Wednesday

The Tea Party

I don't consider myself a protester. 

As a matter of fact, I don't think I've demonstrated against anything.

I'm a good girl. Usually.

Oh, except for that one time in college. In a bizarre move, my fellow classmates voted me onto the Homecoming Court my senior year.  

My small school wasn't impressed with the slit in my formal dress. (Don't look at me like that. It was a small slit, but it was Bible College).

So, I protested the dress code.

I won. (Not the crown, just the right to wear my scandalous dress!) 

Plus, just between us, I didn't wear a bra either. My Dad/escort had no idea. 

But that's the only declaration I've made.

That and taking down BlogHer ads last week.

Oh, never mind. I admit it:  I am rebellious, an extremist, an activist. These days, also known as a Conservative. 

And I guess that's exactly why I drove my minivan and small children to a Tea Party on Tax Day. 


I'm really not a political person. I'm ashamedly ignorant on most issues. I don't like conflict. And I like for everyone to get along and play nice. 

I'm a Mom.

And I'm seriously sick of all the excessive spending for the past 8 years and new oppressive control from our government. 

I attended because:

I want it to stop.

I want to be heard.


I want my children to have a future.


And I thought there was a strong chance there would be sweet tea.

At the tea party.

Do you think this nationwide move will make a difference? For it, against it, Talk to me. (P.S. I don't intend to turn political on you, first and last post about it. I'm already thinking about posts on poop!)

71 comments:

Anonymous said...

Due to my blood pressure, I have decided I no longer care about politics. I will vote, and vote conservatively, but I seriously just can't care anymore. Some will call me passive and maybe I am.

I think this was a good idea to try to get people in government listening. But I don't think it's going to make any difference. Both parties just do what they want and are able to.

backhomeagain said...

The problem with conservative women is that we have been taught that being a "good girl" means not speaking our mind. Stand up girl.... Your opinion counts!

bridget {bake at 350} said...

It was awesome! Yes, I hope they listen!

Sarina said...

Unfortunately according to an email I got, Obama wasn't even AWARE of the tea parties. I guess like with Bush, our president isn't allowed to follow or interested in the News. *sigh*

Molly said...

So awesome that you participated. I wish I had. I hope and pray that someone is listening, the state of our economy and the money being spent is getting scary.

A radio station out of Chicago read this on the air the morning, it is worth reading, especially the end.

http://www.wlsam.com/article.asp?id=1274960&SPID=17549

Beth S. said...

I think what you did was great...I was there with you in spirit! I hope that Obama is aware of the Tea Parties that happened all over the country...there was one here in Ohio not far from where we live. I do fear, though, that he is kept from being aware of some of this type of stuff, but I hope he somehow found out about it. It made a strong statement for the CHANGE he supposedly is all about! You go, Girl!

Lauren said...

We were there. It felt like being a part of "history" :)

Unknown said...

I think it's great that you participated. I was vaguely aware that it was going on and did not realize our town was having one until the news.

We are going to have to start standing up and being heard!

Good for you!

Jesica said...

I am with ya sista! I just have to keep reminding myself that no matter what happens, I know Who wins in the end! Hang in there, speak your voice, and get on your knees! We always have hope, even if the government isn't listening, HE is!

Thrifty Decor Chick said...

GOOD for you!! I'm an "extremist" too I guess. ;) I didn't go to ours but am regretting it.

ShEiLa said...

Under Pres. Obama's plan our taxes have already gone down... so this 'nationwide movement' won't make a difference at all.

[For too long, we've seen taxes used as a wedge to scare people into supporting policies that actually increased the burden on working people instead of helping them live their dreams. That has to change, and that's the work that we've begun. We've passed tax cuts that will help our economy grow. We've made a clear promise that families that earn less than $250,000 a year will not see their taxes increase by a single dime. And we have kept to those promises that were made during the campaign. We've given tax relief to the Americans who need it and the workers who have earned it. And we're helping more Americans move towards their American Dream by going to school, owning a home, keeping their business and raising their family.]

President Barack Obama

The majority of people supporting and taking part in these 'tea parties' are anti-Obama and will not be happy no matter what he does.

ToOdLeS.ShEiLa

Gina said...

You aren't alone-I didn't attend one but sure thought it was a good idea. And you aren't alone with the Bible college dress code-I pushed the envelope a few times too! Ever had to kneel down to check the length of your skirt? :)

a Tonggu Momma said...

Whenever I contemplate complaining about my taxes (which is fairly often), I remember my daughter's foster mother in China, who made about $800 a year. And then I stop.

Courtney@Booksnboys said...

Good for you!
Re: Somebody Loved - Pres. Obama may have promised lower taxes, but NONE of the plans he has proposed or passed so far have even close to an equal ratio of tax relief vs. spending. Even for those of us in the >50,000 bracket - our taxes are going up.
It's not true people won't be happy no matter what he does. Lower my taxes & stay out of my life and I'll be THRILLED!

Kathy said...

Awesome!

:::: fist of solidarity ::::

Dawn said...

You go, girl!!! There was a party in Austin today, too.

I don't know if it will make a difference or not. But, at least we won't have to live knowing we didn't try to make a change.

Anonymous said...

We went to the Tea Party in our city, too. It was great.

I haven't heard anyone complain about paying taxes...I think most people realize we need to have taxes...but to overtax certain groups and then recklessly spend the money - well, that's just stupid. It doesn't matter who the president is, spending MORE when you have already spent too much (on ridiculous, unnecessary, wasteful things) is not a good idea.

I don't like confrontation, either, but I'm sure not going to back down from it when someone imposes it on me. And besides, free speech still exists (for now) although some people think it shouldn't, unless you agree with them, of course.

Dorci said...

We need to keep participating in things, even though it may seem as though Washington isn't listening.

I've heard not a peep from the White House about the 2+ million red envelopes they received in protest to our country's abortion laws. But I'm glad we did it anyway.

If we keep speaking up and letting our voices be heard, maybe, just maybe, someday something will get through. You never know!

Lindsay @ Makely said...

Although I don't support the messages the "tea parties" were trying to get across, I do commend you for standing up for something you believe in. The political system is one of those things that is so deeply ingrained in me - my Bachelor's and Master's degree are both government related - that I that I think it's important that people participate, even if I think they are wrong. I'm so interested in what's going on that my 3 year old can probably identify more political leaders than most adults can in this country. He should be on David Letterman or something! :)

I will also say that your comment "I am rebellious, an extremist, an activist. These days, also known as a Conservative," made me kinda sad. :( The DHS assessment that was released actually talks about groups of people such as white supremacists and violent terrorists, not non-violent people with conservative views. I encourage everyone to read the actual report and not listen to what the media is trying to tell you with that regard, because it's simply untrue.

Okay, I'll go back to making curtains with glue guns and safety pins! I just wanted to put in my 2 cents. :)

Gayla said...

I found your blog just now, and I am so proud of you! You pushed back; spoke up; and set an example for your children. I don't know if it will make a difference, but it's a start. We have to start somewhere.

Jennifer said...

That is awesome that you went! I wasn't able to go so I sent my husband to represent our family. I think that this is just the beginning, and we will make a difference!

Ginny said...

No I didn't participate. I did get a good laugh at it being called teabagging though, lol.

I had heard that some rich people started this up & I am totally against the rich being taxed less :) I wanted to look more into it just to see, but never got a chance.

Anonymous said...

For it. Totally. And you rock for going.

Will it make a difference? I don't know. It does seem to be serving as an impetus for those of us who are a part of "the silent majority," though. The way I see it, we can deal with differences of ideology (to a certain extent), but now, huge sweeping changes are upon us. Changes that threaten the fundamental things that make us unique (as a republic). And that's something I think many of us cannot stand - so we'll stand up against it. I hope everyone, regardless of affiliation, starts doing more research before they vote. I know I am.

eek - that's not gonna get me on the DHS hit list is it? ;)

So, was there sweet tea?!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

What awesome pictures...I did not get to attend the one in my town tonight...but loved hearing about yours...Hope you will visit me....

Courtney said...

I went to a tea party in Fort Worth and I'm so glad I went. I have felt so isolated, but it was great to see thousands of conservatives all standing up for the same thing. It wasn't just about increased taxes, it was about the budget, the stimulus bill, and wasteful spending. If Obama is going to 'cut' taxes on 95% of the American people, how does he plan on having the trillions of dollars needed for his budget? Also, as for raising taxes on people that make $250,000 or more in order to fund projects for people in need- the government is not your mommy!! They are not required to provide for all of everyone's needs, nor should they. People who WORK HARD and are rewarded for their hard work with large salaries should not be punished!! They should be able to donate to their own charities and help out the people they would like to help out, rather than giving more of their money to Obama and letting him decide who is 'worthy' of help or charity. The government should only fund necessities (such as roads, schools, defense/military) and leave the rest up to the American people. Why should Obama be allowed to use my hard earned dollars to help fund abortions? Abortions are not a necessity, and the government should NOT have to help people pay for them.
And to "living with lindsay"..... I actually read the DHS report- and while it talks about 'white supremacist' it also states "rightwing extremism in the United States- may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as abortion or immigration." It also states that "the return of military veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their communities could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks." It also mentions "the perceived loss of U.S. jobs in the manufacturing and construction sectors, and home foreclosures"- REALLY, the PERCEIVED loss of jobs? Does the DHS not realize that the unemployment rate is above 8%? The DHS report also claims that "A prominent civil rights organization reported in 2006......" but the organization's name was never mentioned. If it truly was just a warning against "white supremacists" it wouldn't have taken 10 pages. It truly reads as "if you disagree with this, or this, or this, or maybe this, then you could be a rightwing conservative." The report also did not distinguish between "white supremacists and violent terrorists" and "non-violent people with conservative views"- in the report, there is no way to tell the difference. It seems as if this government just doesn't like people that disagree with them- like Joe Biden proved when he refused to answer a reporter's questions during an interview in Florida on the campaign trail, and last week when Barney Frank was rude to a Harvard student who asked him a simple question. The DHS report was just a way to use obscure 'facts' and 'data' to scare people into believing that conservatives are 'dangerous', because FEAR (disguised as 'hope' and 'change') is the only method Obama knows how to use.
Conservatives are people that believe that the founding fathers got it right when they wrote the Constitution (whereas Obama believes the Constitution is a 'flawed document').
And where is Obama's promise of posting a bill on the internet for 5 days before Congress votes on it, so that the American people can read it. I certainly didn't get my 5 days to review the stimulus bill, our representatives didn't even get time to read the bill!!
And Ginny- how disgusting that you think using an offensive term such as "teabagging" is funny. And what you "heard" is entirely incorrect, it was not "started by some rich people", but was completely a grass roots effort of a diverse group of people. And if you are "totally against the rich being taxed less"- who do you think pays your salary- and what happens when they have to pay more in taxes, they look for ways to cut costs (like your job)!

Obama claimed that "White man's greed runs a world in need"- how is it GREEDY to work hard for your OWN money, and then donate some to the charity of your own choosing? What is greedy is the government taking what is not theirs to help fund their ideological projects!

Kristen- I am sure this is not what you had in mind when you said "talk to me"! Sorry!

The Source said...

I'm glad you went. I'm not sure that one day's protest will do the trick, but maybe it's a start. I certainly hope so.

Oh, and yes, we've gotten a significant tax cut already from Obama...it amounts to an extra 22 dollars a month on the hubby's paycheck. A couple of pizzas is definitely going to help us out A LOT! Thanks Mr. President!

Unknown said...

You know what my burning question is...........when do we get to see photos of THE dress with THE split?

Sorry to be non-political!

Anonymous said...

Amen sista! Glad to be there with you.

Shell in your Pocket said...

I too...do not like conflict but if we don't start speaking out like the "tea" parties...our voting may be so effective as in the past....

I hope the tea parties will make a difference but I guess we will see what comes out of it.
sandy toe

Unknown said...

What's going on? I had my first migraine in months yesterday! Hence the sleepy afternoon :)

happyathome said...

I also went to the Tea Party, will post pics today, and I am politically involved. But this is not about being Republican or Democratic (and I am Republican), this is about fiscal responsibilty and taxing that is going out of control! The media down played the whole idea up to the day and look at the headlines now stating that it was more than expected. I live in a state that is one of the highest taxed(CT), expected to be THE highest taxed. IT needs to be heard that for state and federal level, enough is enough.

Kim H. said...

Too funny - I had someone at work ask me why I wasn't out there... it never really occured to me... but that might be due to the fact that I can no longer listen to anything political without distain. :-)

Hillcrest Cottage said...

I didn't go to the tea party although I love them...tea parties, that is and, coincidentally I also love pirates! A post I wrote about pirates:(http://hillcrestcottagelife.blogspot.com/2008/10/all-my-pirates-have-sailed-away.html)
And a post about hosting "A Tea Party for Pirates":
http://hillcrestcottagelife.blogspot.com/2009/02/etiquette-for-pirates.html Who could know that I would be clairvoyant enough to put this week's top news stories together in one post...before they happened...creepy.

Stephanie said...

I smiled when I read this post this morning. Good for you and your kids. I did not go to the tea party in my town and shame on me because looking back it would have set a great example for my kids. If I am passive (and most of the time I am) I'm afraid they will be too and unfortunatly they will be paying for all this.

Looking forward to poop posts. :)

Wade's World said...

I would have loved to attend one, but I'm so crazy busy at work right now that I couldn't get off.

For the record, these tea parties weren't "Anti-Obama" parties. It's all about people being sick of this tax and spend way our government operates. If they spend all the money, they just tax for more, and then blow it on all their pork. If they can't tax more, they just print more, and it has become a vicious cycle. I have to work hard, and stay within my buget, and by gosh, my goverment should have to also!

Re: Somebody Loved: Your taxes have gone down because your tax payments are being deferred. The tax code has NOT changed, only the way taxes are being taken out. When this new plan took effect on my last paycheck, I had ZERO federal tax dollars taken out of my paycheck, but believe you me, I will still owe taxes next April.

It's all a farce: millions of Americans aren't going to realize that they still owe the same amount of taxes, but now it's going to be taken out at the back end (probably from the "refund" you normally get). If you haven't been saving your tax dollars all year, you are going to get walloped with what you owe.

I changed my W-4 to withhold the same amount of taxes I always had taken out. I'm not going to be blindsided by Obama, and he's not going to pull the wool over my eyes.

I'm hoping the elected officials are taking notice of what's happening. A revolution is brewing...

Shannon said...

I am so glad you took your blogher ads down. I CANNOT stand blogher and I wish more bloggers would do the same. I am for anyone who stands up speaks out about what they believe. It is our right and we should exercise it every chance we get. People in this country have grown more and more complacent and now we as a country are paying the price. Although I believe in a FAIR tax system that does NOT penalize hard work, the tea parties were about more than that. They are about demanding our government stop chasing their own corrupt agendas and do what they were elected to do: Work for us!! Wake up people!

kp said...

good for you for going. and for bringing your children. it's so sad to me to think what is happening to future generations. i just wanted to say that it wasn't only about taxes either. these tea parties were a call to our government to return to the principles that this great nation was founded on. i'm so tired of the overspending!! the changes that need to be made in our country need to start from the top down!!! time to set an example!!

Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

Oh my goodness...after reading these comments I have TOO MUCH to respond too and it would be a whole blog post in your comments.
I went as well, and it was such an encouraging and positive environment w/ people who voted for both candidates. The organizer? A stay at home mom of two tiny preschoolers whose household income is in the bottom percentage...."rich people"?

The speaker for our tea party? A registered Democrat who has had enough. We have become a people who receives and educates ourselves based on the media. I encourage everyone to dig into facts on all sides of issues, so we can really make educated and knowledgeable decisions...myself included. I want to raise children who are self learners - determining their world and life view based on truth, not just from what they hear from the media (regardless of what side of the fence they vote).
I love that someone quoted Obama's speech from yesterday. It sounds so great in theory, but look at his taxes in totality - electricity taxes, oil and gases taxes, small business taxes...a stimulus package that even has millions earmarked to help Hollywood (that no one was aware of until after it passed). Now don't get me wrong, it began with Bush bailing out companies as well, but it does need to stop now.
Sheesh...and this is why I NEVER EVER talk politics on my blog. hee hee. And I haven't even touched on the issues I am passionate about.

From a stay at home mom, whose husband is presently unemployed, ...I am not waiting for a magic check that people think is coming. It hasn't come, but we did just have lots of filing to do yesterday. :)

I love reading various points of view. It's what make America great. The ability to agree to disagree, sharpen each other, and walk away friends is the beauty of this amazing county.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, Kristen, this is such a controversial issue, I'm sure I'll get lots of flaming on my post too, but I had to write about it since I went & participated. Glad you did too! There is no way everyone is going to agree on any of this, but at least it can be discussed, rationally I hope. :)

Sue said...

Thank you for sharing! I just had to peek at your blog after visiting Rhoda's! I also went to a tea party. I am definitely no radical and have NEVER particiapted in anything like this but I have decided for my grandchildren's sakes I will become a reactionary grandma and am proud to be no matter what label our administration assigns to me!

Maddie said...

Good for you!!! We need to stand up and be heard. We've been apathetic for far too long. I agree with Shannon on the FAIR tax. It just makes good sense! If you don't know about it check it out...www.fairtax.org

SarahJarnagin said...

Good for you, Girl! I didn't make it to our TEA party though I wish I could have. I think no matter what party you belong to, you should be very concerned by how much money is being frivilously spent. It's INSANE!

Trinka said...

I went to my first-ever protest yesterday too. In our town of 7,000, there were 1,000 people at our noon gathering.

Trinka

Loraine said...

Thank You.

Katrina said...

Hello! I found your blog last week and I absolutely love it. :D I wanted to attend the tea party but couldn't.....so instead, I made my self a proud cup of tea and was with everyone...in spirit!! I hope and pray that at least one person up in Congress is paying attention to the people!

Courtney said...

I also went to a tea party. My favorite quote was- "A government big enough to give you everything you need, is big enough to take away everything you have" -Thomas Jefferson. So, so true.

Jenny said...

I so wish I could have gone yesterday. I did watch Hannity's coverage of the party in Atlanta and that was awesome.

Lissaloo said...

I had to sneak over from southern hospitality to read your post :) Great job and good for you, it sounds like a great day.

Heart2Heart said...

I personally don't think anything will change until this country turns its hearts and minds back to God!

Without divine leadership, having faith in man to lead the country will never make anyone truly happy!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Unknown said...

i think its funny we are now worried about how the money is being spent. did we not care the past 8 years and now it is on thing that inside our country, really people??

Trinka said...

It's a lot more than that Courtney. The media wants you to think this is just partisan bickering ... people mad because their guy didn't win the White House.

But that's really not the point.

This stimulus package and the bail outs are ENORMOUS amounts of money. Our government has always overspent ... but this is so huge it makes even the past excesses look small. It will bankrupt us.

I don't care WHERE it's spent ... it's money we don't have, and it will kill our future.

I heard a quote yesterday, but can't remember the source -- "trying to spend your way out of financial hard times is like trying to pick up a bucket by the handle when you're standing in it."

Yes - CNN DOES think that we're just mad because Obama's spending money, instead of Bush spending it in Iraq. We've all heard them ... and their minions are parroting their rhetoric. But CNN is NOT the organization I want to rely on to tell me about wise financial principles!

Trinka

Andrea said...

Yeah, it always sucks when our tax money is used to fund schools, new roads, and health care. That's the worst.

Courtney said...

Andrea, that's not the point. We are happy to pay for schools and new roads- but Obama's spending has gotten OUT OF CONTROL. Health care should be left up to the private individual...... look how well nationalized health care has worked in Canada and Britain (it hasn't!). The government should live on a budget just like every other hard working American has to, rather than fund everything Obama WANTS. When you don't have enough money, you don't get everything you WANT, you get what you NEED. Americans don't NEED tax-payer funded abortions and the 9,000 pet projects included in the stimulus bill. Funny how schools and new roads have existed long before Obama, yet no president needed to go trillions of dollars into debt to fund them!

Trinka said...

No ... what sucks is the AMOUNT of tax money. We are taking on a debt like no one can even imagine. Do you realize just how exponential the jump is with this new stimulus bill? The media is NOT reporting this accurately.

Courtney said...

And you should lose your sarcastic tone. It makes you sound bitter and uneducated!

Kristen said...

Okay, girls (and the quiet men out there) y'all SIMMER DOWN. Let's just state our point and not address other people's comments. Play nice!

Trinka said...

Yes ma'am (shuffling feet) .... I'm sorry.

I'm just feeling easily-provoked these days. :)

Courtney said...

Sorry...... I agree with Trinka, I'm feeling easily-provoked these day and finally feel confident enough to state my opinion, and I'm tired of others reducing our opinions down to a simplistic ideal that makes us look stupid, but in no way actually describes the way we actually feel or believe.

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

Very cool...

This may sound lame, but I was glad to see you took down BlogHer ads. (Don't ask me why but that sticks with me more than the tax thing does - which, btw, I *completely agree* - too much gov't control. NOT the way to fix things...)

BUT - were you nervous to take them down? It seems like they're the way to go and that's it. They've got so much control!!! Do you feel freer with out them? (Did you post w/o wearing a bra today to celebrate? ;-) I'd be interested to see if you make more money w/o them...I'd have to assume you would!

wendy said...

I'm so proud of you for going! I had to work...or honestly I would have been right out there with you!!
You know..as a Mom trying to dig our family out of debt (Dave Ramsey rocks!) I have had to make a budget. In this budget I have had to make tough decisions between wants and needs. I'm not understanding how everyone is cutting back but the government who is going wide open with spending! America can recover on her own WITHOUT the special projects and pork spending. Sure, times will be tough, but speaking from experience of trying to get out of debt myself, it builds character. You learn from past mistakes and reach for a higher goal.
In our local tea party...taxes were discussed, but the major theme was keeping our rights! The Constitution is there for a reason and shouldn't be discarded. It protects America...it protects us...it protects our children. We need to limit our government. We need the government working FOR us and not against us.
Okay...stepping off soap box now and enjoying some iced sweet tea and thanking God for allowing us to live in such an Awesome country where one can voice concerns and opinions!

Holly Campbell said...

I have heard about the tea parties, because when I think about it in time, I watch Glenn Beck. . .I did not attend a Tea Party, but I too am frustrated with that government (and certain large companies) are not required or held to balancing their checkbooks, like we, the people are. Isn't it common sense? I hope that we can make a difference, if enough of us work together to have our voices heard!

Kacie said...

Welll i gotta tell you, I'm not usually a rebel either, and I went to Bible college too (my rebel move was going to see movies - yes, that was still a rule until graduated four years ago!). However, I felt like a rebel when I voted FOR Obama and in my continued support of him.

I'm generally against this state (TX), most people in my church, and most of my family. Yet still, I will hold to my convictions.

And I have to say the tea party movement confuses me. The original tea party was about taxation without representation. We have representation. The people we voted to represent us are in office.

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

We HAVE to stand up for what's right. Yea! Way to go! Linda

Van said...

I support the tea parties, but I can see more than one side of this. In my opinion any republican who voted for the original tarp back in September should be voted out of office.

To everyone on this blog - Yes we know that the original tea party was about taxation without representation. Yesterday's tea parties were in the spirit of protesting an intrusive, oversized government that has spent more in the last eight months than in the entire previous history of our nation. A government that has no right to take over automakers, banks, or tell mortgage lenders that people who can't afford $300,000 houses deserve them anyway.

My last point. It's amazing to me how we brush shoulders everyday and make friends with our fellow Americans without questioning or caring about their political leanings. Then someone stands up for something they believe in and we go bezerk! Why? Because they don't agree with us. How arrogant. This is the beauty of America. This is what our founders and our soldiers all over the world have fought to protect. In my opinion this is what is really at stake when government triples in size in 8 months...mine, yours, our FREEDOM.

Susie Q said...

I think Obama was aware of the tea parties. His press conference yesterday started at the same time as the East Coast parties. I admit that he is apparently deaf, dumb and blind, but he'd have to be a complete moron to miss these. And from the comments from leaders in Congress, CNN (how frat boy crude could they get?), they have not a clue. Are any of us surprised?

I think that many conservatives are of the 'silent majority' as we were called. Leave us alone to raise our families, earn our money, pay our bills and our mortgages...and we'll be quiet. But it has gone way too far now. The last administration TRIED to pass regulations to reel in many of the spending sprees, the forced giving of mortgages to people who didn't have a hope in hell of paying them back...my BIL was in the homebuilding industry in Houston & attended the closing of a sale of a home to a minority couple. Their combined income was around $70K a year and they were purchasing a $600K home. Their combined monthly income covered the mortgage and insurance. It did not cover utilities, groceries, or ANYTHING else...ever nickle they brought home was going to make the house payment. The lender did not want to sign the papers giving them the money, my BIL didn't want to be involved either. The couple brought in their attorney's phone number and 'advocate's' phone number in case there were any 'problems'. The home was not that far from my BIL's home....they lost it in less than 2 years and the mortgage company spent a fortune doing maintenance on the house/yard. And that is the sort of thing that Congress did not want to regulate. They are pitching fits at the AIG bonuses. Anyone have any idea how much the execs at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be getting this year? Over $200M....what is the difference?

We just squeaked by here in CO...our legislature voted to seize the extra money in the worker's compensation pool...they were literally going to steal the money from a private company to make up the budget shorfall for this year. The attorney general said that there is no way that he could defend the state if they pulled that.

We love it here in CO, but honestly, Texas is home and next year might be a breaking point for us. If things continue in this state with a Dem state legislature, governor, etc and the punitive taxes and things that the government is doing, we might move back and start over (again!) And at 50, I don't want to.

People who have minded their own business, paid the bills....are angry. Now, to keep the momentum going to 2010 and get rid of everyone that is a current officeholder. THEN insist on term limits.

Don Marsh said...

We may be willing to protest, but are we willing to govern? We need real conservatives to run and vow to look out for our interests: freedom. Unfortunately, most of the people who run for public office, from top to bottom, just want to run our lives and take our money. That's why it seems like it makes little difference to vote. Next time, make sure you have a dog in the fight. Get involved in local conservative groups and think ahead for a change. Start supporting a candidate early. Make a contribution, take a sign in your yard, and walk your neighborhood for him/her. That's how it gets done. And we all need to do it.

Alexia said...

I'm such a hermit that I never hear about stuff 'til it's over, unfortunately. If I would have known about it I probably would have tried to go. I'm sick of the government sticking their noses in where it doesn't belong. Oh yeah, and spend money that is better spend elsewhere!

Innkeeper Seely said...

First, I am not a conservative.

Second, I have attended rallies in my life time.

Third, I believe it is every American's duty to stand up for their beliefs and participate in the system. Civil discourse is one of the most important rights to cherish.

Fourth, I believe making an effort to understand multiple points of view makes me a whole person. Doesn't mean I fully understand and certainly I won't embrace some of the ideology but at least I make the effort to see both sides before I take a stand.

So get out there. Participate. Vote. Teach your children to explore issues and to articulate their postions on issues. There's a larger world out there than their safe church and home school centered environment. Prepare them to be Americans.

Andrea said...

I'm not bitter! My guy won! I'm also well-educated, not that it's important. I simply stated my opinion (albeit sarcastically) as a liberal mommy.

The defecit we are in is due to President Bush; I find it funny that many conservatives didn't seem to mind when he took a balanced budget and ruined it.

Thankfully, we are all entitled to our different opinions! I do think it's great that you are participating in politics, though. Kudos to you!

Don, the Window Cleaner said...

Your taxes are NOT going down if the higher taxes on business and the "wealthy" is merely passed on to us in the form of higher prices. We all pay. The cuts are an illusion. The NEW deficit will dwarf anything done by any other president, if not all of them. If you don't wanna know that, no one can help you. Enjoy the honeymoon...

Keeslermom said...

I protested.

I protested 8 years ago when Bush sent our country into 2 different wars, and didn't come up with a way to pay for it. We didn't stop him then, so we must pay for it now.