MICHIGAN LIBERTARIAN
June 2023
In This Issue:
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Back to ContentsDefense Rights Take Center Stage for LPM Activists
By Scotty Boman
Michigan – As private gun ownership, and possession faces infringement, by all levels of government, a handful of Libertarian activists have stepped up with the theme that gun-rights are defense rights. Much of this work is via a non-partisan group called “March to Defend Lives,” which was organized by Wayne County Libertarian Ryan Brennan, and is mostly composed of Libertarian Party of Michigan members. March to Defend Lives has been making news almost every month, and there’s no indication that their cadence will stop.
Defense of Rights at the State Level
As reported in the April Michigan Libertarian, On March 23rd they organized dozens of defense-rights activists rallied near the Michigan Capitol under the title. Organizers called for the abolition of “gun free” zones, and the hiring of actual armed security for schools. Activists organized the protest as the Michigan legislature was just beginning to discuss restrictions on law-abiding gun owners. The Detroit News and WLNS (Lansing Channel 6) News each quoted event organizer Ryan Brennan. Also the Lansing State Journal published a photo of 2006 Libertarian Gubernatorial candidate Gregory Creswell.
Shortly after, on March 26th, event organizer Ryan Brennan appeared on the 910 AM Superstation Program, the Robert Ficano Show.
Defense of Rights at the Local Level
On May 1st, Brennan joined another Libertarian, Community Advisory Council Secretary Scotty Boman, and NRA Board member Rick Ector in a News Conference. Organizers used the event to respond to discussions by Detroit City Council members. The Council was considering the establishment of Gun-Free Zones in Detroit’s Greektown District and a few other downtown hot spots. While Michigan Law pre-empts stricter local gun laws, Councilmembers had scheduled a vote on a resolution that would request an exception to the pre-emption from the Michigan legislature. Detroit Police Commissioner (Dist. 5) Willie Burton was present to oppose the gun-free zone proposal while telling WDIV that he wasn't opposed to "red flag" laws, however.
The News conference was well attended by News reporters. The Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Fox 2 News, WDIV News 4, and WXYZ (Channel 7 Action News) all covered it. Also, Reporters from other News organizations were present and a Northern Michigan Christian Radio program eventually picked up the story. The next day Bridge Detroit featured a Picture of Gregory Creswell wearing a pro-gun sweatshirt.
Detroit Gun-Owners Under Fire
Trevor Step (front-right);
and LPM Chair Andrew Chadderdon (Background)
While the News conference was successful at showing there was pushback against the proposed action, it didn’t stop the City Council from passing the resolution on May 16th. March to Defend lives returned to Greektown on June 1st. This time they gathered in greater numbers, not just as a News conference, but as a protest. Fox 2 and News 4 thoroughly covered the event. A community member, who was passing through, had a different perspective, and the protesters engaged in a constructive conversation. While readers should take the following for granted, reports often portray gun-rights advocates as hot-headed and uncaring. March to Defend Lives exercised professionalism and nobody did anything to reinforce stereotypes. Broadcasters portrayed Gregory Creswell and Ryan Brennen accurately: They clearly stood on the side of crime victims, and people who opposed violent crime.
March to Defend Lives with UPLP 06.08.2023
Looking forward, the group will be practicing eternal vigilance. The next event is in Northern Michigan. They will be joining forces with the Upper Peninsula Libertarian Party at 11:00 AM on July 8th at Harlow Park in Marquette Michigan. If any good, charismatic Second Amendment supporters wish to have a speaking slot, please email Ryan Roberts, UPLP Chair, at Ryan_r03@hotmail.com or president@uplp.org to inquire.
To be continued
Liberty in Your Community
By Trevor Step, Political Director
Libertarians recognize that the fight against an overreaching bloated government has only intensified recently. The battlefront is in our communities; The same communities ravaged by the COVID regime and rife with overbearing, unconstitutional laws. We have a plan, and we need your help.
It is time to take back our towns and counties, and to ward off encroaching state and federal governments. It is time to nullify federal power and build freer communities. The Libertarian Party of Michigan is taking proactive steps to recruit candidates. We're not just looking for names on the ballot. We are looking for candidates that want to run to win and be a positive, powerful voice in their community.
We can assist you and provide materials for your campaign. While some deadlines for 2023 elections have passed there are still many offices with July filing deadlines. Additionally, it’s not too early to start thinking about a 2024 office. We would love to help you get your campaign off the ground.
By running for office, you give liberty a voice and voters a choice. Send a message to vcpoliticaldirector@michiganlp.org for more information.
Yours In Liberty,
Trevor Step
LPM Political Director
Don't want to run for office but want to join the Libertarian Party of Michigan?
Lapsed membership? Sign up here https://michiganlp.org/contribute/membership
Officers & Staff
General Contact: Libertarian Party of Michigan: PO Box 27065, Lansing, MI 48909; Phone: 888.FREE.NOW.Chair: Andrew Chadderdon. chair@michiganlp.org
First Vice Chair: Leah Dailey. vcaffiliates@michiganlp.org
Second Vice Chair: Trevor Step. vcpoliticaldirector@michiganlp.org
Secretary: Daniel Ziemba. secretary@michiganlp.org
Treasurer: Greg Black. treasurer@michiganlp.org
District 1 Rep: Ryan Roberts. dist1rep@michiganlp.org
District 2 Rep: Rich McClain Jr. dist2rep@michiganlp.org
District 3 Rep: Vacant. dist3rep@michiganlp.org
District 4 Rep: Rich Theelon. dist4rep@michiganlp.org
District 5 Rep: Vacant. dist5rep@michiganlp.org
District 6 Rep: Larry Henneman. dist6rep@michiganlp.org
District 7 Rep: Vacant. dist7rep@michiganlp.org
District 8 Rep: Kevin Ellis. dist8rep@michiganlp.org
District 9 Rep: Sean Weaver. dist9rep@michiganlp.org
District 10 Rep: Vacant. dist10rep@michiganlp.org
District 11 Rep: Bruce Jacquays. dist11rep@michiganlp.org
District 12 Rep: Daniel Muehl-Miller. dist12rep@michiganlp.org
District 13 Rep: Dave Franklin. dist13rep@michiganlp.org
District 14 Rep: Jeff Pittel. dist14rep@michiganlp.org
Judicial Committee Members
Connor Nepomuceno. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.orgRobert Roddis. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Joshua Smith. judicialcommittee@michiganlp.org
Volunteers
IT Director: Brad Carrier. Webmaster@MichiganLP.orgCommunications Director: Connor Nepomuceno cjnepo1@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor: Scotty Boman. newsletter@michiganlp.org
Social Media Director: Connor Nepomuceno cjnepo1@gmail.com
Historical Committee Chair: Emily Salvette esalvette@gmail.com
Affiliate Contacts
Capital Area: Kevin Ellis, Chair. capitalarealp@gmail.comhttp://CapitalAreaLP.com
Huron-Raisin:Chair Mark King, mark.king@markzz.com. Vice Chair Larry Johnson, 734-320-7237, MichLibertarian@gmail.com
https://lpwc.wordpress.com
Jackson-Hillsdale: Norman Peterson, (269) 330-2980 norman.peterson@comcast.net
Isabella County (Affiliate Applicant): Stephanie Dunn, 989-572-4450, stephaniedunn111969@gmail.com
Lapeer County: Kyle McCauley, (248) 974-5085.
Livingston County: Chair Trevor Step, trevorstep@protonmail.com
http://livingstonlp.org
Macomb County: Mike Saliba, MacombLP@mail.com
https://macomblp.org
Northern Michigan: Chair Stephanie Dean (231) 620-5280
Political director Corey Dean phone (231) 590-8290 or email cory0269@yahoo.com
Oakland County: Connor Nepomuceno, cjnepo1@gmail.com or call (508) 579-7878
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: Chair Andrew Chadderdon, andrew.chadderdon@gmail.com
https://michiganlpwayne.wixsite.com/index
West Michigan (suspended): Chair Mary Buzuma, mary.buzuma@att.net or call (757) 748-5606.
http://lpwm.org Back to Contents
Upcoming Events
Please contact local affiliate officers (see above listing) to learn how to get involved in their meetings.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.
June 1, 2023 - Livingston County Monthly Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Trevor Step Residence.
This month we will be opening nominations for the Libertarian Party of Michigan annual convention taking place on Saturday July 15th.
The agenda will also include discussion of our upcoming events on June 30 at the Food Truck Fridays. Sign up to volunteer 6/30 here
Also the Lansing 4th of July Parade. Sign up to volunteer 6/30 here
We'll also discuss the LPM today vs 30 yrs ago through the June newsletter from 1993.
We gather at 7 with business starting shortly after and we try to keep things pretty casual. If you're new to the party or to Libertarianism in general you'll find the meetings welcoming and informative.
For more information, contact Trevor Step, livingstonlp@livingstonlp.org
June 7, 2023 - Southwest Michigan Libertarian Party Affiliate Meeting, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Traveler's Cafe' and Pub. 5225 Portage Rd. Portage, MI 49002
Officer elections for the Southwest Michigan affiliate. All positions are up for election.
Delegate selection for upcoming state convention being held in Pinconning, MI, July 14-15.
For more information, contact Jason Brandenburg email at swmi4liberty@be-innovative.net
June 8, 2023 - Huron-Raisin Affiliate Meeting, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Social House 103, 103 Cabela Blvd E, Dundee, MI 48131
For more information, contact Larry Johnson at 734-475-9792 or email michlibertarian@gmail.com or call (734) 320-7237
June 8, 2023 - Northern Michigan Libertarian Party Affiliate Meeting, 6:30 PM
Earthen Ales. 1370 Gray Dr. Suite 200. Traverse City, MI 49684. 5pm to 7pm in person. Host: TC Green Drink. Virtual Meeting via Microsoft Teams. For login information contact Stephanie Dean at (231) 620-5280
For more information, contact Corey Dean at (231) 590-8290 or email him at cory0269@yahoo.com.
June 9, 2023 - FLINT’S SECOND FRIDAY ARTWALK: Libertarian Party of Genesee County All Affiliate Event, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
Meetup at Churchill's Food & Spirits. 340 S Saginaw St. Flint, MI 48502. Organized by the Greater Flint Arts Council Public Relations Committee, this program is a collaboration between over 20 businesses and cultural organizations in downtown Flint. We coordinate open house receptions, free to the public to promote the diversity of gallery offerings in our downtown. Locations vary seasonally. ARTWALK takes place on the second Friday of every month, 6:00PM to 9:00PM. Maps are available at Greater Flint Arts Council. Parking is available throughout the downtown area.
To confirm the meeting email Chair David Canny, cannyds@gmail.com.
Facebook page: LPGM Facebook Profile
June 11, 2023 - Lapeer County Bi-monthly Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
E.G Nicks Grill & Tavern. 825 S Main St, Lapeer, MI 48446.
For more information, contact Kyle McCauley at 248.974.5085.
June 14, 2023 - Libertarian Party of Wayne County Monthly Meeting (Convention), 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Habib's Cuisine, 14316 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126, USA.
Please visit the Libertarian Party of Wayne County's new Website for updates.
For more information, contact Andrew Chadderdon, andrew.chadderdon@gmail.com
June 14, 2023 - Libertarian Party of Macomb County Monthly Meeting, Dinner 7:00 PM Business 8:00 PM
b.d.'s Mongolian grill. 1350 Hall Rd. Sterling Heights, MI. 48313.
Please visit the Libertarian Party of Macomb County's website:
https://macomblp.org for updates.
Annual Convention in the "Warrior Room" at the same location 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
For more information, contact Mike Saliba at MacombLP@mail.com
June 20, 2023 - Capital Area Affiliate Meeting 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
EagleMonk Pub and Brewery. 4906 W Mt Hope Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
Note that this is a change from the regular schedule.
This agenda will include delegate selection for the July 15, 2023
Libertarian Party of Michigan convention in Pinconning MI. Contact Luke Sciberras at 248-302-1064 or email Chair Kevin Ellis atcapitalarealp@gmail.com for event details.
June 20, 2023 - Upper Peninsula Libertarian Party Affiliate Meeting, 8:00 PM.
The UPLP will be holding this meeting by Zoom Teleconference. Please link to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81149694895
The Meeting ID is 811 4969 4895 and one can call (312) 626-6799, and enter the Meeting ID, to join.
Everyone interested in learning about the UPLP and the Libertarian Party is welcome to join.
If you would like to get involved please contact Ryan Roberts ryan_r03@hotmail.com, (906) 420-2995] or Joshua Jongema.cannyds@gmail.com. Affiliate email address: president@uplp.org
UPLP.org
June 21, 2023 - Libertarian Party of Oakland County Affiliate Meeting, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM.
B1 Tavern. 1967 Cass Lake Rd. Keego Harbor, MI 48320.
Business starts at 7:00 PM. To confirm the meeting email Connor Nepomuceno at: cjnepo1@gmail.com or call at (508) 579-7878
https://lpocmi.org/
June 21, 2023 - 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
Guest Speaker: Tony Bair. He was first elected Jackson County Commissioner in 2018 represents the Townships of Parma, Rives, Sandstone, Springport and Tompkins and the Villages of Parma and Springport. As a Commissioner he serves on the Public Safety and Transportation Committee, Human Services Committee, Parks Board and Fair Board.
Topic – Update on Jackson County and Future Plans.
June 25, 2023 - Lapeer County Bi-monthly Meeting, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
E.G Nicks Grill & Tavern. 825 S Main St, Lapeer, MI 48446.
For more information, contact Kyle McCauley at 248.974.5085.
June 25, 2023 - Genesee County un-affiliated group Business Meeting, 4:15 PM.
The Golden Leaf 1522 Harrison St, Flint, MI .
Plan on 4:15 PM as Lottie gets there at 4:00 and I don't want to be underfoot as she is opening. They do not serve food at The Leaf so we are doing a pot luck. Plates, utensils, napkins, etc. are taken care of.
To confirm the meeting email Chair David Canny, cannyds@gmail.com.
Facebook page: LPGM Facebook Profile
July 14-15, 2023 - LPM Regular Convention
Pinconning Community Center – 200 N. Mable (M-13) Street Pinconning, MI 48650
To be a delegate you must be nominated by your affiliate or attend the "non-affiliated" convention (TBA via the "MichiganLP.ORG" site). New LPM memberships and renewals must be made via the MichiganLP.org website to be recognized.
Link to the ".ORG" Convention Information Registration page here.
August 8 - 12, 2023 - Straits Area LP (SALP) - Outreach Table
Cheboygan County Fair. 204 E Lincoln Ave, Cheboygan, MI 49721
To volunteer and get more information contact Andy Evans at (231) 625-8403 or email amevans_1968@yahoo.com.
Facebook posting here.
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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