Sadly, Shapiro Hasn't Learned a Thing

A new television ad by the Josh Shapiro/Leslie Richards campaign is taking an old yet familiar tone and, sadly, indicates a pattern of sophomoric behavior by the Montgomery County Democrats which they feel will score points with voters marginally paying attention.

In their latest ad, the Democratic Party duo falsely claim one of the GOP candidates met with the Tea Party. False not because it didn't happen, it did. But rather because they claim she was the only one to do so.

Problem - Shapiro met with the Tea Party too, at his request, last Fall when he was a candidate for State Representative. I know this because I facilitated the forum and invited both candidates (Shapiro and Tom Bogar) to attend. And both of them did.

Perhaps more disturbing however, is the tone the Shapiro/Richards ad takes toward those of us related to the Tea Party. It suggests there is something wrong with citizens standing up to the ruling class of both parties or any one candidate listening to the concerns of regular folks.

This isn't the first time...

- Last spring, at the annual Abington Rockledge Democratic Committee luncheon, current Montgomery County Commissioner and former Gubernatorial Candidate, Joe Hoeffel, called those of us in the movement "lunatics, wackos".  (Video here: 2:40 mark)

- Earlier this year, ARDC Chairman Michael Barbiero referred to me, on this website, as "leader of the local teabaggers", a vulgar reference Mr. Barbiero has yet to back away from or apologize for.

In Hoeffel's case it was no slip of the tongue. His speech was specifically geared at how the Democrat left can defeat the Tea Party. He stated clearly, to beat the Tea Party you must call them names, you must ridicule and mock them. 

So, it's no accident Shapiro is taking the same path - it's very intentional.

The group I represent, Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots - Eastern Montco, will not endorse or officially support any one candidate. However, individual members are free to support whomever they choose.

So you won't see our group openly supporting Shapiro's opposition. Still, he seems perfectly comfortable taking pot shots at us, falsely, to win a few votes.


Sadly, Shapiro and the Democrats just can't seem to learn the lesson from of the 2010 election. We are not astroturf, not to be taken lightly, and refuse to allow the ruling class to get away with their attempts to paint us - not them - as the problem.

Continue to name-call and mock if you must. You only strengthen our resolve.

Tea Party's Next Battle - Philadelphia

...That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government... - The Declaration of Independence

Philadelphia - In the city where Liberty was given birth, a new movement is underway intended to shake the foundation of a corrupt government machine and, if successful, could become one of Philadelphia's most significant political moments in its history.

Courtesy WeThePeoplePhila.com 

Over the past several months a previously little-known public employee retirement perk called DROP  (Deferred Retirement Option Plan) has been getting a bit of media attention and the politicians who support it - stalwart Philadelphia names like Rizzo, Meehan, and Tartaglione - are fighting for their political lives, and losing badly in the sphere of public opinion.

Now, voter anger has boiled over, and a bi-partisan effort is underway to establish a government study commission - the vehicle by which Pennsylvania Law allows citizens to regain control of their muncipality - by getting the concept on November's ballot.

The commission would comprise of ordinary citizens (no current or former elected officials) and their anticipated goal is to audit the City's operations and eventually rewrite the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. To do this, supporters of this concept are canvassing neighborhoods throughout the City gathering signatures for petitions, required for such a measure to take place.

Leading the way are a handful of activist groups - Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots, Philadelphia's Loyal Opposition, Reform Democrats, and members of the Black Clergy.

Combined, the group calls itself We the People of Philadelphia Committee and their website is full of evidence detailing where the City's leaders have failed those they are elected to serve, solutions and recommendations for the new Home Rule Charter, and legal justification for the movement.

The last time Philadelphia modified its Charter (think constitutional convention) was in 1951, and was intended at the time to rid the City of corruption by a then Republican-led dynasty who had controlled Philly for 70 years. Since then, the Democratic Party has ruled and the existing charter has done little to stem the tide of corruption running rampant through City Hall and beyond.

I anticipate great resistance from the Philadelphia ruling class, the media elite, and union leadership on this one - shocking, I know. They'll mock, organize against the effort, and do whatever it takes to keep what, they feel, is theirs.

It's no surprise to hear a bold, daring, and aggressive fight against the powerful and corrupt ruling class would take place in Philadelphia and it's the Tea Party leading the way, again.

This should get real interesting - it is Philly after all.

Immigration Clash Over Cheesesteaks in South Philly

The Big Talker WPHT 1210 AM and Joey Vento, owner of Geno's Steaks at 9th and Passyunk in the heart of South Philly, hosted a fundraiser to support the State of Arizona as it defends against a lawsuit by the federal government to halt their recently enacted immigration law.

Hundreds of supporters and a few dozen protesters clogged the well-known intersection to let their voices be heard on the issue.  The pro-illegal group beat drums like this was some sort of tribal warfare, while the pro-Arizona crowd sang God Bless America.  A mix of professionally and homemade signs littered one side; American flags on the other.  While the supporters of lawlessness chanted obviously rehearsed phrases like "shame, shame, shame", those in favor of law and order chanted simply yelled back, "USA, USA, USA!" 

They barked at each other for 2 of the 4 hours Dom Giordano held his radio show, but the event was a good example of folks agreeing to disagree.  Hazelton, PA Mayor Lou Barletta and State Representative Daryl Metcalfe joined Arizona's John McCain and Jan Brewer on the radio to show their support. 

Several Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots activists were there to offset Obama's professional protesters from "Reform Immigration for America".  It's not the first time these two groups locked horns.  See their first meeting from July 4th here.

All but one major news organization covered the event (where were you NBC 10?).  Fox 29's report has more on the festivities.

There's a plaque on the sidewalk outside of Geno's which best-summarizes the evening's gathering.  Only in America can reasonable and ignorant people gather together and express their heart-felt opinions on such a hot topic.  God Bless Geno's and God Bless America!!

Hi-Caliber with an Infiltration by Illstyle and Peace Productions

Here's video from the 4th of July celebration at LOVE Park held by the Phildaelphia Tea Party Patriots.

Conservative rap artist Hi-Caliber's performance is infiltrated by a quartet of dancers known as Illstyle and Peace Productions.  *cell phone video w/ enhanced audio from Hi-Caliber's 'Patriotic People' video*



Who says conservative tea-baggers can't Rock Da House??

Infiltrators Flip Out at 4th of July Tea Party Rally

It was a blistering 95+ degree noon-time Independence Day gathering at Philadelphia's LOVE Park. Several dozen Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots had gathered for a brief rally against oppressive government and for all that is good in our great nation, on the 234th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence.

A half dozen notables spoke about their love of country, frustration with Washington, and generally provided those in attendance with an upbeat message aimed to refocus our nation toward it's constitutional core principals.

The highlight of the afternoon, as well as the low light of the rally, were provided by two completely different types of infiltrators.

Our first infiltrator goes by the name Tom Stone of Jenkintown. Tommy is a professional protester.  How do I know?

This article from Philly.com shows Stone leading an immigration protest the day before.  Take note of the signs in the background.  The Spanish signs says (translated) "No human being is illegal".  However, the English sign is from a group known as "Reform Immigration for America".  Who's that?  Team Obama.  And based on Stone's actions, the militant wing of the Obama administration when it comes to immigration reform. 

What the elected officials wouldn't dare do, Tom Stone will.  Tommy likes to stir the pot by organizing pro-illegal immigration protesters and through infiltration of Tea Party events.  If he's lucky, maybe he could goat them into a fight.

A handful of rally attendees quickly surrounded Stone and a few heated words were exchanged; it was a blistering hot day.  But the young lad was quickly and peacefully escorted a few feet away by the lone police officer observing the proceedings.

On the flip-side, literally, was an impromptu dance performance from a group known as Illstyle and Peace Productions. 

As conservative rap artist - yea, that's what I said - and frequent Tea Party activist, Hi-Caliber, performed, these 4 infiltrators showed the young Stone a better way to flip out. 

Decked out in patriotic American flag shorts, the quartet wowed the audience with break dancing, moon-walking, and feats of acrobatics which seemed at times to defy gravity, and human possibilities.

The crowd danced, waved their arms in the air, and thoroughly enjoyed Illstyle's unanticipated contribution to their rally.  They were planned to appear at events up and down the parkway this Independence Day, but stayed for the remainder of our rally as Tea Party folks shared water and talked peace with our new friends.

To our other guest, the young and immature Mr. Stone: perhaps you and your friends in the White House could learn a thing or two from Illstyle and from the documents (I know, guys like you have a thing with papers) which were proudly display at the rally - The Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the Constitution.

 It's all about Peace and LOVE, yo!!

A Primary 2010 Message

...for Tea-baggers only.

GOP's 13th Congressional Primary Debate

The one and only GOP debate prior to the primary election next week was held in Montgomeryville Wednesday night.  The event was hosted by the Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots as the challengers to Allyson Schwartz lined up to face each other and state their case for representing the party against the incumbent this fall.  Josh Quinter called for 6 debates with the two endorsed Republicans, Dee Adcock and Brian Haughton, before the May 18th contest.  He only got one, but took full advantage.

Quinter was predictably well-armed with solid arguments for most of the sometimes ridiculously-complicated questions from moderator Steve Highsmith.  The topics were seemingly convenient for the lawyer, lobbed right into Josh's wheelhouse.  His knowledge on issues such as the Georgian/Ukrainian oil pipeline effect on American on energy policy and the historical effect of the Monroe doctrine on American influence in the Western hemisphere forced this politically-interested commentator checking my Blackberry for facts on the subjects myself.  I doubt the average voter has knowledge of, let alone concern with, these obscure issues.  Still, Josh impressed.

Dee Adcock is the favorite in this race based primarily on his war chest and the endorsement of the Montgomery County GOP Committee which combine to give him a natural numbers advantage.  He's not a seasoned lawyer or politician - and he'll tell you that himself - but after months of practice and several town hall type events to polish his skills, Adcock seems a lot more comfortable in front of a crowd of politically saavy voters.  Last night Dee showed he's making progress.

Brian Haughton makes no bones about his lack of political acumen.  But what's refreshing is his acceptance of this fact.  When the Georgian/Ukrainian pipeline issue was raised, Haughton simply stated, "I'm not informed enough on the issue to give you an answer on that one".  The audience applauded Brian's honesty as though they realized the question came from the world of politically obscure issues few of them think about regularly.

All 3 candidates have their flaws.  Quinter still identifies with the lawyer crowd, sometimes talking down to the audience as he tries to impress them with his knowledge.  That will work in Blue Bell, but not in Mayfair.  Adcock must learn to trust his knowledge and speak more from his heart.  If he has any chance to be Schwartz, he needs to sharpen his responses and find the fire in his belly.  Haughton has the opposite problem from Quinter - his shtick works in Philly, but the suburban crowd needs to see him take this process more seriously.

While no official polling exists on this race (seen as safely in the D corner so no one is paying attention to it), Quinter seems to be surging at the right time.  But will he make enough of an impact to erase Adcock's natural advantage?  Doubtful. However, Haughton may be the primary beneficiary of Quinter's surge.  If Philadelphia republican voters turn out on Tuesday, Haughton's natural advantage there may be the key to the race.

Is there an upset in the making?  After all, it is a numbers game.

Arcadia Hosts Tea Party Patriots Panel

Arcadia University held a Tea Party Patriots Panel on Thursday night.  National Coordinators for TPP, Jenny Beth Martin and Diana Reimer, joined Nate Wingham - Grassroots Activist, Jamal Greene - Journalist, Mike Gaske - Fundraising Director, David Webb - Editor Tea Party 365 and talk show host to discuss a variety of issues ranging from what unifies the TPP to their position on endorsements.

The event was well attended with well over 100 in the small theater.  A dozen or so students, most whom were there to challenge the organization's activities, joined the diverse audience of activists and local coordinators in a 2 hour question and answer session designed to inform the crowd about the movement.

Most of those in attendance were there to find out what inspired the grassroots effort, what they can do to help and how the movement plans to keep the pressure on Washington.

Some of the questions from the students seemed pointed to rehashing the Bush years.  They questioned the constitutionality of the Iraq war, wiretapping, and even defense spending.  While the panel appreciated and answered the questions, it was clear to most the students weren't interested in learning about the organization, but rather to fight old battles with the guests to the campus. 

To the students credit, they stuck around and engaged several people with political debate after the event was over.  While they have clearly bought the left's argument on several issues, they weren't obnoxious or completely dismissive - just uniformed.  Not unusual for young skulls full of mush.

The event wasn't aimed to be a rally to rail against a specific issue, it was meant to inform.  Hopefully the students in attendance saw a different side to the movement; unlike the portrayals by the main stream media of an angry, racist group.

The highlight of the evening was a re-reading of "Why I am a conservative" by Jamal Greene.  Greene's initial speech was a hit at the Tax Day Tea Party on April 15th - see the YouTube clip below - but there's nothing like hearing it in person. 

It made this Tea-Bagger proud!

Philly Tea Party Patriots Panel at Arcadia

The Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots will be holding a Grassroots Activists Panel, Thursday April 29, Arcadia University, 7pm - 9pm.

If you haven't attended a Tea Party event and are curious what the buzz is all about, this is a great opportunity to hear from members one of the largest grassroots organizations in the country.  National Coordinator Diana Reimer, featured in my prior post, will lead a panel which includes Jenny Beth Martin - TPP National Coordinator, Nate Wingham - Grassroots Activist, Jamal Greene - Journalist and grad student, Mike Gaske - Fundraising Director, David Webb - Editor Tea Party 365 and talk show host.

On a related note, the Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots have a new group forming in Eastern Montco.

An American Revolutionary

Diana Reimer, founder of the Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots and national coordinator for TPP, is featured in this article by Holly Otterbein at the Philadelphia City Paper following the group's February 'anti-reconciliation' rally at Rittenhouse Square.

I've had the pleasure of getting to know Diana and her husband Don over the past several weeks. I've seen a remarkable growth in their organization's reach since our initial meeting after their first event, last year's Tax Day Tea Party.  A year ago, they were self-proclaimed political amatuers.  But seeing how much they've accomplished and learned about the political process and coalition-building over the past year, I am in awe.  The energy, determination and passion both Diana and Don bring to the cause consuming their lives is inspiring.
The article is surprisingly fair to the movement.  While most news outlets portray Tea Party activists as racist hate-mongers, Otterbein offers quite a different perspective about Diana and others in attendence:

Robert Allen Mansfield, a broad-shouldered black man in his late 30s, stands up. He is wearing a black suit, tiny, round glasses and a blue tie, and props himself up with a cane. He strays from the topic at hand, talking about what it was like to be a sergeant for eight months in Iraq. He then orders everyone who has served in the military to rise for applause; more than half the men in the room jump to their feet.

It's a poignant moment. Mansfield's face crumples, as if about to cry. But suddenly he perks up. He's got something to say. "I wasn't going to do this, but," he says, pausing. "I'm running for governor."

The mostly white Tea Party members furiously clap and cheer and squeeze his shoulders.

Although Holly seems to be surprised by this public show of affection towards a black man, at least her mind is open to seeing the truth about these new-age radicals. 

They are peaceful, caring, American Revolutionaries.