Don’t Like Tea Parties, Try Coffee!

Leave it to liberals to create a counter movement in which their symbol is a beverage topped with frothy milk, and whose motto is “espresso yourself.”

Lacking even one original bone in their vegan induced, emaciated bodies, this group of beret wearing neoprogressives have decided that they need to stand up “against” the tea party movement by writing a coffee manifesto!

The founder of the “movement,” Annabel Park, a documentary film maker (big surprise, the perfect vocation for the founder of such a group) even offered a motivating rallying cry:

"let's start a coffee party ... smoothie party. red bull party. anything but tea. geez. ooh how about cappuccino party? that would really p!ss 'em off bec it sounds elitist ..."

Gee you think, elitist? Where do I sign up?

Bruce Maiman wrote an interesting blog piece, in which he suggested some items that should be part of the coffee party planks:

* No sleeping until after the midterm elections
* YOU TYPE EVERYTHING IN CAPITAL LETTERS
* Ability to pass people on the highway without driving in your car
* Rename your kids "Cappuccino," "Americano" and "Mocha Latte"
* Tendency to lick window panes at Starbucks
* All videos watched in fast-forward
* Can only stand still during an earthquake
* Pulse can only be measured using the National Debt Clock
* You do 20 miles on the treadmill before you realize it's not plugged in
* You're shaking like Jim Bunning at an unemployment office
* You don't sweat, you percolate

Can’t wait for the first meeting when they breakout the bongo drums and unveil the new group flag, which just happens to feature a picture of Juan Valdez and his burro.

Should Tea Party Groups Endorse Candidates?

Recently I talked about the need for the liberty groups (9/12, Tea Party, etc.) to think about publicly supporting like minded candidates; which would merely be the natural extension of their influence. I strongly suggested that the liberty groups require that any candidate seeking their support openly affirm their commitment to the liberty group’s principles/philosophies. Needless to say, I received several interesting e-mails.

Some felt that it would be a “betrayal” of the cause if they simple started to act like the “political machines” they detest. By no means was I suggesting that. It makes no difference to me, nor should it to the liberty groups, whether the candidates are attached to a political party or stand alone (although I tend to avoid Democratic candidates, in large part because the party platform does not come close to any of my core conservative principles, and by extension a candidate for that party would be ineffective). We have to be very careful not to dismiss an individual merely because of an established, political partnership.

I also was not suggesting that the liberty groups support “just one candidate.” If several candidates come forth that meet the principles of the group, than it is fine to support more than one candidate. This happens already, often because we find that groups create a rating system to assign to candidates. It is important to note that the group is not merely supporting a candidate, but willing to publicly stand with an individual who has pledged to support the group’s mission.

There are several methods a group can use to indicate which candidates best match the groups principles. The methods that can be used to grade a candidate can range from a simple report card style assessment, a “yes/no” survey, or a pledge or oath of adherence.

If the group has a list of principles, the group would merely assign a point system to each principle. The group may assign a higher point value to some of the principles, or even designate “deal breaker” principles (mandatory principles that must be agreed to in order to get the liberty groups approval). A list of principles provides both the group and the candidates the opportunity for flexibility, but still allow for clarity. A good example of this can be found in a recent undertaking from within the Republican Party:

Proposed RNC Resolution on Reagan’s Unity Principle for Support of Candidates

WHEREAS, President Ronald Reagan believed that the Republican Party should support and espouse conservative principles and public policies; and

WHEREAS, President Ronald Reagan also believed the Republican Party should welcome those with diverse views; and

WHEREAS, President Ronald Reagan believed, as a result, that someone who agreed with him 8 out of 10 times was his friend, not his opponent; and

WHEREAS, Republican faithfulness to its conservative principles and public policies and Republican solidarity in opposition to Obama’s socialist agenda is necessary to preserve the security of our country, our economic and political freedoms, and our way of life; and

WHEREAS, Republican faithfulness to its conservative principles and public policies is necessary to restore the trust of the American people in the Republican Party and to lead to Republican electoral victories; and

WHEREAS, the Republican National Committee shares President Ronald Reagan’s belief that the Republican Party should espouse conservative principles and public policies and welcome persons of diverse views; and

WHEREAS, the Republican National Committee desires to implement President Reagan’s Unity Principle for Support of Candidates; and

WHEREAS, in addition to supporting candidates, the Republican National Committee provides financial support for Republican state and local parties for party building and federal election activities, which benefit all candidates and is not affected by this resolution; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Republican National Committee identifies ten (10) key public policy positions for the 2010 election cycle, which the Republican National Committee expects its public officials and candidates to support:

(1) We support smaller government, smaller national debt, lower deficits and lower taxes by opposing bills like Obama’s “stimulus” bill;

(2) We support market-based health care reform and oppose Obama-style government run healthcare;

(3) We support market-based energy reforms by opposing cap and trade legislation;

(4) We support workers’ right to secret ballot by opposing card check;

(5) We support legal immigration and assimilation into American society by opposing amnesty for illegal immigrants;

(6) We support victory in Iraq and Afghanistan by supporting military-recommended troop surges;

(7) We support containment of Iran and North Korea, particularly effective action to eliminate their nuclear weapons threat;

(8) We support retention of the Defense of Marriage Act;

(9) We support protecting the lives of vulnerable persons by opposing health care rationing and denial of health care and government funding of abortion; and

(10) We support the right to keep and bear arms by opposing government restrictions on gun ownership; and be further

RESOLVED, that a candidate who disagrees with three or more of the above stated public policy position of the Republican National Committee, as identified by the voting record, public statements and/or signed questionnaire of the candidate, shall not be eligible for financial support and endorsement by the Republican National Committee; and be further

RESOLVED, that upon the approval of this resolution the Republican National Committee shall deliver a copy of this resolution to each of Republican members of Congress, all Republican candidates for Congress, as they become known, and to each Republican state and territorial party office.

Another good example of a liberty-minded pledge is the one currently being featured at Laura Ingraham’s web site, which she calls “10 for 10:”

1) Taxpayers' Bill of Rights (TABOR). Limit federal spending growth to the percentage in population growth plus the rate of inflation; provide taxpayers the option of filing a post-card sized return using a low, flat tax rate of 15%

2) End Tax-funded abortions. Stop federal payments to Planned Parenthood and prohibit any taxpayer-subsidized health insurance plan from covering abortion

3) Defend American Borders. Complete America's border-protection initiatives using remaining funds from the so-called stimulus bill

4) King Dollar. Preserve a strong dollar so that Americans' savings aren't wiped out by inflation and the U.S. dollar remains the world's reserve currency

5) Empower American Business. Immediately slash corporate tax rates to 15% and scrap the capital-gains tax altogether

6) Defend America. Strengthen America to defend our homeland and fully fund an operational, layered missile-defense system

7) Statism Exit Plan. De-fund czars; immediately cease bailout payments to failed companies; ban future bailouts

8) End Generational Theft. As few believe America's entitlement programs will be able to pay benefits to future generations, provide younger workers the choice of diverting payroll/Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts

9) Restore America's System of Justice. Introduce penalties for frivolous lawsuits, where those who launch unsuccessful lawsuits are liable for the defendants' legal bills

10) American Energy Independence. All-of-the-Above strategy that embraces alternatives, expands and accelerates exploration and production of oil and natural gas, and jumpstarts dramatic increases in nuclear power

Some groups choose to require the candidates to commit to a pledge. The difficultly with a pledge is that they often do not allow much flexibility; and maybe that is the desired goal of the liberty group. But we must remember that 100% agreement (even from within the liberty groups) is nearly impossible. The pledge should convey a commitment to the cause, but respect the fact that there may be a difference of opinion on how to achieve a shared goal. If the language of the pledge is too vague, no candidate will agree to it; if the pledge is too rigid, then the group should be prepared to having very few, or even no candidates taking the pledge. An example of a pledge that liberty groups should consider is a piece called the American’s Creed.

The American’s Creed was commissioned by Congress in 1917, and it is the combination of the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address, so it sets a liberty tone that has stood the test of time:

The American's Creed

by William Tyler Page

I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a republic, a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.

The American’s Creed is one of the strongest dedications to the virtues that made our country great. The Creed respects the understanding that we are a unified nation bound together by core beliefs, while at the same time declaring the importance of States’ sovereignty (the fundamental idea that many believe helps to ensure that government is closest to the people). The Creed is tight enough to repel those candidates that are not liberty minded, while being flexible enough not to scare high-quality candidates away.

Regardless of the type of oath a group opts for, it is important for the group to commit to paper the core principles that best represent their values. By providing a written declaration, the liberty groups will not only provide guidance to potential candidates, but the group will also have a foundational document that will always remind them of their commitment.

And to those candidates seeking the support of liberty groups; do so only if you intend to honor the groups cause, and not just for votes. As I have stated on numerous occasions, much of the liberty groups wrath is directed at those politicians they feel have let them down. Trust me when I tell you that you do not want to be added to that list.

Portsmouth New Hampshire Tea Party: A New American Revolution

What a great day April 15, 2009 turned out to be. Estimates put the combined national attendance in excess of 600,000. Not only was I fortunate enough to attended the Tea Party in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, but I was honored to be asked to speak to the group of patriots that had gathered in Market Square. The following is the text of my speech:

A New American Revolution

How appropriate that we gather here tonight in front of the historic North Church, whose parishioners included General William Whipple, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and John Langdon, signer of the U.S. Constitution. This church has also seen the likes of great men such as Daniel Webster, John Paul Jones, and George Washington as they prayed for guidance while leading a young nation in search of its character.

However, the North Church connection to the Revolution that helped form this nation goes much deeper than those who have knelt in its pews. Parishioner Samuel Langdon helped to organize the first Portsmouth Tea Party in 1773, which occurred days before the more famous Boston Tea Party. Much like today, citizens from surrounding communities resolved that they would not pay the tax imposed by a far away, detached government. But unlike their counterparts in Boston, and without firing a shot, the Portsmouth Tea Party politely convinced the captain to sail the tea to Halifax.

And what of the role of the residents of the Seacoast, and beyond, throughout the struggle for independence? They captured Fort William and Mary, and 200 barrels of gunpowder, once again without firing a shot, months before the battle of Lexington and Concord. In addition, a thousand men from the area accompanied that gunpowder to the Battle of Bunker Hill. In fact, the New Hampshire contingent outnumbered the combined troops from both Massachusetts and Connecticut at this pivotal point in history.

But my favorite story of our revolutionary history is the “sudden” departure of the British Royal Governor Wentworth. When Governor Wentworth woke up one morning to find a cannon pointing at his front door, he opted to join the previously deported tea in Halifax, once again, without a single shot being fired. I don’t know about you, but I think we need to find that cannon because we could sure use it today.

But here you stand today, on this most hallowed ground of liberty, not only as a part of the Second Portsmouth Tea Party, but part of a great American awakening that is occurring all across America tonight; an awakening of the spirit of our founding fathers. An awakening that harkens back to the resolve written in the Declaration of Independence ……..

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it……….

And to those who say this is just about money, and that it’s time to be patriotic, time to jump in, time to be part of the deal, I say, you first! The time for politeness is past, the time for niceties has been exhausted. This is not about money anymore than our original revolution was about money. In the words of Ronald Regan:

Our founding fathers understood…… “A government can't control the economy without controlling people. And they know when a government sets out to do that, it must use force and coercion to achieve its purpose. They also knew, those Founding Fathers, that outside of its legitimate functions, government does nothing as well or as economically as the private sector of the economy.”

What we are witnessing today is the resistance to the third great wave of government expansion. But this new wave, unlike the New Deal and the Great Society, will hit us like a tsunami, and many fear it may drown the entrepreneurial spirit of this country. There was a time when we believed in equalizing opportunity. But this new wave of economic tyranny will replace the American way of life with the European model of equalizing results of people’s lives…in one fell swoop our country creed E. Pluribus Unum – Many Into One - will be swept away, replaced with the new order battle cry of the 10 most frightening words in the English language – “We’re from the government, and we are here to help!” I don’t know about you, but when the government says they’re here to help, hold on to your wallets, hide your kids, AND keep clinging to those “bibles and guns,” because, as Thomas Jefferson said, a government big enough to give you everything is big enough to take it all away!

Contrary to how some in the media are portraying these Tea Parties, this resistance to tyrannical change is not a partisan cause. This is not a Democratic or Republican movement, nor is this a Liberal or Conservative movement. What we are witnessing today is an American movement to reclaim the government “of the people, by the people, and for the people….” from a group of far off elites dedicated to the dismantling of our Republic for a false Utopia. These engineers of this wrecking crew that would destroy the American Dream have somehow forgotten the truth that many Americans believe in…….the existence of a free market where both success and FAILURE must occur in an atmosphere of liberty!

In a little over 230 years we have been transformed from a nation shaped by patriots determined to build a new form of government, into a government which thinks it knows how to build cars! In 230 years we have gone from a country which used to refer to our leader as Mr. President, but which now refers to him as Mr. Goodwrench. In 230 years we have gone from a country where our citizens paid for our freedom with their lives, to a government which thinks it can pay other’s mortgages with your money! In 230 years we have gone from a country that fought a revolution in large part because of excessive taxation, to a country where the government thinks that paying excessive taxes is patriotic. Our founding fathers aren’t just rolling in their graves, there are calling out to each and every one of us to stop this lunacy! Our Founding Fathers are screaming ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Each and every day we wake up prepared to do our part because that is what Americans do. Each and every day we are prepared to carry the burden that comes with being a citizen of the greatest nation that has ever existed on the face of this planet. We do not do this for ourselves. We do it because past generations sacrificed their blood, sweat and tears so that future generations would be better off. We do this for our children so that their lives will be better than ours. But even the strongest among us can only carry so much, and I say to you today….. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

These are the same people who lecture us on what we should do with our money, but have managed to present us with a budget that will raise our debit to 4 trillion dollars in five years, and 10 trillion dollars within ten years. And that’s if their estimates are right….. When was the last time the US government EVER came in at or under their estimates………I will tell you……NEVER! In this present crisis government is not the solution to our problems, government is the PROBLEM. We must return to the invisible hand of the free-market, and break free from the heavy hand of government, because if we wait too long the government’s grip will only grow tighter…...

I know there are people who think that words like tyranny and oppression are mere exaggerations… “just words.” Really? If this current budget is enacted, the second largest expenditure for our government in the future will be the interest on our national debt. This is the legacy we will hand our children if we do not take control of spending, and I don’t mean next year, or in five years, or in 10 years….by then it will be too late. If your child is under the age of 10 years old today, by the time he or she turns 40, their liability to the federal debt will be $154,000.00 DOLLARS, without taking into account interest and inflation….$154,000 DOLLARS.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, if we approve this budget and do nothing to correct the disastrous course we are on, the lower class income tax rate for your 40 year old child will go from 10% to 25%, the middle class income tax will move past 65%, and the upper class income tax (which includes many small businesses) will exceed 92%! Is that what they mean by fair, that all of our children will be equally enslaved to the future debt of this country, so that the politicians of today can satisfy their lust for power? This is not just about money…..NO……this is about our very LIBERTY. You see, those who control our purse strings, CONTROL OUR FREEDOM!

But the waste and out of control spending doesn’t happen solely in Washington. Our own State governments have decided that they know what is best for us, even it is against our will. In NH we thought that last year’s budget, tax and fee increases were irresponsible. This year we have seen a budget increase of 12% in a recession and record unemployment. That is not just irresponsible….I tell you it’s a betrayal of our trust!

Somehow our New Hampshire Representatives have forgotten Article 10 of the New Hampshire Constitution………OUR RIGHT TO REVOLT! However, the revolution will not be fought with bullets, but with the ballot box! I say to our elected officials in Concord, Augusta, and Boston……leave your coats on…….don’t get too comfortable…….because we don’t work for you……….you work for us!

Our Republic is not too complicated to understand, and our founding fathers left us with a map to ensure that we stay on the course to liberty; but somehow our representatives have lost their way. But that’s to be expected, if they couldn’t be bothered to read the bailout bill, why would we ever expect them to read The Constitution. It’s not like they aren’t reminded everyday what this country stands for….one only need look at the very currency they seem so willing to spend like kids in a candy store. Stamped on each of our coins are the words that speak to our greatness. Some would call this the American Trinity:

In God We Trust – a reminder of a greater power than that of individual man. It is a reminder, that even though we are the most powerful nation, we have never been, nor will we ever be an arrogant people.

E. Pluribus Unum – Many Into One – said another way “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” It is a reminder that our greatest strength does not come from our differences, but from our shared pedigree that we are all Americans. You could move anywhere else in the world and never be a citizen of that country. But you can come from anywhere in the world to this country, and become an American….embraced by all……Many Into One.

And lastly…..

Liberty – A word that some in America take for granted, but has served as a beacon of hope for oppressed people everywhere. Liberty is does not mean undisciplined freedom, but is a birthright that has been won with the blood and lives of past generations….and today by our brave military serving in Iraqi and Afghanistan. Because we are always just one generation away from losing Liberty, we must fight to preserve it.

The Constitution and the American Trinity are our true weapons against totalitarianism. Each of our Representatives should be required to carry a copy of the Constitution in a pocket over their heart to remind them of the ultimate sacrifice many gave to protect that “mere document.” Each of our Representatives should carry a quarter in their pocket to remind them that each coin spent was earned with the lives of our sons and daughters. This is not merely about money…..it is about our identity as the last best hope for mankind on Earth!

Do you want a government that defines patriotism by how much you pay in taxes?

Do you want a government that demands you pay more in taxes, but can’t seem to pay their own taxes?

Do you want a government that thinks it can spend its way into prosperity?

Do you want a government that punishes success and rewards irresponsibility?

They can try to push us around. They can threaten us with the weight of an oppressive tax burden, born from out-of-control spending. But as I look upon my fellow countrymen that have gathered here today, I have but one simple reply. In the words of John Paul Jones….”We Have Not Yet Begun To FIGHT!” We will not let the government bankrupt our country; we will not allow future generations to become enslaved by their reckless spending and the burden of a tax code that punishes success. Today a united America is shouting out to you….Enough is ENOUGH!

If William Whipple, John Langdon, and George Washington were alive today they would have a heavy heart as they sit in the pews just through those doors pondering how the politicians of today are working so hard to destroy everything they fought for. But I know that their spirit would be lifted and that pride would swell up in them if they were to walk out of this church today to find this gathering of patriots. They would say to you that you are the new patriots of a new revolution, a bloodless revolution, but a revolution nonetheless. A new American Revolution to reclaim the very soul of a Nation. A revolution rooted in the very simple belief that “We the People…” are the government. Today is the first day to reclaim the greatness that is America, a greatness that can be found in your hearts and your souls, and not in the dark abyss that has become Washington, DC or Concord, NH.

HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Have your facts straight – do your research and read both your state and federal Constitutions

Call, email, or write your elected officials

Educate your family and friends

Stay on target and focused – don’t lose control

Join a group of like-minded people

Follow the bills in Congress and your state government and be proactive

RUN FOR OFFICE – or support those who share your values and are stepping up to the plate

Speak up! Communicate your values and opinions , including constructive criticism to your legislators – offer solutions.

Educate yourself – what does history teach us about what’s happening today?

Provides solutions and ideas on how we can reduce our taxes

That is how we keep this new American Revolution alive, that is how we reclaim our country!

Thank you very much.