Panera Bread wants to try socialism and I'M ALL FOR IT!

Recently Panera Bread announced it is opening a "pay-what-you-want" store in Clayton, MO. The idea is folks will go in, get their food, then pay what they feel is a fair price for the items.

The national bakery and restaurant chain launched a new nonprofit store here this week that has the same menu as its other 1,400 locations. But the prices are a little different — there aren't any. Customers are told to donate what they want for a meal, whether it's the full suggested price, a penny or $100.

I am completely in favor of Panera doing this. Because I believe in the free market, I support their right as a company to run their business as they see fit. If they want to take the chance of losing-let them. As long as the government didn't force them to do it, it's within their rights to stand or fall as they please. There can be no government bailout if they lose though, that's part of the gamble

It is important to realize this actually isn't socialism at all. This would be the opposite of socialism. This would be a shining example of capitalism, the free market, innovation and free will. Socialism is when the government forces a company or individual to act a certain way. Socialism is the government deciding who gets what and how a business operates. Socialism is the absence of free will and innovation.

Some express concern prices at the regular retail stores will rise as a result; that could happen. This is how the free market works. If prices rise as a result of their decision to operate a "paygo" store, so be it. You always have the choice to dine somewhere else. You don't have a RIGHT to dine at any restaurant, you have the ability. If you don't like the prices or the food or the atmosphere, go somewhere else. Simple.

I support Panera in this effort. If they are successful, great! If they fail, that's great too.....therein is the beauty of America. Here, in America, you have the right to stand or fall, fail or succeed, do or not-all on your own. When the government stays out of it, there is no better model on the planet.

For Immediate Release: St. Louis Tax Day Tea Party Event – Thursday April 15 – “Facing The Crisis”

Second Annual St. Louis Tax Day Tea Party Event“Facing The Crisis”St. Louis, MO

- The St. Louis Tea Party Coalition’s Second Annual Tax Day Tea Party Event will be held on Thursday April 15, 2010 in Clayton, Missouri. Last year nearly half a million tea party protesters turned out at over 800 events around the country on Tax Day. Here in St. Louis thousands of local patriots attended the Tax Day Tea Party at Keiner Plaza in downtown St. Louis. According to hench.net St. Louis held the fifth largest Tax Day protest in 2009. These men and women were concerned about the direction the current administration and Congress were taking this country. They were upset about the record spending and record deficits.
It’s been a year now and the situation is much worse than it was last year. Last April the unemployment rate had already soared to 8.9%. This April unemployment is holding at 9.7%. Government officials tripled the federal budget deficit to a record $1.4 trillion in the 2009 fiscal year. This year the federal government is on track to break that record. Instead of focusing on the broken economy the leaders in Washington spent the past year focusing on an unpopular trillion dollar entitlement program. While they did this, spending shot up, debt piled up, deficits soared, and unemployment spiked while opportunity, liberty and hope bottomed out.

This Thursday, local tea party patriots will gather in Clayton to speak out against destructive government fiscal policies and decisions. The Tax Day Tea Party Event will be held in Memorial Park in downtown Clayton at the corner of Central and Carondelet. The event will start at 6:30 PM and run until 7:30 PM. Confirmed speakers include local favorites Bill Hennessy, Dana Loesch, Gina Loudon and Jim Hoft. More information will be announced this week.

We urge local patriots to come out and join us at this historic event. No one knows how bad the problems are that we face right now. No one knows what lies ahead after the disastrous decisions made by government officials this past year. But, one thing we do know. We will not be silent. Join us on Thursday.

A Parade of Tea Partiers in St. Louis!

St. Louis Rolling Tea Party guy Brian Bollmann put on another excellent Rolling Tea Party event this past weekend. While there had been some pretty good storms overnight and even in the early morning, as I ACCURATELY predicted on Dana Loesch's radio show Friday afternoon, they were long gone by the time we got started. It made for perfect weather for a Rolling Tea Party!

Brian and I got there pretty early. He has quite an assembly for his signage, so we needed a little setup time.

Brian finished up just as other folks started arriving. Everyone turned out showing their true American Spirit and patriotism.

We also had plenty of folks spreading the word on what Tea Parties across this nation are really about.

You can watch some great video by SpikeSTL here (BTW, I think Spike uses AC/DC music 'cause he knows it's my favorite :) )

and more video by Doug Edleman here.

So while some in the media like to malign Tea Partiers and try to paint us in an unfavorable light, events like this just go to show-we are harming no one, we are not violent or extreme......we are simply folks who care about our country and we will continue to fight for what we believe is right, no matter what the MSM says about us.

Huge KUDOS to Brian for putting on another fantastic event. Be sure to check www.stlouisrollingteaparty.com often for information on upcoming events and more Rolling Tea Parties!

It's a P A R-T A Y -a Rolling Tea Party....Don't miss it!

The infamous "Rolling Tea Party Guy" Brian Bollmann has been asked by all of St. Louis to put on another rolling Tea Party and he has graciously agreed!

THIS SATURDAY April 3 there will be another Rolling Tea Party. This time Brian has selected the St. Charles area to display our patriotism and spirit.

The people have spoken and they want another Rolling Tea Party!
On Saturday 04/03/10, “St. Louis Tea Party”, “I Heard The People Say”, and “Show-Me Patriots” invite St. Louis Metro Area Conservatives, Republicans, and other Fiscally Responsible citizens to join in a Rolling Tea Party through portions of
St. Charles County.

You are invited to decorate your vehicle with appropriate (and responsible) items to protest the out of control spending and legislation being proposed and enacted in Washington, DC.

So come on out-I will be there covering the event and supporting Brian-I would love to see you. Stop by and say "Hi!" There will be prizes for "Best Dressed Vehicle" and some great speakers.

For all the details AND a map of the route visit http://stlouisrollingteaparty.com

I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE!

Operation Dem Rescue-a St. Louis Tea Party Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Dana Loeschdana.loesch@stlouisteaparty.com
Bill Hennessybill.hennessy@stlouisteaparty.com

ST. LOUIS TEA PARTY LAUNCHES OPERATION DEM RESCUE
Vows to Aid Democrats Who Vote NO on Health Control

ST. LOUIS — Yesterday the St. Louis Tea Party launched Operation Dem Rescue, an initiative to give support to Democrats who are standing against President Obama and his health control government grab. The President has said that he will not campaign for, or otherwise help, Democrats who refuse to vote “yes” on the health control bill. The President may forsake those who stand against tyranny, but not those in the tea party movement.

The St. Louis Tea Party vows to help any Democrat who stands against this health control by throwing our weight behind them in their primaries. The President has employed David Plouffe, former campaign operative, to stack the deck for the elections this fall and we know that the White House will target the Democrats who stood against the President. We will work to counter that in these Democrats’ primaries.

We believe that you don’t poke someone in the eye when they are doing good and we believe in grace for all and in the story of the prodigal son. If you stand for individual liberty, limited government, and taking a principled stand, then you will find refuge within the tea party movement.

Our websites, DemRescue.org (coming soon) and http://demrescue.wordpress.com/ will chronicle these Democrats’ movements until the vote and will stand to offer them support after the vote, regardless of the outcome. They will not stand alone in opposition to this administration.

####

Broadcasting LIVE 2nd Amendment Rally/St. Louis Tea Party Anniversary Rally

Watch the 2nd Ammendment/ 1st Anniversary Tea Party in downtown St. Louis, MO

Live TV : Ustream

Ed Martin Campaign Ad

Three Missouri Republicans moved into “contender” status in this year’s Congressional races.
– Including Ed Martin in St. Louis.

Here is Ed's latest campaign ad:

Some FUN from Tea Party on 11-28

I was uploading my pictures to my Facebook account tonight from the Tea Party we had in St. Louis on 11/28. If you missed it-I have the entire livestream here and a post about it here.

While I was going through the photos, I found a couple of rarities-not only me NOT behind my computer running the stream, but also reminding me that I have made some very good friends in this battle. Goodness knows these are not EVEN CLOSE to all of the great friends (pft....nearly family) I have gained, standing shoulder to shoulder with these folks, but here are a few shots that make me smile. I hope it gives you a small sense of what we really mean to each other. We're not paid, we are hard working volunteers, but I'll tell you what most of the time there is no monetary value that could be put on this experience.......

RebootCongress and me. A smart guy and a good friend. He keeps me in line when I need "in lining" and lets me be when I'm doing my thing. Plus he's great at reminding me of all the things I tend to forget..........He'll send a nasty email if that's what it takes :)

SharpElbows and me. He is the funniest, sweetest guy ever-he also has a way of getting the BEST interviews. St. Louis Tea Party wouldn't be the same without Sharp. Plus, look how cool he made me look in this pose.......

GatewayPundit and me. Jim is a top blogger, a news breaker and news maker.....and one of the most regular guys you'd ever want to meet. I have become pretty good friends with Jim over this last year and I am so glad. What a fantastic mind and great person.





There are so many more......I think I will try to get photos like this with all of them and we'll make it a series.

All the people I love to Tea Party with!

Grassroots activists ask for a meeting-NO VIDEO ALLOWED-watch the video

Today several members of different grassroots organizations around St. Louis gathered at the St. Louis County government Building, office of St. Louis County Counselor Patricia Redington, to deliver two petitions demanding the charges be reviewed and revised in the cases concerning Kenneth Gladny and Kelly Owens assault(s) which took place last August at a Russ Carnahan townhall.

Here a quick pre-interview with Frieda Keough and Kelly Owens:



We went on up to the office to present the petitions to Ms. Redington. When two of us showed up running video, Deputy Counselor Bob Grant came out after about 10 minutes and told us Ms. Redington wouldn't meet with us on camera.....which I videoed :)



We decided to go ahead and shoot video of Freida reading the statement that would accompany the petitions. Here is the statement that goes with the petitions presented:



We then went in and had a meeting-which I did not record (as requested)....this time. We are giving Ms. Redington the opportunity to review the new facts presented and take further action; moving it up the food chain so to speak, referring this case to a higher office as it should have been from the beginning. While we got little satisfaction from Patricia Redinton's office, we do understand that we must work within the confines of the law. We hope now that more evidence has been given to Ms. Redington she will forward this case to a state or federal prosecuting entity as should have been done at the start.

Stay tuned.......................

4,000 at St. Louis Tea Party-Let Off Some Steam! HUGE SUCCESS!!!

Today St. Louis Tea Party had a kick off to the holiday season Tea Party to let off some steam and listen to some fantastic speakers. If you missed the even the livestream is available to watch here.

The weather couldn't have been better. With temperatures in the high 60's and a crowd of more than 4,000 people there is no doubt this was a huge success.

The usual awesome speakers were there and a few surprises:

Dana Loesch:

Gina Loudon

James O'Keefe and Jim Hoft (GatewayPundit):

Dave McArthur:


This was a fantastic event. I will have a lot more later tonight....for now a little fun! Be sure to watch the livestream if you didn't get a chance to attend.

I have ton of video and more pictures-watch for them tomorrow!

St. Louis Tea Party Extraviganza Saturday 11/28-BE THERE

Watch LIVE right here:

Live TV by Ustream




St. Louis Tea Party recently announced our Holiday Tea Party downtown at Kiener Plaza Saturday November 28th, 2009 starting at noon and going through 3pm.

Join us in a grand celebration to kick off the holiday season. We’ll join hearts to revitalize our souls and minds to re-energize our message. We must continue to fight against Cap and Trade and the Pelosi monstrosity-Healthcare-through the winter!

Bring your family, bring your friends. We have big things planned and can’t wait to see all you patriots again.

There will be fun and games for the whole family! As usual, our speakers line-up can't be beat and our very own Bill Hennessy will take on Master of Ceremonies.
Speakers:

Pat Dollard

Mike Carey

James O’Keefe

Stephanie Rubach

Lyda Loudon (Youth)

Jay Steward

Dave McArthur,

Dana Loesch

Jim Hoft

Dr. Gina Loudon

The now famous Gulag erected at Washington University a few weeks ago will be on full display.

MyConservativeGroup is having ANOTHER Rolling Tea Party! This group did such an excellent job last time they have decided to get a big group together and roll into downtown with their patriotism on full display. They will be starting at Des Peres Cinema and rolling in down Manchester Rd. The full details are here. Decorate your car with your patriotic spirit and roll on out the the St. Louis Tea Party!

UPDATE: Looks like the Franklin County Patriots will also do a Rolling Tea Party into downtown via 44. Check their site for details!

I'll be there, behind my computer as always :) Come find me and say "Hi!" I can't wait to see you ALL!

EVENT: Thomas Tabback speaking in St. Louis, MO Wednesday.

EXCITING NEWS from St. Louis Tea Party:
From St. Louis Tea Party.com

Thomas Tabback who co-wrote Joe thePlumber’s book as well as other works,is coming through town this week. Thanks to Annette Read’s magic, Tom will speak at the Pillar In The Valley (Chesterfield Valley) at 6:30 Wednesday, October 28. I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews of Tom’s performances. This will be an inspiration for the weekend of soldiering before us as we take back MOSTATE-73rd and help carry Doug Hoffman to victory in NY-23.Please reward Tom’s generosity with a full house Wednesday. Please pass this information on to anyone who might enjoy a great talk.

Check http://stlouisteaparty.com/for all the details

Dump Dede Tea Party Presser

UPDATE: St. Louis Tea Party had an impromptu presser today in front of St. Louis City Hall. A handful of Tea Party protesters gave up lunch hours, previous commitments and personal time to show their support for the message-the GOP must sit up and take notice, we will no longer support candidates simply because they have an "R" behind their name. When the Democratic candidate in a race is more conservative than the selected Republican-there is a problem!

St. Louis Tea Party calls for the old school GOP to dump Dede Scozzafava and support the true conservative candidate Doug Hoffman

Dana has some lovely photos and excellent coverage right here.

Darin from RebootCongress has pictures from the event and no doubt video will follow.

UPDATE 2: The Other McCain-R. Stacy McCain goes up to New York and talks to two local voluteers on the Doug Hoffman campaign. They talk about what anormal guy he is-FANTASTIC! That's what we need---> Watch the video and read his post here.

GOP-put up or shut up. St. Louis Tea Party demands GOP support conservative candidates.



Live Videos by Ustream

St. Louis Bloggers Guild 2nd Annual Interactive Festival

It's that time of year again all my blogging aficionados. (and newbies too!) The St. Louis Bloggers Guild will be hosting the Interactive Festival 2009 this Saturday October 17, 2009 at the unbelievably swanky Shock City Studios.

We start off with a keynote speaker and breakfast.
After the kick off we start three training tracks, one sure to meet your every need:

-Building a Blogging Site (this will be a highly interactive session geared toward helping you build your own website) (There is a chance I will be playing "Vanna" on this one.)
-The Importance of Usability and Visual Design
-You Have a Website, So Now What?
-Applying Your New Media Skill Set to the Workforce
-The Basics of Using Video and Audio on Your Site
-Technology in Space and Beyond…(this is my session-we are talking new & emerging technology!)
-Photography for the Hobbyist
-Social Media for Small Business and Non-Profits
-Intellectual Property and Ethics and Privacy Online

If you’re looking for a place to do some networking, join top minds in the social media scene, hear new information in blogging, vlogging and social technology and enjoy a day of learning and mingling, then don’t miss this event!

This year’s St. Louis Interactive is free and registration is now open on a first come first serve basis. There are 200 seats available so don’t wait to sign up! Click here to secure your ticket today.