MICHIGAN LIBERTARIAN
November 2021
In This Issue:
- Automated Speed Enforcement Systems
- Workplace Vaccine Mandate - What next?
- Decriminalize Entheogenic Substances
- Officers & Staff
- Upcoming Events
Comments from the editor
Since we have been changing our delivery methods the October issue wasn't sent to email inboxes. If you missed the October issue, no worries. We posted it here. We had an excellent convention right at the end of June. More convention related content is yet to come. Please be patient as we develope more content.
Contributions welcome
We welcome new contributions with careful attention to our guidelines. Articles for the next issue of the Michigan Libertarian must be submitted to chair@michiganlp.org, and newsletter@michiganlp.org no later than the 20th of each month. This allows for publication on the first of each month. We routinely post articles to the website homepage ahead of our publication date.
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.
Back to ContentsAutomated Speed Enforcement Systems
By Brian Ellison, 7th District Rep.
The Legislative Committee would like to inform you of a speed enforcement bill that has been introduced in the Michigan House. We believe it represents a clear threat to individual liberty.
The proposed bill would add a section to the Michigan vehicle code, that would allow various levels of government to establish "automated speed enforcement systems". These systems would take photographs of alleged speeding cars, that would be used to issue citations against vehicle owners.
A Guilty Until Proven Innocent Scenario
Aside from the fact that this bill makes it easier for governments, at all levels, to further extort individuals, the biggest problem with it (there are many), is that it establishes a de facto guilty-until-proven-innocent scenario. A registered owner of a vehicle is presumed by law to be the driver without proof. Owners would be forced to provide sworn testimony in defense of themselves. This is likely a violation of the 5th Amendment, which guarantees that no one is compelled to testify against oneself. This law would allow courts to penalize individuals who exercise their right to remain silent, under the guise that a civil infraction is not considered a crime. We recognize that this is functionally a difference in semantics; a failure to comply with a court's ruling on a civil infraction leads to criminal charges.
A Dangerous Precedent at Any Speed
This is complete bullshit and sets a dangerous precedent.
This is a call to action for our party members to contact everyone on this Committee to get the following bill REJECTED. Please call and email these committee members and tell them that not only should they vote down this bill, but they should also ceremoniously burn a printed copy on the steps of the capital, as a show of support for the rights of the constituents they were elected to represent.
"A bill to amend 1949 PA 300, entitled "Michigan vehicle code" HOUSE BILL NO. 5284
The following are the committee members for: Committee on Judiciary
Graham Filler (R) Committee Chair, 93rd District, 517-373-1778, GrahamFiller@house.mi.gov
Mike Mueller (R) Majority Vice-Chair, 51st District, 517-373-1780, MikeMueller@house.mi.gov
Steven Johnson (R), 72nd District, 517-373-0840, StevenJohnson@house.mi.gov
Bronna Kahle (R), 57th District, 517-373-1706, BronnaKahle@house.mi.gov
Daire Rendon (R), 103rd District, 517-373-3817, DaireRendon@house.mi.gov
Ryan Berman (R), 39th District, 517-373-1799, RyanBerman@house.mi.gov
Douglas Wozniak (R), 36th District, 517-373-0843, DouglasWozniak@house.mi.gov
TC Clements (R), 56th District, 517-373-2617, TCClements@house.mi.gov
David LaGrand (D) Minority Vice-Chair, 75th District, 517-373-2668, DavidLagrand@house.mi.gov
Tenisha Yancey (D), 1st District, 517-373-0154, TenishaYancey@house.mi.gov
Kyra Bolden (D), 35th District, 517-373-1788, KyraBolden@house.mi.gov
Kara Hope (D), 67th District, 517-373-0587, KaraHope@house.mi.gov
Kelly Breen (D), 38th District, 517-373-0827, KellyBreen@house.mi.gov
This call to action was written by 7th District Rep and Legislative Committee member, Brian Ellison
Workplace Vaccine Mandate - What next?
By Andy Evans
This article expresses the opinion of the author. Other Libertarian Party of Michigan members are welcome to send in opinion articles (In keeping with our guidelines) for consideration to the editor.
So it has become official (court cases pending). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will now be requiring employers, with 100 or more employees, to mandate vaccinations on their workers as a stipulation for continued employment. For many of you, it is decision time. Do you walk away from your career? Or do you comply with the new mandate?
It is a tough call and I feel for those who are facing an uncertain future as a result of this new edict. I know of a few who have already had to pack up their belongings, leave their company, and risk their family's future as a matter of principle.
I'm not writing to give you a one-size-fits-all response to this new federal government overreach. Everyone has their own set of unique factors to consider, in the weeks to come. On the other hand, I am here to say that no matter which path you choose, the Libertarian Party is home for those who are now ready to say enough is enough and stand up for freedom. Get your shots. Lose your job. For too many of you, those are your only 2 options and neither sit well with you. We don't judge the path you select in this. We just invite you to join us in our effort to startle Lansing and DC with our voices as we continue to speak up for individual liberties. We need to make it clear we are already against the next mandate.
Awake!
This new edict is a wake up call for countless Americans. They are realizing that it is time to stop the madness! Are you one of them? Join us today and help turn the ship back towards personal choice.
Decriminalize Entheogenic Substances
By Ben Carr
The Legislative Committee would like to inform you of a bill that has been introduced that would decriminalize naturally occurring entheogenic plants.
The Decriminalize Nature MI Bill (SB 0631) was introduced to the Michigan Senate this week by Senators Jeff Irwin and Adam Hollier. The bill has been sent to the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.
Psilocybin mushrooms and other naturally ocuring entheogenic substances have a history of use that dates back thousands of years and are a large part of sacred ancestral practices. They are non-addictive, low risk and have the potential to provide solutions for PTSD, depression, addiction, end of life anxiety and numerous other problems, leading to better quality of life for thousands of Michigan's most vulnerable citizens. SB 0631 would decriminalize the non-commercial cultivation and use of these safe, naturally occurring substances.
This is an URGENT call to action for our party members to contact everyone on this Committee to get SB 0631 pushed to the floor for a vote. Please call and email these committee members and encourage them to bring this to a vote and to support this measure as written, doing what's best for the people of Michigan.
Decriminalize Nature MI Bill
A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled "Public health code"
The following are the committee members for: Judiciary and Public Safety Committee
Roger Victory (R) Committee Chair, 517-373-6920, SenRVictory@senate.michigan.gov
Curt VanderWall (R) Majority Vice-Chair, 517-373-1725, SenCVanderWall@senate.michigan.gov
Stephanie Chang (D) Minority Vice-Chair, 517-373-7346, SenSChang@senate.michigan.gov
Tom Barrett (R), 517-373-3447, SenTBarrett@senate.michigan.gov
Ruth Johnson (R), 517-373-1636, SenRJohnson@senate.michigan.gov
Jim Runestad (R), 517-373-1758, SenJRunestad@senate.michigan.gov
Jeff Irwin (D), 517-373-2406, SenJIrwin@senate.michigan.gov
Legislative Committee
Libertarian Party of Michigan
Officers & Staff
General Contact: Libertarian Party of Michigan: PO Box 27065, Lansing, MI 48909; Phone: 888.FREE.NOW.Chair: Tim Yow. chair@michiganlp.org
First Vice Chair: Ben Boren. vcaffiliates@michiganlp.org
Second Vice Chair: Andrew Chadderdon vcpoliticaldirector@michiganlp.org
Secretary: Daniel Ziemba. secretary@michiganlp.org
Treasurer: Norman Peterson. treasurer@michiganlp.org
District 1 Rep: Ryan Roberts. dist1rep@michiganlp.org
District 2 Rep: Steven Fox. dist2rep@michiganlp.org
District 3 Rep: Jordan Martin. dist3rep@michiganlp.org
District 4 Rep: Rich Theelon. dist4rep@michiganlp.org
District 5 Rep: Dave Canny dist5rep@michiganlp.org
District 6 Rep: Brandon Warzbyok. dist6rep@michiganlp.org
District 7 Rep: Brian Ellison. dist7rep@michiganlp.org
District 8 Rep: Joe Hartman. dist8rep@michiganlp.org
District 9 Rep: Mike Saliba. dist9rep@michiganlp.org
District 10 Rep: Joe. dist10rep@michiganlp.org
District 11 Rep: Bruce Jacquays. dist11rep@michiganlp.org
District 12 Rep: Daniel Muehl-Miller. dist12rep@michiganlp.org
District 13 Rep: Breona Arold. dist13rep@michiganlp.org
District 14 Rep: Paul Vainer. dist14rep@michiganlp.org
Judicial Committee Members
Connor Nepomuceno. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.orgRobert Roddis. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Joshua Smith. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Volunteers
Webmaster: Aaron Gardner. Webmaster@MichiganLP.orgCommunications Director: Connor Nepomuceno cjnepo1@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor: Scotty Boman. newsletter@michiganlp.org
Ciculation Directors: Jeff Pittel & Catherine Filus. catherine@catherinefilus.com
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.comhttps://capitalarealp.wordpress.com
Genesee County: Chair David Canny, cannyds@gmail.com.
https://www.facebook.com/LPGCMI
Huron-Raisin: James Hudler, (734) 475-9792, james.hudler@gmail.com or contact Larry Johnson at: michlibertarian@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
Northern Michigan: Philip Lindsay. philiplindsay25@gmail.com
Oakland County: Paul Vainer, paul.vainer@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
Upper Peninsula Libertarian Party: Chair Ryan Roberts, (906) 420-2995, UPLP.org. ryan_r03@hotmail.com
Wayne County: Jami Van Alstine, jamiracquel2004@yahoo.com
https://michiganlpwayne.wixsite.com/index
West Michigan: Bob VanNoller . (616) 406-7784, Email Bob VanNoller at bob@rollaway.biz
http://lpwm.org Back to Contents
Upcoming Events
Please contact local affiliate officers to learn how to get involved in their meetings.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.
November 11, 2021 - Huron-Raisin Affiliate Meeting, 6:00 PM
Pizza to The Wurst Bar. 705 W Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197
For more information, contact Larry Johnson at 734-475-9792 or email michlibertarian@gmail.com or call (734) 320-7237
November 17, 2021 - Jackson-Hillsdale Affiliate Meeting 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Steve's Ranch Restaurant. 311 W Louis Glick Hwy, Jackson, MI
Contact Norman Peterson, (269) 330-2980 norman.peterson@comcast.net
https://www.jhlp.org
November 17, 2021 - Libertarian Party of Oakland County Affiliate Meeting, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM.
Perfect Game (bowling alley) 35000 Grand River, Farmington, MI, 48335.
Business starts at 7:00 PM. To confirm the meeting email Paul Vainer at: paul.vainer@gmail.com https://lpocmi.org/
November 21, 2021 - Capital Area Affiliate Meeting 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Harper's Restaurant and Brewpub. 131 Albert Ave, East Lansing, MI
Contact Luke Sciberras at 248-302-1064 or email capitalarealp@gmail.com for event details and instructions to join.
November 28, 2021 - Libertarian Party of Genesee County Affiliate Meeting (Convention), 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM.
White Horse Tavern. 621 W Court St, Flint, MI, 48503.
Business is from Noon to 2:00 PM. To confirm the meeting email Chair David Canny, cannyds@gmail.com.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LPGCMI
December 2, 2021 - Livingston County Monthly Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Brewery Becker. 500 W Main St, Brighton, MI, 48116.
For more information, contact James Weeks II at 810.422.8769 or email jamestweeks@outlook.com.
December 8, 2021 - Libertarians of Macomb County Affiliate Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
BD's Mongolian Grill. 13150 Hall Road, Sterling Heights, MI, 48313.
For more information, contact Mike Saliba at macomblp@gmail.com
December 8, 2021 - Libertarian Party of Wayne County Business Meeting, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location to be announced.
Please visit the Libertarian Party of Wayne County's new Website for updates.
For more information, contact Jami Van Alstine, jamiracquel2004@yahoo.com
December 12, 2021 - Straits Area Libertarian Party Affiliate Meeting, 2:00 PM
The Thirsty Sturgeon. 11900 Scott Rd, Wolverine, MI 49799
For more information, contact Andy Evans at (231) 625-8403 or email amevans_1968@yahoo.com.
December 14, 2021 - Southwest Michigan Libertarian Party Affiliate Meeting, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Traveler's Cafe and Pub. 5225 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002
For more information, contact Jason Brandenburg email at swmi4liberty@be-innovative.net
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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