Welcome to the First Coast Tea Party
The republican party still doesn't get it
Several members of the Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC) attended the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) annual meeting January 8th and 9th. With factors such as the recently announced resignation of RPOF Chair Jim Greer, the growth of the RLC, the emergence of Tea Party movements and the influence of the “We Surround Them” (912) groups, we had high hopes for a new direction for the RPOF.
New opportunities were opened as a result of the anger and energy of these activist groups, and the RPOF state committee recognized this with a resolution to encourage county executive committees to reach out to “Tea Party people.” This would have given the RPOF a solid boost heading into the 2010 elections. But they failed to understand that those “Tea Party people” want principled leadership and bottom-up representation, not the party-first top-down mentality currently in place.
At the annual meeting, the RPOF leadership demonstrated that they still don’t get it. Chairman Greer received a standing ovation from party leadership when he exclaimed at the conclusion of his speech, “It’s about the party, party, party”. The cries heard at a Tea Party or grassroots function, however, are for “principles, principles, principles.”
Rank-and-file Republicans are clearly angry over the unprecedented growth of the federal government in 2009. They are also disgusted at our Governor Charlie Crist’s display of support for Obama’s stimulus package. Yet, when Crist addressed the RPOF at the meeting, he stated that “Florida needs to get her fair share,” and added that he would “not apologize for supporting the stimulus.” Such a statement would be met with scorn from the majority of voters of the Republican Party and Tea Party attendees, but was met with a standing ovation by party leadership.
The first person to speak on policy was Jeff Kottkamp, candidate for Attorney General. Kottkamp did not talk about reducing the size and scope of government, cutting spending, or removing regulations and encouraging free enterprise. Instead, he focused his remarks on expanding the Defense and Space industries in Florida. Grassroots Republicans are pleading for leadership that understands the core issues of fiscal responsibility and limiting the size and scope of government, but RPOF leadership offers only promises to protect special interests.
Most discouraging of all, however, was the apparent coronation of Senator John Thrasher to replace Jim Greer as Chair of the RPOF. In much the same fashion Jim Greer was chosen, the word is that Thrasher had been chosen before the conference call announcing Greer’s resignation had even ended. Many in leadership have rallied around Thrasher because of his ability to raise large sums of money, something the RPOF is in need of. What the RPOF needs more than money, however, is to discover its principles and to get candidates who truly understand those principles elected to office.
A Sign of Hope
In spite of the leadership’s general disconnect with the grassroots, there was a significant sign of hope. There appears to be some serious resistance to the leadership-led coronation of John Thrasher as the new RPOF Chair. Sharon Day, who currently serves as national committeewoman for Florida, stated that she too is running for RPOF Chair in the election that will take place at the February 20th special meeting in Orlando. “I’m running to give the RPOF members a choice, because there should always be a choice,” Day said when she addressed the state committee Saturday morning.
The RLC applauds those in the RPOF that are supporting the courage of Sharon Day and others that seek to offer a voice to the rank-and-file Republicans. We hope that more in party leadership will stand against the top-down approach taken by many in the RPOF.
-Republican Liberty Caucus Leadership
State wide RLC members were at the Orlando meeting
Link to article: http://www.rlcnef.org/the-republican-party-of-florida-they-still-do...
New opportunities were opened as a result of the anger and energy of these activist groups, and the RPOF state committee recognized this with a resolution to encourage county executive committees to reach out to “Tea Party people.” This would have given the RPOF a solid boost heading into the 2010 elections. But they failed to understand that those “Tea Party people” want principled leadership and bottom-up representation, not the party-first top-down mentality currently in place.
At the annual meeting, the RPOF leadership demonstrated that they still don’t get it. Chairman Greer received a standing ovation from party leadership when he exclaimed at the conclusion of his speech, “It’s about the party, party, party”. The cries heard at a Tea Party or grassroots function, however, are for “principles, principles, principles.”
Rank-and-file Republicans are clearly angry over the unprecedented growth of the federal government in 2009. They are also disgusted at our Governor Charlie Crist’s display of support for Obama’s stimulus package. Yet, when Crist addressed the RPOF at the meeting, he stated that “Florida needs to get her fair share,” and added that he would “not apologize for supporting the stimulus.” Such a statement would be met with scorn from the majority of voters of the Republican Party and Tea Party attendees, but was met with a standing ovation by party leadership.
The first person to speak on policy was Jeff Kottkamp, candidate for Attorney General. Kottkamp did not talk about reducing the size and scope of government, cutting spending, or removing regulations and encouraging free enterprise. Instead, he focused his remarks on expanding the Defense and Space industries in Florida. Grassroots Republicans are pleading for leadership that understands the core issues of fiscal responsibility and limiting the size and scope of government, but RPOF leadership offers only promises to protect special interests.
Most discouraging of all, however, was the apparent coronation of Senator John Thrasher to replace Jim Greer as Chair of the RPOF. In much the same fashion Jim Greer was chosen, the word is that Thrasher had been chosen before the conference call announcing Greer’s resignation had even ended. Many in leadership have rallied around Thrasher because of his ability to raise large sums of money, something the RPOF is in need of. What the RPOF needs more than money, however, is to discover its principles and to get candidates who truly understand those principles elected to office.
A Sign of Hope
In spite of the leadership’s general disconnect with the grassroots, there was a significant sign of hope. There appears to be some serious resistance to the leadership-led coronation of John Thrasher as the new RPOF Chair. Sharon Day, who currently serves as national committeewoman for Florida, stated that she too is running for RPOF Chair in the election that will take place at the February 20th special meeting in Orlando. “I’m running to give the RPOF members a choice, because there should always be a choice,” Day said when she addressed the state committee Saturday morning.
The RLC applauds those in the RPOF that are supporting the courage of Sharon Day and others that seek to offer a voice to the rank-and-file Republicans. We hope that more in party leadership will stand against the top-down approach taken by many in the RPOF.
-Republican Liberty Caucus Leadership
State wide RLC members were at the Orlando meeting
Link to article: http://www.rlcnef.org/the-republican-party-of-florida-they-still-do...
Views: 10
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Roma and Tom Cox on
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Good Article M. McBride. Thank you for posting it. I think the NFTeaParty has it correct by not affiliating ourselves with any party. The RLC has many of the same values as the Tea Party, but they are working within the Republican Party to effect change. The RP "old Timers" keeps kicking them out (even elected members) right around election time.
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Permalink Reply by Patricia M. McBride on
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I think things are changing for the better. Thrasher apparently may not get to head the republican party of Florida according to my latest update. It appears someone else may get the position (which would be a good thing).
Pat
Roma and Tom Cox said:Good Article M. McBride. Thank you for posting it. I think the NFTeaParty has it correct by not affiliating ourselves with any party. The RLC has many of the same values as the Tea Party, but they are working within the Republican Party to effect change. The RP "old Timers" keeps kicking them out (even elected members) right around election time.
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I received an update in the last 24 hours and apparently Ms Day has a much better chance now and Mr. Thrasher will not be a shoe in.
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Agree with you. Sadly, a gentleman who worked on the Clinton campaign commented about this on Fox the other day. What he basically said was he had changed from a democrat to a republican, because he felt he no other options. He said sadly what most democrats do not realize is the democratic party they all belonged to no longer exists. It has been replaced by socialists and marxists using the cover of progressives (I guess it is one of those word games that are so popular these days to make something sound harmless). He also indicated that if these folks, who are still registered democrats, go to the polls, as they have in the past, and pull the level for democrats thinking it will solve this problem, our country is lost. They must be educated and understand they no longer have a party that represents them pretty much as we do not have any representation in Washington at this point, but are now exactly where our country was before we won our independence from England. Taxation without representation.
I also have changed my party designation. I had been a life long Independent and now am a republican too.
Glenn Lord Sr. said:Excellent article! I am one of the Tea Party that has left the Libritarian Party and re-registered Republican to make the party our own. You can't win the race without a horse in it. If the Tea Party is to make a difference our individual votes on the executive committies must make the difference. Once we have the power within the party then we can put forward real conservative candidates with real principals instead of people like Charlie Christ or John Thrasher. Where was Crist when the people took to the streets to scream against the insane spending? He was pushing Obama's stymilus. I urge any conservative to make the effort to get on their local executive committie and start having a say. That is unless you want John McCain or someone like him for your candidate again. We can remain non partizan in the Tea Party but if the members do then all our shouting is for nothing. The only non partizan votes are the ones never cast.
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Thank you for posting this article. This serves as a stark reminder of what we are up against. Getting the Socialist Democrats out of office will be the easy part. The hard part will be holding all of our elected officials accountable to make very difficult, painful and unpopular decisions in the future. Once the progressives are no longer the majority, the real work begins.
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Permalink Reply by Kate Svagdis on
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Look at this and tell me if the GOP gets it-
No,now, 'it's us against the machine!'
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Scott Brown is supported by the FOP of Massachusetts. This is a very highly thought of person who will go a long way to putting the people of the state back in charge of their state and have someone who will vote their wishes. Hopefully, having the backing of the FOP will also help with some of the folks hanging around the polls on Tuesday trying to intimidate people as well. Thanks for sharing the picture; it's great!
Kate Svagdis said:Look at this and tell me if the GOP gets it-
No,now, 'it's us against the machine!'
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OK, as I listen to you all, I have changed my mind somewhat. I like the idea of the Tea Party remaining unaffiliated with any party, but individuals who have the courage to do so should try to change the Republican Party from within.
I was just introduced to this interesting article from "The American Conservative" website. Some of it surprised me.
"Unlike William Upton, I (Sean Scalion) am more encouraged that Tea Partiers are resisting attempts by the flunkies and the hacks of both the GOP establishment and Conservative INC. to try and take it over. There’s no doubt that both wings of the establishment Right are trying or are going to try and co-opt the movement.
But it’s my opinion that many Tea Parties know there are shysters out there ready to pull the wool over their eyes."
That part did not surprise me,. But the rest sure did...not sure what to think of it.
: http://www.amconmag.com/blog/2010/01/16/keeping-the-establishment-g...
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Hi Roma and Tom Cox,
I have read numerous articles about this subject as well. Some or should I say most, say we must work within the system we have now and joining and attempting to pull the republican party back to the right and infiltrating as it were, is the way to go (it has worked in one whole state so far and LA CA district and other places are also getting more conservative (Florida is going through it's own little situation right now). A third party is not an option as they can't win, and we can accomplish nothing by going to a third party except insure a continuation of what we currently have by allowing the voet to be split and the current bunch will get re-elected.
I read the article you have th elink for, and I also don't totally agree with it (many of the commenters don't agree with it either). I also don't agree with much of what was written about Brown since I believe the democrats would have hung him from the rafters with that same information if it was all true (and they had nothing...but they do have some really bad things on Martha which Brown would not use as he chose to make the election about the issues).
Personally, I plan to be very active in the political process in the next few months, because truthfully, I can't just sit around and just talk about how bad it is and not do anything. I feel like ok these guys may get back in, at least some of them, but if I just sit around and talk about it and do nothing, I will deserve what I get or I can do the best I can to help decent people who feel like I do get into office in my area, and then, if it doesn't work out or they don't win the election, at least I will know I gave it my best shot. At that point, I can complain if I don't like something. Those who gather to commiserate and take no action, will no longer have a right to complain about how things are because they will have missed their chance to change it.
Roma and Tom Cox said:OK, as I listen to you all, I have changed my mind somewhat. I like the idea of the Tea Party remaining unaffiliated with any party, but individuals who have the courage to do so should try to change the Republican Party from within.
I was just introduced to this interesting article from "The American Conservative" website. Some of it surprised me.
"Unlike William Upton, I (Sean Scalion) am more encouraged that Tea Partiers are resisting attempts by the flunkies and the hacks of both the GOP establishment and Conservative INC. to try and take it over. There’s no doubt that both wings of the establishment Right are trying or are going to try and co-opt the movement.
But it’s my opinion that many Tea Parties know there are shysters out there ready to pull the wool over their eyes."
That part did not surprise me,. But the rest sure did...not sure what to think of it.
: http://www.amconmag.com/blog/2010/01/16/keeping-the-establishment-g...
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I have learned the hard way to check the candidates voting records (actions speak louder than words), because during campaign times they lie. Nothing that was said in the article about Brown was documented. So at this point it is simple "hear say"...nothing I would bank on. I just checked out his voting record, and here it is:
http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=18919
I am still checking it out, but so far nothing looks bad.
Patricia M. McBride said:Hi Roma and Tom Cox,
I have read numerous articles about this subject as well. Some or should I say most, say we must work within the system we have now and joining and attempting to pull the republican party back to the right and infiltrating as it were, is the way to go (it has worked in one whole state so far and LA CA district and other places are also getting more conservative (Florida is going through it's own little situation right now). A third party is not an option as they can't win, and we can accomplish nothing by going to a third party except insure a continuation of what we currently have by allowing the voet to be split and the current bunch will get re-elected. I read the article you have th elink for, and I also don't totally agree with it (many of the commenters don't agree with it either). I also don't agree with much of what was written about Brown since I believe the democrats would have hung him from the rafters with that same information if it was all true (and they had nothing...but they do have some really bad things on Martha which Brown would not use as he chose to make the election about the issues). Personally, I plan to be very active in the political process in the next few months, because truthfully, I can't just sit around and just talk about how bad it is and not do anything. I feel like ok these guys may get back in, at least some of them, but if I just sit around and talk about it and do nothing, I will deserve what I get or I can do the best I can to help decent people who feel like I do get into office in my area, and then, if it doesn't work out or they don't win the election, at least I will know I gave it my best shot. At that point, I can complain if I don't like something. Those who gather to commiserate and take no action, will no longer have a right to complain about how things are because they will have missed their chance to change it.
Roma and Tom Cox said:OK, as I listen to you all, I have changed my mind somewhat. I like the idea of the Tea Party remaining unaffiliated with any party, but individuals who have the courage to do so should try to change the Republican Party from within.
I was just introduced to this interesting article from "The American Conservative" website. Some of it surprised me.
"Unlike William Upton, I (Sean Scalion) am more encouraged that Tea Partiers are resisting attempts by the flunkies and the hacks of both the GOP establishment and Conservative INC. to try and take it over. There’s no doubt that both wings of the establishment Right are trying or are going to try and co-opt the movement.
But it’s my opinion that many Tea Parties know there are shysters out there ready to pull the wool over their eyes."
That part did not surprise me,. But the rest sure did...not sure what to think of it.
: http://www.amconmag.com/blog/2010/01/16/keeping-the-establishment-g...
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Hey, anybody, just rec'd this:
This was tweeted by atlasshrugs a short time ago:
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2010/01/poll-monito...
Help in the MA Senate Election with ALL EXPENSES PAID trip!
One of my readers just contacted me and an opportunity has arisen TODAY (Monday 1/18) and we can now send people to Massachussetts for FREE (travel, lodging, food) to help poll monitor in the MA Senate election tomorrow, (Tues. 1/19). Brief training will be provided.
If you want to go, please email volunteer@teaparty365.org with your name and phone number, and they will book your travel and lodging immediately and put you in touch with the ground coordinator in Massachusetts.
If your email gets returned, please email info@teaparty365.org and kellen@teaparty365.org.
Please help out in this historic election!
Massachusetts voters - please take cameras and record every act of treachery you see. That ugly criminal machine is going into high gear, the individual can save America. That's you and me.
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Thanks to everyone who volunteered from here to make phone calls or travel to Illinois . This is a victory for the Tea Party letting the establishment know we are "a power to be re conned with, and they had better start listening to our message".
We also need to make sure they know we intend to hold their feet to the fire...that we don't elect them to tell us one thing only to do otherwise in office. That will require us to followup on who we supported. We are fast gaining the numbers where the Republican Party will come our way, or we will create our own party. We will be fooled nor taken advantage of no longer.
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You may contact us at:
First Coast Tea Party
1205 Salt Creek Island Dr
Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
904-392-7475
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