Reverse deficit spending and the concentration of power in central government,
in order to preserve states' rights and individual liberty for future generations.
Hot Tea
Support Your Candidates
This midterm election year may be our last chance to preserve our republic. Please get to know the candidates, and find the ones who will support The Constitution. Then work to get them elected.
A Busy Fall Is In Store For The Bellingham Tea Party
We have nonstop activities planned through the election season for this mid term election year. There's something for everyone -- the whole family!
- September 13th - Sign Making Party
- September 13th - 5000 Year Leap Classes Begin
- September 17th - Constitution Day Tea Party on the Guide Meridian
- September 23rd - General Meeting - Everyone Welcome - FREE Pizza
- September/October - Election Season
For all of us that will not be able to go to D.C. for the September "March on D.C.", The Mt Vernon Area Tea Party will hold their second annual Rally in Burlington on Sept. 12 from 1 PM to 3 PM.
Constitution Display at the Bellingham Library
Chief Whatcom Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution has a display on the Constitution in the Museum case at Bellingham Library. Constitution week is September 17-23. The display is on view from September 1-30.
The Current National Debt
The debt clock sure seems to be moving fast, doesn't it? You might not realize exactly how fast until we remind you that just a couple of weeks ago, it was at 12.4 trillion. It's time to elect politicians who will at least try to stop the clock.
Sunday, Aug. 29 is Washington’s Cost of Government Day
Olympia – After Sunday, August 29, citizens can start working for themselves. The typical Washingtonian toils for 241 days—more than two-thirds of the year—to pay for all expenses of government at all levels, including regulatory burdens. (Continue reading...)
Primary Election Results
August 17, 2010 Primary election results from the office of Washington Secretary of State, Sam Reed.
Upcoming Events
The Bellingham Tea Party
Monday September 13th - Sign Making Party - 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Building Industry Association of Whatcom County
- 1640 Baker Creek Place
- Bellingham
Monday September 13th - 5000 Year Leap Classes Begin
- 9 week course presented by the National Center for Constitutional Studies
- Learn about the 27 Principles of Liberty
- The tuition is $25 per person, includes the book the "5,000 Year Leap"
- This class will explain how and why the founding fathers formed our Republic
- This outstanding program is perfect for adults and young adults
- To enroll, call (360) 734-8138 or Lynn@BhamTeaParty.org
- More information...
Friday September 17th - Constitution Day Tea Party on the Guide Meridian - 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
This will be a day of Tea Parties nationwide (note the date change -- It was September 12).
Thursday September 23rd - General Meeting - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Everyone Welcome - Free Pizza
- Special Speaker: Bob Williams, Evergreen Freedom Foundation
- Hear from Whatcom County Council Candidates Tony Larson and Jean Melious
- Building Industry Association of Whatcom County
- 1640 Baker Creek Place
- Bellingham
Election Season
September and October will be geared toward "Get Out the Vote" rallies, phone banks to remind Tea Party participants to vote and get involved with campaigns. We hope to set up tables around the county to register people to vote. Do you know of any locations that would welcome us?
Political Calendar
If you know of an event not listed here, or if you are planning an event, please contact us.
The Bellingham Tea Party does not endorse candidates but urges people to
get involved, and vet the candidates.
Any candidate that is having an event that is open to the public in Whatcom
County should let us know so that we may put in on our list of political
events on our web site. If you know of an event not listed here, or if you
are planning an event, please
contact us.
Previous Bellingham Tea Party Events in Pictures
Old Settlers Parade in Ferndale
The Bellingham Tea Party entry was a large flatbed farm trailer decorated with American flags, We the People signs, pulled by an historic John Deere tractor -- this time, a hayride through downtown Ferndale. We marched and/or rode from Ferndale High School to Pioneer Park.
This is it for parades this year. Thanks again to Terry Cox for all of her hard work organizing three successful parades in Lynden, Blaine and Ferndale!
July 15th Town Hall -- Washington State Legislature Candidates
The Bellingham Tea Party has tallied 215 candidate rating sheets that were gathered at the conclusion of last night's "Meet The Candidates" Town Hall forum held last evening at Whatcom Community College Syre Auditorium.
The full-house event was attended by about 325 citizens. The audience was respectful, the questions were thoughtful and well prepared, and the candidates gave concise and articulate answers. At the close of the program, the audience was asked to rate the candidates on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being most favorable. Some candidates who were unable to attend were rated based on candidate name recognition.
Candidates for WA State Rep. Dist. 40 - Position 1
Candidates for WA State Rep. Dist. 42 - Position 1
Candidates for WA State Rep. Dist. 40 - Position 2
Candidates for WA State Rep. Dist. 42 - Position 2
Candidates for WA State Senate Dist. 42
These candidates are competing in the upcoming primary for positions on the fall ballot. We encourage all citizens to become as well informed as possible, and to vote August 17th. Look for your ballots in the mail at the end of the month - and do remember to vote. The exercise of this right is what makes America great.
July 8th Town Hall -- United States Legislature Candidates
The Bellingham Tea Party has tallied 263 candidate rating sheets that were gathered at the conclusion of Thursday night's "Meet The Candidates" Town Hall forum held last evening at Whatcom Community College Syre Auditorium.
The full-house event was attended by about 445 citizens. The audience was respectful, the questions were thoughtful and well prepared, and the candidates gave concise and articulate answers. At the close of the program, the audience was asked to rate the candidates on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being most-favorable. Even candidates who were unable to attend (such as Murray and Rossi) were rated based on audience perceptions.
Candidates for U.S. House of Representatives
Candidates for U.S. Senate
Independence Day Parade
The city of Blaine put on a very nice Independence Day celebration with street vendors, classic cars, hot rods and a parade.
The Bellingham Tea Party entry was a large flatbed farm trailer, pulled by an historic John Deere tractor -- a hayride through downtown Blaine.
We received lots of waves, cheers and applause from the crowd. People seem to support America's founding principles.
Thanks again to Terry Cox for all of her hard work organizing another successful parade! Next: Pioneer Days Parade in Ferndale on July 24. Please join us!
Flag Day Celebration
Patriots gathered on every overpass over I-5 from Blaine to Vancouver WA for the second annual Flag Day celebration. The Bellingham Tea Party terrorized Whatcom County with smiles and American flags, waving at passing motorists.
Above: snapshots from the Samish Way South overpass.
Above: snapshots from the Alabama Street overpass.
People were obviously having fun out there. Thanks to Joan and Steve Hansen for organizing this event.
Lynden Farmer's Day Parade
Here are some snapshots from the Lynden Farmer's Day Parade. On the left, we're waiting to march. We were number 94 out of 100 or so entries, so we had a rather long wait, but we had fun discussing current events and visiting. On the right, we're finally on the march. The master of ceremonies gave us a very nice introduction, going "off script" to add his own support.
Special thanks to Terry Cox for providing flags and hats, water, and who knows what else, and for organizing everything.
First Anniversary Tea Party -- April 15, 2010
Our first anniversary tax day protest on The Guide Meridian was a great success. A good time was had by all. Estimates pegged the attendance at about 2000 peaceful protesters, concerned for their country and their Constitution. We had few, or no "crashers".
Kris Halterman did a video walk-about with her i-Phone. Here are a few of her interviews ...
Health Care Liberty Rally -- Friday March 19 & 20, 2010
Friday and Saturday, tea partiers gathered in front of Rick Larsen's Bellingham office to protest the government health care take-over. Here are some images from Friday's protest. The Bellingham Herald estimates 250 - 300 people attended the rally. Saturday's estimates were about 100, but about half of the potential participants were at the 2010 Republican County Convention.
In Defense of Liberty -- Feb. 20, 2010
Hooray for the "ordinary people", as Dr. Dickson called us, at Saturday evening's, "In Defense of Liberty" program at the Mt Baker Theater. We have made a difference, just like the founding fathers intended us to do! Or as Charles Krauthammer said, "The nation isn't ungovernable — it's working just as the Founding Fathers intended".
What's next? We are going to continue to defend our liberties and work towards regaining the liberties we have lost. At least that's what the folks at Saturday's performance seemed to indicate. They defined the enemies, they asked us to consider the legacy we are leaving our children, they gave us tools for the upcoming battles, and they lined out an agenda for 2010.
As we left the Mt Baker Theater on Saturday evening, a friend commented about the mood of the crowd. He thought it was a more serious, thoughtful crowd than prior events and they were listening intently. We spoke to people about Tony Larson's closing speech and asked for their thoughts. They said, "It was exactly what needed to be said, if we are really serious about what we are doing".
Just think, if "ordinary people" are thinking seriously about these United States of America. . . we mean really seriously .... dare it be said, that we may truly be able to save 'Her' as the great nation our Founders intended?
We are re-energized, but it's different now. It's not the excitement of finding out we are not alone in our concept of how our government is supposed to work. It's not even the excitement of realizing the Tea Party movement has made a difference. It is now the "roll up our sleeves and let's get to work", excitement of joining our Founding Fathers in their 'noble endeavor'.
Thank you to the following people for your participation and inspiration:
Dr. David Dickson - Master of Ceremonies, The Bellingham Eagle Scouts - Parade of Colors, Reverend Kevin Bond Allen - Invocation, the 'Liberty 8' octet - "Battle Hymn of the Republic", Jerry Stewart - "In Defense of Liberty", Patti Brooks - "Progress vs. Progressive", Mary Beth Teigrob & Peggy Uppiano - "Pilgrims Plight", Bob Williams - Evergreen Freedom Foundation - "The Tea Party is the Solution", Hugh Foulke - 'The Town Crier Alarm' - "Big Debt, Big Government", Stevie Mason (WWU Student) - video "Liberty Lost & the Fight for Freedom", Tony Larson - Northwest Business Monthly - "We're Not Gonna Take It", Karl Uppiano - Technician, Lynn Carpenter & Paulene Moa - Volunteer Coordinators, Ellen Baker - Media Release Specialist, Randy & Kathy Cross - Laserpoint Awards - Print & Supply Resources, local Video Participants , ALL of the Volunteers who helped at the lobby tables and the Mt Baker Theater staff.
We want to give a big 'thank you' to the 'extraordinary people', who contributed funds for the continuation of our Mission Statement:
Reverse deficit spending and the concentration of power in central government, in order to preserve individual liberty and states' rights for future generations
~ Lorraine Newman & Kris Halterman - "In Defense of Liberty", Program Co-Chairs
We the People -- Sept. 11, 2009
A nearly sell-out crowd (over 1300 tickets sold) filled Mt. Baker Theatre on Friday evening for We the People, put on by The Bellingham Tea Party. It was a combination of live musical performances featuring patriotic music, music videos and educational videos, along with speeches to commemorate the people who lost their lives on 9/11, and to promote America's founding principles. The keynote speaker was Jerry Stewart, known to many for his "One Moment in America" radio series. This was an emotional "farewell address" as he is leaving Whatcom County and moving back to his home state of Texas.
Without exception, every one of the live performers and speakers gave wonderful performances. The time, effort and talent that went into this program was astounding, including the planning, logistics and preparation that went on behind the scenes, and the volunteers to set up and help out in the lobby. It was truly a privilege to be a part of this production. The audience response was extremely gratifying, and made it all worth it.
Patti Brooks read An Open Letter to America's Leaders:
I'm a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election, I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party neither represented my views nor worked to pursue issues important to me. Now, I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is, I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. There must be someone who can represent me. Please tell me who you are. Tell me you are there and you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would feel so horribly disenfranchised by both major political parties.
Briefly, these are my views and issues for which I seek representation: (continue reading...)
Here is the Progression of the World's Greatest Civilizations from Tony Larson's speech:
- From bondage to spiritual faith
- From spiritual faith to great courage
- From courage to liberty
- From liberty to abundance
- From abundance to complacency
- From complacency to apathy
- From apathy to dependence
- From dependence back into bondage
Tony asked where you think The United States of America is right now.
Flag Day 2009 on the I-5 Overpasses
The goal for the flag day celebration was to have people waving flags from every overpass on I-5 from Blaine to Portland. Here are some photos of happy participants.
They report very positive reactions by drivers and passers-by. Honks and waves, even from our friends from north of the border with the Canadian license plates!
The First Bellingham Tea Party -- April 15, 2009
Bellingham WA was one of the more than 500 cities nationwide that scheduled a "Tea Party" on tax day -- April 15 -- to protest the fiscal irresponsibility of congress, the federal budget and the tax policy. It was to run from 4:00PM to 6:00PM, during rush hour.
We expected about 200 to 400 people, but the estimates were more like 3000 - 4000. The Bellingham Herald said "more than 1500". They were technically correct, I guess. In Bellingham, the Tea Party extended down both sides of "The Guide" (the busiest street in town), as far as the eye could see.
It occurred to me at the time, that it is fairly unlikely that we have this many "extremists" in Bellingham. I think we were a bunch of regular people who are terrified of how completely out of control our government has become in such a short time.
The traffic driving through was very supportive, with honks, waves and thumbs up all around. During the entire event, I only heard one drive-by heckler shout "get a life!". I shouted "get a job", but he was already too far away.
Speaking with the police officers who were assigned to crowd control, they said they had never seen a happier group. We were not angry, but we are determined to preserve the values that made this country great.
I was on the cleanup committee, and I am pleased to report that there was practically nothing -- nothing -- left behind after this massive gathering. My family and I walked the entire length of the event site (about six blocks), and found only a handful of plastic water bottles and a couple of flyers.
Get Involved
Now is the time for all good Americans to come to the aid of their Country. Volunteer, Participate and Contribute to the Bellingham Tea Party. Americans from across the land are coming together to express their outrage, fear and concern for this country we love. 2010 may be the most important year in our recent history. We cannot sit on the couch and wring our hands. We must move beyond our comfort zone and become involved; it is required in order to preserve our Freedom. Americans must take back our country and we must do it now. Our elected officials should be afraid of us. It is clear from your participation that you understand all of this.
When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is Liberty.~ Thomas Jefferson
Volunteer
- We are having two Tea Party Town Halls where we will have the opportunity to question candidates running for office. These will be held July 8th and July 15th. We need people to help with this event.
- We are forming a committee to plan an ice cream social/picnic this summer.
- We need volunteers to host our booth at the Northwest Lynden Fair.
- One of our Tea Party people has suggested we form a committee to review the text books in our schools. If there is enough interest, we will do just that.
- We hope to have phone banks to call fellow Tea Party people and remind them to vote. We also want to train some people in how to register people to vote.
- We are considering a luncheon with speakers such as Jerry Stewart in May. This will require a committee of volunteers.
- We have ordered some large banners that have our American Flag/We the People logo, our web site and "We'll Remember in November". These signs are 4' X 8' and we need locations and we need some volunteers to attach these banners to plywood and put them up around the county.
Participate
- Enroll in our next "5,000 Year Leap" class This is a 9 week course. The tuition is $25 or $35 per family. This class will explain how and why the founding fathers formed our Republic. It is an outstanding class.
- Put an "American Flag/We the People" sign in your yard and look for other locations to put up a sign. We have about 250 signs left and we don't want them in storage, we want them out all over the country. To get a sign in your yard email Carl Olsen.
- Put a "We'll Remember in November" bumper sticker on your car and wear your "American Flag/We the People" button wherever you go.
- Write a letter to the editor in local newspapers. Write a letter to the editor for our new website.
- Inform yourself about candidates running for office and get involved in their campaigns. Doorbell, make phone calls, stuff envelopes and write them a check. We must get people in office who have the Tea Party mentality.
Contribute
Your support is greatly appreciated and needed. With your support the Bellingham Tea Party has been able to offer classes, advertise and sponsor two programs at the Mt. Baker Theatre and advertise four TEA Party gatherings on the Guide Meridian.
It is the goal of the Bellingham Tea Party to reach, educate and support Constitutionally sound classes, programs and social events. These are just a few of the activities we hope you will support and participate in:
- Printing and advertising costs for two political candidate forums
- Rent facilities for our General Meetings and speakers
- Sponsor luncheons and speakers on current events of the community, state and nation
- Help co-ordinate and facilitate participation in local parades
- Purchase signs, stickers, pins and books to promote the cause
- If we have enough money, we will run "Get Out the Vote" ads
- Facilitate continuing education on the US Constitution
There is no limit to what We the People can accomplish this year with your support. Through your donations and fantastic level of volunteerism we have made unbelievable headway to get our community, state and country back on the path of the Constitution, as our Founding Fathers intended.
Contribute securely online by credit card:
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-- at the $5.00 level -- every little bit helps!
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-- at the $25.00 level -- even better!
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-- at the $50.00 level -- very nice!
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-- at the $75.00 level -- you must be a congressman!
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-- at the $100.00 level -- you must be a senator!
or send your check to:
- Whatcom County Citizens for Freedom (WCCF)
- 4004 Cedarbrook Ct.
- Bellingham, WA. 98229-5006
If you would like to volunteer or have questions, email us or phone 360-734-8138.
We sincerely thank you for all you've done, are doing, and will do in the future.
~ Your Bellingham Tea Party
Our Mission
Reverse deficit spending and the concentration of power in central government, in order to preserve states' rights and individual liberty for future generations.
The Bellingham Tea Party is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to better government through education e.g., The 5000 Year Leap and other activities. The goal of this website is to help -- and to encourage -- our readers to learn about the founding principles, and become informed about the issues and the candidates, and get involved!
Voting the party line every other November just isn't enough these days. We need to find and elect principled statesmen who will follow the Constitution. We'll remember in November!
We the People
The first three words of the U.S. Constitution were chosen just a year ago as the rallying statement of the Bellingham Tea Party – not lightly, but for a special reason. These words represent unity – unity under the flag of liberty.
We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts,
not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.~ Abraham Lincoln
"Literally millions of Americans have had enough. They're organizing, they're studying the Constitution and the Federalist Papers, they're reading history and case law, they're showing up at rallies and meetings, and a slew of conservative candidates are throwing their hats into the ring. Is there a revolution brewing? Yes, in the sense that there is a keen awareness that our priorities and sensibilities must be radically re-structured. Will it be a violent revolution? No. It will be done through the interpretation of the original document that has guided us for 220 years — the Constitution. Just as the pendulum swung to embrace political correctness and liberalism, there will be a backlash, a complete repudiation of a hundred years of nonsense. A hundred years from now, history will perceive the year 2010 as the time when America got back on the right track." (Continue reading ...)
Copyright © 2010 Whatcom County Citizens for Freedom d/b/a The Bellingham Tea Party, Bellingham WA