I am writing as a representative of "Tea Party 2008", a grassroots organization which is determined to make the concerns of those with loved ones in prison heard. In protest of the United States having the highest incarceration rate in the world, we have decided to hold a modern day "Boston Tea Party" by asking that all concerned write to their legislators about prison conditions and the current rate of incarceration, enclosing a tea bag as a unifying symbol of protest. We hope for a mass mailing just prior to the July 4th holiday--this year, we'll make it a TRUE Independence Day.
Our under construction web site can be found at http://tea2008.homestead.com/index.html . We will soon have sample letters, brochures, and posters available for download, along with links which will provide the mailing addresses for every state and Federal legislator, governor, and attorney general.
Please join us! All it can cost you is a few stamps, a little time, and of course a few tea bags! We ask that anyone interested refer this information to anyone else who might take an interest. Several people have sent the info to their imprisoned loved ones and the word is spreading "on the inside" like wildfire. What began as a casual brainstorm two weeks ago is becoming a national movement. We have organized publicity activities planned, meanwhile--please get the word out!
This is America--we don't have to take this any more!
We now have a new and more full-featured web site at www.21stcenturyteaparty.us. Do stop by and check it out. Sample letters to send to legislators and details on our plans will be available shortly. Meanwhile, feel free to leave a comment on the Guest Book or to get your state added to the "Prison Reform Train" if it is not already there. We currently have, I believe, 26 states and five foreign countries "On Board".
Just want to remind everybody that this is an evolving and dramatically growing project! We'd love to have your input and participation. We hope to send at least one tea bag for each prisoner in America--but for that, we need help.
Surely many if not most of you have a loved one or family member in prison. Would you like to make a gesture to help insure that their concerns are made known to lawmakers? Here's your chance!
www.21st centuryteaparty.us