(I received this information from the 912 Project in NC. The man, Jeff McQueen, has created a new version of the Betsy Ross flag for the 2nd American Revolution. If interested, go to his website to order one. https://www.usrevolution2.com/)
My name is Jeff McQueen and I’m writing you from my home in Michigan. I am a direct descendent of John “Peter” McQueen, a miller, who served under Colonel John Williams in the First American Revolution from Salem, New York. I grew up hunting and camping with my brother, father and grandfather. When my father enrolled me in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, I eventually achieved the level of Eagle Scout with a gold palm. I attended Kalamazoo College in Michigan and had a National Merit Scholarship. My wife, Sheila and I went to kindergarten together and finally married in 1998. We have four daughters and a collie named “Scout” (who looks like Lassie).
I have spent most of my career in Strategic International Business Development in the global auto industry and speak German, French and some Japanese and Spanish. I have won many awards for strategies I put together, which resulted in very large contracts. I was laid-off from the auto industry last January, which is the bad news, but I have had a lot of time to help the Tea Parties nationally, which is the good news. Like you I am angry with our government’s leap into Socialism, and I decided to take action and help, if you’ll let me.
We launched http://www.usrevolution2.com/ using money from what’s left of a 401K retirement account and have had 3x5 foot flags made, which look like the Betsy Ross flag, but with a new addition . . . a Roman numeral “II” in the center of the circle of stars.
We need a National symbol for Americans, who yearn to breathe free again, a symbol supporting the basic principals of our founding fathers: a Fair Tax, Fair Trade, Limited Government, Free Speech and the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. That symbol must be NEW or it will be dismissed by the media. An upside-down American flag only shows anger and some people may not understand the meaning and think it is just hung wrong. A Gadsden flag is great for showing anger, but can be dismissed by the media as historic nostalgia for the 4th of July.
Only a new design will get media attention. People will instantly recognize the Betsy Ross flag, but when the so called “highly educated media elites” and Liberals see the “II” in the center of the stars, there’s no mistaking the meaning . . . we’re ready for ROUND 2!
If the folks in Washington, D.C. and our state capitols think we will sit idle while they dump massive debt on our children and our children’s children, they are wrong! They have ignored us, and they have laughed at us, and if we are to win our fight for LIBERTY, we must fight back! I still believe we can do this peacefully, if we are well organized and win the hearts and minds of our fellow Americans. Remember in the first American Revolution only 30% of the population joined the fight for FREEDOM (30% joined the other side, and 40% stayed out of the fight).
This July 4th we will start a National campaign of resistance. To do this, I am ready to provide each TEA Party organizer with a 3’x5’ flag. However, I’m not in a position to do this for free, which is why I set-up the website USRevolution2.com.
If everyone orders one flag, and takes it to their Tea Party on July 4th and gets the flag on or near the podium, CNN, MSNBC, CBS and ABC will start to see this flag is showing up everywhere. The speed at which the flag shows up from coast to coast should send a strong message: "we are no longer just a bunch of grass roots organizations. WE ARE GETTING ORGANIZED NATIONALLY!" I’m hoping July 4th Tea Parties are being planned outside the headquarters of CNN (again), MSNBC, ABC and CBS to ensure the media is able to attend. I have also written a short speech to introduce the new flag, which can be edited for your local needs. (Send me an email at usrevolution2@aol.com to get a copy of the speech.
Bring your flag to the September 12th “March on Washington.” Let everyone in Washington see a sea of these flags! This may be our first chance to introduce the flag, if the media ignores the July 4th rallys.
After the September 12th “March on Washington” take your flags home, then go door to door and introduce the flag to our neighbors, and ask them to help in the fight for our Liberty, by ordering the flag. Once you introduce the flag to your meighbors, hang it proudly on your front porch. The plan is to get this flag to start spreading from porch to porch and from sea to shinning sea. The bumper stickers will also spread nationwide answering President Obama’s round “sunrise of Socialism” logo.
Everyone also needs to start using TWITTER, so we can communicate quickly. If you don’t have an account (it’s free) and you don’t know how you use it, you’re probably going to have to ask one of your kids (like I did), or a neighbor’s kids.
Email me and I will send you a jpg of the flag and the logo, which you can put on your website (if you have one), or send them to people you know who are sympathetic to our cause. By putting the New Flag of the Second American Revolution on your website you are endorsing it’s two meanings: 1) You support for a “Second” American Revolution, if that’s what it takes to protect your rights guaranteed under our Constitution and 2) you support the “Second” Amendment. Putting the flag on websites will also help spread the word nationally.
I have written some quick scripts for some YouTube commercials which will air shortly. The commercial will refer people to my website.
If you agree with what I’ve proposed so far, let’s get started . . . send me an order for a flag, please.
God bless you, your family, and God Bless America! Sincerely:
This article was written in response to the Pritchard letter in the previous post: Inspiration
Inspiration is only necessary when the times are bad and people are afraid. Franklin Roosevelt has given us one of the most often quoted statements concerning fear in his 1933 inaugural speech:
So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself -- nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.
The context of “fear” in this example relates to the hard economic times of the Great Depression. It was an attempt to tell people that everything is fine if we believe and are not scared. This concept is similar to the premise in the book, “Animal Spirits” that is well read and practiced by the White House staff.
I have received three separate emails in the span of one day to read a story called “An Open Letter to President Obama” by Lou Pritchett. Mr. Pritchett was a vice president at Procter & Gamble whose career at that company spanned 36 years. He is also the author of the book, “Stop Paddling & Start Rocking the Boat”.
The beginning of this letter is shown below:
Dear President Obama: You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike any of the others, you truly scare me. You scare me because after months of exposure, I know nothing about you. You scare me because I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of support. You scare me because you did not spend the formative years of youth growing up in America and culturally you are not an American.
The overall point of the letter is that Mr. Pritchett is scared of President Obama. As I read the email, I found that I agreed with his points but not his fear. As usual with today’s opposition, they do not present a solution, let alone any inspiration.
I was reminded of another quote as I read his letter:
When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty. Thomas Jefferson
Do we agree with Mr. Pritchard’s letter, fear our President and just roll over for tyranny. I would definitely agree that the government has no fear of the people. Our liberty is a fleeting concept that most people would have trouble clearly defining. Webster’s dictionary gives the following definitions:
the quality or state of being free the power to do as one pleases freedom from physical restraint freedom from arbitrary or despotic control the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges the power of choice
What does liberty mean to you? Our Congressional representatives have been told by the Obama administration that they are being watched to ensure that they vote as told, not by their conscience or constituency. Our guarantee to private property has been usurped in the case of General Motors’ secured bond holders. Is this Liberty?
I agree with Thomas Jefferson and Mr. Pritchard: fear the government for we have a tyrant running our nation. Can we regain our liberty or was John Adams right:
But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.
We have a choice to make: do we lie down in fear or do we act? What would our founding fathers have done? Inspiration comes to the individual in a variety of ways. I believe as our founding fathers, that the Constitution of the United States was divinely inspired. What are you going to do to ensure your children’s future? What is the cost of Liberty for them?
David DeGerolamo (reprinted here with permission of the author)
This is too good not to share it everywhere and with everyone you know. Snopes (leftist that they are) confirms that Lou Pritchett, former VP at Procter & Gamble, did write this and sent it to the NYT who refused to print it. It has gone all over the internet though, and I'll do my part to make sure people read this. ---- AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA By Lou Pritchett
Dear President Obama: You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike any of the others, you truly scare me.
You scare me because after months of exposure, I know nothing about you.
You scare me because I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of support.
You scare me because you did not spend the formative years of youth growing up in America and culturally you are not an American.
You scare me because you have never run a company or met a payroll.
You scare me because you have never had military experience, thus don't understand it at its core.
You scare me because you lack humility and 'class', always blaming others.
You scare me because for over half your life you have aligned yourself with radical extremists who hate America and you refuse to publicly denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail.
You scare me because you are a cheerleader for the 'blame America' crowd and deliver this message abroad.
You scare me because you want to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector.
You scare me because you want to replace our health care system with a government controlled one.
You scare me because you prefer 'wind mills' to responsibly capitalizing on our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves.
You scare me because you want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world.
You scare me because you have begun to use 'extortion' tactics against certain banks and corporations.
You scare me because your own political party shrinks from challenging you on your wild and irresponsible spending proposals.
You scare me because you will not openly listen to or even consider opposing points of view from intelligent people.
You scare me because you falsely believe that you are both omnipotent and omniscient.
You scare me because the media gives you a free pass on everything you do.
You scare me because you demonize and want to silence the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O'Relllys and Becks who offer opposing, conservative points of view.
You scare me because you prefer controlling over governing.
Finally, you scare me because if you serve a second term I will probably not feel safe in writing a similar letter in 8 years.
Lou Pritchett
Note: Lou Pritchett is a former vice president of Procter & Gamble whose career at that company spanned 36 years before his retirement in 1989, and he is the author of the 1995 business book, Stop Paddling & Start Rocking the Boat.
Mr. Pritchett confirmed that he was indeed the author of the much-circulated "open letter." “I did write the 'you scare me' letter. I sent it to the NY Times but they never acknowledged or published it. However, it hit the internet and according to the ‘experts’ has had over 500,000 hits.
Coweta Falls Chapter of The Sons of the American Revolution 4th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
May 25, 2009 Veteran’s Gardens, Parkhill Cemetery, Columbus GA Chaplain Dan Gates
Ladies and Gentlemen, On this Memorial Day 2009, it is an honor to greet you. And to welcome you to this 4th Annual Memorial Day Commemoration…We have come here today to remember the fallen; those men and women, whose faces can be seen smiling at us from old black and white, aging photographs in which they stay forever young. Men and women, who must be remembered, for the sake of their sacrifice; and for the sake of our nation. And we come, also, to honor the living; we’re so very glad you’re here…
The Ragged Old Flag by Johnny Cash
I walked through a county courthouse square, On a park bench an old man was sitting there. I said, Your old courthouse is kinda run down He said, Naw, it'll do for our little town. I said, Your flagpole has leaned a little bit, And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it. He said, Have a seat, and I sat down. Is this the first time you've been to our little town? I said, I think it is. He said, I don't like to brag, But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag. You see, we got a little hole in that flag there When Washington took it across the Delaware. And it got powder burns, the night Francis Scott Key, Sat watching it, writing 'Oh, Say, Can You See.' And it got a bad rip in New Orleans With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seams. And it almost fell at the Alamo Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on though She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill. There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg, And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag. On Flanders Field in World War I She got a big hole from a Bertha gun. She turned blood red in World War II She hung limp and low a time or two. She was in Korea and Vietnam She went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam. She waved from our ships upon the briny foam, And now they've about quit waving her back here at home. In her own good land she's been abused -- She's been burned, dishonored, denied and refused. And the government for which she stands Is scandalized throughout the land. And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin, But she's in good shape for the shape she's in. 'Cause she's been through the fire before And I believe she can take a whole lot more. So we raise her up every morning, Take her down every night. We don't let her touch the ground And we fold her up right. On second thought I DO like to brag, 'Cause I'm mighty proud of that Ragged Old Flag.
Opening Prayer: our nation was founded upon and has been nourished by prayer. It is only fitting and proper for us to begin by invocating the God of our Forefathers. …
Almighty God! In this special moment – on this special day – we humble ourselves in Your Presence. We thank you for the magnitude of Your great blessing on this nation You have so graciously given us. We honor Your name, knowing it is through your Divine grace we are sustained in the shadow of liberty.
May this commemoration reflect that grace as we are reminded of those men and women, who answered the call to shoulder arms against tyranny. To those heroes – many of whose names have been lost to antiquity – we pay deep and sincere tribute. To that long line of men and women, who followed the path of patriotism; whose struggles and sacrifice have kept America free – we pay deep and sincere tribute. And to those, who even now, wear the uniforms of this nation, fighting a war against terror, we offer our heartfelt and everlasting gratitude. May God bless those who – throughout the ages – have wrapped themselves in America’s flag to stand in her defense. And may God continue to bless America. Amen.
Memorial Day Commemoration
Insomuch as: We gather, as Americans, on this day of special commemoration dedicated to the ideals of freedom and liberty;
Insomuch as: We gather, as Americans, remembering that our freedom and liberty were purchased by the blood and sacrifice of our forefathers in a War of Independence;
Insomuch as: We gather, as Americans, reminded of the millions, who, down throughout the decades of our history, selflessly gave their fortunes, their dedication, their very lives to protect that freedom and liberty;
Insomuch as: We gather, as Americans, aware that even now, young men and women stand in harm’s way to protect us and assure us a continued freedom and liberty,
We hereby: Remember the hollowed dead, whose blood cries from the earth: “Duty, Honor, and Country”. And we honor the living, who stand now, wrapped in the red, white and blue of this nation’s flag to echo that same determined shout of victory: “Duty, Honor, Country”. And in so remembering…
We Do Honor: The dead, who will remain in our memories forever young; forever vigilant! And the living, who by their everyday acts of commitment, reflect the highest ideals of America.
So pledged under my hand today, Compatriot Terry Manning President, the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution
Tribute: “I Am A Soldier”
In America’s shining history, it has been the soldier who has given us our freedom; assured us of our liberty. And in that history, much as in the audience today, the “soldiers” have not always been military, No, they have been a mixture! Military and civilian! Patriots all! And with one commonality. They all had the heart of a soldier.
I Am A Soldier! Read by Marine Corps Veteran and Patriot, Andy Bourke
I am a soldier! A soldier in the Army of my country! I wear a uniform! It’s olive drab, blue, gray and khaki. My nation’s need for defense is my calling; the President of this great nation is my Commanding Officer. I am a Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman. Faith in God and love of America are my codes of conduct. Faith and prayer walk with me every day.
I am a soldier! Since 1775, I have been taught by experience, trained by adversity, tested by fire. I am a volunteer. The decision to wear the uniform of my country was my decision. And thereby I am committed. Committed to her defense, committed to her people. Every man is my brother, when I stand against the enemies of my land. Every woman, my sister; every child, my little boy; my little girl. And I will defend them with my life.
I am a soldier! I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable. If America needs me, I am there. If she needs me to live in her defense, I am there. If she needs me to die in her defense, I am there!
I am a soldier! I’m not a baby! I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed, pumped up, pepped up, or picked up. I am a soldier! When defending America’s ideals, no one has to remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me! All Americans need do is… call me!
I am a soldier! I’m not a wimp! I am in my place of duty, saluting my Commander, obeying my orders, protecting my nation, doing my job! I am a soldier! I don’t need you to send me flowers, gifts, candy, or handouts! I don’t need to be coddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to!
I am a soldier! I am committed to you, America! I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to make me quit. Weather can’t stop me! Sickness won’t keep me from my service! Money can’t buy me! People can’t disillusion me! And hell can’t defeat me for I fight for you, America!
I am a soldier! Generation after generation, I have worn the uniform, wrapped myself in your flag, America, and said to those who would hurt you, “Not today! Not on my watch! Not while I have strength!”
I am a soldier! And I will win! I will always triumph, America! And I will do it for you!
Prayer for those who now serve
It is with guns and bullets those who now serve on active duty defend us in this war on terror. But it is the prayers of a grateful nation on which we build a future wherein our children and children’s children can live in peace and security. Corporal Philip Alexander is a former United States marine, now serving our nation in the United States Army National Guard; a man who knows the meaning of sacrifice and the words duty, honor, and country. It is altogether fitting such a man should lead us in prayer for those who now serve.
Almighty God, we call on your name and invoke your Presence as we remember those who now serve; those who wear the uniforms of this nation; those who are dedicated to her flag and her ideals of liberty and freedom. May you this day strengthen their hands to protect us as you strengthen your hand to protect them. Give wisdom to our leaders. And may our cause be just. Around us on this hilltop, there are men and women who gave their all that we might abide in the greatest nation ever allowed to mankind. Today we remember their sacrifices as we live in the freedom they purchased. Oh God, send your blessing upon those who now carry the torch of democracy. Bless them, Almighty God, and their families with the knowledge that theirs is a sacred duty through which we all are kept free. Amen.
Introduction of the Program
All across this nation today, Americans can celebrate. In tiny villages hidden by the forests of the Catskills, the Appalachians, and the Rockies; to sprawling cities like Atlanta and New York and Houston; to a small hilltop cemetery in Columbus, Georgia, American’s are remembering on this Memorial Day. To help us remember, we have chosen a unique way of hearing the echoes of sacrifices past. To hallow this day on this hilltop, we have chosen to call the names of five soldiers* from each of America’s major wars. Names that were mourned, most of whom, because of the passing of time, have been joined by those who mourned their passing. But men and women to who we all owe a debt the world’s weight in medals could never repay. For truly we are “remembering their sacrifices and living in the freedom they purchased.”
Today we remember the heroes of the American Revolution: [5 names called*] These five represent more than 8,000 who died for duty, honor and country.
Today we remember the heroes of the War of 1812: [5 names called] These five represent more than 2,260 who died for duty, honor and country.
Today we remember the heroes of the War Between the States, the Union Army: [5 names called] These five represent more than 140,414 who died for duty, honor and country.
Today we remember the heroes of the War Between the States, Confederate States of America: [5 names called] These five represent more than 72,524 who died for duty, honor and country.
Today we remember the heroes of the Spanish-American War: [5 names called] These five represent more than 385 who died for duty, honor and country.
Today we remember the heroes of World War I: [5 names called] These five represent more than 53,402 who died for duty, honor and country.
Today we remember the heroes of World War II: [5 names called] These five represent more than 291,557 who died for duty, honor and country.
Today we remember the heroes of the Korean War: [5 names called] These five represent more than 33,746 who died for duty, honor and country.
Today we remember the heroes of the Vietnam War: [5 names called] These five represent more than 58,748 who died for duty, honor and country.
Today we remember the heroes of the War on Terror: [5 names called] These five represent more than 5,591 who died for duty, honor and country.
Today, ladies and gentlemen, we are citizens of the greatest nation on the face of God’s earth, because men and women – more than 655,000 of them – have seen the face of evil and said, “It’s enough!” Even to the forfeit of their own lives! “Freedom is never free! But the price is never too high.”
*The transcript did not contain the names of the soldiers, which were read by various men from a separate list.
Remembering a Hero
On this Memorial Day 2009, America’s heroes – those who have lived and died protecting our nation and the ideas of liberty and freedom – are honored and remembered. Yet the highest accolades of men, nor the world’s esteem can ever speak the gratitude of a grateful nation for one of her sons.
Enough medals cannot be struck, enough words of patriotism spoken, nor can this nation mourn loudly enough to speak tribute to a soldier’s life spent protecting his own nation, while helping to give freedom to millions.
In hallowed ground, just a few yards from where we stand today, lies one of those heroes. He is Gunnery Sergeant John H. O’Tripp Roy, III, a native son of Columbus. Gunnery Sergeant Roy died in the line of duty just ten weeks ago on March 24, 2009. A 1994 graduate of Columbus High School, he served 15 dedicated years in the United States Marine Corps as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician. During those fifteen years of loyal service to his nation, Gunnery Sergeant Roy was twice awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, along with numerous other awards and recognitions of his selfless service to each of us. An ordained deacon and licensed minister of the gospel, he served Jesus Christ and his nation with distinction. Duty, honor, and country were the pillars of his life; The Marine Corps “Semper Fidelis” – Always Faithful – the banner underneath which he lived out those characteristics that made him a great American.
Today, Mr. John Roy, Sr. – Tripp’s father – is the honored guest of this ceremony. He represents for us the thousands of families across this nation and throughout America’s history whose loved ones have served America with pride. And for whom that ragged old flag will never be taken for granted.
Mr. Roy, it is with great and unfeigned humility, sincere affection and heartfelt love that we gently speak your son’s name in reverent whisper this day on this sacred ground. And to you and your family, we simply offer our deepest appreciation; we stand in awe of your son’s courage and love of this nation; and we prayerfully share with you a part of each of our hearts. May time and the loving hand of God create even more cherished memories of his life and service to us all.
Laying of the Wreaths
A tradition was born on that first Memorial Day – called “Decoration Day” in 1866. As a part of remembering, it became the custom to lay a wreath at the grave sites of America’s war dead. From the Tomb of the Unknowns in Washington and in cemeteries across this nation, that tradition is being carried on this very day by Americans just like yourselves. Today, in the “laying of the wreathes” we symbolize our grateful hearts and abiding respect for that long, long line of patriots, whose cry of victory echoes through the corridors of time: Duty, Honor, Country.
Today we honor our nation’s dead, but with the understanding and heaven-sent assurance that the day will come when, They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore.
Benediction By Chaplain Dan Gates
Almighty God! In all the earth there is no greater nation than America. Your blessing has caused her to be that shining city on a hill, bringing the truth of freedom and liberty to the world. But it has not been without cost. The price has been paid in blood, sweat, and sacrifice for the cause of independence and the freedoms we all take so for granted. Forgive us, Oh God, for our assumptions of your blessing!
On this consecrated day, create afresh in our generation an infinite desire to walk in the hallowed, bloody footprints of Valley Forge; to walk in the blood-soaked sands of Normandy’s beaches, on the jungle trails of Tarawa and Okinawa, down the frozen foot paths of Korea and across the ambushed-laced rice paddies of Vietnam. From Afghanistan to Iran and wherever else men and women stand ready to lay down their lives to save ours, Lord, give us the courage to defend, the will to win, and the stamina to stay the course.
Lord, to every man and woman with you today, whose life was lived as an investment in America, we give thanks. Send your angel messengers to find each of them to whisper in their ears that their sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. And that here today in this sacred lace, we have stood in awe of their greatness that has made America great. May we carry the torch they have laid aside with a sense of their integrity and the memory of their victory cry of Duty, Honor, Country.
May God bless America. Amen!
transcript reprinted with the permission of Chaplain Dan Gates
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
5/22 URGENT: Last minute addition from Sandy Toth:
Energy committee to vote on cap and trade AKA cap and tax. Please call these two who are on the fence:
JOHN BARROW D-GA 202-225-2823
JIM MATHESON D-UT 202-225-3011
Also, look for a late addition under the News on Cap&Trade below
-----------------------
5/21/09
Hello! Mark your calendar for two events this weekend: the planning meeting this Friday, 5/22 (all are welcome) and a Memorial Day commemoration next Monday, which is not a tea party event, but I hope you'll consider attending. See the details in Calendar of Local Events.
Each week I put some good quotations near the end, but this one stands out, so I put it at the top; every phrase applies to our country today:
"A people may prefer a free government, but if, from indolence, or carelessness, or cowardice, or want of public spirit, they are unequal to the exertions necessary for preserving it; if they will not fight for it when it is directly attacked; if they can be deluded by the artifices used to cheat them out of it; if by momentary discouragement, or temporary panic, or a fit of enthusiasm for an individual, they can be induced to lay their liberties at the feet even of a great man, or trust him with powers which enable him to subvert their institutions; in all these cases they are more or less unfit for liberty: and though it may be for their good to have had it even for a short time, they are unlikely long to enjoy it." -- John Stuart Mill, British philosopher. Considerations on Representative Government, 1861
Have you read Mr. Smith Mimics Washington, a story by Congressman Lynn Westmoreland? “The 'Smith Family' has an expensive house, a new car and they’d never purchase their chic clothes off the discount rack. If they want it, they buy it. Problem is, by the middle of April the Smith Family had spent all of the money they were going to earn during the entire year. Huge bills are piling up. What will the Smith Family do?” What would you do in your family?
Cross-country walker: Check out Glen Cox: he started out on Saturday from Colorado walking to Washington to bring people to a better awareness of what's going on in the federal government. He writes about the purpose of his walk in Footsteps for Freedom and here's his route. He's not young, but his short online video after the first day says he walked 30 miles so he's moving along (he admitted he was exhausted). Pray for his health and safety. If you know anybody in the areas he's passing through, send this to them so that they might give him a meal or a place to sleep.
Calendar of Local Events Planning meeting Friday, May 22 at 6:30pm. All are invited. If you want to participate in planning events, offer your help, and find out what needs to be done, please join us for a planning session, lasting about 2 hours. We’ll meet at Graystone Falls clubhouse: go to GA Welcome Center on Williams Rd, (I-185 Exit 12), turn into welcome center and take first left, clubhouse is first on left. RSVP to Sandy Toth at columbusgateaparty@gmail.com. Agenda: -Finalize program for the May 30th Restore the Republic event -Distribute flyers for volunteers to hand out. -Get volunteers to start soliciting contributions for the Independence Day event. -Review fight on Cap&Trade legislation -Review the corporation form of organization of this group. We have an offer for incorporation pro bono. We only need to come up with $100 for the state filing fees. We now have a PO Box and EIN, and will have a checking account in a few days.
Monday, May 25, Columbus 4th Annual Memorial Day Commemoration Update: The Commemoration Service held this morning by The Sons of the American Revolution at Parkhill Cemetary was a very moving, beautiful tribute to the American soldiers who have been killed in war since the American Revolution. If it were not for the "brave" there would be no "land of the free!"
May 30, Columbus -- Columbus Tea Party Patriots and Americans for Prosperity will sponsor a "Restore the Republic" Constitutional Seminar to Honor Our Veterans
VFW Post on 1824 Victory Drive, Columbus, from 10-11:30 am. The session will be repeated from 12:30-2 pm. This is a seminar. We will be meeting indoors to learn about the Constitution, what the founders intended, and how the federal government has ignored it. Guest speakers are coming. Please invite friends and bring them with you. Pocket Constitutions will be available to attendees for reference and study. Decorate your cars with flags and signs to share our message while we listen to guest speakers inside (someone will be patrolling the parking lot).
June 14 Flag Day Let's march down the streets of Columbus waving American Flags -- the Stars and Stripes, the Gadsden flag, ("don't tread on me")the Georgia flag, all sizes. We need a huge group that will stretch for blocks. Bring colorful patriotic signs too! More information will be coming in the next few weeks.
July 4 Independence Day
Suggestions and Volunteers Needed!We’d like to have a booth distributing information about the Tea Party goals at "Thunder on the Hooch"; a couple of volunteers are looking into this. We will need people to help create materials to hand out, to decorate, and to man the booth or table.
Also in the works is a tea party in uptown Columbus earlier in the day. Details are not decided, so send in your ideas. Volunteers are needed to help organize this event. Please contact Sandy Toth at columbusgateaparty@gmail.com if you would like to help out in some way. The more helpers, the less work there is for everyone.
Nation-wide the theme for tea parties on Independence Day is stopping socialized medicine. A new national committee headed by Dr. Allen Unruh of Sioux Falls, SD and a team of medical professionals will be leading this effort, including templates for speeches at rallies and promotions leading up to it. People are finally starting to wake up that we will have socialized medicine by the end of the year if we don't act. The basis for socialized medicine is already the law since February.
Calendar of National Events
September 12, Washington DC: 9.12.09 National Taxpayer Protest is sponsoring a national march on Washington on September 12, with a rally on the Mall. There’s some talk at the state level Tea Party Patriots of chartering a plane or busses to take large groups who want to go up and back in a day. We might have a local event for those who can’t travel to DC.
October 2, Washington DC: Taxpayer Tea Party and “Defending the American Dream Summit” sponsored annually by Americans for Prosperity (AFP). No details available yet. There will probably be charter busses going up from Georgia.
News March to Communism This cartoon, produced 50 years ago, predicted the slick salesmen who are pushing socialism/communism today in our country. After all we went through with the Cold War, defeating communism in other countries, can we actually be falling for this diabolical lie?
Nationalized Health Care Obama Health Care Rapid Response - Heritage has launched a site with a comprehensive list of health care issues.
Obama Begins Push for Rationed, Inferior Government Health Care "Which is better, public schools or private schools? Public housing or private housing? Public transportation or private transportation? Compare anything. Government always turns out an inferior product. It has an astonishingly abysmal track record." After you read the article, write to your representatives in Congress, and consider signing the petition.
Cap & Trade Urgent information from Sandy Toth: This is an urgent request for everyone to call or fax the following members of the Energy and Commerce Committee in the House. Chairman Waxman is trying to get the votes for committee passage by Memorial Day. Please pass this on to as many people as you know and ask them to call. The members of the committee who may still be on the fence include: Mary Bono Mack, R-CA, Diana DeGette, D-CO, John Barrow, D-GA, Betty Sutton, D-OH, Jom Matheson, D-UT, and Gene Green, D-TX.
Why is this so urgent? Cap and trade means that every time you turn on a light, turn on your stove, run heat or AC, turn on the TV you will be paying more and more tax. Every time you cut your grass, drive to the store, drive to work, buy groceries, drive to the movies, drive to school, you will be paying more and more tax. Groceries will cost more because stores will be paying more for their utilities and transportation. Hospitals will pay for power, so guess what? Schools will have more power expense, higher fuel costs to run buses, so guess what? Virtually every single area of our lives will cost more because of cap and trade, which should be named cost and tax.
It is estimated that an average family of four will spend $4,300 more per year because of cap and tax effects. This equals over $358 per month, or nearly $12 per day for the average family (this average per year is from the Heritage Foundation). Cap and trade could raise the price of gasoline $4 to $5 per gallon.
What is the purpose of cap and trade? Supposedly the purpose is to cut the carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels. I personally think we could cut all cut carbon dioxide by dying, because we emit this gas when we exhale. The green movement and liberals in government have raised this to a crisis level for certain benefits to certain groups. First investors in carbon credit companies, like Al Gore, will have financial benefits. Second, there are certain groups that would be beneficiaries of the tax proceeds, like the UN, which would hand these funds to third world countries. So let's get this straight. We will all be paying an average of $12 per day more in taxes so Mr. Gore gets wealthier and the UN will have more US funds to squander.
We must attempt to stop this in committee. It will be much easier to get the votes when it goes to the full House for a vote.
Here's the Last Minute Addition, from Sandy Toth on Friday 5/22:
Republican Congressmen Deal and Gingrey voted against Cap and Trade but so did Democratic Congressman Barrow.We need to call Barrow's office and think him because he will face considerable blow back from the Democrats for voitng against this horrible bill.
John Barrow:
Savannah4
50 Mall Boulevard, Suite A
Savannah, GA 31406
p: (912) 354-7282
f: (912) 354-7782
Washington, DC
213 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
p: (202) 225-2823
f: (202) 225-3377
Waxman-Markey update: Energy and Commerce passes H. R. 2454 by 33-25
The House Energy and Commerce Committee last night passed H. R. 2454 by a vote of 33 to 25.
One Republican, Mary Bono Mack of California,voted yes, and four Democrats, Mike Ross of Arkansas, Charles Melanconof Louisiana, John Barrow of Georgia, and Jim Matheson of Utah, voted no.
Republican Nathan Deal of Georgia was not there to vote.
Subcommittee Chairman Edward Markey said before making the motion to proceed to a vote, “The vote we are about cast will in my opinion be remembered decades from now.”
Not much of note happened on the last day of amendments. The final amendments offered en bloc by the Republicans included a provision that would require re-authorization by Congress after five years. It was defeated as part of the package 20 to 38.
One thing that did comeout with a Republican amendment is that utilities in some States getmore allowances than they need to cover their current level ofemissions and in some States they get less. That should be fun as Waxman and Markey make deals to win votes on the floor. How many coupons will Rep. Jay Inslee of Washington be willing to transfer fromu tilities in his State to some other State in order to gain a vote? Disillusion is already setting in. For example, Steven Pearlstein’s opinion column in the business section of today’s Washington Post, which I paste below. It’s ramshackle enough that if the leadership can’t get it to the floor quickly then I think we have a good chance to defeat it.
By Steven Pearlstein Washington Post, Friday, May 22, 2009
---------------- end of last minute addition
2nd Amendment – The Right to Keep and Bear Arms HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009. See the information under Bills, below.
Tenth Amendment - States Rights Thirty-five states are acting or considering proposals to reclaim state rights not specifically given to the federal government. See: States to Feds: Stay in DC! Tenth Amendment Center has a map showing the status of the states rights legislations across the country.
Taxes Soak the Rich, Lose the Rich by Arthur Laffer and Stephen Moore WSJ 5/18 Americans know how to use the moving van to escape high taxes.
Other States’ News California’s Proposition 1A -- Rejected by Voters California voters sent the message loud and clear: stop the budget gimmicks. See Voter Frustration ...Doomed Prop 1A and Defeat is a Sharp Rebuke Links You Can Use Get Out of Our House (GOOOH) A non-partisan plan to evict the politicians from the U.S. House of Representatives.
Grassroots Training - Calling and Visiting Congressmen
(last week's newsletter has tips on writing congressmen)
Virginia Galloway, from the Atlanta office of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), gave me permission to summarize the following tips she gave us regarding contact with government representatives. She says, “Believe it or not, your state legislators want to hear from you! … If you want your legislators to represent your views, you must first let them know where you stand. Keep [it] local, keep it personal, and keep it concise.”
Tips for calling legislators While faxing letters is best, calling is next best. Generally, use the tips for writing (see last week's newsletter). Call about one issue at a time, keep it short and to the point. Introduce yourself, state the issue, ask for them to let you know how the congressman votes on it. Do your research ahead of time so you know both sides of the issue. If possible, follow up with a letter. And after the vote, call again to tell your congressman your pleasure or displeasure at his vote.
Be Respectful! Act like a lobbyist -- professional and poised.
Tips for visiting legislators Of course, it's easier to visit state legislators than the ones in DC, but you can always visit their state offices. Virginia recommends going to Town Hall meetings, meet your state reps. Make a question a question -- not a 5-minute lecture.
Go to the state capital at least once a year. (Consider attending the AFP day at the Capitol. It was recently held in the spring, so watch the AFP - Georgia website for the next one. )
Call for an appointment, at least one week in advance, indicating the subjects you want to discuss.
Arrive on time and leave when your time is up!
Be organized, rehearse your "pitch" which should cover 1) your position 2) the opposing arguments and 3) why your position is better both for your business and for the home district as a whole. You need to have a good working knowledge of the issue. Personal anecdotes are extremely effective.
If you are with a group, select a spokesman, make sure everyone knows and agrees with what will be covered.
Be a good listener to the legislator. He needs you to understand his concerns, but this does not mean you have to change your position.
Do not be awed, legislators are people just like you, often from a near-by community.
Discuss issues, do not lecture.
Leave a one-page fact sheet that contains a summary of the problem and your proposed solution. Bullet points are good. Always relate the legislation to its effect on the legislator's district.
Send a thank you note after the meeting. It can reinforce points of agreement and provide additional information.
Watch Virginia illustrate the size of a trillion using split peas on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-4ADdk66jU About Americans for Prosperity (AFP). The mission of AFP is to “educate citizens about economic policy, mobilize citizens to achieve fiscal and regulatory restraint by state governments, and return the federal government to its Constitutional limits”. This mission matches up well with the goals of the Tea Party Movement. Read more about AFP and consider joining them at http://www.americanforprosperity.org/.
Bills in Congress Jill W and LaTala C have provided this information about bills in Congress.
HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009 It's very important for you to be aware of a new bill HR 45 introduced into the House: the Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sale Act of 2009. Basically this would make it illegal to own a firearm - any rifle with a clip or ANY pistol unless: -It is registered -You are fingerprinted. -You supply a current Driver's License -You supply your Social Security # -You supply a passport-style photo -You will submit to a physical & mental evaluation at any time of their choosing -Each update - change or ownership through private or public sale must be reported and costs $25. For failure to do so, you automatically lose the right to own a firearm and are subject up to a year in jail. -There is a child provision clause stating a child-access provision. Gun must be locked and inaccessible to any child under 18. -The Government would have the right to come and inspect that you are storing your gun safely away from accessibility to children and fine is punishable for up to 5 yrs. in prison.\
Status of the bill: The bill has been referred to the House committee on the Judiciary. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-45If the committee likes the bill, it goes to the House to be voted on, next the Senate, and then the President to sign to law. Take Action: Please pass this on to all Americans and write your senate and house members (click here for a sample letter). Then write Barack H. Obama and tell him “NO” to HR 45. (the previous information was supplied by LaTala C.
How a Bill is Passed Jill W. sent this summary of how a bill is passed in Congress. For details, see How a Bill Becomes Law
1. Bill is Introduced 2. Bill is Referred to Committee 3. Bill is Reported on by Committee 4. Bill is Voted on in the House 5. Bill is Voted on in the Senate 6. Bill is Signed by the President
Introduced bills and resolutions first go to committees that deliberate, investigate, and revise them before they go to general debate. The majority of bills and resolutions never make it out of committee.
Think About It Is the US Not a Christian Nation? The president doesn't think so. On April 6, 2009, in Turkey, and earlier in other speeches, he has said we are not. But what do the Preambles of the 50 State Constitutions say? See this summary of the preambles of all 50 states. (Thanks to Tommy in Augusta for this heads-up and to Dave in NC for this link.)
Here's the Preamble of the Constitution of the State of Georgia: To perpetuate the principles of free government, insure justice to all, preserve peace, promote the interest and happiness of the citizen, and transmit to posterity the enjoyment of liberty, we, the people of Georgia, relying upon the protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution. (Click here for the entire Georgia Constitution.)
In response, a bipartisan group of 25 members of the House of Representatives earlier this month submitted H.Res. 397, which calls on Congress to affirm "the rich spiritual and religious history our nation's founding and subsequent history" and to designate the first week of May as America's Spiritual Heritage Week for "the appreciation of and education on America's history of religious faith." Also see: "Whaddya mean, "America Is Not a Christian Nation?"
How the Democratic Party Went From Thomas Jefferson to Karl Marx 5/12 "Unlike Lenin’s revolutionary overthrow of capitalism, our transition to a Marxist system was meant to be gradual and seamless. Like a lobster in a pot of boiling water, the temperature was being turned up slowly and gradually. Even now when banks are being nationalized and major automakers turned over to union ownership, it is mainly people over 40 who are even noticing that anything is wrong."
Can America Continue as a Nation, Half-Slave Half-Free? 5/7 "A Socialist economy cannot co-exist for long with a free system... In 2010 and 2012, the battle will be joined and the ultimate question must be this one, “Are we to be a nation of slaves governed by masters, or a nation of free men and women? Are we a nation of slaves or free citizens? Do we need to be taken care of, told what to do all the time, deprived of the rightful benefits of our work and our freedoms-- or are we best suited to care for ourselves and our families, employ our money and our Constitutional rights as we see fit ?” Both columns by Daniel Greenfield from CanadaFreePress.
Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." - Ben Franklin
"Does the government fear us? Or do we fear the government? When the people fear the government, tyranny has found victory. The federal government is our servant, not our master!” -Thomas Jefferson
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." -- Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777
"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower, First Inaugural Address, Jan. 20, 1953
"If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen." -- Samuel Adams
"[Early] Americans adhered rather closely to the free market ideal that people should remain free to find their own solutions for economic problems, whether caused by industry or by nature. The force of government would be used, if deemed necessary, only at the local level, under local control, to meet local needs. And as a result, America became a new promised land. "We later Americans have all but forfeited the great charter of liberty that made possible the miracle of America. It still exists for us to examine. If we still like it, we can reestablish it. Doing that will require as much persistence and dedication and plain hard work on our part as was required of the eighteenth-century gentlemen who created it. It will require as much labor to regain it as it did to create it, but thankfully not more." --Lawrence Patton McDonald, We Hold These Truths 1976
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Final thoughts:
I'm tempted to fill this newsletter with quotations from the founding fathers that apply to our desperate situation today. But there are already websites that are filled with their thoughts. If you have time, read more of their wisdom on some of the websites that list quotations.
(From the Wisdom of Our Fathers and PROConstitution are good places to start). Their words inspire me to stay in this and not quit. We can't wait for “the other guy” to write a letter to Congress, or “the other woman” to seek the permits for a rally, or “someone else” to research legislation. This is a fight of freedom vs. communism –we can’t just sit back and let the other person do it alone.
Finally, with Memorial Day almost here, I'd like to share this poem:
It's the Soldier by Father D. E. O'Brien USMC
It's the Soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It's the Soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It's the Soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to demonstrate.
It's the Soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trail.
And it's the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves the flag, whose coffin is draped in the flag, that allows the protester to burn the flag.
If you find something you'd like to share with Tea Party members, please send it to the website http://www.columbusgateaparty.com/. This is the last "issue" of the newsletter. Thanks for reading. Sandy Cols.
Hello Friends! (Some event info below has just been updated based on the planning meeting held Friday night 5/15.)
Armed Forces Day is Saturday, May 16, 2009. President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.
***
AFP There are so many groups that have started up around the country to fight the socialism that is being forced on us that it’s difficult to know which groups to support. This week some of us met with a representative from Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a national organization that has been in existence for over five years and has more than 500,000 members. Their goals are basically the same as the goals of the Tea Party movement: follow the Constitution and thereby have smaller, fiscally responsible government. You can read about our “grassroots training” with AFP below.
Events Update: Monday, May 25, Columbus 4th Annual Memorial Day Commeration 10am
Location: Veteran’s Garden of Parkhill Cemetery 4161 Macon Road in Columbus.
The program will lasts about 45 minutes and will feature the Sons of the American Revolution dressed in Colonial uniforms. While this is not an official tea party event, please attend.
We know that the lack of love for our country and the lack of knowledge of history has greatly contributed to the mess we are in now. Participating in this memorial program will remind adults and children that we must not forget those who died to give us freedom.
When my son was about 5, we attended a Memorial Day BBQ. I had told him earlier what the day was for. On the drive home, he said, "But Mom, we didn't do any remembering!" Don't let your Memorial Day go by without remembering the fallen soldiers. Sponsored by Coweta Falls Chapter of Sons Of The American Revolution.
Update: May 30, Columbus -- "Restore the Republic"Good News!
We're meeting in the VFW Post on 1824 Victory Drive, Columbus, starting at 10am.
This is not a “protest” event but a seminar: learn about the Constitution, what the founders intended, and how the federal government has ignored it. Guest speakers are coming. Please invite friends and bring them with you.
Decorate your cars with flags and signs to share our message while we listen to guest speakers inside (someone will be patroling the parking lot).
Update: June 14 Flag Day New Event
Let's march down the streets of Columbus waving American Flags -- the stars and stripes, the Gadsden flag, the Georgia flag, all sizes. We need a huge group that will stretch for blocks. Bring colorful patriotic signs too! More information will be coming in the next few weeks.
Update: July 4 Independence Day Suggestions and Volunteers Needed! We want to have a booth about the Tea Party goals at "Thunder on the Hooch"; a couple of volunteers are looking into this. We will need people to help create materials to hand out, to decorate, and to man the booth or table.
We also plan to have a "tea party" in uptown Columbus earlier in the day. Details are in discussion: a march with signs down the streets for several blocks, all day (come for as long as you can) or for a couple of hours. Speakers or not? Volunteers are needed to help organize this event. Please contact Sandy Toth at at colsteaparty@gmail.com if you would like to help out in some way. The more helpers, the less work there is for everyone.
September 12, Washington DC: 9.12.09 National Taxpayer Protest is sponsoring a national march on Washington on September 12, with a rally on the Mall. We might have a local event for those who can’t travel to DC.
October 2, Washington DC: Taxpayer Tea Party and “Defending the American Dream Summit” sponsored annually by Americans for Prosperity (AFP). No details available.
Tea Party News and Columns Check out the new website for the Columbus Tea Party, It's under construction, but coming along. Send in ideas of what you'd like to see on it.
Obama Begins Push for Rationed, Inferior Government Health Care"Which is better, public schools or private schools? Public housing or private housing? Public transportation or private transportation? Compare anything. Government always turns out an inferior product. It has an astonishingly abysmal track record." After you read the article, write to your representatives in Congress, and consider signing the petition.
Did You Receive an Email from the White House? Here’s an email I received Wednesday 5/13 from “The White House". I never signed up for it, so I wondered how I got on their list. Today someone here in Columbus told me that she and her sister received the same email although neither signed up for it. Both attended the tea party on 4/15. Have any more of you been put on the white house email list without your permission? Has our email list gotten into the wrong hands? I have tried to be careful when sending emails, only to use BCC, but I suppose a computer whiz could get to it anyway. Please know that those of us who have access to the Columbus Tea Party email list treat it confidentially, we do not intend for your email to be used by any other groups. Maybe one of the other tea party or 912 project websites we've signed up for have released their database. I'd like to know if you've also received this email: ---------- Good afternoon,
You are receiving this email because you signed up at WhiteHouse.gov. My staff and I plan to use these messages as a way to directly communicate about important issues and opportunities, and today I have some encouraging updates about health care reform.
The Vice President and I just met with leaders from the House of Representatives and received their commitment to pass a comprehensive health care reform bill by July 31.
We also have an unprecedented commitment from health care industry leaders, many of whom opposed health reform in the past. Monday, I met with some of these health care stakeholders, and they pledged to do their part to reduce the health care spending growth rate, saving more than two trillion dollars over the next ten years -- around $2,500 for each American family. Then on Tuesday, leaders from some of America's top companies came to the White House to showcase innovative ways to reduce health care costs by improving the health of their workers.
Now the House and Senate are beginning a critical debate that will determine the health of our nation's economy and its families. This process should be transparent and inclusive and its product must drive down costs, assure quality and affordable health care for everyone, and guarantee all of us a choice of doctors and plans.
Reforming health care should also involve you. Think of other people who may want to stay up to date on health care reform and other national issues and tell them to join us here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/EmailUpdates
Health care reform can't come soon enough. We spend more on health care than any country, but families continue to struggle with skyrocketing premiums and nearly 46 million are without insurance entirely. It is a priority for the American people and a pillar of the new foundation we are seeking to build for our economy.
We'll continue to keep you posted about this and other important issues.
Thank you, Barack Obama
P.S. If you'd like to get more in-depth information about health reform and how you can participate, be sure to visit http://www.healthreform.gov/. ----------
Tenth Amendment - States Rights Thirty-five states are acting or considering proposals to reclaim state rights not specifically given to the federal government. See: States to Feds: Stay in DC! and States Rights – Tenth Amendment Almost 200 years ago, Thomas Jefferson recognized this problem: I see… and with the deepest affliction, the rapid strides with which the federal branch of our government is advancing towards the usurpation of all the rights reserved to the States, and the consolidation in itself of all powers, foreign and domestic; and that, too, by constructions which, if legitimate, leave no limits to their power… It is but too evident that the three ruling branches of [the Federal government] are in combination to strip their colleagues, the State authorities, of the powers reserved by them, and to exercise themselves all functions foreign and domestic. –Thomas Jefferson to William Branch Giles, 1825
Question to Left: If you Love America, Why Transform It? By Dennis Prager 5/6/09 “If you met a man who said he would like to "transform" or "remake" his wife, would you conclude that he: a) thought very highly of his wife and loved her? Or b) held his wife in rather low esteem and therefore found living [with] her rather difficult?… Little is as revealing of Barack Obama's and the left's view of America than their use of the words "transform" and "remake" when applied to what they most want to do to America.”
Empathy Vs. Law a four-part column by Dr. Thomas Sowell, 5/5. “That we are discussing the next Supreme Court justice in terms of group "representation" is a sign of how far we have already strayed from the purpose of law and the weighty responsibility of appointing someone to sit for life on the highest court in the land.”
A massive tax-hike in California - Will it happen to the rest of us? Proposition 1A is being peddled to the people of California as a measure to control spending. Michael Reagan writes: Tax Increases - Coming Soon to a 'Theater' Near You
Tea Parties and CA Prop 1A: California Republican Party Chairman Continues to Show Disdain for Tea Party Patriots. Leftists might claim that the Republican Party is directing and controling the tea party movement, but articles like this one show that's false. This same GOP pary chairman was booed at the Sacramento tea party on April 15 (see reports by Michelle Malkin here and here).
Links You Can Use Your Guide to the Conservative Movement in America This is a comprehensive list of not only conservative organizations and websites but also issues and current legislation, historical records, etc. It is a huge amount of information.
The Complete List of Emails and Fax Numbers for the US Congress When writing to a Senator or Representative other than your own, you will probably not get a reply unless you make it clear why they should reply; for example, if you represent an organization or company which has members or does business in their district, that might help. Many members automatically delete e-mail from outside their district, or may reject messages copied to other members. Every American has the right to contact any Congressmen they wish, because their votes affect the entire country. Most Senators and Congressmen are using website contact forms where you must have a zip code and address from the district of the representative you want to write. Tip: Go to the Congressman's web site and get the zip code of one of their district offices, or get a zip code for any city.
The next section, Grassroots Training, has tips on writing to Congressmen.
Grassroots Training - Writing to Congressmen On Tuesday, May 12, fourteen local Tea Party members received some “Grassroots Training” with Virginia Galloway from the Atlanta office of Americans for Prosperity (AFP).
Virginia gave me permission to summarize a the tips she gave us regarding contact with government representatives. She says, “Believe it or not, your state legislators want to hear from you! … If you want your legislators to represent your views, you must first let them know where you stand. Keep your letter local, keep it personal, and keep it concise.”
Tips for writing effective letters to legislators
Be polite and brief; write on only one side of one page. Write on personal or business stationery that includes a return address, as envelopes are discarded.
Discuss only one topic per letter.
Identify the specific legislation or proposal you are writing about, include the bill number or title. State whether you support or oppose the legislation and why. Use facts to provide specific examples of how a legislative proposal will affect your business or community. Indicate that you are aware of the main arguments against your position.
Use your own words; avoid phrases from form letters. Express your opinion strongly, but never threaten or be offensive.
Don’t mention Election Day! Legislators are already well aware of the political implications of disagreeing with constituents.
Clearly state the action you would like your lawmaker to make on the bill and ask for a reply that states what action the Senator or Representative plans to make.
Use the accepted form to address the letter: Dear Senator Doe, or Dear Honorable Doe. See Sending Mail to Congress for examples of the proper way to address letters.
Faxing is best. Paper letters may take several weeks to be scanned and irradiated. Virginia suggests that faxing letters is the best method to send mail. Faxing a handwritten letter is fine if you write legibly, otherwise fax a typed letter. Faxing is more effective than email.
Don’t be surprised if you receive a non-committal response; many times, legislators will not take a position on an issue until the last minute. Your best strategy is to try to education him on the implications of the legislation and how it will affect you. Write back, make two or three good points and restate your position and request. Remind the legislator that you are following the issue.
If you disagree with the legislator’s position, write a follow-up letter thanking him for his response, express your disagreement, refute his arguments, and make a new point if needed. Do not delay in sending the follow-up letter and don’t slam the door! You will need to contact him later on other issues.
I asked Virginia about the effectiveness of online petitions. She said it depends on how they are presented, but don’t pay money to sign a petition.
You can hear Virginia speak at a Georgia tea party and watch her illustrate how much a trillion dollars is using split peas! See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-4ADdk66jU I hope to pass along her recommendations for phoning or visiting your legislator’s office in the next newsletter.
About Americans for Prosperity (AFP) The mission of AFP is to “educate citizens about economic policy, mobilize citizens to achieve fiscal and regulatory restraint by state governments, and return the federal government to its Constitutional limits”. This mission matches up well with the goals of the Tea Party Movement. You might want to read more about AFP and consider joining them at http://www.americanforprosperity.org/. AFP is asking all citizens to email your congressmen to say NO to Cap&Trade: Click Here to Send Your Congressman a Email
Think About It I receive a note today from LaTala Colfield (a Columbus tea party attendee) saying that the tea parties are a great idea but “knowledge is key and in order to get people to understand the meaning behind the tea parties, you have to educate all people on what is going on. Do you think that somehow we can begin to have classes discussing the laws that are being sent in place to rid us of our 1st and 2nd amendment as well as our sovereignty and liberties? For example, HR 2159, HR 1388, HR 1955, HR 1966, Cyber Security Act of 09, etc. and the list goes on and on. Or maybe we can start a class online where we all meet and discuss information that is of interest to our future and well-being. What do you think?”
Could you do some research on these bills and send in a short description for the newsletter? LaTala has offered to help, will others join her? We could spread the work if several of you could get together online and decide which bills to research, then send the results to me (or to the new website) to be published. If you are interested, contact me and I will send an email just to those people.
We should be able to write comments soon on the website. We can discuss bills there.
Could meet for a monthly training/discussion session in one of the conference rooms at the public library?
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Bills in Congress Thanks to LaTala Cofield for sending this information on some bills in Congress that we need to know about so we can contact our senators and representatives.
Attack on 1st Amendment Rights HR 1966 Megan Meier Cyber-bullying Prevention Act - Referred to Committee Sec. 881. Cyber-bullying ‘(a) Whoever transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication, with the intent to coerce, intimidate, harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to a person, using electronic means to support severe, repeated, and hostile behavior, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. ‘(b) As used in this section-- ‘(1) the term ‘communication’ means the electronic transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user’s choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received; and ‘(2) the term ‘electronic means’ means any equipment dependent on electrical power to access an information service, including email, instant messaging, blogs, websites, telephones, and text messages.’. (b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 41 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ‘881. Cyber-bullying.’.
Cyber-Security Act of 2009 It would establish the Office of the National Cyber-security Advisor—an arm of the executive branch that would have vast power to monitor and control Internet traffic to protect against threats to critical cyber infrastructure. Sounds important right? I mean if cyber security is a big deal, then it would make sense that we would be doing something that would create a department to oversee such an endeavor. But what else does the Cyber-Security Act of 2009 do? It gives the president the ability to “declare a cyber-security emergency” and shut down or limit Internet traffic in any “critical” information network “in the interest of national security.” [Now if that isn’t a statement that has been used to take away individual liberty in the past I don’t know what is.] The bill does not define a critical information network or a cyber-security emergency. That definition would be left to the president. The bill does not only add to the power of the president. It also grants the Secretary of Commerce “access to all relevant data concerning [critical] networks without regard to any provision of law, regulation, rule, or policy restricting such access.“ This means he or she can monitor or access any data on private or public networks without regard to privacy laws.
2nd Amendment Infringements. All of these go hand-in-hand:
More to Think About Here's a valuable message from President Reagan:
Quotes Liberals claim to want to give a hearing to other views, but then are shocked and offended to discover that there are other views. –William F. Buckley Jr.
Back in the thirties we were told we must collectivize the nation because the people were so poor. Now we are told we must collectivize the nation because the people are so rich. –William F. Buckley Jr.
Everyone wants to live at the expense of the state. They forget that the state lives at the expense of everyone. –French economist and statesman Frederic Bastiat (1801-1850)
When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men living together in society, they create for themselves in the course of time a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that glorifies it. –Frederic Bastiat
If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in five years there’d be a shortage of sand. –Milton Friedman
If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money, and will promote the general welfare, the government is no longer a limited one possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one subject to particular exceptions. –James Madison
---------- Final thoughts: During the week, I save links to news that I hope will be interesting or useful to tea party members. I'm sure you are also reading and sending out good links to friends. If you find something that would be helpful to this group, please send me a note at colsteaparty@gmail.com.
