photo by www.artchick.biz
Banning those whom you disagree with is intolerant and un-American
In a recent letter to the editor (The Ridgewood News, July 13, 2012) ( https://tinyurl.com/7hb3xvs ) the writer noted “I cannot understand why the continued and growing presence of the Tea Party in the Ridgewood Fourth of July parade is tolerated or permitted.” The writer then goes on to say that the Tea Party’s presence in the parade “alters the parade’s naturally inclusive character.” I don’t understand the logic: ban a group that the writer does not like to make the parade more inclusive, huh? The writer also states that the Fourth of July parade is a “non-partisan celebration of community service,” really?
July Fourth is not a day, as the writer says, “to honor public servants, elected officials, police, fire and other emergency service workers, military veterans, schools, hospital workers” (however honorable that may be). Even the parade rules state that the purpose of the parade is to celebrate The Declaration of Independence. I will point out that The Declaration is an extremely politically charged document, or as King George would have thought: partisan. We should not dishonor the sacrifice of our founders by changing the meaning of the day to some politically correct idea void of any connection to its true meaning of: Independence.
On March 23, 1780 a Revolutionary War battle was fought right here in Ridgewood, and many of our Bergen County citizens died in the Revolution. On July Fourth it is our duty to celebrate our freedoms, independence, and to remember the sacrifice of not only the American Revolution but all who have loved freedom. As Abraham Lincoln admonished us in his Gettysburg Address – “that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
The New Jersey Tea Party Coalition (a citizens movement) marches in Ridgewood on July Fourth to celebrate the birth of our nation and to promote a new birth of freedom. We are proud Americans and we participate in the parade to support the tradition of what John Adams called “the great anniversary.” We march as people of this great land to celebrate and promote our American freedoms, and the preservation of liberty. Those ideals belong to “We the People” – not to either political party. Supporting the principles within our Nation’s foundational documents is not partisan or offensive – It’s American!
Banning those whom you disagree with is intolerant and un-American.
Tim Adriance
Co-founder of the New Jersey Tea Party Coalition
Re: Banning those whom you disagree with is intolerant and un-American
Here, fixed that fer ya:
Banning those whom you disagree with is the motto of the new Democrat (aka Socialist) Party.
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…
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.
Whats the tea party agenda in Ridgewood?
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.”
We wouldn’t want any of that promoted during an Independence Day parade !
But arn’t all political groups allowed to put a float together and march in the parade? There should be some checks and balances, such as no “candidate x for office” or “vote pro-choice or pro-life” signs. But, all groups are part of the country and should have the right to march in celebration of our national holiday.
Banning or censoring those with whom you disagree would never happen here on The Ridgewood Blog. That would be un American, anti constitutional and therefore in direct opposition to the Tea Party Mission Statement.