Photos & My Remarks from the Tea Party Versus Occupy Debate

On January 30, 2012, the Centennial Institute hosted a lively and healthy debate asking the question, “Does the Tea Party or the Occupy Movement best represent America’s needs and goals?”  I was there to defend the Tea Party movement ideals, alongside Congressman Tom Tancredo.  We were up against Colorado State Representative Daniel Kagan (D) and Colorado State Senator Pat Steadman (D), who were there to defend the Occupy movement ideals.  Over 200 attended this spirited debate.

Special thanks to John Andrews, director of Centennial Institute, for inviting me to participate on this panel.

Special thanks to Paul D deBerjeois, for photographing this event.

I will include video of the debate here as soon as it’s available.

My Opening Remarks

The most exceptional nation in world history is at a critical cross roads.  But the issues that face America today actually cross party lines. They are not issues that were new to our founding fathers.

“We’re told we must choose between left and right,” said Ronald Reagan in 1964, “but I suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down.  Up to man’s age-old dream – the maximum of individual freedom consistent with order – or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism.  Regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would sacrifice freedom for security have embarked on this downward path.”

I’m going to boldly state that the Tea Party movement reflects this insight from Reagan and the original intent of America’s founding fathers.  It represents those virtues which motivate and bring America up.

In contrast, Occupy Wall Street, with its radical ends and lawless means, represents a destructive force and are the very weights which would pull our country downward towards that heap of totalitarianism.

The Tea Party is about individuals. Occupy is about the masses, and transferring power from the individual to the so-called “99 percent.”

The Tea Party is about self-reliance and personal responsibility.  Occupy is about dependence on others and claims on government.

The Tea Party defends and understands the benefits of free markets.  Occupy despises and seeks to crush capitalism.

The Tea Party arises from a spirited people who have the pride and courage to reject the advance of despotism.  Occupy stems from an excessive dependence from those who would easily invade the property and civil rights of others, a dependence which fosters individual weakness and governmental strength.

If Occupy were to win, America’s founding principles would lose.

When the Tea Party movement wins, America’s founding principles will win.

~ mm

 What Have I Contributed to This “Tea Party” Movement?

Mostly, I’m a blogger.  But beyond that, I have:

• walked precincts;
• co-founded a successful grassroots group;
• spoken at every tax day Tea Party rally in Colorado Springs since 2009, as well as others across Colorado;
• created and maintained an online cause to stop ObamaCare, with national reach to educate and mobilize over 120,000 Americans;
• created my blog www.Mom4Freedom.com;
• created and hosted my Political Power Tools workshop, where I teach concerned citizens all across Colorado how they can advance freedom’s cause using online and other effective tools;
• led the volunteer petition effort for Colorado’s 2010 ballot initiative 62, “Colorado’s Right to Health Care Choice”;
• written for local freedom newspaper “The Constitutionalist Today”;
• formed a statewide online discussion forum and coalition providing opportunity for over 100 Colorado freedom activists to network and coordinate efforts;
• organized a variety of freedom events;
• been awarded the 2010 Vern Bickel grassroots leadership award by the Independence Institute, and;
• been named a Top 5 Republican influencer in Colorado by Campaigns and Elections magazine.

And that’s just some of what I’ve done.  You can call me a “AAA” personality type who just happens to love America and value my freedom.

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Michelle Morin a conservative blogger, speaker, and patriot for freedom and America’s founding principles. Join her for valuable freedom updates here.