review
The Apartment
(1964)
Laughs and love in the age of Mad Men ___ 9/10
Review by Brian Wright

The Academy in 1961 loved The Apartment. It was nominated for ten Oscars and won five: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Story and Screenplay, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Film Editing. Jack and Shirley were nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. (Burt Lancaster won for Elmer Gantry and Elizabeth Taylor won for Butterfield 8 that year.) How come it did so well? And should it have? Well, to answer the second question first, yes, it should have. So why should it have won, what makes it such a remarkably fine film (IMDb ranks it a stellar 8.4)? [Full Review]


Book Review
Rivethead (1992)
Tales from the assembly line
by Ben Hamper

Right from the gitgo Ben Hamper’s Rivethead grabs you with gritty gusto of passages such as the above; Hamper is an extraordinary writer about life for the ordinary guy… at least the ordinary guy who winds up as an automotive assembly-line worker for General Motors in Flint, Michigan—once considered the Automobile Capital of the World. The author is a natural shop rat, growing up in Flint, with an alcoholic mostly absentee father and a long-suffering, working-three-jobs mother trying to raise the family as practicing Catholics. [Full Review]


Libertarian Party of Michigan Contacts

LPM Leadership
State Chair – Denee Rockman-Moon, chair@michiganlp.org
Vice Chair – Larry Johnson,  michlibertarian@gmail.com
Secretary – Mary Buzuma, mary.buzuma@att.net
Treasurer – Kim Moore, kmoore_libertarian@ymail.comWebmaster – Brian Wright - brian_r_wright@yahoo.com
Political Director – Bill Gelineau – politics@mi.lp.org

Libertarian Executive Committee At-large Directors:
Andrew Hall - halla12@ferris.edu
Jim Fulner - fulner@gmail.com
Christopher Sharer - christopher.sharer@gmail.com
Keith Butkovich - sirkeith17@hotmail.com
Gregory Creswell - i.am4_gcreswell@yahoo.com


Judicial Committee
:
Keith Edwards - keithmarni@wowway.com
Bill Gelineau - freedomlover59@hotmail.com
Shyler Engel – shyler.engel@gmail.com

Affiliate Contacts (counties served)
Capital Area LP (Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Shiawassee)
Bob Broda, Chair, bob-broda@comcast.net  (contact Will White: whitewi5@msu.edu 
Website: www.calparty.org

Kalamazoo Area LP
Dennis Miller, Temp. Chair, drmiller94@gmail.com
Phone: 269-270-7747
The new Kzoo group will be handling the former Calhoun County and Southwest Michigan LP for counties: Calhoun, Berrien, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch, Cass, and Van Buren. Jack Worsham (worsham74@aol.com), Daniel Grow (grow.daniel@gmail.com), Bill Bradley and other leaders of the former affiliates will be working with the Kzoo affiliate.

Affiliate Contacts (counties served, continued)

Lakeshore Libertarians
Mary Buzuma, mary.buzuma@att.netLP of Livingston County (Livingston)
Pam Sanderson, Chair, Chair.LivingstonLP@gmail.com Website: http://www.livingstonlibertarians.us

Libertarians of Macomb County (Macomb)
Keith Edwards, Chair: keithmarni@wowway.com
Dan Flamand, Vice Chair: daniel.flamand@att.net

LP of Oakland County (Oakland)
Jim Young, Chair lpocmi@lpocmi.org
Website: http://www.lpocmi.org/

Straits Libertarian Party (SLaP)
James Johnson, Chair, minidu@gmail.com

LP of Washtenaw County (Washtenaw)
Larry Johnson michlibertarian@gmail.com
Also contact Paul Giuliano, pgiulian@umich.edu 
Website: http://lpwc.wordpress.com/

LP of Wayne County (Wayne, Monroe)
Ray Warner, Chair, raymondrand@yahoo.com

LP of West Michigan (Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa)
Larry Warner, Chair, the_real_radnex@yahoo.com  Website: www.lpwm.org

 

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


November 1 – 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 Pam Sanderson, factorylady@yahoo.com, for details.


November 5 – Presidential Debate – Winners of the Free and Equal sponsored debate on October 23, Gary Johnson and Jill Stein, were to have squared off again on October 30, in Washington DC. But due to the Superstorm Sandy, the date has been changed to Monday, November 5, the eve of election day: Rescheduled Debate details:

  • What: Final 2012 Presidential debate
  • Where: Washington DC, RT America television studios
  • When: Monday, November 5, 2012. 9:00pm to 10:30pm EST
  • Participants: Gary Johnson (Libertarian Party) and Jill Stein (Green Party)
  • Sponsor: Free and Equal Elections Foundation
  • Televised: On RT America. Additional outlets pending.

For more information, visit FreeAndEqual.org.


November 6 – Election Day – Polls are open 7am-8 pm. Make sure to write in Gary Johnson for President and cast your vote for all LP candidates including our Supreme Court nominees, Kerry Morgan and Bob Roddis, who are not identified by party on the ballot.


November 6 – LP of Oakland County Election Night Party – 7:30 pm-midnight at the home of Leonard Schwartz, 13711 Victoria, Oak Park MI 48237 (just north of 10 Mile & I-696, ½ block west of Coolidge). Potluck dinner. BYOB.  Watch the results come in! Contact Leonard@LeonardSchwartz.us, 248-546-3569


November 6 – Capital Area Libertarians Election Night Party - The Capital Area Libertarians will have an election night party November 6 from 9pm until ?? at Travelers Club International Restaurant & Tuba Museum in Okemos. The address is 2138 Hamilton, Okemos 48864, phone 517 349-3806. Free bar snacks provided and a cash bar with 202 types of beer available! Cheer on our candidates, especially Will Tyler White (proprietor of the Tuba Museum), running for one of 4 slots open for Meridian Township Trustee. Contact Will White: whitewi5@msu.edu


November 7 - 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, or its Facebook page—“like” us at Libertarian Party of Washtenaw County! Contact LPWC Chair, Larry Johnson, michlibertarian@gmail.com


November 7 - Libertarians of Macomb County Post-Election 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 about the election. Contact Keith Edwards, keithmarni@wowway.com. Note, no meeting on the 3rd Wednesday.


November 12 – 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


November 13 – 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


November 18 - LibertyFest –3 pm at the The Club Venetian, 29310 John R. Rd., Madison Heights MI 48071. Presentation of the Libby Awards. Special guest speaker Dr. Mary Ruwart, longtime Libertarian activist, civil libertarian and author of “the book of the decade,” Healing Our World: In an age of aggression. Registration via http://old.michiganlp.org/webpages_Aux/2012/Libfest_2012_Flier.pdf
(flyer has an active link to the registration and payments page)
(November LEC Meeting scheduled to follow LibertyFest)


November 29 – Kalamazoo Area LP Meeting – 7 pm, Portage Public Library, 300 Library Lane, Portage. The new Kalamazoo area LP usually meets the 4th Thursday of the month, but due to Thanksgiving, will meet one week later. Contact Dennis Miller, drmiller94@gmail.com, 269-270-7747.


December 5 - 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, or its Facebook page—“like” us at Libertarian Party of Washtenaw County! Contact LPWC Chair, Larry Johnson, michlibertarian@gmail.com


December 6 - Wayne County LP Monthly Meeting – 7 p.m. - Kiernans Steak House, 21931 Michigan Ave, Dearborn (at Monroe). Contact Ray Warner, 313-598-3666


December 6 – 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 Pam Sanderson, factorylady@yahoo.com, for details


December 10 – 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


December 11 – 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


December 16 – Libertarian Executive Committee Meeting – 4 pm by telephone conference. Call 218-844-3366, access code#576532 (long distance charges may apply depending on your phone plan).The state executive committee meets the 3rd Sunday of every month. All LPM members may dial in to teleconferences or attend face-to-face meetings.


LP of Oakland County – Holiday party. Date and location TBA. Contact Jim Fulner, fulner@gmail.com


Libertarians of Macomb County - No meeting in December - Contact Keith Edwards, keithmarni@wowway.com.


December 27 – Kalamazoo Area LP Meeting – 7 pm, Portage Public Library, 300 Library Lane, Portage. The new Kalamazoo area LP meets the 4th Thursday of the month. Contact Dennis Miller, drmiller94@gmail.com, 269-270-7747.


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


About the Michigan Libertarian
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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):
201211/201211_ML.html

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