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MICHIGAN LIBERTARIAN
Volume 45:06
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We have had a very busy two months with the State and National Conventions. This is a quick newsletter blurb as we our in the process of training several volunteers to help with the campaigns and party.
Thank you
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Repeal Gun Free Zones
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by Scotty Boman
Following the tragic and abominable shootings which occurred in Orlando, Florida, one of which is reportedly the biggest and deadliest mass shooting in the nation’s history, there is no question that individuals need to be allowed to defend their own lives.
It’s time to repeal the “Gun Free Zone” restrictions on sober persons legally qualified to carry pistols in other public places. (This does not preclude property owners from restricting firearms on their own premises.)
Florida and Michigan law both prohibit Concealed Pistol License holders from carrying their weapons in a variety of venues. These “Gun-Free Zones” include nightclubs that serve alcohol. While the Pulse nightclub murders took place in Florida, Michiganders are just as vulnerable.
This is not a time for political mudslinging, but rather a time to grieve the fallen, and change the laws that made a mass shooting of this magnitude possible. Politicians are blaming Islam or the Bill of Rights. This rhetoric is hurtful, not helpful.
Broadcasters have been sending out a continuous stream of banter on how the killer was able to get his firearm. The Constitution entitles every American to the presumption of innocence and due process. It also entitles people to keep and bear arms. While a violation of those rights might have stopped this person, discarding those rights would harm many more.
Islam is one of the world’s largest religions, and acts of terrorism in its name are rare by comparison. Peaceful people should not be singled out for their faith and traditions, just because a violent person invokes the name of their religion when he commits atrocities.
Gun free zones, however, have become the favorite targets of mass murderers. This shooter was reportedly able to kill more people then were killed by mass shooters before these “Gun-Free Zone” laws were instituted. Sometimes these crimes happen quickly and an armed bystander would not have had an opportunity to stop it, but the tragedy at the Orlando Pulse was not one of those times.
People suffered for hours as they helplessly suffered with their injuries and listened to the sounds of fellow patrons being killed wondering if they would be next. The killer even had time to make a phone call.
It would be unfair to say police were responsible for the delay; I honestly feel they did their best to end this tragedy as quickly as possible. The police simply can’t be every place a violent crime is being committed (while the crime is in progress). There is however, one group of people who will always be present…
The victims.
Allow victims the means to save their lives before a lone-wolf shooter has an opportunity to become a mass murderer.
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Out of your Chair!!
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Members, friends, and liberty-lovers everywhere: What a truly amazing and interesting Spring this has become.
I want to begin this year with a few remarks about last year. I hope all of you take a moment to appreciate the hard work that Kim McCurry and the rest of the board did last year to get various initiatives on track so 2016 can be a banner year. While changeover is never easy, Kim began reorganizing many of the basic aspect of the Libertarian Party of Michigan. You can’t help but notice the new and improved website. After taking the helm at our 2015 State Convention, we managed to restore the finances of the Party – and are on track to have the means needed to support our candidates and bring our message to more people than ever. Thank you!
It is beyond my imagination that I would be given the opportunity to lead our team at this critical time. Besides being elected as Chair, I have on my team an incredibly diverse group of men and women that will be the vanguard of our effort this election season. The State Convention in Lansing on May 14 saw a record number of attendees – with a huge number of new and renewed members focused on the road ahead. Please take time to check out our website and the listing of our Executive Committee.
Once again, Michigan is one of the leaders in the nation for having candidates on the ballot. Hats off to Scotty Boman and his political team for recruiting one of the largest group of candidates in the country. Many plans are in the works now to assist candidates and build enthusiasm for our message.
Clearly, the highlight of the Convention was our Presidential Panel – which featured New Mexico Governor and now newly minted nominee Gary Johnson and New Hampshire activist Darryl W. Perry. Michigan’s own Bill Ballenger who has a statewide reputation as the founder of Inside Michigan Politics and his regular appearances on Off the Record. Our attendees enjoyed a spirited give and take about a wide range of issues. Both Mr. Perry and Mr. Johnson took on questions from the moderator, but also questions from the audience – and were well received by those in attendance. Our end of night awards and fundraising was an absolute delight – with one member bravely standing to sing as part of the fundraising shtick. A great evening with wonderful information, photo ops, and funds for our challenges ahead.
Shortly after that, I took off for Orlando, where Michigan had a full delegation with many alternates in attendance as well. Several of our members served in other state delegations so they could vote. There were many wonderful moments throughout the multi-day event – discussion of platform items, nomination of candidates, and election of officers for the LPUSA. All of this was incredibly exciting (my first time). I hope you were able to see some of it on C-Span.
The big news, of course, is that we nominated Gary Johnson for President of the United States. As his running mate, delegates chose William Weld of Massachusetts – a former two-term governor who was for many the first person the larger media every referred to as “libertarian”. For us, the big opportunity lies in the chance to reach the threshold needed to qualify for major party status in Michigan for the first time. Polls indicate that the Libertarian ticket has between 10-13% currently in several polls. You probably know that the debate commission requires 15% to be included in the televised debates….so, let’s make sure that we’re heard!
Michigan delegates actually supported 5 different candidates during the nominating process. So, clearly some are disappointed that their favorite did not win. However, how is the time to focus on what we all agree is important – helping restore rights and freedoms here in Michigan! Our Presidential Ticket may be our best chance in a lifetime to make that a reality – so, I hope each of you find a way to help out this year.
Get up. Get involved. Get out of your chair!!!
Bill Gelineau
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