My first Tea Party was in late February of this year and more or less a ‘personal assignment’ to investigate how many and what type of people would actually attend ‘this type of event’.  I had no idea what to expect.  About 65 people attended.  Many had legal pads and were just trying to get organized and create lists of contacts so that they could further organize.  I did not stay long because it was held inside a small bar and the noise level was pretty intense from the excitement.  I was comforted by the simple fact that most of the people seemed to be just like me.

The next Tea Party I attended was in late March.  There were about 300 attendees in this small city park.  Lots of signs, lots of anxious discontent about our new government’s spending programs.  Lots of curious onlookers wondering if they belonged with ‘these types of people.’  Everyone was respectful and some literally had tea bags hanging from their hats.  People took turns speaking from a megaphone to the crowd.  The crowed cheered with each personal story.  My family attended and were pleased to see so many concerned people who cared so much about their country.

The third Tea Party I attended was on April 15th.  With the help of a local radio station, the attendance was 3,000 people strong.  The outdoor event unintentionally closed down a city street because of the unexpected turnout.  There were politicians speaking and personal stories from the crowds. There were a few cute signs and curious onlookers wondering what type of people would ‘attend this type of event.’  Everyone seemed to be just like me.  My family joined me once again.

I was so impressed with the polite discord, how well informed many of the people were about issues and facts, and the sincere passion they brought to these rallies that I’m now a proud active member of a Tea Party organizing group.

On September 12th, Tea Parties are being held once again all over the country, in a home town near you, this day chosen to commemorate that feeling of unity we all had as a country the day after September 11, 2001.  Please attend one of these parties if you can.  Bring a friend, bring your family.  Bring your heart and soul.  You’ll be glad you did and you will realize that all those crazy people you have been hearing described by the media are just like you.

You can find a September 12th Tea Party in your home town by clicking on this link.  Please forward this letter to a friend or a fence-sitter.  They will be glad you did.

Todd
ideapalooza
August 27, 2009