THE 1773 PROJECT
Freedom isn’t Free
The Tea Parties need to make a difference in the political arena. And, as Texas State Speaker race demonstrated, politicians listen to sources of money far more than to sources of volunteers. However, as we all know we have MANY political donors among our Tea Party ranks; while generally not the large donors, we are numerous enough that our combined strength on the financial side is not insignificant- if it is recognizable.
However, most Tea Parties- unlike this one- have eschewed the PAC route and are organized in a way that precludes direct group donations to candidates. Even those of us who are organized into PACs are reluctant to go into the mode of raising large sums of cash; such efforts tend to lead to contention, suspicion among our politically cynical memberships and- even if successful- would only make those Tea Parties part of the special interest problem. We prefer to leave donation to the hands of our individual membership, as part of our personal responsibility plank.
But how do we let the candidates know that such donations are coming from Tea Party members- in a way that cannot be ignored (and not violate elections laws)? It’s actually very simple:
WE MAKE OUR DONATIONS TO CANDIDATES IN INCREMENTS OF $17.73
(1773 Being the year of the Boston Tea Party)
Using this simple mechanism, we identify ourselves with every check written, every credit card swiped. We do it in a declaration of our independence, and in complete compliance with all election laws. Where the amount is $17.73, $35.46, $177.30, or $1,773, it will say ‘The Tea Party was here!’. And, if the donor does this on a monthly basis, it continues to register.
And it is important that we start making this impact for the next election cycle. These amounts are small enough, with enough members and enough repetition, will stand out in the campaign offices and on the campaign finance reports. We need this impact to start to say the Tea Parties are willing to play in ALL fields of political battle- even if we will play a more honest game of it. We encourage EVERY Tea Party to pass onto its members this concept and ask them to start implementing it. It will make a difference.
LOVE IT! We need to make sure it’s made public though as well.
Great Idea. Anyone who thinks you can do this without money and Tea Party Approval is kidding themselves.
Fantastic idea!
This is a great idea.
Great Idea.
Great idea!
Arriba …Arriba! Andale …Andale!!!
I will be happy to give the effort a “plug” on our radio show.
Many thanks, Wayne. I’ve got a timer on my phone time to remind my to listen to your weekly program (10am Sat. 1160AM, for those that don’t know)
Great Idea…will disseminate this information to the Wichita Falls Tea Party membership @ tomorrow evening meeting!
Fantastic!
Thanks Dave Leopard for sending your Richardson TX tea party efforts to your classmates — This classmate still in Ohio is passing along the information to our conservative grassroots organization in Brecksville, OH — the Cuyahoga Valley Republicans. The 1773 project is generating a lot of interest here. We also are intent on weeding out RINOs. We, all together, will prevail in taking our country back!
Georgia, glad there is such interest in the $17.73. As far as your RINO hunting efforts, I’d be happy to pass on any of our images for that free of charge (RINO in the crosshairs, or the Gadsden snake consuming a RINO).
very clever ! why didn’t i think of that?
Love the $17.73 idea. Great idea!
-Darrell Day
[...] $17.73 [...]
Is the $17.73 effort still in effect (as of 8/14/12) I want to join NTTP and need to know specifics re dues, etc., meetings and locations. I live between Denton and Decatur, Texas. Thanks for information. skills4success@earthlink.net
As far as we’re concerned , it is. AN easy way to mark donations to CANDIDATES as to the source of the inspiration. As to joining NTTP, click the Join link and fill out the information and you’ll be on out list. If you have specific areas of volunteerism you are interested in, email the site and we’ll try to get you rolling.