Over 80 Patriots marched under the NJTPC banner and alongside our float in the Ridgewood NJ July 4th Parade. It was a wonderful event.
But of course, an opponent to freedom and liberty tried to misrepresent NJTPC and misrepresent our efforts….A parade spectator wrote a letter that spread lies about NJTPC and the Gadsden Flag.
The Ridgewood News entitled “Use of Gadsden flag ‘offensive”
https://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/215188731_Letter__Use_of_Gadsden_flag__offensive_.html
NJTPC’s own Tim Adriance took this opportunity to educate MS. Chalek about NJTPC and the Gadsden Flag. Here’s Tim’s eloquent response:
“To The Editor of the Ridgewood News
In response to the letter to the Editor “Use of Gadsden flag ‘offensive” (July 12) – The writer simply does not have her “facts” straight. The NJ Tea Party Coalition was the local group who proudly marched in the Ridgewood Independence Day Parade, and if the writer had simply gone to our website (https://www.njteapartycoalition.org) she would have found that we neither contribute to nor sponsor any candidates, we do not take a stand on any social issues, we are not focused on any one individual issue other than supporting our Constitutional rights, and we are not part of any national organization. It is against our bylaws to endorse candidates, contribute to any political individual or cause, or lobby as a group – any such activity would be a violation of our IRS status – we simply create a forum where people are educated and given the opportunity to act on their own as private citizens.
It was clearly evident in the parade we are truly grassroots – composed of simple women, men, moms & dads, young people, older folks, and veterans. We had no corporate entity donating their time, vehicles, or money to us – our float was paid for by our members in passing the hat at our meetings. We are local people who are proud of our country, our history, and The Declaration of Independence.
Our members are from every social, economic, political, and religious background and we find agreement in our 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.” Simply put we in The NJ Tea Party Coalition are proud Americans.
I whole heartily agree that the Ridgewood Parade Committee does a wonderful job in volunteering in a professional way to present the best parade in the NJ / NY metro area. The parade is all inclusive as the parade rules state – as long as you are there to celebrate our great country, which we at the New Jersey Tea Party Coalition have done for the last five years.
As to the Gadsden flag its history and use was perfect for the theme of the Parade – The Declaration of Independence. The flag has roots in the American Revolution and was used by our founders. It was the first flag of the Marines, and used on recruiting posters in WWII. After the tragic events of 9/11 the Don’t Tread On Me flag with the snake (which the writer found so offensive) was ordered to be flown on every U.S. Navy ship in place of the official flag representing the United States. Today the spirit of our founders lives on and we in our local Tea Party fly the Gadsden flag as a symbol to affirm as The Declaration of Independence declares “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed” – that would be “We The People” – folks like you, me, the people of Ridgewood, and even the writer of the letter who was so offended.”
Tim Adriance
Executive Board member of
The New Jersey Tea Party Coalition
Tim Adriance
201- 674-8031
86 East Main St
Bergenfield NJ 07621
Well done, Tim.
I read that wacko’s letter to the editor and was shocked at her ignorance.
Thed.
When you remove the pejoratives from your response we have “i read the letter to the editor”. Good for you. The t party needs to communicate their message in a socially acceptable way, not insulting those who disagree with them.
When you remove the pejoratives from Thed’s response you ACTUALLY get:
I read that letter to the editor and was shocked at her ignorance.
How convenient for you to leave out all of the facts (as usual).
Thanks Tim. Hopefully for those who haven’t made up their minds about the Tea Party, they might have a different opinion after reading your letter. For those who already have closed their minds to the facts, no explanation would suffice.