Link to the June 2023 Michigan Libertarian (Special Edition)
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.
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
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
Link to the June 2023 Michigan Libertarian (Special Edition)
