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.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
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!
www.ButtonLadyOnline.com
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.
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