Maybe someone has an answer for me. When did the term "tea party" become a bad word ?

It wasn't that long ago when I was is school, that in American History class I was taught of the exploits of this group and the reasoning behind their brazen acts.

They were upset with the continued taxation by government without being represented. The colonists had just recently fled a repressive regime where they had been denied their personal liberties, which they held so dear.

My schoolmates were told of the courage and sacrifice these men and women made to insure a more secure future for their young country. With pride our class was told that these new colonists fought against overwhelming odds with bravery and ingenuity.

It was their principles that later progressed into future independence and a signing of a constitution that stipulated, warned and insured safety from the abuses of both man and government-- truly a work of genius that formed a country that the world had never seen before.

So if someone hears a person explain that he is a “tea bagger!" don't be surprised if the answer is "why yes I proudly am!

Mark Pitzner
Burien