"Assuring The Promise of Liberty"
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release:
The Memphis TEA Party Calls For Removal of Mark Willams from Tea Party Express Leadership
Tea Party Express leader's blog is beyond civility
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (July 16, 2010) – The Memphis TEA Party (MTP), today, called for the removal of Mark Williams, Chairman of Tea Party Express based on a fictional letter he crafted and posted on his blog. The "letter" represents the worst of racial stereotypes and degrades the dialogue that the Memphis TEA Party has worked hard to facilitate. There can be no tolerance of this type of commentary in the course of disagreement on policy matters.
Mark A. Skoda, Chairman and founder of The Memphis TEA Party stated, “This week saw race being used to divide people and denigrate the Tea Party movement. I have personally worked to facilitate respect and understanding amongst differing views politically. Mark Williams goes beyond any reasonable comportment in posting this disgusting piece of sarcasm.”
Skoda went on to say, "Tea Party leaders and activists have been quick to call out racism in every form and by anyone on the right or the left and we must self police when such actions come to the fore. I find it regrettable that the actions of Mark Williams reignited the emotion around this issue. Furthermore, the Memphis TEA Party calls on all Tea Party leadership to denounce this action and call for his rebuke and removal. We can no longer associate with Tea Party Express until such time as the situation is rectified by their board."
The Memphis TEA Party requires its members to reject racism, violence and any forms of discrimination.
About the Memphis TEA Party:
The Memphis TEA Party organization is committed to improving the function of government impacting the citizens of west Tennessee. Through outreach and advocacy, we can make a difference! We regularly meet with legislators, attend hearings and support candidates that promote a vision of fiscal responsibility and smaller government.
Further information can be found at the website: www.thememphisteaparty.com.
Contact:
Mark A. Skoda
Tel: 901-277-4968
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PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release:
The Memphis TEA Party Reaffirms Values
MTP condemns NAACP racism charges in vote
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (July 14, 2010) – The Memphis TEA Party (MTP), today, announced condemnation of the NAACP and its leadership in its declaration that the Tea Party movement is racist. The leaders of the NAACP have taken a decision to restate the fabrications of racism that were embraced by the main stream media earlier this year and during the Washington protests prior to the healthcare vote.
The decision by the NAACP to use fabrication and obfuscation in making this declaration has diminished their credibility. The MTP and the Tea Party movement have always condemned racism in all its forms along with hate speech and derogatory partisanship.
Mark A. Skoda, Chairman and founder of The Memphis TEA Party stated, “The NAACP has once again trotted out the tired narrative of the 'N-word' fabrication during the DC march by Tea Party activists. I was there and I observed the actions of the Congressional Black Caucus leaders as they purposely marched among the protesters in hopes of creating an altercation.”
Skoda went on to say, "Tea Party leaders and activists have been quick to call out racism in every form and by anyone on the right or the left. The NAACP apparently believes this action to be in their interest to gin up their base while disparaging hard working Americans who love their country but disagree with the Obama administration's policies."
The Memphis TEA Party views the actions of the NAACP as nothing more than a vain attempt to freeze its African-American base and create emotional anxiety in the hopes of getting out the vote for the mid-term elections.
Charlotte Bergmann, a candidate for the 9th Congressional District in Memphis stated, "As a woman, a minority and a Tea Party activist, I disagree vehemently with the actions of the NAACP. My association with Tea Party leaders and activists has always been one of mutual respect. My own candidacy has reflected the bridge between whites and blacks here in Memphis where race has always played a role in the city's politics. Yet here I am, running for Congress as a conservative with the strong support of the Tea Party and its members."
The Memphis TEA Party requires its members to reject racism, violence and any forms of discrimination.
About the Memphis TEA Party:
The Memphis TEA Party organization is committed to improving the function of government impacting the citizens of west Tennessee. Through outreach and advocacy, we can make a difference! We regularly meet with legislators, attend hearings and support candidates that promote a vision of fiscal responsibility and smaller government.
Further information can be found at the website: www.thememphisteaparty.com.
Contact:
Mark A. Skoda
Tel: 901-277-4968
###
National Tea Party Federation calls on CBC to help settle 'Racism' charges centered around Capitol Hill Health Care rally
Requests turnover of "all relevant information"
Singles out Congressman Carson's statements on use of 'N-word'
April 27, 2010 - The National Tea Party Federation announced that it has sent an open letter requesting all relevant information be provided to the NTPF that documents the alleged racial epithets hurled at members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
David Webb, Co-founder of TeaParty365 and a founding member of the National Tea Party Federation stated, "The continued use of the racism narrative to describe the Tea Party movement is both unfair and offensive. Our effort is to clear the reputation of the Tea Party movement during the Washington DC rally by asking for the cooperation of Congressmen Lewis and Carson. We believe this approach will allow the National Tea Party Federation to address those allegations appropriately, should they prove true."
The National Tea Party Federation letter to Congresswoman Lee requests assistance in turning over all relevant documentation to the NTPF for review. Additionally, the NTPF has agreed to the reciprocal release of its own documentation related to this event. The three-page letter was sent to the CBC offices at the Rayburn Building by express delivery service and is posted at http://www.thenationalteapartyfederation.com/pressroom.html.
Jamie Radtke, President of the Richmond Tea Party and a founding member of the National Tea Party Federation, said, "We need to respectfully and deliberately resolve this issue. We will not tolerate the kind of behavior that has been alleged. We are hopeful that the Congressional Black Caucus will assist in our efforts and respond accordingly."
Mark A. Skoda, Chairman of The Memphis TEA Party and a founding member of the National Tea Party Federation, commented, "It is regrettable that this allegation has not been dealt with officially. The Tea Party movement is one of honor and integrity. We will uphold this standard by identifying the perpetrator, should the allegations prove true.
“Recently, Congressman Steve Cohen, of the 9th District in Memphis, has perpetuated an unfounded racism narrative during a radio interview,” continued Skoda. “We find this deeply disturbing, especially in light of the fact that no empirical evidence has been produced documenting the allegations. We hope the Congressional Black Caucus shares our desire to get to the bottom of this incident."
For further information or to register and participate in the National Tea Party Federation, log on to www.thenationalteapartyfederation.com.
About the National Tea Party Federation (NTPF):
The Federation is a broad coalition of national and regional Tea Party groups committed to improving communications between local, regional, and national tea party organizations. Our purpose is to facilitate and support clarity of message, rapid response to media misinformation, and to continue to collaborate and promote the movement’s core principles of Fiscal Responsibility, Constitutionally Limited Government, and Free Markets.
Contacts:
Christina Botteri
Phone: 916-315-8989
Diane Clohesy
Phone: 310-266-0477
# # #
National Tea Party Federation
April 24, 2010
Via Federal Express and Email
Chairwoman Barbara Lee
C/O Congressional Black Caucus
2444
Dear Chairwoman Lee,
The National Tea Party Federation (the “Federation”) is comprised of approximately seventy-five local and national tea party groups, which collectively represent over 500,000 individual members. The Federation was formed primarily to create a unified message and media response amongst key leadership and their affiliates.
The Federation does not and will not tolerate any form of racism, violence or hate speech; in fact, its charter expressly rejects the same, and its membership rules specifically require that each member and its leadership comport themselves accordingly. It will not surprise you, therefore, that we treat each and every allegation of racism lodged against the Tea Party with the utmost concern, which is the reason we write you today.
As you are no doubt aware, on March 20, 2010, the Tea Party held a “Code Red Healthcare Rally” (the “Rally”) on and around Capitol grounds in
We believe to our core that racism and hate speech have no place in civil political discourse and debate - and, we are sure you agree. So, it is no doubt in our mutual interest to drill down on this incident and identify those persons alleged to have used the N-word at the Rally, so that they can be appropriately isolated and personally condemned.
Unfortunately, despite weeks of searching, we have been unable to find any evidence corroborating Mr. Lewis’ and Mr. Carson's allegations.
We therefore turn to you, and respectfully request that you provide us with any and all evidence – video, audio, interviews, first-hand accounts, etc. – of the N-word being hurled against your members (or anyone else) during the Rally. To this end, we also ask that you also make available to us Congressman Carson (or that you encourage Congressman Carson to make himself available to us) in order to be interviewed about his allegations. In particular, we think it would help if Congressman Carson could resolve the discrepancies in his conflicting accounts of the location of the alleged incident.
You can fully expect that the Federation will condemn any instance in which corroborating evidence is produced that a Tea Party member hurled a racial epithet at anyone, much less Congressman Lewis.
We thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter, and we look forward to your help getting to the bottom of this unfortunate incident.
Sincerely,
Mark A. Skoda
Chairman, The
Founding Member, National Tea Party Federation
Jamie Radtke Christina K Botteri
President,
President & Founder, New Libert Robin Stublen
President & Founder, New Liberty Democrats Robin Stublen
Founding Member, National Tea Party Federation Punta Gorda Tea Party
Mark K Lloyd
Jason W. Hoyt Mark K Lloyd
Founding Member, National Tea Party Federation Chairman,
Tea Party Patriots Live &
Maryetta Ables
Maryetta Ables Toby Marie Walker
Central West Virginia Tea Party President,
Chairwoman, Heart of
Founding Member, National Tea Party Federation
Suzanne Pak Lisa Feroli
Executive Director, Song of Truth Foundation Floridians Unite
Former Board of Director, MIT Alumni Club NY Orlando Tea party
Karl Gustave David Webb
A More Perfect Union Co-Founder | TeaParty365
Maggie Hunt Jeanie Coates
Maggie Hunt Jeanie Coates
Organizer, The Santee East County TEA Party Group Director,
Founding Member, National Tea Party Federation
National Tea Party Federation Announces New Members
Thirty New Tea Party Groups Added to Federation
April 20, 2010 - The National Tea Party Federation announced the addition of over thirty new members to the Federation. These organizations represent groups from around the country and reflect the growing interest in the NTPF’s core mission of collaborating on positive messaging and rapid media response to false accusations.
David Webb, Co-founder of TeaParty365 stated, "We are pleased to be partnering in the efforts of the National Tea Party Federation. These fellow Tea Party groups are working to ensure the integrity of the Tea Party movement through media messaging and we see the importance of this endeavor in
Antonio Hinton of the Knoxville Tea Party commented, "As a member of the TN Tea Party Coalition, I understand the unique benefits of bringing together this federation. I look forward to participating in this collective voice for reason within the Tea Party movement and will encourage my colleagues in Tennessee to join."
Suzanne Pak, Executive Director of Song of Truth Foundation, stated, "The possibilities of what we can accomplish through coordinated effort is limitless. To ensure victory in 2010 requires that we leverage all communication and outreach tools in our arsenal, and I am thankful to see NTPF step up to the challenge with an innovative solution."
Jason Hoyt of the Orlando Tea Party and a founding member of the National Tea Party Federation said, "Since our announcement we have received a number of requests through the website. We are excited by the overwhelming response and we are glad that other Tea Parties see the benefit of media collaboration."
Karen Miner Hurd, Founder of Hampton Roads Tea Party stated, “We have been very pro-active in our media strategy through radio and social networking and we are excited to join the NTPF and share some of the things we have learned through this journey.”
Laurie Masterson, Chairman of
The new NTPF members are:
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The Federation is a broad coalition of national and regional Tea Party groups committed to improving communications between local, regional, and national tea party organizations. Our purpose is to facilitate and support clarity of message, rapid response to media misinformation, and to continue to collaborate and promote the movement’s core principles of Fiscal Responsibility, Constitutionally Limited Government, and Free Markets.
Phone: 916-315-8989
Phone: 310-266-0477
Formation of "National Tea Party Federation" Announced
Broad Coalition of National, Regional Groups and Local Groups
Uniting for Messaging and Rapid Media Response
Advocacy & Affiliated Groups Participate
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (April 8, 2010) - A broad coalition of national and regional Tea Party groups have announced the formation of the National Tea Party Federation (NTPF). The NTPF is established to create a unified message and media response amongst key leadership and their affiliates. At the same time, the NTPF will act as a clearinghouse and to promote the Tea Party movement's objectives of:
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Constitutionally Limited Government
- Free Markets
The federation includes key organizations and leadership and is committed to changing the dynamics of communicating clearly to its membership while supporting the aforementioned principles. The approach will allow for clarity of message, rapid response to media misinformation while continuing to build the brand equity of the Tea Party movement. The NTPF will act in unison without a central leadership or overhead yet collaborate through a common set of principles.
The founders of the National Tea Party Federation include the following Tea Party groups:
- American Grassroots Coalition
- Arkansas Unite
- Cincinnati Tea Party
- Constitutional TEA Party
- DC Works For Us
- Illinois Tea Party
- Lynchburg Tea Party
- New Jersey Tea Party Coalition
- New Mexico Patriots
- Orlando Tea Party
- Pittsburgh Tea Party
- Punta Gorda Tea Party
- ResistNet
- Richmond Tea Party
- Santee East County TEA Party
- Take the Town Halls to Washington
- Tea Party Express
- Tea Party Nation
- The Heart of Texas Tea Party
- The Memphis TEA Party
- The Mississippi Tea Party
- Tupelo Tea Party
- Waco Tea Party
- Washington DC Tea Party
- We The People of Pennsylvania
The National Tea Party Federation is comprised of national, regional and local leadership that has worked to build trust amongst the various parties. The founding members will work to encourage other groups and leadership to join the federation thereby extending its impact and capabilities.
Jamie Radtke, Chairman of the Richmond Tea Party stated, "The National Tea Party Federation is based upon successful models deployed over the past year. These include actions like our own efforts in Virginia. We understand the importance of standing together while enhancing the ability to frame the discussion and realize gains amongst this approach to collaboration.
The federation was formed in response to a concerted effort of misinformation propagated by the main stream media. The federation will act as a "rapid response" team to mainstream media misinformation.
Jamie Radtke, further commented, "We have experienced the attempts to suggest that Tea Party members are not part of America's mainstream. As a mother, I have made my best efforts to raise my voice to oppose the actions of this government for the benefit of my family, community and my country. We and the Virginia Tea Party Federation welcome this effort and the national exposure it will give our movement and our members."
NTPF has also established alliances which include like-minded advocacy and support groups such as:
- 60 Plus
- Americans for Prosperity
- Americans for Tax Reform
- Bannon Strategic Advisors
- Citizens Against Government Waste
- Citizens United
- Constitutional Sovereignty Alliance
- Contract From America
- Doctor Patient Medical Association
- Family Research Council
- FreedomWorks
- Heartland Institute
- Institute for Liberty
- Let Freedom Ring
- Moms for America
- National Taxpayers Union
- Ronald Reagan Institute for Conservative Leadership
- Richard Viguerie
- Tea Party Patriots Live!
- Victory Media Group
Mark A. Skoda of The Memphis Tea Party commented, "The combination of the Tea Party leadership and a strong network of alliances brings together activists with the resources to get our message out while coordinating across these many groups. The talent, experience and results orientation of the National Tea Party Federation is unprecedented in the current political environment."
Amy Kremer, of American Grass Roots Coalition and a Director of TEA Party Express, commented, "As a woman and mother, my concerns for the country revolve around our message of smaller government and accountability. The NTPF provides a way in which we can coordinate our efforts nationally and respond to the antagonism of the Left through the media and hold them accountable to responsible reporting."
Grass roots activists everywhere have worked to inform themselves, notify their representatives of their objections and take action in the form of rallies, meetings and calls into those representatives. Individual groups have worked tirelessly to assemble their members and deliver their comments to their elected legislators. However, the formation of the National Tea Party Federation will allow for a "clearinghouse" of messaging, media comment, local video and documentation while at the same time aligning the affiliates in "one message, one face."
Skoda, further stated, "The Tea Party movement's favorability is at an all time high of fifty-two percent. The extraordinary efforts, put forward by common citizens to make their voices heard, will now have a federation capable of national communication."
Darla Dewald of ResistNet also commented, "The power of this federation is extraordinary. The leadership and advisors who have chosen to affiliate within the National Tea Party Federation are key activists with the capability to deliver a clear message while also working with their membership to achieve change."
Maggie Hunt of the Santee East County Tea Party stated, "This federation, much like the United States itself, is a combination of large Tea Party organizations and smaller local groups. We are so please to play our part and to participate in this important effort. The time to align our messaging is now and the National Tea Party Federation will give voice to many more in the Tea Party movement."
Dozens of other Tea Party leadership and affiliates have been invited into the National Tea Party Federation and are working through their review processes. The NTPF is an open federation and welcomes all Tea Party groups and affiliates who are committed to the core principles of fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government and free markets.
For further information or to register and participate in the National Tea Party Federation, please visit our website at www.thenationalteapartyfederation.com.
Contacts:
Diane Clohesy
Phone: 310-266-0477
Christina Botteri
Phone: 916-315-8989
# # #
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release:
MEMPHIS TEA PARTY ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF “CONSERVATIVE LIBERTY DEFENSE UNION”
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (December 7, 2009) – The Memphis TEA Party together with other TEA Party leadership, today announced the formation of the Conservative Liberty Defense Union (CLDU). The founder, Mark A. Skoda who is also Chairman of The Memphis TEA Party, decided that the current progressive attacks on our conservative principles needed an answer through a new organization that would work to challenge federal and state laws that do not reflect a constructionist view of our constitution.
Mark A. Skoda stated, “The Federal government continues to pass laws which establish unfunded mandates, restricts state’s rights, require restrictions on our personal liberty and circumvent the intent of our founding documents and the Constitution. We need a conservative activist organization that will challenge the progressive agenda. Our efforts will be to develop the Conservative Liberty Defense Union in becoming that vehicle for change.”
With forty (40) percent of the nation declaring themselves conservatives, there is a clear need to begin to address the conservative view on issues of liberty and individual freedom. To be sure, organizations like the ACLJ and ADF are key to religious liberty, however with government regulation becoming more intrusive, we need a national conservative legal organization to represent those broader interests. At the same time, this organization will drive towards greater transparency in government and will use all the tools at its disposal to seek information to expose actions that are antithetical to our national and personal liberty.
Born out of the TEA Party movement, The Memphis TEA Party has worked to develop efforts in education, protest and organization that allow the conservative electorate to be more engaged in local, state and federal government. With the founding of The Memphis TEA Party PAC, the organization established an advocacy entity for electioneering and support of conservative principles by developing conservative candidates and addressing legislation important to their constituents. It was a logical extension of these efforts to “nationalize” an effort in the development of a legal fund and operation that would challenge the progressive agenda while supporting conservative principles.
Skoda further said, “The effort to organize and create an alternative to the ACLU will be difficult and arduous, but I am optimistic that the time has come for just such an initiative. We can no longer accept the fact that government can legislate with no challenge to those laws which restrict freedoms and liberty. I am indeed hopeful that we will begin to see traction on a national basis.”
Should you be interested in supporting the Conservative Liberty Defense Union, please visit the Memphis TEA Party at www.thememphisteaparty.com and select the CLDU tab under News & Events.
Contact:
Mark A. Skoda
Tea Parties Call on GOP to “Dump Dede”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (October 23, 2009) - While the Nationwide Tea Party Coalition endorses values and not candidates, choosing instead to focus on education and action, it is clear that in the NY-23 race for Congress, there is only one candidate that embodies the traditional American values for which the Tea Party movement is fighting. The only acceptable candidate is Doug Hoffman.
Because the Tea Parties are about action, the most powerful action Tea Partiers could take is to donate time or money now to the Doug Hoffman for Congress committee and/or go to the District and volunteer on the campaign.
We are extremely disappointed that the Republican Party (and leaders like Newt Gingrich) has missed the message of the Tea Parties and continues to take conservative voters for granted. We applaud all courageous statesmen (Fred Thompson, Michelle Bachmann, and Dick Armey) and call on other GOP officials to put America’s values over traditional, often corrupt and morally bankrupt, power structures.
Scozzafava is an imposter in this election insofar as she does not fit the values of the district or the center-right country. The honorable move would be for her to remove herself from a race she cannot win. In choosing not to do this, she and her supporters are casting their lot for party loyalty as opposed to loyalty to conservatism or to the prosperity of their country.
Tomorrow, beginning in St. Louis at noon, several tea party cities will publicly demand GOP denunciation of the nomination of Dede Scozzafava and demand support for conservatism. We will call upon all Republicans to either join us or stand against us.
We ask that all Republican officials decide now: do they stand for principle and limited government or are they party loyalists? They or the voters decide, it’s their choice.
http://www.nationwideteapartycoalition.com or http://www.dumpdede.com
**Tea parties on board include: ST. LOUIS, MEMPHIS, QUINCY, HUNTSVILLE, LOS ANGELES, PASADENA, NEW YORK
Contact:
Mark A. Skoda
The Memphis TEA Party Live! show launched on August 29, 2009 and is heard every Saturday night on KWAM 990 on the AM dial from 6:00PM~7:00PM. Live streaming audio is also be available over the internet providing for a global listening audience. Further information about the show, along with previous show archives, is available at The Memphis TEA Party website and KWAM's webiste at: www.thememphisteaparty.com and www.kwam990.com. The show can also be heard on Fridays on Blogtalkradio.com where it is broadcast to a national audience of listeners. Contact: Mark A. Skoda
For Immediate Release:
Nationwide Tea Party Leaders Publish Results of "Top Ten Healthcare Questions"
Nashville -- October 12, 2009 - The national leadership team of the Nationwide Tea Party Coalition today announced the results of the nationwide poll conducted over the past two weeks at the website www.toptenhealthcarequestions.com.
"We asked the American people to select the top ten unanswered health care questions from a list of over thirty questions. Over 44,000 Americans voted in our poll, and today, we're announcing the results, both in this press release, and the associated YouTube video, which can be seen at http://www.nationwideteapartycoalition.com and http://www.dallasteaparty.org ," said Michael Patrick Leahy, a national spokesperson for the Nationwide Tea Party Coalition. "We are asking President Obama to answer these questions before the Senate Finance Committee votes on the Baucus proposal tomorrow."
The top ten unanswered questions are:
10. Do you intend to honor your promise and hold a serious line by line review of proposed health care legislation with members of Congress or was your July 29 promise to do so merely an insincere political gesture?
9. Why should the American people trust the Administration's numbers rather than the final estimates of the C.B.O. on the cost of your health care proposals?
8. Why should seniors trust the Administration more than the nonpartisan C.B.O. that your health care proposals will reduce health care benefits to seniors?
7. How can you accuse critics of creating lies about your health care proposals when on several occasions, including your incorrect reference to the circumstances of an Illinois man in your September 9 speech to Congress, your own words have been found to be misleading?
6. If competition can be expected to reduce costs and increase coverage, why is interstate competition not a key part of your health care proposals?
5. How do you expect Americans to believe you have a grasp and knowledge of the healthcare proposals when you appear to be unaware that the language of the Baucus proposal specifically includes the word "tax"?
4. Is the Congressional Research Service in error when it states that HR 3200 contains no restrictions on illegals receiving health care benefits?
3. Why aren't you currently acting to stop the waste and fraud you claim to have identified that currently exists in the health care system?
2. Why won't government employees and elected officials be covered under a nationwide health care plan?
1. Is there a good reason or explanation you can give the American people why your plans don't include a single word that addresses this terrible problem of lawsuit abuse?
"There's an important vote tomorrow in the Senate Finance Committee, and we've asked the President to provide us with answers to these questions before that vote," stated Leahy. "We'll report exactly how he responds to our request."
For Immediate Release
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (September 24, 2009) - The national leadership team of the Nationwide Tea Party Coalition, in conjunction with the Common Sense Citizens’ Network, today launched the website www.toptenhealthcarequestions.com , inviting all Americans to help develop a list of top ten unanswered health care questions for President Obama.
Ken Emanuelson, a leader of the Common Sense Citizens’ Network, said “Over the next week, we’re asking our fellow American citizens to visit the site and vote for the ten questions they'd most like President Obama to answer. The following week, we’ll submit this list to the White House and we’ll see if they provide any answers.”
President Obama has repeatedly told the American people that he seeks a serious, good faith dialogue with us about his health care ideas, but so far the conversation has been more of a Presidential monologue than an honest two-way discussion. Not only has the President failed to reveal the details of his health care plan, he has also failed to respond to serious questions about the broad concepts he’s mentioned in his many speeches. The Nationwide Tea Party Coalition and the Common Sense Citizens’ Network hope to use these questions from the American people to move this dialogue forward.
Michael Johns, an expert on health care policy who has spoken at tea parties in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and many other cities, said, “Like many Americans, we see a disturbing pattern of behavior that has developed at this White House. Promises of transparency and open doors are followed by highly partisan back room politics that exclude opposing views. This past April 29th, for instance, President Obama said at an Arnold, Missouri rally that he was ‘happy to have a serious conversation’ with the Tea Party Movement about health care and other policy challenges. The Nationwide Tea Party Coalition accepted the invitation in a May 1st letter to the White House, yet to this day no one has responded.”
National spokesperson for the Nationwide Tea Party Coalition Michael Patrick Leahy echoed this theme. “At a town hall meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina on July 29, President Obama said ‘I will be available to answer any question that members of Congress have. If they want to come over to the White House to go over line by line what’s going on, I will be happy to do that.’ Last month, Congressman Phil Roe sent the President two letters asking him to set a time and place to conduct such a line by line review. As with our own earlier letter, President Obama has failed to respond to Congressman Roe. This leaves us wondering whether any of the President’s promises are genuine or if they are all merely cynical acts of political theater that he never intends to honor.”
Voting on the top ten unanswered health care questions for President Obama begins today at www.toptenhealthcarequestions.com and continues until next Wednesday, September 30. Anyone who wants to submit a new question can do so on the site. Based on the votes, the top ten questions will be submitted to the White House on Thursday morning, October 1. Any responses from the White House will be posted on the following Monday. The sponsoring groups also plan to share the results with members of the Senate and Congress.
For more information, visit www.toptenhealthcarequestions.com or contact
Nationwide Tea Party Coalition www.nationwideteapartycoalition.com spokespersons
Michael Patrick Leahy, 615-243-6869 michaelpatrickleahy@gmail.com or Michael
Johns, 609-670-8142 michaeldjohns@gmail.com .
The Memphis TEA Party To Go Live! On KWAM 990 In Memphis
Mark A. Skoda, a Shelby County resident and host of The Memphis Tea Party Live! show, stated, “The TEA Party movement has begun to influence public debate and awakened the great middle of America. We will cover issues from the founding of our country to the future of legislative efforts and government’s responsibility to its people. With a local flavor, we will try to enliven that debate, provide interesting guests and establish provocative debate of political issues facing the country.”
The Memphis TEA Party Live! show will launch on August 29, 2009 and be heard every Saturday night on KWAM 990 on the AM dial from 6:00PM~7:00PM. Live streaming audio will also be available over the internet providing for a global listening audience. Additional information about the show is available at the organization’s website at www.thememphisteaparty.com and www.kwam990.com.
Contact:
Mark A. Skoda
Memphis and Mississippi TEA Party Groups Combine For September 5, 2009 TEA Party Event
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (August 20 , 2009) – The Memphis and Mississippi TEA Party organizations will hold a tea party rally from 4:00 PM, September 5th at Snowden Grove Amphitheater in Southaven, Mississippi. The theme for the family friendly event is “Listen to Us.”
With the advent of TEA parties nationally, these local TEA Party organizations focus on the fiscal responsibility of our representatives at the local, state and national level. The non-partisan organization welcomes members of the major parties as well as independents and libertarians to join in driving fiscal conservatism and smaller government.
The event on September 5, 2009 will be held to reflect the continued interest of independent thinking people everywhere who feel that their government is not listening to their views. Interest in Healthcare reform, Cap & Trade, out of control spending and the current tactics of intimidation should be reasons for you to join us on this Labor Day event.
Fox News political commentator and author, Angela McGlowan, will headline the event and will be joined by local legislative and community representatives. In addition, live music will be provided by The Jump Starts, Delta Blue, Hornlake First Baptist choir. Trinity Baptist choir, Bluff City Quartet, and the Boomers
Mark A. Skoda, a Shelby County resident, is leading The Memphis Tea Party organization. According to Skoda, “The current healthcare debate along with the overt intimidation and mocking of average citizens is a clear demonstration of the disconnect between those who would govern and those governed, we the people. The Memphis TEA Party organization is joining with other TEA Party organizations to build upon previous efforts and assemble a broader coalition in opposing profligate spending and intrusion into our lives by government."
The Southaven-based TEA party will be held with local tea parties nationwide. People are invited to come out and support the event and enjoy a time of political fellowship as well as sending Washington the message that these TEA parties weren’t simply a onetime event! Additional information about this event is available at the organization’s website at www.thememphisteaparty.com and www.teapartyofmississippi.com.
Contact:
Mark A. Skoda or Rik Brooks
mark@thememphisteaparty.com 901.849.6980
Patriot TEA Party Rally A Success
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (July 7 , 2009) – The patriot tea party rally held on July 2nd at Audubon Park saw over 600 people turn out for live music, speeches and protest on a beautiful Memphis evening. The keynote address, offered by Angela McGlowan, author and conservative political pundit, found an enthusiastic response by the attendees.
These dedicated patriots expressed their desire for smaller government and lower taxes while also making their frustration known. Speeches by Mark A. Skoda, Anne Grosvenor and Chance Gibson focused on the theme of “Assuring the Promise of Liberty”.
Mark A. Skoda, Chairman of The Memphis TEA Party announced key initiatives in the formation of The Memphis TEA Party PAC to support local and statewide candidates as well as sponsoring the 9/12 March on Washington, DC in September. Skoda stated, “We felt the need to establish a PAC to support fiscally conservative candidates without regard to political affiliation. However, the PAC will align itself with efforts of other conservative organizations that share our mission and objectives.”
The group will also coordinate and promote the 9/12 March on Washington, DC sponsored by Freedom Works. Registration, payment and logistics are available through The Memphis TEA Party and the organization will coordinate hotel accommodations, charter coaches for travel to and from the event and local activities with representatives of Tennessee while in Washington, DC.
While tea parties are being held nationwide, The Memphis TEA Party organization is working to sustain this momentum through a combination of TEA party events and on-going activism. Additional information about the The Memphis TEA Party is available on Facebook by searching “The Memphis TEA Party” and at the organization’s website at www.thememphisteaparty.com.
Contact:
Mark A. Skoda
mark@thememphisteaparty.com
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News Release
For Immediate Release
June 30, 2009
Angela McGlowan Named to Headline Memphis
Fox News Political Analyst and Author is Mississippi Native
McGlowan said, “Too often the American public does not feel they have a voice in
Over 3000 people attended the rally in Memphis this past April. For more information click on http://thememphisteaparty.com/
Date: Thursday, July 2, 2009
Start Time: 6:00 PM CT
Location:
The Memphis TEA Party Presents New Corporate Logo
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (June 15, 2009) - The Memphis TEA Party Corporation announces the completion of its new logo. The logo development focused on three key principles. First, it had to communicate the Memphis roots of the organization, second it had to establish the connection to the TEA Party movement and third, it had to be visually interesting. The logo work included our design firm, The Logo Company, as well as a number of volunteer reviewers.
The logo is an important element of our communications strategy that will be used in all written communications, media and product placement. We hope you will agree that The Memphis TEA Party logo is not only visually interesting but fun as well! Thanks to all for the effort and feedback.
The Memphis TEA Party Announces Patriot TEA Party Rally
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (May 30 , 2009) - A patriot tea party rally will be held from 6:00 PM, July 2nd at Audubon Park near the corner of Southern and Perkins Extended. The theme for the family friendly event is “Patriots for Responsible Government.”
With the advent of TEA parties nationally, The Memphis TEA Party organization focuses on the fiscal responsibility of our representatives at the local, state and national level. In addition, the organization’s Mission and Goals & Objectives are defined to reflect this effort. The non-partisan organization welcomes members of the major parties as well as independents and libertarians to join in driving fiscal conservatism and smaller government.
The event on July 2, 2009 will be held to reflect the continued interest of independent thinking people everywhere who feel that their government is not listening to their views. While tea parties are being held nationwide, The Memphis TEA Party organization is working to sustain this momentum through a combination of TEA party events and on-going activism.
Mark A. Skoda, a Shelby County resident, is leading The Memphis Tea Party organization. According to Skoda, “The initial success of the TEA parties has been met with excitement. For those who have participated in these events, sometimes for the very first time, the emotion and message was palpable. However, we believe that it is important to sustain this emotion through concrete actions that are guided by a set of overarching principles. The Memphis TEA Party organization is committed to achieving this outcome by marrying TEA party events with continuing education and political activism.”
The Memphis Tea Party will be held with local tea parties nationwide. This family friendly event will include a number of speakers, patriotic presentations and live entertainment. People are invited to come out and support the event and enjoy a time of political fellowship as well as sending Washington the message that these TEA parties weren’t simply a onetime event! Additional information about the Memphis Patriot TEA Party and this event is available on Facebook by searching “The Memphis TEA Party” and at the organization’s website at www.thememphisteaparty.com.
Contact:
Mark A. Skoda
mark@thememphisteaparty.com
Memphis TEA Party Scheduled for July 2, 2009
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (May 18, 2009) – The Memphis TEA Party has scheduled its next TEA Party event for July 2, 2009 from 6:00~8:00PM. This Thursday event will allow people to come out to make their voices heard and to further the movement of the TEA party's nationally. The event will include speakers who will provide information beyond protesting to include direct efforts to make a difference nationally, state-wide and locally.
In addition, the event will include live music from several performers and groups, food & beverages and a time for patriotic fellowship. With the July 4th holiday on Saturday, this is a great time to come our and support this event while at the same time enjoying the summer weather and festivities that we have planned.
Should you wish to volunteer, contribute or simply get more information, please contact us at: info@thememphisteaparty.com or go to our Registration page under Contact US at www.thememphisteaparty.com and we will keep you appraised of our initiatives and this event in particular!
Memphis Tax Day Tea Party Rally A Success
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (April 16, 2009) – Under sunny skies, over 4,500 Mid-Southerners attended the Memphis Tax Day Tea Party to protest excessive government spending. People from eight months to eighty eight years, from the fit and able bodied to the handicapped, gathered at Audubon Park on tax day. By their dress they were joggers, blue collar workers, professionals, motorcyclists, preps, and farmers; they were like, well… ordinary people. The festive crowd expressed their frustrations with ALL elected officials who would mortgage the future of their children, their children’s children, and generations to come.
The event opened with the presentation of the Colors by Boy Scout Troop 45 of Millington. Megan Cheng, a 9 year old from Lakeland, then led the crowd in the National Anthem. Stephanie Brown, organizer of the tea party, and Mike Fleming, talk show host of WREC 600 AM, gave the opening remarks. Four Shelby County citizens, Mark Skoda, Mark Herr, John Patton and Jim Tomasik, spoke passionately about their concerns with wasteful government spending. Patriotic music was in the background as attendees sipped tea, made their own signs, viewed copies of the 1,400 page stimulus bill, and interacted with other fiscal conservatives in the community. Voter registration cards were available, as was information on fairtax.org.
The patriotic crowd was lively and enthusiastic; carrying protest signs, waving flags, and showing their love for America. A spontaneous group holding signs congregated at the sidewalks along Perkins and Southern, as vehicles passing by honked their horns and revved their engines in support of the movement. One sign which particularly appealed to Memphians stated “Obama/Congress - If we want pork, we’ll order Memphis barbeque.”
All came together for a common cause with like-minded people of goodwill to exercise any or all of their First Amendment rights, especially freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, their right to petition the government, and freedom of the press. The Memphis Tax Day Tea Party is a true grass roots movement. Twenty volunteers, strangers until four weeks ago, organized the well attended event. As people came and went, the final sampling of the total crowd was 4,500 to 5,000. “Everyone had a terrific time and the group’s energy was inspirational. We’re thrilled with the positive and overwhelming response,” said Vicki Towles, one of the volunteers. “We plan to have another tea party on July 4th for fellow citizens to again express themselves to their elected officials.”
Memphis Sound to Provide Staging & Audio
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (April 11, 2009) - Memphis Sound has agreed to provide staging and audio at Audubon Park for the Memphis TEA Party event on April 15, 2009. Mr. Woody Degan, the owner of Memphis Sound, was excited about supporting this event and has contributed to its success. Event attendees will be able to see, hear and enjoy the festivities while attending this important outpouring of activism! http://www.memphissound.com/
TEA Party Day Rallies On April 15 Now Scheduled in 1,829 Cities
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (April 7, 2009) - American Family Association sponsored TEA Party events are now planned in over 1,800 cities. This country-wide grass roots effort is fast becoming a major movement. These events are important to making our voices heard in Washington. Newt Gingrich from American Solutions is seen speaking in the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vKr95e5aIE
WCRV 640 to Broadcast Interview
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (April 6, 2009) - Radio station, WCRV 640, will broadcast a full half hour radio interview during their Life & Liberty program at 3PM, April 13, 2009 at 3 PM. The program focus will be to discuss the Memphis TEA Party and the implications of the those initiatives in government. Life & Liberty focuses on family and pro-life issues in American government.
Area Residents Plan Memphis Tax Day Tea Party Rally
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (April 5, 2009) - A tax day tea party rally will be held at 5 PM, April 15th at Audubon Park at the corner of Southern and Perkins Extended. The theme for the family friendly event is “Cut the Pork, Reduce Taxes.”
Tea parties have been triggered by comments made by CNBC’s analyst Rick Santelli on February 19th. While discussing the Stimulus Bill and the mortgage rescue plan, Santelli called for a Chicago Tea Party to protest “government promoting bad behavior.” A video of Santelli can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEZB4taSEoA
Since February, tea parties have been springing up all over the country. Groups of concerned citizens make up the grass roots, non-partisan effort. Stephanie Brown, a Shelby County resident, is spearheading the Memphis Tea Party. According to Brown, “The purpose of the tea party is to let our elected officials know that we are tired of our government over-stepping boundaries, over-spending, and over-taxing. The tea party is not about blame or political party. We encourage all Memphians and Mid-Southerners to bring posters and signs, and get their message to Washington.”
The Memphis Tea Party will be held simultaneously with local tea parties nationwide. Popular talk show radio host Mike Fleming will be broadcasting from the tea party. Over 30 tea parties are scheduled for the tri-state area.