The TEA Party March

Yesterday’s Bergen Record ran an article about politicians and political groups participating in holiday parades such as the Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day parades.  In Leonia, a woman was criticized for carrying an anti-abortion banner in a Memorial Day parade in an event designed to honor our fallen heroes.  Some case could make for an argument against that kind of sign in a Memorial Day or Labor Day parade.

But the reporter was specifically concerned about the Fourth of July Day parade.  The headline read, “Some say leave message home.” 

“The co-opting of parades and holiday celebrations by groups wanting to reach an audience with their message, such as anti-war protestors, abortion opponents, Tea Party activists, gay rights advocates, and white supremacist, presents municipalities with a challenge; how to keep events apolitical without violating free speech rights.”

The town of Ridgewood, N.J.’s parade committee incorporated itself into a nonprofit organization.  As a private public entity, it now has the bar any group it wishes, just as the Catholic Church was able to bar gay rights activists from marching in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, which it sponsors.

The America of today is not the America of 1776, when anyone could stand on a soapbox or crate under the new American flag and give a speech.  Municipalities, states, and even the federal government have enacted ordinances “protecting” the public from the inevitable consequences of free speech:  dissent and controversy.  The only fireworks municipalities want are the ones hosted by the local fire department.

Alas, I can’t be there with the NJRTP when they once again march in the parade.  For the last 35 years, I’ve been committed to a local marching band.  Not sure I’m going to make it through these two parades, as the forecast is for 92 degrees or better, just as we’ll be marching down the Main Street of Chatham.  Maybe we can convince our officers to let us march in our tee shirts.

Anyway, I feel bad about not being there for the Tea Party, seeing how crucial this election year.  But to make it up for it, I’ve composed a little Tea Party March, to the trio and break strain of Americans We.  I figured what better march for the Tea Party than Americans We, because that’s what we are – Americans, through and through.

The TEA Party March

(sung to the tune of Americans We – break strain and trio – the chorus, for those of you who are non-musical)

Oh, we are the party

Of liberty.
And Constitutionality!
Oh we fight for freedom
And fiscal curbs;
We don’t believe in Socialism

We are the party

Who salutes the flag
And those who gave their lives.
Oh, we will strive on
In remembrance of Ron   
So our nation will thus survive.

Begone, Media Goons!  Your cameras cannot frighten us!

So long, Liberal Loons!  Your programs only tighten us!

TEA Parties, lead on!

TEA Parties, fight on!
TEA Parties, hang on!

Our country shall not fall!

Oh, we are the party

Of liberty.

And Constitutionality!

Oh we fight for freedom

And fiscal curbs;

We don’t believe in Socialism

We are the party

Who salutes the flag

And those who gave their lives.

Oh, we will strive on

In remembrance of Ron

So our nation will thus survive!