Local Tea Party Group Gears Up for Events
- Print print this page
- Discuss 37 comments, Blog about
Advertisement
Moore County’s tea party group is preparing for two major events this month.
Moore TEA Citizens, the area’s local extension of the national tea party movement, has grown rapidly since its inception about a year ago. It will host a forum featuring more than 20 political candidates Saturday at Sandhills Community College.
Next Thursday, April 15, it will reprise its well-attended Tax Day demonstration in front of the Southern Pines post office. The event drew a crowd estimated at 1,000 people last year.
Moore TEA Citizens coordinator Dee Park said she is expecting another big turnout this year.
“There’s going to be a big crowd again this year,” she said. “We’re excited about that. I think people are going to be making signs — some are already hard at work, thinking about what they want to say that day.
“We’ll have the megaphones out, probably more than what we had last year because so many people want to speak, sing and salute the flag, and generally let Washington and Raleigh know how we feel about what’s coming at us.”
The Tax Day event will last from 4 to 7 p.m.
That same day, other Moore TEA Citizens will travel by bus to Washington to take part in the national Tax Day demonstration, which includes a series of activities at the Capitol, Washington Monument and congressional office buildings.
For the candidate forum Saturday, Carol Wheeldon, another Moore TEA Citizen, said that the group has invited all of the candidates running for elected office that serve the county. She stressed that the forum is not a debate, but rather an opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates.
Those who are participating in the forum will be given about five minutes to talk about themselves and why they’re running. Later, they will take questions from the audience.
It will be held at Owens Auditorium from 1 to 4 p.m.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” Wheeldon said. “It’s getting much bigger than I thought it was going to be.”
So far, candidates for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Moore County Board of Education, Moore County Board of Commissioners and state Senate, among others, have signed on to participate.
Park said her group is very pleased with the reaction from the candidates.
The group held a gathering at Pinehurst’s Village Hall on March 27 to make signs and to see a film of the Sept. 12, 2009, march on Washington. Park said a million people — including folks from Moore TEA Citizens — joined the rally.
“It was unforgettable,” she said.
The group also participated in a demonstration the weekend of March 20 in response to the health-care reform bill.
Both Wheeldon and Park disputed reports that tea party participants were out of control and hurling racial slurs at African-American lawmakers. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, of Missouri — a member of the Congressional Black Caucus — said he was spit on.
“Our group was spread out on three [office] buildings,” Wheeldon said. “The folks that were there — these are everyday folks. There were families there with up to four different generations from great-grandma down to her great-grandkids. These are not the kind of folks that would allow that type of thing to go on.”
She said that the protest was the loudest she had heard since getting involved in the movement, mainly because Washington leaders haven’t listened to their phone calls in the past. But she said it was “very civil.”
“What I saw was none of what has been portrayed,” Park added. “We did not encounter those kinds of confrontations.”
Park said she has learned after speaking with Capitol police that paid agitators are a common presence at tea party events.
“We have met some of the finest Americans one could ever meet, of all ages and stages,” she said, “but all with one purpose — to say ‘no’ to Washington, to the outrageous bills that are coming out and the moves to move our country far to the left.”
Contact John Krahnert III by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com.
More like this story
Advertisement
Comments
SCCstudent 3 years, 1 month ago
Teabaggers ~ the anti-Obama crowd. Ultra conservative Republicans masquerading as the party of change when in fact they represent the party of NO. Supporters of Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and Ann "the mouth" Colter. Get real tea-baggers and admit Sarah Palin is just another homemaker with a nice looking bod who can see Russian from her house.
SCCstudent 3 years, 1 month ago
Opp's ~ Russia not Russian that's a evening drink...for teabaggers after a day protesting.
clbvpm 3 years, 1 month ago
I never listen to Rush Limbaugh, watch Glenn Beck and seldom hear Ann Colter. I am not a Republician, I am Libertarian. I will be attending the tea party in Washington. I will be traveling with my family, not with a political group. Why? I am sick and tired of the hard working middle class being shafted and pushed to the lower class of poverty by politicians who want to tax and spend so people who have not worked a honest day in their life and people who are here illegally can have something they neither earned nor deserve. Don't get me wrong. If a person has worked hard, has lost his job because of outsourcing and needs help, that is one thing. He has worked and paid into the system. But when I see people in line at the grocery store with gold hanging all over their bodies, using an Ipod and putting food (they purchased with food stamps) into a new car something is dead wrong. Our grandkids do not need the burden that has been placed upon them by these buyouts and taxes. We need to get this country back in line with Capitolism and not on the fast track to Socialism. I'm not one to drink tea or russians, but I am attending a tea party and may buy a new suit to wear if the government leaves me any money in my bank account. And, November will show there are a lot more like me. We have been the silent majority too long.
GGullickson 3 years, 1 month ago
That is one of the great things in America. Freedom of speech, right to peacefully assemble and to air our grievances. Many people have died so that we might have these and other rights. Many countries in the world have no such rights; and if the do...many times American blood bought it for them.
The left side of the political spectrum seems to want citizens to sit down, and shut up. They hate the truth, and the animated dissuasion of issues.
We as citizens of America have some forgiveness to ask for, where have we been?? What have we allowed to be taught in our Schools?; young people come out of college many times without a clue of how important it is know and understand our Constitution and issues that will effect them the rest of their lives. How did this country move so far left?!!.
We have have taken our Freedoms for granted for a long time. Come out and wave the flag, make a stand, get informed, educate your neighbors get engaged before its to late.
Steve 3 years, 1 month ago
Get a dollar spend a dallar its not hard ! Why does any one think what they are doing is O.K. We have to do it and so should our goverment.
RmeMP 3 years, 1 month ago
@SCCstudent- "How's that hopey changey thingy working out for ya?" - LMAO!!! Whats the matter, not enough free stuff for you yet? Enjoy the next couple of months, while you can, November will be here soon ;)
carol64 3 years, 1 month ago
clbvpm, I agree with some of your statements. I am a single black female, no children, work hard 5 days a week and when I am down, can't get any type of assistance. It bothers me to see others doing what you said, gold, new cars and food stamps when some weeks I can barely afford grocery. Yet, your comments seem directed toward a particular group of people and that I don't agree on. I don't agree with the Tea Party either. Are there any black people in the Tea Party here in Moore County, if so, please feel free to post here, if not, then I believe my suspicions might be right. This isn't about politics, but something much deeper and uglier.
Behan 3 years, 1 month ago
SCCStudent:
You should never give in to the temptation to voice an opinion in a public forum. Ever. Just trust me on this one.
eflat7 3 years, 1 month ago
I'm not ultra-conservative, nor ultra-liberal, nor am I ultra-smart. It doesn't take a genius to see that we are being taxed to death.
RmeMP 3 years, 1 month ago
@carol64: How dare you; how can you say that clbvpm's comments were "directed toward a particular group of people"? If I am not mistaken, she did not mention ANY ethinicity - YOU ARE SIMPLY SHOWING BIGOTRY AND ASSUMING!!! You are also insinuating that there are no black people in the Moore county tea party group; I don't know the exact demographics, but even if there aren't, then ask some black people that you know why not?! Is it because they don't want to, or because the Moore county chapter won't let them - which is what you are indirectly accusing them of. I am appauled at your assumptions, and believe you owe clbvpm, myself, and everyone else here who are trying to stop racism an apology. It's people like you, that keep racism alive - why did you even have to bring it up, when it wasn't there? Just because someone mentions gold, doesn't mean that the person wearing it is black - or white for that matter...
SCCstudent 3 years, 1 month ago
"Moore TEA Citizens, the area’s local extension of the national tea party movement", is this the same movement that had the Tea Party Express at the res-erect the dead campaign for John McCain in Arizona recently with Hot Bod herself propping up McCain's run for reelection? The last time that group assembled some of the comments from old ladies about POSTUS'O reveled their subliminal efforts to criticize a newly elected president. Toda sent a letter to Editor at The Pilot about the innuendos and insults directed at the current administration. His points were well stated.
@Behan ~ "You should never give in to the temptation to voice an opinion in a public forum". Really! I really like spending time on discussion boards here and national media. Freedom of speech is a right of all Americans, and trust me, I can hold my own. The Teabaggers have a right to protest anything they chose, and I reserve the right to chastise their subliminal agenda as well.
@clbvpm: and I agree with you completely. I have posted several times about FairTax.org and have supported and endorsed legislation to completely do away with the IRS. I am fed up with local, state and federal governments sucking the life blood out of citizens and providing nothing in return but more of the same ~ tax and spend. But allow me to throw out this question to all: Have the democrats been the only Washington talking heads that waste taxpayers money? Go back to Ronnie RayGun and his space initiative for Star Wars Technology. Billions pissed away. Bush gave wealthy Americans one of the largest tax cuts in history; his administration provided TARP incentives to Wall Street - where were the Teabaggers then; waiting in the wings for the next president who wasn't a republican? There is enough blame to go around. One suggestion though, if they are in office now, vote them out in November! Clean house. I just wonder which candidates will have an opportunity to stump their agenda at TeaBag in Moore. I know some folks who would like to address their teabaggers comments.
SCCstudent 3 years, 1 month ago
@RmeMP ~ and you are probably laughing all the way to the mailbox to pick up those military retirement subsidy's. BTW ~ no free stuff here! Doancha' find it interesting that Pit Bull soccer mom had to publicly support that run for the White House, has been John McCain, when Big John wasn't invited to her book signing? That endorsement must have cost him and the republican party a wad. Not like the 2 grand for strip clubs, just for the Tea Bag Express fuel and flying Hot Bod to Arizona. Tee Hee Hee
GGullickson 3 years, 1 month ago
@carol64:
Why if someone questions the currant government administration policy; its a RACE thing!?? Race has absolutely nothing to do with the issues?
I wounder what you are listing to, There is a right way, and a wrong way, there is legal way, and a illegal way to operate this government. Its your government too, and you have a right to stand up and say what you think. Are you so unlearned to understand what is happening?
Race is only a red herring to distract unlearned and willing ignorant people from learning what is really happening. What does race have to do with it??
You seem to be implying that the "Tea Party Movement" is a white only raciest group that has its only goal to keep black people from getting free government aid or assistance?
Do you think that its wrong for PEOPLE of any color to work and keep the wages they earned? Dont we all have the right to raise our voices on how we are taxed and how its spent!??
"This isn't about politics, but something much deeper and uglier". What are you trying to imply with that statement!!?
Come on Carol dont be so gullible get educated and don't listen to the racist hate mongers. We are all Americans!
carol64 3 years, 1 month ago
I expected to get the type of responses to my comments, I stand by them. It is the same old story, it wasn't said directly, nor was anything implied. Day after day there are negative things said about the President, never nothing good and there are good things to say. So, before you throw stones, educate your self about all the hatered directed at that man and ask yourselves "Why?"
sgmartin 3 years, 1 month ago
Well Whoppee! A tea party in good old Moore County. Who would have thought it? Lots of bigoted, angry people with no understanding of what they are protesting or of the issues beyond their taxes (assuming they pay any...or have jobs). Not impressed. Mental midgets
Iamblessed 3 years, 1 month ago
<p>@sgmartin....Yea a TEA PARTY is right. I supported the last one and will be at the next one, and YES I do pay LOTS of taxes, PERSONAL & BUSINESS, my husband & I both own local businesses and believe me, we PAY TAXES. We have worked since we were OLD ENOUGH to work, and it sickens me to see Washington talk about CHANGE....and just keep spending, giving away our hard earned money to people that could be working. so, if I can go and lend my support in hopes of getting the attention of the people in charge of making the decisions(the ones we have the honor of voting for because we live in a FREE country)THEN YES I will be there AFTER I get off work of course:)SCCstudent 3 years, 1 month ago
@Anglofile ~ I take back everything I've said about you! For the time being....I would entertain your thoughts on Fairtax.org.
RmeMP 3 years, 1 month ago
@SCCstudent- You are beyond ignorant... First of all, I don't collect a "subsidy" from the military, nor a retirement check - p.s. check the definition of a word before using it, or don't use it at all! A "subsidy" example, would be money given to a company so it doesn't go under - smart guy. Second of all, I do collect a check from my mailbox from the government, more specifically, the VA; and, since you seem to need to know why, it's because I was put out of the Army on a medical discharge - now do you still think thats funny? Smartarse... Yes that's right, people like you can spew diarrhea from your mouth in this country, because people like me have fought to give you that right :) I don't hold your ignorant comments against you, I love my country and that's why I helped to defend it - and it's principles, so other countries can enjoy the "little things" some of you ingrates take for granted every day, without even knowing you do...
None 3 years, 1 month ago
my thought is I don't remember this much scrutinity for any other president in the past 30 years. Obama and his choices have been under the microscope since he took office. I agree with carol64. Even though we have come along way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Still have a long way to go. People grinned and bared Both Bush's, and Reagan. and they spent a whole lot more money and we were in a recession with Bush in the office.
clbvpm 3 years, 1 month ago
carol64 says... I expected to get the type of responses to my comments, I stand by them. It is the same old story, it wasn't said directly, nor was anything implied. Day after day there are negative things said about the President, never nothing good and there are good things to say. So, before you throw stones, educate your self about all the hatered directed at that man and ask yourselves "Why?"
I did not mention black OR imply black in my post. Nor, did I mention the president. I mentioned politicians. I plan to vote against those currently in office, most of whom are white. As to the president--is he up for re-election in November? Did I say I hated him? I said I disagree with the way this country is going. It could not be going the way it is without the help of the senate, congress, ans supreme court. I might add that when my family and I travel to Washington on April 15th, the van will be carrying me, my spouse, my 3 sons, their wives and 4 grandchildren. My grandchildren 5 - 12 years old already have a federal debt upon them that will they will never see paid off. AND, 2 of my sons and their spouses voted for Obama. "We the people" are fed up!
RFH 3 years, 1 month ago
SCCstudent
I applaud your wish to exercise your right to freedom of speech. However, I'd suggest perhaps a remedial writing class. In just a cursory read I found the following:
'a evening drink' should be 'AN evening drink' the indefinite article preceding a vowel is always 'an'
I'll assume 'res-erect' was meant to be a play on words
'POSTUS'O' if you are referring to the acronym for President of the U.S. is 'POTUS'O'
'reveled' ought be 'revealed' to revel is to take great pleasure in
'subsidy's' ought be 'subsidies' the former is the possessive, the latter plural
Yes, that is pedantic, I suppose, but I find that careless writing and careless thinking tend to go hand in hand (see George Orwell on the subject of language and the distortion of ideas.) I find your generalizations about the Tea Party movement, of which I count myself a member, to be careless and inaccurate. I am a conservative leaning libertarian, quite as disenchanted with the Republicans as with the Democrats. More importantly I am FOR constitutional government, as are all the good people I've met within the Tea Party movement. There are certainly issues with which I disagree even there. What I find bracing about the movement is that there is room for honest disagreement while embracing the founding principles.
I, too, am a college student, albeit likely a bit older than you at 64. It seems a shame to me that I learned all the above while in elementary school but most of those in college today still haven’t mastered basic writing skills.
cortcs 3 years, 1 month ago
I have never commented here before, but I just signed up via my cell because I am in disbelief. @RFH should be ashamed by the way he/she spoke to @SCCstudent. I cannot imagine bashing someone for their lack of writing ability in a forum where one comes to voice their opinion. The username "SCCstudent" is an indication that this person is trying to better themselves. Get a grip @RFH. Please, find something better to dwell on.
AllNatural 3 years, 1 month ago
Expatriate..I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually agree with you on this!
cortcs 3 years, 1 month ago
Well said Anglo!
GGullickson 3 years, 1 month ago
Race and Politics By Thomas Sowell
"Few combination's are more poisonous than race and politics. That combination has torn whole nations apart and led to the slaughters of millions in countries around the world.
You might think we would have learned a lesson from that and stay away from injecting race into political issues. Yet playing the race card has become an increasingly common response to growing public anger at the policies of the Obama administration and the way those policies have been imposed...."
Reading this thread I think Mr. Sowell may be right, and in case you dont know, Mr, Sowell is a black man.
How did it become a point of ridicule for people to meet in the public square and debate issues of tax and spend? ...I think our America needs some healing, and to move beyond the past.
No one is right if everyone is wrong, and there is no hope to move forward beyond the hate if we forget to esteem others better than self.
RmeMP 3 years, 1 month ago
@embam- Maybe he's not drinking, and/or driving again right now, maybe he's falsifying more information about himself; either way, whatever he's doing - I'm sure he's doing it with expat right there at his side;) lol
LB67 3 years, 1 month ago
carol64 if you type in tea party at the top of this page you will find a video from the last tea party in Moore County, you will see what type of people go to and speak at these things, when you finish laughing you will realize that they are nothing but a bunch of right wingnuts, and yes you are right, a few racist thrown in the tea pot too, actually the tea party formed before President Obama was elected, they just grew after the election and before he actually took office, they didn't even give him a chance. I asked someone who did not vote for him what she did not like about him, she told me that she was afraid of socialism, she could not explain to me what it meant though, the next week she said she was afraid he would raise taxes, a lot of these people get there info from fox news and just go around repeating it.
RFH before you have anything to say about my grammar or writing, I couldn't care less what you think about it, we don't need grammar police
nostudme 3 years, 1 month ago
Remember November! FAIR TAX!
SCCstudent 3 years, 1 month ago
RmeMP ~ "You are beyond ignorant.." that's an intellectual statement. did the government not provide educational grants for a higher education? How about you kissing my a. I stand by my remarks. Just because I made a statement you are again comparing your assumptions with quatrains by Nostradamus. I am a proud American, my father served in WWII and won the Soldiers Medal of Honor for heroism. Dip Stick!
RFH ~ cursory: hasty and superficial! I too have a Websters Handy College Dictionary. You obviously haven't - have not - written on many discussion boards. One may parse their words to communicate one's thoughts or write a literary collaboration with a ghost writer for publication. You should spend your waking hours printing discussion boards, and just for entertainment, correcting all grammatical errors. It appears you have plenty of time...are you in graduate school or have you earned your PHD?