The Boston Tea Party supports reducing the size, scope and power of government at all levels and on all issues, and opposes increasing the size, scope and power of government at any level, for any purpose.
This new organization, whose membership already exceeds 200 less than a month after its inception, will adopt five program points during its online organizational convention on August 19th. A number of issues have been put forth for consideration as program points, including calls for withdrawing troops from Iraq and repealing the PATRIOT Act.
The party consists primarily of libertarians and anarchists unhappy with the direction of the Libertarian Party. Boston Tea Party founder Thomas Knapp explains:
"The Boston Tea Party is a reaction to the Libertarian Party's decision, at its 2006 national convention, to abdicate its political responsibilities to the American people."
"As of this moment, the Libertarian Party appears to have announced that, in the 2006 election cycle, it takes no positions on several frontline issues facing the American electorate - specifically, foreign and military policy and internal security."
The party begins its existence as a decentralized organization operating with no budget and no treasurer. There will be no brick and mortar headquarters, snail mail pleas for contributions, or conventions held at expensive hotels in distant cities. Time will tell if this internet-based political party will make an impact by moving politics in a more libertarian direction.
The Boston Tea Party is for libertarians, anarchists, and anyone else concerned about the ever-growing size, scope and power of government. The party is open to all those who agree with the simple platform and those who join before the convention will have the opportunity to vote on the party's initial five program points. Of course, it's free to join. Who says freedom ain't free?
And yes, I've already joined.
UPDATE
The Boston Tea Party held its online organizational convention on August 19-21 and elected Tom Blanton as Chair, Chris Moore as Vice-Chair, and Michelle Luetge as Secretary. Thomas L. Knapp, Todd Andrew Barnett, Wendy Terry, and Peter Borah were elected to the National Committee.
The party adopted the following program points for the 2006 election cycle:
The Boston Tea Party calls for a complete and unconditional withdrawal of US troops from, and a cessation of US military operations against or within, Iraq.
The Boston Tea Party supports repeal of the USA PATRIOT Act.
The Boston Tea Party calls for an end to the federal prohibition of marijuana and hemp.
The Boston Tea Party calls for the immediate repeal of the REAL ID Act and any and all National ID plans.
The Boston Tea Party calls for legislation adopting an annual, regularized increase in the personal exemption to the federal income tax of $1,000 or more, and the additional application of said personal exemption to all FICA/Social Security taxes paid by employees and employers.
The party will focus on these five issues until a new set is adopted at the next convention. The Boston Tea Party has the distinction of being the first political party to hold its convention online. It may also be the first political party to have a 17 year old serving on its National Committee and the first party to have no treasurer and no budget.
This article contributed by Tom Blanton of Richmond, Virginia.
