In 1773, a group of Bostonians revolted against the British Empire. It arose from two challenges, the financial problems of the British East India Company and an ongoing dispute about the extent of Parliament’s authority over the British American Colonies. The claim was “taxation without representation.” Britain continued to levy taxes on the American Colonies without seating any representation in the British Parliament. As a result, Bostonians threw 342 cases of tea into Boston Harbor, and the famous Boston Tea Party became a part of American history.
We need another Tea Party. We pay our taxes and our tax dollars are used for things over which we have no say. For example, one billion dollars of our tax money has been appropriated for the “Ballroom.” You may remember that originally it was to be paid for with private donations (which is problematic in its own way). This is a classic bait and switch. One billion dollars. Let that sink in.
Former Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, appropriated tax-payer money to lease a Boeing 737 Max 8 for DHS operations. This luxury jet featured a queen-size bedroom, 3 showers, a bar and a kitchen. It came with a price tag of $170 million dollars. It was used primarily for her personal and cabinet travel. After Noem was fired from her position the White House appropriated the jet to support cabinet secretaries and First Lady Melania Trump’s office. Noem faced further push-back when she spent $172 million dollars of tax-payer money to purchase two Gulfstream G700 private jets during the government shut down.
In a blatant act of corruption, the occupant has appropriated 1.8 billion dollars of tax-payer money to create a slush fund of sorts that can funnel money directly into the pockets of his political allies, including the January 6th insurrectionists. It is widely agreed that this is the single most corrupt act in American political history. It is unconstitutional in a number of ways. This, however, seems immaterial to this regime.
A vanity war in Iran is costing $1 billion dollars a day. The money financing it is our tax money. At the same time the regime says there is no money to fund Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. There is money. It is a question of priorities.
All of this amounts to taxation without representation. Our tax dollars are being hijacked for purposes that do not serve the people of the United States. Where do we find 342 cases of tea when we need it?
Oppressive regimes are fond of diverting funds to serve their political ends.
Oppressive regimes also levy taxes on their subjects that they are unable to pay. This was true under Roman Occupation in Jesus’ time. Regime officials would tax the land of peasants at a rate that they were unable to pay. Consequently, they had to forfeit their land for non-payment of taxes.
Regardless of the methods, the end is the same. Money is used for purposes that do not serve the people. Jesus’ answer to that was to hang out with people who were victimized by an unjust government system and speak truth to power.
It is what is needed today. Write/call your Senators and Representatives. Even if you live in a blue state, your legislators need to know that you appreciate that they are fighting corruption. Protest. It’s easy to think this makes no difference, but that is not true. The protests in Minnesota drove ICE into the shadows and caused them to draw down their presence. Numerous arrest warrants, felony charges and FBI investigations are under way. This would not have happened if it wasn’t for the protests and push-back. It matters.
Dose yourself on the news. It is depressing. If we are going to stay in this fight for the long haul, we have to keep ourselves centered and energized. Watching news 24/7 is not conducive to sanity. Get your news from reputable sources. The three major TV networks are owned by the occupant’s supporters. Main-stream media is selling its soul; get your news somewhere else.
Attend an observer training, which will give you skills to protest peacefully. Above all, our protests must be non-violent. It would take very little for the regime to call a state of emergency and derail the midterms. As far as it is up to you, be peaceful and non-violent.
Believe that what you do makes a difference. Do not be afraid to speak. Oppressive regimes count on people becoming tired, burning out or being afraid enough to keep silent. Show them they are wrong.
Everyday people are being victimized by an unjust system. ICE agents shoot people in the streets. Thousands of children have watched one or both of their parents are carried off in handcuffs by ICE agents. Both legal citizens and those without papers are treated in inhumane and abusive ways. Medical care is denied; food is infested with maggots; there is no adequate sanitation; and beds are non-existent. The answer of this regime is to fund ICE and Customs and Border Patrol until 2029 at a rate of 29 billion dollars a year.
If we are to save our democracy, we need to act. Daily. Don’t give up the fight.
The Irreverent Reverend 