LPM OnlineApril 15, 2008 |
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Revised Website I've substantially revised the content and appearance of my website, www.LeonardSchwartz.us. Please visit it. If it is not readable or looks weird with your browser, please notify me. Leonard@LeonardSchwartz.us. The 2008 Libertarian Party National Convention will be held in Denver, Colorado over Memorial Day weekend, from May 22 to May 26, 2008. During the convention, nearly 1,000 delegates from around the nation will gather to select the Libertarian Party's Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees. Recently, Libertarian activist and author Mary Ruwart announced her candidacy for the Presidential nomination, as did former US Senator Mike Gravel from Alaska. Former Congressman Bob Barr recently announced he is forming an exploratory committee and may also join the crowded field of 15 announced candidates. In addition, delegates will elect new national LP officers and debate possible changes to the national Platform and Bylaws. If you haven't attended a National Convention in the past, be prepared for an incredibly exciting event, packed into a convention hall with a thousand exuberant Libertarians meeting to chart the Libertarian Party's future course and launch its 2008 political campaign. Outside the Convention hall you'll have the opportunity to schmooze and party with delegates and others from all across the country, and meet our prospective Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates and national LP leaders personally. Whether or not you want to serve as a voting delegate at the Convention, this is a great opportunity to have some fun. For more information or to register, go to http://www.lpconvention.org/ For more information on becoming a delegate, contact your LPM Secretary Emily Salvette, at salvette@umich.edu The LEC meets on Sunday April 20 for its last meeting before the National Convention and will approve the delegate and alternate list. The 2008 LPM Convention will be held in Romulus, Michigan, June 7, 2008. If you register before April 20, you qualify for the early bird price. For more information, visit: http://www.michiganlp.org/Shared%20Documents/LPM_2008_Convention.aspx Recently I attended a meeting of the Ferndale Area Republicans. There were two Democrats speaking that are in competition with Andy LeCureaux for the Democratic Party nomination for the State Rep race. I wanted to hear their positions on the issues and ask a few questions pertinent to the LP interests. To my surprise, the meeting commenced with a speaker reflecting a distinctly libertarian purpose. She was Tiffani Gagne, one of the founders of a grass roots movement opposing Ferndale’s Principal Shopping District (PSD) Tax. A newly created Downtown Development Authority (DDA) proposed a .35 cent per sq. ft. tax on all downtown business but due to the pressure from business and Mrs. Gagne’s efforts, the tax was tabled. The next effort from the DDA was a 1.4 mill increase but this too is being put on hold while voters are petitioning for the repeal of the PSD measure. This is the kind of movement that Libertarians must embrace to carry the small government message to our fellow citizens. Come and hear Tammi Gagne speak to her efforts in this successful campaign and her ongoing efforts to derail the Authority that proposed the crippling tax. She will be joining us at the next LPOC Meeting, on Wednesday, May 14th, at Sila’s in Berkley. Sila’s is located 2 blks. East of Greenfield Rd. on the south side of 12 Mile Rd. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm with the meeting commencing at 7:30 pm. All are invited. For further information please cal Bruce Hoepner at 248-219-3303. In the past few weeks there have been a couple intreging developments in the race for the Libertarian presidential nomination. Perhaps the most notable is a move by former Alaskan Senator and Democratic Presidential Candidate Mike Gravel. Gravel is now seeking the Libertarian nomination. According to the Nation blog Gravel said, “I'm joining the Libertarian Party because it is a party that combines a commitment to freedom and peace that can't be found in the two major parties that control the government and politics of America.” For the complete article link to: http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/?pid=303696 He also addresses Libertarians in this Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYGg-IZHLQg For the full Debate (including Mary Ruwart) link to: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5798110045726509764 Which brings us to the next surprise! A draft Mary Ruwart effort has been under way for some time. Well Mary Ruwart is actively seeking the nomination. Before moving to California Ms. Ruwart was a tireless activist in the LPM. One of her significant contributions to the movement was writing the book “Healing Our World” which has recently been re-released and updated as “Healing Our World in an Age of Agression.” You may link to an interview with her at: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5551304134750964274 Another LPM connection… Michigan’s own Bob Jackson has dropped out and endorsed former Congressman Bob Barr (who has not yet declared his candidacy). LPM activist and Capital area TV personality, Erwin Haas, recorded the fun and upbeat conference for Libertarians who were planning to run for office. This conference unfolded some of the mysteries for the first timers and further helped get candidates organized and prepared for their election. The entire training portion of the conference is in the process of being posted on Google video for the benifit of all. Whether they are a “paper” candidate helping to give the Libertarian Party a presence on the ballot, or making a serious run for office, this conference and training session provides them with some necessary tools. Four parts are already posted at these links: Part 1 http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6622433417844902141 Part 2 http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7860339742390326527 Part 3 http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1359966168993371863 Part 4 http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6084706869124887142 The rest to be uploaded this week |
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