Some time back I was privileged to speak before some people exploring the concept of joining a Tea Party Group. One of the attendees, a gentleman of personal courage, integrity and a Marine Corps veteran said he thought there was an automatic prejudice against the name “Tea Party”. Consequently, many people seemed to develop a negative opinion concerning the composition and motives of the constituents of such groups. At the time the Liberal Left was defining the Tea Party groups as inhabited, directed and composed singularly by “old, white guys”, a group I can’t claim membership in because I’m Native American. But please note: I AM AN AMERICAN.
The response I gave that night was simple because I have an affection for members of the Marine Corps and because I believe in what I do. I addressed the matter along these lines.
The United States Marine Corps is the elite military team tasked with beachhead assault and tenacious participation under fire. They’re also known for the sacrifice and devotion to duty unequaled by any foreign force. They are the tip of the bayonet thrust first into battle. Where others stand and wait for the rain of fire to slack, Marines use that heat to temper the mettle of their spine and strike as warriors do.
Marines are known as THE United States Marine Corps. They’ve been called several other names: some affectionately and others not so much so. They’ve also suffered pejorative comments and name calling that would embarrass some, but remain ignored by those insulted.
They’ve been called Gyrenes, Jarheads, Devil Dawgs and Maroons. They’ve been called names actually more akin to invective and profanity than addressing the respect they are due. But they carry on and they persevere.
It’s my belief there is nothing you can say will tarnish the image of these fine men and women. They are among our best, our brightest and our most valuable service force today. But all of this is based on the core of belief they have, the education they’re give, the foundational strength they have as their platform to accomplish all they’ve accomplished in the name of this great land.
That foundation is love of country and a belief in justice that can’t be diluted or cut in its strength or potency. It is the very metal composing the armor they wear in their quest to represent our country with honor. I stand proudly to honor them and seek only to emulate their courage in the face of political adversity as they stand and represent us in the face of combat.
We in the Tea Party of Louisiana are dedicated to the same core values you and these fine men and women espouse and defend.
It’s immaterial what you call us: “Tea Party of Louisiana”, “Tea Party of Lafayette”, “Red River Tea Party”, “Tea Party Express”, whatever; they’re all honorable appellations denoting the spirit and the existence of a common cause: the Salvation of the American Republic and the right of a free people to direct and control their government.
The United States Marine Corps stand proudly as an example of all that America stands for in this world: Honor, Integrity, Courage and Constancy of Drive under fire and Uncommon Valor as a commonality of their character. Our goals are the same: the defense of the Constitution of the United States and the recognition of the Bill of Rights as the bulwarks of American Society and the preservation of the American Way.
The point of all of this follows: As an American, A Voter, A Veteran and a Member of a Tea Party Group; I promise you, my fellow, concerned Americans – I AM HERE FOR YOU. It doesn’t matter what you call me. I’ll answer. It doesn’t matter the time of day; I’ll respond. It doesn’t matter the seeming triviality of the problem: I’ll listen. And I promise, as I (and my comrades) stand on this ground, in these boots, in the face of this battle I’ll lead, carry or follow any one of you. I am here for you. You are my brothers, my sisters, my compatriots and comrades. We’re in this for the long haul.
And NO MATTER what else they may call us, NO Matter the invective or the profanity they’d attribute to us and NO MATTER what we call our organization; we are and always will be Americans. The people who would try to disrupt, disable and destroy the American dream are our adversaries and they WILL NOT PREVAIL. They can call us any names they wish, but when they’re skulking off to bind their wounds and moan about the unfairness of having to work for a living – they’ll know who it was they faced in this battle.
THEY FACED REAL AMERICANS!
God save you and keep you all.
Thanks for listening
