Within the past decade, many Authoritarian policies and laws have been implemented in the state of Michigan.

In 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer (of Democratic Party) improperly used emergency powers to implement some of the harshest lockdown restrictions on the planet.

The restrictions were so strict that lawn/landscaping services, indoor gatherings of 5 or more people, and 'non-essential' traveling was prohibited for a period of time.  Whitmer's lockdown policies may be responsible for as many as one-third of all small businesses in Michigan closing during the coronavirus pandemic.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Whitmer held inconsistent beliefs about the First Amendment. Governor Whitmer condemned politically disadvantageous protests for "spreading the virus" only to reverse her position and encourage Black Lives Matter Protests a few weeks because she "[believes in the] right to protest." Whitmer failed to deescalate and form a dialog with the people protesting lockdown policies, and only encouraged protests that benefited her political agenda. We are supposed to be a nation that allows protesting no matter what the subject matter is. 

Republican leadership in the state of Michigan is also guilty of enabling authoritarianism.

Public Act 436, enacted by Governor Rick Snyder (of the Republican Party), caused the Flint Water Crisis - as unqualified and unelected emergency managers made safety decisions for Flint. Public Act 436 of 2012 gave unelected “emergency managers” sweeping, far-reaching powers to displace or in some cases even dissolve local governments and school districts. It gives the position of Governor extraordinary powers that should belong to the local governments and voters.

Detroit Police Chief James Craig - a candidate for Governor in 2022 who is challenging Governor Whitmer  - has abandoned the the community oriented policing model that Detroit is famous for with Angel's Night. As Police Chief, Craig used tear gas on protestors who only committed the crime of assembling at night. Craig has also implemented facial recognition software in Detroit - which infringes upon the privacy of Detroit citizens. 

 

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I believe Michigan is in a unique position to elect a Third Party candidate. Michiganders are not happy and neither party represents their interests. 

Justin Amash is different from Gretchen Whitmer, Rick Synder, James Craig, and other Michigan politicians of the past.

Justin Amash believes in: 

• Ending civil asset forfeiture
• Ending the drug war
• Ending victimless crimes
• Ending overcriminalization

Justin Amash would bring Criminal Justice reform and a community oritented policing model to the state of Michigan that no longer criminalizes vagrants, the mentally ill, sex workers, or drug addicts. As Governor, Justin Amash could pardon people convicted of these crimes, as well.

As a Libertarian, Justin Amash would stand for privacy, freedom of movement, freedom of speech, and individual rights at all times - not only when politically convenient. Justin Amash could limit the unprecedented power of the Governor position and bring it back to local communities.

Justin Amash, win or lose, you will:

• Spread the Libertarian message to Michiganders
• Pressure the two party system in Michigan to stand for individual rights and privacy
• Increase ballot access for third parties in Michigan by adding a significant amount of Libertarian voters to a gubernatorial election
• Increase your "brand awareness" for 2024, 2028, or onward.

The 2022 gubernatorial election may be one of the most significant gubernatorial elections in decades. You can bet that MANY Michiganders and people around the nation will be paying attention to this race. This is your chance to make Libertarian principles a big part of a prominent election.

Justin Amash, please run for Governor in 2022. Michigan needs a Libertarian and leadership who believes in individual rights.