Ron DeSantis Educates In Boca Raton

The stage was set for another glorious evening of fellowship and patriotism at Boca Greens Country Club on February 7th, for the Boca Chapter’s Monthly Dinner/Speaker. We welcomed author Ron DeSantis, who had spoken the evening before to an appreciative crowd for our Jupiter Chapter meeting. Only months away from what will be the most critically defining election in the 21st Century for America, it was very healthy to look at our past, our Founding Fathers, and our Constitution, and ask the questions about WHAT KIND of country we want to be moving forward.

A mild, yet overcast twilight welcomed our guests, totaling over 120 people. Our friends at Boca Greens continued to “wow” those who chose to dine with us with a wide array of excellent food. Our co-laborers from Jupiter- including Gary Summers, Terry Brady, and Mel Grossman- made the drive to help our chapter have another successful evening, and we who help organize this from Boca truly appreciate the help, along with the comraderie. Once again, donations to our cause enabled us to have a silent auction, enabling the PBCTP to make better use of the raffle concept to raise much-needed funds.

Boca Chapter Coordinator Alex Berry began the proceedings at 7:00pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Once all were seated, he then explained who the Tea Party is, and how our organization is set up. Instead of the usual list of announcements, Alex asked Joe Madej to take the podium to explain how our organization will be organizing our poll watching efforts, as well as our Get Out The Vote campaign. Sign-up sheets were on all the tables for that effort. Terry Brady then took the podium to address how we continue to raise funds- not just with the Silent Auction at our Dinner/Speaker events, but also with Gold Parties and other activities. Finally, Mel Grossman livened up the stage with encouragement and inspiration for the task that lies ahead for the Tea Party in America today…

Alex then introduced Ron DeSantis, who was joined at the event by his lovely wife, Casey (an Emmy-winning TV personality in the Jacksonville market). Ron is the author of “Dreams From Our Founding Fathers-First Principles in the Age of Obama”. His speech paralleled much of the same theme of the book, which sharply contrasts the agenda that Barack Obama has, with the key themes surrounding individual liberty and freedom that was so passionately espoused by our Founders. Both informative and jaw-dropping, DeSantis used fresh, “torn from today’s headlines” news and events to illuminate how far we have drifted from the INTENT of the framers of the Constitution. Everything from recent legislation, to Judge Ginsberg’s comment that the US Constitution is not the best thing to use to write a new one for people in Egypt were discussed in juxtaposition to what our Founders actually wrote, thought, and risked their lives for…

After his speech, DeSantis humored the crowd by taking questions for the better part of half an hour- ranging on immigration to the NDAA, and the unique Constitutional perspective on all these things.

The raffle prizes were then drawn, and the evening was concluded—Ron DeSantis took the time to chat with folks till nearly everyone was gone. He had several copies of his books for people who might wish to purchase it, and he was glad to sign the inside sleeve for anyone who wanted it. In all, it was a GREAT evening!

We look forward to more great meetings in 2012 for our Boca Chapter—please INVITE YOUR FRIENDS to our next event, which will be on March 6th, 2012!!! Remember—we always have our Boca Chapter Dinner/Speaker event on the FIRST TUESDAY of every month, so mark your calendars! We now have TEN months to make a difference for the next election, so please get involved if you aren’t yet, and STAY involved if you already are!

Pictures by Alex:
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February Boca Chapter Meeting Features Author Ron DeSantis

DATE:	Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
TIME:	Doors open 5:30pm. Buffet at 6pm. Meeting starts at 7pm, $15 per person (tax and gratuity included)
PLACE:	a href=”http://www.bocagreenscountryclub.com/”>Boca Greens Country Club 19642 Trophy Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33498 Click HERE for Map
RSVP:	Click on the RSVP button below, or email to rsvp.boca@gmail.com, or call 561-302-1479.

The video below is an introduction to the topic. We look forward to seeing you there!!!

Allen West Speaks at Boca Raton Chapter Meeting

Now that the New Year fireworks have subsided, it is time for the Palm Beach County Tea Party to start 2012 with a few fireworks of our own!!! And, that we did on January 3rd, at the Boca Greens Country Club, for the Boca Chapter’s first Monthly Dinner/Speaker event of the year. Our guest was none other than Congressman Allen West- a political figure who has done much to galvanize and inspire the Tea Party, and the Congressman knows that the Tea Party has been highly influential in getting him to his chair in Washington, DC.

An early cold front, with temperatures in the high 40’s to low 50’s greeted our diners and other attendees, with a beautiful sunset overlooking the golf course. Despite a huge crowd of over 200 people, the dinner line went quite smoothly. The sumptuous buffet included any number of delicacies, which seemed to be appreciated by all. This month we changed the raffle scenario somewhat, and tickets were sold with the ability to win various prizes that were donated by local businesses. This went over quite well, and we enjoyed record sales of raffle tickets.

Starting promptly at 7:00, Boca Chapter Coordinator Alex Berry began the proceedings with the Pledge of Allegiance. We were blessed to have Lou Galtiero sing the National Anthem for us. Alex Berry then explained who the Tea Party is, and how our organization is set up. After various announcements were made, County Coordinator and Co-Founder Pam Wohlschlegel took the podium to recognize other members of our group, as well as give people an idea of upcoming events.

Alex then introduced Allen West to a cheering crowd- he shook hands on his way to the podium to a standing ovation. It was clear that he is much admired amongst those in our Tea Party, even though we ask him some tough questions, and have kept him accountable throughout his time as an elected official. He must have sensed this, because the first topic he addressed was his vote on the National Defense Authorization Act. There has been much hysteria surrounding loose verbiage in the bill, which has led many to believe that it would allow any military personnel to indefinitely detain American citizens “suspected” of terrorist activity, or of being a “belligerent”. The Congressman read aloud, straight from the bill (HR 1540) from a specific page (I believe he said page 657), under section 1021, which says, “Authorities – Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect existing law or authorities relating to the detention of United States citizens, lawful resident aliens of the United States, or any other persons who are captured or arrested in the United States”. He then challenged the audience to cite for him any other part of the bill that would overrule or subjugate what he had read. He gave the audience a few seconds, and then said, “Thank You!”. It was a dramatic opening salvo to a power-packed speech, which was appreciated by the crowd.

His speech was short, so that he could field answers from the large crowd gathered. The questions were all well received and answered. There appears to be little doubt that the Congressman enjoys direct interaction with his constituency. The questions varied from Term Limits, to Immigration, to the Federal Reserve, and our National Debt. He handled each question with care and aplomb—and certainly gave the answers that the Tea Party wanted to hear regarding each one. West remains an ideological favorite among conservatives, despite some of his somewhat controversial votes in the past.

Before being whisked off to do an interview with Neil Cavuto, West circulated amongst the crowd after he concluded his last answer.

The raffle prizes were then drawn, and the enjoyment of like-minded fellowship carried on well into the evening, spilling out from the dining room, into the foyer, and out into the portico valet area on this chilly and crisp evening. We look forward to more great meetings in 2012 for our Boca Chapter—please INVITE YOUR FRIENDS to our next event, which will be on February 7th, 2012!!! Remember—we always have our Boca Chapter Dinner/Speaker event on the FIRST TUESDAY of every month, so mark your calendars! We now have ELEVEN months to make a difference for the next election, so please get involved if you aren’t yet, and STAY involved if you already are!

Pictures from Alex:
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Boca Chapter Meeting Recap, Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

The Palm Beach County Tea Party’s Boca Chapter started November with a bang with its monthly dinner/speaker event on Tuesday, November 1st, featuring senatorial candidate, George LeMieux.  Despite lingering Halloween inclement weather, we had a strong showing of patriots, including an entire table of younger people- a byproduct of some of the educational work we are doing here in Boca. 

Boca Greens Country Club continues to provide an excellent backdrop for this monthly event on the first Tuesday of every month (with NEXT month, December, being an exception due to the Holidays).  People lined up for the excellent buffet, which included all kinds of goodies, especially the salmon.  Raffle tickets were sold until the Boca Chapter Coordinator, Alex Berry, presided over the podium to make announcements before introducing the speaker.  A brief welcome was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and a review of the three tenets of the Tea Party was presented.  After discussion of Fundraising activities, and alerting people to our merchandise table—featuring our brand new embroidered logo polo shirts–our founder and County Coordinator, Pam Wohlschlegel was then introduced to update the attendees on more PBCTP news and events.

Alex then read an email titled, “Free Ice Cream”—a typical example of how civics and politics can work on a 3rd grade level, and how easily duped we can be if we don’t stick to principals and truth.  Alex then introduced the speaker for the evening: George LeMieux- a senatorial candidate who is up for Bill Nelson’s seat.  George has an unassuming presence, and folksy delivery that was frank and honest.  He has been something of a dark horse candidate, despite having served previously as an interim senator.  Because George’s campaign is not as “slick” or sophisticated as some of the others, I think many were surprised at how much they liked his speech.  It’s funny how “groomed” we have become in terms of our political process—that because someone’s campaign style or look doesn’t fit the current paradigm of expectation, and how quickly we are to dismiss a candidate as “unelectable”.  

LeMieux went on to articulate the severity of our debt crisis, going into granular detail of just how to wrap our arms around the depth and magnitude of the irresponsibility of our leaders in Washington.  He also cited several startling statistics just about our state, including foreclosures.  He went on to describe how political campaigns often have slick speeches and rhetoric, but no actual “plan”.  He mentioned Paul Ryan’s plan- but indicated, in a refreshing way, that it did not go far enough to make spending cuts.  He then unveiled his plan called, “The Four Freedoms Plan”, which covers Freedom From Debt, Freedom From Foreign Dependence, Freedom To Work, and Freedom To Pursue The American Dream.

We had a particularly sprightly Q&A session, as many members asked questions about the Federal Reserve system, Taxes, Term Limits, and a variety of other passionate questions asking about how we can win in November.  One question asked him about why we should vote for him instead of Adam Hasner, our speaker who was warmly received last month.  People watched closely as LeMieux handled the question with grace and aplomb.  He resisted the temptation to go into attack mode – another element that was refreshing about LeMieux’s presentation—but instead provided differences between the two of them from the perspective of how they both voted in the past. 

As usual, a hearty bunch enjoyed further fellowship after the speech, and the raffle was drawn.  It’s always gratifying to see new friendships being forged, and old ones being strengthened at events like this.  We must definitely learn to stick together at times like this in American history.  We must not forget our past, or our future will not be pretty.  We keep hearing how important this election will be, and there is a lot of truth in that.  As LeMieux aptly said, Americans have traditionally risen to each challenge that appeared insurmountable in every generation.  While one might argue that the stakes have never been higher than now, it is important for us to work together to fight the poison of liberalism’s corrosive impact on our society.

We look forward to more great meetings in 2012 for our Boca Chapter—please stay tuned into this site for more information, and INVITE YOUR FRIENDS to our next Boca Chapter event, which will be on January 3, 2012!!! Until then, have a Happy Holiday Season from those of us at the Boca Chapter of the Palm Beach County Tea Party!  See you next year!

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Boca Chapter Dinner/Speaker Night, Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Join us for the Tuesday, November 1st meeting of the Palm Beach County Tea Party’s Boca Raton Chapter, with keynote speaker, United States Senate candidate George LeMieux.

Throughout his career, George LeMieux has demonstrated a consistent commitment to public service. He served as Florida’s Deputy Attorney General, Chief of Staff to Florida’s Governor, and most recently as United States Senator for the people of Florida.

As Deputy Attorney General, LeMieux led an agency of more than 400 attorneys. He argued a death penalty case before the United States Supreme Court and won the case with a unanimous decision. LeMieux oversaw the office of governor for the administration’s first year as Chief of Staff and helped oversee and manage Florida’s state agencies.

In 2008, George returned to the private sector to lead Gunster, a prominent Florida law firm. In the summer of 2009, George was called back into public service when U.S. Senator Mel Martinez retired before the end of his term.

While serving as Florida’s 34th United States Senator, George was an active member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Commerce Committee, and the Special Committee on Aging. Senator LeMieux saw several of his legislative priorities signed into law including Medicare anti-fraud legislation and an export promotion act.

While in Congress, Senator LeMieux was given the “Tax Fighter” award by the National Tax Limitation Committee, the “Taxpayer Hero” award by Citizens Against Government Waste, the “Friend of the Family” award by the Christian Family Coalition, and the “Guardian of Small Business” award by the National Federation of Independent Business.

During his time in the Senate, George made the debt and deficit his primary focus because of our nation’s unsustainable fiscal path. George introduced a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution and a proposal called the 2007 Solution, which would have reduced government spending to 2007 levels. Furthermore, he opposed wasteful earmark spending, which earned him a 93% rating from the National Taxpayers Union.

A lifelong Republican, George has been involved in grassroots efforts from a very young age. He was president of the Broward County Young Republicans, ran for the Florida State House as a Republican, and in 2000, was elected to lead the Broward County Republican Party. Demonstrating his firm commitment to Republican ideals, when Governor Crist left the Republican Party, George stated, “Our friendship runs deep, but my commitment to the principles of the Republican Party runs deeper. I cannot walk down the path he has chosen.” LeMieux endorsed then-GOP Senate candidate Marco Rubio and helped Rubio gather support for the race.

At the conclusion of his Senate term in 2011, George returned to the Gunster law firm where he currently serves as Chairman of the Board. He lives in Broward County with his wife Meike and their four children Max, Taylor, Chase and baby girl Madeleine.

Q&A will follow his speech.

DATE: Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
TIME: Doors open at 5:30 PM, Buffet at 6:00 PM ($15, Cash Bar); Meeting at 7:00 PM
PLACE: Boca Greens Country Club, 19642 Trophy Drive, Boca Raton, FL  33498-4633

RSVP: Boca Greens Country Club is a gated community.  Click below to RSVP with name of each attendee:

Directions

For More Information
Email
Call: 561-302-1479
Palm Beach County Tea Party

Hometown Crowd Assembles for Adam Hasner

In a refreshing contrast to the backdrop of the last Boca Chapter Speaker/Dinner Event in September, our event in October, on the 4th, was set up with a beautiful fall sunset, and a wonderfully balmy and clear 84 degrees, low humidity, and with no rain in sight. The turnout for this event was close to 140 people, and they were not disappointed by the lineup of events for the evening. Adam Hasner, the front-runner candidate for the Republican nomination for Senator in the upcoming election, was set to speak to his hometown crowd.

Once again, familiar faces began to file in and get in line for the delicious buffet at around 6pm, but, as usual, there were many new faces, as well. One thing that you can say emphatically about the Tea Party movement is that it is an ORGANIC one. It is populated by a giant populace who is firmly entrenched in the Tea Party’s classic conservatism— but there seems to be an even larger base of those who are not necessarily affiliated with any particular group, but who are attracted by the purity and honesty of the Tea Party’s core ideology—that reflects the universal concerns that our government be CONSTITUTIONALLY LIMITED, that we hold our elected officials accountable regarding FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, and that we encourage FREE MARKETS. These are all ideals that are as “relevant” today as they were when our Founding Fathers set the course quite specifically in that direction, and hoped that our nation would continue on that same course for future generations…

In any event, Alex Berry, the Co-Founder and Boca Raton Chapter Coordinator called the meeting to order, and the Pledge of Allegiance was conducted. Immediately thereafter, Carlos Santana—not the legendary 60’s guitarist, but a local proud Cuban descent vocalist—brought down the house with his extraordinary rendition of our National Anthem. Alex then rattled off a list of announcements of current events, and then read a very funny, but poignant, email that he recently received, about the battle between those who RECEIVE “free stuff”, versus the people who PAY for that same “free stuff”.

He then introduced the speaker, Adam Hasner, who seemed genuinely glad to be “home” in Boca, in the midst of such a heavy campaign schedule throughout the state of Florida. Adam took the podium with an aplomb that only one who truly believes in what he does can do—and Adam truly believes in the heart of each principal that he articulated…He did not hesitate to remind our crowd of how he voted on any number of issues, including the CAIR concern. He was not shy about reminding the Tea Party that he stood by issues that we embrace since before any local Tea Party was formed.

When Adam concluded his speech, Alex Berry took over the role as moderator and MC, and a “Question & Answer” period of about 15 minutes ensued. There were several interesting questions posed—from abortion to compromising with the Democrats—and space simply does not allow us to do justice to Hasner’s very good responses to each of these questions—but the one question that seemed to dominate came from one local citizen and first-time attender, who asked Hasner about the Federal Reserve System, and the Internal Revenue Service, and whether or not he felt they should be abolished. It was abundantly clear that Hasner was both appreciative, and challenged, by that question. In the end, he called for wholesale transparency of the Fed—though he stopped short of calling for its abolishment– and TOTAL reform of our tax system, which we all know is badly broken.

Hasner departed amongst universal applause, and the evening ended with Bruce Besser, a local leader in the Boca Chapter, drawing the winning raffle ticket for one lucky attendee. Bruce also reiterated the importance of getting involved on a LOCAL level, as he does—Bruce volunteers his house for all of us to meet on a weeknight to plan events like this one… It is extremely important that we TAKE ACTION in the place where you live—to arrange events like we have each first Tuesday of the month at Boca Greens Country Club.

In summary, it was a great night for patriots in Boca who still love what made this country the most prosperous nation in the world—one that created more wealth, more philanthropy, more generosity, and more opportunity (THROUGH the free market system), to eliminate poverty than ANY other system known to man!

We look forward to seeing not just YOU—but as MANY of your friends as you can muster to come—for our meeting on the first Tuesday of November…

Boca Chapter Dinner/Speaker Night, Tuesday, October 4th, 2011

MEETING NOTICE – Boca Raton Chapter

Join us for the Tuesday, October 4th meeting of the Palm Beach County Tea Party’s Boca Raton Chapter, with keynote speaker, United States Senate candidate Adam Hasner.

Adam is known as a limited government conservative, and was picked by Marco Rubio to serve as Republican Majority Leader in Florida. His senate run will be against against Bill Nelson.  Adam is a life long Republican who believes in limited government, free markets, and a strong national defense. He is 100% pro-life and received an “A+” rating from the National Rifle Association for his record on second amendment issues. As a public servant, he amassed a consistent voting record in favor of tax relief, reducing government spending, increasing personal freedoms, reining in government regulations, and promoting entrepreneurship. Adam has also been recognized as a national leader for warning about the dangers of radical Islam. Adam is a consistent voice in favor of keeping Americans free, prosperous and safe by recommitting America to strong national defense policies.

Q&A will follow his speech.

DATE: Tuesday, October 4th, 2011
TIME: Doors open at 5:30 PM, Buffet at 6:00 PM ($15, Cash Bar); Meeting at 7:00 PM
PLACE: Boca Greens Country Club, 19642 Trophy Drive, Boca Raton, FL  33498-4633

RSVP: Boca Greens Country Club is a gated community.  Click below to RSVP with name of each attendee:

Directions

For More Information
Email
Call: 561-302-1479
Palm Beach County Tea Party

September 12th Boca Raton Chapter Monthly Meeting

MEETING NOTICE – Boca Raton Chapter

Join us for the Monday, September 12th meeting of the Palm Beach County Tea Party’s Boca Raton Chapter, with keynote speakers, Mark Meckler and Dawn Wildman, National Coordinators for the Tea Party Patriots.  Mark and Dawn will share their insights into the national tea party movement and how the Palm Beach County Tea Party members can make a difference in 2012.  Q&A will follow their talk.

DATE: Monday, September 12th, 2011
TIME: Doors open at 5:30 PM, Buffet at 6:00 PM ($15, Cash Bar); Meeting at 7:00 PM
PLACE: Boca Greens Country Club, 19642 Trophy Drive, Boca Raton, FL  33498-4633

RSVP: Boca Greens Country Club is a gated community.  Click here to RSVP with name of each attendee: RSVP.   Please specify buffet and/or meeting.

Directions

For More Information
Email
Call: 561.302-1479
Palm Beach County Tea Party

 

PBCTP Kicks Off With Boca Raton Chapter Meeting

The first ever monthly chapter meeting for the newly formed Palm Beach County Tea Party went off without a hitch this past Monday night, August 8th, at the Boca Greens Country Club in Boca Raton, FL. The doors opened at 5:30, and many familiar faces streamed in and joined the fellowship, and there were many new faces, as well. We can never have too many patriots amongst our ranks!

Dinner was served, and more than 100 people enjoyed a sumptuous buffet, along with the usual vibrant conversation—for which there was very little need to search for topics! On the heels of the “Debt Deal” (which was a bit like bringing a Band-Aid to a 27-car pileup on the highway) and occurring on Monday, the third largest single day drop ever recorded on Wall Street, the Tea Party is as relevant as ever. And, all the tenets that the Tea Party has embraced are now being totally validated by what free markets are left in this country.

Anyway, Alex Berry opened the proceedings with the Pledge of Allegiance, and a few announcements were made. Pam Wohlschlegel was then introduced, and Pam introduced the crowd to what the Palm Beach County Tea Party is all about, and also forecasted a bit more of what was slated in the future. She also had first-hand conversations with many of the congressmen who benefited from the Tea Party vote, and she was able to get a better picture of why some in the Tea Party voted for the Debt bill.

Pam then passed the microphone to Fred Scheibl, who introduced the PBCTP’s version of “Get Out The Vote”, an initiative that Fred will be heading up that will be calling constituents in some County Commission districts to head off a tax increase for the third year in a row. This will be one of the examples in the near future of how like-minded Patriots, through the PBCTP, can band together, and TAKE ACTION to affect the vote for November 2012!!!

Alex Berry then introduced our featured speaker, Colonel Mike McCalister, a true and authentic conservative, who went on to “wow” the crowd with his sincerity and real backbone. A military veteran with 33 years of service, McCalister should be able to hold his own with virtually everyone he may face down the road in his race for the Senate seat—certainly on any issues related to foreign policy! Throughout his speech, McCalister invoked the best of the leadership we all remember from Ronald Reagan, whom he even quoted at least once during the speech. McCalister pulled no punches about where he stands on any given issue, and he stated those positions boldly and unapologetically—like a real person, NOT a “politician”. His echoed frustration became more evident and impassioned as his speech rose to a crescendo near the end, where he pointed out exactly what he would and would NOT do in any given circumstance, and why. His love for this country oozed out of every word, and his willingness to defend the heart of what the Tea Party stands for was downright inspirational.

A short “Q&A” followed, where McCalister held his own on a few tough questions. The winner of the raffle received a crisp $100 bill—which she promptly returned to the PBCTP as a gift! This appears to be a recurring theme—Great Patriots giving back to a great cause when presented with prosperity!!!

We look forward to our next monthly meeting, and hope all of you come out and support this most important cause, while enjoying excellent food and company with like-minded citizens! Keep checking back on this site for more details on our September meeting.

Some pictures from Boris Balaban:

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