Greeting
From the Chair

2014 National Convention
Ann Arbor Art Fair
Campaign Tips from Leonard
Call to Libertarian Candidates for Information
Tim Beck, VIP
Know Your Voting Rights
Witchcraft Trial Result
Good Neighbor Libertarian

Image of the Month
Quote of the Month
Past Blast

Contacts
Calendar

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Welcome to the August 2014 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 Website www.michiganlp.org).

From Mary
chair@michiganlp.org

"To all who continue to move forward with the Truth, despite tyranny nipping at their heels. – Suzanne Humphries, MD, author of Dissolving Illusions"

I would like to thank the Libertarian Party of Washtenaw County for again sponsoring a booth at the Ann Arbor Art Fair last month. I spent 3 days there and weather was actually decent. This year volunteers were mostly candidates, a first according to Larry Johnson, LPWC Chair. In addition to yours truly, volunteers Included Jim Fulner – US Senate, Justin Altman – Attorney General, Loel Gnadt – US House 01, Gregory Creswell – US House 09, Christopher Sharer – US House 13, Ronald Muszynski – MI State House 065, and James Hudler – U of M Board of Regents.

This was my third year participating and I always enjoy it. I like giving the quiz and watching the reactions of those who think they know where they stand politically in the beginning, and end up somewhere entirely different when they finish. To help promote everyone I also printed up a little voter guide to give out. I thought the back would prove that yes we do have sense of humor:

And on the back I listed our slate of candidates.

[Interestingly, because Mary set this up as showing a sense of humor, when I read the above I thought the first line said, "If you think this might be a really good time to get high..." -- ed. :) ]

I also have taken some time to study the language of Proposal 1, and I've written a short analysis posted here: www.michiganlp.org/Shared Documents/Proposal_1.pdf. The long and the short of it is I feel this is a bad proposal, confusing, raising more questions than answers. As if a pack of 'evil lawyers' and, well, ordinary establishment legislators sat down one day in a smoke-filled room tried to put another big bamboozle over on the public. Vote no, unless you have the secret decoder ring to even understand it. Then probably vote no, as well.

In Liberty,

Mary

by Brian Wright, Webmaster

The National 2014 Convention in Columbus, Ohio, saw the selection of new party leadership, as referred to by Mary above. The Michigan delegation was one of the larger and factored into all the major business. Unfortunately, except for handling the bylaws and the majority of platform proposals, the election process for national committee and officers was so time consuming—especially the vote tallying by the secretary—that it wasn't until three or four o'clock on Sunday afternoon that the judicial committee election completed.

Meaning that several resolutions were never considered. Because people were worried about taking even more time and possibly missing their flights, the body consistently voted against suspending the rules to consider any of the resolutions. Further, the chair ruled that while the secretary was counting the votes he would not entertain any motions whatsoever. I never completely figured out the rationale for that: apparently the secretary could not keep minutes and tally the votes at the same time, fair enough, but where is it written that nobody else can keep minutes (or tally votes) besides the secretary.

Yours truly was trying desperately to get a grand jury resolution passed, but never got the chance to bring it before the body; motion to suspend for consideration for five effin minutes was turned down by wide margins on two occasions on Sunday. This is very sad and dawdlin' behavior for a national political party whose reason for existence is to promote all the good ideas consistent with liberty—certainly at least to consider all serious ones. It's all right, because I believe my resolution will make it into the platform next national convention, and probably will have some form of endorsement from natcom if I present it wisely.

Let me take this time to mention a new book I've written that proposes some new strategies that I'm hoping can invigorate the party. As someone remarked to me while watching so much of the parliamentary wrangling during this one: "Whoever our adversaries are, if they take a look at these proceedings, they are sleeping very soundly tonight. This organization is no threat whatsoever to the bad guys." I'm not sure it's that bad, but it's pretty bad... and I do believe my concepts for empowerment and accountability are salutary. The name of the book is Leaving the Sandbox: Grand Strategy for Libertarians. (Also available in Kindle for $1.95).

Columbus is a a happenin' town, and definitely worth a visit in style. The cost factor for these kinds of events continues to be an issue, I would think, for anyone in proportion to their distance from the 1% line. I was able, myself, to put some smack together and get down, but it's getting difficult to afford being a high roller and have the old fashioned fun I used to have. On Thursday night, I ordered a Sam Adams from room service, which seemed within reason at $5.50 or so. But the bill included state and local taxes and a $3 'delivery fee,' to which I added $2 for the tip. Thus I paid roughly $13 for one 12 oz. beer. That's a first. Reminds me of New York City. :)

Note: James Hudler is reported to be coming up with a truly robust convention diary for the next issue.

via Scotty Boman
http://electmarybuzuma.com
Contacts:
mary.buzuma@att.net
scottyboman@hotmail.com

-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-

Marry Buzuma Kicks Off Gubernatorial Campaign At Ann Arbor Art Fair

Retired Navy officer, Mary Buzuma has started actively campaigning this week at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Buzuma was nominated at the on May 17th at the Libertarian Party of Michigan election in Howell, Michigan, making her the first gubernatorial candidate to secure a place on Michigan’s November 6 General election ballot.

Buzuma’s website sums up the Libertarian philosophy with three key phrases, “Don't hit”; “It's not yours, don't take it”; and “Keep your promises”

Mary Buzuma believes she has something different to offer than the other two candidates, “They both think we need more taxes or fees, to fix our roads. Why not use the money the state already receives more wisely?” said the Grand Haven resident. “Taxpayers are forced to pay for the imprisonment of non-violent drug offenders. We distort the free market and even give tax-dollars to conmen via the Michigan Economic Development Authority. The State subsidizes political cronies with tax credits, and rewards municipal mismanagement with bailouts.”

Said Buzuma. “The media pundits, have chastised our legislature for 'failing' to raise taxes. I would like to thank them for their atypical act of fiscal restraint.” She said.

College professor Scotty Boman was nominated to be Mary Buzuma’s running mate. “I am proud to back such a qualified and sensible candidate, said Boman. After years of service to her country she has stepped up to come to Michigan’s rescue.”

Many people write-off candidates who don’t run as Democrats or Republicans, but Boman has a different take. “I know Libertarians have an uphill battle, but a woman has never lost a gubernatorial election in Michigan. I hope Mary won’t be the first.” Mary Buzuma is also Chairperson of the Libertarian Party of Michigan, and Scotty Boman is the Vice Chairperson. -END-

Also, this story in Reason pertains to Libertarians in Ann Arbor: http://reason.com/blog/2014/07/11/umich-libertarian-students-prevail-in-la

The Art Fair went well and next issue we expect to have a full story and some additional pictures.

By Leonard Schwartz

Most LPM candidates plan to do little or no campaigning. But please at least respond timely to the League of Women Voters questionnaire, which you will get in August.

If you have time, please also respond to questionnaires from the mainstream news media. Candidates who want to do a little more campaigning should have a website.

You can get a free website from many places including www.wordpress.com, www.democracy.com, and www.myspace.com. After you set up your website, you should inform the LPM webmaster, who will put a link from our candidate list page to your website. After the August primary, candidates for a state office should inform the Secretary of State office, asking that it put a link from its candidate list page to your website. You may need to repeat the request several times. For candidates for a local office, many county clerks likewise will put a link from its candidate list page to your website.

Candidates who want to do more campaigning can find excellent advice on the Resources folder of our state party website.

3-Minute Stump Speech

My opponents think they can spend your money and manage your life better than you can. I'm not a busybody. I don't want to spend your money or manage your life. Some people are too lazy or cheap to spend their time and money meddling in your life. They want government bureaucrats meddling in your life. Government busybodies are much worse than private ones. Government can compel disclosure of your private information. Private busybodies cannot. Government can impose taxes, fines, and imprisonment. Private busybodies cannot.

If you think the Democrats can spend your money and manage your life better than you can, please raise a hand. If you think the Republicans can spend your money and manage your life better than you can, please raise a hand.

Perhaps you didn't know that [almost] all of you are libertarians. If you vote for Democrats or Republicans because you consider them the lesser of two evils, you vote for evil. Why would any decent person vote for evil? Elections are rarely decided by only a few votes. Therefore, your vote rarely determines who is elected.

But your vote always sends a message. If you vote for Democrats or Republicans, you send a message that you agree that they can spend your money and manage your life better than you can. What a waste of your vote. If you don't vote, you waste your right to send a message and you imply that you don't care. Vote for what you know is right, rather than for what falsely seems expedient.

Send a message that you want government busybodies off your back. Vote Libertarian.

I'm [name], Libertarian for [office]. Thank you.

By Scotty Boman
scottyboman@hotmail.com

Dear Libertarian Candidate:

I am attempting to put together a complete list of our candidate's contact information including phone number and US Mail address. Please send me the phone number and mailing address you would like campaign related contacts (such as volunteers, reporters, and civic groups) directed to. If you have a different email address dedicated for that purpose please let me know about that as well.

I also wish to have a website listed for each candidate on this page: http://michiganlp.org/?page_id=33 If your website does not already appear there, please send me a link to it. If your campaign is not planning on purchasing a URL or creating a website on its own, please consider the following free service. They can create a professional looking website if you simply share a little contact information and give them your permission: http://democracy.com/signup/setupaccount

Furthermore, I strongly urge all candidates to give the people at democracy.com a chance to create a site EVEN IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE OF YOUR OWN. This is an excellent chance to raise the visibility of our party and reach people who might not already know about the Libertarian Party.

Please visit http://democracy.com/signup/setupaccount and have them set one up for you today. It doesn't cost anything and they will do all of the work unless you would like to contribute content or make changes.

Sincerely,

Scotty Boman
Vice Chair Libertarian Party of Michigan
(313) 247-2052

By Scotty Boman

Tim Beck has been making news thanks to his valiant efforts to legalize Marijuana in Grosse Pointe Park:

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20140713/NEWS01/307130070

http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2014/07/grosse_pointe_park_may_conside.html

http://www.freep.com/article/20140714/NEWS05/307140022 http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/marijuana-to-be-legal-in-grosse-pointe-park/26951288

Tim Beck earned a Producer of Liberty Award in 2004 for being the organizer of the Detroit Coalition for Compassionate Care, which was responsible for the medical marijuana initiative for Detroit approved in the November election. He also ran for state rep in 2008, and Wayne Co. Commissioner in 2002.

By Will Tyler White
whitewi5@msu.edu

Anyone who may be monitoring a precinct at the upcoming election should know their voting rights (see file here) and call the hotline if there are problems or you have a legal question. The Election Protection Hotline, operated in collaboration with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, will be active on primary day. The hotline will be able to answer questions and document any issues faced by voters.

For those of you who want to push the number out through your networks, please do so. It is 1-866-OUR-VOTE. The referenced file is a one-pager regarding voters rights on election day that has the phone number and can be distributed through your networks. FYI - it is tailored to this point in the cycle, has a lot of info but is not exhaustive, and should be used accordingly.

If you need a two sentence message for voters to ensure their right to vote is protected, I recommend: Check your registration before next Tuesday and review a sample ballot at www.michigan.gov/vote Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you have questions or problems Sharon Dolente, JD, MPP Director, Michigan Election Coalition sharon@mielectioncoalition.org 734-330-6578.

By Brian Wright

The Motor City Witchcraft Trial(s)
In sham hearing, judge-sullied jury convicts Doreen Hendrickson of integrity Are you next?
by Brian Wright

Simple as that. The comparisons to the Salem Witchcraft trials are apt, where people accused by the church elders of being witches were obliged to either:

1. admit to witchcraft (~ Doreen falsifying a tax affidavit form) and throw themselves on the mercy of the court to perhaps only suffer imprisonment (in Doreen’s case, resulting in stating income—federally privileged earnings—which the government might then assert to require a tax payment), or
2. deny being a witch (~ Doreen filling out a tax affidavit form legally and truthfully), from which the judges assume defiance, and thus conclude the person is a very dangerous witch who must be killed (in Doreen’s case, be torn from her family and home to a federal facility in Virginia for several months).

[Note: Pete Hendrickson's background writeup on his wife's prosecution  contends her trial is technically more of a heresy trial in the classic Galileo Galilei vein. Nonetheless, parallels exist between heresy and witchcraft accusations, both assert harm to the collective consciousness. But the excesses in Salem, 1692-1693, seem more pertinent to me as a) being of American origin and b) being a foundational horror that the 1st Amendment was constructed to vigorously prevent.]

The Charge

“The defendant is charged with knowingly and willfully disobeying a lawful court order.”
that compelled Doreen to commit the felony crime of perjury

Brief Day-to-Day Summary

 

Note: Up front let me tell you that I’ll be composing a short book (same title as this column) to try to turn Doreen’s persecution into a cause celebre, that I hope will reignite the enthusiasm of patriots everywhere to throw off, not only the shackles represented by the judge-prosecution team victory in US v. Doreen, but the entire Egg-Plant-that-Ate-Chicago-sized tumor that the US federal government has become. I aim to turn this legalistic scourge, slamming a wonderful woman, wife, and mother, into a catalyst of American Liberation. Even the Mafia does not stoop to attacking a family’s women! NOW… WE… WIN.

[Full Column]

By Brian Wright

Really just a notice that your soon to be retiring Webmaster and newsletter editor has written a book on LP grand strategy called Leaving the Sandbox. In that book I develop the seeds for a tactical operation or 'business plan' that I designate as the practical system: Good Neighbor Libertarian... which will also be the title of a small recruitment and training manual. This GNL document (and eventually an accompanying video) will show those who are interested in joining or helping the LPM how to do so effectively. You may see the fundamentals of my GNL plan on my column here: http://brianrwright.com/CoffeeCoasterBlog/?p=4548 (it's chapter 3 in LTS).

The approach is based on the 'many hands make light work' philosophy as well as giving individuals doable tasks that can be tracked and encouraged via invigorated, excited LPM affiliates addressing and rolling back deep government assaults as well as day-to-day corruption... at a real public-official body near you. We're going to get off our purity and abstractions and away from our computers and electronic devices and go down to 'city hall' (at any level that appeals to to the given GNL) to empower citizens and hold officials accountable. Right now, my prototype rollout of the GNL system I plan in coordination with the Kalamazoo affiliate and, possibly, via creation of a Western Oakland County affiliate. [Also perhaps an explicit Detroit affiliate via Brother Karl.]

September 1 Will Be Brian Wright's Final Act of Webmastering and Newslettering

I'm personally very excited about GNL and its prospects, both in terms of its quality and the likelihood of developing vast numbers of Libertarian Party members--it is not unreasonable to anticipate well over 5,000 new members, as well as > 50 affiliates covering every geography in the state--virtually all of them working effectively to turn back the true and imminent threats to our lives and liberties. If it works out as I expect it to, then I believe people will understand why I'll need to turn over the Website and newsletter function to someone new. Please if you are interested, contact Mary at chair@michiganlp.org.

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If we run into such debts as that we must be taxed in our meat and in our drink, in our necessaries and our comforts, in our labors and our amusements, for our callings and our creeds, as the people of England are, our people, like them, must come to labor sixteen hours in the twenty-four, and give the earnings of fifteen of these to the government for their debts and daily expenses. And the sixteen being insufficient to afford us bread, we must live, as they do now, on oatmeal and potatoes, have no time to think, no means of calling the mismanagers to account.

But be glad to obtain subsistence by hiring ourselves to rivet their chains around the necks of our fellow sufferers. And this is the tendency of all human governments. A departure from principle in one instance becomes a precedent for a second, that second for a third, and so on 'til the bulk of society is reduced to mere automatons of misery, to have no sensibilities left but for sinning and suffering... and the forehorse of this frightful team is public debt. Taxation follows that, and in its train wretchedness and oppression. — Thomas Jefferson

 

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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 one of the first recent newsletters since Brian Wright became Webmaster. Click on this link for the full online 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 (most if not all of the newsletters have been transferred over to the new site if you have a particular issue you're interested in and it doesn't show up on the page, please contact Webmaster@michiganlp.org).

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More... For all events, see the full online calendar on the Website:
http://michiganlp.org/?page_id=61. Note for those who do not have online access, please contact your local affiliate representative or call the office at 1-888-FREENOW (373-3669) to get a description of events in your area. The Michigan Libertarian ONLINE is distributed on the first of each month. Send calendar events and news articles by the 25th of the prior month to: e-newsletter@michiganlp.org

 

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

 

The Michigan Libertarian is published/posted on the first of each month. Send calendar events and news/articles to e-newsletter@michiganlp.org by the 25th of the prior month. The Michigan Libertarian is one of the longest-running Libertarian newsletters in the country, debuting in 1973 shortly after the founding of the Libertarian Party of Michigan. The "new" Michigan Libertarian (a predominantly online version) debuted on August 1, 2009 and replaced the weekly LPMOnline and the printed-and-mailed ML.  We will post the newsletter on the Website and deliver via email on the first of every month. A printed version of the new Michigan Libertarian will be sent free to anyone who signs up, which you may do at the LPM web site www.michiganlp.org (or www.mi.lp.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 (888-373-3669). Subscribe/Unsubscribe to Newsletter [Note: Just send us a message via our Contact page, and we will add you to the list.] We respect all unsubscribe requests.

Newsletter URL (Webpage address for this issue of the ML):
201408_ML.html

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