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Will Weissert| Associated Press

Washington Ten years ago, the Texas Republican Party used its platform to oppose teaching critical thinking in schools. In 2014, it declared homosexuality a chosen behavior contrary to God and endorsed reparative therapy to reverse it. By 2020, the party was ready to remind the world that Texas retains the right to secede from the United States.

But now the GOP platform in the countrys largest red state long an ideological wish list that even the most conservative Texans knew was mostly filled with pipe dreams that would never become policy has broken new ground in its push to the far right.

Approved by 5,000-plus party delegates last weekend in Houston during the partys biennial convention, the new platform brands President Joe Biden an acting commander-in-chief who was never legitimately elected.

It may not matter who the president is, though, since the platform takes previous language about secession much farther urging the Republican-controlled legislature to put the question of leaving the United States to voters next year.

The platform also says homosexuality is an abnormal lifestyle choice and rejects bipartisan legislation in Congress seeking to raise the minimum age to buy assault weapons from 18 to 21, saying Texans under 21 are most likely to be victims of violent crime and thus most likely to need to defend themselves.

Though non-binding, the platform illustrates just how far Texas Republicans have moved to the right in the past decade from championing tea party ideals in 2012 to endorsing former President Donald Trumps continued lies about nonexistent widespread fraud costing him an election he actually lost by more than 7 million votes.

The platform reflects the direction that party activists believe the party should take, said Matt Mackowiak, a Republican strategist based in the Texas capital of Austin. He said that, rather than deciding elections or dictating legislative action, the platform is more relevant as a signal of where primary voters are and what they care about.

Mackowiak said items like considering succession wont be taken seriously, but Trumps policy agenda is here to stay. He said that, as the former president continues to question 2020 election results, he will continue to find a receptive audience in the Texas GOP.

Are people really in doubt that Republicans have concerns about how the election was conducted? Mackowiak asked.

Matt Rinaldi, a former state lawmaker who now chairs the Texas GOP, said state Republicans rightly have no faith in the 2020 election results and we dont care how many times the elites tell us we have to.

We refuse to let Democrats rig the elections in 2022 or 2024, Rinaldi said in a statement.

Democrats havent rigged anything. An Associated Press r eview of every potential case of voter fraud in the six battleground states disputed by Trump has found fewer than 475 a number that would have made no difference in the 2020 presidential election.

Meanwhile, Texas 2020 election was a romp even by the standards of Republicans who have dominated the state for decades. The partys candidates topped Democrats in key congressional and statehouse races as Trump easily carried its electoral votes.

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But that didnt stop the former president from praising the partys 2022 platform, posting Tuesday: Look at the Great State of Texas and their powerful Republican Party Platform on the 2020 Presidential Election Fraud.

Such courage, he wrote, but thats why Texas is Texas.

Trump was cheering language declaring, We reject the certified results of the 2020 presidential election, and we hold that acting President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was not legitimately elected. That was a departure from as recently as 2014, when the Texas GOP platform questioned Barack Obamas commitment to citizens constitutional rights, but at least recognized him as president.

This years platform also says that Texas retains the right to secede from the United States, and the Texas Legislature should be called upon to pass a referendum consistent thereto.

Ed Espinoza, executive director of the advocacy organization Progress Texas, said some of the adherence to open discriminatory language might have receded if not for the rise of Trump who has demonstrated he could double down on the crazy and not suffer a consequence yet.

Normally what happens is, when theres crazy in a party, people try to soften it, said Espinoza, former Western States Director of the Democratic National Committee. In this case, they saw it worked for Trump so they think itll work for them.

Texas was an independent republic for nearly a decade until 1845. With the coronavirus pandemic raging, the 2020 Texas Republican Party convention was held virtually and degenerated into a leadership struggle. But it also featured platform language declaring, Texas retains the right to secede from the United States should a future president and congress change our political system from a constitutional republic to another system.

That caveat about governmental system was dropped in the 2022 edition, which seeks a referendum for voters to determine whether or not their state should reassert its status as an independent nation.

Texas rightward push was clear in ways beyond the party platform. Delegates booed Republican Sen. John Cornyn who has held his seat for 20 years and got more 2020 votes statewide than Trump did for working on bipartisan legislation seeking to impose modest limits on guns. Those efforts began following last months mass shooting in the Texas town of Uvalde, which killed 19 elementary students and two teachers.

Still, such state convention outbursts also arent new. Republican Gov. Rick Perry was booed in 2012 for praising fellow GOPer and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who was then locked in a primary battle for an open Senate seat with Ted Cruz. Some delegates also in the past walked out of a speech by then-Republican Texas House Speaker Joe Straus.

It shows you how much QAnon may not be an outlier in the Republican Party, Espinoza said. Some people are very susceptible to conspiracy theory, and that appears to be a higher percentage the deeper you go into the Republican Party of Texas.

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Texas GOP's swing to far right cemented with party platform - Detroit News

In the midst of battling monsters and trying to save the world, it is important to take a breather every now and then, which is exactly what Alchemy Stars are offering in their newest event. Entitled Trees, Fish, and a Slow Life, it is a two-part event centring on a nice tea party and brings exclusive items, new characters and more with it.

Alchemy Stars is set in a world named Astra where the Aurorians and the Caelestites are locked in a neverending battle against the evil Eclipsites. The battles take place on a tactical grid with a unique tile-connecting gameplay, where if you move along the same colour tiles you rack up a combo, which allows you to unleash powerful skills.

Trees, Fish, and a Slow Life gives the characters a reprieve from battles and invites players to warm up a mug of tea and relax a bit. There are two parts to complete in the quest, Afternoon Tea Party and Teatime Pleasantries, and clearing them will reward Lumamber, Special Star Flames and access to two new Aurorions, Nina and Sanae. There is also Anderson Association Tickets up for grabs, which can be exchanged in the limited-time event store for rewards such as a 5-Star Auroiran United Kit 2 or a Special Star Flare. The event also brings with it limited edition furniture to collect. The store will remain open until July 14, so there is time to redeem any tickets won before the event itself ends on July 11.

Any player who logs in before July 11 is eligible to claim the log-in bonuses, totalling 8 days of prizes. Rewards range from Anderson Association Tickets, Recharger Packs, Nightium and more, all the way up to the Ninas Afternoon Tea Avatar on day 8.

Alchemy Stars is available to download for free on the App Store and Google Play.

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Take a break and relax with Alchemy Stars new Event Trees, Fish, and a Slow Life - AppSpy

MARTINSBURG Candidates for the Miss West Virginia and Miss West Virginia Outstanding Teen competition enjoyed a tea party in downtown Martinsburg at 1902 On Queen to encourage positive mentorships and sisterhood with several girls from the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle.

Stacie Rohn, executive director of the BGCEP, said that the event means a lot to her and that it also means a lot to the girls in the club.

I hope the girls that are competing in Miss West Virginia had a chance to talk to the girls about positive self-esteem and why the pageant could benefit them the scholarship opportunities and learning confidence and saying, You know what, I can do anything I want to, Rohn said. I want our kids to have those positive role models that help to set the tone for what their future could look like. If we have strong, successful women who are mentoring our girls, we cant go wrong.

Shelley Nichols-Franklin, state director for the Miss West Virginia competition, was pleased to see the event come together and benefit those in attendance.

I am really excited for the Boys & Girls Club to participate with us. This is what our program is all about, mentoring young ladies and giving back to the community, Nichols-Franklin said. We are glad to have all of these girls together.

Tiffany Lawrence, Miss West Virginia 2006, sponsored the event.

To see the community come together like this with the Miss West Virginia organization is amazing. To see the faces and smiles of these little girls who look up to our contestants in this way, it is heartwarming for me as a former, Lawrence said. Seeing opportunities like this come to fruition in our community and being a part of that is very special.

1902 On Queen hosted the event and donated the space.

Patty McIntyre, human resources and business director for the BGCEP, sat and watched all of the girls interact at the tea party with a bright smile on her face, excited for their futures.

It is so exciting to see them be elevated and being treated to something nice and fancy. I dont know how many of the girls have a chance to do this. I think this is great, McIntyre said. Our goal is always to have our kids go through school and graduate from high school and either choose a trade or go to college. If a scholarship can help them get on their way in that, that is definitely a plus. These girls are so great and so resilient. Theyve had a tough couple of years during the pandemic.

Rohn added that she would be pleased if events and collaborations, like the tea party, would continue with the community at large.

For the young ladies and the young men, I would love the business community to come in and talk about what they do. I would like for some of our successful kids to have reasons to stay in the community and what better way than to explore what businesses are here and what are their opportunities.

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Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle young women gather with Miss West Virginia candidates for tea party - Martinsburg Journal

Ring in Independence Day in Tennessee this July 4. Spend the weekend surrounded by rich history, special celebrations and southern charm with these festivals, events and fireworks shows across the state by region.

East Tennessee

Patriots Festival Pigeon Forge

Country music artist Josh Turner will headline Pigeon Forges 31stannual Patriot Festival on July 4 in Patriot Park. The festivals activities kick off at 4 p.m.

Fourth of July Midnight Parade Gatlinburg

Escape the summertime blues in Gatlinburg this Independence Day weekend with the first July 4thparade in the nation. Gatlinburgs award-winning Fourth of July Midnight Parade offers visitors a chance to take in patriotic floats, displays and balloons with a fireworks finale at the Space Needle to end the night.

Festival on the 4th- Knoxville

Experience Knoxvilles rich history at Worlds Fair Park for its Festival on the 4th. Music, food and family-friendly activities will take place with a free musical finale with Knoxville Symphony Orchestra accompanied by fireworks.

Pops on the River Chattanooga

Kick-off the weekend in Chattanooga with its popular Fourth of July event Pops on the River July 2 at Coolidge Park. Enjoy outdoor concerts, local food and drinks and a beautiful fireworks display over the Tennessee River.

Red, White & BOOM Independence Day Festival Kingsport

In northeast Tennessee, take your Independence Day festivities to the next level with Kingsports Red, White & BOOM Independence Day Festival July 2. The event will take place on the citys main street with headliner 38 Special. The night will end with Kingsports biggest fireworks show to date.

Jonesborough Days JonesboroughTennessees oldest town will celebrate Jonesborough Days June 30-July 3 in its cute, charming downtown. A low country boil kicks off the weekend of festivities with music by The Jonesborough Novelty Band, followed by a parade, contests and fireworks show.

Museum of Appalachias Independence Day Anvil Shoot Celebration Norris

While most Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, the Museum of Appalachia marks the occasion with old-fashioned anvil shoots, a once common way for pioneers to celebrate holidays, elections and other special events. Other activities taking place during the day include live music, flag procession and demonstrations from blacksmiths, beekeepers, woodworkers and much more.

Pepsi Independence Day Johnson City

Spend July 4 in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Johnson City, where guests can partake in two huge July 4 bashes a free summer concerts series in King Commons Park on July 1 and the Pepsi Independence Day Celebration on July 3. Enjoy fireworks, live music, food and a beer garden.

Middle Tennessee

Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4 Nashville

One of the nations largest July 4 celebrations happens in Music City. Head to Nashville on July 3 to catch the citys largest fireworks show yet synchronized to a live performance by the Nashville Symphony. The celebration continues on July 4 with performances by some of Nashvilles biggest stars, including Old Dominion, Gramps Morgan, Cassadee Pope, Levi Hummon and more.

Red, White & Book July Fourth Celebration Cookeville

Spend July Fourth weekend in Cookeville, where there are many opportunities to get in the American spirit, including a Classic Car Cruise in Celebration, the Patriotic Concerts featuring the 129thUS Army Band, Celebration of Upper Cumberland Music and Community Concert and wrap the weekend with Cookevilles very own Jake Hoot, season 17 winner of The Voice, with a concert and second-largest fireworks show in Tennessee July 4.

2022 Independence Day Celebration Clarksville

Kick off the weekend on July 1 with a free concert by Americas Heart Tribute Band, Barracuda, at Downtown Commons. On July 3, celebrate Independence Day with live music, inflatable games, food and a fireworks show at Liberty Park.

Freedom Fest 2022 MontereyJoin Chris Janson, Davisson Brothers, Darryl Worley, Ty Hendon and Andy Griggs at The Old Gray Amphitheaters first annual Freedom Fest July 1-July 2. Enjoy over 75-acres of Fourth of July fun with food trucks, a kid zone, BBQ and fireworks show.

Fireworks on the Cumberland Historic Granville

Celebrate the red, white and blue with family and friends at Historic Granvilles free professional fireworks show. Bask in the specular fireworks reflected off Cordell Hull Lake.

Maury County Parks Fireworks Columbia

Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks at Maury County Park Sunday, July 4. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and will be shot from the top of the hill to provide attendees with many viewing points. Tune your radio to 87.9 FM to hear synchronized music.

51st Annual Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree and Crafts Festival SmithvilleJoin Downtown Smithville for the 51stAnnual Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree and Crafts Festival, July 1 - July 2. From 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., enjoy bluegrass and Appalachian style music, dance, handmade crafts and food booths.

West Tennessee

All-American Elvis-Inspired Fireworks Extravaganza Memphis

Head to the King of Rock n Rolls estate, Elvis Presleys Graceland, for an All-American Elvis-Inspired Fireworks Extravaganza July 2-3. Attendees will be able to enjoy all things Elvis, BBQ and fireworks, including a performance by the 2021 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest winner Pat Dunn.

West Tennessee Independence Day Celebration HornbeakBook a stay at Blue Bank Resort to take part in the West Tennessee Independence Day Celebration July 1-4. Enjoy the beautiful view ofReelfoot Lakewhile Reelfoot Lakes Tourism fireworks show takes place over the water. While in the area, visitDiscovery Park of Americaon July 2 for a wide array of activities including a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party, ringing of the bells ceremony and the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Colliervilles Independence Day Celebration Collierville

On July 2, head to West Tennessee for Colliervilles Independence Day Celebration for food vendors, entertainment and fireworks show choreographed to an 18-minute musical salute by the TN Mass Choir.

City of Milan Fireworks Show & Live Music - Milan

Grab a blanket and lawn chairs and head toMilan City Parkon July 1, 6-9:30 p.m., to enjoy live music from local band, Mostly Locust, food trucks and a fireworks show.

Festival of the Lakes Lexington

Festival of the Lakes returns to Beech Lake July 4 with Independence Day celebrations kicking off at 5 p.m. with music, entertainment and a stunning fireworks extravaganza.

2022 White Squirrel Festival Kenton

Start your July Fourth weekend early in Kenton this year at the White Squirrel Festival June 28-July 4. Throughout the week, participate in the 2022 White Squirrel Festival Parade, Arts & Crafts Market, the Car, Truck, Bike and Tractor Show, fireworks and much more.

To find more Fourth of July events across the state, visitwww.tnvacation.com.

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Where To Watch Fireworks In Tennessee This 4th Of July - The Chattanoogan

Republican Party congressional caucus

The Tea Party Caucus (TPC) was a congressional caucus of conservative members of the Republican Party in the United States House of Representatives. The Caucus was founded in July 2010 by Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann in coordination with the Tea Party movement the year following the movement's 2009 creation. Bachmann served as the Caucus's first chair.[10]

From July 2012 to April 2013 the Tea Party Caucus neither met nor posted news on its webpage, leading observers to describe it as "dead," "inactive," and "defunct."[11][12] In April 2013, Mick Mulvaney of South Carolina filed paperwork to create a new Tea Party Caucus, but found that Bachmann intended to continue the caucus, starting with an event on April 25, 2013.[13] On June 19, 2014, Tea Party Caucus member Steve Scalise of Louisiana was elected as the House Majority Whip.[14] The Caucus was reconstituted in the 114th Congress in January 2015.[15] Rep. Tim Huelskamp of Kansas became the chair in February 2015.[16] Huelskamp lost party primary election in 2016. The Caucus is now largely inactive. Though the primary functions of the Caucus have varied from year to year, its members have promoted budget cuts, including significant cuts in non-defense spending and adherence to the movement's interpretation of the Constitution. The caucus's members have also advocated socially conservative legislation, supported the right to keep and bear arms, and promoted limited government.

The idea of a Tea Party Caucus originated from Rand Paul (KY) when he was campaigning for the U.S. Senate in 2010.[citation needed] The Caucus was approved as an official congressional member organization by the House Administration Committee on July 19, 2010,[17] and held its first meeting and public event, a press conference on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, on July 21.[18] A similar informal Caucus was formed in the Senate by four Senators on January 27, 2011.[2][note 1]

While there was no official announcement, the Tea Party Caucus appears to be defunct since approximately late 2016 and most of its members are now caucusing with either the Freedom Caucus or the Liberty Caucus. Although the Tea Party is not a party in the classic sense of the word, research has shown that members of the Tea Party Caucus vote like a third party in Congress.[19]

Michele Bachmann(20102015)

Tim Huelskamp(20152017)

The Tea Party Caucus grew out of the Tea Party movement, a conservative populist political movement that emerged in 2009 in the United States, generally opposing excessive taxation and government intervention in the private sector while supporting stronger immigration controls.[20] On February 19, 2009,[21] in a broadcast from the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, CNBC Business News Network editor Rick Santelli loudly criticized the government plan to refinance mortgages as "promoting bad behavior" by "subsidizing losers' mortgages", and raised the possibility of putting together a "Chicago Tea Party in July".[22][23] A number of the traders and brokers around him cheered on his proposal, to the apparent amusement of the hosts in the studio. It was called "the rant heard round the world".[24] Santelli's remarks "set the fuse to the modern anti-Obama Tea Party movement", according to journalist Lee Fang.[25]

The following day after Santelli's comments from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, 50 national conservative leaders, including Michael Johns, Amy Kremer and Jenny Beth Martin, participated in a conference call that gave birth to the national Tea Party movement.[26][27] In response to Santelli, websites such as ChicagoTeaParty.com, registered in August 2008 by Chicago radio producer Zack Christenson, were live within twelve hours.[28] About 10 hours after Santelli's remarks, reTeaParty.com was bought to coordinate Tea Parties scheduled for the 4th of July and within two weeks was reported to be receiving 11,000 visitors a day.[28] However, on the contrary, many scholars are reluctant to label Santelli's remarks the "spark" of the Tea Party considering that a "Tea Party" protest had taken place 3 days before in Seattle, Washington[29] In fact, this had led many opponents of the Tea Party to define this movement as "astroturfed," but it seems as if Santelli's comments did not "fall on deaf ears" considering that, "the top 50 counties in foreclosure rates played host to over 910 Tea Party protests, about one-sixth of the total".[29]

An article in Politico stated that many Tea Party activists see the Caucus as an effort by the Republican Party to hijack the movement. Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz refused to join the Caucus, saying "Structure and formality are the exact opposite of what the Tea Party is, and if there is an attempt to put structure and formality around it, or to co-opt it by Washington, D.C., its going to take away from the free-flowing nature of the true tea party movement."[30]

In an attempt to quell fears that Washington insiders were attempting to co-opt the Tea Party movement, Michele Bachmann stated "We're not the mouthpiece. We are not taking the Tea Party and controlling it from Washington, D.C. We are also not here to vouch for the Tea Party or to vouch for any Tea Party organizations or to vouch for any individual people or actions, or billboards or signs or anything of the Tea Party. We are the receptacle."[31][32]

Additionally, Senators Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Marco Rubio of Florida, all Tea Party supporters, refused to join the caucus.[33][34] Toomey said he would be "open" to joining, and spoke at the first meeting, but did not ultimately join.[35] Johnson said that he declined to join because he wanted to "work towards a unified Republican Conference, so that's where I will put my energy."[36] Rubio criticized the caucus, saying "My fear has always been that if you start creating these little clubs or organizations in Washington run by politicians, the movement starts to lose its energy."[37]

The Tea Party Caucus is often viewed as taking conservative positions, and advocating for both social and fiscal conservatism.[38] Analysis of voting patterns confirm that Caucus members are more conservative than other House Republicans, especially on fiscal matters.[38][39] Voting trends to the right of the median Republican, and Tea Party Caucus members represent more conservative, southern and affluent districts.[39][40] Supporters of the Tea Party movement itself are largely economic driven.[41][42][43]

Despite the Caucus members differing degrees of economic and social conservatism, they generally work to promote positions within the House of Representatives that are to the right-of those of the House Republican Conference.[44] Caucus members are an important swing vote on spending bills and as a result have gained influence in Congress out of proportion to their numbers.[45][46] They are frequently sought after to broker compromises amongst the Republican leadership, generally lending a more right-wing character to U.S. politics.[47] Since the advent of the Tea Party Caucus in 2010, party-line voting has increased for both Democrats and Republicans.[48]

According to OpenSecrets, the top contributors to the Tea Party Caucus members are health professionals, retirees, the real estate industry and oil and gas interests. The Center said the contributions to Caucus members from these groups, plus those from Republican and conservative groups, are on average higher than those of House members in general and also those of other Republicans. The average Tea Party Caucus member received more than $25,000 from the oil and gas industry, compared to about $13,000for the average House member and $21,500for the average House Republican.[49]

This section needs to be updated. The reason given is: Is this Caucus still in existence, and if so, who are its members in the 114th Congress?. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (March 2015)

The Caucus chair was Michele Bachmann of Minnesota between 2010 and her retirement in 2015. Tim Huelskamp was elected as the Caucus' second chair in January 2015, but was defeated in the 2016 Republican primary by Roger Marshall.[15] Of a possible 435 Representatives, as of January 6, 2013, the committee had 48 members, all Republicans.[50] At its height, the Caucus had 60 members in 2011.

Several members of the Tea Party Caucus were part of the Republican leadership. Tom Price served as chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, making him the seventh ranking Republican in the House, John R. Carter was the Secretary of the House Republican Conference, ranking him the ninth ranking Republican, and Pete Sessions was the number six Republican as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Other former members of the Tea Party Caucus held committee chairmanships such as Lamar S. Smith, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Arizona

California

Colorado

Florida

Louisiana

Michigan

Mississippi

Missouri

Nebraska

South Carolina

Texas

West Virginia

The Senate has an informal Tea Party Caucus,[note 1] founded in 2011.[53][54]

Ideological caucuses in the United States Congress

Caucuses with no known membership as of the 117th Congress do not have memberships listed.

Originally posted here:
Tea Party Caucus - Wikipedia