Tea Party: Patriotic, Not Extreme
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The Pilot grossly misrepresented the mission and motives of the tea party movement in its April 8 editorial, headlined “‘Shut ’Er Down’ Has Hollow Ring.”
Tea party members generally want a government powerful enough to protect our nation and our liberty. Indeed, the American colonists nearly got themselves killed because their first attempt at government (the Articles of Confederation) lacked a standing army for the war to come. Our present Constitution, ratified in 1789, made a stronger nation.
The government is so important that God placed his people in its care. God desires civil government to care for his people and his people to be loyal. We pledge that allegiance at public functions and wish your children the same privilege in public school.
Intelligent people inquire about our nation’s prosperity, and religious people credit God. A deeper question is, “What made this country the object of God’s blessing?”
We are not blessed because our Constitution was written by God or for God, but rather that our Constitution guaranteed that the people are free to worship God. Or not worship. We can assemble as we desire to worship or for any other lawful purpose. Christian people have gathered for hundreds of years, and God has blessed us abundantly.
So what brought all these tea party people to the town halls and tea party rallies in the streets? Our country is moving away from the rule of law.
Our forefathers have repeatedly fought this same problem and secured liberty in the famous documents of our history: The Charter of Liberties, 1100. The Magna Carta, 1215. The Grand Remonstrance, 1641. The English Bill of Rights, 1689. The Declaration of Independence, 1776. The document of 2010 was called “election results.”
The basic law of our land is framed in the Constitution. Legislation and government activity outside or beyond the constitutional limits are the rules of men — men in the Congress and the White House.
The Supreme Court is charged to judge all cases before them by the standard of the Constitution. All elected officials and military enlistees take an oath to protect and defend that Constitution. The tea party promotes this practice.
The tea party seeks to battle suicidal government spending and borrowing. Maybe that is what The Pilot termed “extreme fringe attitudes.” We just know that a child born this morning has a $40,000 debt on his head. Debt of that magnitude dooms our liberty, our sovereignty and our prosperity.
The tea party supports the free market and private property, rather than government control of markets and industry. Central economic planning brings universal poverty every time it is tried. After a few years to burn accumulated wealth, you have the likes of Cuba.
The tea party supports personal liberty. The tea party wants to restore the balance of power between the states and the federal government. Imbalance concentrates massive power and fosters corruption, and corrupt officials ignore the electorate.
In support of these principles, last year Moore Tea Citizens gave away 16,500 pocket-size booklets containing the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. People need facts and information in their hands, but maybe these booklets are what The Pilot referred to as “strident literature.”
The Constitution has its enemies. The Socialist Party of America elected John C. Chase mayor in Haverhill, Mass., in 1898. In 1911-12, they elected 18 men as mayors. Avowed socialists from several different groups continue to serve throughout our state and federal governments today.
The tea party simply wants to restore the good old American way and return some common sense to the budget of the out-of-control government. We want free markets, smaller government and low taxes. We want a government that operates within the rules of our nation’s law, which is the U.S. Constitution.
We don’t consider that extreme, but patriotic, and we take our signs and American flags to rallies that promote those ideals. And we are thankful for widespread support from many patriotic citizens.
Bob Mason lives in Pinebluff. He attended the tea party gathering in Washington that prompted last week’s editorial.
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Comments
justjoe 2 years, 1 month ago
Barf!
Reading this stuff reminds me of that old saying: Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels". It certainly applies to the TP rhetoric we here so much of.
justjoe 2 years, 1 month ago
And pushing "post" without checking is as bad. I mean to write "hear" so much of.
RmeMP 2 years, 1 month ago
So... You have a problem with patriotic Americans is what you're saying? Fail....
justjoe 2 years, 1 month ago
Only the professional ones who have to wrap everything in the flag while clutching a Bible (King James Version only). Otherwise, my DD-214 is all you need to know.
Darkwing 2 years, 1 month ago
RE4?
mcg2010 2 years, 1 month ago
I'm not one to say what exactly The Pilot was trying to express in its editorial last week. But I can't help but think that it's point was that commentary like this:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-april-7-2011/moment-of-zen---shut--er-down?xrs=share_copy
Isn't helpful.
leftfield 2 years, 1 month ago
"We want a government that operates within the rules of our nation’s law, which is the U.S. Constitution."
I do too and that is why I voted against Dubbya twice.
moonchild7 2 years, 1 month ago
The "DOCUMENT" of 2008 was called ELECTION RESULTS> The FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN, the FIRST HAWAIIAN, and his FIRST ACT as PRESIDENT, signing into LAW the Lilly Leadbetter equal pay act requiring EQUAL pay for women. Where were you GUYS when BUSH took us to WAR in IRAQ?! I thought so. Socialists in our government? What do you want "DONE" with them Mr. Mason? Our Constitution PROTECTS them(us) also.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 1 month ago
"We want a government that operates within the rules of our nation’s law, which is the U.S. Constitution."
Unless that Constitution recognizes the right to counsel, the freedom from unreasonable searches, due process for those accused of terrorism, etc. Or if that Constitution recognizes the citizenship of little brown "anchor babies."
Behan 2 years, 1 month ago
Are you referring to Obama's extension of the Patriot Act, Obama's continued support for Gitmo, or the record 387,790 deportations Obama ordered in his first year of office? Or are you just making a lot of noise and hoping nobody calls your bluff?
dustyrhoades 2 years, 1 month ago
So I take it you're against all those things? And the TP as well?
As I've established before I don't support some of the things Obama has done, most notably the war in Libya. Nor do I support his extension of the Patriot Act, or the use of a military tribunal to try Khalid Sheikh Muhammad. As for his "support for Gitmo", that's certainly an odd, not to mention dishonest, way to describe the situation.
Now, since I've established that I disagree with Obama on these matters,. are you saying that the Tea Party wants to close Gitmo today, try KSM in a civilian court, and abolish the Patriot Act?
How about you? Do you want detainees tried in civilian courts and informed of their right to counsel? You oppose the Patriot Act? You want the Gitmo detainees imprisoned on American jails before and after trials?
Or have you thought about anything other than the standard mindless, knee-jerk "Obama does it too" response?
Behan 2 years, 1 month ago
Never said I was opposed to any of those things, now did I?
All you've established is that you like to toss around childish, baseless allegations and hope nobody calls you out. You got called out on it this time, and it has left you looking ill-informed and/or dishonest.
That's basically all that happened here--nothing more, nothing less.
(I'll resist the temptation to toss in the trademark grade-school DR taglines like, "You lose," or "Game over," or even "Thanks for playing," but you should feel free to apply your personal favorite.)
dustyrhoades 2 years, 1 month ago
*Never said I was opposed to any of those things, now did I? *
So you support Obama's extension of the Patriot Act, Obama's continued support for Gitmo, or the record 387,790 deportations Obama ordered in his first year of office?"
And the astute reader will note that you've done nothing to answer the allegations I made about the TP and their distaste for the Constitutional provisions they find inconvenient. You've merely engaged in another lame attempt at the "What about Obama" deflection, then went right to the same name calling you claim to abhor.
Whatever credibility you have here's pretty well shredded after that, not that someone cowering behind an alias has any to start with. At least Cutler has the guts to take responsibility for his words.
Behan 2 years, 1 month ago
Nice try. Youmade the initial allegations, and for that you were exposed as a fraud. I am not obligated to respond to your follow-on allegations, as I am not a spokesperson for the TEA Party. They can (and do) as they darn well please, and I have little influence (or concern, for that matter).
If you are curious about their stance on any given issue, ask them, not me. I merely uncovered your pathetic attempt to smear them with the same grime that covers your fearless leader.
You can question my credibility and courage all you like--not really worth getting into such juvenile arguments. Besides, I take the source into consideration before deciding if I should be offended.
The simple fact remains that you flung some poo and it ended up all over you. Happens to everyone now and again--it just seems to happen to you more than most.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 1 month ago
Again, nothing was "exposed as fraud." You didn't even address the allegations, and you still haven't.
geoffcutler 2 years, 1 month ago
So well and gently said, Mr. Mason. Bravo! I'm buffaloed as to why the left finds our founding principles so distasteful.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 1 month ago
I'm buffaloed as to why the left finds our founding principles so distasteful.
This from the guy who's always griping about a lack of civility in discourse.
geoffcutler 2 years, 1 month ago
Your idea of "civility" and mine might as well be two different words.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 1 month ago
Being told you "find our country's founding principles distasteful" is no one's idea of civility other than yours, Geoff. At least I own up to being harsh.
geoffcutler 2 years, 1 month ago
Come, come now, Dusty! There was nothing uncivil about my comment, nor was it said uncivily. Which is why I said your understanding of the word is different than mine.
teufelhunden 2 years, 1 month ago
Don't worry! He's not as obtuse as some.
pulledpork 2 years, 1 month ago
"civility" only counts when directed at conservatives. As we have seen, no calls for civility have been called for in Wisconsin. It's appears that the use of names like "Hitler" are perfectly ok when your cause is directed at conservatives.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 1 month ago
It's appears that the use of names like "Hitler" are perfectly ok when your cause is directed at conservatives.
Somebody obviously hasn't told the Tea Party, Glenn Beck, or Jonah Goldberg it's not okay to describe Obama as Hitler or liberals as fascists. Or are you using the usual right wingnut logic: it's okay for us to do it because they did it once, but it's still horrible that they did it?
teufelhunden 2 years, 1 month ago
True. DR forgets this every chance he gets.
dustyrhoades 2 years, 1 month ago
Do you ever add anything to the conversation any more? All I ever see you do these days is kiss up to other posters.
None 2 years, 1 month ago
Excuse me Mr. Mason, "The government is so important that God placed his people in its care. God desires civil government to care for his people and his people to be loyal"
Please point out in your Constitution Handouts by TEA Party Radicals where God is referenced once in the Constitution? All the framers of the Constitution were Christians, but nowhere in the Constitution is God mentioned. So is it the right of TEA Party Activists to deny lifesaving services to our brethren, their children, or pay homage to corporate institutions and greed? Does your interpretation of the Constitution promote the General Welfare of all Americans? If so, why are entitlements under attack by conservative republicans in Washington? Would you consider Jesus Christ to be labeled a Liberal or a Conservative? He healed the blind, healed the lame to walk again, and raised the dead. So how exactly does a good Christian perceive helping others who are less fortunate? You sir are off base with your slanted article by injecting God into the mix ~ His compassion for mankind differs greatly from the TEA Party Nuts!
None 2 years, 1 month ago
Hey Mr. Mason, I am waiting for you to qualify your misstatements that you so gleefully had published. You Sir are a hypocrite! In addition, I would venture to say you are one of the Sunday morning Christians who sits at the front of the congregation on Sunday mornings like so many other hypocrites. Take away from the poor their financial resource, their ability to have their children seen by a medical professional, and in some case throw them out on the street corner and call the police and have them charge with loitering….
moonchild7 2 years, 1 month ago
What is it about our INTERPRETATIONS of our FOUNDING PRINCIPLES don't you understand? The teapots are contantly talking about FREEDOM, LIBERTY, and FREE MARKETS but they are against, legalizing Prostitution, Gambling, and Marijuana. That's called being a HYPOCRITE Mr. Cutler. The teapots(mostley men it seems) are also overly involved in the Abortion issue which I find beyond troubling. It is LEGAL and therefore part of our laws and constitution; so therefore that makes it lawful to obtain the information and the safe medical services the medical profession delivers to those women needing them. There needs to be no more right wing blabbering about it!
geoffcutler 2 years, 1 month ago
Interesting you should bring up legalization of Prostitution, Gambling and Marijuana. Just lately I've been thinking pot should be legalized, the drinking age should return to 18 years of age, the freeway speed limits should be 80 mph, and toss in prostitution and gambling if you wish, I don't care. Your assumptions about people are usually errant, and I wish you'd ditch the all caps. Difficult to read.
justjoe 2 years, 1 month ago
Great! If only Ayn Rand had had a toke or two and maybe more time in bed (free choice of whatever, of course) we might have escaped the idiocies of libertarianism.Much noise from you folks and precious little light.
geoffcutler 2 years, 1 month ago
huh?
teufelhunden 2 years, 1 month ago
So you are denying our people their right to voice their opinion? What are you saying? That their right to be heard is not valid since they don't agree with you? Listen to yourself.
teufelhunden 2 years, 1 month ago
In response to MC7...
teufelhunden 2 years, 1 month ago
Am I not sharing in your special brand of conversation DR?
None 2 years, 1 month ago
Mr. Mason ~ I just paid a visit to Dee Parks' Moore County Republican Party website. The first introduction was about the TEA NUTS being in Southern Pines from 4 to 7 protesting benefits provided to the poor in this state and county.
No where on her website does she mention bringing ones Medicare Card or Social Securtiy check. Why not protest like those who were opposed to Vietnam burned draft cards in defience of a war around the world? They could burn their Medicare cards and donate their Social Security Checks to a charity or their choice. Here's you link to the TEA Party and the Moore County Republican Party. One in the same....http://www.moorecountyncgop.org/
dustyrhoades 2 years, 1 month ago
Gotta love this "Behan" character. He's hilarious, like a guy who runs out on the court, doesn't score a goal, doesn't make a free throw, doesn't make a rebound or an assist, then runs up and down in front of the opposing bench, waving his victory signs in the air and yelling "in your face! In your face! "
MikeNC 2 years, 1 month ago
Give it a rest DR. Let's face it...Behan spanked you but good up above; not only with his original statement, but once again when you foolishly attempted to counter with your usual spin doctor approach. And your further attempt here only manages to make you look ridiculous.....Mike
hotdiggity 2 years, 1 month ago
Prostitution, gambling, and marijuana all destroy lives, as do abortions. Remeber mc7, slavery was once legal, but that did not make it right.
Ross 2 years, 1 month ago
I wonder how many children you would take in and support if no abortions would take place. The republican party cries 24/7 about welfare recipients now. Can you imagine them having to support even more.
I also wonder how prostitution and marijuana destroy lives. There are much less harmful than alcohol and especially cigarettes but too much money being made by both to stop their sales.
So - if you are going to preach - preach about all these!
Ross 2 years, 1 month ago
An expected retort from a republican twisting things to fit his skewed agenda.
I am asking you - just how many kids would you support if abortion was banned? Would you open up your home to 3 or 4 kids?
I shudder when I read about all the homeless and abused kids NOW. I can be honest with myself and accept I would rather see life stop at the earliest stage possible than be exposed to the cruel abuse many will face in foster homes and homes where they are not wanted.
It's easy for your kind to simplify and demand and then run!
moonchild7 2 years, 1 month ago
My assumptions about people are errant? How? Why? They've actually served me very well, in that I assume most people are, somewhat crazy, narrow-minded and not very smart, therefore I avoid them as much as possible. I'm busy with my own work anyway but when I have to "be around others" I generally do more listening than talking because my opinions are not very well received. But I will make them KNOWN when the time is right. I LOVE to bring up the Prostitution, Gambling and Marijuana subject matter when talking with Teapots who are supposed to be of the "LIBERTARIAN" mindset. WHY? Because, teufelhunden I'm NOT saying people shouldn't VOICE their opinions, it's just that they tend to be VERY, VERY confused by the true meaning of FREEDOM and LIBERTY(two American Ideals)when I ask their opinions. When it brings out the hypocrite in them, I say it's better to say nothing since your opinion is jumbled up in your confused head. I prefer REAL and HONEST debate(FUNNY is okay too). Say whatever you want. The argument that all of those (P, G, M)things destroy lives has NOTHING to do with the idea of the TRUE FREEDOM and LIBERTY that the TEAPOTS want! People should have the FREEDOM and LIBERTY to DESTROY their own lives anyway or time thay want to.....as long as they don't harm anyone else. Slavery was the ownership of human beings by other human beings. Doesn't have anything to do with this conversation.
None 2 years, 1 month ago
James April 15, 2011 at 10:47 p.m. Adlibbing ~James...where has anyone other than TEA NUTs and the misinformed minority said that Obama is "THE CHOSEN ONE". Taking a page from Rush Limbaugh's drug induced rants? Interesting, SKIN IN THE GAME? Now are playing golf? Tax the rich, haven't they had enough tax breaks during George Bush's 8 years. How about a FAIR TAX? That way the rich who can afford a Beach House and a home in National, can pay on what they spend as opposed to using political contributions to Howard Coble to add a line or word to the tax code ~ all 68,000 pages so they have no tax debt?
Ask Coble why he doesn't support a FAIR TAX! His rich support would dry up like a pond in mid summer.
None 2 years, 1 month ago
Toda-- I support The Fair Tax. Do you?
None 2 years, 1 month ago
Hey, how's that federal sales tax doing in Congress now that the tea party is in charge? Didn't notice it being part of Ryan's roadmap.
None 2 years, 1 month ago
Yes I do...pay for what one spends and not what is earned....Tax problem solved as well as the paid loopholes for Congressman to subliminally submit a bill for a "friend" or donor to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.
None 2 years, 1 month ago
Toda!! I love ya! You like The Fair Tax, and like me, want it to replace the income tax! Not sure what Heim is talking about re: the federal sales tax (nothing new there). But Toda, your liberal friends will hate you tomorrow!!
None 2 years, 1 month ago
James I call it like I see it. Not blindly lead to the voting booth by the misinformed, die-hard conservatives, and the mindless nuts passing themselves off as patriots. I have to agree with Jesus on this one, I like Him, believe in caring for my fellow man. Not everyone has had a perfect life or one with a generous bank account.
SH59 2 years, 1 month ago
"The government is so important that God placed his people in its care. God desires civil government to care for his people and his people to be loyal."
moonchild7 2 years, 1 month ago
TEAPOTS! Where was all of your GREAT PATRIOTISM before 9/11 when Donald Rumsfeld reported to Congress that $2.3 TRILLION was "missing and or wasted" from the Pentagon in one year alone? Then of course there was all of BUSH'S WARZ to fund. Where was your PATRIOTISM then? He was constantly asking Congress for money and of course sadly Congress was giving it to him. Where's said PATRIOTISM? Oh, I know...it was all super SUPPORTIVE of him! George is just so AMERICAN as APPLE PIE...isn't he? You teapots are horrible hypocrites. Money, money, money to the military. I don't know, maybe the military just threatened Obama on day one and so he gave them what they wanted. A USA military takeover would be ugly and as far as the DEMISE of AMERICA because we "are broke" is concerned(and we aren't); it will NEVER happen because the world REVOLVES around us. Teapots, go back home and contemplate your lives and beliefs. They need it.
None 2 years, 1 month ago
MC 7 - Are you sure the number is $2.3T lost by the Pentagon in one year is correct. Seems like a lot when the FY2001 DOD budget was only $277B? (before 9/11)
None 2 years, 1 month ago
mauiman-- MC7 is just as certain of her facts as Jim Heim is with his. They pull them from the same magical hat.
None 2 years, 1 month ago
Yea ~ Right on James => Cheney became Vice President with a net worth of 20 million and left office after Bush's two wars with a net of 200 million of taxpayers dollars. Even John McCain is quoted as saying Cheney should be investigated for his connection to Halliburton and corruption. Where o' Where can the TEA Party be, O' where O' where can they be? Makes one wonder what their agenda really might be when attacking the entitlements for the poor.
None 2 years, 1 month ago
Toda-- Right. Cheney took $200 million of taxpayers' dollars. And your evidence is what? Did the Senate or Congress give it to him? No? Did Bush? Not without the Senate or Congress. You are a man who needs to study how federal money is allocated and spent. Let me give you a hint: It ain't by the dailykos blogs.
None 2 years, 1 month ago
Contrair my good man - James...Here's your evidence my friend: http://www.halliburtonwatch.org/about_hal/costplus.html
What you fail to understand was Halliburton was given NO - BID contracts for the reconstuction of Iraq. Wow - what a gold mine. Congress didn't give the money directly to Tricky Dicky...Halliburton gave him millions. O' you conservatives of little insight and understanding on how to be a crook while in political office. Look at Larry Caddell as a CEO of a Software Company and an elected official voting on how our money is spent. But the TEA NUTS like him just like the Republians ignored Tricky Dicky Cheney and his affliation with Halliburton and no bid contracts....It's all about the reason we have politicians - for personal gain in most cases.
moonchild7 2 years, 1 month ago
Mauiman and James, the YOUTUBE video of Rumsfeld giving his speech on SEPTEMBER 10, 2001 is easy to find. HE says that $2.3 TRILLION is missing and it posed a serious threat. Jim Minnery of the Defense Finance and Accounting Office said, "We know it's gone. But we don't know what they spent it on." If the budget was only $277 billion but over $2 trillion was missing where could the "EXTRA" $1.75 TRILLION even come from?! BRIBES? BLACKMAIL? BONUS MONEY from General Dynamics? The serious problem in this country "DEAR TEAPOTS" is not the poor, the sick or the elderly. It's the WAR MACHINE.
None 2 years, 1 month ago
Moonchild7 ~ you forgot the biggest entitlement ever...HALLIBURTON. Tricky Dicky Cheney:
This one is for the TEA PARTY ~ apparently they had their heads in the sand when all of Cheney was screwing the American people and making billions from taxpayer money...
Truth about Halliburton and Dick Cheney by babylonsfalling
moonchild7 2 years, 1 month ago
Thanks Toda...but why oh why did you have to put that photo/video picture up there of "DARTH CHENEY"? The Halliburton, George Bush Presidency connection is possibly so E-V-I-L it can almost not be imagined. And I am NOT one of those "Conspiracy" nutz, yet the "coinsidences" and "questionable" evidence of 9/11 is unsettling. I hope the TRUTH of those events are really the TRUTH and the possible conspiracy theories are just that....THEORIES. I do keep an open mind though and try to contemplate all facts, no matter the subject, but thanks again. George Bush's Presidency will NEVER be legit and needs an asterik beside his name. Asterik for: Only President chosen by the United States Supreme Court who also practically single-handedly DESTROYED the Greatest Country the World has ever seen.
Zoey 2 years, 1 month ago
""questionable" evidence of 9/11 is unsettling."
Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth. ~Albert Einstein
None 2 years, 1 month ago
"The tea party seeks to battle suicidal government spending and borrowing."
So we shouldn't have gone to war with Iraq because it was cost effective and Bush had a grudge to settle? Flip back the ledgers and see when the US really started tallying up the huge deficit numbers.
None 2 years, 1 month ago
Careful AM910 ~ the conservative bloggers will call you a liberal, or some other lable that seems appropriate since you have brought up the Bush years of out of control spending.
moonchild7 2 years, 1 month ago
So, Rummy was lying? Who knew he had it in him. So, where and/or why did he say those were the funds the Pentagon was "missing". Was it to confuse everyone just before the planes hit NYC?
None 2 years, 1 month ago
James since the The Elitist and Affluent [TEA] turn a blind eye to where the tax payer money pit existed during the Bush fiasco, just a portion of the information since I'm sure the TEA Nuts avoid reading any documentation regarding the former administration, this one is for them:
... Most of Halliburton's government contracts were awarded through competitive bidding, but the no-bid Iraqi contract, and the secret way in which it was awarded to Halliburton, touched-off a firestorm of public suspicion that Dick Cheney and Halliburton are working together to increase the revenues of Halliburton. After the no-bid contract was cancelled, the company has been exposed for the repeated fraud and abuse in its government contracts. Allegations of corruption continue today.
None 2 years, 1 month ago
James thus Tricky Dicky Cheney goes from 20 million to 200 million all thanks to the TEA Party!
None 2 years, 1 month ago
Yes Toda, the Tea Party can move mountains...and judging from the November elections, can move Democrats into retirement. You should thank them!