MICHIGAN LIBERTARIAN
March 2020

Volume 49:03

In This Issue:

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Social Media Committee Seeks Help with Video Projects
POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19 CONCERNS

By Connor Nepomuceno, Social Maedia Director

2020 Libertarian Party of Michigan Call to Convention.
2020 Libertarian Party of Michigan Call to Convention.

The Libertarian Party of Michigan (LPM) Social Media Committee is seeking volunteers and equipment for video projects at the LPM state convention. This includes recording and live-streaming the presidential candidates as well as collecting recordings for a longer term social media project.


What we need

The committee needs a high definition camera, tripods (ideally with smart phone clamps), light set ups, and microphone equipment. We will use the equipment to broadcast the Presidential candidates, and we will use it for the member broadcasting project.

We will also consider an outside contractor. If you wish to recommend any please forward forward their contact information to the committee.

You can be a social media star

We will also record videos of our delegates and members speaking about libertarianism. Our interviewer will be posing three questions:
What brought you into the Libertarian Party?
What do the ideas of liberty mean to you?
What makes you angry about mainstream politics?
We will publish videos on our social media pages to promote the party and our ideas. So if you are interested in participating in this effort, please come with short statements prepared.
If you have video equipment, or if you would like to volunteer for these projects, please contact Committee Chairman, Connor Nepomuceno, at cjnepo1@gmail.com

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POTUS Hopefuls Make Pitch to Michigan Libertarians

By Greg Stempfle, LPM Chair

Editors note: The Michigan Libertarian invited all of the POTUS candidates, who qualified to be listed on this page, to provide a statement (1400 character limit) for Michigan Libertarians to read. As of this date these are the responses we received. They are listed in chronological order of the candidate's response. Candidates can still add their statement to this article by sending it to newsletter@michiganlp.org.

Sam Robb

Sam Robb
Sam Robb

There is a sea change going on right now in politics. Voters of all stripes are unhappy with "business as usual". They are hungry for real, honest change. Another coat of red or blue paint slapped up over the crumbling edifice isn't going to cut it anymore.

We have spent decades speaking out against the exact excesses that are so worrying people now. This is a unique opportunity to engage with those voters.

That conversation isn't going to happen if we wait for people to come to us. We must meet them where they are. Seek them out and speak to them in political language they understand. Show them how liberty - not government - is the solution they need for their families and communities.

I plan to preach liberty and campaign on outreach. Even more than outreach - a political search and rescue operation. I am refugee from the GOP who grew up in a working-class Democrat neighborhood. A former Naval officer and a pro-life, pro-family, pro-immigration, big-tent libertarian. My supporters are Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and independents. I know these people. I can speak to their concerns, and show them a path forward towards liberty.

I intend to win hearts and minds by bringing these people a real libertarian message. A message that translates principle to policy. A message not about eliminating government, but replacing it with something that works: freedom. More information available at: samrobb2020.com

Louis Vanacore

for We The People

Louis Vanacore
Louis Vanacore

Our divisiveness is a symptom of a greater problem - undue influence. Our presidents are partisans, political parties coerce our representatives to represent their priority, and leadership in congress puts their party above good government.

Our divisiveness is rooted in the control our political parties have over our governing processes, thus our representatives.

The solution to our divisiveness is in freeing our representatives from the restraints and coercion imposed by political parties.

First, the rules by which the Houses of Congress operate should be adopted not by a simple majority rule, but by 2/3 approval of their congresspersons. A 2/3 consensus in appropriate for a decision to be embraced by all.

Second, only those eligible to vote in the election should be allowed to contribute or expend on behalf of the candidate. If the candidate is not your representative you should not be allowed to influence how they represent their constituents.

Third, as President, I and the Cabinet shall function in a nonpartisan manner. Political parties should not be allowed to achieve through the President (or the Supreme Court) that which could not be provided by legislation.

Forth, as President, I shall give bipartisan congresspersons a voice by forcing bipartisan negotiations through a veto to all legislation not having a 2/3 approval.

More information available at: vanacore2020.com

Dan Behrman

Dan
Dan Behrman

A big yellow hat, with a black and yellow "Taxation is Theft" sticker craftily arranged and stuck to its side. This is usually what most people see when they look at Dan "Taxation is Theft" Behrman.

While the hat plays a huge role in Behrman's campaign, he insists that there is more than meets the eye.

"People see this hat, but there is so much more to me," Behrman divulges.

Behrman was born in Los Angeles, California. He calls Texas home, but currently divides his time between there and Cancun, Mexico. He lives with his wife, and their two rescue dogs.

"I try to leave the state out of things as much as possible. People ask me if I legally changed my middle name to Taxation is Theft. I didn't legally change it, I lawfully changed it, and the government has to recognize it. Free men don't ask for permission," Behrman stated.

Behrman decided to run for president simply because he wanted to make change.

"I want to end taxation. Taxation is the root cause of every failed government program, which is most of them. Taxation is Theft," he asserted.

But is it?

"There are two things to consider when talking about taxes. The first is necessity, and the second is morality. Necessity asks if it is necessary to both provide all of the government services, and is it necessary to tax to pay for them. Morality asks the question if it is theft. By its very definition, it is theft, and this cannot be disputed. If you don't pay, they will take it. If you try to hide it from them, they will arrest you. If you resist, they will hurt you. Theft is taking property which is not yours by the use of force or the threat of force. That is exactly what the government does every day to millions of people," he stated. More information available at: behrman2020.com

Lincoln Chafee

Lincoln Chafee
Lincoln Chafee

As Mayor, he united a city and won reelection three times by winning every ward in every district...despite being a member of the "wrong" party. In the Senate, he stood up to the warmongers in Washington and in his own party, to vote against the disastrous Iraq War. As the first Independent Governor elected in Rhode Island's history, he worked to balance the state budget, led the fight for Marriage Equality, stood up to the crooked cronyism of the 38 Studios deal, and successfully lowered the state's unemployment rate during the worst recession of our time.

He's seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of American partisan politics. Democrats who proclaim to believe in Civil Liberties but vote for warrant-less surveillance; Republicans who proclaim to be fiscally responsible, but drive us into deeper and deeper debt; and both parties who continue to send our brave soldiers into senseless and counterproductive wars based on lies.

Now, he's come home to the Libertarian Party to advocate stopping the escalation of endless war, reining in our skyrocketing deficits, and protecting our personal liberties in the face of government encroachment. Lincoln Chafee wants to build the Libertarian Party, fight for our freedoms, and stand up for the truth. You can join him and learn more at www.LincolnChafee.com.

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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: Mary Buzuma dist2rep@michiganlp.org
District 3 Rep: Nathan Hewer. dist3rep@michiganlp.org
District 4 Rep: Will White. dist4rep@michiganlp.org
District 5 Rep: James Harris 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.org
Ken Proctor. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Katie Nepton. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org

Volunteers

Webmaster: In Transition. Webmaster@MichiganLP.org
Newsletter Editor: Scotty Boman. newsletter@michiganlp.org
Ciculation Director: Catherine Filus. catherine@catherinefilus.com
Deputy Editors: Norman Peterson & Mary Buzuma. newsletter@michiganlp.org
Social Media Director: Connor Nepomuceno cjnepo1@gmail.com
Historical Committee Chair: Emily Salvette esalvette@gmail.com

Affiliate Contacts

Capital Area: Luke Sciberras, Chair. 248-302-1064, capitalarealp@gmail.com
https://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
Northeast-Lower: Zach Boyle, 989-255-4521, livovivo@gmail.com
Northern Lower: Dana Carver, danacarver103@yahoo.com
Northwest Michigan: Peter Biskupski. 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
straitslp.com or 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

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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.

March 4, 2020 - Huron-Raisin Affiliate 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

March 5, 2020 - Livingston County Michigan Libertarians Affiliate Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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

Straits Area Affiliate has no March meeting. The next meeting will be April 19th (Sunday @ 3:00 PM) - Bierre De Mac near Mackinaw City
For more information, contact Chair Andy Evans, (231) 625-8403, . amevans_1968@yahoo.com
straitslp.com or https://www.facebook.com/StraitsAreaLP/

The Northwest Michigan Affiliate will not have a March meeting.

March 10, 2020 - Libertarian Party of West Michigan (LPWM) Affiliate Meeting, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The LPWM will meet at Brann's Steakhouse, 5510 28th St SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512.
More details are posted here. For more information, please contact Jamie Lewis at jkl620@yahoo.com.

March 10, 2020 - 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

March 11, 2020 - Libertarians of Macomb County Affiliate Convention for State Convention Delegate Selection, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Ike's Restaurant, 38550 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights
For more information, contact Mike Saliba at macomblp@gmail.com

March 11, 2020 - Libertarian Party of Wayne County Affiliate Officer Election & Bylaw Convention, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Guest Speaker Susan Oser speaking for voters that vape. Here is an article she wrote for the Michigan Libertarian.
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

March 14, 2020 - 2020 LP Michigan State Convention, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
LibbyFest time TBA
Eberhard Center on the campus of Grand Valley State University, 301 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
For more information, contact Contact 2020 LPM Convention Chair Jamie Lewis at jkl620@yahoo.com

March 15, 2019 - Capital Area Affiliate 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.

March 17, 2020 - The Libertarian Party of Oakland County Affiliate 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

March 18, 2020 - Jackson-Hillsdale Libertarian Party Affiliate Meeting, 6:00 PM - 8:00 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/

March 25, 2020 - Wayne County general meeting, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Regular business meetings are on the second Wednesday of the month. However we 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!
For more information, contact Scotty Boman at (313) 247-2052 or email ScottyBoman@hotmail.com

April 1, 2020 - Huron-Raisin Affiliate 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

April 2, 2020 - Livingston County Michigan Libertarians Affiliate Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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


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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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Copyright 2019 Libertarian Party of Michigan, All rights reserved.


The Michigan Libertarian is a publication of the Libertarian Party of Michigan Libertarian Party of Michigan: PO Box 27065, Lansing, MI 48909; Phone: 888.FREE.NOW. The Libertarian Party of Michigan website is paid for with regulated funds by the Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee, Inc. d/b/a the Libertarian Party of Michigan. Not authorized by any candidate.