About Linda

Linda says she quit practicing law for money because she couldn’t offer people any assurance that they’d obtain justice.  Watching Congress brought her to the same conclusion.  She’d like to see the federal government keep it’s hands off state affairs, eliminate international entanglements, restrain itself to Constitutionally mandated issues, and cease taking personal property through taxation and excessive regulation.

I did not see myself running for Congress until I realized how urgently we need new leadership, leadership that trusts the people and the state and local governments to govern themselves. It’s been a thrill to discover that this simple message of freedom resonates with so many people. I feel passionately about many specific issues, but it all boils down to one uncomplicated thing: we need less government, not more.

– Linda Goldthorpe

Linda’s family has lived in Michigan’s upper peninsula for over a hundred years, at the same site on Big Manistique Lake.  A graduate of Northern Michigan University and Thomas Cooley Law School, she and her husband, former US Marine George Miller, homeschool their two teenage sons.

As a pro bono attorney, Linda has watched the decay of our liberties and privacy with real concern, and seeks to halt the devaluation of our dollar and expansion of top-heavy government. Linda believes that limiting government to its surprisingly small Constitutional role would accomplish much towards these goals.

Linda Goldthorpe with John Taylor Gatto, award winning author of "Dumbing us Down" and "The Underground History of American Education".

Goldthorpe states, “As your representative, I’ll commit to evaluate government actions and  legislation in light of its adherence to the principles of the US Constitution, and fight against  unnecessary and costly legislation. I’d like my new colleagues in Congress to get reacquainted with the word no.”

A letter From Linda to the Organizers of the Northern Michigan Tea Party Congress:

Date: 1/29/10
To: Organizers of the
Northern Michigan Tea Party
Congress

Resolved that: A candidate for public office may not participate

Gentlemen:

I am here to express my outrage at being forbidden to work the registration desk at the Northern Michigan Tea Party Congress.  There are many reasons for this discussion and I fear my resume’ has been inadequate.   The US Constitution is non-negotiable.  My history bears out this belief.

I am not a “Glen Beck” activist.  I began in 1989 when I joined the Rutherford Institute, a pro-life, free-market civil liberties organization.  Since then, my husband and I have attended or hosted uncountable evenings of discussion. I have knocked on doors, gathered signatures, distributed literature, made signs
and phone calls, and annoyed EVERYONE in my family.  I was acquainted with the founder of the Michigan Militia movement and visited his home.

In the mid-nineties, I became very concerned about the unholy Federal Reserve and began studying the wisdom of a gold-backed currency.  I found Dr. Ron Paul, then, as now, the only truly constitutional member of congress.   When he ran for president, I was delighted to volunteer on his campaign.

I was on the steps of the Capitol in Lansing on April 15, handing out leaflets.  I have spoken at events, written for publication and argued our mutual cause ever since.   My home-schooled son abandoned a $500 a day website to work for conservative causes when he was 15.  My husband has paid for countless
dinners and hosted discussions and meet-and-greets; I could go on forever.

I did one thing that would seem to negate my commitment, though. During the course of my activism career, I have also run for office 3 times.  That like-minded individuals could believe that this minimizes my value, is astonishing.  Running for office has required resources I never knew I had.

It grieves me that you fear to be labeled “partial.”  We are facing a second revolution in this country and I had hoped to be platooned with soldiers who are on my side.  Before this war is over, we will all be called much worse than “partial.”  I can take it, can you?

I want to work that table because I’ve earned it; I’ve been looking for you people for twenty years!  Your denial of my right to rub shoulders with my compatriots is a flagrant offense to the principles we claim.  The Constitution requires impartiality, but it requires it only of THE GOVERNMENT.  That’s the
point entirely.  The first revolution was not won by “impartial” patriots.

I also want to go to Congress.  If you stand for what you say, it is in your best interest to send me there.  So, while it may look like I’m seeking your approval to be a “tea party” candidate, the fact remains.  I already am.

Sincerely,

Linda Goldthorpe