What is the Tea Party?

Fellow Patriots,

What is the Tea Party movement? It seems so obvious to me, but I have seen some strange indications from a variety of sources that many people do not understand what it is all about. First and foremost, Tea Party groups such as LaGrange Patriots are simply groups of Americans who believe this country is really quite special and that it is special because of the fundamental principles on which our nation was founded. The current President of the United States was elected on a platform that said he would fundamentally change the country. This does not compute for most Tea Party people. We are for improving, streamlining and even tweaking, but we are not for changing the fundamental beliefs that have made the United States a model for nations around the world.

Our nation is founded on certain unalienable rights and principles. They do not need changing. America was founded as a free market society in which government was directed to limit itself to only certain areas. Since the early 20th Century and the advent of the progressive movement, as a nation we have been moving away from those elementary principles. Government has become bigger and more intrusive in the lives of the average American citizen. This was not the intent of the founding fathers. History clearly tells us that the founders feared a government with too much power. These well educated and dedicated statesmen recognized that rights come from God and that they are not granted by government. We believe that the Federal government, and in some cases State governments, have increasingly violated individual rights of American citizens.

When our government ignores or violates the U.S. Constitution, it is disregarding the contract it made with citizens over 200 years ago. The Constitution stipulates what the Federal government is empowered to do. Further, the Tenth Amendment clearly states that other powers are reserved to the States or to the people. Tea Party members believe that this fundamental relationship has been violated.

LaGrange Patriots promote voter awareness. We covet the values of free enterprise, hard work and individual self-determination. We disagree with those who would change our nation into another Soviet Union or another Cuba. Over a period of 200 years, our constitutional form of government has proven itself effective. The United States has become the envy of the world. We believe that what made America great is the personal responsibility and determination of each citizen to strive for a better life. We, as Americans, are guaranteed the right to strive, but we are not guaranteed success. Certainly, we do not expect any form of success engineered by a "big brother" government.

If you agree with these fundamental beliefs, join us on Saturday, May 15th at 4:00 p.m. in Lafayette Square. There, LaGrange Patriots will celebrate the joy and challenge of being Americans. Herman Cain will lead our list of speakers. This Tea Party Rally is not limited by race, religion, national origin or political party. Come and participate as we celebrate being Americans.

Ford McLain