The Bulletin -- April 7, 2010 (#1034)

TEA PARTY REPRESENTATIVE MARK BARIE (L) TALKS POLITICS WITH ROTARY MEMBER WALLACE WESTFELDT.

JACK HELFGOTT BECOMES A FULL “BLUE BADGE” MEMBER OF THE CLUB.

Program: Mark Barie: Upstate New York Tea Party

Accused of being a paid extremist group comprised of rednecks and uneducated idiots prone to violence, the Upstate New York Tea Party has had a lot to overcome with regard to the public image often portrayed by media. Mark Barie, founder and chairman of the Upstate New York Tea Party (UNYTEA) works toward that end every time he speaks about who they are and what UNYTEA represents.

UNYTEA was born from a rally of peaceful demonstrators who met in downtown Plattsburgh. They are a grassroots effort not affiliated with any other party that advocates at the Federal level for lower taxes, less spending and limited government.

Despite what negative press would lead people to believe, Barie pointed out that among UNYTEA’s supporters are bankers, business leaders, professors and other educated, informed professionals who want to make change. Barie said, “We are not radicals. We are not political pawns. What we are is worried, that unless, we change the course of this country, our nation may be heading toward financial undoing.” Barie explained that with over $13 trillion in debt, the government is at great risk for defaulting.

UNYTEA believes that money earmarked for projects, such as the “Rooftop Highway,” could be better spent. Barie said, “We need to have a litmus test for public works projects and federal spending in general.” They would like proposals for spending to answer simple questions such as: Does it address a critical need? Is the local government interested enough in a project to invest in the project themselves? What will be the return on the investment?
The Tea Party is looking to support political candidates who spend wisely or refuse to spend—not those who simply spend in their districts. They are eager to support candidates who refuse to adopt the “tax and spend” methods that Barie says both parties fall back on.

In the end, Barie stated that, “It is not sufficient to think the government will ever be the solution to every problem we face. He said, “We need elected officials that understand we cannot spend our way out of debt, and we need politicians who understand that our only hope for this country is to grow our way out of debt.” To do this, Barie argues that our free-enterprise system needs to be liberated from high taxes and government regulations.
Barie believes there is hope for the country and compared the struggles our country faces today with those of our founding fathers. UNYTEA activists are fighting for those founding principles and that of each person’s right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Tea parties across the nation comprise 5 million likeminded citizens who Barie describes as wanting to see fiscal responsibility and common sense return to Washington.

Q: What is the Tea Party’s position on the trillions of dollars being spent on national security, two overseas wars?
A: I think what your question is addressing is how does the Tea Party address tax cuts in one area over another. I don’t think there has to be an all or nothing approach. There is so much waste in all of these areas (referring to health care and national security) and spending should be done wisely across the board.

Q: Not long ago, people in Plattsburgh wore bracelets that said “Hate is not a Plattsburgh value. I am very concerned about the radical, extremist voices that are being drawn to the Tea Party and what that means for our community.
A: This is a mainstream movement, not an extremism movement. We are absolutely adamant that our protests and demonstrations are peaceful and respectful.

Q: From your perspective, are there any programs in Washington that are underfunded/overfunded? Education?
A: Underfunded? No. None. Waste is rampant and permeates every single program in Washington.

Guests: Margot Zeglis (Carmen Carpentier), Carrieann Rollier (Josh Kretser), Rocky & Debbie Blake (David Kimmel), Joanne Nelson (Anne Hansen), Scott Amo (Ed Marin).

Fines: Joanne Knowlton spun the wheel for $5. Bob Parks spun for $4. Bob Donlan spun for $5. Kerry Haley spun for $5. Maria Alexander spun for $5.

Committee Moments:

Food Shelf—Elle Berger: March’s collection totaled $242 with $126 going to the Food Shelf and $116 going to the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen. Thanks Food Shelf Day volunteers.
Radio Day—Rick Leibowitz: Friday is the deadline for Ads. We’re a little behind from last year, and Rick is eager for people to step up. Volunteers—please remember to show up for your volunteer slot on Radio Day, Monday, April 12.
Convention—Bonnie Black: Anyone wanting to carpool to the convention can ride in the Rotary van. It leaves at 7 a.m. and returns at 7 p.m. each day of the convention. Please sign up with Bonnie.

Announcements:
Anyone considering being a group study exchange leader, please see Bonnie for an application. The deadline is Monday, May 10.

Another Candle Burning For: Don Ireland (4/11), Sara Rowden (4/16) and Stan Supinski (4/17).

50/50: There are 44 cards left, and the pot is worth $1,255. Jim Judkins drew the King of Hearts.

Make Ups: E-Club: J. Kerley (3/17, 3/24), P. Cadieux (3/3), D. Napolitan (3/24), A. Palmer (3/17), A. Asadourian (3/10), P. Connelly (3/3, 3/18), S. Kende (3/17), M. Alexander (3/17); Orientation: C. Paepke (3/11), P. Cadieux (3/17); Sunrise Club: B. Kidwell (3/10), K. Haley (3/3), A. Sweenor (3/10); Board Mtg: V. Marking (3/24), E. Bouchard (3/31), S. Frederick (3/10), M. Mannix (3/31), B. Parks (3/24), B. Vincencio (3/10), J. Helfgott (2/17); Membership Committee(3/17): A. Church, J. Carpenter, B. Black, C. Paepke, J. Prim, B. Parks; Ski Day (3/10): J. Bernardi, B. Perkins, S. Rowden, C. Forrence; Alt. Spring Break: S. Supinski (2/17, 3/3), M. Alexander (3/17), E. Eaglefeather (3/10, 1/27), B. Perkins (1/27), B. Delventhal (3/17), E. Murray (3/10); Guest at a Club: F. Hamilton (3/24, 3/31- Lake Worth), D. Kashorek (3/18—Bath , NY),

NEW MEMBER TALK: DAVID BRAY was born in St. Albans, Vt., where he attended school. After high school, he enrolled in Vermont Technical College where he received an Associates Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Four major events shaped David’s life. In college, David learned that he was dyslexic, and he got the help he needed to succeed. He got involved in student government during the Vietnam War era. He bought land on Valcour Island from his best friend’s grandfather. The last major life altering event was meeting the grandfather’s granddaughter—his current wife. After graduating college, David became an engineer for a telephone company for four years. To avoid having to relocate for his engineering job, he took a job as chief counselor for the Neighborhood Youth Corp. He worked for a company called FW Meyers as an international air freight salesman before starting World Warehouse and Distribution. After many years, he sold the business and became a property manager for three massive facilities. He has two daughters and two grandchildren and spends some of his spare time as an online minister. He now looks forward to spending time with the Rotary Club as well.