View Article  Last Saturday Prayer June 26th
Tea party groups nationwide pray for our nation on the last Saturday of each month.  This month’s prayer takes place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 26th  in Vassar.  The location is the pavilion on West Street behind the historical museum.  If you can’t join us, feel free to pray in your home, place of work or car on Saturday.

 

View Article  TEA Party coming to Cass City
Have you seen tea parties in the news and wondered what they were?  You will have an opportunity to find out on June 28, 2010.  The Western Thumb TEA Party is meeting at the Rawson Memorial District Library, 6495 Pine St. Cass City, MI 48726.  The goal is to spread their message of shared values, free markets, fiscal responsibility, and limited government.   The meeting is 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Speakers will have information on cap and trade, immigration, and health care.  The meeting includes a question and answer period.  

Western Thumb TEA Party members are ordinary citizens with jobs and families who do this in their spare time because they love America and passionately believe in the values of the Founding Fathers and the United States Constitution.  Volunteers donate hundreds of hours building this movement to spread their message.  They believe freedom and our country are worth fighting for.  The Tea Party Movement protests started in Feb. 2009, in response to several Federal laws and policies containing pork barrel spending and earmarks.  The Boston Tea Party was a protest against British policies on imported tea.  On Dec 16, 1773, American colonists boarded three British ships in Boston Harbor and dumped the cargoes overboard. 

The Western Thumb TEA Party is committed to educating family, friends and neighbors.  Part of the TEA party experience is gaining enough information to make knowledgeable choices.  The doors open ant 6:00 p.m. and everyone is welcome.  For more information call 989-272-5416 or visit  www.tuscolatea.org or email tuscolatea@yahoo.com.
View Article  Health Care Delivery to illegal and criminal aliens by the US Immigration Service
The impact of immigration on our public health system is often overlooked.  The cost of medical care for uninsured immigrants is passed onto the taxpayer, and strains the financial stability of our health care community.  The public is invited to hear Retired Lieutenant Commander John L McKenney of the United States Public Health Service present an overview of America’s Health Care delivery to detained illegal and criminal aliens.  The presentation is Thursday, June 17, at the Bullard Sanford Memorial Library, 520 W Huron, Vassar  from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m..
 
Vassar resident LCDR McKenney (ret) served 12 years in the United States Air Force. He  obtained his Bachelor's degree in Nursing and was commissioned in the USPHS.  He was detailed to the Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service Health Care Program which provides health care to alien detainees.  He also accompanied the deportation of aliens with health and mental conditions while serving as the Chief Flight Nurse for the Immigration and Naturalization Service. 

LCDR McKenney gained first hand experience of American Immigration working with U.S. 
Border Patrol.  While under The Secretary of Health and Human Services, LCDR McKenney assisted in the establishment of the Refugee Health Clinic for the Haitaiin Refugees at Guantanamo, Bay Cuba in 1992.  He participated in the Repatriation Program of Mariel Cubans making 72 flights to Havana, Cuba returning 1,500 criminal and mentally ill Cubans. The Mariel boatlift was a mass exodus of Cubans who departed from Cuba's Mariel Harbor for the United States between April 15, and October 31, 1980.  The exodus started to have negative political implications for U.S. president Jimmy Carter when it was discovered that Castro emptied his prisons during the boatlift period.  Many released inmates were eventually arrested, convicted and jailed nationwide for crimes they committed after their arrival in the US.

LCDR McKenney served as a liaison officer for three Federal Prisons and multiple jails thru out Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee,  and Eastern Texas. As the liaison officer and Program Management officer for the New Orleans District INS office,  he  was responsible for the medical care, coordination and movement of criminal aliens outside the contract jail, investigation of suspected fraud cases with referral to US Attorneys for prosecution and alien deaths and assaults.  McKenney worked with Bureau of Prisons health providers when an alien was being released to Immigration custody.

The meeting is sponsored by The Western Thumb TEA Party which is committed to educating family, friends and neighbors.  Part of the TEA party experience is gaining enough information to make knowledgeable choices.  There will be information on immigration, health care, cap and trade.  Everyone is welcome.  For more information visit www.tuscolatea.org or email tuscolatea@yahoo.com or call 989-272-5416.
View Article  Still looking for precinct delegates
Lisa informed us that there are still openings for precinct delegates in the Republican Party.  That would be a way to influence the direction of the party and its choice of candidates the party would present to run in the general election in November for certain offices, like attorney general and secretary of state.  It is too late to get your name on the ballet, but there is still time to become a write-in.

Information of how to become a delegate is on the party page.

Information about how many precinct delegate positions are still available in the Democratic Party is unknown, but send us a message and we will get that information up as well.
View Article  Should Michigan become a Right to Work State?

Right-to-work states have noticeably higher rates of economic growth and have added jobs at twice the rate of non-right-to-work states.  They are poised to overtake Michigan in terms of disposable per-capita income growth as well.  Hear more on the subject from speaker Paul Kersey, director of labor policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy on Thursday, June 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bullard Sanford Memorial Library, 520 W Huron.  The Mackinac Center in Midland is a nonpartisan research and educational institute that will assist policy makers, scholars, business people, the media and the public by providing objective analysis of Michigan issues.

Paul Kersey became director of labor policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in September 2007, having served as the Center’s senior labor policy analyst since December 2006. As director, Kersey leads the Center’s Labor Policy Initiative and researches labor and employment issues.  Kersey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. In 1993, he received his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois.

After practicing law in Livonia, Mich., for several years, Kersey served on the staff of the U.S. House of Representatives Government Reform and Oversight Committee. He then spent three years at the National Right to Work Committee as director of state legislation. In that role, he analyzed and responded to labor legislation in all 50 states.

The meeting is sponsored by The Western Thumb TEA Party which is committed to educating family, friends and neighbors.  Part of the TEA party experience is gaining enough information to make knowledgeable choices.  There will be information on immigration, health care, cap and trade.  Everyone is welcome.  For more information visit www.tuscolatea.org or email tuscolatea@yahoo.com or call 989-272-5416.
View Article  Imposter TEA Party Group

Zarko Exclusive Follow-up: "Progressive" Campaigns Inc (PCI) Hired for Fake Tea Party Petition


There are rumors of a group attempting to collect signatures to register TEA Party Group as a political party in the state.  This does not appear to be being done by TEA party members, but democrats attempting to dilute the republican vote and increase the chance of democrats winning in November.  Leaders from TEA Party groups are encouraging their members not to sign the petition to register the TEA Party as a political party.  Do not confuse this petition with the petition for exempting Michigan citizens from the Health Care Bill, which many TEA Party groups are encouraging their members to sign.


View Article  May 18th, 2010 Immigration Reform Rally at the Capitol steps in Lansing, MI
There was a Immigration Reform Rally at the Capitol steps in Lansing, MI, for people concerned about illegal immigration and the government granting amnesty.  Around 100 people attended the event.  Speakers spoke about the importance of enforcing the law, voiced support for bills in the state requiring enforcement of the law, talked about the economic impact of illegal immigration and the national security concerns.  The event was organized by Frankenmuth TEA Party Member, Tamyra Murray.  Pictures of the event are located here.

TV 8 of Grand Rapids ran a report about the event.
View Article  Monthly day of Prayer, located in Cass City
Saturday  May 22 is our monthly prayer day.
 
Church - Evangelical Free Church
             6430 Chestnut Blvd.
             Cass City, MI
 
             10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
 
 
Take M81 to Cass City at the traffic light (Seeger St.)  Turn north at the light off M81.  Turn left at Chestnut Blvd. 
 
Please keep our country in your prayers.
View Article  Salute to Veterans
The public is invited to join us as we honor Veterans with a Civil War dramatization by special guest and speaker, Lutullus S. Penton Jr.  He is treasurer of the 102nd United States Colored Troops Re-enactors Company B. based in Detroit.  The event is on Thursday, May 20, at the Bullard Sanford Memorial Library, 520 W Huron from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.   All material is appropriate for public and home schooled students.


Playwright and motivational speaker, Lutulllius Penton is a former history teacher in the Flint Public Schools and is the 5th Congressional District Chairman of the the Republican Party.  He has a World History Degree and A Masters Degree in American Culture from the University of Michigan.  Mr. Penton was attending the American Baptist College in Nashville, TN when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 1968 in Memphis and worked in Atlanta doing Civil Rights work.  He has recently attained his MLS Degree in American Culture, from the University of Michigan.  Mr. Penton authored his directed research paper on Poverty Programs and the "War on Poverty in America" and is currently employed as the Director of the Genesee County Community Action Work First Program.     


The 1st Michigan Colored Infantry was formed on February 23, 1863, after an editorial and letter writing campaign by Henry Barns, an editor for the Detroit Tribune and Advertiser.  On May 23, 1864, the unit was redesignated the 102nd Regiment United States Colored Troops. Volunteers came from Detroit, southern Michigan and Ontario, Canada.  Some of the 845 volunteers were escaped slaves from the Underground Railroad, and some were fighting to free their family members who may have still been in slavery.  During training, a regimental band was formed which toured to recruit more volunteers.  The 102nd Regiment fought throughout South Carolina, eastern Georgia and Florida and was mustered out of service on September 30, 1985.  The regiment returned to Detroit where they were disbanded on October 17, 1865.   The total enrollment was 1,446. 

The United States War Department issued General Order Number 143 on May 22, 1863, establishing a “Bureau of Colored Troops” to facilitate the recruitment of Africa-American soldiers to fight for the Union Army.  Regiments, including infantry, cavalry, light artillery and heavy artillery units were recruited from all states of the Union and became known as the United States Colored Troops (USCT).  Approximately 175 regiments of more than 178,000 free blacks and freed slaves served during the last two years of the war, and bolstered the Union war effort as a critical time.  By war’s end, the USCT was approximately a tenth of all Union troops.  There were 2,751 USCT combat casualties during the war, and 68,178 losses from all causes.

The dramatization is sponsored by The Western Thumb TEA Party which is committed to educating family, friends and neighbors.  Part of the TEA party experience is gaining enough information to make knowledgeable choices.  There will be information on immigration, health care, cap and trade.  Everyone is welcome.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m.  For more information visit www.tuscolatea.org or email tuscolatea@yahoo.com or call 989-272-5416.

View Article  40 days of prayer at the Vassar City Hall
Good Afternoon,

Well, we started the 40 days of prayer for our nation today[April 24th] at St. Lorenz Church in Frankenmuth.  Each day--starting tomorrow--and ending Wed. June 2nd--the call to prayer will be at the Vassar City Hall grounds at 4:30 PM.  I will be there most days--there may be a few days when work prevents this.  In that case, I will make certain a representative is there to welcome whoever might come to pray.

I used Jayme's (Midland) editorial as a basis for the attached.  I will send it to the Vassar Pioneer times.  I invite whoever would like to change it and sign his/her name and send it to papers--give to pastors or whatever you feel is best.


Dear Editor: 

Our country is spiritually drained.  We have turned our backs on God.  Our President says, “We are no longer a Christian nation”.  We get angry about this statement, but maybe he is right.  Who among us Christians have witnessed to our neighbors, co-workers, family or friend in the past year?  I believe a small handful of you reading this will be able answer yes to this question; but for most of us, including myself, we must shamefully admit the answer is no.  In the name of political correctness we have allowed our mouths to be shut.  The Christians have been silently slipping away, hiding, being holy in our churches, yet looking like the world everywhere else we go. 

This is not the first time our country has fallen away from our Creator, the God who gives us our true freedom.  In the wake of the American Revolution our country was just as far, if not farther gone, as we are today.  In fact Voltaire said, “Christianity will be forgotten in thirty years”.  The Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, John Marshall, wrote that the Church was, “too far gone to ever be revived.” 

But God sent a revival!  Why?  God sent a revival because his people returned to prayer.  They took God seriously when He said, “If my people who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

We must unite, Church!  Christians of all denominations, we must put aside our differences and remember that we are brothers and sisters in Christ.  We must humble ourselves before our God as His people united.

Helen Keller said, “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”  I, too, am only one person; but, today I choose to be one person willing to humble myself before God, to seek His face and pray.

 

For the past several months, 4-22 individuals have met together to pray at various churches throughout our community on the last Saturday of every month at 10 AM to pray for our nation.  This is part of a national ‘prayer for our nation’ movement started by Harald Zieger of the Tea Party Movement.  This last Saturday prayer will continue--however, starting April 25th, individuals will be going to the Vassar City Hall daily for 40 days to pray for this country. If you would like to participate, we will be there from 4:30 pm – 5pm, Monday through Sunday. Many of us will choose a day each week to fast for our nation as well..  I do not say any of this to boast but to encourage you to join me.   

If you want to be the “One Nation Under God” we once were, if you want to be that “Christian Nation” once again, if you want to see healing come to our land, then I beg of you, please join in prayer in front of Vassar City Hall each day or for whatever days you can come, for as much of the time as you can, starting on April 25th, 2010

Judy Neblock
View Article  Press Release: Precinct Delegate Positions

Information will be available Thursday, May 6, at the Vassar Bullard Sanford Memorial Library, 520 W Huron from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Tri City 912’s Erik Johnson will speak about getting involved in local politics by becoming a precinct delegate.


The position of precinct delegate has been called the most important elected official.  Becoming a precinct delegate gives you a place at the table in setting county political party goals and policies.  The official role of precinct delegates is to attend county conventions to elect delegates and alternates to the state conventions.  As a precinct delegate you are taking an active role in retaining and strengthening the freedoms that make America great and are making a difference.


Delegates can act as a go-between for the voters and the political party to which they belong.  They may help with voter registration and take voter issues and questions back to party leaders.  As a precinct delegate, a person can help their neighbors with local concerns.  Precinct Delegates help the party at the local level with voter identification, help turn out the vote, assist candidates, and determine local and state party leadership.

 

You must act soon if you want to have a say in the local leadership and future direction of your country.   The filing deadline is May 11.   Filing forms and a notary public will be available at the meeting.  If elected you will serve a two year term.

The meeting is sponsored by The Western Thumb TEA Party which is committed to educating family, friends and neighbors.  Part of the TEA Party experience is gaining enough information to make knowledgeable choices.  There will be information on immigration, health care, cap and trade.  Everyone is welcome.  For more information visit www.tuscolatea.org or email tuscolatea@yahoo.com or call 989-272-5416.

 

View Article  April 15, 2010 TEA Party Rally at the Orchard Auction Barn
Around 230 people showed up at the Tax Day TEA Party rally at the Orchard Auction and Stable on the corner of M-46 and Vassar Rd outside of Vassar, MI.  People started by showing signs outside of the building, then went inside to listen to speakers talk about the government, taxes, and freedom. There was T-shirt contest and a silent auction as well.  It began with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, and ended with the singing of God Bless America.

Photos of the event can be viewed by clicking "Photos" then clicking "April 15, 2010 TEA Party Rally", or by clicking here.
View Article  More about the Tax Day TEA Party Event
An update on some of the things planned at our TEA Party Event at the Orchard Auction Barn, on the corner of M-46 and Vassar Roads, 5966 W. Sanilac Rd. Vassar, MI. from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

If the weather is nice, we will begin outdoors, so bring a sign supporting our cause, or supporting our country.  There will be a silent auction to offset our costs, if you would like to donate a item, including a white elephant that would be appreciated.  There will also be a T-shirt contest, with a theme of tea parties and patriotism.  The designs will be voted on at the event, so if you have a design that follows that theme, bring it early.
View Article  Immigration Speaker April 8th in Frankenmuth
By The Western Thumb TEA Party Group for

The Frankenmuth Tea Party Group
tam-mud@speenetllc.com


Visit:    www.tuscolatea.org            
             
or email:   tuscolatea@yahoo.com or tam-mud@speednetllc.com
for more info contact:  Onna Clinesmith  (989) 843-6274
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Frankenmuth Tea Party will be hosting an expert presentation on Immigration and Illegal Immigration on April 8th at 6:00 p.m.  Do you know how illegal immigrants impact our Jobs, and our Economy?  Come learn your rights, raise awareness, and take necessary steps to stop amnesty.

Attend and find out how YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Our speaker Bob Najmulski is an expert and has first hand experience with immigration.  Bobs list of experience include working on the Illegal Task Force at the California border for the State Troopers. He now works for the Federation of American Immigration Reform.  Bob believes in protecting our sovereignty and stands for the rights of the American citizen.  Bob is introducing legislation that will stop amnesty.  He intends to do this speaking state to state.

The Federation of American Immigration Reform, (FAIR) is the nations leading public policy organization working for immigration policy in the national interest.  FAIR is the number one representative sought after for expert testimony to Congress and national talk radio shows.  Its representatives are experts in their field.  FAIR seeks stronger controls on immigration and believes in limited immigration to protect the economy and sovereignty.

We are all affected by immigration and illegal immigrants.  Immigrants and Illegals impact our economy, school system, social security and welfare, and also contribute to our crime rate.  The program will conclude with a question and answer period.    Everyone is welcome.

Please join us Thursday, April 8th  for this FREE Event

Time 6:00 pm
Location:   CHANGED to Fritz's Hall in Richville, MI on M15 just south of M46.

For more information about the Frankenmuth Tea Party, email at tam-mud@speenetllc.com  The Frankenmuth Tea Party Group is nonpartisan and committed to educating family, friends and neighbors.


View Article  Tax Day TEA Party
There will be a peaceful Tax Day Citizen Rally on Thursday, April 15, 2010.  American Patriots and taxpayers believe our government should lower taxes and reduce the regulative burden on businesses and individuals.  Public school funding has become a top state priority and legislatures are being pressured to expand the state sales tax to include services and to eliminate a planned reduction in the income tax rate.  In 1994, Michigan citizens approved a constitutional amendment that dramatically altered the way public schools are funded.  It was known as Proposal A.  We want to make sure you are heard in 2010.  The rally is scheduled at the Orchard Auction Barn, on the corner of M-46 and Vassar Roads, 5966 W. Sanilac Rd. Vassar, MI. from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. 

Speakers include Dan Grimshaw the Tuscola County Register of Deeds, Tom Wassa the co-creator of the Constitution Coalition,  Pastor Todd Gould from the Cass City Evangelical Free Church, Rick Wilson a Republican Candidate for the 5th Congressional District and Western Thumb TEA Party cofounder Marge Phillips and Judy Neblock.  If Washington, D.C. thought we were just going to quietly go away, or that this tea party movement would be just a passing fad, they were mistaken.  We The People are taking our country back as we tell Washington, D.C.  “Enough!” 

The rally is sponsored by The Western Thumb TEA Party Group is committed to educating family, friends and neighbors.  Part of the TEA party experience is gaining enough information to make knowledgeable choices.  Speakers will have information on health care, cap and trade, national security and federal deficits.  There is no charge for this event.  Food will be available for purchase from the Auction Barn.   This is a family friendly event and everyone is welcome.  For more information visit www.tuscolatea.org or email tuscolatea@yahoo.com or call 989-272-5416.
View Article  Meet the Candidates
An opportunity to meet the candidates is scheduled at the Bullard Sanford Memorial Library, 520 W Huron from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on April 1.  Three candidates campaigning for the 2010 election will be available to state their position on how they will represent the needs of the people of Michigan.

Robert Palmer, former teacher and sales manager from Bay City announced his Republican campaign for Michigan's 31st Senate District that combines the counties of  Arenac, Bay, Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola.  Palmer states he has the private sector, life and educational experience needed in Lansing to make the changes to “Fix Michigan.”

Scott L. Withers Jr., a former television journalist and independent media consultant from Birch Run is launching a Democratic primary election challenge in the 5th Congressional District, which includes Tuscola, Saginaw, Genesee and Bay counties.  Former Vassar resident Withers says he wants to “bring jobs back to mid-Michigan.”

Republican Senator Roger N. Kahn, a cardiologist at Michigan Cardiovascular Institute in Saginaw is seeking reelection in the 32nd District.  Kahn was elected in November 2004 as the state representative for the 94th District and in November 2006 he was elected as the state senator for the 32nd District, representing Saginaw and Gratiot counties.  He has served on several committees including Appropriations, Community Health, Human Services, Judiciary and Corrections, Retirement, and Transportation.

The meeting  is sponsored by The Western Thumb TEA Party Group which is nonpartisan and committed to educating family, friends and neighbors.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and information will be available on health care, cap and trade, and current events.  The program begins at 6:00 p.m. and will conclude with a question and answer period.    Everyone is welcome.

View Article  Tea Party Patriots
This Tuesday, March 16th - a day of direct action

The TEA Party Patriots group is asking people be get involved on March 16th.  Democrats are trying to push through the health care bill.  So the TEA group is asking people to come to Washington DC at 9am to meet with your congressmen.  If you can't make it there, then do some local action, like meeting at your representative's local office to make your voice heard.

View Article  Global and U.S. Finances
A panel discussion on financial services is scheduled at the Bullard Sanford Memorial Library, 520 W Huron from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on March 18, 2010.  Financial planners Douglas DuRussel and Kent Kern will have current information on global and U.S. finances.  They are available to answer general questions on retirement planning, asset allocation, mutual funds and gold investment.
 
Douglas DuRussel is the owner of American Pride Financial LLC and provides financial services and insurance for both business and individuals.  He not only helps his clients plan for their financial futures, but helps them to implement those plans.
   
Kent Kern specializes in retirement planning for individuals, which includes accumulation and distribution planning.  He also works with congregations and schools concerning endowments and charitable planning.  Kern is a member of Northpointe Planning Group.

The panel is sponsored by The Western Thumb TEA Party Group which is nonpartisan and committed to educating family, friends and neighbors.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and information will be available on health care, cap and trade, and current events.  The program begins at 6:00 p.m. and will conclude with a question and answer period.    Everyone is welcome.

View Article  Prayer Meeting
This month's prayer meeting is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St.  Frances Church, 334 Division St,  Vassar.  It is across from the Vassar High School.  Join us as we pray for our country and those who live in it.
 
View Article  Western Thumb Blog Notifications
Want to know when our site is updated?  Once signed up with the site, you can choose to receive notifications when the next post is updated.

To do this, when logged in, click the "My Preferences" tab in the upper right corner, select your choice for article notification and save your changes.

View Article  Economic Policies Matter
America is not the first country to have economic problems, but we can learn from history which  policies do not work.  On Thursday, March 4, 2010, Midland Economic Development Manager Jesse Atwell will explain how Argentina’s failed economic policies mirror the trend in America.  The failure of the Argentine government to respond effectively to its economic problems contributed to an erosion of investor confidence, massive capital flight, devaluation of their peso, and hyperinflation of 3,080 percent in 1989 and 2,314 percent in 1990.  The event starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Bullard Sanford Library, 520 W. Huron Ave. 

Atwell graduated from Michigan State University with a BSBA and managed several Michigan companies before moving to Argentina.  In 1999, he worked for Prestolite Indiel, an international metal component manufacturer in Buenos Aires and became their Managing Director/CEO.  At Prestolite he was responsible for the $175 million multi-plant return to profitability.  He developed Presidential and Cabinet level governmental contacts with Argentine, Brazilian and United States administrations.  His international business experience gives him a unique prospective on economic policies.     

The Western Thumb Tea Party Group is non-partisan and committed to educating  family, friends and neighbors.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at 6:00 p.m.  Information will be available on health care, 2010 census, and other current events.  The program will conclude with a question and answer period.   Everyone is welcome.
View Article  ACORN, A Major Threat To America
The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, better known as ACORN, is under investigation by state and federal authorities for its voter registration drives. Allegations are that ACORN's get-out-the-vote efforts have produced thousands of fraudulent voter registrations.
 
Detroit Author Jim Keena will speak about ACORN on February 18 th at the Vassar Library. Jim will be explaining ACORN's history, philosophy and tactics. Keena warns we should be concerned about the upcoming mid-term elections being influenced by groups like ACORN, Media Matters, and MoveOn.org. ACORN could get $750 million in funding as a result of the stimulus bill. He will discuss how this group affects us and what we can do to fight back.
 
Jim Keena was born in 1957 in a farming community near Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was a National Merit Scholarship finalist, and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Economics from the University of Detroit. Jim Keena is an executive in the automotive industry. He is also the author of the pro-liberty website PathlessLand.net. He has written one book on Thomas Jefferson, and is finishing up a second book called We’ve Been Had: How Obama and the Leftists Conned Middle Class America. He has been a keynote speaker at numerous TEA Party rallies.
 
The lecture is scheduled February 18th at the Bullard Sanford Memorial Library, 520 W Huron from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The class is sponsored by The Western Thumb TEA Party Group which is nonpartisan and committed to educating family, friends and neighbors. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and information will also be available on many current events. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude with a question and answer period. Everyone is welcome.
View Article  Speak Up America!
If you are tired of being ignored by your elected representatives, join us and make your voice heard.  You can network with individuals committed to educating family, friends and neighbors about economic policy and a return of our government to its Constitutional limitations.  On Thursday, February 11, 2010, Rick Wilson, Republican Candidate for the 5th Congressional District will discuss the Constitution of the United States and how it restricts all levels of government.  The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Burger King Restaurant, 490 N. Main St. Frankenmuth, Michigan.  There is no charge for this event. 

Wilson believes the government should lower business taxes and reduce the regulative burden on businesses and individuals.  He defends the United States Constitution and our First Amendment rights of freedom of speech, assembly and religion and the Second Amendment right to bear arms. 

Information will be available on health care, cap and trade, and other current events.  The program will conclude with a question and answer period.  The Western Thumb TEA Party Group is a non-partisan citizen action network sponsoring this event.  Their goal is to ensure that the United States remains the most safe, free and prosperous country in the world.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and everyone is welcome.  If you come early and purchase your dinner, you can bring it into the meeting room and find a good seat.
View Article  Constitution Class
The last of three classes on the Constitution of the United States will be scheduled at the Bullard Sanford Memorial Library, 520 W Huron from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.  The class on Feb. 4, 2010, will cover Constitutional Amendments and the Bill of Rights.  It is appropriate for public and home schooled high school and junior high students.   If you were unable to attend all three classes, this class includes a complete lesson.  Participants will receive a certificate of completion for the class and a free pocket Constitution.  There is no charge for the class but preregistration is recommended at tuscolatea@yahoo.com or call (989) 272-5416.

The class will be taught by Tom Wassa the creator of  the Constitution Coalition, an organization which promotes and educates all ages about the history, meaning, and importance of this legal document.   He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management and Organizational Development and is studying toward his Master’s Degree in Public Administration through Eastern Michigan University.  Wassa has been involved in politics on the local, state, and federal level and has more than 25 years of experience as a police officer.  He has owned and operated several businesses, served as a Trustee on the Village of Fairgrove’s Counsel,  and currently serves as a board member at a nonprofit social services agency.

The class is sponsored by The Western Thumb TEA Party Group which is nonpartisan and committed to educating family, friends and neighbors.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and information will be available on health care, cap and trade, and current events.  The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude with a question and answer period.    Everyone is welcome.
View Article  Monthly Call to Prayer
The Tea Party movement is calling Christians to pray for our nation and it's leaders on the last Saturday of each month. The Western Thumb Tea Party Group is hosting a service Saturday, January 30th, at Tuscola Assembly of God;  8959 Van Cleve Tuscola, MI (map)

You are welcome to join us!

View Article  Constitution classes coming to Vassar:
Police Officer Supports Constitution Tom Wassa is dedicated and committed to the Constitution of the United States. He has scheduled three classes at the Vassar Library, 520 W Huron from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The first class on Jan. 7, 2010, will explain what the Constitution is and the historical background that drove the founding fathers to write it. The second class on Jan. 21, 2009, explains the powers of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches. The final class on Feb. 4, 2019, will cover Constitutional Amendments and the Bill of Rights. Tom has taught Adult Education and these classes are appropriate for home schooled high school and junior high students or for public school students that need extra credit. If you are unable to attend all three classes, each class includes a complete lesson, but covers only a specific section. Individuals that attend all three classes will be awarded a certificate of completion. (Or, Individuals will receive a certificate of completion after each class.) Tom has been involved in politics, whether on the local, state, or federal level his entire working career. He has more than 25 years of experience as a police officer working to uphold the Constitution. Tom has owned and operated several businesses, served as a Trustee on the Village of Fairgrove’s Counsel, and currently serves as a board member at a nonprofit social services agency. He created the Constitution Coalition, an organization which promotes and educates all ages about the history, meaning, and importance of this legal document. Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management and Organizational Development and is studying toward his Master’s Degree in Public Administration through Eastern Michigan University. The Western Thumb Tea Party Group is non-partisan and members are committed to educating family, friends and neighbors. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and information will be available on health care, cap and trade, and other current events. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude with a question and answer period. Everyone is welcome.

View Article  National Security discussion by Rick Wilson

On Thursday,  December 17, 2009,  Rick Wilson,  Republican Candidate for the 5th Congressional District will discuss threats to national security posed by an Electro Magnetic Pulse attack.  Is America losing the war against Radical Islam?  What is the Copenhagen Treaty and will the relationship between President Obama and the new World Economic Council affect America citizens?  The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Bullard-Sanford Memorial Library, 520 W. Huron Ave., Vassar, Michigan.

Rick believes we should lower business taxes and reduce the regulative burden on business and individuals.  He defends the Constitution of the United States of America, and our first Amendment rights of freedom of speech, assembly, and religion and the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.  He is pro-life and defines marriage as one man and one woman.

The Western Thumb Tea Party Group is non-partisan  whose goal is educate family, friends and neighbors.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and information will be available on health care, cap and trade, and other current events.  The program will conclude with a question and answer period.   Everyone is welcome.
View Article  Commissioner to speak at Library
Tuscola County District 1 Commissioner Amanda Roggenbuck will provide an update concerning  Tuscola County affairs on Thursday,  December 3, 2009.  Tuscola County is facing a $1.5 million budget deficit for 2010 because of reduced state revenue sharing and declining property tax revenues.   The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Vassar Library, 520 W. Huron Ave.

Commissioner Roggenbuck will also provide information about a soldier she is sponsoring.  Casey Viegelahn is currently stationed overseas and Roggenbuck is collecting items to send to him and his unit the CLB-46, Security Company, Unit 72022.  This unit includes approximately 120 security personnel.  They are anxiously awaiting  Christmas packages from America as many are single without family and friends to send the comforts of home.  Donations will be accepted at the library the night of  December 3. 

The Western Thumb Tea Party Group is  non-partisan  whose goal is educate family, friends and neighbors.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and information will be available on health care, cap and trade, and other current events.  The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude with a question and answer period.   Everyone is welcome.
   
View Article  Monthly Call to Prayer
The Tea Party movement is calling Christians to pray for our nation and it's leaders on the last Saturday of each month.

The Western Thumb Tea Party Group is hosting a meeting Saturday, November 28, from 10 to 11am at Lifeline Victory Center located at 800 S. State St. Vassar, MI. Please join us in prayer for our country!

View Article  Harald Zieger at the Library
The Western Thumb TEA Party Group would like to thank Harald Zieger for his story at the Vassar Library.  One hundred and five people were on hand to hear his story about growing up under the Communist regime in East Germany under the Cold War, his disillusionment with communism, the impact of his Christian faith, and his escape.  He also talked about his appreciation of the freedom to make choices that exists in this country and his concern with the direction the country is headed.
View Article  Meeting at the Vassar Library
November 5th, William Ralph with a distinguished 20 year military career with the Dept of Defense, will talk about some of the things going on in the government; if we are heading into the stage of bondage.  Check out calendar for more details.

The doors open early at 6:00pm and the meeting begins at 6:30pm and ends at 8:00pm at the Vassar Public Library, 520 W. Huron Ave.  Vassar, MI.

We hope to see you there!


View Article  No to Gitmo Standish, MI
On October 30, 2009, forty people braved the rain at the intersection of M-61 and US-23 before regrouping at the Catholic Church in Standish, MI.  A total of 65 people listened to speakers discuss the transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees.  Dave Hertzberg, Supervisor of Lincoln Township, where StandishMax is located, said his message to Washington about the Gitmo detainees is “Do not send them to America, to Michigan, to Arenac County or Lincoln Township.”  Lincoln Township previously had a close working relationship with the City of Standish, but that changed when the city council voted to receive over 200 Islamic extremists captured in Iraq and Afghanistan and accused of terrorism.

When businessman Dave Munson testified in Washington DC before the Intelligence committee, Anna Eshoo from San Francisco, CA treated him like he was from the sticks and said it was a local issue and not relevant to their meeting.  The government has not released information where detainees may be housed, but breaking news revealed some detainees may be sent to Charleston Naval Base in South Carolina to await trial.

Debra Burlingame is the Founder of 9/11 Families for a Safe and Strong America and sister of Chic Bulingame, the pilot of American Airlines Flight 77, which was commandeered and crashed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.  Burlingame said, “We are their bosses in Washington DC.  When they get that they are scared!”  The prison at Guantanamo Bay is in a remote location with a 90 mile perimeter, including water and with land mines.  StandishMax is surrounded by trees with 26 homes including a day care.  Detainees must be held in a Military facility and will become the next ground zero terrorist target.  Terrorists admire the Washington sniper that randomly killed ten people, and take an interest in shopping malls, parking ramps, and anything with the word “Federal” on it.  Standish will be descended on by the national media, American Civil Liberties Union, Human Rights First and Code Pink protestors.

Former Arenac County Commissioner Kelly Kimball said to tell everyone you meet about the danger.  People can make a difference by calling their congressmen and writing letters.

Statewide concern about Michigan safety attracted participants not only from Standish but also Brighton, Saginaw, Vassar, Eastpointe, and Rochester, Michigan.  Mainstream media did not cover the rally but coverage was provided by Keep America Safe.  Standish Residents will rally every Friday at 4:00 pm until the issue is resolved.

Click to see photos of the event.


View Article  MOVIE COMES TO LIFE IN VASSAR - Austrian National Harald Zieger to speak
MOVIE COMES TO LIFE IN VASSAR

The Sound of Music is more than just a family movie.  The citizens of Austria lived in their country while it was being fundamentally transformed.  On Friday, November 20, 2009, the Western Thumb TEA Party group is very fortunate to have Austrian National Harald Zieger shares his first hand experience of growing up in East-Germany.  The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Vassar Public Library, 520 W. Huron Ave.

Born in 1954, Harald was raised in East-Germany and was fully indoctrinated in the communistic brainwashing system. Although the overall scientific education was great, he found it very strict and authoritarian. At 16 years old, Harald was a strong communist. At 22, he met his wife and she brought him to Christ. He was 26 when he finished his Masters degree in electronic engineering, by which time he had two children.

Harald was 31 when he could finally leave East Germany. He managed manufacturing divisions in multi million dollar corporations. Since, then, he has formed companies from nothing into success. He finally fulfilled his dream by starting his own business here in the United States. He is now afraid that his dream may become a nightmare as this country slips into the trappings of the failed political positions he left behind in East and West Germany.

Harald loves America and the people and although he sees how irresponsible politics may be beginning to destroy the hard work of generations, he still believes it is the best country on God's Earth.  Harald Zieger is co-founder of Engineered Control Services, which focuses on leveraging maintenance technologies to enable productive manufacturing operations.

The Western Thumb Tea Party Group is a non-partisan citizen action network whose goal is to ensure that the United States remains the most safe, free, and prosperous country in the world.  Members are committed to educating family, friends and neighbors about economic policy and a return of the federal government to its Constitutional limitations.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and information will be available on health care, cap and trade, and other current events.  The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude with a question and answer period.  Everyone is welcome.
   
View Article  Standish rally and Prayer meeting
Two quickly upcoming events:

One is a rally in Standish Friday, at the intersection of M-61 and US-23 at 4:00pm (note the time change).

This rally is to bring awareness to the issues involved and to protest moving Guantanamo prisoners to the states, particularly Standish, MI.
Featured speakers include Dave Hertzberg, Dave Munson, Kelly Kimball and Debra Burlingame.

The other is a prayer rally for our country on Saturday at 10:00am at First Baptist Church, 5880 W. Frankenmuth Rd, Vassar, MI.

We would be glad if you could attend the events, and hope to get some good pictures and information for those who can't.
View Article  Press Release for November 5th - American Veteran Willian Ralph speaks on Democracy
VETERAN SPEAKS OUT ABOUT DEMOCRACY



Are we passing into the final stage of democracy which is bondage?   The Western Thumb TEA Party Group will host American Veteran William Ralph on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at the Vassar Public Library, 520 W. Huron Ave. from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  He will discuss what is taking place in our Government.  If a political party can increase in power to control the “reeducation” of Americans, would that effect you and your family?  In March 2009, a “maverick” Department of Homeland Security Office issued, but recalled within hours a glossary of domestic extremist groups that categorized veterans as potential terrorists.   Americans are arming themselves at an unprecedented rate.  “Over 850,000 people have joined the NRA since November 2008,” according to NRA Field Director Al Herman.  We are living in the most unprecedented time in the history of our great Republic. 
 
William Ralph has a distinguished 20 year military career with the Dept of Defense and has traveled or worked in  more than 20 countries worldwide.  He is Director of Business Development at Castra Security which helps businesses secure their facility using Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection including barriers, fencing and video surveillance.  Ralph is President of  Dominus Defense Business Development Group and is strongly experienced in the start-up and leadership of new operations involving our federal government, aerospace and defense industry.

The Western Thumb Tea Party Group is a non-partisan citizen action network whose goal is to ensure that the United States remains the most safe, free, and prosperous country in the world.  Members are committed to educating family, friends and neighbors about economic policy and a return of the federal government to its Constitutional limitations. 

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and information will be available on health care, cap and trade, and other current events.  The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude with a question and answer period.  Everyone is invited.

View Article  Health Rally at Covenant Cooper, Saturday October 24th
Come join us in a rally at Covenant Medical Center, 800 Cooper Ave, Saginaw MI 48602 on Saturday, Oct 24 from 12:00 to1:00 p.m.  We will be there to support our health care workers, and our health system.  While there are improvements that can be made, we don't need a government overhaul.  Read our press release.  Help support our health care workers and encourage discussion on real ideas to improve health care.  Hope to see you there!
View Article  Media Protest Rally at TV-5 in Saginaw, MI
Though it got a little chilly, we had a good time protesting media coverage at the TV-5 building in Saginaw.  It was great to meet others with the same concern.  Check out the pictures from the event.  Stacey got a video clip as well.  There were over 100 people in attendance.  TV-5 news reported on the event, and showed some video footage on the news, but hasn't uploaded it to its web site; just a short article with a photo not from the event.  A number of cars driving by honked their horns in support.  Thanks to all of you who attended the event!
View Article  A message from Citizens in Action: YOUR PHONE CALLS NEEDED ON 10/20!
A message to all members of Citizens in Action

Visit the link below and see what obama's camp has planned to promote his healthcare reform! WE MUST COUNTER-ATTACK!

They are striving to set a call for the most calls to Congress in one day--in support of Healthcare Reform! Their goal is 100,000 calls.

We can do better than that! We need to make sure the phone lines are tied up with calls in opposition!

So MAN THE PHONES! ALL DAY AND EVENING on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20! Call your representatives--then call other representatives! JUST BE SURE YOU CALL!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/oct20hostattend/
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