CITY: Knoxville, TN (one of 300+ cities across the country having tea parties on 4-15-09 www.taxdayteaparty.com)

WHO: All concerned East Tennessee Volunteers and Americans

WHAT: A peaceful protest focusing on repealing pork and lowering federal taxes, protecting the American dream.

WHEN: 3 – 6 PM; APRIL15

WHERE: World’s Fair Park, downtown Knoxville (Amphitheater)

SPECIAL EVENTS: March to Federal Building Live remote broadcast of Phil Williams Show (WNOX, 100.3 FM), voter registration, speakers, entertainment

Other Info: Carpool if possible – parking is limited. Bring signs and canned goods (food drive to support East Tennessee Second Harvest Food Bank). Please do NOT dump tea or teabags in reflecting pools at WFP! Thanks

Many on the right – and even some on the left – have decried the lack of a strong leader for the conservative party in America (note I didn’t say the Republican party). Michael Steele, the recent elected chairman of the RNC, has been under attack lately. Some are upset that he is trying to be too “moderate”, while others are wondering why, if he is supposed to be such a great communicator, he keeps letting himself get tripped up by the media, who is arguably out to destroy him and all things right.

Having been politically aware for only the last 6 months or so of my 50+ years, I nonetheless have given quite a bit of thought lately to the question of how to define conservatives in America. What do we believe? What is important to us? What are the principles that we cannot or should not compromise? How do we attract people away from the pseudo messiah of “hope” and “change”? Who can best represent us as our leader?

Every time that a likely leader emerges from the conservative side, the liberals start an overt search and destroy campaign. Consider the attacks on Sarah Palin last fall, and more recently, Bobby Jindal. And the laughable media campaign to smear Rush Limbaugh. Whoever ultimately represents the conservatives in 2012 will have to have a spirit of steel to stand up to the constant assault. I am confident that such a person will emerge, and will likely be victorious, especially if the current administration continues the march to communism that it seems to be pursuing. In the meantime, whom do we look to for inspiration and leadership?

I came across an article written by Paul Shlichta on AmericanThinker.com (here). Written in response to the left’s attempt to demonize Rush Limbaugh, Paul has some very wise observations, which I quote below:

“The truth is that conservatives generally don’t have a single leader. They are united by their devotion to the rights of individual citizens, their adherence to traditional morality and the principles of republican government, and their opposition to socialistic meddling with individual freedom. But within that framework of belief, they tolerate and even encourage a diversity of views about specific issues and approaches.

Therefore, no one person can be called the “voice” of Republicans, because they tolerate a broad range of opinions about many issues. No one person can be called “the intellectual force and energy behind the Republican Party” because that role belongs to the conservative-moderate majority of the American people.

Even the most charismatic conservative leaders, like Ronald Reagan, considered themselves first among equals and were open to criticism and debate about policies. We must remember that we did not have a single Founding Father but a group of more than a dozen who, with much public discussion and compromise, collectively hammered out our Constitution and laws.”

I think this is sage advice for Michael Steele, and for every single conservative. What is our strength is our diversity – or at least our potential for diversity. Aside from the fundamental principles of freedom, liberty, fiscal responsibility, small government, and a fair amount of disdain of the government sticking its nose in our business, there are a variety of views on social, moral, and cultural issues. It is the liberals who will not tolerate any dissenting views to their radical agenda.

I am morally offended only when members of the Republican party think they can appeal to “moderates” by voting in favor of larger government and increased spending. This was the biggest mistake conservatives made during the past eight years, and I think most of us have admitted this, and are trying to repent. I am certain that our founding fathers did not agree on every single issue, but they agreed on the important issues. We would do well to remember this, and apply it to our platform.

There has been much talk in the media – especially the new media, about Obama and his administration leading us down the road to socialism. I say forget socialism – we are already at communism. Reading an article on AmericanThinker.com last week, (here)
I was alerted to a pamphlet the Communist Party USA prepared for the 2008 election. If you actually have the guts to link to the CPUSA website, you can find this little gem on their 2008 Election page, (here) “Click here to download PDF”. This pamphlet basically lays out the Communist Party USA platform for the 2008 election (and beyond), which is eerily similar to the Obama administration radical left wing agenda as revealed over the past several months.

The introduction says, in part,

“…There is a crisis in every critical area of national life…Working people want bold new policies to end war, restore democratic traditions and create green living wage jobs, affordable housing, healthcare and quality education for everyone.”

(Did you notice the use of the word “crisis”? I wonder if Obama took his cue from the CPUSA?)

The brochure, neatly printed in both English and Spanish, goes through a few more pages of slamming the right, for example:

“Although the ultra-right is weakened and divided, they continue to push fear, division, racism and anti-immigrant bigotry in this year’s elections, aided and abetted by the corporate media. These multi-pronged poisonous tactics can only be overcome with unbreakable unity.”

I sometimes wonder if the left, including the CPUSA, doesn’t need a long, hard look in the mirror when they say things like that!! “Aided and abetted by the corporate media”? What were these folks drinking when they wrote that?

The CPUSA suggests four “bold policy changes necessary to meet the immediate needs of working people, eliminate poverty and move our country forward with a new President and Congress.” These policies include:

1. Immediate Relief
a. Moratorium on foreclosures, including resetting mortgages so payments are affordable.
b. Extend unemployment compensation, increase payments and eligibility, increase food stamps, WIC, children’s health insurance, and low income energy assistance.
c. assist deficit ridden state and local governments so they can preserve serviceds and jobs. Fund “ready-to-go” infrastructure projects.

2. Peacetime, Green Jobs Economy for all
a. Enact massive public works jobs creation to make existing buildings energy efficient, construct new schools, hospitals, affordable housing, mass transit, and bridges…
b. Major clean, affordable energy development project for solar, wind, and biomass electricity generation. Immediate program to cut greenhouse gas emissions and for environmental cleanup. Restore Federal energy regulation and encourage public ownership of utilities.
c. Enact the Employee Free Choice Act to enable workers to form unions without intimidation and win higher wages and benefits, dignity, and respect.
d. Enact the US National Health Insurance Act to provide universal health insurance with single payer financing. Fully fund public education from pre-school through higher education and technical training…

3. Restore Civil Rights, the Bill of Rights, and Separation of Powers
a. Restore Civil Rights Act enforcement, affirmative action in employment, education, and housing… Outlaw hate crimes. Preserve Roe v. Wade.
b. Pass immigration reform with legalization, a path to citizenship, due process…
c. Repeal Patriot Act. Restore Habeas Corpus rights. No more torture. Investigate and prosecute Bush administration violations of the Constitution
d. Expand voting rights. Enact publically financed elections, same day registration, voting rights for ex-felons… Restore Fairness Doctrine in media.

4. Strength through Peace
a. Withdraw US troops from Iraq… Full care for returning veterans…
b. Adopt a new foreign policy of diplomacy and respect for all nations, instead of preemptive war for corporate interests. Renew commitment to UN peace role
c. End trace policies that enrich corporations while destroying jobs. Ratify Kyoto Treaty and other climate change agreements.
d. Enforce nuclear non-proliferation, work to abolish nuclear weapons. Cut Pentagon spending in half, close down US bases around the world.

The final page of the brochure states: “Defeating the right wing is the first step in the struggle to end exploitation, poverty, racism and war inherent in capitalism…Our vision is a socialist USA, that opens the way for equality, world peace, real democracy, a society in which people control their own destinies in a sustainable world.”

I think it is time we stop calling President Obama’s agenda the road to socialism. It is communism, pure and simple, and it is here. My heart weeps for America.

In spite of less than a week to plan the event, scant publicity, and a cold, drizzly day, over 500 conservatives promoting fiscal responsibility met on Legislative Plaza in Nashville today at noon. The crowd was estimated to number around 600, with attendees mostly from the Nashville area, but several of us drove over from Knoxville and there was at least one group of people from Huntsville, AL. The crowd was incredibly diverse, with working folks dressed in business attire from suits and ties to “casual Friday,” retired folks, moms with young children, and a good number of 20-something young republicans (how encouraging!). I called my local talk radio station to mention the event as I was driving over the Plateau this morning, and they managed to get a reporter to Nashville in time to cover the event.

For some great pictures, check out Michelle Malkin’s website here . Ms. Malkin reports:

“I’ve got tons of photos and e-mails pouring in from Tea Party people across the country. I joked to a Christian Science Monitor reporter covering the events that fiscal responsibility is the new counterculture. More coverage/photos/livestreaming at TCOT Report.

There is, as the old ’60s song goes, something happening here. And what it is, is very clear: A grass-roots revolt against the culture of entitlement. The spendzillas in Washington do not speak for us.”

For 45 minutes today, I was buoyed up by the spirit and determination of the people in this great country who still believe in liberty, freedom, and are opposed to the socialist hijacking that is happening before our very eyes. Hopefully there will be more and more grassroots gatherings like this, and we can make a difference. One of the speakers made a suggestion that each of us to send a tea bag to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. on APRIL 1.

Yesterday the governor of Tennessee, democrat Phil Bredesen, got mention on Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and was interviewed by Fox News TV. While republican governors [Mark Sanford (SC), Bobby Jindal (LA) and others] who have discussed refusing part of the “stimulus” funds have been slammed by the media, and the democrats in congress, here is a DEMOCRAT governor who is also considering refusing part of the “stimulus funds.” The biggest concern for Bredesen and other governors is the funding to expand unemployment benefits. In his Fox News TV interview, Bredesen said the expansion of benefits would be “a good thing,” but “there’s a cost for states down the road” and Tennessee employers could wind up paying higher taxes to cover those costs when the federal money runs out after two years.

I sent an email to Gov. Bredesen thanking him for his consideration of the long term cost to the employers for this provision in the bill. I was also going to suggest that the Tennessee legislature file a resolution to affirm state sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and demand the federal government halt its practice of assuming powers and of imposing mandates upon the states for purposes not enumerated by the Constitution. I have read here on Redstate.com of several other states which have passed such legislation, or are in the process of passing legislation. I did an internet search to find a list of such states, and discovered that, lo and behold, legislators in Tennessee submitted House Joint Resolution 108 (HJR0108) on February 18th. While it’s non-binding, it is well stated. It begins:

A RESOLUTION to affirm Tennessee’s sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and to demand the federal government halt its practice of assuming powers and of imposing mandates upon the states for purposes not enumerated by the Constitution of the United States.

Halting the practice of assuming powers not enumerated is a great first step. Rolling back all the previous unconstitutional legislation is also necessary in the future.

You can read the rest of the resolution here.

Congratulations, Tennessee!

P.S. Don’t forget the Tea Party in Nashville, Friday February 27 from 12 – 1 pm at the Legislative Plaza, 6th and Union St, downtown Nashville. See you there?

It’s been a few days since we were energized by Rick Santelli going off on Obama from the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Stock Exchange, but there is still an untapped groundswell of discontent and resentment in this country for the policies and agenda that Obama and his administration are bringing down on America. I think that the media missed the boat on its analysis of the Non-State-of-the-Union Address last night, as many of those who supported the (slightly more) conservative candidate in November couldn’t bear to turn the TV on and watch. I admit that I only listened on radio (and enjoyed following along online with RedState during the broadcast!) so that I wouldn’t miss any of the follow-on speech by Bobby Jindal. Many have opined here today on the relative mediocrity and genius of those speeches, so I’m not going to duplicate that here.

I do want to call your attention to the concept of hosting a Tea Party, however. It was an idea that Rick Santelli first mentioned in his now infamous CNBC airing (see it here). He claims he is going to plan a Tea Party this summer on the shores of Chicago, so angry tax-paying citizens can gather and throw their derivatives (and whatever else) into the lake. The idea seems to have taken off – Pajamas TV is maintaining a page on their website listing all the scheduled Tea Parties across the country (find it here). Currently there are 19 Tea Parties listed for Friday, Feb. 27, and the list continues to grow. More are scheduled in March and April, and into the summer. So check the schedule, and grab some friends and go rant and rave a little. Talk to the other people there. Discuss solutions. Get involved. It is our country, we have a right to fight for it! Not a Tea Party in your area? Plan one! Get a few friends together, and set a couple of hours aside to gather together. Lunchtime or after work seems to well to work for conservatives (most of us are still working for a living). Post the schedule on PJTV so others will know.

So, I understand that tomorrow our senators get together for a final vote on the mis-named “stimulus” bill. Obama and the Democrats have been on the attack – implying it’s not “patriotic” to vote against the stimulus. The GOP senators did a pretty good job on Friday, but I’m just not getting a warm and fuzzy feeling about this. I think it wise to be in contact with ALL of our GOP senators and encourage them to do the right thing, not just the three detractors already named (Collins, Snowe, and Specter). I just used the web page email contact (available here: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm). You can sort the list by party, which puts all the (R) names at the bottom of the list (it’s alphabetic – “D” comes before “R”). It took me exactly 48 minutes, including a few interruptions. I typed up my message ahead of time to save time and be consistent, and then just pasted it in the message block. Easy. Note that when you click on the link for Lugar and Shelby, it will take you to a new message in your default email program, so you’ll have to paste the message in the body of your email and send it that way. Here is what I wrote, if you need some ideas:

Dear U.S. Senator,

I understand that you will be voting on the final senate version of the 2009 Congressional Spending Bill Monday evening. I came across a .pdf version of the 778-page bill, and skimmed through it. I don’t know how many of you are actually planning to read the thing in its entirety (I would hope that everyone of you would want to do that), but in spite of reported efforts by three of your “Moderate Republican” members, it appears to be even more grotesque in size and scope than the House version. Democrats from both the House and Senate have already made it clear that any concessions made at the request of the moderates will be removed in the final resolution. There is no further reason to pretend to support this bill.

PLEASE VOTE NO ON THE “STUMULUS” BILL.

President Obama, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi have spoken quite clearly that they are not interested in a bi-partisan approach. The approach they seek is “my way or the highway.” The passage of this bill will do more to harm the prosperity and freedom of Americans than anything in history. You should absolutely refuse to have anything to do with this terrible legislation. The Democrats do not need your vote to pass this mess; please let them own it completely and totally on their own. With the current media bias, you will lose either way, so it is critically important to stand on principle and represent your constituents. I am hoping, but have little faith, that some moderate Democrats will vote with their heart and oppose the bill as well. Public support for this bill continues to plummet, and the more the President and Democrats implore you to vote for it, the more you need to distance yourself from it. Doing so will only benefit the GOP during the next election cycle. The very future of our country, and our future generations, depends on you standing firm.

PLEASE VOTE NO ON THE “STUMULUS” BILL.

This is my first Diary, and I’m rather uncertain of the formatting, but I felt it was important information. So please forgive me if it looks yucky.

A number of Red State members have been frustrated by not being able to get through to Senators Collins, Snowe, Specter, and Voinovich by telephone. You can try emailing them or sending a FAX to their Washington DC office. Here is the contact information:

http://collins.senate.gov/public/continue.cfm?FuseAction=ContactSenatorCollins.Email&CFID=39113496&CFTOKEN=99427497

Fax: Washington, D.C. Office (202) 224-2693

http://snowe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactSenatorSnowe.Email

Fax: (202) 224-1946

http://specter.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm

Fax: (202)-228-1229

http://voinovich.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm

Fax: (I could not locate a fax number for the Washington office)