LPM Online

April 15, 2008

1. Upcoming Events

   April 20, 2008 - 3:00 PM

   The Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee will meet via teleconference to address party business. If you are a party member who would like to listen in, you may do so by joining Chair Bill Hall at his office at 111 Lyon Street, NW, Suite 900, Grand Rapids. Alternatively, contact another member of the LEC in your area and ask to meet with them and listen in to the teleconference.

   Location: 111 Lyon Street, NW, Suite 900, Grand Rapids.

   Contact: Bill Hall Phone: 616-460-9516 Email: whall@wnj.com

   
   

   May 07, 2008 - 6:00 PM

   The Libertarian Party of Southwest Michigan Executive Committee will hold its next monthly meeting at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, May 7, at IHOP, 1981 Pipestone Road, Benton Harbor, MI. Guests are welcome. For more information contact the LPSWM Secretary at secretary@lpswmich.org or call Bill Bradley at 269-637-4525.

   Location: IHOP, 1981 Pipestone Road, Benton Harbor, MI

   Contact: Bill Bradley Phone: 269-637-4525 Email: secretary@lpswmich.org

   
   

   May 14, 2008 - 6:30 PM

   Come and hear Tammi Gagne speak to her efforts in the successful campaign to derail Ferndale's attempt to raise taxes on Downtown businesses and her ongoing efforts to remove the Authority that proposed the crippling tax. Also, the LPOC will holding its preconvention caucus. All of those interested in running for office please plan to attend. Join 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.

   Location: Sila's Restaurant Berkley, located 2 blks. East of Greenfield Rd. on the South side of 12 Mile Rd.

   Contact: Bruce Hoepner Phone: 248-219-3303 Email: bahoeps@sbcglobal.net

   
   

   May 22, 2008 - 00:00 AM

   Libertarian National Convention 2008
   May 22nd to May 26th
   Every four years, Libertarians meet to choose who will represent them in the upcoming presidential elections. This is typically a very exciting event filled with debate, intrigue and celebration.
   http://www.lpconvention.org/index.php

   Location: Adam's Mark. Denver, Colorado.

   Contact: Natcom CSR Phone: 1-800-ELECT-US Email: info@lp.org

   
   

   June 07, 2008 - 08:00 AM

   State Convention which will include the nomination of 2008 Candidates for office. Registration 8:00 AM Convention starts 9:00 AM There will be a hosted luncheon, and a banquet in the evening. The Libertarian Party of Wayne County will host the Hospitality Suite. The suite will host a few events such as Relaxation and Refreshments, fundraising, accepting donations on pop, munchies of various sorts (that doesn’t require a license), and Notary station. The “post-election” LEC will hold their traditional 1st meeting in this room at 4 pm. Possible photo opportunities with our Presidential Nominee in the HS. Candidate photos.

   Location: Best Western Gateway Hotel, 9191 Wickham Road, Romulus , Michigan 48174

   Contact: Bill Gelineau Phone: 888-Free-Now Email: wgelineau@firstam.com

   
   

   More...

   For more events, see the online calendar at:

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

   
   

2. Schwartz for Vice President Update — by Leonard Schwartz
   
   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.
   Back to Contents
   
3. Last Chance to Become a National Convention Delegate — by Bill Hall
   
   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.
   Back to Contents
   
4. Last Chance for LPM Convention Early Bird Price — by Bill Hall
   
   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.aspxBack to Contents
   
5. Oakland County Activists Speaks
   
   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.
   Back to Contents
   
6. LP Presidential Update: Ruwart & Gravel in, Jackson out. — by Scotty Boman
   
   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).
   Back to Contents
   
7. LPM Candidate Conference and Training Available Online — by Scotty Boman
   
   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 weekBack to Contents