Tea Party 101

By: Christine Morabito – July, 2010

With new Tea Parties popping up all over the state, there is no question that the message of limited government strikes a chord with a great many Bay State residents.

An enthusiastic group of American patriots is forming right in our own backyard with the emergence of the Merrimack Valley Tea Party.

We represent Republicans, Democrats, Independents and Libertarians who are concerned about and wish to change the direction of our country.

Because we threaten the political status quo, the liberal elite are desperate to marginalize and demonize us. Perhaps we should feel flattered that they think we’re that important.

Ironically, we have been called an angry mob, radical right-wing extremists, astro-turf and–my personal favorite–racist. And those are just the nice names! But despite all the petty name calling from the left, if you spent any time at all with Tea Party folk, you might be surprised how polite, normal and mild mannered we are. The rhetoric is an attempt to shut down debate and intimidate people from joining us.

Luckily, these attempts have failed and our numbers continue to grow. Informed citizens know there is nothing radical or racist about what the Tea Party stands for:

* Limited Government

* Free Markets

* Free Speech

* Individual Liberty

* Personal Responsibility

The Tea Party has become an outlet for many people who would otherwise have no voice. It offers hope to those of us who have suffered in silence while our poor, neutered Constitution lies crumpled in the corner.

For many of us, it has been an amazingly liberating experience to “come out” as conservatives.

So, if you’re sick and tired of working like a farm animal, yet keeping less and less of what you earn, come join us at our next meeting. We promise, you’ll be in good company.

We have an exciting several months ahead as we seek out and help to support conservative, constitutional-minded candidates to replace the out-of-touch incumbent politicians who have made our positions of honor into places of profit.

Our Tea Party does not endorse specific candidates. Instead we invite them to speak to us (regardless of their party affiliation) about their positions on various issues. Armed with that knowledge, we are then free to decide who will best represent us. We are having an enormous impact on the mid-term elections. This is just a warm-up for November!

Coming events:

Merrimack Valley Tea Party Meeting—Wednesday, July 14th

Guest speaker: Chip Faulkner, Executive Director of Citizens for Limited Taxation

North Andover VFW

32 Park Street, North Andover, 7 P.M.

Meetings–August 11th and August 25th

Meet the Candidates

North Andover VFW

32 Park Street, 7 P.M.

Our events are educational , inspirational and a great place to network with like-minded people. Believe it or not, we are the most polite “angry” people you’ll ever want to meet.

For more information, feel free to contact us: Mike Mosca: 978-681-1890 moscam@msn.com. Ted Tripp: 978-725-6509 tripp@gis.net. Dan Lanen: 978-857-7555 danlanen@yahoo.com

“The people are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty”—Thomas Jefferson