Tea Party, 9/12 Project Members Reject National “Tea Party Patriots” Methods
Florida Liberty Alliance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Tom Tillison
Grass Roots Florida Tea Party, 9/12 Project Members
Reject National “Tea Party Patriots” Methods
In an attempt to intimidate the Congressional Freshman Class, “leaders” of the national “Tea Party Patriots” group embarrass the grass roots Tea Party Movement by releasing the personal phone numbers of freshmen House Members with instructions to their email list to pressure Members into attending a private TPP Freshman Class Orientation.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – November 12, 2010 – A statement issued to its email list yesterday by the national “Tea Party Patriots” group leadership demands: “Let’s show them that you won’t tolerate politics as usual and show them the power of the Tea Party” – and then breaks with the most basic protocol of respect and reveals the private cell numbers of the entire Congressional Freshman Class to their list to ensure delivery of this message.
Was this grand call to arms justified because of an important piece of legislation under consideration? Were these freshmen legislators engaged in some act of fiscal irresponsibility or constitutional malfeasance? Not exactly. This demand involved a Freshman Class Orientation scheduling conflict with the conservative organization Claremont Institute, unjustifiably attacked by TPP leaders in its statement as a group comprised of nothing but “Washington Insiders”.
“The grass roots Tea Party Movement, where the volunteers on the ground do the real heavy lifting in the Movement, find the message in the TPP statement and the release of private contact information of Congressional Members inexcusable and an embarrassment for all of us,” says Jason Hoyt, co-founder of the Central Florida Tea Party Council.
Many in the Congressional Freshman class are angry about how poorly they have been treated. There are those who are also puzzled by such egregious and meritless behavior imposed on them before they have even been sworn into office.
The Florida Liberty Alliance strongly requests that the leaders of the “Tea Party Patriots” immediately move do all that they can to repair the damage that these actions have caused to the Movement’s relationship with these Congressional Freshmen and the good name of the Tea Party Movement.
# # #
Stephani Scruggs President, Unite In Action & National Co-Chair of The 912 Project
Billie Tucker Founder, First Coast Tea Party
Carole McManus Leader, First Coast Tea Party
Jason Hoyt Co-Founder, Central FL Tea Party Council
Tom Tillison Co-Founder, Central FL Tea Party Council
Clyde Fabretti Leader, West Orlando Tea Party
Tom Gaitens FL State Director, Freedomworks
Robin Stublen Punta Gorda Tea Party
Paula Helton Leader, Gainesville Tea Party
Alan BerkelHammer Leader, Gainesville Tea Party
Don Hensarling FL State Director, 9/12 Project
Jesse Phillips Founder, Citizen2Citizen
Nancy Meinhardt Leader, Miami 9/12 Project
Karin Hoffman Founder, DC Works For Us
Pam Evans Leader, DC Works For Us
Sharon Taylor Leader, DC Works For Us
Sharon Calvert Leader, Tampa Tea Party
John Hendrix Leader, Tampa Tea Party
Tim Curtis Leader, Tampa 9/12 Project
Karen Jaroch Leader, Tampa 9/12 Project
Don Forward Leader, Titusville Patriots
Tina Woode Organizer, Lake Mary/Sanford 912 Project
Laurie Newsom Leader, Gainesville Tea Party
Rod Gonzolez Leader, Gainesville Tea Party
Pat Wayman Organizer, Venice area 912 Project
Bill Landes State Director, Florida Minuteman
Cindy Hofeditz Organizer, Polk City 912 Group
My fellow Tea Party activists,
Thank you for speaking loudly and reasonably.
Of course, you are asking the very same individuals to make a judgement call on how to repair what they thought were good ideas/methods to begin with. This may not be so easy. This recent fiasco goes along with another leadership decision to jet set around the country like Nancy Pelosi when others like John Boehner and Sarah Palin had enough smarts to know that the American People did not fancy flaunting convenience and luxury in their 10.0% unemployed faces. (No matter the jet was donated.) It’s about sound, clear judgement based on conservative principles. Walk the walk or don’t profess to speak for us.
For that matter, TPP leadership does not speak for many many millions nor do the ‘leaders’ own the movement no matter how much they try to lay claim by all means. It’s time to take our movement back and allow the people to leaverage their influence as American citizen ‘lobbyists.’ But then TPP isn’t the only outlet for those upset with the remaking of America and out of control spending.
Perhaps a changing of leadership is in order by vote of the state coordinators. Maybe then there would be more contributions toward ‘the boots on the ground and not the shoes on the TPP stage.’ Six figure salaries for those few at the helm of TPP is questionable to say the least.
To our incoming Freshmen Congress members, please don’t hold this against the millions who really do make up the tea party movement–unowned, pure in principles, and forever grateful for the service of those who indeed adhere to our Constitution and founding documents in Washington. We want to partner with you, not dictate to you. It will take all of us to restore our nation completely.
I join my name with those above in the intent and unity of this letter.
Respectfully,
Stella Lohmann
Atlanta Georgia
http://www.stellalohmann.com
I am a co-leader in the Tea Party Activists in Roseville, Ca. I totally concur
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I could not agree more. This type of intimidation makes it appear that the Tea Party Patriots are no different than any other special interest group. The Tea Party Patriots should not be trying to install themselves as the new Lord and Master over the incoming class of congressmen. The new congress will prove they serve We the People not because they attend our parties or the “establishment” parties, but in how they vote and their actions once they are working.
As a Co-leader of the Tea Party Lincoln Calif. And as a Delegate in the I-Caucus who supported and campaigned for Chuck DeVore and john Eastman .I add my name to the above. I feel this is a shameful act of self serving self indulging power grabbing control over the Tea Party.. It is my opinion that this kind of behavior will ultimately lead to the downfall of the Tea Party if allowed to continue. The perpetrators of this despicable act ,speak only for them self and represent no one except them self. I hope the release of this information to the public will not cause hard feelings and resentment towards the Tea party as a whole. To say this individual or group acted Stupidly is putting it mildly.. Going forward, I feel they should not be allowed to represent the Tea Party Patriots name. I can only hope that all members of Congress will understand that not all of us act or think this stupidly.
This is a tempest in a teapot. The TPP has sent around an email begging people to stop and apologizing for various mistakes they made.
Let me address the righteous indignation expressed by Tom, Jason, et al. I appreciate what you do and I support you, but I would like you to reconsider the breathless and urgent nature of your complaint against the TPP.
The biggest threat to the Tea Party movement is to be divided by infighting. Unless this is your first rodeo, you’ve probably seen well-meaning organizations (churches, civic groups, social organizations) destroyed by various schisms. The temptation to react indignantly at some unwritten violation of decorum is strong, but is it positive for the movement?
In this case, I really do not think it wrong. Look at what the TPP wrote, “Let’s show them that you won’t tolerate politics as usual and show them the power of the Tea Party”. We don’t really disagree with that sentiment, do we? What we disagree with is their particular tactic — releasing cell numbers. We are the last people in the world who have a right to suggest that people not organize and press their political view in DC. And this would be true even for Soros-backed leftist organizations; it’s just freedom of speech.
I don’t feel sorry for these freshmen. They volunteered and worked hard — begged — for this position. They are going to be pulled in all directions. That’s the nature of the position. If they need us to protect them, they are in the wrong job. But they’re not in the wrong job. They’ll be fine.
The question is, will you leaders of Florida TPM be able to maintain the coalition even when others disagree and choose different tactics to advance the cause? Will you lose sight of the core issues? Was this indignant response really necessary? What did it accomplish?
Consider what happened to the Christian church. It started out with “Love Thy Neighbor” and at times devolved into “Kill the heretics!” Sometimes the best approach is to keep a cool head. I don’t think this letter really demonstrates that.
I agree with the article completely. There is a long history of this type behavior with TPP and I believe they will harm this country if they are not stopped. I was ostracized from this group back in Oct 2009 when I wrote a letter to them asking for transparency with the finances.
Thank you for speaking up.
Debbie Harris Staver
Atlanta, Ga.
Add our group in St Petersburg Florida to the list of tea party activists rejecting the tone presented to our incoming Legislators. These are not our puppets to command but vetted candidates that went on to win because they espoused the values the American People believed was needed to correct our path. We have put our faith in them. To stay in touch, to monitor their progress, to encourage and support, yes. To let them know when we disapprove, yes.
But this kind of approach will have them running soon when they hear the tea party is on the phone! Back off.
[...] elected representatives. However, another orientation scheduled a meeting that same day. The TPP emailed out the personal cell phone numbers and email addresses of the newly elected congressmen and women and told their members to call and tell them which [...]
I agree. Without mutual respect we cannot build the kind of trust that is needed to stop the people who have been working hard to destroy America. To treat the freshman congress as though they are in the same category is beyond the pale. It is my hope that TPP can make the needed changes to restore the trust of the patriot movement. – Restoring Patriotism
I have been assisting the coordinator of the Lincoln California Tea Party for the past 1 1/2 years. I am very disappointed in the Tea Party Patriots power play. I agree with all the above!
We are having exactly the same problems here in Illinois. Tea Party Patriots does not represent a majority of the groups in Illinois. We have distanced ourselves from them because of such irresponsible behavior. Please contact me at my email as I feel their is a need for all of us out here to join together to denounce the actions of this group.
As co-leader of Citrus Heights-Roseville Tea Party Activists, and having done my due diligence, I have determined that Tea Party Patriots completely misrepresented the Claremont Institute in its recent email to its members. The email requested that tea party groups and individuals contact the incoming freshmen and encourage them to attend the Tea Party Patriots sponsored freshman orientation, rather than that of the “DC insiders” (Claremont Institute) sponsored orientation. To add insult to injury, Tea Party Patriots published private telephone numbers, as well as numbers of people who LOST their races. This behavior, in my opinion, proves to me that the Tea Party Patriots leadership is guilty of the exact same behavior they so loudly criticize within the DC republican insiders. Their personal agenda is more important than upholding truth and integrity and conservative values. TEA PARTY PATRIOTS DOES NOT SPEAK FOR CITRUS HEIGHTS-ROSEVILLE TEA PARTY ACTIVISTS! I URGE ALL PATRIOT GROUPS TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE NATIONAL PATRIOT GROUP led by Mark Meckler and Jenny Beth Martin, lest you also be burned from the backlash caused by their egregious behavior supposedly in the name of ALL tea party groups.
What the heck is wrong with you people????? You have never made a mistake? They did not whine an apology – they admitted the list they were given had cell phone and fax contact numbers on it and they were not told that. Are you intending to “tolerate business as usual”? Do you want your Freshmen Representatives attending a hudge gathering of lobbyists or would you rather they be more informed in regard to the Tea Party movement, their principles and agenda? Do you people only see good in the things that are your ideas? Are you saying TPP has nothing for you – these kind of statements and rhetoric along with the various lawsuits and lies are what has made Florida the laughing stock of the Tea Party movement and if you guys do not get your heads on straight this whole thing is going to go down the tubes. People see this inner fighting and they decide they want nothing to do with this. Every time you turn around since the election Tom T with his “holier than thou” attitude has used the “Orlando Political Press” to tell the rest of us how to think, act & feel. Ever since someone had the stupid idea that Tom T should run for the Florida House in 2012, he changes his pic to the one with the suit and is giving us all this high handed advice. Do the rest of you not have any brains? Billy, you seem to like to speak for the movement, do you get everyone in Florida’s permission to speak for them when you fly to NY? Did you send out a notice to all the members of FL Tea Party groups and ask them to read the letter you sent to Rick Scott about Sun Rail before sending it? Don’t get me wrong – I do not approve of Sun Rail – it is only being used as an example. I have had many survey’s and questionnaires sent to me for my opinion on things from TPP – you win a few, you loose a few – but I have not had one group I belong to in this state do that. There are a certain few that feel they have the right to speak for the rest of us – filing law suits, making statements, decisions. That is what a leader does! Don’t you think all of you if you were so upset, you could have picked up the phone or e-mailed Jenny Beth and told her how you felt instead of posting something for non-tea party people to read? Tom you are posting lies again and one of these days all those lies are going to catch up with you – thought in the area of reporting you would be more truthful rather than act like a liberal reporter. Keep it up and you guys are going to self destruct.
Can we somehow set up a way for groups like ours to connect with each other? For two long years Tea Party Patriots has threatend and bullied many groups. Some out of existence. They are out of control and I agree with Stella it is time to take our movement back.
@Sea,…here’s an appropriate response to your comments:
1. “They did not whine an apology – they admitted the list they were given had cell phone and fax contact numbers on it and they were not told that”
They in fact blamed the local groups for the mistake then used the same line the leftists use by saying, “to those who are critical of our efforts, we’d like to ask where they have been when tea partiers across the country have had their personal phone numbers and addresses posted by others.” That’s just like saying, “where were you when Bush was….”. Right now, by the way, JennyBeth has her cell phone listed on her facebook page.
I’m skipping over the fabrications and childish accusations.
2. “Did you send out a notice to all the members of FL Tea Party groups and ask them to read the letter you sent to Rick Scott about Sun Rail before sending it?”
Yes, she did. Have you seen the actual letter with all the groups and names listed that asked to be added to the letter? http://www.orlandopoliticalpress.com/2010/11/11/tea-party-spells-out-opposition-to-rail-with-governor-elect-scott/
3. “Don’t you think all of you if you were so upset, you could have picked up the phone or e-mailed Jenny Beth and told her how you felt instead of posting something for non-tea party people to read?”
Answering your question with a question: Don’t you think TPP should have picked up the phone and asked us about a tactic that may damage our relationship we’ve established locally by the tea party groups that actually do work on the ground instead of just blasting what they though was a good idea nationally from a far-off viewpoint? Seriously,…these national groups are tools for us,…tools for us to use when we need them,…but this was way over the line and it caused us and many groups around the country to have to mend fences.
4. “Tom you are posting lies again and one of these days all those lies are going to catch up with you”.
Name it. Accusations are cute, but I insist we have a respectful conversation and please state facts.
The bottom line is this: These freshmen are being sent to DC to make some tough decisions, and when they’re in Washington among the sharks,…they need to know that when the rest of their constituents fall back to sleep,….we in the tea party movement, who have dedicated so much of our lives in getting them elected,….that we’ve got their back, that we support them and that we will be here to encourage them when they DO make those tough choices. We’ve forged relationships with them, they know our level of class, our level of respect for them,…..and this is how they’re treated? And in the middle of an attempted apology, they say, “We also understand that sometimes members of Congress find it annoying to receive numerous calls from voters. But we encourage them to remember it is part of the job and they asked to be hired. This will not be the last time.” Come on. They’re out of touch.
Just wanted to say that I agree 100% with your statement. As usual Tom you and the others are dead on. This was a very selfish and irresponsible act that reflects on the movement in a very negative light. In a time when we should be celebrating a new direction and building relationships w/ these new members this wasn’t a good “right after the election” impression.
Looking forward to working with everyone to get things back on track as we move forward.
“but I insist we have a respectful conversation and please state facts.” You insist? Do you believe that you and Tom Tillison are the only ones that have any interest in the salvation of our government or the Tea Party movement? Who are you to order anyone to do anything?
1. Jenny Beth has always had her cell phone number listed on her e-mails – that was her choice. That has nothing to do with this. I got the original e-mail from her and you call it “blame” I call it explaining that she was not informed that some of the numbers were personal cell phone and fax numbers. We Tea Partiers have been given phone numbers to call congressmen and senators for the past 18 months and I do not remember every thinking of questioning if they were correct numbers. I trusted those who gave the numbers to me. It is called trust.
2. “Yes, she did. Have you seen the actual letter with all the groups and names listed that asked to be added to the letter?” She who? I saw the actual letter posted on FB – means nothing. No one asked all the Tea Party or 912 leaders in this state how they felt about it or if they would like to be included. I like the way you listed everyone by the name of their group and their own name to make it look like there twice as many groups signing. Why more 912 groups than Tea Party? I am certainly not for Sun Rail but when you are speaking for the masses it is nice to include them when you claim to be speaking for them – you seem to make the decisions for everyone quite often. Why are there not more Central Fl Tea Party and 912 groups listed – are they supposed to be covered by the Central Fl Tea Party Council of whom the only members seem to be Tom, Jason, Babs and WOTP.
3. Why would TPP think this would damage a relationship if there was no harm intent intended and they have clearly stated it happened by accident. Why are you making such a big deal of it? If all of you are unhappy and seem to enjoy creating your own Florida Tea Party World, why not take your name off of the TPP list and not have anything to do with them. They cannot make you do anything nor can you make them.
4. You, Tom, WOTP and the rest of your cronies have been telling lies for months and have never had to prove one word you said. I have waited for months for you to actually show the people of Dist 8 any truth to the “stories” you have passed around through the district, state and country and never anything but a bible verse to give you backing and make yourself feel good. Research is research and I could find no proof anywhere to back up your allegations. But then you got away with saying whatever you wanted with a smile on your face.
5. Well, I agree with most of what you say in the final paragraph because I worked very hard to get our candidates elected, forging relationships, getting them to trust us and work with us – however your group is continually throwing out stories, suggestions, inuendos and fabrications or just plain taking a story and blowing it out of proportion. You have not really tried to work with other Tea Party and 912 groups unless you thought those particular groups would agree with you from the beginning. Some may find your leadership skills interesting – I find them extremely controlling almost a kin to socialistic standards.
The envious die not once, but as oft as the envied win applause. ~Baltasar Gracian
Getting access and phone numbers to contact politicians is not an easy task, especially personal numbers that go directly to the representative. Dealing with staff places all of our requests in limbo as we pray we might eventually be heard and eventually receive a direct response. Obtaining personal phone numbers is a trust that should have been carefully protected. for each one of these politicians it was an gesture for openness. These same representatives will likely not entrust their private information to a tea party group in the future, cutting off a vital line of communication. This was an amateur mistake. One that could have been resolved by allowing the groups they claim to represent agree to the statement.
Next, setting demands on these elected representative’s precious time, before they have even taken office, by this same group that would betray their trust, is more poor strategy. It seems to chastise and place demands on representatives from an organization that was not given the authority to represent us. Many of these politicians have not ever sat in congress yet. I further don’t want the politician’s time get wasted by this organization because when we, the local tea parties, want to meet with our own representatives, they might not take our meetings.
1. Personal phone numbers. TPP sent out an email to all members requesting they supply them with the winners phone numbers so they could “personally congratulate” them on their victory. The published phone numbers are a result of that email. If they did indeed make those calls as they claimed they were going to do, then they had advanced knowledge that the numbers were personal numbers and or emails.
2. Currently TPP has a former Congressman on their board that was implicated in the Jack Abramoff convictions and I believe his chief of staff also served time as a result of the investigations.
3. TPP had lobbyist Karl Gallant speak at their event. I guess only their lobbyist is good and All others are bad.
4. TPP in their statement presents the impression that they own the freshmen class as they call them “our” several times. Yet not a single time did I see anyone from TPP actually work to get anyone elected. The efforts and creditability of the local groups were hurt by this abuse of trust on the part of TPP.
5. The letter submitted by Tom T. does not seem to be a Tea Party vs. 9.12 issue but actually an issue of why so many have now distanced themselves from the TPP leadership. Many groups are and have been both and have now dropped the Tea Party name because of stunts just like the one pulled on Thursday.
6. It is true that not all groups in Florida are members of this broad coalition. From what I hear they reach out on an almost daily basis to invite all freedom loving groups. Just because someone posting here has not been included does not mean they excluded, it could mean that no one knew they existed.
7. As far as removing groups from the TPP site is concerned, that has been tried many times. They have not removed anyone who has requested removal. In fact, a lot of groups are surprised to see their names on the site for the first time as they were never contacted to have their name added.
8. Then there is the underlining issue of money. Or I should say the lack of accountability. Members donate but have no proof of what the money is used for or where it goes. We know for a fact that it does not go to getting candidates elected. We also know that they hide behind the veil of their 501C4 status which allows them to do every financial transaction under the cloak of darkness.
9. The recent “gift” of one million dollars was promoted with a press conference in Washington D.C. at the National Press Corp. TPP leaders from around the country flew into D.C. on the backs of donations from hard working Americans for what amounted to another fifteen minutes of fame. When the dust had settled no one knows who received the “grants”, how much was received, or if indeed all of the money was awarded. Once again hiding behind their 501C4 status.
10. Finally, there is the manner of compensation. It has been reported that two members of the leadership earn in excess of $72K per year plus all expenses and all electronic gadgets. At least three others earn upward of $48K per year plus expenses and that at least one spouse is employed as well. Once again, all is hidden within the 501C4 status.
Is it any wonder that groups from across the country are asking questions and demanding answers? I am only surprised they waited this long.
We had our local meeting this weekend, and I am a bit behind and catching up on this dust-up.
I have a few thoughts and wish to share them with you.
I agree this was not a well thought out strategy.
I agree this put undue pressure on our freshmen elects.. and they really have no voice til January! It was the kind of tactic that can put a bad light on the very people that helped them get to their positions.
But it is not the end of the world, it was a mistake, and many of us are new to this organizing thing, new to leadership, and OH SO new to the pressures and the intricacies of politics.
Naivete and enthusiasm, a bad combination, it would appear in this case, not the best combination.
Was it a mistake, Yes
Lets not become too pregnant with our proverbial Cow though.
We are a young movement, we are all making our way, and yes we dont need this kind of thing, but TPP is working to make it right and appologize and learn from this experience. I think we should, instead of walking away, make sure we have input.
TPP has a conference call most every monday nite, and you can voice your concerns and ideas very easily. I have listened in on a few, and if you want to speak up, the opportunity is there.
My main thought tho, was this: we are being taken into a world that is increasingly becoming the Central Command, the Politburo, all knowing big brother… What happened one day we looked around at our families and our communities and said NO, No, we are local, we are here, we make the difference, Here, Now. And we did. More and more we let Central Planned things control our lives and we let more and more go in our homes, in our communities and we saw the need to take it local.
THis case has really demonstrated that early on… TPP is trying to actually be helpful by being organized, but its actually a model of CENT-COM.. and that is what makes it wrong for us.
I appeal to all of you to take it back, walk it back and undertstand that it is up to us to KEEP it local, keep it community based and we need to DO what we need to DO in our own community and quit looking to a central org.
Now.. the conflict comes with that because it is good to have our local orgs listed in a central place so that people can find us.
This has been a wound, but We can recover from it.
I am going to trust that our freshmen congress will understand the painful and public growing pains of a new direction for Americans who have awoken to the assault on our FREEDOMS and LIBERTY!
I am a local 912 leader and it is a challenge every day finding our way. With God’s grace, we will do the right thing.
I worry about anything, when it gets to big, to fast, I see a bunch of people grabbing for a position and start telling what they did, instead of asking the people in their local tea party.
I heard the west Tea say, we quit asking what to do, and just do it and everybody is happy with all we do???
I hope we don’t lose the TEA party and we can stay the voice of the people.
It is sad that even as we attempt and make “good” change, we are experiencing the issues that socialists, communists and obama supporters enjoy, Tea Party in-fighting and squabbling.
Understand, I am a WOTP member, and support the movement in general, but we are all going to make mistakes, so please forgive them as we make history and TAKE BACK OUR AMERICA………!!!!!!!
Not having the time to “investigate” TPP leaders costs, I personally am thrilled to see this nation self activate a movement of its citizens to protect itself in a non military style.
As a disabled veteran, and one whose earthly father died for this country in battle, I ask readers to please be thankful for those that are attempting to help us stay strong, protect our freedoms, and remain proud to live and die in America.
Blessings to you and yours…………