Methinks that anti Tea Party posters might be the ones with the agenda…

Bonnie Chalek “It isn’t a question of disagreeing- it is a question of should the Parade include “political” groups with agendas- that was the argument. I am saying the Tea Party has an agenda and by the rules of the Parade Committee- should not be included.”

Here is the Tea Party Coalition of NJ’s (marchers in the parade) Mission statement :

“The New Jersey Tea Party Coalition exists to protect our liberties by restoring and defending the principles within our Nation’s foundational documents, and by promoting unity with other Patriots throughout New Jersey and the United States.”

here is one of their Core Principles :

“We do not endorse any specific political party nor do we hold to any specific religious creed. We will support those who agree with our core principles. We accept all those of like mind, and we expect each individual to be an informed citizen and to act upon his or her convictions.”

You should do you research before you make unsubstantiated statements.

Methinks that you might be the one with the agenda…

 So EXACTLY what rules of the Parade Committee prevent the Tea Party from marching?

Some points to consider:

A. The parade DOES NOT ban groups just because they have an “agenda”. Most every group marching has an “agenda”.

B. The 2012 Ridgewood Parade Policies and Restrictions state in big bold letters on the top of the form:

1. The purpose of the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the USA and its history and to honor American Patriots of all times.

Read the NJ Tea Party Coalition’s Mission statement and Core Principles. They celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the USA and its history and to honor American Patriots of all times

2. The Parade is not to be used as a platform for political, commercial or special interest groups.

- The Tea Party does not endorse any specific political party

- Just because a group has a “mission” or “agenda” or “commercial” or “special interest” and marches in the parade DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY imply that the parade is being USED AS A PLATFORM by them.
If that was the case, do we kick out Apple Bees’ marching Apple and Bee or tell any of the churches to not march or not allow local politicians to participate?
To prove my point, local politicians (who HAVE an agenda, ARE Political and INFLUENCE commerce) ARE ALLOWED to participate in the parade — however, they are NOT allowed to use the parade as a PLATFORM (their restrictions are specific – they must ride in vehicles and not campaign)

3. All Parade participants must keep within the theme of the Parade and the spirit of the Fourth of July.

No one is contesting that the Tea Party violated this rule.

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