The UPLP in 2021 – A Year in Review

by Joshua Jongema – Secretary

Thanks to the support of volunteers and donations, the UPLP has had a very successful second year. Our regional affiliate of the state LP, covering the 15 counties of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has grown and has taken every good opportunity to get out and advocate for the sake of liberty and justice for all.

In April we held our yearly Convention in L’Anse, where officers were elected and delegates were selected by a vote, to attend the Michigan LP Convention on June 26th and 27th in Mt. Pleasant. Our Guest Speaker was Prosecutor Joseph O’Leary, who spoke about the Baraga Manifesto and his county’s commitment to protecting the lives and liberties of its citizens.

UPLP delegates attended the state LP Convention, where they heard speeches from Spike Cohen, Justin Amash and Larry Sharpe. They voted on state-level policies and participated in candidacy training and other seminars.

We attended four county fairs to spread the word of liberty, in Schoolcraft, Gogebic, Baraga and Dickinson counties. We distributed books, newsletters, policy cards, and bumper stickers among other things. We had a lot of great conversations with people who had great questions, and made connections with new contacts.

We have had a presence at several protests and rallies, from Marquette to Iron Mountain, and beyond. While there, we were able to bear witness to the movements for freedom that have grown in the Upper Peninsula over the last couple of years.

Last week we met as an open society, at our 2nd Annual Cookout which was open to the public, and made possible by the kind donations of members. Overall the cost of the event was about one-hundred and fifty dollars.

For the first time, members and officers were able to come together, some with family present, and cease the toiling of business in trade for the leisure of food and good conversation.

In looking back at our last fiscal year, I am filled with hope for, not our nation necessarily, but for humanity overall, that a group of people might come together for liberty. Wherever such a group exists, liberty will spread.

There are many small groups that work for their own lives and liberty in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Everyone has their own interests, and diversity is the strength of human society. I hope more people work together in the next year to help bring liberty and justice to all in the UP!