Photo: FoxNews Insider
Greetings fellow Patriots!
Wow! What a week for the Richmond Tea Party! I almost don’t even know where to begin. Let’s start with the IRS scandal. A couple of weeks ago, the IRS apologized for specifically targeting Tea Party (and other conservative) groups. The Richmond Tea Party is the “poster child” for all victims of the IRS attack, since our experience encapsulates what has happened on a broader scale. We applied for tax-exempt status in December ’09, and did not receive approval until July of 2012 (even then, only through congressional intervention)! This was an intentional slowdown on the part of the government, with the purpose of hindering or destroying those who disagree politically. Our organization was barraged by intrusive and personal questions from the IRS, many completely outside the requirements for determining our status as a 501(c)(4). The IRS wished to see all communications, member-only web pages, donor lists, and vast amounts of other information, all of which would have given government officials detailed information about our organization, our members, and our associations with others. This is government over-reach at its worst! The very government charged with protecting your rights, instead aggressively attempted to destroy your rights to free speech, free association, and protection from unwarranted search of your papers and possessions. Think about it—the IRS is the most powerful arm of the government (second only to the military) and was targeted squarely at you! This raises the question—“Is this still America?”
BUT….we are fighting back…and winning! In the past week, the Richmond Tea Party has been able to tell its story on CBS Evening News, Greta’s “On the Record” show on FoxNews, Rush Limbaugh, CNN, local TV stations, as well as radio shows and major news publications, such as the Washington Post, the New York Times, the UK Guardian, and the “holy grail” of news, the global AP wire service. What’s more, we were included in the Michele Bachmann press conference (also present were Senators Cruz, Paul, Lee, and several liberty-minded congressmen), where we made valuable contacts and gained vital support. In addition, some Richmond Tea Party members were invited as special guests at the congressional IRS hearings, followed by a private interview with Majority Leader Eric Cantor. This opportunity was not wasted, as a discussion ensued about the possibility of completely doing away with the current tax code.
In March, I wrote to you and said this—“we are in a battle for the very survival of our Nation. We must unite and fight together! Armed with the vision and Constitution of our Founding Fathers, and with the determination to crush those who would dare trample our liberty underfoot, we will battle our way back to the America we long to restore. What you do here, in Virginia, will ripple through governments around the globe.” Now you see it has become reality. We are fighting and winning against the oppressive tyranny of our own government (channeled through the IRS), and the world is listening to our message.
Next, I would be remiss if I did not mention the Republican Party of Virginia (RPV) Convention. Ken Cuccinelli, Mark Obenshain, and E.W. Jackson won the day. These three candidates can carry the ideals of the Tea Party forward, but not without your vigilance. The election in November will be a crucial one for the Commonwealth and for the Nation! Get involved!
We are making a difference! Keep fighting!
Larry Nordvig
Executive Director
