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

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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?

Tea Party

Tea Parties Just the Beginning by Donald Lambro 5/18.

Columbus Tea Party Check out the new website and send ideas of what you'd like to see on it.

Free Speech
Pro-Obama Group Demands Socialist Media by Cliff Kincaid 5/16
Dems Seek Fairness Doctrine in "back door"? 5/19
No Fairness Doctrine? Prove It! 5/19 By Chelsea Schilling

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.

AFP is asking all citizens to email your congressmen to say NO to Cap&Trade: Click Here to Send Your Congressman an Email. National Taxpayers Union has a letter you can send to Congresss

Indiana Says "No Thanks" to Cap and Trade by Indiana Govenor Mitch Daniels 5/16.

---

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.

Climate-Change Bill Hits Some of the Right Notes but Botches the Refrain

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.

Montana Soverignty Bills Have National Scope 4/15 Gov. Brian Schweitzer signs bill into law that aims to exempt Montana-made guns from federal regulation.

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.

Our Tax Money Wasted Again John Murtha airport receives stimulus money, you will be appalled at this video. Empty Airport Gets $150 Million and Murtha's Earmarks Keep Airport Aloft (from "The 20 most corrupt members of Congress), also see Murtha Airport Gets Military Upgrades

Free cars for poor fuel road rage by Hillary Chabot 5/7 (Boston Herald) Massachusettes provides cars and pays expenses so poor people can drive to work.

This Graph Should Scare Your Pants Off (the article is scary too)
The Federal Reserve
Author G. Edward Griffin talks about his book The Creature from Jekyll Island, HR 1207, Alternative Currencies, the Federal Reserve, and much more on this video interview: http://realityreport.blip.tv/file/2123004/

Georgia News
Principle of States' Rights Neither New nor 'Radical' by Chip Pearson 4/27

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.\

To read the complete bill, visit this link: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-45

Status of the bill: The bill has been referred to the House committee on the Judiciary. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-45 If 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.

Cracks in the Facade by Victor Davis Hanson 5/15

Wisdom

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.

Weekly Newsletter

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.

Anti-tax crusade to storm Capitol Grassroots 'tea parties' build strength by Donald Lambro 5/10/09

Allies from the Tea Party an interesting list of the organizations that support (directly or indirectly) the goals of the Tea Party movement.

How well do you know American history? Read about the 1773 Boston Tea Party from an eyewitness!

In the News (Take Action)

Oppose Cap & Trade

Indiana Says "No Thanks" to Cap and Trade by Indiana Govenor Mitch Daniels 5/16

The following ad has been produced by Competitive Enterprise Institute. National Taxpayers Union has a letter you can send to Congresss. AFP also has an email you can send.

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:
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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/.
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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).

Georgia News on Tax Cut Veto:
Perdue pulls out veto pen on sweeping tax breaks 5/11

Republican Sonny Perdue is a Squish 5/12

Sonny Perdue says Georgia can’t afford supply-side economics by Jim Galloway 5/11

Some call for override of Perdue’s tax cut veto 5/13

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:

DHS: Right-wing Extremism: Current economic fueling resurgence in radicalization and recruitment
Please read the Dept of Homeland Security (DHS) Domestic Extremist Lexicon Reference
Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2009: Referred to Committee, click on the title to read the entire bill.

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

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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.

Thanks for reading. Sandy Cols.

May 8, 2009

Hello Again!

Nationally and locally, things are moving along with the Tea Party movement. Here are some updates on where we stand and what’s happening:

Tea Party? 912Project? Are you confused?
By way of background, the tea party movement got started across the country sometime in late February after Rick Santelli called for a Chicago tea party to protest the bailouts. People in several cities picked up that idea and independently held tea parties over the next few weeks, and the groups mushroomed across the country.

Also in February, Glenn Beck started the “We Surround Them” project after a caller said he felt alone in his concern for the country (this became the 9-12 Project). Glenn said not to give up hope, that there are a lot of us out there, and he had a special TV show on March 13 to talk about the principles of the 9-12 project. Read more at the 9-12 Project website. There is a tab for tea party information, but the 9-12 Project is about more than tea parties.

The local Columbus Tea Party group is headed up by Sandy Toth, (click here to see Sandy speaking at the 4/15 tea party). (Note, this is not me, a few people are getting us mixed up because we have the same first name.)

The local 912Project was started by Lori Jeffries, the lady who led the National Anthem at the 4/15 tea party.

In early April, Lori decided that the 912Project would participate with the Tea Party group on April 15 as Sandy already had the necessary permits. However, the two groups did not merge. Lori recently asked Nic Cols to take the leadership of the 912Project group.

As it stands now, the Columbus Tea Party group is separate from the 912Project. The two groups will cooperate to support each other and neither group is associated with any political party. By using various methods, both groups want to see the country get back to following the Constitution. Obviously, you might want to be involved with both groups and that’s good! If you signed up at the 4/15 tea party, both groups have your email.

Recently Sandy Toth wrote: I have been on another conference call with tea party organizers nationwide, and it appears that most groups have something planned for May ... the Tea Party movement has become a dynamic one, with no signs of slowing down. In fact, it keeps growing.’

Nationally, Tea Party Patriots seeks to pull together all the tea party groups. Sandy Toth is asking all of us to join Tea Party Patriots so we can be aware of local and national events. There are other groups working at a national level (some were listed in the May 1 newsletter) so you might want to join them all or at least check out their websites occasionally.

Events
“Next Step” Training for Tea Parties sponsored by Americans for Prosperity. A free training session is scheduled in Columbus for Tuesday May 12. There is limited seating, please contact Sandy Toth (columbusgateaparty@gmail.com) to ask if there’s still room if you’d like to come. AFP writes:
“We are pleased and overwhelmed at the response to our “Next Steps” training for Tea Party activists! Those who are willing to train for the long haul really separate the men from the boys in the movement. ...
The first training was held in Stockbridge last week. Training focused on effective communication with elected leaders and through various media to John Q. Public. The group was enthusiastic and committed to carrying the message well.”

May 30, local event
Our next local event is "Restore the Republic" tentatively scheduled May 30. Location and time to be announced. This is not a “protest” event but a “learning” event, to learn about the Constitution, what the founders intended, and how the federal government has ignored it. Please invite friends and bring them with you
Sandy Toth sent this email message: We are still looking for a venue, basically contacting churches this week. The school system cost for an auditorium would run $300+ and includes a lot of bureaucratic application.

July 4 Independence Day Volunteers Needed
Locally we plan to have a tea party or a march in Columbus, no details yet. Some have suggested going to the state capitols to make an impression with the size of the group.

Other groups plan to have a Tea Party float in their town’s parade. I’ve been here for just two summers, but I don’t think Columbus has a parade on the fourth. I’ve only heard about “Thunder on the Hooch”. We need to be represented at this event on the river. Volunteers are needed to investigate and work on this idea. (Remember, we are all volunteers, and it’s impossible for the same two or three people to do it all.) What about other towns in this area that might have parades we could join? Our focus isn’t limited to Columbus.

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. Let’s try to attend. We might have a local event for those who can’t travel to DC.

October 2, Washington DC:
Taxpayer Tea Party Update by Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity (AFP).

Read the News and Take Action
Some of these appeared in previous newsletters but they are too important not to mention them again

Grassfire has several petitions and action items that are important.

Tell Congress NO to Cap-and-Trade!
A family of 4 with average income of $50,000 to $75,000/ year will pay an additional tax cost of $4077 to $6400 per year. Spread the word, write or call your reps, write a letter to the editor, call in to talk radio and raise this issue. We need to educate Americans about the negative effects of cap-and-trade.

Read more at http://americansforprosperity.org/042909-help-stop-energy-tax-today
Top 10 Reasons to Oppose Cap and Trade
House Begins Cap-and-Trade Hearings
Don't Use Climate Change to Hide Tax Hikes!
Green Hell: Obama’s Environmental Plans will Lead to Energy Chaos Author Says
Could We Be Looking at the Biggest Tax Hike in History?

So-Called Fairness Doctrine is Probably Coming Back
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas offers legal insight on fairness doctrine:
Fairness Doctrine Unconstitutional Also see Obama’s War on Free Speech and Censors expected in 90 days

ENUMERATED POWERS ACT Contact Representatives to support this act, to require Congress to specify the source of authority under the United States Constitution for the enactment of laws, and for other purposes.

Nationalized Health Plan – this article from Feb 9 describes the national health care provision hidden in the budget. Ruin Your Health With the Obama Stimulus Plan: by Betsy McCaughey, former lieutenant governor of New York and an adjunct senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.

National and Local Tea Party News and Columns
(just a few I’ve seen)

10th Amendment Movement Gaining Steam by Rick Moran 4/17

The People and Their Enemies by Andrew Klavan 5/7. The tea parties revealed the mainstream media’s real hostility to the ideals of the founding fathers. “Saying the media are biased is like saying the British were biased against the colonial forces at Bunker Hill…. I think they’re shooting at us because they’re trying to kill us.”

Age of Insanity -- a modern day fairy tale. This is all over the internet, being shared in emails and blogs. I don’t know who first wrote it, but it is unfortunately not a fairy tale.

Bluff Called by Doug Powers 4/30

Tea Party Directories All-in-one part way down the page is a summary of what tea parties are protesting, with a lot of interesting tea party info.

Think about it
The Freedom Principles This beautiful 3-minute video is based on The 5000 Year Leap, be sure to watch amd share with everyone!

The National Center for Constitutional Studies for lots of information about the Constitution. Right now they have a special offer on three books: The Real George Washington, The Real Thomas Jefferson, The Real Benjamin Franklin for $35 +shipping. Or get those 3 books plus The 5000 Year Leap, a Pocket Constitution, and Principles of Liberty DVD for $50+shipping.

Imprimis -- the monthly newsletter from Hillsdale College. This month: Live Free or Die by Mark Steyn

Quotes
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. —Thomas Jefferson

If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace. — Thomas Paine, December 19, 1776

My creed is simply: First, that the general government is not invested with more powers than are indispensably necessary.... Secondly, that these powers...are so distributed among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches that it can never be in danger of degenerating into a monarchy... so long as there shall remain any virtue in the body of the people.... The proposed Constitution...is provided with more checks and barriers against the introduction of tyranny...than any government hitherto instituted among mortals. — George Washington to Lafayette, Feb 7, 1788 (The Real George Washington, p. 503, italics added)

Books
Share your recommendations of great books that educate us in history, government, economics, etc…anything pertaining to this movement.

Your Money or Your Life -- Why We Must Abolish the Income Tax by Sheldon Richman, foreword by Walter Williams. “The income tax wasn't integral to anything the Founders of this country had in mind and it wasn't integral to anything they designed.” I bought a used copy from Amazon. There are other books with this title, so check the author.

The Creature from Jekyll Island A Second Look at the Federal Reserve by G. Edward Griffin “will change the way you view the world, politics, and money. Your world view will definitely change. You'll never trust a politician again — or a banker.” Several people recommended this book.

The Road to Serfdom by Fredrick Hayek, recommended by H. Casablanca. “Originally published in 1944, it was seen as heretical for its passionate warning against the dangers of state control over the means of production”

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Final thoughts:
I read this on the home page of the Athens, Ga Tea Party website:

Our government is out of control. Both political parties have acted irresponsibly with our money, our safety, and our freedoms. Sworn to uphold the Constitution and our founding principles, they have acted recklessly and with disrespect to We the People.

What began as a gradual erosion of our freedoms some years ago has escalated into an open attack on our liberty. The power that We the People loaned to our government is now being used against us and must be taken back!

While We the People were busy in our lives, acting responsibly, caring for our families, and trying to find and live our American Dream we assumed that the blessings of Liberty had been, and would remain, secure. The tyranny our Founding Fathers defined, fought, and defeated has found a new home in our federal government and is growing more comfortable daily.

We the People cannot, and will not, allow this tyranny to exist, much less be comfortable. We must Defend Freedom and Defy Tyranny if we wish to live as free men and women. Those who will not stand in defense of freedom and opposition to tyranny will be enslaved by tyrants.

Come stand united as We the People, the rightful owners of power in this country. Come tell an out-of-control government – “ENOUGH! You work for US!” We were endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights – our rights do not come from government and we will not allow them to take them. Stand united! Stand to Defend Freedom and Defy Tyranny! --http://www.athensteaparty.com/

That says it pretty well. Thanks for reading, please share this news with like-minded friends.
If you have suggestions, please leave a comment or email me at colsteaparty@gmail.com. Sandy Cols.

Newletter for May 1, 2009

May 1, 2009

Hello all Columbus Region Tea Partiers!

Even a cursory look at all the groups and websites popping up shows that the whole country is waking up to the fact that our country is at the top of a precipice, and that we've got to take action now to prevent tumbling over the edge. Please consider how you can get involved.

The first book about this movement is already out (that was fast!): The Tea Party Movement: Why It Started, What It's About, and How You Can Get Involved by Bruce Bexley. The author discusses it here and it’s for sale on Amazon here.

Tea Party Patriots Radio You can listen live at www.660worl.com from 4-6 p.m. Eastern time on Saturdays.

Public Events:
May 7: This Thursday is National Day of Prayer. There will be a group gathering on May 7 in front of the government building on 9th Street to pray between 12:20 and 12:40 P.M. All are invited to join. This is not a tea party event.

May 30 – Columbus region:
Our next local event is "Restore the Republic" tentatively scheduled May 30. Location and time to be announced. We hope to meet inside so we can hear speakers on the Constitution and be able to learn and take notes. Small pocket-size Constitutions will be available, thanks to the generosity of several volunteers who have offered to purchase them. What can you do? Do you know of a building we could use that will seat 500-100? Do you have an interest in the Constitution and could give a short talk? Do you have or could you borrow some easels to display posters? Just have some ideas about this event? Please email the coordinator, Sandy Toth, at columbusgateaparty@gmail.com . Also, invite friends and bring them with you

Flag Day June 14
See Flag Day Rallies We currently do not have plans or a coordinator for a local event on June 14. Coordinators and Ideas needed.

July 4 Independence Day
Many groups are planning another Tea Party on July 4. Some have suggested that everyone go to the state capitols to make an impression with the size of the group. Locally we plan to have a tea party or a march in Columbus, no details yet. I’ve heard of some groups who plan a huge march on Washington, but a few people who have been there on the fourth think that will be a big mistake. They say the crowds are already so huge that a “tea party” march will be lost, and parking and getting around the Mall downtown is a nightmare.

September 12, Washington DC
FreedomWorks is sponsoring a national march on Washington on September 12. See 9.12.09 National Taxpayer Protest Braendan Steinhauser of FreedomWorks suggests How to Keep the Tea Party Momentum Going.

October 2,Washington DC
Taxpayer Tea Party Update by Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity (AFP). Tim was at the Atlanta Tea Party; he describes a few events and answers our question: “What’s Next?” On October 2nd, AFP will be hosting a tea party at the Capitol in in Washington, D.C. Why October 2nd? "That’s when we expect the final debates to be occurring over the massive Obama budget. " Their website doesn't yet have many details about this event.

Considering going to the marches in Washington? There’s plenty of time to arrange for carpools or even a bus.

Read the News and Take Action

URGENT! Tell Congress NO to Cap-and-Trade!
On Wednesday, April 29, Americans for Prosperity had a conference call with Republican Whip Eric Cantor about cap and trade. Mr. Cantor said that Henry Waxman is pushing to get the bill to the floor prior to Memorial Day. "Cap and Tax" will drastically increase power and fuel costs for average Americans. A family of 4 with average income of $50,000 to $75,000/ year will pay an additional tax cost of $4077 to $6400 per year.

Tim Philips of Americans for Prosperity says:
Right now Congress is debating the largest tax hike in history. It’s up to you and me to stop it. And we only have one shot. The big-government politicians and special interests might call it “Cap and Trade” and frame it as a market-based “global warming solution.” But you and I know better. Amazingly, so does liberal activist group MoveOn.org, and they admit so in an illuminating email to their members: “If Republicans convince voters that clean energy legislation amounts to a new tax, Obama’s plan is toast.”
Read more from Mr Philips at Help Stop the Energy Tax Today

Spread the word: write or call your reps, write a letter to the editor, call in to talk radio and raise this issue. We need to educate Americans about the negative effects.

More links on Cap-and-Trade :
Top 10 Reasons to Oppose Cap and Trade
House Begins Cap-and-Trade Hearings
Don't Use Climate Change to Hide Tax Hikes!
Green Hell: Obama’s Environmental Plans will Lead to Energy Chaos Author Says
Could We Be Looking at the Biggest Tax Hike in History?

URGENT: So-Called Fairness Doctrine is Probably Coming Back
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas offers legal insight on fairness doctrine: Fairness Doctrine Unconstitutional” Also see Censors for talk radio expected within 90 days

ENUMERATED POWERS ACT Contact Representatives to Support this act, to require Congress to specify the source of authority under the United States Constitution for the enactment of laws, and for other purposes.

Nationalized Health Plan – this article from Feb 9 describes the national health care provision hidden in the budget. Ruin Your Health With the Obama Stimulus Plan: by Betsy McCaughey , former lieutenant governor of New York and an adjunct senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.

Sign the Official Historical Record Of The 2009 Tea Party if you attended a tea party.

Everyday Ideas

Ideas from a comment on the 912project.com:

• Use a window marker to advertise on your car windows; keep flyers handy to pass out!
• Buy Pocket Constitution pamphlets; hand out to people who need to be Educated
• Attend Rallies and Events Bring flags, rattlers, signs
• Fly a "Don't Tread On Me Flag" outside your house along side "Old Glory"
• Remember to thank the media and newspapers that report fair and balanced news and issues

Have you bought your Tea Party Tee Shirt? See Zazzle for a huge selection of tee-shirts, caps, buttons, bumper stickers, with lots of tea-party messages.

Don’t Tread on Me Flags: Debbie Miller at Smart Girl Politics writes: Want to make a statement and show your support of our Country? Many people are flying the Gadsden Flag, a flag that was flown by our Founding Fathers. Many people are flying this flag alone or along with the Stars & Stripes as a form of protest to our current government. I found a GREAT source for the flag.... It's Gadsden & Culpepper. They carry flags (as low as $7.95 for 3' x 5' w/ shipping next bus day.) They have car magnets, stickers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee mugs... check it out!! Prices are VERY affordable!

More Gasden Flags: see http://www.united-states-flag.com/hg46hf.html for a small 3x6" flag ($1.60) you could mount on the car antenna. Notice that they are in such high demand that they might take 2-3 weeks. Last Minute Update: Get American-made flags (including the Gadsden flag) at http://shop.wnd.com/store/subdept.asp?SUBDEPARTMENT_ID=226

Petitions (see previous newsletter for other petitions)

First Amendment rights: two petitions:
See Americans to feds: Hands off our news! for information.
Petition: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=87882

See American Radio Free Speech for information.
Petition: http://capwiz.com/patriotsinaction/issues/alert/?alertid=13151241

Support Tax Reform at Scrap The Code , petition: http://www.scrapthecode.org/

Petition to Congress and the President: Re-Declaration of Independence: Petition to Protect U.S. Sovereignty Although the original is still valid, the people and Congress need to be reminded that we are a free, independent nation, not part of a global regime.

National and Local Tea Party News and Columns
(just a few I’ve seen)

Tea Party Patriots Radio Saturdays 4-6 As the Tea Party Patriot movement continues its nationwide growth, two great Patriots, Jason Hoyt and Phil Russo have taken their talents to the air to talk about the movement. Demonstrating that the Tea Party Patriots have become recognized as a national movement with staying power, Hoyt and Russo were approached by an Orlando radio station (660 WORL), to do a show featuring the Tea Party Patriot movement. (You can listen to them streaming live at www.660worl.com from 4-6 p.m. Eastern time on Saturdays.)

April 30 Conference Call with tea party organizers around the country to discuss how to respond to Obama’s “ridicule of our movement and his request to have "serious conversations" with us as he said in a speech yesterday.” As I get info about the conference call I'll put it in the next newsletter. last minute update: here's a press release about this from TeaPartyPatriots.org, worth reading even if you don't send it to a newspaper: http://teapartypatriots.org/ The press release begins with: Among the political class it has apparently become acceptable, and even fashionable, for American politicians from the President on down to mock the citizens they represent. In a development that can only further denigrate the discourse necessary to any effective democracy, politicians and the "serious" news media are now mocking citizens regularly and with impunity. Supported by mainstream journalists on MSNBC and CNN who themselves use sexual slurs on national television to mock and attack the same citizens, the politicians openly demonstrate their feelings of superiority in regard to those they were elected to represent. They now candidly express their disdain for a significant portion of the American population without threat of reprisal by the mainstream media. Click on the link to read the rest.

Tax Day Becomes Protest Day How the Tea Parties Could Change American Politics by Glenn Reynolds 4/15 in the Wall Street Journal. “Will these flash crowds be a flash in the pan? ... General disgust has drawn a lot of people off the sidelines and into the political arena, and they are already planning for political action after today.”

The Tea Party Movement: Who’s In Charge? by Chris Good 4/13 in The Atlantic, (hardly a conservative site). The author seems to think that 3 national organizations are leading the tea party movement; (I disagree).

The Tea Parties had a Serious Message – Were You Listening? by Phil Kerpen 4/28
"Those who dismiss the April 15 protests as electoral sour grapes are blind to the fact that millions of voters are outraged by bailouts and huge federal spending increases. "

Tea for 2… Million? by Patrice Lewis 4/18 The main stream media really tried to ignore the tea parties, but when they couldn’t ignore them, they dismissed them, belittled them, disparaged them. What will we do now? Forget about what brought us together?

Denver Post Columnist Just Doesn’t Get It by Rossputin 4/17

Not a column, but some great tea party posters http://www.tackleboxdesigns.com/


Think about it

Fly the Flag: Some at the 912Project are suggesting flying a little American Flag on the car again like after 9-11. Let's do that. (A few suggested flying a red ribbon, but others said the color red has been used by other groups, as well as red is a symbol of communism.)

Good Suggestion from a 912project member: don't let the media determine what is broadcasted: bring a video camera and interview people at a tea party, ask them why they are at it, and post it on You Tube. Maybe share it with trustworthy news outlets, stop letting msm smear and misrepresent our efforts.

Update: the artist of a painting of Obama with a crown of thorns was inundated with complaints: Artist Cancels Obama Messiah Display

Survival Optional Dr. Thomas Sowell has written a great article pointing out that “survival is taking a back seat to the shibboleths of political correctness”.

Quotes
"It is a misfortune incident to republican government, though in a less degree than to other governments, that those who administer it, may forget their obligations to their constituents, and prove unfaithful to their important trust." --James Madison

"The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny." --James Madison

"History affords us many instances of the ruin of states, by the prosecution of measures ill suited to the temper and genius of their people. The ordaining of laws in favor of one part of the nation, to the prejudice and oppression of another, is certainly the most erroneous and mistaken policy… An equal dispensation of protection, rights, privileges, and advantages, is what every part is entitled to, and ought to enjoy." --Benjamin Franklin

"I don't like the income tax. Every time we talk about these taxes we get around to the idea of 'from each according to his capacity and to each according to his needs.' That's socialism. It's written into the Communist Manifesto. Maybe we ought to see that every person who gets a tax return receives a copy of the Communist Manifesto with it so he can see what's happening to him." --accountant and Commissioner of Internal Revenue T. Coleman Andrews (1899-1983)

Links You Might Like
I keep finding more tea party websites; several say they are the “official” tea party organization. This is probably a sign of a real grass-roots movement, groups springing up all over trying to get organized nation-wide. As you can see here, there are almost too many to keep track of. As far as I can tell, there is not yet one true official national tea party site.

Tea Party Patriots, one of the“official homes of tea party movement”, lots of info, I found two sites:http://teapartypatriots.org/ and http://teapartypatriots.ning.com/

Tea Party and Revolution. 21st Century Patriots…the movement continues.

FreedomWorks National website, and FreedomWorks Georgia site

Americans for Prosperity, national site and AFP Georgia site, report on the Atlanta tea party with a few photos.

Calendar of 912 Project Events nation-wide

http://www.912project.com/ Seeks to "brings us back where we all were on September 11, 2001. ...when we were united as Americans" Now over 640,000 members.

http://colgaconstitution.ning.com/ The local 912 Project website. There are currently no plans to sponsor tea parties. You might want to participate in both the local 912 Project and the Columbus Ga Tea Party group.

http://bi-city.ning.com/ I just discovered this site of another local tea partier, it has nice photos from the 4/15 tea party in Columbus. I hope we can coordinate our efforts.

http://www.taxdayteaparty.com/ a national grassroots effort started and supported by many online groups.

http://www.teapartyday.com/ Another group sponsoring tea parties nationwide under American Family Association. Their website shows over 553 cities planning tea parties on July 4. They have a tax survey you can take, the results are on the home page.

We Must Take America Back music video by Steve Vaus. We played this song at the tea party.

Links of interest but not just about tea parties:
Smart Girl Politics – A conservative women’s movement.

Oath-Keepers for military, veterans, and peace officers who will uphold their oath to support and defend the Constitution. The testimonies are moving.

Townhall Conservative political news, issues, blogs, and cartoons

World Net Daily is an independent news company dedicated to uncompromising journalism, seeking truth and justice and revitalizing the role of the free press as a guardian of liberty

Drudge Report The most complete list of news websites, columnists, and daily news I've ever seen.

Patriot Post An internet journal advocating individual liberty, the restoration of constitutional limits on government and the judiciary, and the promotion of free enterprise, national defense, and traditional American values. Sign up to receive it in your inbox.

National Review Conservative columns discussing current news.

Senator Saxby Chambliss website

Senator Johnny Isakson website

Representatives websites (all of them)

Books
Send your recommendations of books that educate us in history, government, economics, etc…anything pertaining to this movement. Let me know if I can use your name.

Liberal Fascism by Jonah Goldberg. It's a more in-depth analysis of Socialism/Progressivism and its implications than Mark Levin's Liberty and Tyranny. At 400 pages, it's slow going, but worth it. (recommendation by a tea partier)

1776 by David McCullough This is an exciting book and I was sorry when it ended. I wish he’d write about the rest of the years. 1776 is “a gripping narrative” with fresh insight into the events at the beginning of the American Revolution. If you enjoy history at all, you will like this book. You might also like John Adams by Mr. McCullough.

The 5000 Year Leap by Cleon Skousen Excellent study on the Constitution and the principles the founding fathers followed. This book is highly recommended by Glenn Beck.

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Final thoughts:

I occasionally go to the 912project.com website and click on the Tea Parties tab to read comments. Right now there are over 6,000 comments; here’s one comment from someone in Virginia:

At the Charlottesville, VA Tea Party we marched to Tom Perriello's office. We were joking with each other about how much we stink at "rabble raising". Not only were there no cars flipped over, nothing on fire but when marching we all actually stopped at the cross streets, hit the button and waited for the light to change at the cross walk. When it turned red those who had crossed waited for those stuck by the light. WE DIDN'T EVEN DISTURB TRAFFIC!!!!! That is the kind of thing that was called "not for family viewing" by CNN. Let's be honorable and do the same thing we did in C'ville in DC [on July7] but in a big way.

I’ve had a similar thought…most if not all of us participating in the tea parties are quiet, law-abiding citizens who have families, work and pay taxes, and responsibly manage our own affairs. Many of us go to church and donate to charities. Above all, we love the United States of America. We came to the tea party to show support for this movement, hoping to find out what we can do to reverse this disastrous move to socialism. We don’t know how to protest and revolt! But we’ve got to learn … Is freedom worth a day holding a sign, a march on the capitol in Atlanta, a trip to DC to march there? Is freedom worth some phone calls to the senators, letters to representatives, invitations to friends to join with you at a tea party? Many of us have ancestors who actually fought in the American Revolution, one of my great- great-….great-grandfathers fought in the NC Continental Army. We’ve all read about the awful conditions they suffered under during those war years at the birth of this country. Can it really be too much trouble for us to attend a peaceful protest?

Thanks for reading. If you have suggestions, please leave a comment or email me a colsteaparty@gmail.com. Sandy Cols.