Tea Party participation in Grapevine parade raises questions

Tea Party participation in Grapevine parade raises questions

A local Tea Party group's participation in Grapevine's recent Parade of Lights has drawn complaints from people who say politics should be kept out of community events.

About 20 people, some wearing military uniforms, were in the Northeast Tarrant Tea Party float during the Dec. 2 Christmas parade through downtown Grapevine. The float was a show of support to the military, said Julie McCarty, president of the Northeast Tarrant Tea Party.

Critics said the group itself is a political statement. Some also said they heard people shout politically themed messages from the float, something McCarty said never happened.

"I was taken aback that they were allowed in the parade," said Mark Bauer of Colleyville. "I've been to many Christmas parades, and I don't remember any other political groups ever participating."

The Tea Party is widely known as a conservative grassroots movement that emerged last year in response to growing government spending. With more than 1,500 local members, "I would simply say that the Tea Party is part of the community," said McCarty of Grapevine.

Full Story Here:
Tea Party participation in Grapevine parade raises questions

I suppose that we, the members of the TEA Party as a whole, don't have the right to exercise our participation in Christmas celebrations in our communities, and to show our love and respect for the troops, or for Christmas. At least according to some.

The Tea Party float was one of 123 in the parade, said RaDonna Hessel, president of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the parade. About 30,000 to 40,000 people attended.

Hessel said the chamber will review its rules for changes to avoid a similar controversy in future parades. The chamber will try to balance opposing views with not stepping "on free speech and community involvement," she said.

If the NE Tarrant TEA Party wasn't trying to recruit new members, if they were only honoring the troops and celebrating Christmas, I fail to see what the problem is, but, I'm not a moonbat Dem or a loon on the left.

Kathleen Thompson of Grapevine said the float surprised her.

"It was just a really ugly disruption," said Thompson, former president of the Mid-Cities Democrats. "People were there to watch their friends and family ride in floats and in cars. It was disruption of the whole idea of what a Christmas parade was supposed to be. ... Politics makes people very upset. Sometimes you just leave politics at the door."

Ahh, now the REAL problem rears it's UGLY head. The former president of the Mid-Cities Dems didn't like it. I thought that most of those folks were against anything Christmas and all for Winter Holiday and diversity?

Just sayin'...

I have NE Tarrant Tea Party linked in the sidebar of this blog as well and I encourage ALL TEA Party members to offer their support to these fine folks and let them know that their neighbors are backing them in their efforts.

I WANT YOU!

Folks, we need your ideas and suggestions!

If we want the Rowlett TEA Party to grow, we have to work together and we all need to do everything we know to do and everything we can think of to make it happen.

We're hoping you'll all have some contribution, something we can do as a group to keep things going!

Obama calls for 2-year freeze on federal pay

Obama calls for 2-year freeze on federal pay

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama on Monday proposed a two-year freeze of the salaries of some 2 million federal workers, trying to seize the deficit-cutting initiative from Republicans with a sudden, dramatic stroke. Though signaling White House concern over record deficits, the freeze would make only a tiny dent in annual deficits or the nation's $14 trillion debt.

"Small businesses and families are tightening their belts," Obama said in brief remarks at the White House. "The government should, too." The administration said the plan was designed to save more than $5 billion over the first two years.

The proposal, which must be approved by Congress, would not apply to the military, but it would affect all others on the Executive Branch payroll. It would not affect members of Congress or their staffs, defense contractors, postal workers or federal court judges and workers.

Obama's move was an attempt to get in front of Republican plans to slash federal pay and the workforce next year, when they will flex more legislative muscle than now. It came a day ahead of Obama's meeting at the White House with both Republicans and Democratic leaders - his first with Republicans since the midterm elections - and two days before the deadline for recommendations by his deficit-reduction commission.

Full Story Here:
Obama calls for 2-year freeze on federal pay

Freeze federal pay? Here's my message to the federal government and ALL federal employees, suck it up and stop griping.

Pretend you're a Senior Citizen or a disabled American trying to scrape by on Social Security. We have been frozen for 2010 and 2011 already. No cost of living allowance.

Here in Rowlett we have a lot of TEA Party members that are seriously qualified as Seniors. I'm certain that we have some, at least a few, that are retired on disability. I would be interested in hearing how this federal wage freeze and the no COLA for Social Security recipients is going to affect our members, their friends and/or family.

The president said the economy and federal spending were at the top of the agenda for Tuesday's meeting, one he said he hoped "will mark a first step towards a new and productive working relationship" between the two parties. Because of GOP midterm gains, "we now have a shared responsibility to deliver for the American people on the issues that define not only these times but our future," Obama said.

House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio, on track to become House speaker in January, said he was pleased with the president's announcement.

I am agreed with Boehner, this is a good move. It won't solve ALL of the issues, but it's a start.

But with no COLA for 2 years, with wages frozen for federal employees, what about inflation? What do we do when OUR money doesn't go up at all but the cost of our goods does?

Do you remember the stories about the elderly eating CAT FOOD?

FreedomWorks retreat seeks to refocus Republican lawmakers on tea party goals

FreedomWorks retreat seeks to refocus Republican lawmakers on tea party goals

FreedomWorks, the conservative political organization that spent millions of dollars helping to elect tea party-backed candidates across the country, is hosting a retreat in Baltimore on Thursday and Friday to encourage congressional Republicans to stay true to the small-government principles they espoused during the campaign.

FreedomWorks' chairman, former House majority leader Richard K. Armey, and its president, Matt Kibbe, will talk to incoming and returning Republicans about not setting aside their advocacy for lower taxes and spending in the interest of finding favor with Republican leaders or scoring valuable committee assignments.

"We have to move from the election cycle and a year in which Americans across the country have been expressing concern and talking about what they don't want from their government to where we start to move toward with what we do want," said Republican Sen.-elect Mike Lee of Utah in a telephone interview from the Hyatt Regency on Baltimore's Inner Harbor. "We will be talking about ideas on how to move forward."

The retreat highlights the potential for conflict between Republican leaders and new members who campaigned forcefully on a message to change the culture of Washington - and who, in some cases, took aim as much at Republicans as Democrats for their role in allowing spending, earmarks, taxes and the national debt to spiral upward.

Full Story Here:
FreedomWorks retreat seeks to refocus Republican lawmakers on tea party goals

That's a great start, keep it in their heads, 'YOU work for US and WE can, and WILL fire you if you make a move to The Dark Side'.

Earlier today, I posted this on my personal blog: Earmark dispute splits GOP senators.

It can't be stressed too often, we must be ever vigilant. Our nation faces great peril from ALL fronts, one of the greatest perils we face is the GOP (RINOs) and Democrats that spend OUR money like there is no tomorrow.

At the rate these guys have been going, there may well BE no tomorrow if we're not careful and keep a constant eye on what goes on in American politics.

And so it begins…

The RINOs love pork just as much as the Dems. I told my readers before the election, ‘as soon as the elections are over, we’ll see a resurgence in the RINO herd’, and we are. NOW is the time to put a lid on it too. STOP these out of control RINOs from spending money this nation doesn’t have. NOW is the time for the entire GOP and ALL Conservatives to stand and tell a few Senators NO! A word that HATE to hear.

The Rowlett TEA Party endorses Rep. Joe Driver for Texas House District 113

The Rowlett Tea Party proudly endorses Joe Driver for the Texas House of Representatives, District 113. We this endorsement very carefully, considering the recent allegation levied against Mr. Driver over his campaign finances, but ultimately, we believe he will represent the interests of Rowlett far better than his opponent.

The 2011 legislative session is vitally important for Rowlett and Garland as it is likely that a two new Congressional seats will be formed in North Texas. Rowlett will have a unique opportunity to be represented by a single representative in Washington, potentially a representative that is more familiar with the unique needs, concerns and interests of our city, rather than three Congressmen, each with only marginal interest in our city. Redistricting is a very important and very difficult process for a freshman representative to navigate successfully, so on this point Mr. Driver's experience will be invaluable.

Also in this session, the Texas legislature will have to take on mandates from Washington to create the necessary infrastructure to support health care reform legislation. We believe that Mr. Driver will be better positioned to help Texas stand up to the federal government's mandates to protect the freedoms of all Texans from an overreaching federal government.

The Rowlett Tea Party includes members and board members familiar with campaign finance law and after thoroughly reviewing the campaign finance irregularities Mr. Driver has been accused of, we have concluded that Mr. Driver's only sin was little more than a bookkeeping error and that he did not "double dip" from state monies, as his opponent and the Dallas Morning News has falsely accused him.

Finally, Mr. Driver is largely in agreement with our core principles both in his rhetoric and his voting record. Ms. Dorris is clearly not.

The Rowlett TEA Party endorses Sen. Bob Deuell for TX 2

The Rowlett TEA Party endorses Sen. Bob Deuell for TX 2

There are a lot of GOOD people saying a lot of GOOD things regarding Se. Bob Deuell, and we are in 100% agreement, Bob Deuell IS the BEST choice for Texas Senate District Two.

Some other endorsements for Sen. Deuell:

“Deuell, 59, a Greenville physician and former school board member, has emerged over four lawmaking sessions as a thoughtful, engaged lawmaker and a resource for colleagues on health issues.”
-Dallas Morning News-

“This fellow is a champion. He is a fine conservative. He is a soldier and a champion for keeping taxes low.”
-Lt. Governor David Dewhurst-

“Dr. Bob Deuell is the model public servant. I have often said that I believe he is the best State Senator in Texas and I look forward to working with him for years to come.”
-Mayor John Harper, Rowlett-

“That's where GOP Sen. Bob Deuell earns his pay. The Greenville physician stepped in once again to guide the Senate through
the maze of health spending.”
-Dallas Morning News-

"One reason we do have great freedom here in the State of Texas, is because we have a State Senator that has represented us in the manner we want to be represented. I've known Senator Deuell for quite some time and I'm proud to have him be my State Senator."
- Pat Chase, Treasurer, Hopkins County GOP -

"You're a good doctor, a doggone good Senator and one terrific friend. And I thank you and your wife for everything you've done."
- The Hon. Ralph Hall, U.S. Congressman -

Senator_Deuell_Endorsement.FIREFIGHTERS.pdf

More Endorsements for Sen. Deuell

The Rowlett TEA Party Endorses Jerry Pittman for Dallas County Constable Pct. 2

The Rowlett TEA Party Endorses Jerry Pittman for Dallas County Constable Pct. 2

Jerry Pittman brings 37 years of law enforcement experience to the table. He was with the Garland Police department for 25 years and retired at the rank of Lieutenant.

During his career there, he was assigned to the Dallas Area Organized Crime Task Force and trained extensively in investigative work, surveillance, electronic counter measures and warrant preparation.

Jerry spent several years in the uniformed patrol division and worked closely with citizens of this community on a daily basis in all types of activities.

Jerry was assigned to the traffic division as a motorcycle officer and was trained at Texas A & M in advanced accident investigation and accident reconstruction.

Jerry was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and attended the University of Texas at Dallas, Police Supervision Training, and was assigned to Jail Supervisor where he closely supervised all arrests and reports.

Jerry has been with the Dallas County Constables Office for the past 12 years and has worked in the warrant division, civil division, and the traffic division where he is currently assigned. Jerry has extensive knowledge of the problems faced by the Constables office and is, in our opinion, the best man for the job and will straighten that office out, returning it to the level of respect and competency the citizens of Dallas County expect.

With his long and successful career in Law Enforcement, it is our pleasure to endorse Jerry Pittman for Dallas County Constable Pct. 2

The Rowlett TEA Party Endorses Danny Clancy for Dallas County D.A.

The Rowlett TEA Party Endorses Danny Clancy for Dallas County D.A.

Until recently many of us in Rowlett had not met Danny Clancy, but we had the opportunity to meet him and talk at length at the TEA Party forum.

We had the distinct pleasure to make his acquaintance, talk with him in a very casual and informal manner and then to hear him speak as to why he should be the next Dallas County District Attorney.

“It seems like each day I open the newspaper there’s a story about our District Attorney, but unfortunately they have nothing to do with fighting crime. Instead, it’s ethical questions, political grandstanding and cover-ups. Our taxpayers and families deserve better.

I think it’s time for a DA who is making headlines for putting our toughest felons behind bars, and as your District Attorney, I will personally handle the prosecution of our most violent criminals. With close to two decades of experience as a prosecutor and a criminal court judge, I have the real-world experience fighting crime, and I am committed to re-focusing the DA’s office on what should be its top priority: keeping our families safe.”

Danny Clancy is the best choice for Dallas County D.A. He is, in our opinion, the ONLY choice. We honestly believe that Danny will do a fantastic job as Dallas D.A. and will make Texas proud of this native son!

From the Danny Clancy web page:

News and Updates
Endorsements

Campaign Address:
3131 McKinney Avenue, Suite 800
Dallas, Texas 75204

Campaign Contact:
Abby Hoak
Phone: 214-850-3397
Fax: 214-740-9912
abby@dannyclancyforda.com

The Rowlett TEA Party Endorses Jeff Weems for Texas Railroad Commissioner

The Rowlett TEA Party Endorses Jeff Weems for Texas Railroad Commissioner.

Jeff was raised in the oilfields of West Texas and Louisiana. Jeff has worked in the OIL Industry, and has the scars to prove it too!

The Texas Railroad Commission is a misnomer at best, but it is the most important regulatory commission in Texas.

The Texas Railroad Commission was formed in the 1890’s to protect farmers from predatory pricing by the railroads. The Texas Legislature later gave the Commission additional regulatory responsibilities, primarily over trucking and oil and gas exploration and production. Over the years, the Commission’s authority over railroads and trucking was reduced, and finally eliminated altogether in 2005.

The Texas Railroad Commission is currently responsible for:

*Regulating oil and gas exploration and production;
*Regulating pipeline (both natural gas and hazardous liquid) safety;
*Regulating certain coal and uranium surface mining operations;
*Setting rates for pipelines and for natural gas utilities;
*Regulating natural gas utility safety measures; and
*Creating and applying programs designed to promote the use of and market for *Liquefied Petroleum (LP) or Propane gas.

Jeff is a strong supporter of ALL things Texas. He is a proponent of property rights and is set to tackle the eminent domain issue that most Texans are tired of.

Eminent Domain

n. the power of a governmental entity (federal, state, county or city government, school district, hospital district or other agencies) to take private real estate for public use, with or without the permission of the owner. The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution provides that "private property [may not] be taken for public use without just compensation." The Fourteenth Amendment added the requirement of just compensation to state and local government takings. The usual process includes passage of a resolution by the acquiring agency to take the property (condemnation), including a declaration of public need, followed by an appraisal, an offer, and then negotiation. If the owner is not satisfied, he/she may sue the governmental agency for a court's determination of just compensation. The government, however, becomes owner while a trial is pending if the amount of the offer is deposited in a trust account. Public uses include schools, streets and highways, parks, airports, dams, reservoirs, redevelopment, public housing, hospitals and public buildings.

We believe that Jeff Weems would make an excellent Texas Railroad Commissioner.

Jeff's opponent? Well, ask him if he ever threw a *spinning chain* or *racked* pipe...

Dem base told: Fear Tea Party

Dem base told: Fear Tea Party

Democrats desperate to convince their base to show up at the polls in November have begun talking less about issues and more about the possibility of a “Tea Party Congress” next year.

The passage of landmark bills such as healthcare and financial regulatory reform has not triggered as much grassroots enthusiasm as initially envisioned, Democratic strategists say. And while the right is engaged this cycle, the left is deflated.

“This is a big problem,” said Democratic targeting and turnout guru Hal Malchow.

So Democrats have turned to a strategy that may be their next best bet: demonization of the “insurgent” Tea Party.

“These are not your run-of-the-mill Republicans we’re talking about here,” said one Democratic organizer working in a state with a contested Senate race this fall. “When you actually start telling voters what these candidates are about, it scares the hell out of them.”

In the past several weeks, when Democratic activists cite the ramifications of a “Tea Party Congress,” they say, more volunteers have signed up to knock on doors to preserve a Democratic-led House and Senate.

Read the Full Story Here:
Dem base told: Fear Tea Party - TheHill.com

I guess they have realized, the accusations of *racism* are getting them nowhere!

Tea Party or Establishment, GOP Looks for Gains

Tea Party or Establishment, GOP Looks for Gains

WILMINGTON, Del. -- In the turbulent year of the tea party, Republican Rep. Mike Castle of Delaware set out to jangle no nerves as he ran for a Senate seat long held by Vice President Joseph Biden. It's the way Republican strategists originally envisioned 2010, a roster of seasoned politicians pointing the party toward significant gains in the Senate.

"He brings our style of civility and independence to Washington and works to develop solutions," is the soothing, even quaint message on the 71-year-old lawmaker's campaign website, which shows him in a suit and tie, working alone at his desk. Experience "is hugely important," he said in an interview.

After two terms as governor and nine as the state's lone congressman, Castle appears better positioned than other veterans who faced a tea party-backed challenge this year. If he prevails over Christine O'Donnell on Sept. 14 -- he and GOP officials have launched a fierce counterattack -- he would join more than a half-dozen other veteran Republican officeholders on the ballot in Senate races.

In matters of style as well as policy and political experience, they are the polar opposite of Rand Paul of Kentucky, Sharron Angle of Nevada and Ken Buck in Colorado, all of whom tapped into an anti-government sentiment, espouse politically risky positions, won primaries over establishment candidates, and now face particularly difficult races in the fall.

Full Story Here:
Tea Party or Establishment, GOP Looks for Gains

One thing is a certainty, the TEA Party has garnered a great deal of attention and we have a lot of notice from politicians on ALL sides of the spectrum.

The Democrats call us names and the Republicans are thinking that maybe we're taking the Grand Old Party over and making it go Conservative again.

That means we ARE doing the RIGHT thing.

One thing bothers me greatly, the GOP has made it clear, they intend to co-opt the TEA Party.

"We don't need a lot of Jim DeMint disciples," Lott told the Washington Post, referring to the conservative South Carolina senator who has been a gadfly for party leadership and a champion for upstart conservative candidates. "As soon as they get here, we need to co-opt them." Republican Lobbyist Trent Lott: "As Soon As Tea Party Candidates Arrive, We Need To Co-opt Them"

I don't know about you, but speaking for ME, I won't be co-opted by anyone, especially the RINO infested GOP.

I am personally acquainted with a TEA Party group, not a part of it, I just know quite a few of their members, and that group is a GOP creation. Inspired and created to promote GOP ideas in their town and county. For that very reason, I have personally cut all ties with that group.

The TEA Party was NOT designed to be a wing of the GOP. It was NOT designed to be co-opted BY the GOP. The TEA Party was designed to take the Conservatives of this nation to a place they haven't been in a while. A place where true Conservatism is the plan. A place where RINO politics isn't allowed.

For those that don't know, RINO = Republican In Name Only, in other words, a conservative Republican when the mood strikes them, or the need hits them. Think John McCain.

It's all about our Core Values America, and standing up for what's RIGHT, not necessarily what's popular.

As GOP civil war rages, Democrats look to benefit

As GOP civil war rages, Democrats look to benefit

WASHINGTON (AP) - A Republican civil war is raging, with righter-than-thou conservatives dominating ever more primaries in a fight for the party's soul. And the Democrats hope to benefit.

The latest examples of conservative insurgents' clout came Tuesday at opposite ends of the country. In Florida, political newcomer Rick Scott beat longtime congressman and state Attorney General Bill McCollum for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. And in Alaska, tea party activists and Sarah Palin pushed Sen. Lisa Murkowski to the brink of defeat, depending on absentee ballot counts in her race against outsider Joe Miller.

Full Story Here:
As GOP civil war rages, Democrats look to benefit

A fight is being waged within the Republican Party. It's a fight between REAL Republicans, the old fashioned Reagan Conservative Republicans, and the RINOs that have come to represent a party that is in severe need of a makeover.

The GOP has made it clear that they will blow smoke up the TEA Party's skirt, use them if they can, and once elections are over, they plan to try and co-opt the TEA Party into being a wing of the GOP.

It's just NOT going to happen that way folks.

There are multitudes of Conservatives out there in *I VOTE LAND* that are SO tired of the GOP, Michael Steele, the RNC, the RINOs, Graham, McCain, Murkowski, Snowe, Collins and so many others. I am happy to see that in many cases, REAL Republicans are replacing RINOs.

The GOP is likely to survive its bitter intraparty battles in such states as Alaska and Utah, even if voters oust veteran senators in both. But tea party-backed candidates might be a godsend to desperate Democrats elsewhere - in Nevada, Florida and perhaps Kentucky, where the Democrats portray GOP nominees as too extreme for their states.

Too extreme for America and their states? Or for the Dems and their game?

God, guns and guts is too extreme? Believing in God is too extreme? Standing up for the right to life of the unborn is too extreme? Wanting secure borders and wanting those in this nation that are not here legally removed? That's too extreme for the Dems?

Do Americans, especially the Blacks of this nation, which do, by and large, vote Democratic, need to be reminded that it was the Democrats that started the Klan? It was the Democrats that sought at every turn to deny the Black man the right to vote? To be counted as a WHOLE person? Do the Dems REALLY want to go there regarding extremes?

If Murkowski joins Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, as a victim of party activists who demand ideological purity, other Republicans are still likely to win in November, though Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would have to deal with more maverick members who are loathe to compromise. And the conservative insurgency is hardly all-powerful, as Sen. John McCain proved by easily winning renomination in Arizona despite a challenge from the right by J.D. Hayworth.

'As a victim of party activists who demand ideological purity' has a nice ring to it.

Compromise is OUT of the question! Compromise is what took America to the brink of disaster, the one that we are now facing in the person of Barack Hussein Obama.

Regarding Conservative insurgency and John McCain, all I can say to the GOP voters of Arizona is this; John McCain is nothing more than an ass-kissing RINO. He got all Conservative as soon as the election cycle started again, and you folks bought it. As soon as it’s over, he’ll go right back to being an ass-kissing RINO, writing bills with Feingold and the like, reaching across the aisle and siding with the Dems at every occasion.

Arizona, you should be ashamed of yourselves.

The White House has tried to link the Republican Party with the fledgling conservative-libertarian tea party coalition - and demonize the combination as too extreme for the country.

That's "the Republican tea party" that's "offering more of the past but on steroids" and is "out of step with where the American people are," Vice President Joe Biden told the party's rank and file last week.

Here we go with that too extreme stuff again. What, exactly, is too extreme?

An American president bowing to foreign dignitaries? Is that too extreme?