Too many people think the TEA parties are against Obama and the Dems.. NOT! What they are about is preserving our American freedoms and to reverse over-taxing the citizenry way too much in everyday life's necessities. Keep up the good work.

What a refreshing change it is to hear Jay Remiersma speak. Not the same old same old from the politicians of today who are vying for the same seat. Jay will bring a needed change from the way things are currently done and his leadership skills will be a great asset in D.C. Go Jay go!

The TEA party is the first step in taking our great country back from the corrupt gov in Washington and from all the people in America living off entitlements- welfare,auto, bank, insurance co. bailouts. For all of you who think that the federal aid is good think again. The best way to send a message is on 4/15/10 if just 25% of the people wouldnt file their taxes. Then Maybe just MAYBE we can get their attention. Every American should stand up and fight for the return of a country destroyed by the Dems & rep parties. It is time for REAL CHANGE so at election time vote for a 3rd party they will have your best interests in mind not how they can get rich off the American peoples backs!! Start at your local level there are plenty of snakes in LUDVILLE & Mason co. gov.

I don't see any list of those big government items that Jay Riemersma and Ray Frantz suggest we cut in order to shrink government. We've just come off of 8 years of conservative-led Federal government undergoing unfettered growth; they didn't seem to get it figured out then. How about the following cuts: Federal stimulus grants and earmarks to Ludington and surrounding communities. For instance, we could park fire trucks in the fire fighters' driveways instead of building a new fire station. Dredging of Ludington harbor; let the ship owners using the harbor do the dredging. SSI disability checks: Invite disabled folks to move into your homes and your church basements instead. Big bank bailouts: Oh, that's right. We actually made some money on that one. GM restructuring: We don't need those jobs anyway. Let the market be the judge. How's your commute to the new Toyota plant? Military budget: Don't even think about going there. City, state, and national parks budgets: Who needs tourism? Education ... So, Jay and Ray, let's see your "shrink big government" lists.

Thank you Jay for speaking up for conservative values and spending and speaking out against the MI Business Tax.

I'm a small business owner who pays taxes just like everyone else. I've also been an employee who benefits from the taxes paid by small business. I like having roads to drive on; a beach that is clean and water that I can swim in; fire protection when it is needed; mail that is delivered with extraordinary efficiency; help for my elderly mother-in-law when she needs it; help for my sister who is disabled; lights at intersections; drinking and bathing water when I request it by turning on the tap; clean air; police protection; Public schools; State Universities; Politicians who are paid for by us and for the most part work to protect our rights; National parks, monuments, rivers and the Great Lakes (all of which are maintained by tax dollars); the governement assistance that Ludington and Mason County received after the great flood last year; USDA inspected meat, dairy and produce; Elevators that are safe and workers who have OSHA to protect them. I could go on and on and on, but suffice it to say that I will gladly pay the taxes that take care of all the services and properties and extraordinary benefits whe have in this country. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. If our government needs fixing, YOU are our government. Volunteer, run for office, help elect those that you feel can do a better job, but don't just stand around and have "Tea Parties" to complain about what isn't right.

Senator Russel Long, one time Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, is said to have stated "Don't tax me, don't tax thee, tax the guy behind the tree." His point....none of like to be taxed but someone has to pay the freight........someone we don't know. My new best friend Phil has it exactly right. Tell me what programs you want to cut, not just that you want to cut taxes. Full disclosure please.

Whenever the governemnt does a social welfare program they should give us the option to opt out. I would much rather keep my money and go it alone then to pay for people to trample on my liberty. Governemnt debt is nothing short of slavery on the people. This is no longer the America of my youth and not what I have promised for my children. Nafta,Patriot act,the court walking on the constitution. ( I have one of our sitting supreme court justices saying such even.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qke7jWQT1U Trillions of dollars being printed from thin air will equal great inflation. A government hellbent on controlling the people it should serve. Special interest influence and agenda over liberty and the rights of the people. A justice system that hold the power of all 3 branches of government with no checks and balances to speak of. New laws being passed daily without ever being read yet seldom are any ever sought to be repealed or reworked. The great welfare state and people who assume they are entitled to have it all given to them thru the Government are destroying this once Great Republic

Thanks Joemaflage, for sticking to sanity and honesty, in a time when everything seems at risk out here now.