Great photos and links to local and national news coverage here:
http://teapartyexpress.wordpress.com/
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Tea Party Express - Day 7, Texas
Tea Party Express Caravan
Day 7 – September 3
San Antonio and Waco, Texas
What’s the deal? We managed to get through the entire San Antonio tea party without hearing one single drawl. Are we not in Texas? We must be, because we were smack dab in the center of the Alamo plaza today. It was CROWDED. I’d estimate 1,200 turned out, but we were so cramped in the middle, and spread out around the edges, it’s hard to get a good guess.
The tea partiers were so very kind and welcoming. Regrettably, it was ridiculously hot – and humid. At least that’s what I think they call it. It was only around 80 degrees, but I was soaking wet all day, like everyone else. It’s hard to carry on a conversation because at least one of the parties has liquid dripping from their face the whole time. The musicians and singers had to stop 3 separate times to call for a medical doctor to attend some overheated patriot. I heard they are all 3 doing well now. These are brave, committed folks.
It looked like every local news outlet in town came by. We were in the same place from which Glenn Beck broadcast his April 15th Tea Party day show. LOTS of Beck fans in the crowd! Sold more Sarah Palin shirts here than anywhere else, so far.
John talked with the counter-protester for a few minutes. His sign read “Universal Healthcare = Human Right.” I think my favorite sign of the day was “Think Green. Recycle Congress.”
William and Selena Owens both spoke briefly. I sure like them.
We’re meeting all the TPE caravan workers – Tiffany, Donald, Calvin, Ryan…great people.
Waco, Texas
Boy, is Waco Tea Party organized. They all wear matching shirts, had staff badges, and had a local forum going long before the TPE arrived at around 5pm. The stage set in a huge lawn bowl was great. I think there were as many as 2,500 people. Candidates were relegated to one area of the edge of the lawn with their tables and flyers. No candidates or politicians are allowed to speak on the stage. I like that.
Griff did another live package right at the end of the tea party. I guess the news folks still see the growing movement – it’s not Astroturf, because Astroturf doesn’t GROW!
FOUR tea party stops tomorrow. Time for bed!
Day 7 – September 3
San Antonio and Waco, Texas
What’s the deal? We managed to get through the entire San Antonio tea party without hearing one single drawl. Are we not in Texas? We must be, because we were smack dab in the center of the Alamo plaza today. It was CROWDED. I’d estimate 1,200 turned out, but we were so cramped in the middle, and spread out around the edges, it’s hard to get a good guess.
The tea partiers were so very kind and welcoming. Regrettably, it was ridiculously hot – and humid. At least that’s what I think they call it. It was only around 80 degrees, but I was soaking wet all day, like everyone else. It’s hard to carry on a conversation because at least one of the parties has liquid dripping from their face the whole time. The musicians and singers had to stop 3 separate times to call for a medical doctor to attend some overheated patriot. I heard they are all 3 doing well now. These are brave, committed folks.
It looked like every local news outlet in town came by. We were in the same place from which Glenn Beck broadcast his April 15th Tea Party day show. LOTS of Beck fans in the crowd! Sold more Sarah Palin shirts here than anywhere else, so far.
John talked with the counter-protester for a few minutes. His sign read “Universal Healthcare = Human Right.” I think my favorite sign of the day was “Think Green. Recycle Congress.”
William and Selena Owens both spoke briefly. I sure like them.
We’re meeting all the TPE caravan workers – Tiffany, Donald, Calvin, Ryan…great people.
Waco, Texas
Boy, is Waco Tea Party organized. They all wear matching shirts, had staff badges, and had a local forum going long before the TPE arrived at around 5pm. The stage set in a huge lawn bowl was great. I think there were as many as 2,500 people. Candidates were relegated to one area of the edge of the lawn with their tables and flyers. No candidates or politicians are allowed to speak on the stage. I like that.
Griff did another live package right at the end of the tea party. I guess the news folks still see the growing movement – it’s not Astroturf, because Astroturf doesn’t GROW!
FOUR tea party stops tomorrow. Time for bed!
Tea Party Express - Day 6 El Paso, TX
Tea Party Express Caravan
Day 6– September 2
El Paso, Texas
We managed to get to the El Paso rally a bit early. Hooray! We were all dressed and nearly rested and ready to go. The TPE buses pulled in right in front of us and got to work setting up their stage and sound system. These folks are really pros. Gianna is memorizing the music from the program and walks around singing, “I need a bailout. Somebody rescue me” – a song by the Rivoli Revue. It’s pretty cute.
Mandie has become the official Tea Party dog. She is so well-behaved. I have no idea what happened. She used to bug me like crazy, and on this long trip she just lays around wherever we put her and hasn’t been demanding at all. I guess she wants to stick around on the journey. Good dog.
Fact I did not know about El Paso – it has a HUGE democrat voter registration dominance. I suppose the TPE organizers knew this, and wanted to give the locals a rallying point. I saw folks meeting one another and looking a bit relieved to find others in their town who shared their feelings about government growth, interference and increasing taxes. That’s encouraging. I’d guess we had around 250 folks out, which I think is outstanding for a Wednesday morning with nearly zero local news coverage – at least from what the locals said. Especially when there are so many residents who want to be taken care of by the nanny state.
The crowd may have been smallish, but they had big enthusiasm. They gathered before the singing of the Star Spangled Banner by Diana Nagy, and sang together, a capella. It was sweet. When the show started, they were more than welcoming. Griff shot a live package from the middle of the tea party that will air during Hannity or Greta tonight.
Our fellow button-people friends, Brian and Brigitte, joined the tour today. Nice to bump into them.
Folks around El Paso sure are polite.
Now, off to San Antonio.
Day 6– September 2
El Paso, Texas
We managed to get to the El Paso rally a bit early. Hooray! We were all dressed and nearly rested and ready to go. The TPE buses pulled in right in front of us and got to work setting up their stage and sound system. These folks are really pros. Gianna is memorizing the music from the program and walks around singing, “I need a bailout. Somebody rescue me” – a song by the Rivoli Revue. It’s pretty cute.
Mandie has become the official Tea Party dog. She is so well-behaved. I have no idea what happened. She used to bug me like crazy, and on this long trip she just lays around wherever we put her and hasn’t been demanding at all. I guess she wants to stick around on the journey. Good dog.
Fact I did not know about El Paso – it has a HUGE democrat voter registration dominance. I suppose the TPE organizers knew this, and wanted to give the locals a rallying point. I saw folks meeting one another and looking a bit relieved to find others in their town who shared their feelings about government growth, interference and increasing taxes. That’s encouraging. I’d guess we had around 250 folks out, which I think is outstanding for a Wednesday morning with nearly zero local news coverage – at least from what the locals said. Especially when there are so many residents who want to be taken care of by the nanny state.
The crowd may have been smallish, but they had big enthusiasm. They gathered before the singing of the Star Spangled Banner by Diana Nagy, and sang together, a capella. It was sweet. When the show started, they were more than welcoming. Griff shot a live package from the middle of the tea party that will air during Hannity or Greta tonight.
Our fellow button-people friends, Brian and Brigitte, joined the tour today. Nice to bump into them.
Folks around El Paso sure are polite.
Now, off to San Antonio.
Tea Party Express - Day 5 New Mexico
Tea Party Express Caravan
Day 5 – September 1
New Mexico
OK, this is getting hard. Keeping our family of 4, plus the dog, propped up and energized for hundreds of miles of driving every day, setting up and tearing down in the sweltering heat, and missing the majority of the fantastic scenery in these great cities is challenging. It reminds me of the bus tour John and I took through Europe a few years ago. It should have been billed as a tour of all the great truck stops of western Europe. But it did help us get our feet wet and give us an idea of where we'd like to come on the next trip to Europe - Italy! I guess this cross-country tour will help us figure out which parts of the U.S. we'd like to visit for longer stretches. So, we’re plugging along, and reminding ourselves that this is bigger than just the travel. We’re fighting to keep our country and to finally be heard. So, we press on.
We didn’t get a very good handle on the time zone change, and ended up pulling into Albuquerque about an hour into the rally. It was in a huge bowl of a park, with no easy access for our gear. We calculated out the time and distance to Las Cruces tonight, and decided if we left that minute, without setting up one thing at all… we’d still be a half-hour late to the next stop! So, we jumped out long enough to snap a few photos of the 500 or so folks, most of whom seemed to have taken a long lunch break to tea party with us, and then hit the highway again. It was around 90 degrees, and the locals were calling it quits a bit early citing the heat.
The drive to Las Cruces was scenic, and the rally location was next to a beautiful lake. We pulled in about 10 minutes after the first bus arrived. The two busses don’t come along at the same time. It seems one of the drivers is a bit quicker than the other. In fact, he flew by us at warp speed at least a half-hour outside of Las Cruces. Passed us like we were out for a Sunday drive. That big thing can really move!
The rally drew at least 1,000 folks – possibly 1,500 (I’m getting much better at estimating crowd sizes…practice, practice, practice.) Had a little interview with the CNN reporter, in which I had to try to explain the special toilet paper on our table – given to us by BanksterBusters.com in Las Vegas. It has the faces of dozens of offending politicians, complete with sassy nicknames. Yeah, not really my area of expertise, and since we personally make nearly everything we typically carry, I’m pretty sure it was clear how unfamiliar I was with the product. Oh well. It was nice to be noticed, even with my hair sticking to my sweaty face and my clothes soaked from the high temps and hard work.
One great thing about New Mexico: when I tell someone my name, I don't have to spell "Gallegos" slowly. They already know how to spell it!
Our family is starting to get into a groove with packing and unloading. Too bad we couldn’t keep the mosquitos from eating us alive!
Day 5 – September 1
New Mexico
OK, this is getting hard. Keeping our family of 4, plus the dog, propped up and energized for hundreds of miles of driving every day, setting up and tearing down in the sweltering heat, and missing the majority of the fantastic scenery in these great cities is challenging. It reminds me of the bus tour John and I took through Europe a few years ago. It should have been billed as a tour of all the great truck stops of western Europe. But it did help us get our feet wet and give us an idea of where we'd like to come on the next trip to Europe - Italy! I guess this cross-country tour will help us figure out which parts of the U.S. we'd like to visit for longer stretches. So, we’re plugging along, and reminding ourselves that this is bigger than just the travel. We’re fighting to keep our country and to finally be heard. So, we press on.
We didn’t get a very good handle on the time zone change, and ended up pulling into Albuquerque about an hour into the rally. It was in a huge bowl of a park, with no easy access for our gear. We calculated out the time and distance to Las Cruces tonight, and decided if we left that minute, without setting up one thing at all… we’d still be a half-hour late to the next stop! So, we jumped out long enough to snap a few photos of the 500 or so folks, most of whom seemed to have taken a long lunch break to tea party with us, and then hit the highway again. It was around 90 degrees, and the locals were calling it quits a bit early citing the heat.
The drive to Las Cruces was scenic, and the rally location was next to a beautiful lake. We pulled in about 10 minutes after the first bus arrived. The two busses don’t come along at the same time. It seems one of the drivers is a bit quicker than the other. In fact, he flew by us at warp speed at least a half-hour outside of Las Cruces. Passed us like we were out for a Sunday drive. That big thing can really move!
The rally drew at least 1,000 folks – possibly 1,500 (I’m getting much better at estimating crowd sizes…practice, practice, practice.) Had a little interview with the CNN reporter, in which I had to try to explain the special toilet paper on our table – given to us by BanksterBusters.com in Las Vegas. It has the faces of dozens of offending politicians, complete with sassy nicknames. Yeah, not really my area of expertise, and since we personally make nearly everything we typically carry, I’m pretty sure it was clear how unfamiliar I was with the product. Oh well. It was nice to be noticed, even with my hair sticking to my sweaty face and my clothes soaked from the high temps and hard work.
One great thing about New Mexico: when I tell someone my name, I don't have to spell "Gallegos" slowly. They already know how to spell it!
Our family is starting to get into a groove with packing and unloading. Too bad we couldn’t keep the mosquitos from eating us alive!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Tea Party Express - Day 4 Vegas/Flagstaff
Tea Party Express Caravan
Day 4
August 31 – Las Vegas, Nevada and Flagstaff, Arizona
Phew! Whose idea was it to hang out in the parking lot in Las Vegas, in August, at mid-day?! The temperature was at least 102 degrees, but that didn’t keep the tea party crowd from coming out early, and hanging in there for hours waiting for the big buses to arrive, and then exercising their rights at the rally. It had to be close to 2,000 people. Don't mean to complain. The energy was as high as the temperature. And the TPE organizers have done a really good job at planning the stops, locations and times. There are only so many hours in the day, and there are quite a few miles to cover. It's working so far!
Saw our first “counter-protester” in Vegas. It was one guy carrying his “We support Obama Healthcare and Stimulus” sign, but I noticed he was all alone. Or maybe he had a mouse in his pocket. Anyway, it's American to express your opinion, so...good job, guy.
Local news outlets came out to cover the rally, and I heard it was broadcast live on CNN and Fox News. Hmmm…anyone see any coverage of that? I know TPE has several “embedded” media outlet reps traveling across the country with them. From what I’ve heard, the coverage is pretty fair, and I’ve heard several compliments for the CNN reporter’s coverage being courteous and accurate. Good job, CNN.
Wayne Root came out to address the crowd, and Sharron Angle finished up her 6-stop tour on the Tea Party bus. The local organizers in Las Vegas really work hard at these tea parties, and could sure use some financial support. The arrangements, and the continued political activism, can get pretty expensive.
The drive from Vegas to Arizona crosses the Hoover Dam, as most of you likely know. It was the first trip across for our little girl. She was pretty excited to see all the activity. But the heat started to get to our car, towing all our gear. We had to pull over and let the engine rest more than once climbing the hills. It was hot, hot, hot.
Second counter-protest I witnessed was in Flagstaff. We had around 900 Tea Party Patriots gathered in the evening after the workday, and about 15 or maybe even 20 counter-protesters across the street carrying their signs. Most said “Public Option – Yes” or “Healthcare now” or similar. They only hung in there for about an hour, though. Our tea party lasted around 2 hours. I guess it’s just not that fun for some. I sure appreciate the peaceful demonstrations. I feel so American. Just wish they could get some bigger numbers out to support their anti-anti-big-government cause. Too bad.
Day 4
August 31 – Las Vegas, Nevada and Flagstaff, Arizona
Phew! Whose idea was it to hang out in the parking lot in Las Vegas, in August, at mid-day?! The temperature was at least 102 degrees, but that didn’t keep the tea party crowd from coming out early, and hanging in there for hours waiting for the big buses to arrive, and then exercising their rights at the rally. It had to be close to 2,000 people. Don't mean to complain. The energy was as high as the temperature. And the TPE organizers have done a really good job at planning the stops, locations and times. There are only so many hours in the day, and there are quite a few miles to cover. It's working so far!
Saw our first “counter-protester” in Vegas. It was one guy carrying his “We support Obama Healthcare and Stimulus” sign, but I noticed he was all alone. Or maybe he had a mouse in his pocket. Anyway, it's American to express your opinion, so...good job, guy.
Local news outlets came out to cover the rally, and I heard it was broadcast live on CNN and Fox News. Hmmm…anyone see any coverage of that? I know TPE has several “embedded” media outlet reps traveling across the country with them. From what I’ve heard, the coverage is pretty fair, and I’ve heard several compliments for the CNN reporter’s coverage being courteous and accurate. Good job, CNN.
Wayne Root came out to address the crowd, and Sharron Angle finished up her 6-stop tour on the Tea Party bus. The local organizers in Las Vegas really work hard at these tea parties, and could sure use some financial support. The arrangements, and the continued political activism, can get pretty expensive.
The drive from Vegas to Arizona crosses the Hoover Dam, as most of you likely know. It was the first trip across for our little girl. She was pretty excited to see all the activity. But the heat started to get to our car, towing all our gear. We had to pull over and let the engine rest more than once climbing the hills. It was hot, hot, hot.
Second counter-protest I witnessed was in Flagstaff. We had around 900 Tea Party Patriots gathered in the evening after the workday, and about 15 or maybe even 20 counter-protesters across the street carrying their signs. Most said “Public Option – Yes” or “Healthcare now” or similar. They only hung in there for about an hour, though. Our tea party lasted around 2 hours. I guess it’s just not that fun for some. I sure appreciate the peaceful demonstrations. I feel so American. Just wish they could get some bigger numbers out to support their anti-anti-big-government cause. Too bad.
Tea Party Express - Day 3
Tea Party Express Caravan
Day 3 - August 30
Ely, Nevada
Ely- there had to be about 150 Nevadans out to Tea Party in the nice, shady park. Close to half of them were veterans, including the sales manager of the local radio station, KDSS, JC Ward. A nice man, father of 5, I think he said. (His youngest girl is beautiful!) He told me a brief, but harrowing story of a night he spent buried in sand next to enemy tanks during Desert Storm. Sorry for complaining about the heat and having to stand at the tea party, JC.
Met a nice man, Therman Mullins, carrying a huge Navy Jack - Don’t Tread on Me flag (the one with the red stripes and the straight snake, not the yellow one with the coiled snake). He told me all about the flag’s history, which I regret was unfamiliar to me. He said he had sons on submarines, and that his particular flag was important to the seamen on those subs. I was impressed by how many US military veterans there were out there tea partying. Interesting.
Bumped into some fellow button people. Stephen has his son with him, and his son’s girlfriend. They are from Colorado and are making the entire trip with the TPE. Also met Jonathan and his wife, two of the few conservatives in Manhattan (that’s in New York, for those of you who are as bad at US geography as I am). He sells buttons on the weekends at home, and gets rude comments and even gets spit on (yikes). But he does it anyway and is a patriot for spreading the message.
Smooth, easy day of traveling, except for the smoke. Mike, a dedicated tea partier from Reno who is leaving the TPE today to get back to work, said there’s a fire in southern California. We’re not getting much news on this trip…I guess we’re just making it, instead!
Day 3 - August 30
Ely, Nevada
Ely- there had to be about 150 Nevadans out to Tea Party in the nice, shady park. Close to half of them were veterans, including the sales manager of the local radio station, KDSS, JC Ward. A nice man, father of 5, I think he said. (His youngest girl is beautiful!) He told me a brief, but harrowing story of a night he spent buried in sand next to enemy tanks during Desert Storm. Sorry for complaining about the heat and having to stand at the tea party, JC.
Met a nice man, Therman Mullins, carrying a huge Navy Jack - Don’t Tread on Me flag (the one with the red stripes and the straight snake, not the yellow one with the coiled snake). He told me all about the flag’s history, which I regret was unfamiliar to me. He said he had sons on submarines, and that his particular flag was important to the seamen on those subs. I was impressed by how many US military veterans there were out there tea partying. Interesting.
Bumped into some fellow button people. Stephen has his son with him, and his son’s girlfriend. They are from Colorado and are making the entire trip with the TPE. Also met Jonathan and his wife, two of the few conservatives in Manhattan (that’s in New York, for those of you who are as bad at US geography as I am). He sells buttons on the weekends at home, and gets rude comments and even gets spit on (yikes). But he does it anyway and is a patriot for spreading the message.
Smooth, easy day of traveling, except for the smoke. Mike, a dedicated tea partier from Reno who is leaving the TPE today to get back to work, said there’s a fire in southern California. We’re not getting much news on this trip…I guess we’re just making it, instead!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Tea Party Express - Day 1 and 2
Yesterday we joined the Tea Party caravan in Sparks, Nevada. The Sparks Tea Party started with a multi-partisan Candidate Forum and Town Hall meeting from 3-5pm. I don't know how often that's ever been done in northern Nevada, but it seemed unusual. Candidates from the American Independent Party, Democrat and Republican parties took the stage, and most took questions from the audience of concerned voters. It was very informative, and I really enjoyed seeing so many candidates of so many different stripes all addressing the taxpayers at the same venue.
There were representatives from several local political groups, parties, candidate tables and vendors selling everything from food to flags. Plenty of room for everyone to mill around and pick up something that would help them express their positions on the various issues.
I sneaked behind the scenes and got to meet one of my very favorite Fox news reporters - Griff Jenkins. http://www.foxnewsradio.com/category/blogs/griff-jenkins/#axzz0Pe4M36T3 He always does the really amusing reports, which are much-needed while I'm watching the continuous loop of doom and gloom these past months, and I confess, I'm a huge fan. I'm actually pretty jaded, having grown up in the entertainment industry, and I'm rarely impressed by "personalities" or entertainers. Had it been Glenn Beck, I would have nodded a cool, "hey, Glenn." Bill O'Reilly - a simple, "Mr. O'Reilly. But there I was, shaking his hand and gushing, "I'm a huge fan. Can we get you anything," like he was Elvis. Whatever. So, I'm a dork. It was a nice treat to meet him. I even snapped a photo of him with my beloved husband, John - the T-Shirt Guy.
The Tea Party Express buses (two of them, beautifully wrapped with the map and TPE logo) http://teapartyexpress.org/ came storming in from their first stop in Sacramento at around 5:30 and got the big show going. Good music, speakers, raffle prizes from AngerisBrewing.com...what a show. Even though it was super Nevada-indian-summer-hot, I had a great day. Our whole family enjoyed it. And we sold a bunch of stuff to help us pay a little bit to Debbie for the expenses of the tea party rentals.
I'm not great at estimating crowds, especially when they're all spread out, but I'd venture a guess we had around 1,500 Tea Party Patriots in Sparks. RGJ said it was only 500. Hmf. I'll post photos as soon as I figure that part out on this blog deal.
My favorite part of the day, aside from meeting Griff, that is, was when the veterans were all called forward to the stage. Rivoli Revue sang a song "Freedom Isn't Free" about veterans, and the fallen, while Mark Williams and Deborah Johns (more about them here: http://teapartyexpress.org/about/index.html ) walked down the line and thanked each vet looking at them eye-to-eye. Well, if there was a dry eye in the house, somebody needs Restasis.
In fact, it didn't get any less emotional while I watched the repeat of that scene in Winnemucca (around 150 folks) and Elko (about 1000) today. If this next part happened in Sparks, I missed it, but in Winnemucca and Elko, after Deborah and Mark passed down the line of vets, members of the Tea Party crowd came through and shook hands, hugged and kissed each veteran, too. It seemed quite spontaneous, and was very moving. And after driving the same route as this story mentions... http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009908260332 Good lord, hasn't anyone thanked a vet lately? Why don't you go find one and say something nice to them, like, "hey, thanks for risking your life so I can do what I please with my life here," or...? Give it a try. I'm going to. BTW, Thanks, Debbie Landis, Alan Gilly, Christen Gonzales, Roy Fraticelli, Tim Torres, Robert Gallegos, Joe Gallegos, Randy Hix, Dale Williams, and all you AngerisBrewing Tea Party Patriot veterans. I love my country, and I love my freedom. I appreciate you.
Now, time to get packed to visit Ely tomorrow.
There were representatives from several local political groups, parties, candidate tables and vendors selling everything from food to flags. Plenty of room for everyone to mill around and pick up something that would help them express their positions on the various issues.
I sneaked behind the scenes and got to meet one of my very favorite Fox news reporters - Griff Jenkins. http://www.foxnewsradio.com/category/blogs/griff-jenkins/#axzz0Pe4M36T3 He always does the really amusing reports, which are much-needed while I'm watching the continuous loop of doom and gloom these past months, and I confess, I'm a huge fan. I'm actually pretty jaded, having grown up in the entertainment industry, and I'm rarely impressed by "personalities" or entertainers. Had it been Glenn Beck, I would have nodded a cool, "hey, Glenn." Bill O'Reilly - a simple, "Mr. O'Reilly. But there I was, shaking his hand and gushing, "I'm a huge fan. Can we get you anything," like he was Elvis. Whatever. So, I'm a dork. It was a nice treat to meet him. I even snapped a photo of him with my beloved husband, John - the T-Shirt Guy.
The Tea Party Express buses (two of them, beautifully wrapped with the map and TPE logo) http://teapartyexpress.org/ came storming in from their first stop in Sacramento at around 5:30 and got the big show going. Good music, speakers, raffle prizes from AngerisBrewing.com...what a show. Even though it was super Nevada-indian-summer-hot, I had a great day. Our whole family enjoyed it. And we sold a bunch of stuff to help us pay a little bit to Debbie for the expenses of the tea party rentals.
I'm not great at estimating crowds, especially when they're all spread out, but I'd venture a guess we had around 1,500 Tea Party Patriots in Sparks. RGJ said it was only 500. Hmf. I'll post photos as soon as I figure that part out on this blog deal.
My favorite part of the day, aside from meeting Griff, that is, was when the veterans were all called forward to the stage. Rivoli Revue sang a song "Freedom Isn't Free" about veterans, and the fallen, while Mark Williams and Deborah Johns (more about them here: http://teapartyexpress.org/about/index.html ) walked down the line and thanked each vet looking at them eye-to-eye. Well, if there was a dry eye in the house, somebody needs Restasis.
In fact, it didn't get any less emotional while I watched the repeat of that scene in Winnemucca (around 150 folks) and Elko (about 1000) today. If this next part happened in Sparks, I missed it, but in Winnemucca and Elko, after Deborah and Mark passed down the line of vets, members of the Tea Party crowd came through and shook hands, hugged and kissed each veteran, too. It seemed quite spontaneous, and was very moving. And after driving the same route as this story mentions... http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009908260332 Good lord, hasn't anyone thanked a vet lately? Why don't you go find one and say something nice to them, like, "hey, thanks for risking your life so I can do what I please with my life here," or...? Give it a try. I'm going to. BTW, Thanks, Debbie Landis, Alan Gilly, Christen Gonzales, Roy Fraticelli, Tim Torres, Robert Gallegos, Joe Gallegos, Randy Hix, Dale Williams, and all you AngerisBrewing Tea Party Patriot veterans. I love my country, and I love my freedom. I appreciate you.
Now, time to get packed to visit Ely tomorrow.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Today, We Tea Party
Today we launch the Tea Party Express caravan - traveling from Sacramento, CA to Washington, DC for the National Taxpayer March on DC Sept. 12. The Button Lady family will pick up the tour here in Sparks, NV, and continue to the end. We will tea party and march to demand that our government stop the runaway spending and unconstitutional power grab they launched years ago. This is where is ends. Hear our voice!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
BUTTON to WASHINGTON DC
YOU CAN "JOIN" THE TEA PARTY EXPRESS TO DC - WITH A BUTTON!
Send a message to DC on a ButtonLady Button for $5 and WE WILL TAKE IT ON THE CARAVAN TO WASHINGTON!
The Button Lady family will be joining the Tea Party Express caravan in Reno, and driving all the way to DC for the National Taxpayer March (912dc.org)
Can't take the time off work and still pay all your taxes?! Well, BUY A BUTTON, write a message, and OUR FAMILY WILL CARRY IT TO THE DC TAXPAYER MARCH for you!
Special buttons are available for purchase - $5 at the Button Lady booth in Sparks 8/28, plus Winnemucca and Elko 8/29, Ely 8/30 and Las Vegas 8/31. $5 for a button with room for you to write your own message to DC, Harry Reid and Congress.
We'll display them at the various tea parties along the caravan, and take you "in spirit" to the huge MARCH on DC. STOP BY OUR BOOTH!
Can't come to the Tea Parties?
Email us with your message. We'll write your message on a button and carry it for you to DC! We could sure use your help with gas money - $5 for a button to be carried all the way to the National Taxpayer March on DC. Thanks!
www.ButtonLadyOnline.com
Send a message to DC on a ButtonLady Button for $5 and WE WILL TAKE IT ON THE CARAVAN TO WASHINGTON!
The Button Lady family will be joining the Tea Party Express caravan in Reno, and driving all the way to DC for the National Taxpayer March (912dc.org)
Can't take the time off work and still pay all your taxes?! Well, BUY A BUTTON, write a message, and OUR FAMILY WILL CARRY IT TO THE DC TAXPAYER MARCH for you!
Special buttons are available for purchase - $5 at the Button Lady booth in Sparks 8/28, plus Winnemucca and Elko 8/29, Ely 8/30 and Las Vegas 8/31. $5 for a button with room for you to write your own message to DC, Harry Reid and Congress.
We'll display them at the various tea parties along the caravan, and take you "in spirit" to the huge MARCH on DC. STOP BY OUR BOOTH!
Can't come to the Tea Parties?
Email us with your message. We'll write your message on a button and carry it for you to DC! We could sure use your help with gas money - $5 for a button to be carried all the way to the National Taxpayer March on DC. Thanks!
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Monday, August 24, 2009
Where in the world is Harry Reid?
Originally posted August 15, 2009
Or Dina Titus?
Shelley Berkley?
How about John Ensign?
Dean Heller?
During the month-long congressional recess, "respresentatives" are holding Town Hall meetings across the nation to hear from their constituents. Okay, mostly to garner support from the side that already agrees with them. But constituents who don't agree are finding the Town Hall meetings (some are downright secret!) and voicing their views. Yeah, many are angry. Some are being loud. A few are even being rude or "disruptive." The news is covering it 24/7, mostly with a whole new list of nasty names for the evil, organized mobs who refuse to go quietly into the night.
So, where are all the town hall meetings in Nevada? Doesn't anyone wonder how Nevadans feel about legislation currently making it's way through congress? Why is Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's staff telling us his schedule "is a matter of national security?" Seriously. That's a quote.
I thought they were supposed to meet with us. I thought they were supposed to care where we stand on the issues. Do they already know what we think, and are determined to vote however they want to, regardless? Or maybe they just already know what is best for us because it's too complicated for us to sort out.
Or Dina Titus?
Shelley Berkley?
How about John Ensign?
Dean Heller?
During the month-long congressional recess, "respresentatives" are holding Town Hall meetings across the nation to hear from their constituents. Okay, mostly to garner support from the side that already agrees with them. But constituents who don't agree are finding the Town Hall meetings (some are downright secret!) and voicing their views. Yeah, many are angry. Some are being loud. A few are even being rude or "disruptive." The news is covering it 24/7, mostly with a whole new list of nasty names for the evil, organized mobs who refuse to go quietly into the night.
So, where are all the town hall meetings in Nevada? Doesn't anyone wonder how Nevadans feel about legislation currently making it's way through congress? Why is Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's staff telling us his schedule "is a matter of national security?" Seriously. That's a quote.
I thought they were supposed to meet with us. I thought they were supposed to care where we stand on the issues. Do they already know what we think, and are determined to vote however they want to, regardless? Or maybe they just already know what is best for us because it's too complicated for us to sort out.
Save BILLIONS in our deficit-laden budget
Originally posted on 8/14, 2009
Got this interesting little email today about members of congress NOT paying into social security. Well, with a few clicks of the mouse, I found out that it isn't accurate, BUT the reality seems far worse.
How long will YOU be paying the retirement benefit for Harry Reid? Dina Titus? Shelley Berkley?
How about John Ensign?
Dean Heller?
Just one little change, and we can save billions! When the rest of America has lost half of their employee-paid retirement account balance, Congress has a safe and secure pension, funded by YOU. Why? Is their single-digit approval rating really worth our kids footing the bill for their never-ending retirement benefits?
When the program was launched in the 1930s, Social Security benefits were not suitable for congress - persons of their rare elevation in society. They felt they should have a special plan for themselves. So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan. If they buck every intention of the founding fathers, and stay in office for 50 years, they could accumulate the equivalent of 80% of one year's salary. But at that length of "service," they can draw on that pension for far, far longer than one year.Their cost for this excellent plan is 1.6% of their annual compensation during years of "service" in the U.S. House and/or Senate.From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into, every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer), we can expect to get an average of $1,000 per month after retirement.
=====================================
The facts: The law requires all members of Congress to participate in Social Security as of January 1, 1984, regardless of when they first entered Congress. There are two different pension plans that may apply to a retired member of congress: CSRS (not designed to coordinate with Social Security), and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which does coordinate a federal pension with Social Security.
Members of Congress are eligible for a pension at age 62 if they have completed at least five years of service. They are eligible for a pension at age 50 if they have completed 20 years of service, or at any age after completing 25 years of service. The amount of the pension depends on years of service and the average of the highest three years of salary. By law, the starting amount of a member's retirement annuity may not exceed 80 percent of his or her final salary.
As of October 1, 2000, the average annual pension for members of Congress who have retired under CSRS is $52,464, and $46,932 for retirees under FERS-only or both FERS/CSRS.
The current salary (2009) for rank-and-file members of the House and Senate is $174,000 per year. According to the Congressional Research Service, 413 retired Members of Congress were receiving federal pensions based fully or in part on their congressional service as of Oct. 1, 2006. Of this number, 290 had retired under CSRS and were receiving an average annual pension of $60,972. A total of 123 Members had retired with service under both CSRS and FERS or with service under FERS only. Their average annual pension was $35,952 in 2006.
Got this interesting little email today about members of congress NOT paying into social security. Well, with a few clicks of the mouse, I found out that it isn't accurate, BUT the reality seems far worse.
How long will YOU be paying the retirement benefit for Harry Reid? Dina Titus? Shelley Berkley?
How about John Ensign?
Dean Heller?
Just one little change, and we can save billions! When the rest of America has lost half of their employee-paid retirement account balance, Congress has a safe and secure pension, funded by YOU. Why? Is their single-digit approval rating really worth our kids footing the bill for their never-ending retirement benefits?
When the program was launched in the 1930s, Social Security benefits were not suitable for congress - persons of their rare elevation in society. They felt they should have a special plan for themselves. So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan. If they buck every intention of the founding fathers, and stay in office for 50 years, they could accumulate the equivalent of 80% of one year's salary. But at that length of "service," they can draw on that pension for far, far longer than one year.Their cost for this excellent plan is 1.6% of their annual compensation during years of "service" in the U.S. House and/or Senate.From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into, every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer), we can expect to get an average of $1,000 per month after retirement.
=====================================
The facts: The law requires all members of Congress to participate in Social Security as of January 1, 1984, regardless of when they first entered Congress. There are two different pension plans that may apply to a retired member of congress: CSRS (not designed to coordinate with Social Security), and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which does coordinate a federal pension with Social Security.
Members of Congress are eligible for a pension at age 62 if they have completed at least five years of service. They are eligible for a pension at age 50 if they have completed 20 years of service, or at any age after completing 25 years of service. The amount of the pension depends on years of service and the average of the highest three years of salary. By law, the starting amount of a member's retirement annuity may not exceed 80 percent of his or her final salary.
As of October 1, 2000, the average annual pension for members of Congress who have retired under CSRS is $52,464, and $46,932 for retirees under FERS-only or both FERS/CSRS.
The current salary (2009) for rank-and-file members of the House and Senate is $174,000 per year. According to the Congressional Research Service, 413 retired Members of Congress were receiving federal pensions based fully or in part on their congressional service as of Oct. 1, 2006. Of this number, 290 had retired under CSRS and were receiving an average annual pension of $60,972. A total of 123 Members had retired with service under both CSRS and FERS or with service under FERS only. Their average annual pension was $35,952 in 2006.
Oust the CLUNKERS in DC!
Originally posted August 12, 2009
You can always tell what the hate-filled, left-wing fringe extremists
are up to by what they accuse YOU of doing.
The above is paraphrase of an Ann Coulter axiom. So, maybe she's not your favorite pundit, but you have to admit there's a bit of truth in that statement.
Were you watching the news Friday? Did you see President Obama signing the new law extending Cash for Clunkers to the tune of another $2 Billion? Really? You saw it, too?
I really thought all that bragging from Congress about how "successful" their C.A.R.S. program was must have been a sketch from Jon Stewart or something. I cannot believe that congress is proud of giving away ONE BILLION DOLLARS of our money, probably borrowed from China, in only 4 days. Seriously now, they thought a billion bucks would last for four months. It only lasted for 4 days. And that's success?! Wow, you guys really blew the lid off that one. People like "free" money when they're buying cars. We'll, when they're ordering backordered cars. So adding another $2 Billion to the kitty should last, what, 8 days? And if so, will we hear more about "success?"
are up to by what they accuse YOU of doing.
The above is paraphrase of an Ann Coulter axiom. So, maybe she's not your favorite pundit, but you have to admit there's a bit of truth in that statement.
Were you watching the news Friday? Did you see President Obama signing the new law extending Cash for Clunkers to the tune of another $2 Billion? Really? You saw it, too?
I really thought all that bragging from Congress about how "successful" their C.A.R.S. program was must have been a sketch from Jon Stewart or something. I cannot believe that congress is proud of giving away ONE BILLION DOLLARS of our money, probably borrowed from China, in only 4 days. Seriously now, they thought a billion bucks would last for four months. It only lasted for 4 days. And that's success?! Wow, you guys really blew the lid off that one. People like "free" money when they're buying cars. We'll, when they're ordering backordered cars. So adding another $2 Billion to the kitty should last, what, 8 days? And if so, will we hear more about "success?"
GOP-Activated Robots
Okay, so I'm watching fantasy TV last night - MSNBC, Chris "up my leg" Matthews and I catch a segment with some guy from Freedomworks and a guy from AFLCIO. Chris is "interviewing them" about the whole notion of astro-turf vs. true grassroots protests (you know, like those true grassroots protests filled with uniformed ACORN-T-shirt-wearing independent citizens holding their pre-printed banners and waving their professionally-manufactured, pre-printed signs and singing /chanting spontaneous songs with 3 verses as they exit the chartered bus before they pick up their protester paychecks.)
I'll spare you the details of the hard-ball "interview" but Chris' general conclusion is: if you don't open the NEWSPAPER in the morning, see there's a town hall meeting that night, and decide to go, alone, then you're just a part of that orchestrated, right-wing-billionaire-funded fringe mob displaying manufactured anger.
Don't get your meeting announcement on the internet. Don't seek out like-minded neighbors to support. Don't dare read Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals" if you oppose whatever the government is doing this year. Don't get organized so you can desperately attempt to get the attention of YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES. Hmf.
MEDIA INCOMPETENCE -
DISDAIN OF DISSENTING CITIZEN OPINIONS BY THEIR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
Suddenly the "news" media is concerned only by whether you spontaneously and individually found out about an event and showed up. It's perfectly legitimate for two dozen code pinkers to all dress like waitresses, parade around on stilts and hand out pre-printed "tabs" on how much the war is costing. But regular schmoes taking time out of their day, or time off work, coming to a protest, rally or town hall (NO, there are NO town halls scheduled in Nevada for August - yet) is completely "manufactured" and therefore must be ridiculed or ignored.
THIS IS THE PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT! Don't be fooled.
I'll spare you the details of the hard-ball "interview" but Chris' general conclusion is: if you don't open the NEWSPAPER in the morning, see there's a town hall meeting that night, and decide to go, alone, then you're just a part of that orchestrated, right-wing-billionaire-funded fringe mob displaying manufactured anger.
Don't get your meeting announcement on the internet. Don't seek out like-minded neighbors to support. Don't dare read Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals" if you oppose whatever the government is doing this year. Don't get organized so you can desperately attempt to get the attention of YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES. Hmf.
MEDIA INCOMPETENCE -
DISDAIN OF DISSENTING CITIZEN OPINIONS BY THEIR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
Suddenly the "news" media is concerned only by whether you spontaneously and individually found out about an event and showed up. It's perfectly legitimate for two dozen code pinkers to all dress like waitresses, parade around on stilts and hand out pre-printed "tabs" on how much the war is costing. But regular schmoes taking time out of their day, or time off work, coming to a protest, rally or town hall (NO, there are NO town halls scheduled in Nevada for August - yet) is completely "manufactured" and therefore must be ridiculed or ignored.
THIS IS THE PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT! Don't be fooled.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
DMV-style medical care?
Yesterday was a landmark day in our household. Not just because our 16-year-old niece took her driver's test - and passed - becoming road-legal. But because the trip to the state Department of Motor Vehicles office was a terrifying reminder of just what government monopoly can accomplish.
Lately we've been protesting the wasteful spending, burdensome taxation and egregious corruption in Washington DC and at our state capitol. But it really hit home as we were squatting there on the new carpet at the DMV, with dozens of other citizens waiting our turn. There are 15 chairs in the driver's test waiting area. There were at least 30 people crowded around on a Friday morning - not the first or last day of the month. Just an average Friday morning.
Some guy with a nametag walked by and told us we "really don't want to sit there." He pointed out there is a large waiting area on the other side of the lobby, across the building. We asked if we'd be able to hear them call our neice's name from across the building. He grimaced, as if to acknowledge that we would not, and then warned, "be careful." Then walked away.
We sat there on the floor, with the whole family of five, wondering what it was he wanted us to be "careful" about. Building security throwing us out before our turn? Falling debris? H1N1? Super helpful. Excellent customer service.
With two new teen visitors to the DMV in tow, we answered plenty of questions. Like, "what are all those people in line for over there?" To "check in" before they're given a number and told to wait their turn. "Their turn for what?" Everything else besides taking a driving test. "Why isn't there a computerized numbering system for the driving test area?" I don't know. "Why aren't there more chairs in this area?" I don't know. And finally, after our niece passed the driving test, "Why does it take a half-hour to stand in line behind 10 other people just to get a photo taken?" Beats the heck out of me. It seems pretty easy - step to the front, smile, click, repeat.
It eventually occurred to me I was resisting with all my might. Resisting the common sense that kept trying to well up and bubble over. If this were any other industry, I'd demand faster, more efficient service by walking out and going over to the competitor. But there isn't a competitor. The state runs a monopoly. They charge what they want. Take as long as they want. There's absolutely no pressure to perform, charge reasonable "fees" or be efficient - other than what the state legislature may try to impose. They're the only game in town. You want to operate a vehicle on the roadway? No other choice but to get permission from the authorities. Stand in line for 4 hours just to check in. Then sit in the comfortable lobby waiting to be called. I can't think of any other business that has a sitting waiting area quadruple the size of the actual business area...AND a standing waiting line that takes hours to get through.
And the level of expertise? You be the judge.
Now just imagine this efficiency when you or your child is ill or injured. We really want to consider adding a thick layer of bureaucracy to our "healthcare" system? Seriously? I meanwhy on earth would we continue to expand the monopoly of state into even more important areas?
No one wants to believe that if you can afford to pay more you'll get better quality medical service. So, do you truly believe that if the elite ruling class is in charge, we'll all get the same quality service, no matter who we are? Really?
Thankfully, this clear reminder came just at the right time for me.
Lately we've been protesting the wasteful spending, burdensome taxation and egregious corruption in Washington DC and at our state capitol. But it really hit home as we were squatting there on the new carpet at the DMV, with dozens of other citizens waiting our turn. There are 15 chairs in the driver's test waiting area. There were at least 30 people crowded around on a Friday morning - not the first or last day of the month. Just an average Friday morning.
Some guy with a nametag walked by and told us we "really don't want to sit there." He pointed out there is a large waiting area on the other side of the lobby, across the building. We asked if we'd be able to hear them call our neice's name from across the building. He grimaced, as if to acknowledge that we would not, and then warned, "be careful." Then walked away.
We sat there on the floor, with the whole family of five, wondering what it was he wanted us to be "careful" about. Building security throwing us out before our turn? Falling debris? H1N1? Super helpful. Excellent customer service.
With two new teen visitors to the DMV in tow, we answered plenty of questions. Like, "what are all those people in line for over there?" To "check in" before they're given a number and told to wait their turn. "Their turn for what?" Everything else besides taking a driving test. "Why isn't there a computerized numbering system for the driving test area?" I don't know. "Why aren't there more chairs in this area?" I don't know. And finally, after our niece passed the driving test, "Why does it take a half-hour to stand in line behind 10 other people just to get a photo taken?" Beats the heck out of me. It seems pretty easy - step to the front, smile, click, repeat.
It eventually occurred to me I was resisting with all my might. Resisting the common sense that kept trying to well up and bubble over. If this were any other industry, I'd demand faster, more efficient service by walking out and going over to the competitor. But there isn't a competitor. The state runs a monopoly. They charge what they want. Take as long as they want. There's absolutely no pressure to perform, charge reasonable "fees" or be efficient - other than what the state legislature may try to impose. They're the only game in town. You want to operate a vehicle on the roadway? No other choice but to get permission from the authorities. Stand in line for 4 hours just to check in. Then sit in the comfortable lobby waiting to be called. I can't think of any other business that has a sitting waiting area quadruple the size of the actual business area...AND a standing waiting line that takes hours to get through.
And the level of expertise? You be the judge.
Now just imagine this efficiency when you or your child is ill or injured. We really want to consider adding a thick layer of bureaucracy to our "healthcare" system? Seriously? I meanwhy on earth would we continue to expand the monopoly of state into even more important areas?
No one wants to believe that if you can afford to pay more you'll get better quality medical service. So, do you truly believe that if the elite ruling class is in charge, we'll all get the same quality service, no matter who we are? Really?
Thankfully, this clear reminder came just at the right time for me.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Well, it's time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. I've had ENOUGH of the bureaucratic nightmare infringing on my liberties, lying to me and stealing from my kid's future. Are you?
We'll join the Tea Party Express from California to DC, beginning on August 28th this year. I can't wait!
We'll join the Tea Party Express from California to DC, beginning on August 28th this year. I can't wait!
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