MICHIGAN LIBERTARIAN
September 2019
In This Issue:
- Reflections Upon David Koch Conventions
- LEC Seeks to Fill Committee Rep. Vacancy in Fourth District
- LPWC Remembers Local Activist, Seeks Volunteers for Sept. 7
- Officers & Staff
- Upcoming Events
Thank you for all of the articles. Keep them coming with careful attention to our guidelines. We are now on a monthly publication schedule. Articles for the next issue of the Michigan Libertarian must be submitted to chair@michiganlp.org, newsletter@michiganlp.org and vcpoliticaldirector@michiganlp.org no later than the 20th of each month. This allows for publication on the first of each month.
The Libertarian Party of Michigan depends on contributions to carry out it's mission Please Visit us at MichiganLP.org and scroll down to the bottom of our homepage to gain access to our contribution form.
Reflections Upon David Koch
By Kathryn Augustin, founding LPM member
Editors Note: David Hamilton Koch died on August 23rd. He was our 1980 nominee for Vice President as well as a board member of the Reason Foundation and the CATO institute. Here is a link to an article about him in Reason. Kay Augustin is a founding member of the Libertarian Party of Michigan. She hosted the first Libertarian Party of Michigan gathering in June of 1972 in Taylor Michigan. Here is a link to an article about that night in the LPM historical archives. When I learned that Kathryn (Kay) Augustin had once dined with Koch I encouraged her to write about it.
It was shortly after the Libertarian Party was formed that my husband at the time received an invitation from David Koch to attend a conference at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. Koch not only paid our attendance fees but also our hotel bill and invited the two of us to lunch with him. He was energized and totally committed to advocating individual freedom.
Koch establishing schools in poorer areas
At the time, I was teaching at the inner city campus of Detroit Business Institute and had been a Detroit substitute teacher. The topic wandered to one of his newest projects working to establish schools in poorer areas where students would receive an education with emphasis on self-responsibility and basic skills. My memory is vivid on this topic because I had encountered so many high school graduates and students who could not read at all let alone write or perform basic mathematical calculations. The most belligerent students claimed that their failure was due to a system that did not "teach them". At the same time, they refused to do any homework, pay attention in class or exert any effort. Education has become a passive process.
Unlike the Libertarian Party, which at that time was attempting to expand by appealing to various single issue groups, for example, gays and motorcyclists who disliked helmet laws, David Koch was focused on improving all aspects of American life. He challenged government control over our lives, period.
An Active Listener
More important was Koch's attitude toward his fellow human beings, even those light years behind him in thought. He was an active listener who enjoyed talking with others. Unlike many liberal elitists, he did not look down on people not in his clique.
During elections candidates are asked for solutions. However, Libertarians believe that solutions are nurtured through experimentation and can differ depending upon the circumstances. Freedom generates what is needed for the unknowable future. Conveying this is a major marketing challenge in this age of quick quips. Major party power seekers propose simple-slogan solutions that are static and imposed equally upon everyone, even those who are harmed. Ill effects are dismissed by claiming that their intentions are noble.
I applauded Koch's run on the LP ticket but as a private citizen, he could act freely. Koch Industries' banishing of criminal records from their employment applications is an elegant solution to the problem of unemployment among released prisoners, allowing them an opportunity to build a new life. No force was used; only their companies bore possible ill effects. No money was required.
Per the LPM bylaws, we are asking members of the LPM that reside within the fourth district to apply for the vacancy. The LEC will vote on a replacement at our September 8th meeting in Cadillac. That person shall serve until the next state convention. At that time delegates who live in that district will chose a new representative.
If you are a member of the LPM, live in the fourth congressional district, and are interested in this position, please send a short written statement about yourself to LPM Chair Greg Stempfle at chair@michiganlp.org by September 7, 2019.
The LEC
The LEC is the governing board of the LPM and meets about once per month, usually a Sunday afternoon. They hold about half their meetings in physical locations and they hold the rest via zoom video-conference. Physical meetings are also available to attend via video conference.
The Fourth District
The fourth district, is currently represented by Republican John Moolenaar. It is the largest congressional district in the Lower Peninsula. It covers much of the middle of the peninsula including the counties of Clare, Clinton, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, most of Montcalm, Ogemaw, Osceola, Roscommon, southwest Saginaw, Shiawassee, and Wexford.
For over two decades Jon had been a constant at the Libertarian Party Dally table; but this isn't how we met. I first met him in the late 1980's when we would go to out and listen to local music in the Cass Corridor and downtown Detroit. I used to live on the same block as the Dally and met a woman named Toni Kilbourne while living there who would later become Jon's wife. She also helped with the Libertarian Party table for a few years but passed away in 2014.
As it turns out, Jon died October 17th , 2017. The information was all there on his Facebook profile. The hazard in having so many FB friends is that one can lose track of the friends one had before there was such a thing. As I look forward to this year's Dally, I will carry the decades of memories with me and continue the tradition. I think Jon would like that.
LPWC Will Need Volunteers from Dawn to Dusk
We will be setting up early in the morning... real early... Around dawn. We would appreciate having one person there to help out. The event really gets going at 11:00 AM so we would like to schedule volunteers so we have at least three people around from then until around 9:00 PM. At that time we will take down the display then carry tables, canopy, chairs and literature to our cars. This means we may need people there for an extra hour to help with this. Volunteers should contact yours truly at scottyboman@hotmail.com.
Maj Toure's Visit Posponed
In July the Michigan Libertarian reported that Black Guns Matter spokesperson Maj Toure would be visiting on the same day. Toure has since notified local organizers that he will still visit Detroit, but on a future date, to be announced. Rumor has it that another Libertarian of national prominence will join Toure on the new date. Stay tuned.
Officers & Staff
General Contact: Libertarian Party of Michigan: PO Box 27065, Lansing, MI 48909; Phone: 888.FREE.NOW.Chair: Greg Stempfle. chair@michiganlp.org
First Vice Chair: Ben Boren. vcaffiliates@michiganlp.org
Second Vice Chair: Jamie Lewis vcpoliticaldirector@michiganlp.org
Secretary: Wendi Parker. secretary@michiganlp.org
Treasurer: Norman Peterson. treasurer@michiganlp.org
District 1 Rep: Dana Carver. dist1rep@michiganlp.org
District 2 Rep: Patty Malowney. dist2rep@michiganlp.org
District 3 Rep: Nathan Hewer. dist3rep@michiganlp.org
District 4 Rep: Vacant. Read about it here. dist4rep@michiganlp.org
District 5 Rep: Benjamin Dryke. dist5rep@michiganlp.org
District 6 Rep: Antonio Smith. dist6rep@michiganlp.org
District 7 Rep: Jason Rees. dist7rep@michiganlp.org
District 8 Rep: Jeff Wood. dist8rep@michiganlp.org
District 9 Rep: Mike Saliba. dist9rep@michiganlp.org
District 10 Rep: Catherine Filus. dist10rep@michiganlp.org
District 11 Rep: Jerry Bloom. dist11rep@michiganlp.org
District 12 Rep: Lawrence W. Johnson. dist12rep@michiganlp.org
District 13 Rep: Jeremy Morgan. dist13rep@michiganlp.org
District 14 Rep: Tim Yow. dist14rep@michiganlp.org
Judicial Committee Members
Kerry Morgan. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.orgKen Proctor. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Katie Nepton. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Volunteers
Webmaster: In Transition. Webmaster@MichiganLP.orgNewsletter Editor: Scotty Boman. newsletter@michiganlp.org
Deputy Editors: Norman Peterson & Mary Buzuma. newsletter@michiganlp.org
Ciculation Director: Catherine Filus.Catherine Filus catherine@catherinefilus.com
Affiliate Contacts
Capital Area: Luke Sciberras, Chair. 248-302-1064, capitalarealp@gmail.comhttps://capitalarealp.wordpress.com
Genesee County: Chair Alex Cooper, alexcooperliberty@gmail.com.
https://www.facebook.com/LPGCMI
Huron-Raisin: James Hudler, (734) 475-9792, james.hudler@gmail.com
https://lpwc.wordpress.com
Jackson-Hillsdale: Norman Peterson, (269) 330-2980 norman.peterson@comcast.net
https://www.jhlp.org
Livingston County: James Weeks II, (810) 422-8769, j.weeks@riseup.net
http://livingstonlibertarians.org
Macomb County: Mike Saliba, chair@macomblp.org
https://macomblp.org
Mid-Michigan: Tim Yow. vcaffiliates@michiganlp.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1356267337769739
Northeast-Lower: Zach Boyle, 989-255-4521, livovivo@gmail.com
Northern Lower: Dana Carver, danacarver103@yahoo.com
Northwest Michigan: Donna Gundle-Krieg. nwmichiganlibertarians@gmail.com
www.nwmichiganlibertarians.org
Oakland County: Connor Nepomuceno, Cjnepo1@gmail.com or Vice Chair Ben Carr at 248-919-8152
http://lpocmi.org
Southwest Michigan: Jason Brandenburg. swmi4liberty@be-innovative.net
https://swmlp.com
Straits Area: Chair Andy Evans, (231) 625-8403, . amevans_1968@yahoo.com
https://www.facebook.com/StraitsAreaLP/
Wayne County: Scotty Boman, (313) 247-2052, scottyboman@hotmail.com
https://michiganlpwayne.wordpress.com
West Michigan: Jake Andrews. (269) 967-4071, Email Jamie Lewis at jkl620@yahoo.com
http://lpwm.org Back to Contents
Upcoming Events
Some events are also posted by their hosts at the Meetup.com site. The Michigan Libertarian recommends contacting an affiliate officer or check the Website (or Facebook page) associated with the meeting host (if they have one) before arriving at a meeting. Some meetings can get canceled, or locations can change with short notice. Contact information connected to most events can be found by expanding the item on the "Agenda view" of the Events page of our website.
September 2, 2019 - Gas Tax Protest - Mackinaw City, 6:00 AM - 8:00 Noon
For more information, contact Chair Andy Evans, (231) 625-8403, . amevans_1968@yahoo.com
https://www.facebook.com/StraitsAreaLP/
September 3, 2019 - Southwest Michigan Libertarian Party (SWMLP) Monthly Membership meeting, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The SWMLP will meet at The Crew Family Restaurant, 3810 East Cork Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. For more information, contact Jason Brandenburg at swmi4liberty@be-innovative.net
September 4, 2019 - Huron-Raisin Social Meeting, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Aubree's Pizzeria & Grill; 2122 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
For more information, contact James Hudler at 734-475-9792 or email james.hudler@gmail.com
September 5, 2019 - Livingston County Michigan Libertarians Business meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The meetings have two parts:
- Meet and greet: Catch up with each other at 7 while we order food and introduce any visitors.
- Guest Speaker / Miscellaneous: If we have something going on that requires discussion before the business meeting, we talk about it. Occasionally, we will have a guest speaker.
The other meeting we have every month is the business meeting. At this meeting, usually held at our Secretary's home in Howell, the officers and volunteers discuss affiliate business. The membership is welcome to attend these meetings, which are announced at the prior week's social meeting.Cleary's Pub, 117 E Grand River Ave. Howell, MI 48843
For more information, contact James Weeks II at 810.422.8769 or email j.weeks@riseup.net
September 8, 2019 - Northwest Michigan BBQ, Meet & Greet, Noon - 4:00 PM
Kenwood Heritage Park, 2506 North Blvd, Cadillac, MI 49601. We hope for the biggest pavilion which is across the street from the beach. It is near the restrooms, playground, and grills.
Contact Donna, the affiliate chair, or Ben Boren, affiliate vice chair for details.
Bring the kids to swim and play while you meet local, state, and national candidates hoping to run as Libertarians in 2020, including Presidential candidate Kim Ruff. You will also have the opportunity to meet local party leaders.
September 10, 2019 - Libertarian Party of West Michigan (LPWM) Monthly Membership meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The LPWM will meet at Buffalo Wild Wings, 2720 44th Street S.W., Wyoming, MI 49519. More details are posted on the Libertarian Party of West Michigan Facebook Page, or link to the event page. For more information, please contact Jamie Lewis at jkl620@yahoo.com.
September 11, 2019 - Libertarians of Macomb County Monthly meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Ike's Restaurant, 38550 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights
For more information, contact Mike Saliba at macomblp@gmail.com
September 11, 2019 - Libertarian Party of Wayne County business meeting, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
The new venue and day for business meetings is on the second Wednesday of each month at Leon's Family Dining. 23830 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48124. Phone: (313) 563-3713
For more information, contact Scotty Boman at (313) 247-2052 or email ScottyBoman@hotmail.com
September 15, 2019 - Capital Area monthly business meeting, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Harper's Restaurant and Brew Pub. 131 Albert Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823.
Contact Luke Sciberras at 248-302-1064 or email CapitalAreaLP@gmail.com to confirm location.
Times and locations may very from month to month.
September 18, 2019 - Jackson-Hillsdale Libertarian Party monthly meeting, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Steve's Ranch Restaurant, 311 W. Louis Glick Hwy. Jackson, MI 49201
We encourage Teachers, Politicians and Public Officials to attend this meeting. IT'S YOUR TAX MONEY! For more information contact Norman Peterson (269) 330-2980. JHLP Website: https://www.jhlp.org/
September 18, 2019 - The Libertarian Party of Oakland County monthly meeting, Dinner at 6:30 PM, meeting at 7:30 PM.
Rusty Bucket. 30450 Telegraph Rd, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. For more information contact Connor Nepomuceno, Cjnepo1@gmail.com or Vice Chair Ben Carr at 248-919-8152
September 25, 2019 - Libertarian Party of Wayne County general meeting, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Regular business meetings have been moved to the second Wednesday of the month. However we will now have a general meeting on the 4th Wednesday of the month at Livonia Elks at 31117 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150. Directions: south side of Plymouth, just a short distance east of Merriman. Park in the back; enter through rear entrance. - Walk straight ahead through the vestibule, lobby area, and then turn down the hallway to the right. Walk down about 50' or so, and turn left into the short hallway; pass the couple of restrooms - and there we are!
There may be additional changes in the future, so please call ahead for future meetings.
For more information, contact Scotty Boman at (313) 247-2052 or email ScottyBoman@hotmail.com
September 25, 2019 - Libertarian Party of West Michigan (LPWM) Video Conference - Business Meeting, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Executive Committee holds a business meeting every month by video conference. If you would like to be a part of it, please contact Jamie Lewis at jkl620@yahoo.com to get a log in.
October 13, 2019 - Straits Area Business Meeting, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM The Thirsty Sturgeon, 11900 Scott Rd, Wolverine, MI 49799
For more information, contact Chair Andy Evans, (231) 625-8403, . amevans_1968@yahoo.com
https://www.facebook.com/StraitsAreaLP/
Back to Contents
If you are new to the Michigan Libertarian, you can link to 2016 issues here, http://michiganlp.org/category/newsletters . Other issues are preserved in our historical archives here: http://old.michiganlp.org/resources-2/newsletter.
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