The Spy ventured downtown Saturday afternoon to brave the Tea Party crowds, catch the re-enactment, (did they have flipflops back then ?), and connect with friends. The heat and humidity did not appear to deter festival goers, with the stalls dispensing liquid refreshments especially doing a brisk business.
[slideshow id=131]
rds1955 says
I think a rule or requirement needs to be implemented…No Political endorsements, stands or statements should be allowed, from ANY party…I remember a few years ago of a parade I watched in town, and Lo & Behold, a Political Float representing a party had to be included…Somethings should be off limits to this type of activity, and let the festivities proceed without having someone or some group impress upon those gathered their “Need” to be heard or to make a statement or point…We just need to take a break and let those things go just for a little while so people can do what they came here for..To Enjoy Themselves……
joe diamond says
I would ring the great idea bell for the intention. Every group has some point of view that is reflected in and held by their membership. Then there are the groups with the missionary zeal to present their message at all times and places. What you propose is a thought free zone. It might not be possible at an event using an act of political disobedience as a premis for the celebration.
You have selected a hard job, rds1955, and I wish you luck. I knew many 1955s and they did well. Go for it!
Joe
rds1955 says
I don’t think I’m proposing a thought free zone…More of a “Common Sense” zone or “Take a day off from Politics” zone…We see it and hear it daily on the Radio and Television. It’s in the Newspapers…Co-Workers, friends and families bring it up in conversations..It’s just about almost everywhere…All I’m saying is take a break!…Instead of having a booth on display at the Tea Party, ..I’d compromise and say Ok, you can have one set up during the Candle Light tour of the Downtown Historic Homes…Or set up booth opposite the Lions Club Chicken Barbeque, or a Local Fire Company Fish Fry and Crab Feast…See where I’m going with this? I have no problem with anyone or any group discussing their cause and interest…But to me, there is a Time and Place for all things under the Sun…And to me, the Tea Party Festival is that exactly, a Festival….Not a cause for political activism….
Editor says
Editor approved anonymous comment
William Rudek says
I don’t know. It might feel especially ironic that a festival celebrating our escape from tyranny and the fight for liberty would include a mandate limiting free speech or political promotion during it.
Gibson says
Thought folks might enjoy reading the original resolves. This is a transcription directly from the original publication in the Maryland Archives. Sorry for the long post but I didn’t want to make the decision of what to omit. It is a really interesting snapshot of Chestertown history.
“Chester Town, May 19, 1774
To the Printers of the Maryland Gazette
It must be universally allowed, that the essential circumstance, which constitutes the political happiness of a free people, consists in their being governed by laws of their own making, or to which their consent is given by delegates of their own choice and nomination. This maxim, founded on the genius of the British constitution – the most perfect under heaven — cannot be supposed partial or confined; but must be as extensively diffusive, in its benign operations, as are the regions subordinate to, and claiming protection, under that constitution.
The act of parliament, therefore, subjecting the british colonies in America; to the payment of a duty on tea, for the purpose of raising a revenue, being passed without their consent, and calculated to enslave them; cannot but be deemed unconstitutional and oppressive; from when it clearly follows, that tit highly behooves the Americans, and as loyal and freeborn subjects of Great Britain, to take every prudent and justifiable measure in order to evade its baneful effects,’ thus to baffle the designs of a corrupt and despotic ministry. Our brethren of the Northern colonies have already declared their opposition to this act; and as it equally affects the good people of this loyal province of Maryland, and number of respectable gentlemen, friends of liberty, me at a public-house in Chester town, on Friday the 13th of May, 1774 when a chairman was chosen, a committee appointed and it was agreed upon to have a general meeting of the inhabitants of the county on Wednesday the 18th of the same month, to declare their sentiments respecting the importation of tea, while subject to a duty. A numerous and very respectable meeting was accordingly held, when the committee was enlarged, and the following resolutions were repeatedly read, and unanimously agreed to, viz.
First. RESOLVED, that we acknowledge his majesty George the third, king of Great Britain, France, and Ireland to be our rightful, and lawful sovereign, to whom we owe and promise all dutiful allegiance and submission.
2nd. Resolved, that no duties or taxes can constitutionally be imposed on us, but by our own consent, given personally, or by our representatives.
3rd, Resolved, that the act of the British parliament of the 7th of George the third, chapter 46th, subjecting the colonies to the payment of a duty on tea, for the purpose of raising a revenue in America, in unconstitutional, oppressive and calculated to enslave the Americans.
4th. Resolved, therefore, that whoever shall import, or in any way aid or assist in importing, or introducing from any part of Great Britain, or any other place whatsoever, into this town or county, any tea; subject to the payment of a duty imposed by the aforesaid act of parliament, Or, whoever shall willfully and knowingly sell; buy or consume, or in any way assist in the sale, purchase, or consumption of any tea imported as aforesaid subject to the duty, he, or they shall be stigmatized as enemies to the liberties of America.
5th. Resolved, that we will not only steadily adhere to the foregoing resolves, but will endeavor to excite our worthy neighbors to a like patriotic conduct, and whoever, amongst us, shall refuse his concurrence, or after complying, shall desert the cause, and knowingly deviate from the true spirit and meaning of these our resolutions, we will mark him out as inimical to the liberties of America, an unworthy member of the community, and a person not deserving our notice or regard.
6th. Resolved, that the foregoing resolves be printed that our brethren in this and the other colonies may know our sentiment as they are therein contained.
Signed by order of the committee,
W. Wright, Clerk
N.B. The above resolves were entered into upon a discovery of a late importation of the dutiable tea, (in the brigantine Geddes, of this port) for some of the neighboring counties. Further measures are in contemplation, in consequence of a late and very alarming act of parliament.”
Joe Diamond says
Gibson,
Good one! That 5th part :
” 5th. Resolved, that we will not only steadily adhere to the foregoing resolves, but will endeavor to excite our worthy neighbors to a like patriotic conduct, and whoever, amongst us, shall refuse his concurrence, or after complying, shall desert the cause, and knowingly deviate from the true spirit and meaning of these our resolutions, we will mark him out as inimical to the liberties of America, an unworthy member of the community, and a person not deserving our notice or regard.”
I think you have found an early example of one of the problems that has not gone away in America. It is one thing to reason to the elimination of a king and a monarchy form of government. Listing the reasons for dissent is necessary. It is yet another issue to oppress those who disagree. American history is full of stories of the loyal opposition or just minorities of any type who were shunned; declared “…an unworthy member of the community. . ” Even though we fought a civil war over this disagreement we have not yet been able to separate the ideas and thoughtful conclusions from the people who hold them.
AGREE WITH US OR DIE!
Joe
Gibson says
Well said Joe. I apologize for citing a movie and not a book, but I love the tension between John Adams and his cousin Samuel in the movie “John Adams”. I think it gets at part of what you are talking about. I really like John Adams for defending justice when the mob wanted blood for the Boston Massacre. Oddly, much later signed into law the Alien and Sedition Acts. And with that, I’m out of my league to comment further.
Gibson says
Oddly, HE much later…