FreeNorwich Responds to the NAACP
When people run out of meaningful dialogue they resort to labels. The colonists were labeled traitors for believing in self-determination. Today’s announcement by the NAACP branding the Tea Party movement as racist is another label cast because they have abandoned participation in the national debate. This is a characterization we flatly reject as having no basis in fact.
The people that make up the Tea Party movement are taxpayers. They are the shrinking majority that are providing the tax dollars that fund schools, roads, police and fire protection, national defense among other necessary services that make this the greatest, most secure, country on earth. The Tea Party believes this is a country of opportunity for those willing to work for it. We have run businesses that hire other taxpayers. We know that not everyone will succeed and there needs to be safety nets available. All of us have had setbacks in life–we believe our struggles serve as learning experiences, rather than excuses to give up.
This isn’t merely a protest movement against the President, but more so of the Congress that controls the purse strings of America. Our elected representatives have ignored the will of their constituents for the purpose of adjudicating a political path that we feel is unsustainable. This is a Congress that voted for an ill-conceived economic stimulus bill and rammed through health care legislation–the contents of which are still a mystery. Yet, this Congress still hasn’t made a dent in unemployment, but has increased the costs of health care for those of us who sought different options. Options that fell on deaf ears and earned us another label: “The Party of No”.
Many of us in this movement have served in our country’s armed forces. When you serve, you are entrusting your life to your brothers in arms–be they white, black, brown, green or yellow. You can’t afford to make distinctions based on race because the only one that matters is if the guy next to you has your back or not. To call us racist for demanding that our government “have our backs” is a slap in the face that we won’t tolerate.
We were founded because enough like-minded people saw the policies our elected officials were promoting would not fix the path generations of apathy led us down. The situation has not improved and we are now burdening our children and grandchildren with these failed policies. This only serves to increase our ranks. Whether through vocal protests or the silent ones that will take place in voting booths all across the country this November, we will be heard. Brandishing us racists will not cover up the fact that our government has failed us.
Thank you Paul for this very strong statement against the branding of the Tea Party as racist by the NAACP. The Tea Party is made up of hard working law abiding citizens of this great Nation and we will not sit silently as out good name is tarnished.
1I must say that through the Tea Party I have met so many true Patriots that love this country and want it’s freedoms preserved for generations to come. Standing up for what you believe is never easy but we feel compelled to do it and will continue to do so steadfastly.
Some people are only relevant if they have a race baited fight on their hands. Sorry, I don’t see anybody as black, white or otherwise, rather I see them as people. Piss off NAACP.
2WOW !!Free Norwich hit a Big Time home run ! When enough media outlets recognize and are willing to expose the tactics of the “left” (demonize your oposition), the “good guys” will consistantly win.
3P.S. The tactics are exposed in the book ” RULES FOR RADICALS “, at your local library.
It’s always the black that scream racists about anyting or anyone they disagree with, the real truth is the blacks are the true RACISTS. Even though there are some very good black people in this country, however, the minority group of blacks dominate the media with their profound lies, cheating and stealing. A black racists with just a tiny bit of power are the most RUTHLESS human beings on this planet. If anyone has any doubts about that last statement, then go back to past and present history of the african leaders, then research about the blacks in the USA that have held and or currently holding any political office and you’ll discover the actual scheme of corruption beyond imagination as Mayors, Councilmen, aldermen, Fire Chiefs, Police Chiefs, University Presidents, senators, congressmen, President, black panthers, NAACP, etc. The NAACP can go straight to HELL.
4It’s just another in a long series of their attempts of not deal with the real issue. It’s like resorting to a profanity when you’re bested in an argument. The Liberals/Democrats live to marginalize. Divide and conquer. Sadly, they’ve been fairly successful with this strategy. Hopefully people have had enough of it.
Just like when we fought the cemetery here in Canterbury. They called us racists because we didn’t want bodies floating down our streets.
5Geesh….. let’s try that first sentence again
It’s just another in a long series of attempts to find a way to not have to deal with the real issues.
6Glad to see Ray came out of hiding after his fine “free money” statement about me… How are all of those grants coming for Canterbury??
Paul,
Do you really think that this all started because of bailouts and healthcare?? Time to get a little more often. This is what gives the TEA Party bad publicity. They can only see the last 18 months. Has nothing to do with prejudice as that is just all stupid rhetoric. If the Dems really wanted to tear the TEA Party up just take stupid statements like Paul made as a TEA Party rep.
Just so you realize Paul but this economy and country have been having troubles for 50+ years. We have neever controlled the debt of this country except for 2 years while teh GOP controlled Congress while Clinton was President.
As for the military… yes they don’t discrimnate over color or race but absolutely over sexuality…. http://www.philforhumanity.com/Don_t_Ask_Don_t_Tell.html
7Scott,
I’ll go back about forty years, not quite fifty. Selling your childrens’ soul to debt is the sin of two generations now. For many of us, President Bush’s bailouts were the tipping point. Much like 9/11 and the Challenger disaster, my friends and I watched the House vote on TARP as it was a defining moment in history. No Tea Party Patriot I know will disagree that the worst started right about then.
President Obama uses the “well they did it before us” justification to travel WAY FURTHER down this path than many of us could have ever imagined.
I commend Paul for pointing at the Congress for the problems that we have. Frank, Pelosi, Dodd, Reid, and most importantly JOE COURTNEY are our problems. I make an effort to not shit talk the President as I understand his important role as Commander-in-Chief.
As far as your military discrimination (against gays) comment, I’d ask you, what specifically in your military service would lead to your opinion?
I’m probably the most gay-friendly liber-conservative that you’ll meet. That being said, I’d ask that gays stay under the radar or not serve in the submarine force. I have my reasons, and unless you ask I don’t need to expound upon them.
8Rich,
What does me serving in the military have to do with gays. Either you like them or you don’t. If they can sit/stand beside you in your living room, church, plane ride etc… then they can stand beside you in the military. End of story.
Yes the budget issues go back to 1960… that wold be 50 years now.
Of course you commend Paul… he is one of your boys… The problem is that is all he talks about… the last 18 months which makes his knowledge… or it makes it seem that his knowledge is limited to only the Obama years. Go over the whole past or it seems you are after only Obama.
9Scott,
I have been getting out, A LOT lately. And the Tea Party movement was born of the bailouts, stimulus and pending health care legislation. As a matter of fact I posted my first letter to Joe Courtney, sans digital tea bags, in Jan ‘09 on the old forum. No the problem isn’t new but has gotten out of hand under the last 2 administrations. We know it has nothing to do with race and everything to do with unsustainable gov’t programs.
You have misinterpreted my mentioning of lessons learned through military service. Sexual orientation falls right in with racial discrimination. It is a moot point. As long as someone is staying awake on watch, keeping their weapon clean and is squared away I don’t care who or what they are. And to add to that, I and my comrades didn’t mind picking up the load for someone else as long as it wasn’t a perpetual thing. Just like now, Tea Party members don’t mind picking up the load for those who have fallen on hard times as long as it doesn’t become habitual.
And you can tell the little bird in your ear, those grants will take care of themselves.
10“Just like now, Tea Party members don’t mind picking up the load for those who have fallen on hard times as long as it doesn’t become habitual.”
To me this just about says it all regarding our past and present failings and taking liberties with other citizen’s monies/taxes. I don’t believe the Tea party folks have a lock on this notion either. IMO it runs across the political spectrum. I don’t mind helping but I’ll be damned if your getting my money to sit home watching Jerry Springer and drinking beer while I’m at work! I’m sure everyone but the recipients of those checks would agree wholeheartedly.
Get out of the cart and push or find another wagon train!
11Gays:
12I don’t care if you have propensity for falling in love with rabbits. WHO CARES. Why must one shout it to the world. They don’t care either. Never been in the military but projecting myself into a foxhole, all I care about is if your trained as I am to cover our asses under fire! Same goes for race. Are you trained or not? Don’t much care if your pink with purple polka dots! Though some do fall to our human failings and discriminate, I personally think it’s simple human nature, fear, and the lack of knowledge of the unknown, in this case another race. Back on topic I agree with Rich’s post in the beginning. Piss off NAACP I for one am tired of anyone constantly trying to lay a guilt trip on me!
I feel the NAACP has gotten so Political and has steered away from what they really represent. This is just a ploy to shut the Tea Party down- face the facts: We the People of the Tea Party are so so big and our issues are so relevant to this Administration that they are reaching for something, some way to shut us UP! It WON”T WORK. Not when the Average American Tax payer has a voice through the Tea Party! Let’s just continue on our mission and hold our heads up and continue on because they will try again in another way to get us to SHUT UP. We are very effective in what we do! They don’t like IT!
13Scott,
Me Hiding….. hardly. Working, going to college full time, work on several committees including the RTC, the SCC, the Veterans Memorial Committee and the Board of Finance. How about you? Seems you have a lot of time on your hands. Maybe you should consider improving your education or finding a way to more productively utilize your time by helping in your community.
The town has voted down several grants. Despite Canterbury’s current administration porkfest, several grant requests have been voted down by town meeting recently along with other unnecessary expansions of government.
As a private organization, Little League should be self funded. Bottom line. Either that or the grants should instead be loans that are to be payed back with interest.
Wow, I just found this on their website…. interesting to say the least….
“Little League Baseball and Softball is a private organization. It is not a government organization, and thus is not bound by the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights with regard to the First Amendment’s prohibition against the state establishing an “official” religion. Consequently, if any pledge is recited before games or distributed in literature by member leagues, or if a prayer is recited before games, or if the National Anthem is played, it is not an infringement of anyone’s rights under the U.S. Constitution.”
Learn to live within your league budget just like the rest of us are forced to.
14BTW Scott I think you were asked specifically what in your military service would lead to your stated opinion. Please answer directly if you could.
Thank you!
15This is just typical of the NAACP. They promote reverse racism because they know that it hurts black Americans, and as long as there are frustrated, angry, black Americans, the NAACP can survive. They dont want blacks to be involved, or know whats going on. The good news is, blacks in America arent just walking zombies looking for a black leader, and some of them are beginning to wake up and understand we are all suffering together.
16What to do with Mark williams of the Tea party Express letter to Lincoln? Seems a bit bad to me?
17Ok Ray,
No I didn’t serve in the military… and your point is??? Let me guess because I didn’t I can’t render an opinion right? Well you haven’t been a Congressman or President of the US… so is your rantings usable??
Why should the military be allowed to discriminate Ray?
As long as a person can do all that is expected of them they should be allowed to serve. Correct??
Yes I know I am supposed to bow down to you Ray because you were in the military. You made a career choice. What about everyone else who serves to keep us safe?? You know the Police, nurses, EMTs, Firemen/women etc…. I am very happy they have done there duty as well as anyone in the military. I truly appreciate the efforts.
So what exactly was your point to the question Ray??? Are you against gays in the military???
18Ray,
19I won’t talk about the LL over here… I am going to the Plainfield thread to post
Paul,
Thanks for the reply! Glad to hear your response and you did clear some things up
20The point is you haven’t served so you have nothing to base your opinion on. The military doesn’t discriminate. Don’t ask don’t tell just didn’t advocate this lifestyle choice. Serving in the military is just a tad bit different than elected office now isn’t it Scott. Or let me just tell you, I’ve done both…. it is.
The point is your opinion is based on NOTHING. You haven’t been there, so you just don’t know.
My political opinions are based on research, my morals and in an official capacity based on what the people I serve communicate to me. If they elect me, I also rely on the premise that if they elected me, they trust I’ll do my level best for them, and the community. But overall, I listen and I do what I promise to do and I represent their wishes/feelings not my own.
Am I “against” gays in the military? Personally if they serve professionally I really have no opinion on the subject. Same goes for females on submarines. Our servicemen and women are professionals. They’ll serve with honor, they will adapt and overcome anything thrown at them. They always have, and they always will. You see, in the military you don’t have to agree with anything, you just have to do what you’re ordered to do. If you don’t agree or can’t accept that, then you get out at the end of your enlistment or you resign your commission after you’ve completed your service obligation.
Everyone in the military gets treated equally across the board, period end of story. If I were still in, I’d leave it to the brass to make the policy decisions. I always had more than enough work to do without worrying about things I had no control of or power to change. I’m no longer in the active US Military, so it no longer directly effects me so I’ll leave that decision to those that are serving. We served with gays and anyone who says differently is walking around with blinders on.
There is no black, white, yellow, blue or green when it comes to skin color in the military.
As I used to tell recruits when I was a company commander, “no matter what your background, your upbringing or former feelings, when you get off the bus and walk through that gate everyone of you are 100% Navy blue and you wear that uniform 24/7 from here on out”.
That comes from 20 years of experience Scott, I don’t expect you to “bow down”, however it might be nice if you owned up to the fact that someone who HAS served might just know a little bit more about it than you do. I know that might put a bit of a dent in that huge ego of yours but so be it.
21I consider it a privilege to have been given the opportunity to serve my country and for 3 more years I will continue to do so (Fleet Reserve). I feel the same way about my elected offices.
Well Ray you can not have it both ways. If you need to serve in the military to be able to render an opinion on whether Don’t ask Don’t tell is valid then the same should go for every subject people comment on. There is a BIG difference on being an elected Congressman then being one in teeny tiny little Canterbury. Sorry to bust your huge oversized collar up wearing ego. A person can do research on every subject to form an opinion including don’t as don’t tell.
Of course someone who has worked in a situation would know more… DUH…. but it does not render the opinion mute as you have tried to do with mine. SO can we draw the conclusion that you have never ever done volunteer work in little league so your opinion on all things little league are mute???
See how stupid it sounds???? Again your pompus attitude you carry thinking you know all because you served really shows.
Your opinion on what Congressman, Presidents, little leagues etc are based on NOTHING. You haven’t done the work so you just don’t know!
Oh and you didn’t answer.,. no opinion on the subject Ray???? HAHAHHAHAHA that’s a good one. Yes or no Ray… are you against gays serving in the military????
22Wrong answer on all counts
I was on the Board of Directors at a local Little League and was responsible for major renovations of the ball fields (one softball, one baseball and one tee ball). Didn’t get state funding either. All volunteer both labor and material. We only charged $35 per child and $50 per family and still had the best fields in the area.
“Collar up”, what are you talking about? By the way, opinions might be moot, not mute. Not to worry though, I’ve made that mistake myself. Looks like mute fits there, but it doesn’t.
Don’t be too hard on yourself Scott. I think you have an issue with jealousy. Don’t worry, when you grow up you might find that maturity allows you to feel better about yourself despite your imperfections.
Leadership is leadership, government processes are the same regardless of the office. I think you’ll find political offices in “tiny little Canterbury” aren’t any different than anywhere else including the national offices. People are elected to serve their communities, state or nation. They are elected to REPRESENT their constituency. Not to hard to understand.
I feel we should leave military policies to those it truly effects. I feel the current administration is using the military to advance its political agenda. When Don’t ask Don’t tell was adopted, it was felt that “open homosexuality presented an unacceptable risk to morale, cohesion and discipline.” This being the case, how could anyone advocate for an issue where the fighting men and women of this country could be detracted from their already difficult duties during a time in which this country is fighting multiple wars? The only reason I can think of is to advance a political agenda. I think even you can figure out that isn’t a good thing now is it Scott?
When the military can make the case that open homosexuality DOES NOT present an unacceptable risk to morale, cohesion and discipline.”, I will consider voicing an opinion. Until such a time, I’ll not advocate for something that is potentially harmful to what is really at stake here which is national defense and the well being of our sailors, solders, marines and airmen that provide it.
23