Signing the Declaration of Independence Again

That is an interesting thought. Oh and it still matters to me too!

Not a bad idea. There are more rallies planned...especially for places that haven't had them yet. Here in Cincinnati, we're having a meeting on the 23rd to talk about other things we can do to help change things.

It still matters to me too!

I like your idea but I still think we need to establish a new party that all of us who still believe in the Constitution have candidates who believe in what we believe in. I think that until the Democrat and Republican parties get an understanding that the American people are tired of their "business as usual" attitude and that they are the only parties in this country, they are going to continue to get away with this. We have to make a drastic change at this point. The Democrats and Republicans are set in their ways and they are backed by people and companies looking out after their own interests and not ours. It's time for a real change to get our country back!

The Founding Documents matter because they are about people getting together and creating a social structure for common benefit, respectful of individual rights. If we consider ourselves citizens, it is our sacred duty to honor those principles, in every way, every day.

First they distorted our history; but we did not feel ourselves to be part of history, so we did nothing.

I'm fearful that this new administration we have in Washington will begin to appoint Supreme Justices in the near future and there is the threat for us to lose our rights and our Constitution will be at risk. We must stand together on this issue! We have to take a stand and make the Obama administration keep their hands off of our Constitution. Just yesterday at an appearance he made at the CIA he said that terrorists do not have to work within the "constraints" of the Constitution. This is what he feels he has to do, in other words, he's constrained by it. I fear that he is not 100% behind the Constitution and will do whatever he wants to do through the back-door, so to speak, with his appointments to the Supreme Court. Pay attention folks and speak out to your representatives in Washington that they will pay with their seats if they approve of his choices without delving into their political ideology. We are still in charge and we need to let them know it! Governor Rick Perry was right, the states are the ones who make Washington their agent, not the other way around. Our states are sovereign under the law.

I'm for that ... maybe Obama will help us get down into our communities to organize it? Well, maybe not.

This would be a good theme for the next meetings though. And there will be more...

They were not people from all walks of life. They were right wing Republicans answering the call sent out by Fox news

We just all need to remember once and for that we do have rights as American citizens. And that we should voice our opinions whenever possible.

Terry,

Your first statement is preposterous. The "Tea Parties" did not bring people from all walks of life together. Those who protest taxes are often the most stingiest people in the country. I'm glad that it is a minority of people.

Many people showed up for the Tea Parties, and it went beyond protestng unfair taxes. The majority of the people are sick of the arrogance in Washington.

Once again this shows that people who find faith in human leadership cannot think outside partisan politics.

it still matters to me to

How can anyone know who showed up for all of these tea parties? Was attendance taken and political party preference specified? I seriously doubt that all were Republicans.

I see President Obama's agenda as a threat to our freedom. How are his plans blowing though congress without discussion or polling the constituents? We are losing our freedom now!
If we do not write to our legislators and if necesary, boot them out and vote in better people, we are guilty of apathy and deserve to lose our freedom.

thanks for sharing

I don't know, Terry. I wasn't even invited. I would have worn my new Easter Bonnet just to brighten things up a bit.

I agree we need to do this.

Independence from whom?

Independence from poltical tyranny that has monopolized Washington for more than a century. We need people in Congress and the White House who are true students of the Constitution.

As I read the responses to this post I have seen a group that stated that they like paying taxes. I do not mind paying my share to fund the needs of this nation, but I do not like paying taxes to fund bailouts of companies that the leadership make millions and take job oversea so that they only have to pay pennies for labor. Nor do I agree that these or any company needs to have a tax credit for doing so.

If you don't want a government ran by the people. Leave! There are many places where they will take you money, allow you to have no opinions and you are free from religion.

I know of a lot of people on both sides, Dems and GOP, that feel that Washington is getting to BIG and do not listen to those that they are represent.

I would gladly sign the Constitution!

This is not about Republicans vs Democrats anymore. This is about capitalism vs communism. This is about our beloved country becoming everything we dislike - a nation where there is no free thinking, no freedom of speech, no God, and no opportunity for advancement - because a small group of vocal individuals have decided that they want to live like they do in China, Cuba, and now Venezuela. I suggest they move there for a little while and give it a try (not as a tourist, but as a native), see how that works, and then come back and see if they feel the same way.

Communism does not work. That's why people are willing to risk their lives to come live in a country like ours. I don't see anyone risking their lives trying to go live in a communist country.

http://www.nccs.net/

The above is the National Center for Constitutional Studies. It's an interesting site and if explored can be eye-opening. Yes, it has advertising in it, but it has so much more that is just a click away. I suggest we all explore this site and share with our youngsters and youth so our freedom will never be taken away by a radical government.

I know of Democrats who attended tea parties. To make this a partisan argument or to say that Fox started it, is naive. Thank God that we still have the option for a grass roots movement where we can express ourselves without fear. Those who would oppose that with ridicule and slander are those who deserve to be without it.

Forgot to say that having a few million Americans sign a copy of the Constitution would be awesome!

Obama is a constitutional scholar. He has a depth of knowledge about the US Constitution that we haven't seen since President Theodore Roosevelt. It is simply a mistake to try to lay the problems that we have on the doorstep of President Obama. He is taking a different course of action. It is a scary one because we have no reassurances that his ideas will work out. We tried the Republican ideas. They failed the nation. So, we are now trying President Obama's ideas. They may work or they may not. But, to suggest that any of the old ideas of President George Bush's had any merit is to live in ignorance. They didn't work. Those ideas brought this country to its knees. Now, we must stand up and believe in our country again. Attending "tea parties" to celebrate stingy attitudes about taxes won't move this country forward. Working hard and preparing for the challenges of the future will. The people I saw in the downtown areas on tax day looked lazy and filled with a sense of entitlement that denies the very nature of what it means to be an American. I'm sorry, but they are simply wrong.

Joe T. once again you just dont get it. It is not about partisan politics. And I said nothing about George W, being great. You jump to conclusions.If you would have read a previuos comment I had made, I said the Constitution has been ignored for over a century. And for you to t say I am supporting Bush is just plain ignorance.

Just becuse someone is a scholar in the Constitution does not mean they believe in it.

Strange before the election the Obama supporters were talking Hope and Change. No you saying his new course is not really a sure thing. Just typically of people who are victums of partisan politics.

However the Constitution is a sure thing, and can work.

Strange this post was not about partisan politics at all. However those who seek hope in a human leader can never discuss politics outside the partisan realm.

It is truly sad that we have people like this in America. They back their own cause over the good of this nation and will risk futurue generations on an unsure thing.

If you listened to Obama's message to the CIA yesterday, he said the terrorists do not have to work within the "constraints" of the Constitution. So, are we to believe he feels he is working within "constraints"? Possibly. The problem with one being schooled in Constitutional law gives them the knowledge that will allow them to bypass those "constraints". I went to a Tea Party and I saw old people, middle-aged people, and young people, even kids! They weren't lazy people, actually, my husband took time out of his work-day to attend this demonstration with me. Many people did the same as well. They came out in suits and work clothes from what I saw. The attack on people who attended these Tax Day Tea Parties is shallow and divisive. What we need now is a coming together on the issue of what the administration is doing to our kids, our grandkids, and even a generation beyond. The amount of money being spent is outrageous and needs to be stopped. It's reckless, and throwing money into programs hasn't worked as we have seen in our history. I would wager that many of us here in Gather would say that we don't believe we will get full Social Security benefits in the coming years. Government didn't handle the money being taken responsibly, so now it's going broke. This is just one example of reckless spending by those who want to help! I'd rather they didn't help and let us keep more of our own earnings to save for our own future after retirement.

I guess the bottom line is this. We need to speak up now to stop the spending before it results in more inflation in which no retiree could keep up with everyday expenses, and our children will have a debt that will never be paid off!

The US Constitution is working, Terry. That is why we now have civil rights laws for African Americans. The US Constitution is never in favor of laws that benefit an elite few. It is wrong to suggest that taxes are bad for the country. Without taxes, the American lifestyle is not possible. One can quibble over the details as to how the taxes should be spent. But, the notion of taxes was and is a good one. We could never enjoy the infrastructure and services that we enjoy if we were paying for it on our own.

Yes, Terry, you are being partisan. It is a popular ploy to try to deny political posturing, today. It doesn't work because one isn't seeing any kind of diversity at these "tea parties." We are seeing the traditional people of privilege doing nothing more than whining about the fact that they have to pay. They are the stingy people that they appear to be, Terry.

Joe you are just plain wrong. Simply put you find faith in human leadership and I faith in a Constitutional form of Government. And if your leader says taxes are good then in your mind taxes are good.

I dont see American divided really between partisan lines. Really America is in two groups. As I already stated., one group follows leaders blindly, this includes Democrats and Republicans. Another groups find faith in a Constitutuion that cannot change with being amended.

Really these two groups have been around since the Colonial days. Back then they were called Loyalist and Patriots. The Loyalist supported King George III and the Patriots wanted free independent government.

Todays Loyalist find hope in their party winning elections.

Also let me say this a thrid time. This post is not a debate on partisan politics.

This post is for Americans who want our leaders to go back to government that our Founding Fathers gave us. Freedom from a world empire ruled by an king with an inflated ego.

Talking about stingy people. Seems to me someone needs to look in the mirror.

Of all the arrogant, muddle-headed, small-minded, insulting, insensitive, unseeing, unthinking, irrelevant, irritating, infuriating...

I DO "believe in" the United States Constitution, you ignorant dupes of Hannity's Insanity ane the bloviations of the Blowhard of EIB...

And I think it's a dumb idea to boot.

Well you say a lot of dumb things.

Following a partisan politican blindly is not only dumb it is very stupid. Once again you prove how hateful and disrepectful you side really is. Of course you would sign something that would stand against what you support. Which is the politically tyranny in Washington.

Terry, Joe T. has forgotten what the taxes were originally supposed to pay for, the Civil war. The sixteenth amendment allowed for the government to collect taxes to fund the Civil War in 1861 when it was first introduced. The states ratified the sixteenth amendment in 1913. The problem with the government levying taxes on the people is how they spend it. It was originally intended to fund the troops and the war effort. We have since had many wars to fund, but taxation has gone far beyond that to include Socialist programs and much more. The infrastructure of our nation is also funded as seen in our roadways and bridges. Yes, we all benefit from the infrastructure of our roads and bridges, but government has become intrusive into our lives. They are telling us what kind of light bulbs we can use in our own homes for crying out loud. Soon, if Obama has his way, we will be paying more for our electricity because of the Cap and Tax position he's taking on saving the planet. Given more power and more money, we will be reduced to working for the government's benefit. The government needs to pull back, and I believe that is an American issue as well. Party has nothing to do with the revolts that were shown across the nation last week. It's about our freedom.

Barbara you are right. It goes beyond parties. Today when one party is out of power they will spew hate upon that President. Yet when there party wins and the same thing continues, they all the sudden support the things they have been so upset about.

This has been the history of America for the last 100 plus years and it needs to stop.

Joe,

Who has been pumping smoke up your 4th point of contact about Obama as a constitutional scholar? If he was one, either he's ignoring what he is supposed to know or he really is like TR who ignored the Constitution whenever it was convenient. We haven't had a constitutional type president since Coolidge and God knows Obama sure showing any sign of bucking that trend.

I'm sorry Terry, I don't think most Americans really think that way anymore. Its rights not responsibility for self that matters. The term rights has been expanded to mean entitlements from government rather than protection from government.

I do believe in the constitution and the declaration. And I'd be glad to sign them to show my solidarity with others who hold them, or at least constitution, as the first . . . last . . . and only word on federal government. Great idea!

You are all missing the point. Taxes make our lifestyle in America possible. We would not enjoy the privileges and amenities that we enjoy without the benefit of taxes. We could never accomplish what has been accomplished through taxes, individually.

These "tea parties" are not about freedom. They are about maintaining an elite system of privilege for a few people. The US Constitution has always been about expanding opportunity and growing our freedoms. I'm sorry, but that is not what the people who are showing up at these "tea parties" are talking about. They are talking about silly things like creating an "English only" society and dissolving the very successful Social Security program. It may not be partisan. I'm really not sure. But, it has nothing to do with America. It is about an ideal that doesn't even make sense. Sure, we have problems in America. And, the expenditures by Congress should be challenged when necessary. But, pretending that these "tea parties" are conducted by a diverse segment of society is nothing short of misstating the truth. And, then, to add further insult to injury, creating a straw man by suggesting that Obama has done something to cause the economic recession and financial crisis is blatant lying. President Bush and his Republican Congress get all of the blame for that. It's interesting that these "tea parties" didn't happen back in October when President Bush rammed through his bailout package for the banking and finance industry. Now, that part of the package Congress is considering has something to do with the auto industry and the auto workers, there is a backlash. I'm sorry, but the hypocrisy is quite transparent this time. Only a fool looks at these people and believes them.

About President Obama's background: He taught Constitutional Law for the University of Chicago for many years. He is a constitutional scholar with many accolades and an excellent academic record to boot. You don't have to like him, but his accomplishments aren't something to argue against. They simply are.

Joe your side cares nothing about America at all. It is all about getting your way by using any means avaliable. Your side believes that the Constitution can change through evolution, it cannot. It can only be changed through an amendment.

And for the 100th time this is not about Obama. It is about reclaiming what we have last over the last 100 years.

Once again you prove your mind cannot go beyond partisan politics.

I think the context was a little different 230 years ago.

At that time, the colonies were separating (violently) from a dominant nation that they felt was exploiting their resources. Today the situation is completely reversed. The U.S. is exploiting the rest of the world for their resources.

To rebel against internal taxation today seems counter-productive to me, since the money that the government is collecting for taxes is going right back into the economy: through roads and police services and infrastructure and even the necessities of life for those on social assistance. I see this as nothing more than greed among the rich and those who want to be richer. Too bad there are so many in the States who just look out for themselves.

Ian a Constitutional government is never out of context. From other comments you have made in the past, you really dont understand what the Constittuion is. People laid their lives down for it, and to make excuses for today shows great disrepect to those who fought for it

And then you insult America which I find evey offensive because we have saved so many people all through out the world. Problem is people like you rely on us then you turn around and spit in our faecs.


Ian because you have insulted my country I have no respect for you at all.

The context is no deifferent. At the time the Colonist went to war they fought against people like yourself who honored a human king who was part of a world empire.

In the past Ian sent out an email where someone made an offensive comment about a political leader. He was so shocked. Now he is guilty of doing just the same. Typically of so many people from other places who insult America, yet is never thankful for the protection we give to so many for the sake of freedom

It just shows me once again the Declartion of Indpendence needs to be signed.

I suppose you are referring to the "protection" we are extending the people of Iraq. First, we bomb the hell out their country. Then, we destroy their infrastructure and cultural keepsakes. Finally, we dictate to them what kind of a government they should have. Americans like you have no problem with this imperial behavior, Terry. People with a conscience and a belief that there are existential truths are troubled by our behavior with respect to Iraq. We know that the fallout means many years of hostility and more groups like Al Qaeda in our future. So, hang on to your ridiculous concept of the US Constitution. The American experiment is about freedom of thought and action, Terry. It is not about your political ideology or personal philosophy of the way things should be. The hard work that the writers of the US Constitution went to for our benefit is totally lost on you because you twist the words to fit your idea of right and wrong. The Declaration of Independence was already signed and acted upon, Terry. It is now our mission as citizens to uphold it. Tearing people apart does nothing to show respect for the insight of our forefathers.

Joe you have falsely accussed me of something that you are highly guilty of. You think in terms of America as Bush and Obama. Your mind cannot go any further than that. You are one siided and care about your party's agenda and not the Constitution at all. I will say this a second time, your side will use any mean that have to get their way.


You have used this whole thread for Obama's agenda, then you turn around and say I am supporting my on poltical agenda. Not only is this a lie, but have never seen such hypocrsy in my life.


Trying to keep the Consitution is not a political agenda, it is an attempt to keep Amarican alive.

Joe really you have nothing else to say. You choose to follow a human king and then you will rant all day long denying it. It is funny that you will say something and also deny it in the same sentence,.Then you go around and blame someone else for what you are promoting

So dont waste your time spinning long comments on this thread.We know you love Obama and hate Bush. That is no sceret. No need to post anything else on this thread.

And no I am not talking about Iraq. I am talking about the nations we have helped for over two centuries. Once again you cannot go beyond Bush and Obama. Our Founding Fathers did not agree on everything. But never did they run America down in front of others. When your side heres people run America down you sing their praises because it uplifts you own political agenda. Which you falsely blame others for doing.

This post os not about Obama and Bush. Seems one does not undertand this, so no more comments about either in this thread will be appproved on ths certain post.

"You are all missing the point. Taxes make our lifestyle in America possible. We would not enjoy the privileges and amenities that we enjoy without the benefit of taxes. We could never accomplish what has been accomplished through taxes, individually."

Taxes do not make my lifestyle possible. They inhibit it. Here are a few things that my lifestyle is comprised of in case you really need to know. PS- Since you did not differentiate between local/state/federal taxes or services neither will I:

House- My taxes did not pay for my house. Your taxes did not pay for my house. I paid for my house and I pay the property taxes on it.

Water/Sewage- This is a service provided me by the city government. And every month I'm billed between $60.00 to $150.00 for it.

Electricity- Taxes don't pay my power bill. I do. And I'm going to pay a lot more for it when these cap and trade policies cause the cost of energy production to skyrocket.

Car- Taxes don't pay for my cars. I do. I also pay property tax to own them. I paid a sales tax when I bought them.

Gas- Taxes don't pay for my gas. I do. I also pay a tax for every gallon I purchase. I also pay the corporate tax that the government charges the producers and inevitably gets passed onto the consumer. I also pay more for the product than I should when the government takes actions that prohibit an increase in the of supply of that product.

Internet- Taxes don't pay for my internet. I do. Now perhaps taxes did make its creation possible . . . but that was no doubt a DARPA project, and I don't think your calling for any increases in defense spending.

Cell Phone- Taxes do not pay for my cell phone. Although I pay a FCC cell phone tax on it so they can provide cell phones free of charge to other people.

Roads- Alright so taxes pay for roads. And to pay for those roads I pay a federal income tax, a state income tax, a gas tax, a property tax, a car tag tax, a state sales tax, a seawall tax, toll booths. Also a porkulas package had to be passed that will put my children into hock for a trillion dollars so that more roads I don't need could be constructed while the roads I do need remain woefully undersized for the traffic they carry and in great disrepair. Funny, the thing that my taxes should be primarily concerned with are the least of the governments considerations.

Police/Fire- The only real role of government should be to protect the citizens rights and property. Given how important that is I don't mind paying taxes for the police or fire departments. So lets pay for them out of the first cut of my taxes and the vast majority that is left over can go back to me.

Consumables- This represents a lot of stuff. Some of it necessary like food and water, some of it completely recreational like flat screen tv's and iphones. Taxes do not pay for it. Although all of it costs from 15 to 39 percent higher than it should because corporate income tax are little more than proxy consumption taxes on the consumers.

Social Security- ROFLMAO, the only thing my generation is getting from social security is the bill. Roughly twelve percent of my income . . . six percent out of my paycheck and six percent from my employer that could have gone to me instead.

Well said Shaun. So happy there are people like you who see that people obtain things from hard work. Once Joe T. made a statement about Joe the Plumber getting a journalist job, he said Joe the Plumber was getting rewarded for something he didnt work for. He said people should be rewarded for their hard work.

Now we see he does not believe this, which I knew at the time he was just running off out the mouth. He dont like Joe the Plumber because he is Anti-Obama. Plain and simple.

Joe T. wants people to prosper thru taxes and not hard work. Also if your Anti-Obama he wishes vengence. This is why the Tea Parties have stung him so bad. He just dont understand people want the Constitution over partisan politican with an inflated ego.