The Tea Party Nation (TPN) is having its first national Convention in Nashville, Tenn., this week. They were first noticed by the public last summer with outspoken comments during meetings of members of Congress with their constituents on the proposed revision of our national health plan.
The "tea party" designation is normally associated with the Boston Tea Party when rebellious colonists disguised as Indians destroyed a shipment of tea by dumping it into Boston harbor.
This is often cited as a reaction to the practice of taxation without representation. I think this mischaracterizes the actions of the colonists who were, for the most part, a hardscrabble bunch of merchants and farmers. They were unlikely to spend much time discussing such mundane principles as governing with the consent of the governed. I believe the settlers were mainly angry about the increase in price of tea containing the drug caffeine, to which they were addicted.
Other educated people such as Thomas Jefferson, a founder of the University of Virginia, described the rebellious act in a different way. They succeeded in converting an act of vandalism into an act of patriotism.
We still have regular price increases today on prescription drugs but the public is buffered from their impact by health plans. This happens with a delayed onset through increases in premiums, higher co-pays or preferred drug lists.
DAVID WORK
Chapel Hill
Help New Horizons
I have had the pleasure of volunteering my time with New Horizons Academy of Excellence these past 10 months. I have sat in on meetings, enjoyed one-on-one conversations with Durham icon Martina Dunford and had the absolute pleasure of interacting with the students. They have taught me much. I have also learned from the experienced teachers. I have been encouraged to challenge myself and my ideas, and to share my (few) talents.
The kids, the school, the parents, are all asking and hoping we, as a community will participate in their world. The kids, the school, the parents are all understanding that alternative ways of learning is an important choice that can help all entities.
To those that feel something must be done now, and you aren't sure how or where you can help but you are sure that now is the time, your support will be very welcomed and much appreciated.
I came to the school with no skill set, no real talents to speak of, but a desire to help out and participate. These professionals with warm hearts and clear heads have welcomed me. They are an impressive group. I hope you will consider helping.
RISA FOSTER
Hillsborough
