Those of you that know me, know that up until September of last year (2009) I attended every local Tea Party meeting and rally, the last being the 912 support rally.

Why did I stop going to the local get-togethers? The week after the 912 rally my wife was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery, followed by months of chemo. From what we know they got all the cancer. Hopefully when she goes for testing in a couple of weeks she'll still have the green light. Between caring for my wife and elderly mother, my hands were quite full for a spell. During this time I became active nationally in the movement via my computer.

I was really looking forward to the April 15 2010 rally downtown, and was quite disappointed when the email came inviting us to go to Jackson for the spring rally. I also belong to the Mississippi Tea Party, but was unable to travel out of town due to my local responsibilities.

My expectation to show publically my disapproval with the way our country is heading remained, as I looked forward to the Independence Day rally downtown. What should've been a time for political action turned out to be a pork plate lunch carryout affair. I don't eat pork. Nevertheless, I got in my truck and headed downtown for the rally. All I saw was a few people scattered around eating lunch, so I just kept on going... Disappointed again.

I figured I'd just wait and go to the 912 rally downtown, right? Wrong. Instead of a public rally, we've (correction: ya'll) have decided it would be better for us to have a social get together meal at a catfish house (not that I've got anything against the restaurant owner because we're friends). Nope, catfish isn't in my diet either. Disappointed again.

Off hand, I can't think on any actively progressing political movements that don't jump at the chance to hold public rallies for support... That is not until now.

Due to the disappointing direction our local Tea Party seems to be drifting in, even though my wife encouraged me to do so, last night I decided to skip the meeting at the EMEPA.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not against a social get together in order for members to get to know each other better. But I'm clearly against them when they're held at times when a political rally showing patriotism would be more appropriate. I'm beginning to wonder if some of us don't place our stomach above patriotism?

So as it appears now, if I want to show my discontent with the way our country is heading, I'll have to do it somewhere else besides in Meridian???

Do we want to become an active voice in our nation's destiny during its hour of need, or do we want to become a social club? Which will it be? What's going on?

While I'm waiting for an answer, would somebody mind passing that plate of hushpuppies?

Letters and calls to the Editor couldn't hurt. I would also recommend calls to local radio stations by those who participated thanking everyone who attended and was a part of the Tea Party. Posting on websites, forums and other forms of media couldn't hurt either. Keep it clean, keep it thoughtful, and the word WILL spread!

WTOK did a story, but completely missed the point when they brought up the race issue. Here's the story. I was under the impression that the election of BHO was to eliminate the race question, but I digress. It appears that the news media needs some education when it comes to the Constitution and Economics. They just can't help themselves and will continue opening their mouths and showing everyone just how silly they are when that is the best they can come up with! It was such a blatantly obvious attempt to smear the tax party attendees and the party itself that it was funny. Reporters often take themselves so seriously, I just have to laugh. It's either that or cry.

Here's links for some of the local forums:

• The Meridian Star: http://community.meridianstar......eve/forums
• WMOX Radio: http://www.wmox.net/index.php/forum/

I notice The Meridian Star is silent on the tea party.    

I may remain silent when they ask me for another check.