Editor,

In early 2009, Americans took notice that our country was in trouble after the present administration overstepped their authority with one abuse after the other. After the TARP, the Stimulus Bill, the takeover of two car companies, and failure of banks and mortgages, the American people were awakening to a frightening nightmare.

Rick Santelli’s rant on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade served as a catalyst to the Tea Party Movement when he encouraged a Boston Tea Party event. Shortly afterwards, the first Tea Party Patriots Rallies took place. The fervor escalated to the giant Tax Day Tea Party Rallies held in all 50 states across this nation. Millions of patriotic Americans came together across this great country to express their displeasure with the way our nation was being run. What each had in common was their love for our nation, our Founders, and our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. These patriots were disgusted with their loss of rights and freedom and the increasing size of government debt. They feared what the future held for their children and grandchildren and wanted their voices heard.

On that famous day: April 15, 2009, the Norwich Tea Party Patriots was born. Around 100 patriots gathered in front of the Chenango County Courthouse with only a little organization, but a lot of heartfelt passion to work hard to help our beautiful America.