| ——Michigan Libertarian—— June 2013, Volume 42: No. 06 |
(To view this newsletter in your browser, click here) Online newsletter for the Libertarian Party of Michigan Subscribe/Unsubscribe Instructions |
Greeting
From the Chair
LPM Convention 2013
Officer Candidate Declarations
Platform and Bylaws
10 Mistakes Libertarians Make
LPM News
Opinion Article Excerpt
Image of the Month
Quote of the Month
Past Blast
Letters
Book and Movie Reviews
Contacts
Calendar
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Welcome to the June 2013 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).
Denee Rockman-Moon
chair@michiganlp.org
This is an exciting time for the LP of Michigan. First I want to thank each of you individually for all your hard work and volunteerism to the party. The important business to announce of course today is the convention coming up in a couple of weeks. This is a very important gathering for our party and for liberty in general; we will be deciding on what the LP of Michigan will look like in the next year, and longer term.
Accordingly, I have put out an appeal for candidates and other participants to declare their intentions in helping our volunteer organization move forward. That appeal and the declarations appear below under the heading, Officer Candidate Declarations. Let's each of us make an exceptional effort to build a party we can be proud of. Register for the convention here and please do not forget about the special gala premier on Friday night June 14 of the libertarian classic film Alongside Night, based on the book of the same name. The full length feature film will be hosted by the author and screenwriter, J. Neil Schulman.
In Liberty,
Denee
Liberty Moving Forward
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Hilton Grand Rapids Airport
4747 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan
(616) 957-0100
Discounted Room Rates
$89 per night for Friday June 14 and Saturday June 15
until May 24, 2013
http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/G/GRRHIHF-LPM-20130613/index.jhtml
... or call the hotel and tell them you are attending the convention.
For more info and to provide much appreciated help, please contact convention organizer Mary Buzuma, mary.buzuma@att.net.
Extra Special Friday Night (6/14) Event before the Convention!
Advance Showing of Libertarian Film Alongside Night!
Thanks to Pat Heller proprietor of Liberty Coin Service who financed the production, famed libertarian author J. Neil Schulman's Prometheus Award-winning book, Alongside Night (1979)—about the loss and restoration of liberty in a society such as ours—has been made into a movie starring Kevin Sorbo (of Hercules fame), Jake Busey, Christian Kramme, and Reid Cox. Mr. Schul
man is flying into Grand Rapids specifically to advance-premier his timely movie for guests of the LPM... then traveling around the country to libertarian events this year for further promotion leading to entry into Cannes, to the Anthem Film festival of Freedom Fest, and probable distribution (via the same company handling Atlas Shrugged) to other well-known independent film festivals (e.g. Sundance). [Here is a short early trailer for the movie.]
Alongside Night will have just completed production on May 15th, thus the LPM is near the beginning of the list of sneak preview sites; this is a great honor and a great opportunity for libertarians and Libertarians in Michigan. You definitely want to be able to say you were here for the pre-maiden voyage of Alongside Night. With the author! This is a FREE EVENT. However, promotional items and other movie-related paraphernalia will be available... including book signing by the author, special Liberty coins made for the movie, auctioning of the sound system and Blu-Ray equipment for the party, and so on.
The Alongside Night movie Facebook page is located here (https://www.facebook.com/alongsidenightmovie?fref=ts). The screening will occur on Friday, June 14, in the Michigan Ballroom of the Hilton Grand Rapids Airport hotel, with the author introduction of the film starting at 7:00 EST.
Please visit the Alongside Night LPM preview-showing Event page on Facebook here and indicate whether you will be joining us for this once in a lifetime gala experience.
Convention Program
Here’s your chance to learn about the party and get involved.
Informative breakout sessions and guest speakers.
Register online or mail completed hard copy registration form.
Register early and save:
| Registration Type | Before June 10 | After June 10 |
| Convention+Lunch+Banquet | $55 | $70 |
| Convention+Lunch | $30 | $45 |
| Convention Only (No Meals) | $20 | $35 |
| Banquet Only | $30 | $45 |
Contact Mary Buzuma – mary.buzuma@att.net for questions.
Schedule, Saturday 6/15/13
Registration: 8:00 a.m.
Business Session 1: 9:00 - 12:00 p.m., Wolverine AB
Call to order
Officer and director reports
Scott Haggerstrom, Americans for Prosperity
Western Michigan University Libertarians
Affiliate reports
Lunch buffet: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Business Session 2: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Wolverine AB
Platform committee report
Bylaws committee report
State party elections
Chair/vice-chair, secretary, treasurer
LEC: five at-large positions
Judicial committee, three members
New LEC Meeting, 4:00 - 5:00: Newly elected and former members, Salon D
Reception and banquet, 5:00 - 9:00, Salon AB
Happy hour: 5:00
Banquet starts: 6:00 - 6:30
Speaker: Christie Diaz, 7:30 p.m.
Main Business of Convention
The 2013 convention is a business convention. No general election candidates will be nominated, but important issues will be addressed in bylaws and in the party platform... as well as electing a new set of officers and the executive committee. Important discussions and decisions about the direction of the party are also anticipated.
Banquet
The banquet will be buffet style, with vegetarian option available. Please specify when you register so we may obtain a count.
Banquet Speaker: Christie Diaz
Founder and President of Mommynomics
If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, parent or all of the above, come be inspired, motivated, and driven by: Christie Diaz is a great example of how young female entrepreneurs, business owners, mothers, all of which Christie is; are not only getting involved but also encouraging others to get involved in the call for Liberty and Freedom in America as well. Check out her challenging and eye-opening Facebook videos here: https://www.facebook.com/mommynomics
Christie is a one-woman liberty dynamo, just now breaking thru to national (and international) recognition in the liberty movement...
Christie Diaz. Not to be missed!
Come charge your batteries, then go forth and 'charge it forward!'
Online registration: Go to this PayPal site to register and pay online.
http://old.michiganlp.org/Webpages_Aux/2013/2013_Convention_Payment.html
In Response to the Following Appeal from Chairwoman Denee
ARE YOU A TEAM PLAYER..? COME JOIN THE LEC TEAM
With convention coming up, it is time for all of us to begin to evaluate our time and support to the party. Just think if it was not for all the volunteers within the party, we would not be able to accomplish all that we have over the years.
With that being said, please take a step back and think about what areas of expertise you have to offer to the Libertarian Party of Michigan. Are you good at Fundraising, Campaigns, Speaking, Writing, Media? Please see the list below, as these are all positions that we will be voting on and taking volunteers for at our 2013 State Convention coming up in Grand Rapids on June 15th. This is from the bylaws:
The officers of the Party shall be: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and five At-Large Directors, referred to as the "Executive Committee." Duties: These are the same individuals who shall serve as the directors of the "Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee, Inc." None of these offices shall be combined. All of these officers shall be elected at a regular convention of the Party by the attending delegates and shall take office immediately upon the close of such convention and shall serve until the final adjournment of the next regular convention.
- The CHAIR shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Committee and at all conventions. The chair shall be the chief executive officer of the Party. In the absence of directives from the Executive Committee, the chair shall have the authority to speak for, and to generally manage the affairs of, the Party. For purposes of Party representation at all National Libertarian Party conventions, the chair shall be a Michigan delegate and shall serve as head of the Michigan delegation.
- The VICE CHAIR shall act as assistant to the chair and shall perform the duties of the chair if the chair is unable to perform those duties. The vice chair shall also act as "affiliates director" helping affiliates organize, forming new affiliates, helping student groups organize and forming new student groups. The vice chair shall also be responsible for organizing seminars to make certain that affiliate officers have the information necessary to work effectively with the LPM.
- The SECRETARY shall be the recording officer of the Party. Excepting the Party newsletter, the secretary shall be responsible for all regular communications within the Party and between the Party and outside individuals, groups, and organizations.
- The TREASURER shall receive, expend, and account for the funds of the Party under the supervision and direction of the Executive Committee. 6. The members of the Executive Committee shall meet in such times and places as they shall determine and shall govern all the affairs of the Party.
- Members of the Executive Committee who miss three consecutive meetings of the Executive Committee or fails to perform their fiduciary duties may be removed from the Executive Committee and replaced by a two-thirds vote at a regular meeting of the Executive Committee or a majority vote at convention following a motion for a vote of no confidence. All Executive Committee members must be notified of the intent to removal at least 14 days prior to the meeting. If the chair is so removed, the vice chair shall assume the chair and a new vice chair elected.
- All officers of the Party must be current members of the Party. An officer whose membership lapses must renew at the next meeting after written notice or be removed at that meeting.
- There shall be a standing legislative committee to monitor, report on, and advocate for legislation on behalf of the Libertarian Party.
Along with all of the above position we will be taking volunteers also for the following positions: Political Director, Campus Recruiting, Membership Chair, Fundraising, Writers, Graphic Design, Media Relations, Recruiter by Phone, Mailings, Newsletter Director, and much much more…..
PLEASE CONSIDER A POSITION ABOVE AND
HELP US FURTHER OUR GOALS AS A POLITICAL PARTY OF LIBERTY!
Candidate Declarations
The following individuals have stated their intentions to serve:
Steve Mace: Chair
Jim Fulner: Vice Chair
Scotty Boman: Vice Chair
Brad Wheelock: LEC
Kim Moore: Treasurer
Mary Buzuma: Secretary (verbally committed)
Chris Sharer: LEC (verbally committed)
________________________________________
Steve Mace: Chair
My name is Stephen ‘Steve’ Mace.
I currently serve as the LPM media relations coordinator. I pen press releases, conduct interviews, respond to media inquires and maintain much of our new social media outlets, under the supervision and direction of the LEC.
A bit about me, and my vision for the future:
I have spent much time over the past several years in the political field, inside and outside of Lansing. I served as the executive director for a property rights organization; and am very active in municipal matters in my own community.
In 2012 I served as campaign manager for a Libertarian Party of Michigan candidate’s run for state office. While ‘outgunned’ by a political family dynasty, and the state GOP money-machine, we were extremely proud of having succeeded in making many new inroads during a polarized election; in a mainstream, yet firm, GOP area and stronghold. We opened much new dialog in that community.
Through involvement over the years I have built contacts and solidified relationships with sitting members, from both sides of the current aisles of the state legislature. I have earned the trust of many in the state media as well. All are fully aware of my Libertarian views, positions, and steadfast commitment to the Libertarian Party of Michigan.
What I hope to ‘bring to the table’… a new and fresh approach to getting LPM candidates elected to state and municipal office. Offer a proactive leadership -- A leadership whose primary function is advancing the Party’s name to the electorate of Michigan, all year… Not just at election time.
I firmly believe the primary function of the LEC leadership is to engage, head on. To reach out to the 98% of voters who, by and large, only know us through an inaccurate portrayal of the LPM in the mainstream media – To correct this by reaching out to the state media to show that our candidates are prepared to lead this state, not rule it as the other two parties have.
Proactively engage voters in ways never before attempted or accomplished.
The two-party control of Michigan has to end; and there has never been a better time than now. Voters are desperate for a new course… The LPM is that course. But we must first reach out and ‘introduce’ ourselves. Not simply ‘hope’ that a name on a ballot will fix the issue.
I look forward to creating new and renewed relationships with our friends in states such as Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia and Texas. Places where very proactive campaigns are being launched. Idea sharing, information, what’s ‘working’ and what needs improvement. Keep all communication open.
It is imperative that you, the members, are kept informed in real-time (or as to close as possible) with the happenings in the LEC; find new and interactive ways to assist you in becoming involved with the ‘daily operations’ of the party.
It is up to every member of the LPM to move this party forward. To encourage voters to engage, and show them there is a viable alternative to the status quo… that alternative is voting for, and electing, LPM candidates; and it is up to us to offer voters the best.
With the above said, if nominated for the position of chair on June 15th, I will accept.
Many of you know me, personally and otherwise; the remainder, I sincerely hope to get to know you better very soon. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me over the next few weeks prior to convention, directly, at:
Steve Mace
21stcenturylibertarian@gmail.com____________________________________________
Jim Fulner Announcing for Vice Chair
As far as my personal plan for election at State Convention:
I certainly wish to remain on the LEC and hope that the delegates to the convention agree.
I took a while to respond to this e-mail because I wanted to talk to Larry Johnson before I mentioned anything else, as I firmly believe that in any volunteer organization it takes about a year just to figure out what your job really is.
As Larry told me he does not intend on running for re-election as Vice Chair, I do intend on seeking election as Vice Chair.
In the past year several members have reached out to me for various reasons like how to run affiliate meetings, getting information on setting up local affiliates, perceived troubles within their own affiliate, perceived troubles between their affiliate and the state Party. These are all duties that, from my reading of the bylaws, should be the duty of the state Vice Chair, but for some reason these Libertarians approached me before even approaching Larry, and in most cases I directed them to contact Larry. I'm not sure exactly why this is, perhaps I'm just approachable in general, or maybe I'm more approachable to a certain portion of our members.
As the Vice Chair is supposed to be the affiliate director, I think I am uniquely qualified as I have been very actively involved in 3 different local affiliates to the LP, 4 if you count my college group at Northern Michigan University. (St. Croix Valley Liberty (Western Wisconsin), TCLP (Travis County Texas) and LPOC (right here in Oakland, including 2 terms as chair and 3 as Communications director). I have seen several vastly different yet equally successful ways of building a locally focused organization. I felt Tim Keirnan did a great job during the very short time he was vice chair of the state party, and has been the only vice chair to show up to a local affiliate meeting I was at in the 7 years I have been a member of the LPM (2003-2005 & 2008-Present).
If elected I am committed to attend a meeting of each affiliate at least once during the year, and hopefully twice, and to use the "Red Yellow Green" scheme that Tim came up with in 2012 to report the health of an affiliate to the LEC.
And of course I am dedicated to ensuring that the Libertarian Party remains a tool for libertarian activists to use as they see fit to promote libertarianism, and will do all I can to help any individual do just that.
Jim Fulner
fulner@gmail.com_________________________________________________
Scotty Boman for Vice Chair
I’m announcing my intention to seek the office of vice chair of the Libertarian Party of Michigan and will have my name placed in nomination for that office at our convention in Grand Rapids on June 15. In addition to my responsibilities for building the regional affiliates, my emphasis will be on unity and campus affiliates.
The development of affiliates is a high priority. Mr. Tim Keirnan, in a previous administration made a marvelous effort to bring several active groups on board. I intend to help bring that effort to fruition by traveling to the regions and helping participants find the tools and learn the processes for supporting or becoming knowledgeable, qualified libertarian candidates in their communities.
Also to recruit such candidates who may already exist. A reasonable goal for the 2014 elections is have half a dozen competent and principled libertarian city or town council officials. As the number of such self-identified libertarians in local office grows throughout the state—these positions are mostly nonpartisan—so will the body of knowledge of self-government. By ‘seeding and leading’ this ground-up strategy, strong candidates of the LPM at the state legislative level can break the two-party barrier.
As Libertarians we share the same ideals for what our society should look like. I believe our policy needs to be to run candidates—who are well-respected and constructively politically engaged members of the community—in winnable or at least ‘showable’ races. And I think I’m the man for the job at this crucial time in the party’s progress. I also believe those who have stepped forward to run for chair, vice chair, or for any other position, are my allies; I will enthusiastically work with whoever wins.
I have served as vice chair [April 2005 - May 2006] and chair [May 2006 - May 2007] previously, and was chair of the successful LPM ballot access committee in 1994. In the 2012 Senate campaign both in the Republican primary and then as the Libertarian nominee I traveled thousands of miles and addressed innumerable bodies on behalf of practical libertarian principles.
I am currently running for city clerk of Detroit.
Scotty Boman
scottyboman@hotmail.com________________________________________________
Brad Wheelock for LEC
After working on the Lewis campaign in Michigan’s 42nd voting district for the State Legislature, I had great hopes for the future of the Libertarian Party. After seeing President Obama win his second term of office and the election results across the nation and within this state I thought our time had finally come to take the stage as a major player in the political field. My disillusionment was rivaled only by my bewilderment at a problem that has plagued this party recently and needs to come to an end. The blight of this party is the division that will tear us apart in this, our supposed crescendo. The trials of this party have taken one year, or half the time this party had to formulate a plan of attack for the midterm elections. We are now a year behind in a race we are already losing.
It has troubled me greatly that the problems in this party are not only ideological, which is to be expected in any organization, but of whether or not we should take part of the electoral process and renouncing the institution in which we are trying to win office. Ideals and theories are exactly that, idealistic and theoretical. My views on the theories of those who hold this ideology are irrelevant, what is relevant is that the seeming end game of this emerging wing is to keep the party where it has been for the past forty years, on the sidelines waving our fists at those who are on the field.
June 15th will be the day that decides whether or not we put on the proverbial pads and start making changes, not only in this state but on the national level as well. As a party, we need to realize that we are involved in the political process whether or not it is ideal. We need to move towards breaking the two party paradigm that is spiraling this great country into failure and stop acting like a group of protestors and more as a political party. If there are members of the party who are opposed to the current party stance of limited government and winning office, they do not have to leave, however, the people we run for office must be consistent with both our platform and our image.
As much as this is a turbulent time, it is also an exciting time. With an executive council getting elected in June and another year before our candidates are chosen for the midterm elections, we are in a position to make the public fully aware that we are more fiscally “conservative” than the right-wing and more socially “liberal” than the left. Small elections will build up into greater wins in the future and it is my great hope that you, the members of this party, and the people of the great state of Michigan and the United States find the way to liberty and prosperity in the coming years. It will be a slow journey and a more difficult battle, but united we can put this country back on track.
If elected to the position of Member at Large for the Libertarian Party of Michigan, I will do everything within my power to expand the party within the political field and win the seats we need to gain a foothold, while holding true to the platform and philosophy of this great party.
Brad Wheelock
bwheeloc@emich.edu____________________________________________
Kim Moore Announcing for Treasurer
To the members of the Libertarian Party of Michigan: Over the last year I have been proud to serve as the treasurer of this party. It has been a pleasure to see the party become more involved in the campaigns of our members. It also excites me to know that we want to continue to be more aggressive.
Hearing requests for an actual budget and ideas to raise membership and fundraising make me glad to be a member of this party at this time and I would like to formally announce that I am seeking the position of treasurer for a second term.
Thank you
Kimberly Moore
kmoore_libertarian@ymail.com
A necessary and important part of our state conventions, including the upcoming one in Grand Rapids, is to make any desired changes to the party's platform and bylaws.
From Chris Sharer, Chairman of the Platform Committee: The platform committee consists of all of those that submitted a change or commented on one. The consensus thus far is to trade emails and possibly have one conference call prior to the meeting at convention. Most people said they have some interest but not much time they can commit. Steve Mace, Jim Fulner, and myself have submitted proposals and Scotty Boman sent comments.
Here is my monthly update for the newsletter, which includes all correspondence to date that I was able to compile without a keyboard, monitor, or Internet access: The 2013 LPM platform committee seeks your participation and input. Please contact Christopher.Sharer@gmail.com to sign up for the committee and/or submit changes for consideration. Platform committee correspondence so far is located in this pdf file I've uploaded to the site: http://old.michiganlp.org/Webpages_Aux/2013/PlatCorr_April2013.pdf
From Jim Fulner, Chairman of the Bylaws Committee:
The 2013 LPM convention is at hand. Is there something you think the LPM could be doing better than it currently is? The by-laws govern the day-to-day operations of the Party, while the convention rules govern specific rules beyond or in lieu of Robert's Rules of Order (our current parliamentary authority per the by-laws). Our current by-laws can be found here.
The committee will need at least a few Libertarians in order to present member recommendations to the floor. The committee will need to meet at least twice prior to the convention, first via teleconference then later either in person or again via teleconference per the decision of the committee. Jim Fulner has been selected as chair of this committee by the LEC. If you are interested in serving on this committee—or if you simply want to submit changes—please send an e-mail to fulner@gmail.com.
10 Mistakes Libertarians Make
Richard Lorenc, August 21, 2012
Republished from the May newsletter
richard.lorenc@gmail.com
[Note this is totally in line with the New Year's resolutions—from Harry Browne (LP presidential candidate 1996 and 2000)—we've been running in this spot; mainly as LPMers, we want to take a page out of the Dale Carnegie book and start winning friends and influencing people rather than the trying to resurrect the Late Great Libertarian Macho Flash. (How many out there in Michigan Libertarian Land remember Michael Emerling's (now Michael Cloud) classic video series, The Art of Political Persuasion?]10 Mistakes Libertarians Make When Speaking to “Undiscovered Libertarians”
- Replying to a concern, “The market will handle it.” This tired phrase is like a crutch for free marketeers. For many of us, it’s like our last line of defense when we expect to deal a winning blow and have no backup when it fails. The only time you should say this is as a joke to your libertarian friends.
- Blurting, “XYZ doesn’t matter.” Just because we don’t think government should do a thing doesn’t mean we don’t think that thing doesn’t need to be done. We should never give them impression someone’s concern is unimportant. Mind your words carefully.
- Using jargon. Most people have never thought conceptually about the spontaneous order. Quoting passages from The Fatal Conceit in a casual political conversation won’t plant the seeds of a true believer.
- Being cliquey. We tend to hang out with people who “get” us and who “get” what we’re talking about. The problem is we sometimes make libertarianism seem like an exclusive club that only certain people can join. Welcome the newbies. We need them.
- Acting holier-than-thou. Libertarians are overly convinced that our consistency and principle are superior. Truthfully, we each have many things to learn and we’re each inconsistent in our beliefs and actions. Libertarianism may be better than any alternative political philosophy, but it’s not perfect, so speak humbly.
- Telling people not to vote. This is an important question, but telling a Republican or Democrat activist that their vote doesn’t matter is like telling someone their work at the homeless shelter is worthless. People put time into causes in which they believe and don’t appreciate you implying their efforts don’t matter.
- Raising your voice. Someone said the reason we shout during arguments is because we lack confidence in what we’re saying. Avoid saying things you only just heard and didn’t take the time to verify. You’ll find your tone of voice becomes a lot friendlier and your arguments become a lot stronger.
- Thinking you’ve heard it all. U of I professor Deirdre McCloskey explains: “Over the front door of the late-medieval city hall in the Dutch city of Gouda is the motto of the first modern economy, the first large society in which commerce and innovation instead of state regulation and social status were honored. It says, Audite et alteram partem—Listen even to the other side. It’s good advice for a society of the bourgeoisie, and for a classroom for students of philosophy.” And it’s good advice for libertarians.
- Calling anyone a statist. Few people know what that means, and unless you’re arguing with a Stalinist, nothing constructive ever comes from using the term. Most people will walk away believing you insulted them. Use “statist” at your own peril.
- Digging in. Stay loose. Politics is the art of the possible. If you want to play, prepare to negotiate the things you value least for those you value the most.
Boman to Run for Detroit City Clerk
In the late morning of May 13th candidate for City Clerk of Detroit, Scotty Boman, submitted double the required amount of petition signatures to the City Clerk’s office. Boman, a native Detroiter and current math and science professor at Wayne County Community College District has said that he knows Detroiters are fed up with the corruption and waste in the City.
“We have had over 40 years of politicians using Detroit’s coffers as personal bank accounts… Detroit and Detroiters have had enough. It’s time for real accountability in public office in this city,” Boman said. Boman’s platform is quite strong in a City that has been long abused by individual officials, as well as by the long history of bias toward the establishment political parties. Refer to this excellent Web article for his campaign: http://www.i-newswire.com/scotty-boman-enters-detroit-city/222398.
Those interested in helping in Scotty's campaign should email him or call him at 313-247-2052. His Website is http://www.scottyboman.org.
Libertarians on ballot in Kentwood
Libertarian Party of West Michigan members William R. Wenzel and Erwin Haas are on the ballot for City Commissioner of Kentwood. Wenzel is a candidate for City Commissioner - Ward 1 in the August 6th Primary. Haas is a candidate for City Commissioner - Ward 2 in the November 5th General Election. Thank you both for running. Now let’s help them get elected!
New LPM Logo Contest
Calling all graphic designers!! The LPM is looking for your help in designing a new logo for the state Party. We are looking for something fresh and new to help get the word out to voters that the LPM is the future. While there are no specific requirements, we are hoping for submissions that are modern, but that hold true to the traditions of the LPM. Please send your submissions to media@michiganlp.org. The winner will be selected by the membership at the state convention on June 15th. -- ref. Steve Mace Social Media Team Libertarian Party of Michigan 21stcenturylibertarian@gmail.com.
New LPM Address and Phone
We now have a new address, which is the following:
LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF MICHIGAN
Box 27065
Lansing MI 48909-7065Our phone number to the outside world will remain the same. But 1-888-FREE NOW (888) 373-3669 which was being transferred to 248-687-1470 which was Regus location number will now be transferred to our New Tracfone 517-507-9682. LEC member Andrew Hall will have possession of this phone and will continue to answer, screen and transfer calls to the proper person.
Lynching Logic, by Scotty Boman
scottyboman@hotmail.comI have been repeatedly confounded by the fact that many people still support capital punishment. Perhaps some people have succumbed to logical fallacies or are ignorant of facts, so let me address each subgroup of capital punishment supporters. To support capital punishment one must believe
- the government is infallible,
- believe it’s appropriate to kill some innocent people to save others,
- believe human life is subordinate to collective policies,
- believe some innocents must be sacrificed to exact vengeance on the guilty,
... or reject the application of reason to this issue.
The myth of an infallible criminal justice system can be shattered by citing a single false conviction, but the numbers are much higher than that. The National Registry of Exonerations has identified at least 1089 exonerations of convicted persons. These people were victims of inadequate representation, official misconduct, mistaken witness identification, perjury or false Accusation, false or misleading forensic evidence, lies by co-defendants seeking a lighter sentence, false confessions, and junk science. Some people have even been convicted of crimes that never occurred.
The innocence project has used DNA evidence to exonerate 307 people including 18 death row inmates. The average time served by these 307 people was 13.6 years. The Northwestern University School of Law estimates 39 executions of persons who were demonstrably innocent or were convicted without reasonable evidence of guilt. Eight of those people had overwhelming evidence of innocence. Going back further there have been numerous posthumous pardons of other execution victims. Statistics on earlier executions are difficult to find but given the thousands of legal lynchings dating back to the time Salem witch trials, it is extremely likely that many other innocent people have been executed....
Find the full column here:
http://www.dailypaul.com/287372/lynching-logic-defenders-of-the-death-penalty-abandon-reason
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"I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for [the Cartel].
- I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914.
- I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in.
- I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902-1912.
- I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916.
- I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903.
- In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested.
- I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street.
Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents." — General Smedley D. Butler
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Take a stroll down memory lane with this excerpt from one of the longest-running state Libertarian newsletters. Today, check out the June issue of 1982. 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.
Humor
When we get to thinking there's no hope consider this clever little visual and commentary from Larken Rose via Etienne de la Boetie:
Go to the link here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6b70TUbdfs&feature=player_embedded#!, then also read the Coffee Coaster guest column from July 2012, The Politics of Obedience. Get used to the following statement vis a vis the federales: WE MASTER, YOU SLAVE. Say it as many times as it takes for you to believe it. Then tell your friends. It's a numbers game. [This month's humor and letters are a repeat of last month's.]
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[Submissions of reviews are solicited for this Michigan Libertarian Movie and Book Review feature.
Please contact us via webmaster@michiganlp.org -- ed.]
Movie Review
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Original unique whole-family classic to be _ 9/10
So is Moonrise a coming of age movie? Yes, because it deals with all the universals of the struggle to make it honestly, caringly from child to adult. But there’s more to the Anderson vision—and I do strongly appreciate this—which is, “It’s all right to be different, by golly, to deny consent to the Group Eternal, even as a child, especially as a child. Be way different… just so long as you act from compassion and your own vision.” In these recent days of copious mass production of children demonstrably without souls, extolling sublime individuality is more than a tonic to the spirit… and the reason I rate it a 9 vs. an 8. [Full Review]
Book Review
Wednesdays with Diether (2003)
Opinions, Observations, and Reminiscences
from His Weekly Kalamazoo Gazette Column
by Diether Haenicke (DEE-TER HEN-ICK-A)Then moving to the section on loyalty to language, Dr. Haenicke comments on how high-school standards for English and grammar have pretty much evaporated: “In my German language courses, I spend too much of my time teaching college freshmen plain English grammar. I can no longer assume that high school graduates are familiar with even basic grammatical terminology. Only with great hesitation do I throw out terms like ‘adverb,’ ‘possessive pronoun,’ or ‘transitive verb,’ realizing full well that most of my students are no more familiar with these terms than they are with the trainstops of the Trans-Siberian Railroad.” — page 55 [Full Review]
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@att.net
(contact Will White: whitewi5@msu.edu )
Website: www.calparty.orgKalamazoo Area LP
William Holden, Temp. Chair, williamkholden@gmail.com
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)
Dan Goebel, 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
Justin Altman, sec. mczerone@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.comLP 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
Note: The party is just about to move to a new Website. The calendar there has already been configured and is quite a bit easier to use, plus if you click on an address link for a meeting, a map pops up. Use this page for now (http://brianrwright.com/lpm/?page_id=61), by the time of the July newsletter the calendar address will change to http://michiganlp.org/?page_id=61. -- bw
June 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
June 6 – Wayne County LP Monthly Meeting – 7 p.m. - Kiernans Steak House, 21931 Michigan Ave, Dearborn (at Monroe). Contact Ray Warner, 313-598-3666
June 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 Dan Goebel, Chair.LivingstonLP@gmail.com.
June 10 – Capital Area LP Monthly Meeting – 7 pm. Meets the 2nd Monday of the month at the 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
June 11 – LP of West Michigan Monthly Meeting – No meeting this month because of proximity to the LPM convention. Contact Mary Buzuma, mary.buzuma@att.net, 616-607-7064
June 15 – Libertarian Party of Michigan State Convention – Hilton Grand Rapids Airport, 4747 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512. Featuring the dynamic creator of mommynomics, the inspiring and entertaining Ms. Christie Diaz! Register early and save $$$. Convention information page with access to registration forms: http://michiganlp.org/Webpages_Aux/2013/2013_LPM_Convention.html
June 19 - Libertarians of Macomb County 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 3rd Wednesday of the month. Contact Keith Edwards, keithmarni@wowway.com
June 19 – 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
June 27 - Kalamazoo Area LP Meeting is on hold - If you would like to help revive this affiliate, contact William Holden at williamkholden@gmail.com
July 4 – HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! Celebrate liberty today.
July 4 – Wayne County LP Monthly Meeting – 7 p.m. - Kiernans Steak House, 21931 Michigan Ave, Dearborn (at Monroe). Contact Ray Warner, 313-598-3666
July 4 – 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 James Weeks, Jr, uscw168s@gmail.com
July 8 – Capital Area LP Monthly Meeting – 7 pm. Meets the 2nd Monday of the month at the 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
July 9 – LP of West Michigan Monthly Meeting – 6:30 pm. Join the LPWM on the second Tuesday of the month at Branns Restaurant, 401 Leonard St NW (at US 131) in downtown Grand Rapids. Contact Mary Buzuma, mary.buzuma@att.net, 616-607-7064
July 10 – **MOVED DUE TO JULY 4 HOLIDAY** 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
July 17 - Libertarians of Macomb County 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 3rd Wednesday of the month. Contact Keith Edwards, keithmarni@wowway.com
July 17 – 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
July 25 - Kalamazoo Area LP Meeting is on hold - If you would like to help revive this affiliate, contact William Holden at williamkholden@gmail.com
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.orgNote: 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
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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):
201306_ML.html###
