As we all take a much-needed rest, it is a good time to reflect back upon what we have faced in 2009 and how far we have come. The Tea Party was and is truly a grassroots movement. No matter how others try to paint the patriots that make up this group, they can’t change the fact that we are comprised of people from all walks of life, all political persuasions and all social backgrounds. We have several very important things in common and we do not intend to back down from standing up for what we know to be right here in America.
The federal takeover of our healthcare industry has not been successful yet! This is due to the efforts of the American people rallying together against this legislation. The fight is not over yet; so let’s not give up nor give in! This bill can still die and we will be happy to give it a proper funeral.
The recent defection of Democratic Congressman, Parker Griffin, from Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District indicates that Democrats in D.C. may be seeing the writing on the wall, as far as the 2010 elections go. As one Democratic strategist put it, “Griffin has traded an electorate that was 60 percent Republican for one that will be 100 percent Republican.” As Les Phillip, a challenger for Griffin’s Congressional seat said today, “Griffin’s donations prove he is out of touch with Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District. The race for Congress begins and ends with values.” More news about Griffin and his opposition for the Fifth Congressional Seat can be found here in the future.
In an exclusive interview with AlabamaTeaparty.net, Alabama Representative Paul DeMarco, of the 46th District of Alabama spoke of the health care battle, the potential effect on our state as well as the efforts of The Tea Party. Paul DeMarco has served his district since 2005 and is concerned for the future of Alabama.
“I just returned from meetings in Washington, D.C. with Senator Jeff Sessions and Congressman Jo Bonner. I expressed my deep concerns about the unfunded mandates this legislation [health care] could put on our state. Senator Sessions and Congressman Bonner agree and we all hope that this legislation doesn’t pass. However, it is very troubling because we are already facing shortfalls in our budget here in Alabama. We are still crunching the numbers but there have been estimates that this bill could add another $400 Million to our already anemic budget. I am concerned, to say the least,” DeMarco commented.
Rep. DeMarco praised the people who have taken a stand against this health care legislation, as well as other legislative action by the federal government in 2009. Said DeMarco, “I hope the people won’t give up the fight. We aren’t defeated yet and continuing to focus on the health care legislation is critical. If it passes, it must be challenged. We [Alabama Legislature] go back into session on January 12, 2010 and the focus will be on issues surrounding our budget. I intend to investigate the possibility of filing legislative actions that challenge the constitutionality of these unfunded mandates on our state. Certainly passing a 10th Amendment affirmation is something we should have achieved during last year’s session. However, that was killed in the Rules Committee by Representative Ken Guin.”
For those who are interested, Representative Ken Guin represents the 14th District of Alabama. His email address while in session is: ken.guin@alhouse.org .
As Rep. Paul DeMarco rallies continued protest against the federal health care legislation, he also encourages focus on state and local issues. With that said, the Alabama Tea Party organizers are working together to take pressure to our state legislature. The “Winter Welcome Back Rally” is planned for Wednesday, January 19, 2010. Please join in pressuring elected officials on state issues. For those who happen to be in Representative Guin’s District, it might be a great time to send him your thoughts on a 10th Amendment motion passage in Montgomery. Let him know The Tea Party will be welcoming him back for the next legislative session with open arms.
Until next time….
“Politics is more dangerous than war, for in war you are only killed once.” – Winston Churchill
