Ross Causey is fed up and frustrated over the current economic and political condition in the country. And to vent that frustration Causey is planning a protest of sorts, rooted in America’s history.
He’s planning a “ Tea Party” – the name taken from the famous 1773 Boston Tea Party -- for tax day, April 15 between 4:30 and 6 p.m. at State and Union streets in Kennett Square.
“They started it,” Causey said of the 1773 group that threw tea into Boston Harbor, “and we’re going to continue the tradition.”
Causey, a 51-year-old landscaper from Kennett Square, has no idea how many people will attend the event, but added it’s not affiliated with any political party, philosophy, or movement.
He describes himself as someone who votes, but is otherwise, apolitical. Causey was emphatic when asked whether the Tea Party was affiliated with any political party or philosophy.
“No, none whatsoever. … This is very grassroots. I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve never been politically very active. I pay attention to [politics] and I voted in every election I’ve been able to, but this is not affiliated with any political party, and I blame much of what’s been going on to the two primary political parties, both the Republicans and Democrats.”
Causey said it might be time for one of the lesser parties to get some deserved recognition, but is uncertain of how well a third party might do come election time.
“I don’t know if a third party can get much traction right now in terms of votes,” he said.
Though the event is scheduled for the tax-filing deadline, the tea party is not just about taxes, he said.
“It’s all about economics and the political situation in our country, but yes, some of this is tax oriented. Primarily it’s about the mortgaging of our children’s future,” said Causey. “There are generations yet to be born that are going to be paying for the trillions and trillions of dollars that are being committed today. And in my opinion, I feel that if we don’t stand up and say, ‘This is wrong, stop the madness,’ then our grandchildren will be complaining, ‘Why didn’t you do anything at the time?’ It’s literally a millstone around our neck now. We have to stand up. We have to wake up the rest of the community that may not be aware of what’s going on in Washington as to the literal mortgaging of our futures.”
What he hopes to accomplish is to vent some frustration, but also to get other people aware of the implications of government actions. He said he questions whether three quarters of the population understands what’s going on.
He blames the news media for much of that lack of understanding.
“I know that when I pay attention to the media, whether it is TV, newspaper, or magazine the news seems to get reported in a very slanted way that doesn’t appear to be the truth.”
That slant, he said, has nothing to do with a liberal or conservative bias. He said he heard a phrase, “In 2008, journalism died.” And he believes that statement.
He doesn’t expect many people to turn out for the tea party and admits it may come down to only he and his wife. But, he has contacted many people, family, friends and colleagues and said the response has been remarkable.
“ Everyone has been very receptive to it.”
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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