Half a dozen: Tea Party

Our interest in political activism started this past summer. With the election coming up and various things happening in the world, I was dismayed at how much I actually knew about what was going on politically so when I was handed a flyer to attend a Republican rally entitled "Freedom on Fire" Matt and I excitedly packed up the family and took off for a day of enlightenment and knowledge.

One of the classes was on the constitution and was a general overview of the subject, but the teacher encouraged us to have a copy of our own and study it frequently. I was inspired and so I taught a class on the constitution at co-op the next session. The children memorized and learned what the pre-amble meant and then learned the seven articles and what each included. While teaching this class it dawned on me that very few of adults have this knowledge. (This is where I insert my plug that this is not surprising, as most of us were educated in public schools). If we don't have this knowledge and understanding how can we know if the standards in the constitution are being upheld and protected? For me, at this time, it was a scary thought.

When Serenitie had the chance to enroll in an intense class on the constitution called "Key Of Liberty". I jumped on it. It was becoming very important for me to raise children who are aware of what is going on in our nation and who can objectively see what is happening. I also wanted them to have the knowledge to not only see what is happening but to also stand and fight for the things they hold to be true and self-evident. It is my desire that they become involved for the good of society, not just sit around and judge and talk about what is going on, but to be involved in what is happening- to be actively engaged in making our society better.

Thus, Matt and I must lead by example if we want it to be a lesson that they will learn.

When we heard about the 9-12 project and the Tea Parties that were being held nationwide, we knew that we would be participating. Unfortunately he got called into work and so the children and I were off to Olympia.

We wrote on the car, made our signs, packed our lunches and joined close to 5,000 other people on the steps of the capitol in an effort to make our voices heard and let law makers know that they can not continue to steal from us in the form of "taxes", they are held accountable to us (which they seem to have forgotten somewhere along the way), and that we don't believe you solve a money problem by spending more money or bailing out those that have failed to manage their resources of their own accord.

It was an amazing experience and one I hope my children do not soon forget!!!

After the rally we figured out where the offices of our district Rep and Senator were in preparation to deliver a tea bag to each and ask that they remember to whom they are accountable and then we attempted to go on a tour of the Capitol building. Alas, my little two could handle it no longer and in an effort to ensure this would continue to be a good day we headed home.

The children were great, considering it was a three hour rally with lot's of screaming and so many people you couldn't move even if you wanted to (I am so glad no one had to pee!). However, lesson learned, next time I will leave the babies home so that I can do more and enjoy it more with the older ones.

I am excited about being on this journey to become more knowledgeable, more aware, and more involved. I am excited to see my children take an active interest in the world they will soon inherit.

"Honk if we pay your mortgage"	I loved how creative the signs were, this lady had a huge tea bag.

"My Daddy works hard, so those on welfare don't have to".
"Why an I paying YOUR mortgage"

"It's Time For A Tea Party"
"Do you want my allowance to?"

"Keep Your Hands Off my dad's paycheck"	"Joe was right, look out Obama thinks your rich!"
My little "extremist"	She loved holding the signs, the hardest part was making sure she didn't smack anyone else!