LPM Online

Contents

1. Upcoming Events
   
   

   July 6, 1999 - 6:30 PM

   Normally the Libertarian Party of Wayne County meets on the first Tuesday of the month. The LaTrattoria Restaurant will be closed on Tuesday July 6, 1999 so no regular meeting will be held. There is a special meeting scheduled for Saturday, July 17, 1999 - see that date for details.

   Location: LaTrattoria Restaurant is closed on July 6, 1999

   Contact: Joann Karpinski Phone: (313) 925-6917 E-mail: JMKLPWC@aol.com

   
   

   July 8, 1999 - 7:00 PM

   Monthl meeting of the LPWM

   Location: Brann's on Leonard in Grand Rapids

   Contact: Erwin J> Haas Phone: (616) 942 7674 E-mail: haas@iserv.net

   
   

   July 14, 1999 - 6:00 PM

   Libertarians of Macomb County monthly meeting. Drinks and dinner at 6:00 PM, business begins at 7:00 PM. Our guest speaker this month will be Tom Shull of the Detroit News editorial page.

   Location: Heinzman's Heidelberg, 43785 Gratiot, Clinton Twp, just north of Mt. Clemens.

   Contact: Keith Edwards Phone: (810) 777-7468 E-mail: keithmarni@aol.com

   
   

   July 14, 1999 - 6:30 PM

   Libertarian Party of Oakland County Executive committee meeting. This meeting is open to all dues-paying members.

   Location: Eastside Mario's, on the west side of Southfield Rd., just north of 12 Mile Rd.

   Contact: David Collver Phone: (248) 542-9275 E-mail: disarm01@aol.com

   
   

   July 17, 1999

   As you're enjoying the Fowlerville Fair from July 17-25, look for the Libertarian Party of Livingston County's booth in the Commercial Bldg. They plan to distribute lots of LP literature and raise awareness of our rights and responsibilities. Want to volunteer for a time slot? They would love the help.

   Location: Fowlerville Fairgrounds, Commercial Building.

   Contact: Jamie Wisniewski Phone: (810) 231-1254

   
   

   July 17, 1999 - 9:00 AM

   Libertartian Party of West Michigan. I-196 clean up

   Location: College and I196, Grand Rapids

   Contact: Erwin Haas Phone: (616) 942 7674 E-mail: haas@iserv.net

   
   

   July 17, 1999 - 12:01 PM

   Special Meeting of the Libertarian Party of Wayne County. Guest Speaker - WJR Radio Host, David Newman. Door opens at Noon for lunch. Mr. Newman is scheduled to speak at 1:00pm

   Location: LaTrattoria Restaurant, Michigan Avenue, Dearborn across from City Hall

   Contact: Bill Shotey Phone: (313) 278-3673 E-mail: Ben45@aol.com

   
   

   July 21, 1999 - 9:00 AM

   The Ann Arbor Art Fair season returns this year from July 21-24. Come visit the community outreach booth for the Libertarian Party of Washtenaw County in the Non-Profit section. If you want to help staff our booth, contact Nick.

   Location: Downtown Ann Arbor

   Contact: Nick Contaxes Phone: (734) 668-8132 E-mail: contaxes@cyberspace.org

   
   

   July 24, 1999 - 7:00 PM

   Libertarian Party of Shiawassee County Regular Monthly Meeting. Please take note: This meeting has been moved to one week later than usual!

   Location: Nancy's Family Restaurant, Durand

   Contact: Ben Steele III Phone: (517) 288-5616 E-mail: bsteele1@tir.com

   
   

   July 28, 1999 - 6:30 PM

   Monthly meeting of the Libertarian Party of Oakland County. Public Welcome! Speaker to be announced.

   Location: Eastside Mario's, on the west side of Southfield Rd., just north of 12 Mile Rd.

   Contact: David Collver Phone: (248) 542-9274 E-mail: disarm01@aol.com

   
   

   More

   For more events, see the online calendar at:

   http://www.michiganlp.org/lpmonline/events.php

   
   

2. Learn the Secret of Political Success

   Dear Friends of Liberty:

   Do you want to learn the techniques of Libertarian political victory?

   Do you want to learn how to elect Libertarians to public office -- AND make sure that EVERY campaign increases the size and strength of the Libertarian Party?

   Do you want to build a more active, more energetic, more successful local or county Libertarian Party?

   And, most important, do you want to learn how campaigns can work hand-in-hand with affiliate parties to help the LP succeed?

   At Success '99, you can learn all that -- and more.

   Success '99 is your opportunity to learn the tricks, techniques, and lessons of Libertarian success. It's your chance to acquire the tools to help build a thriving Libertarian Party.

   Success '99 is hosted by some of the LP's most successful and experienced activists, each with a proven track record of success.

   Success '99 is also interactive: You'll get a chance to ask questions, meet fellow LP activists, share ideas, and get advice about specific problems.

   Whether you are a long-time LP activist who wants to hone your skills, or a brand new member who wants to learn how to maximize your political effectiveness, Success '99 is your ticket to more success. Keep reading for more details -- and for information about how to sign up!

   ---------------------------------
   SUCCESS '99: DETAILS
   
   "I've been to two statewide leadership and run-your
   campaign workshops put on by the Republicans and Democrats,
   and this beats both of them!"
             -- Richard Chamberlain
                Former State Representative (Georgia)
   ---------------------------------
   
   WHEN & WHERE? The Success '99 conference will be held:
   
   Saturday & Sunday, July 17-18 in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the
   Holiday Inn Eastgate
   4501 Eastgate Blvd.
   Cincinnati, Ohio  45245
   Phone: 513-752-4400
   Fax: 513-753-3178
   Room Rate: $85 + tax
   
   Saturday & Sunday, July 24-25, in Chicago, Illinois, at the
   Radisson Hotel Arlington Heights (NW of O'Hare airport)
   75 West Algonquin Road
   Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005
   Phone: 847-427-4231
   Fax: 847-364-7665
   Room Rate: $79 + tax
   
   COST? Only $79 per person. This price includes coffee and
   pastries on both mornings, and lunch on Saturday.
   
   DIRECTIONS? Call the hotel directly for directions.
   
   RESERVATIONS? Call the hotel and mention that you are
   with the Libertarian Party's Success '99 conference.
   
   WHAT TIME? Participants will meet either in the lounge or
   in a suite for conversation and fellowship Friday evening,
   starting around 7:00 pm. Registration (with coffee
   pastries) begins at 8:30 am on Saturday -- the workshop
   runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and lunch is included. On
   Sunday, coffee & pastries will be available at 8:30 am; the
   workshop runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
   
   QUESTIONS? For more details, call the Balcom Group at
   202) 234-3880.
   
   ---------------------------------
   SUCCESS '99 AGENDA
   
   "A terrific seminar."
   -- Stacy Van Oast, State Chair, LP of Michigan
   
   ---------------------------------
   
   How to Succeed with Your Local LP Organization
   
   * Infrastructure, Activity, Excellence, Outreach, & YOU
   * Creating and implementing an effective strategic plan
   
   How to Succeed with Your Local Libertarian Campaign
   
   * Setting campaign goals & developing a campaign plan
   * Strategy, tactics, timeline, budgets, & fundraising
   * Winning the election . . .or at least your precinct
   
   How to Effectively Communicate Your Message to All Types of
   People
   
   * Using temperament to understand your audience
   * Crafting & delivering a winning message
   * Handling tough questions
   * Crafting & delivering powerful 30-second answers
   
   How to Effectively Use the Media
   
   * Building a media list
   * Five tips for creating more effective press releases.
   * Making your media interviews more successful.
   
   How to Raise Lots of Money
   
   * Raising your first $2,500 - in seven days - from non-Libertarians
   * Raising the funds needed to win
   * Writing effective direct mail fundraising letters
   * Putting on successful fundraising events
   
   How to Recruit and Manage Volunteers
   
   * Do's and don'ts for working with volunteers
   * Preventing Libertarian "burnout"
   * Recruiting a full slate of candidates
   
   Is there something you need to know that's not listed here?
   You'll have a chance to ask questions, and discuss any issue
   that's important to you!
   
   ---------------------------------
   SUCCESS '99 PRESENTERS
   
   "Everyone is raving."
   -- Carol Miller, Executive Director, LP of Washington State
   ---------------------------------
   
   * Michael Cloud is a campaigning "triple threat" -- he's
   run for office at the state & Congressional level, managed
   campaigns at the local level, and worked for national
   presidential campaigns. He's also a respected communications
   expert and speaker, perhaps best known for creating the "Art
   of Political Persuasion" audio tape series, and a champion
   fundraiser.
   
   * Mary Ruwart is one of the most respected communicators
   in the Libertarian Party. She is the author of the
   critically acclaimed "Healing Our World" (one of the few
   Libertarian outreach books targeted at a liberal or "new
   age" audience) and "Short Answers to the Tough Questions."
   As a candidate for State Board of Education in Michigan,
   she received the endorsement of the Detroit Free-Press.
   [Cincinnati only]
   
   * David Bergland is serving his third term as National LP
   Chairman. As Chair, he is the LP's Chief Executive Officer,
   setting broad policy and strategic goals and overseeing the
   party's paid staff. He is also the acclaimed author of
   Libertarianism in One Lesson, which has been called
   the "best brief introduction to libertarianism available."
   [Chicago only]
   
   * Jim Lark is a member of the Libertarian National
   Committee, an activist with the Jefferson Area Libertarian
   (Virginia) and an advisor to the student Liberty Coalition.
   He advises college Libertarians around the USA on how to
   promote libertarian ideas on campus. As a local LP
   activist, he has pioneered innovative efforts and been
   successful in stopping several bad legislative initiatives.
   
   ---------------------------------
   SUCCESS '99: HOW TO REGISTER
   ---------------------------------
   
   YES! I would like to attend the Success '99 conference in:
           [ ] Cincinnati, Ohio
           [ ] Chicago, Illinois
   
   Please sign me up!
   
   * PAYMENT: [ ] Check or money order enclosed
   Or: Charge my [ ] MasterCard [ ] Visa
   
   Acct. #___________________________________________________
   
   Signature _______________________ Expires ________________
   
   Name _____________________________________________________
   
   Address __________________________________________________
   
   City ___________________ State ____ Zip __________________
   
   Employer _________________________________________________
   
   Occupation _______________________________________________
   
   More than one person attending? Write name (and address, if
   necessary) on separate sheet. Or make a copy of this
   registration form.
   
   Mail this registration form to:
   The Balcom Group
   Attn: Success '99
   3600 16th Street, NW
   Washington DC 20010
   
   Or fax this registration form to:(202) 234-3884
   
   Or register over the phone: Call the Balcom Group at:
   (202) 234-3880
   
   Note: Federal law requires political committees to report
   the name, mailing address, and occupation and name of
   employee for each individual whose contributions aggregate
   in excess of $200 in a calendar year.
   

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3. The Allen Park Veterans Clinic by Tim O'Brien

   The following article is the latest in a series of Op-ed articles written by LPM Executive Director Tim O'Brien and submitted to news outlets across the state for publication. This current article was published on July 1, 1999 in the Detroit News and can be viewed on their web site at: http://www.detnews.com/EDITPAGE/9907/01/comment/comment.htm

   Last month six state reps (constituting a self-proclaimed "Task Force") convened the first of a promised series of public hearings on the status of the all but abandoned former Veterans Administration hospital complex in Allen Park.

   To understand how an unassuming, little downriver community came to merit such attention a bit of historical background is necessary.

   In 1937 Henry and Clara Ford in a show of patriotic generosity donated 38 acres of property at the north end of Allen Park as a site for a veterans health care facility. The transfer of title did, however, contain what is called a "reverter clause." That is, the gift included the condition that, should the property no longer be used for the designated purpose, it would revert to the Fords (or their heirs).

   So, a huge veterans hospital was built on the property. It opened in 1939 and operated for more than half a century, eventually expanding into a complex of 22 buildings sprawling over most of the farm-sized parcel of land. Finally, in June 1996, the facility, deemed outdated and impractical to renovate, was shut down and area veterans' health care services -- with the exception of a two-days-per-week walk-in clinic which continued to operate in a small annex -- were transferred to a brand new facility near downtown Detroit.

   And so the status quoed until one Allen Park resident/taxpayer (a Libertarian who shall go nameless) began asking some pointed questions at city council meetings about the future of the now deserted, ten-story double building, its score of attendant structures, and the substantial real estate the whole phalanx commanded.

   Soon other Allen Parkers began asking similar questions, the local newspaper began reporting these concerns, and the wherewithal was mustered in local officialdom to politely but formally inquire of the federal powers-that-be as to their plans for the property.

   Like a high school girl who loses interest in some guy but, nevertheless, endeavors to make certain none of the other girls will date him either, John Dingell, D-Dearborn (the congressman for whom the downtown replacement facility was named, owing to his supposed status as champion of veterans' issues), immediately set about the task of finding some pretext upon which to retain federal control over the almost entirely idle and now decaying property.

   Meanwhile, a gaggle of politicians from Lansing, sensing a photo-op, set up their Task Force committee and staged the present hearings to look into the matter -- despite the obvious fact that they had no jurisdiction whatever over a federal facility in a local community.

   The first hearing brought out a hundred or more veterans festooned in traditional regalia, a relative handful of local residents, a congressional aide, a couple of Ford lawyers (representing the company, not the family, for some reason that was never made clear) and one Charles Lott, Director of the new Veteran's Health Care Center in Detroit who, apparently, also had primary responsibility for the abandoned site it replaced.

   Director Lott explained that he and his staff were working on a five year plan (shades of the old Soviet Union) to clear some -- or all, he wasn't sure -- of the Allen Park property retaining, perhaps, seven acres so as to keep open the remaining walk-in clinic. Or not. The order and timing of demolition were also undetermined. A master of bureaucratic vagueries, Director Lott felt under no particular pressure to be more precise in as much as the five year plan would not even commence for another year and a half. Testimony by various folks regarding operations of the clinic were consistent on one point: the one doctor and two nurses saw an average of twenty patients on each of the two days per week that it is open, an annual total of about 2000 appointments. This, according to 'typical usage' figures offered by Director Lott, would suggest that the clinic provides services to about 400 veterans, who visit such facilities an average of five times per year.

   Most of the veterans at the hearing complained about parking problems, the lack of "green space" (i.e., lawns) and the inconvenience of the new, downtown facility -- all of which objections must surely have been raised when the location for the new facility was first proposed. Finally, the troublemaking resident who started this whole wrecking ball swinging got up and agreed with one of the representatives, Eileen DeHart, D-Westland, that the generosity of the Ford family in having provided the property should be recognized, but wondered why the sacrifice by Allen Park residents of 38 acres of property tax base for the last six decades was not being similarly noted. This observation was met with a sour glower from the entire panel.

   Further, while he appreciated a proposal that would return at least 31 acres to productive purpose, he couldn't help but wonder why seven acres should be necessary to the maintenance of so limited a service as a two-days-per-week walk-in clinic.

   "I think our veterans," snapped the representative, "are worth seven acres!" and used the applause line to full effect.

   "Indeed," our benighted citizen rejoined, "they are surely worth all 38 acres! But that is hardly the point. The question is: What is reasonably needed to provide the services? I would think that a couple thousand square feet of rented office space would be more than adequate," he observed to the now quiet room.

   "And perhaps we might locate the facility in Lincoln Park for awhile," he added.

   The implications of this last did not sit well with Representative Gloria Schermesser, D-Lincoln Park, the politician who organized and chaired the show -- as she hails from that very city.

   "Well," she sputtered, "I'd be proud to have a veterans clinic in Lincoln Park!"

   And, indeed, why should Allen Park be permitted to hog all the glory?

   Let some other community have the honor of passing up several hundred thousand dollars a year in property tax revenue for the next few decades. Besides, what's a mere seven acres out of a wealthy city like Lincoln Park? In the meantime an empty and decaying colossus stands astride the northern entrance to Allen Park, mute testimony to governmental inertia and political intransigence. And there it will continue to brood -- along with local property taxpayers -- apparently, for the better part of the next decade. Or until it collapses like its grecian forerunner.

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