Plans to hold the April 24 Camdenton Tea Party in the open air on the Courthouse square lost out to the rain and threat of more rain and storms. But this did not dampen the spirits of Tea Party Patriots as they flocked by the hundreds to the Camdenton High School gymnasium. Others, arriving late and in pouring rain, were unable to find places to park so were disappointed by not being able to participate in this Patriot’s Tea Party. The total crowd was estimated to be approximately 1000 people.

Patriotic emotions ran high as the crowd responded to the words of Kerry Messer, Paul Curtman, and Bill Federer. The thumping of feet from the bleachers was often mistaken for the clamor of thunder from the outside. There was hardly a dry eye in the building, when early in the festivities; co-coordinator Cliff Luber called all veterans forward to the podium. He honored them for their service, read a touching poem, (Hear the poem) and then presented each with a hand-held American flag made personally by an 85 year-old local lady who loves her country dearly. The crowd rose spontaneously in a standing ovation with loud clapping and cheering which endured for several minutes as everyone showed their appreciation to the veterans. (Listen to the applause. This was only the first of many such demonstrations of patriotism to follow.

Prior to honoring of the veterans, music had been provided by Don Akers,Nicole Akers Knight and Monty Davidson. The Patriot Tea Party was formally opened with a beautiful rendition of (hear) “God Bless America” by Nicole Akers Knight. Dick Bott Sr. then gave a touching opening prayer followed by “Presentation of Colors” by Eldon VFW. Doug Dragert, Tea Party Patriot and former Veteran. The crowd then stood proudly as each gave their “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag. Another Tea Party Patriot and veteran, Dave Larsen, then gave a reading of the “Preamble to the Constitution.” “Remarks by Cliff Luber,” Tea Party Coordinator, (listen to Cliff) was next on the agenda. While speaking about a certain lady senator from Missouri who speaks to us using “…her momma voice,” in regard to her vote for Obama Care, Cliff said, “… come November of 2012, this party movement will remind you who your Dad is.” That remark, among others, brought forth great applause from the crowd.

Kerry Messer

The first featured speaker of the day, Kerry Messer, was introduced by Joe Roeger. (Hear Joe’s intro) During the introduction, Joe said, “…there is hope in America. It’s in God, it’s in our family, it’s in you,” and with that Joe lifted his camera, told the audience to smile, and took a picture of the crowd. Joe, introduced Mr. Messer by stating that Kerry Messer, for the last 26 years, has stood alone in Jefferson City among over a thousand other lobbyists as the only one who was there to fight for the rights of the family.

Go here to read Mr. Messer’s profile.

Mr. Messer founded the Missouri Family Network at that time and has continued his never ending battle for legislation favoring family values.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Messer said, “I like to describe myself as a compassionate, conservative Christian. That means Obama doesn’t like me.” “…no longer are we fearful of foreign governments, of foreign military, we have become fearful of our own federal government. It is time to say ‘No’.” Listen to Kerry Messer.

Paul Curtman

Paul Curtman was the second speaker and he was introduced by Tea Party Coordinator Cliff Luber. Mr. Curtman was no stranger to many in the crowd as he had been the keynote speaker at the previous Camdenton Tea Party at which time he had given us all a new understanding of our United States of America Constitution. Mr. Curtman said he would rather see a man wrap himself in the constitution and burn the flag than wrap himself in the flag and burn the constitution. See his profile,
(Listen to Paul Curtman's speech.

William Federer

Introduction by Richard Bott

Dick Bott then introduced the final speaker of the day, Bill Federer. (Listen to the introduction.)

(Read Mr. Federer's Profile Mr. Federer commenced his speech with “…America is the greatest nation in the history of the world!” Mr. Federer proceeded to prove his point by taking his audience on a trip through the 6000 years of recorded history. He said our nation is unique in that it was founded on the principle that we have a God given right to determine our own destiny. By far, the most pre-dominant form of government in history has been the monarchy. For a relatively brief period of time, the Roman Empire was a “republic” such as is our country today. The “rep” in republic derives from the word, “representative”.

In talking about the Roman Empire, Mr. Federer asked, “Do you know how Rome failed?” His answer, “It was invaded by illegal immigrants.” He went on to discuss the many similarities between Rome just before its fall and our country today. In reviewing American history, Mr. Federer pointed out many incidents in which a crisis in America resulted in the “taking away” of more and more freedoms. Each crisis resulted in greater concentration of power and “…concentration of power always precedes the destruction of liberty... a government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take away everything you have.”. “…the President’s Chief of Staff said, ‘Never let a good crisis go to waste’.” Mr. Federer also pointed out that a recent survey identified the Moslem population in America at only .6 percent and the atheists at 1.2 percent, yet, they are changing our way of life. When such a minority can impose its will over the people, it’s called tyranny. “Ronald Regan said, ‘America needs God more than God needs America.”

(Listen to Bill Federer's Speech

Closing

Cliff Luber then closed the event after giving his final thoughts and challenge to all to “… stand up and let your voices be heard.”