Quincy Tea Party - What We Believe
Quincy Tea Party - What We Believe

Transparency, responsibility and accountability in government through education and proactive involvement.

What We Believe

Government’s Role in Society

The role of government is limited by the Constitution of the United States. That document created the federal government, but intentionally left most of the power in the hands of the states. The simplicity of this concept is easy to see: each state could become a “testing ground” of sorts. States that implemented successful programs could be copied by other states, while states that implemented programs that failed could do so without a large risk to the overall populace. People could choose to live a state because of its laws – or lack thereof.The federal government was given very strictly limited powers in the Constitution. However, over the years, that power has expanded in spite of these clearly defined limitations. This was done primarily by appealing to the “Interstate Commerce Clause” of the Constitution. That clause was originally intended to enhance trade between states, but was stretched beyond reason by unscrupulous government officials to increase their power.The result is that the federal government has grown far out of control. This risks our economy and our very survival as a nation.Some government is necessary, of course. Government has an important role. Problems occur when that role is expanded so broadly that the government infringes on our freedoms.

Exceptionality of the United States

The United States is the most unique nation in history! Never before in history were people free to do anything they wanted, as long as they did no harm to another person or their property. This freedom spurred innovation, and America catapulted into the greatest nation in history.As America grew in power and wealth, some people in other nations grew jealous, and some of America’s own citizens felt guilty for the country’s success. Americans have fought against the forces from outside their borders, but more damage has been done from those inside, who wish to tear down this great land.Instead of trying to bring America down, Americans have a responsibility to share their greatness by promoting freedom around the globe!

Taxation

“Taxation without representation is tyranny!” (Usually attributed to Patrick Henry)Since some limited form of government is necessary, there must be a funding mechanism so that government can exist and continue operations. Taxation is the most common method for governments to procure the necessary funds. However, the power to impose taxes must be held in check, or we risk government becoming drunk on the ability to take wealth from citizens without earning it. Proper representation can hold this temptation in check.

U.S. Constitution

The Constitution of the United States of America is a most unique document. For the first time in history, leaders in a government ceded power to the PEOPLE in their country. The government officials were the servants of the people, as opposed to preceding governments, where the people served the leaders.Under the U.S. Constitution, the government is responsible for fulfilling certain limited functions. One of the primary concerns in the nation’s infancy was that of defense against outside aggressors. This concern drove the formation of the federal government and led to the creation of a document that spelled out its limitations: the U.S. Constitution.We believe that the U.S. Constitution should be upheld in its clearly worded meaning, and that attempts to alter it should be thwarted. In the past, these attempts at change have been pushed through the court system, as constitutional opponents pressed for interpretations that unmistakably differed from the original meaning. These opponents base their case on the mantra that the constitution is a “living document” and state that it must change to meet changing societal needs. However, they ignore the fact that these changing needs can and should be addressed by the States, where most of the power is supposed to reside. Conservatives believe this is intentionally ignored, because of the desire to control others in the quickest and broadest way possible – through the Federal government.We welcome all who support the Constitution, and hope that you will join us in this endeavor!

Treatment of others

We believe in treating others with respect and dignity, in ways we like to be treated. After all, that’s the “golden rule.”

 

Personal responsibility

 

Religious freedom

 

16th & 17th Amendments