The Whatcom Tea Party -- Features

Reverse deficit spending and the concentration of power in central government,
in order to preserve states' rights and individual liberty for future generations.

The Stewart Report

This Week's Report -- "Peep Holes"

by Jerry Stewart

It always amazes me when a person tells me that they can't find work, any work, then I make my way into a store, displaying a big sign on their front door, "Help Wanted - Inquire Within". How can it be that there are those wanting, and those needing, but they never connect?" It makes me wonder, "Is there really no work, or do some people believe that certain jobs are below them?"

As for me, I came from a family that didn't have much, and my brother and sister and I learned early in life that if you wanted something you needed to work for it and being a guy who put myself through both college and graduate school, and with a family, I found myself having to take just about any job I could to keep my bills paid. And trying to find a part time job with full time pay wasn't easy.

So, one day I got one of my wacky ideas and decided to try something that had no set hours. I tried my hand at being a peep hole installer. You say, "What"? You know, those little peep holes you put in your front door so you can see whose there before you open the door – I installed peep holes. A college graduate knocking doors - it did seem crazy to some. But, one Saturday, on my day off from school and my regular job, I set out knocking on people's doors asking them if they wanted a peep hole installed in their door. At first, a lot of them looked at me like, "What's this guy up to". But, more people than not said "yes". And, believe it or not, that first day, I made twice the money I was making at my regular job. So, after a few Saturdays to test my experiment, I quit my regular job and all that summer I was the peep hole installer guy.

Now, since then I've had people tell me that they would be too embarrassed to do such a silly job - a grown man knocking on doors, but I fought hard to ignore any embarrassment I might have had because of something my dad had taught me. He made it clear to me early on that any job which was honest and helped me support my family was an honorable job. And I never forgot that lesson.

Over the years, I have had some great opportunities in my life to do things most people only dream about. I spent nine years working in Hollywood in the late 70's and early 80's. One of the most enjoyable associations I had was with actor/producer, Michael Landon, when he was producing the very popular television program, "Little House on the Prairie". In one episode of that show, his character, Charles Ingalls, fell on hard times and found himself working at cleaning up horse stalls. Now, the mean kid in town, Nellie Olsen, loved to harass Charles Ingalls's daughter, Laura, and she began to remark to little Laura Ingalls that her father was an embarrassment and that he smelled like horses.

Well, this hurt little Laura's feelings, and embarrassed her that her dad had such a lowly and smelly job. But, then her Pa said something to her that we all should learn and remember. He admitted he did smell like old dusty, sweaty horses. But, that the only people who bothered to smell him were people who had nothing better to do than to stick their noses up in the air. And he said to her something I had already learned in my life. He said "Any job that is honest is an honorable job. That's why God invented sweat. So that honest, hard working people could work hard and feel proud".

In these hard days of a weak economy and high unemployment, as you seek your own way for yourself and your family, remember - Any job that is honest is an honorable job - don't be afraid to get your hands dirty- and to sweat!

Jerry Stewart

P.S. email me with your own thoughts and ideas regarding our America at stewartreport@onemomentinamerica.com

Jerry Stewart, author of the book, Saving America, writes and produces One Moment in America, a feature heard daily across our nation. Jerry believes there is a great battle going on in America today which will determine whether our nation stands or falls. This weekly report speaks to these issues.

The Soap Box

Opinions expressed in The Soap Box do not necessarily represent opinions of The Whatcom Tea Party.

Send us your rant...

What do you pray for? IRS Abuse

What do you pray about? The IRS wants to know.

This is one of the questions asked of a conservative group that was targeted by the IRS when they applied for a tax exempt status. Many of these groups have been waiting for years for approval. The IRS illegally asked for names of people involved, asked for names of donors and wanted to know if anyone in the group had thought of running for public office or if any member of their family had considered running for office. One individual was contacted by the FBI Terrorist Unit and the IRS audited them individually and their business. Outrageous.

The IRS has admitted they have targeted groups that had "9-12" "Tea Party" "Patriot" and "Making America a better place to live" in their names. Head should be rolling at the IRS but the acting IRS Commissioner said today that the IRS make some "foolish mistakes". A foolish mistake? Wow! When has wanting to make America a better place, something that scares the Federal Government?

Democrat and Republican Congress members alike were appalled when the Ways and Means Committee met Friday to learn more about this scandal. It was worse than thought. The IRS knew the targeting of conservative groups was going on 5 months before the election in November, but said nothing and knows nothing. Really! Do they think we are stupid? Of course they do.

The Whatcom Tea Party is joining Americans all over the country to let the IRS know that we will not tolerate the targeting of Americans because of their political beliefs. We can't ignore this.

When: Tuesday, May 21st
Where: 114 W. Magnolia St., Federal Building and IRS office in downtown Bellingham
Time: Noon to 1:00. If you want to stay longer that is great, but at least plan to be there at noon

We also learned that the women in charge of this division of the IRS during the targeting has now been promoted to administer Obamacare for the IRS. Scary!

If you were unable to watch these hearings, go on line to C-Span 2 and watch it. It will blow your mind.

Liberal or Conservatives alike understand that our government cannot abuse its power and intimidate citizens to shut them up.

Don't shut up. Stand up with your sign. Join citizens both left and right at noon on Tuesday. Spread the word. Invite your friends, neighbors, co-workers and family. We must stop this abuse. This is not just for supporters of the Tea Party. This demonstration is for all citizens who believe the Federal Government violated the trust of the American people by trying to silence speech they found offensive. It could be your speech next.

~ By Lynn Carpenter, Bellingham, WA 05/18/2013

Just Show Up

What difference does it make? I am only one cog, one opinion, one vote. That’s what I used to think.

But I was also truly frightened at what I saw happening in our economy and government.. The spending that was being initiated by the bailouts was going to lead to higher taxes and/or exorbitant money printing. Neither policies would be good for the middle and lower income classes. So I got up off the couch with my first ever Rally sign “Taxed Enough Already” and I came to the first Tea Party Rally on the Guide. To my surprise I was not just one cog. There were many of us. I talked with the people next to me and found out it was not just me, others shared my opinions, and by November I found I was not just one vote but we could show up in greater numbers and vote and change elections.

It’s been a uphill battle since then. Just as the first Revolutionary War was. Small wins, heavy losses, snow storms, and lack of funds. But most of us from that first rally are still here and we are still engaged.

This year the WTP has given us a new challenge to take our opinions from the street corner and into the halls of governments. They have asked us to show up at board meetings, committee meetings, council meetings, seminars, speakers forums.

I thought, I am not educated enough, articulate enough, quick witted enough to make a difference.

But I am still truly frightened as my government, both federally and locally, is becoming unrecognizable. So I started showing up and I started speaking up, and I started writing about my experiences on a blog. At first it was scary, but I soon found out that those we have elected and that they have in turn appointed get things wrong when they operate in the vacuum we have left them in. I do not have to have MBA in economics to ask the simple question “How are you going to pay for this program?” I am articulate enough to speak for 3 minutes at a meeting or write an email to an councilperson. If the subject is something I have a lifetime of training in I am quick witted enough to state an opinion, ask a question, or write about it.

I have found out that the people we elect are not gods and all seeing. They need our input or else they are going to make policies that do not work and cost too much.

So this month, check out the meeting schedules for your city councils and our county councils. Find a committee that is working on something you are passionate about. They are either on-line or a phone call away.

THEN, PUT ON YOUR WE THE PEOPLE PIN THIS MONTH AND JUST SHOW UP.

You will find you are an important cog in our government, a valued opinion, and a more informed voter.

~ By Lorraine Newman, Bellingham, WA 04/09/2013

Imprimis: Time to Give Up or Time to Fight On?

Imprimis is the free monthly speech digest of Hillsdale College and is dedicated to educating citizens and promoting civil and religious liberty by covering cultural, economic, political and educational issues of enduring significance. The content of Imprimis is drawn from speeches delivered to Hillsdale College-hosted events, both on-campus and off-campus. First published in 1972, Imprimis is one of the most widely circulated opinion publications in the nation with over 2.6 million subscribers.

The following is adapted from an interview by Hugh Hewitt for the Hugh Hewitt Radio Show, conducted on the day after the election, November 7, 2012.

Hugh Hewitt: My guest is Larry Arnn, the president of Hillsdale College. Several weeks ago, when I was at Hillsdale, Dr. Arnn warned me that yesterday's election might well go badly for the cause of constitutional conservatism. And I wanted to review the results of the election with him today on the radio show. Larry, welcome.

Larry P. Arnn: Thank you, Hugh, good to be with you. And it did indeed turn out to be a terrible election from the standpoint of constitutionalism. Its results will bring about hardships and set back the time frame for reviving the kind of government our Founders bequeathed to us. I do agree with that. But I very much disagree with the idea that this election marks a decisive event in our politics, or a point of no return.

HH: That's what I want to discuss, because there are a lot of people who are close to saying "game over," who are tempted now to retreat from politics—to go do missionary work, for instance—and give up on the republic. But you have made your life's work the studying of leaders who have refused to do that.

LPA: That's right. And the reason you can't do that, by the way—the reason you can't retreat into private life and give up on politics—is that the cost of doing it is overwhelming. If you don't live under good laws, life becomes truncated and less happy, injustice becomes customary, civilization is compromised. And one cannot acquiesce in that. One has to be involved. And since politics is natural to us—man is essentially political, as Aristotle says—and since we do live in the greatest modern country—founded that way at least—we owe it a lot. And many of the people who have seen the republic through to where we are today have gone through things that are worse than this. So first of all, it's a duty not to give up. But second, there are good reasons to know that the game isn't over.

(Read the entire interview...) (Download printable version...)

~ By Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI 12/22/2012

Let Us Hear What You Think

Do you have an idea or an essay that you'd like to see posted on the Soap Box? Email your submissions to us.

Be sure to include your name and a way to contact you (phone or email address) so we can verify it is really you, and properly credit your work.
Please provide analysis and new information on topics of interest to your tea party compatriots, but more importantly, make the founding principles inviting to the fence-sitters and even those who would consider themselves liberal or progressive.
Try to frame your arguments in general constitutional terms and principles. Screeds against a political party, or personal attacks are less effective at promoting the mission of The Whatcom Tea Party.
The Whatcom Tea Party is not a political action committee (PAC), so although issue advocacy is permissible, we must exercise caution regarding articles exhorting people to support or oppose a particular candidate or ballot initiative.
Please try to limit your articles to 250 words or less.

Hit Us With Your Best Shot!

Prior to the November 2010 election, the Whatcom Tea Party sent out a request for tea party supporters to "hit us with your best shot". You had three minutes to speak on any subject of interest to you.

We got stump speeches, satire, poems, parodies and great patriotic and philosophical insight into our founding principles.

We took this down following the election, but due to popular request, we put it back on the Soap Box. Enjoy!

Previous Whatcom Tea Party Events in Pictures

Flag Day 2012 on I-5

Once again, our goal was to have flags flying from every I-5 overpass from Blaine to Alger on Flag Day, June 14.

No end of fun!, People loved the costumes as usual. Very enthusiastic response! And a lot of, (probably military people), saluted us.

We had practically all of the overpasses covered for the entire time, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We want to thank everyone who showed up, and we especially want to thank Joan Hansen, who has spearheaded this rally every year.

Farmers Day Parade, Lynden -- June 4, 2011

Thanks for joining us on our float at the Lynden Farmer's Day Parade, Saturday, June 4!

A Happy Independence Day, It Was! -- 2011

Thanks to all of you who participated in the Blaine Independence Day (4th of July) Parade. It was a gloriously sunny day for 23 patriotic people who joined the parade event and upheld the tea party message of smaller government and preservation of our liberties and freedom.

Our entry of the tractor/trailer, driven by Don McKay was decorated in the same fashion as Lynden's entry with patriotic colors, banners, flags and posters. This was a great opportunity to get the word out for the forums.

Flag Day 2011 on I-5

Our goal was to have flags flying from every I-5 overpass from Blaine to Alger on Flag Day, Tuesday, June 14. Everyone who participated said the response from motorists was very positive and enthusiastic.

Farmers Day Parade, Lynden -- June 4, 2011

Thanks for joining us on our float at the Lynden Farmer's Day Parade, Saturday, June 4!

Third Annual Tax Day Tea Party Rally on The Guide Meridian -- April 15, 2011

Despite the rain, we had a great turnout for the third annual Tax Day Rally on The Guide. "We Ain't Going Away" was the theme of this rally. We demonstrated our staying power as we flew our flags and waved our signs in support of our commitment to reverse deficit spending and the concentration of power in central government, in order to preserve states' rights and individual liberty for future generations.

Above: snapshots courtesy of Wesley Taylor.

As always, thanks to all the great volunteers and contributors! It takes a lot more work, time and money to put one of these things on than you might think. It is appreciated!

Constitution Day Rally on The Guide Meridian -- Sept. 17, 2010

We had a great turnout for the Constitution Day rally. The weather could not have been better. It was threatening rain, but it held off for the duration of the rally.

As the rally was winding down, Wylin Tjoelker took his video camera, and stopped to chat with some of the attendees as they were leaving. A common theme in the responses is, that these are people who can't wait for November 2. They understand that the US Constitution is still the official specification for our United States of America; that it protects equal justice for all, our individual liberty, and our prosperity; and that any regime that distorts or disregards its original intent is untrustworthy and dangerous. The dead-tree media and the alphabet networks just don't get that about the Tea Party movement.

In the video, you'll see some of the supporters holding signs, literature or displaying stickers from various candidates, who also came to work the crowd. As always, the Whatcom Tea Party does not endorse any candidates or ballot initiatives, but individual supporters can, and do. And we like it that way.

Finally, thanks to all the great volunteers and contributors! It takes a lot more work, time and money to put one of these things on than you might think. It is appreciated!

Old Settlers Parade -- July 24, 2010

The Whatcom Tea Party entry was a large flatbed farm trailer decorated with American flags, We the People signs, pulled by an historic John Deere tractor -- this time, a hayride through downtown Ferndale. We marched and/or rode from Ferndale High School to Pioneer Park.

This is it for parades this year. Thanks again to Terry Cox for all of her hard work organizing three successful parades in Lynden, Blaine and Ferndale!

July 15th Town Hall -- Washington State Legislature Candidates

The Whatcom Tea Party has tallied 263 candidate rating sheets that were gathered at the conclusion of Thursday night's "Meet The Candidates" Town Hall forum held last evening at Whatcom Community College Syre Auditorium.

The full-house event was attended by about 445 citizens. The audience was respectful, the questions were thoughtful and well prepared, and the candidates gave concise and articulate answers. At the close of the program, the audience was asked to rate the candidates on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being most-favorable. Even candidates who were unable to attend (such as Murray and Rossi) were rated based on audience perceptions.

house-candidate-ratings

Candidates for U.S. House of Representatives

senate-candidate-ratings

Candidates for U.S. Senate

Independence Day Parade -- July 4, 2010

The city of Blaine put on a very nice Independence Day celebration with street vendors, classic cars, hot rods and a parade.

The Whatcom Tea Party entry was a large flatbed farm trailer, pulled by an historic John Deere tractor -- a hayride through downtown Blaine.

We received lots of waves, cheers and applause from the crowd. People seem to support America's founding principles.

Thanks again to Terry Cox for all of her hard work organizing another successful parade!

Flag Day Celebration -- June 14, 2010

Patriots gathered on every overpass over I-5 from Blaine to Vancouver WA for the second annual Flag Day celebration. The Whatcom Tea Party terrorized Whatcom County with smiles and American flags, waving at passing motorists.

Above: snapshots from the Samish Way South overpass.

Above: snapshots from the Alabama Street overpass.

People were obviously having fun out there. Thanks to Joan and Steve Hansen for organizing this event.

Lynden Farmer's Day Parade -- June 5, 2010

Here are some snapshots from the Lynden Farmer's Day Parade. On the left, we're waiting to march. We were number 94 out of 100 or so entries, so we had a rather long wait, but we had fun discussing current events and visiting. On the right, we're finally on the march. The master of ceremonies gave us a very nice introduction, going "off script" to add his own support.

Special thanks to Terry Cox for providing flags and hats, water, and who knows what else, and for organizing everything.

First Anniversary Tea Party -- April 15, 2010

Our first anniversary tax day protest on The Guide Meridian was a great success. A good time was had by all. Estimates pegged the attendance at about 2000 peaceful protesters, concerned for their country and their Constitution. We had few, or no "crashers".

Kris Halterman did a video walk-about with her i-Phone. Here are a few of her interviews ...

Health Care Liberty Rally -- Friday March 19 & 20, 2010

Friday and Saturday, tea partiers gathered in front of Rick Larsen's Bellingham office to protest the government health care take-over. Here are some images from Friday's protest. The Bellingham Herald estimates 250 - 300 people attended the rally. Saturday's estimates were about 100, but about half of the potential participants were at the 2010 Republican County Convention.

In Defense of Liberty -- Feb. 20, 2010

Hooray for the "ordinary people", as Dr. Dickson called us, at Saturday evening's, "In Defense of Liberty" program at the Mt Baker Theater. We have made a difference, just like the founding fathers intended us to do! Or as Charles Krauthammer said, "The nation isn't ungovernable — it's working just as the Founding Fathers intended".

What's next? We are going to continue to defend our liberties and work towards regaining the liberties we have lost. At least that's what the folks at Saturday's performance seemed to indicate. They defined the enemies, they asked us to consider the legacy we are leaving our children, they gave us tools for the upcoming battles, and they lined out an agenda for 2010.

As we left the Mt Baker Theater on Saturday evening, a friend commented about the mood of the crowd. He thought it was a more serious, thoughtful crowd than prior events and they were listening intently. We spoke to people about Tony Larson's closing speech and asked for their thoughts. They said, "It was exactly what needed to be said, if we are really serious about what we are doing".

Just think, if "ordinary people" are thinking seriously about these United States of America. . . we mean really seriously .... dare it be said, that we may truly be able to save 'Her' as the great nation our Founders intended?

We are re-energized, but it's different now. It's not the excitement of finding out we are not alone in our concept of how our government is supposed to work. It's not even the excitement of realizing the Tea Party movement has made a difference. It is now the "roll up our sleeves and let's get to work", excitement of joining our Founding Fathers in their 'noble endeavor'.

Thank you to the following people for your participation and inspiration:

Dr. David Dickson - Master of Ceremonies, The Bellingham Eagle Scouts - Parade of Colors, Reverend Kevin Bond Allen - Invocation, the 'Liberty 8' octet - "Battle Hymn of the Republic", Jerry Stewart - "In Defense of Liberty", Patti Brooks - "Progress vs. Progressive", Mary Beth Teigrob & Peggy Uppiano - "Pilgrims Plight", Bob Williams - Evergreen Freedom Foundation - "The Tea Party is the Solution", Hugh Foulke - 'The Town Crier Alarm' - "Big Debt, Big Government", Stevie Mason (WWU Student) - video "Liberty Lost & the Fight for Freedom", Tony Larson - Northwest Business Monthly - "We're Not Gonna Take It", Karl Uppiano - Technician, Lynn Carpenter & Paulene Moa - Volunteer Coordinators, Ellen Baker - Media Release Specialist, Randy & Kathy Cross - Laserpoint Awards - Print & Supply Resources, local Video Participants , ALL of the Volunteers who helped at the lobby tables and the Mt Baker Theater staff.

We want to give a big 'thank you' to the 'extraordinary people', who contributed funds for the continuation of our Mission Statement:

Reverse deficit spending and the concentration of power in central government, in order to preserve individual liberty and states' rights for future generations

~ Lorraine Newman & Kris Halterman - "In Defense of Liberty", Program Co-Chairs

We the People -- Sept. 11, 2009

A nearly sell-out crowd (over 1300 tickets sold) filled Mt. Baker Theatre on Friday evening for We the People, put on by The Whatcom Tea Party. It was a combination of live musical performances featuring patriotic music, music videos and educational videos, along with speeches to commemorate the people who lost their lives on 9/11, and to promote America's founding principles. The keynote speaker was Jerry Stewart, known to many for his "One Moment in America" radio series. This was an emotional "farewell address" as he is leaving Whatcom County and moving back to his home state of Texas.

Without exception, every one of the live performers and speakers gave wonderful performances. The time, effort and talent that went into this program was astounding, including the planning, logistics and preparation that went on behind the scenes, and the volunteers to set up and help out in the lobby. It was truly a privilege to be a part of this production. The audience response was extremely gratifying, and made it all worth it.

Patti Brooks read An Open Letter to America's Leaders:

I'm a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election, I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party neither represented my views nor worked to pursue issues important to me. Now, I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is, I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. There must be someone who can represent me. Please tell me who you are. Tell me you are there and you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would feel so horribly disenfranchised by both major political parties.

Briefly, these are my views and issues for which I seek representation: (continue reading...)

Here is the Progression of the World's Greatest Civilizations from Tony Larson's speech:

From bondage to spiritual faith
From spiritual faith to great courage
From courage to liberty
From liberty to abundance
From abundance to complacency
From complacency to apathy
From apathy to dependence
From dependence back into bondage

Tony asked where you think The United States of America is right now.

Flag Day on the I-5 Overpasses -- June 14, 2009

The goal for the flag day celebration was to have people waving flags from every overpass on I-5 from Blaine to Portland. Here are some photos of happy participants.

They report very positive reactions by drivers and passers-by. Honks and waves, even from our friends from north of the border with the Canadian license plates!

The First Whatcom Tea Party -- April 15, 2009

Bellingham WA was one of the more than 500 cities nationwide that scheduled a "Tea Party" on tax day -- April 15 -- to protest the fiscal irresponsibility of congress, the federal budget and the tax policy. It was to run from 4:00PM to 6:00PM, during rush hour.

We expected about 200 to 400 people, but the estimates were more like 3000 - 4000. The Bellingham Herald said "more than 1500". They were technically correct, I guess. In Bellingham, the Tea Party extended down both sides of "The Guide" (the busiest street in town), as far as the eye could see.

It occurred to me at the time, that it is fairly unlikely that we have this many "extremists" in Bellingham. I think we were a bunch of regular people who are terrified of how completely out of control our government has become in such a short time.

The traffic driving through was very supportive, with honks, waves and thumbs up all around. During the entire event, I only heard one drive-by heckler shout "get a life!". I shouted "get a job", but he was already too far away.

First Tea Party 6 First Tea Party 7

Speaking with the police officers who were assigned to crowd control, they said they had never seen a happier group. We were not angry, but we are determined to preserve the values that made this country great.

I was on the cleanup committee, and I am pleased to report that there was practically nothing -- nothing -- left behind after this massive gathering. My family and I walked the entire length of the event site (about six blocks), and found only a handful of plastic water bottles and a couple of flyers.

Pending Legislation

Find out what your legislators are doing, and then ask them for a thoughtful and credible answer to the question, "Which article of the Constitution gives government the authority to do that?"

(We need volunteers to be watchdogs, and report on pending legislation for the Whatcom Tea Party website.)

Federal Legislation

Washington State Legislation

Washington State Legislature -- Bill Information

Political Humor

Below are some slogans that capture many of the principles and issues that Tea Partiers believe in, and are concerned about. They make good sound bites, tweets and Tea Party signs, too!

Armed and Dangerous--WITH MY VOTE
Born Free, Taxed to Death
Cap and Trade = Trap and Raid
Congress: Read the Constitution
Cut Taxing and Spending; Fire a Politician
Debt is the Problem; How Can it be the Solution too?
Don't Bail Out The Boat; FIX THE LEAK
Don't Tread on Me
Don't Mortgage my Child's Future
Don't Stimulate; Liberate
DOWNSIZE D.C.
Economics for Dummies: Spend Less Than You Earn
Equal Opportunity not Equal Distribution
Freedom Works -- Bailouts Hurt
Give us Liberty; not Debt
Government Doesn't Create Jobs...They Cremate Jobs
Got Money? Don't Let the Government Know
High Taxes + Big Government = SLAVERY
HONK for capitalism
HONK if I'm paying your Mortgage
HONK if you're Fed Up with Both Sides of the Aisle
How About a 90% Tax on Congressional Salaries
How Can You NOT Know Where the Billions of My Dollars Go?
I Am an American and I vote
I will keep my Freedom, my Guns, my Money
If Everyone Paid Taxes...We Would All Be Equal
If You Think Health Care is Expensive Now, Wait Until It's Free
If You Voted YES to Spending, Consider this your Going Away Party.
I'm Taking Back My COUNTRY; One Politician at a Time
Just Say NO to Socialism
Kick 'em Out in 2012
Let the Free Markets Work
More Government for The People = Less Freedom of the People
Next Time, Read the Bill Before You Sign It.
No Public Money for Private Failure
Our Congress IS a TOXIC ASSET
Party like it's 1773!
Pay for your OWN Mortgage
Pork, the Other (Red) Meat
Power corrupts; Absolute Power corrupts Absolutely
Put the Constitution on his Teleprompter!
Prefer Voluntary Over Mandatory
Print me a trillion While You're At It
Read the 10th Amendment - Power to the States
Repeal the Bailout
Repeal Big Government Health Care
Repeal the Pork or Your Bacon is Cooked
Revolution is Brewing ... At the Polls
Save Trees; Stop Printing Money
Stimulate Business, Not Government
Stop Punishing Success; Stop Rewarding Failure
TEA = Tyranny Elimination Army
THE BEST UNION – WE THE PEOPLE
The Real "Faux News" -- The Alphabet Networks -- ABC CBS NBC MSNBC -- Unfair and Biased
The Very Small List: "Things Government Does Well"
UNITED FOR INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY
We the People
WE THE PEOPLE – A UNION OF CITIZENS
We're Not Going Away!
Which article of The Constitution gives government the authority to do that?
Who Will be Left to Bailout the Government
Will Work for Lower Taxes
You Can't Multiply Wealth by Dividing It

The Government Can

Tim Hawkins is a gifted stand-up comic. He has a number of very entertaining videos on YouTube, including this one:

(Visit Tim's website...)

Translation of Common Euphemisms

There is an email going around the Internet that gives translations for common euphemisms, that is, doublespeak intended to obfuscate the true meaning, in order to promote an agenda. Now, as a public service, we have adapted that list into a handy translation table.

Doublespeak	Actual Meaning
Accepted Facts	Propaganda
Arsenal of Weapons	Gun Collection
Assault Weapon	Semi-Auto (Grandpa's M1 Carbine)
Commonsense Gun Control	2nd Amendment Infringement
Cruelty-Free Materials	Synthetic Fiber
Delicate Wetlands	Swamp
Extremist, Judgmental, or Hater	Patriotic Classical Liberal
Fair Trade Coffee	Overpriced Yuppie Coffee
Fairness or Social Progress	Marxism
Fiscal Stimulus	Wealth Redistribution Scheme
Healthcare Reform	Socialized Medicine
Heavily Armed	Well Protected
High Capacity Magazine	Defense Load
Illegal Hazardous Explosives	Fireworks for Stump Removal
Investment For the Future	Meddling With Free Enterprise
Mandated Eco-Friendly Lighting	Mercury-Laden Chinese Light Bulbs
Multicultural Community	Melting Pot
Narrow Minded	Principled
Non-viable Tissue Mass	Unborn Baby
Progressive, Change	Big Government Scheme
Reintroduced Wolves	Livestock Killers
Religious Zealot	Church-Going
Sniper Rifle	Scoped Deer Rifle
Taxes or Your Fair Share	Highway Robbery
Tea Party Extremist	Constitutional Advocate
The Gun Lobby	NRA Members
Truants	Home Schoolers
Undocumented Worker	Illegal Alien
Upper Class or "The Rich"	Self Supporting

All You Need to Know about Government Bureaucracy:

•	The Pythagorean theorem:	24	words
•	The Lord's Prayer:	66	words
•	Archimedes' Principle:	67	words
•	The Ten Commandments:	179	words
•	The Gettysburg Address:	286	words
•	The Declaration of Independence:	1,300	words
•	The US Constitution with all 27 Amendments:	7,818	words
•	US Government Regulations on the Sale of Cabbage:	26,911	words

Sort of puts things into the proper perspective, doesn't it?

The Ant and the Grasshopper

Two different versions -- two different morals:

Original Version

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.

Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.

The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.

Moral of the Original Version

Be responsible for yourself!

Modern Version

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.

Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while he is cold and starving.

CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.

America is stunned by the sharp contrast.

How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green...'

ACORN stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, "We Shall Overcome."

The radical preacher has the group kneel down to pray for the grasshopper's sake, but instead of asking for voluntary donations, he demands that the government shake down the ant for his productivity.

The President condemns the ant and blames numerous former presidents, Christopher Columbus, and the Pope for the grasshopper's plight.

The U.S. House & Senate leaders exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.

Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer.

The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government Green Czar and given to the grasshopper.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper and his free-loading friends finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which, as you recall, just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around them because the grasshopper doesn't maintain it.

The ant has disappeared in the snow, never to be seen again.

The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident, and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the ramshackle, once prosperous and peaceful, neighborhood.

The entire nation collapses bringing the rest of the free world with it.

Moral of the Modern Version

Be careful how you vote in 2012. (Update: Oops! There might be trouble.)

Psalm 23 -- A Respectful Parody

This little parody illustrates how bureaucracy is replacing honor, virtue and religion in American life; how the cold "redistribution of wealth" is replacing the warmth of charity, duty and accomplishment. Our apologies to the original author.

The Government is my Shepherd, I need not work.
It alloweth me to lie down on a good job; It leadeth me beside still factories; It destroyeth my initiative.
It leadeth me in the path of a parasite for politics' sake;
Yea, though I walk through the valley of laziness and deficit-spending,
I will fear no evil, for the government is with me.
It prepareth an economic Utopia for me, by appropriating the earnings of my own grandchildren.
It filleth my head with false security; My inefficiency runneth over.
Surely the government should care for me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell in a fool's house forever.