TEA Party organizer Eric Olsen
Carbon County Republican Women (CCRW) met at Fort Rockvale Restaurant for lunch Wednesday, October 14, 11 a.m. The meeting opened with prayer by John Beauchamp and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by President Kelly Resley. As special guests for October, Eric Olsen of MontanaShrugged and Dr. Jan Linn shared a slide presentation.
Eric Olsen formed Montana Shrugged in conjunction with the TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Rallies beginning April 15, 2009. The first Rally in Billings had about 400 in attendance and was a joint effort by several conservative groups.
Montana Shrugged relates to ATLAS SHRUGGED, written by Ayn Rand, who was born in 1907 pre-Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.). She had seen the family business destroyed by Russian Czars and then Socialism, escaped to American and wrote the book in response to creaping socialism in the U.S.A. The Czars in Russia were oppressive powers. “We now have over 40 Czars in the Obama administration,” reported Eric Olsen.
Montana Shrugged is one of the most active TEA Party type groups in the U.S. with about 1500 members. Eric Olsen has been frequently interviewed, most recently on KULR-8. He and his daughter, Jennifer, just returned from Washington, D. C. as guests of Defending the American Dream Summit with Newt Gingrich and Laura Ingram. While in D.C., they stopped in to visit Senator Baucus who had conveniently just stepped out of his very busy office, and Senator Tester, who had just left for Montana from his very quiet office. Eric noted, “Senator Tester is pushing a ‘Wilderness Bill’ with some unpleasant clauses.”
Eric is probably best know for the “Baucus Patrol” each Wednesday noon, which is occasionally visited by anti-Rally protesters who have been videotaped receiving pay checks from the Baucus office.
There was discussion regarding the Bozeman Presidential TEA Party “at” (a mile away from) the Obama appearance where union thugs pushed into the TEA Party permitted area.
Eric Olsen encouraged all to see the carbon tax (cap & trade) counter to Gore film “An Inconvenient Truth” “Not Evil, Just Wrong” at MSU-Billings Oct. 18 (http://action.afa.net/videos/NotEvilJustWrong/Alternate.aspx?id=2147487337) and to note the new billboard at 24th and Grand, Global Warming Lies.
In a list of about seven commonly accepted reasons oil imports are so expensive, Eric Olsen pointed out only two are valid, 1. excessive government regulation and 2. environmental radical agendas. Eric offered to come back to present the details on why oil imports are so high. Updates regarding issues are at WWW.MONTANASHRUGGED.COM.
Everyone was invited to join the 912/TEA Party meeting 7 p.m. each Thurs. at Grace Baptist on 36th & Broadwater.
CCRW President Resley thanked Eric Olsen and Dr. Linn for their time and wished well to those leaving for the TEA Party Rally at the Billings Granite Tower Senators’ offices. She then called the business meeting to order.
The treasurer’s report was given, noting national dues will increase $2 in January which may mean an increase in CCRW dues, to be discussed at the next meeting. Acting Secretary Gail Beauchamp circulated the minutes of the September meeting, which were approved.
Judy Manweiler reported on the Campaign School she and Joanne Blyton and Jason Priest attended in Helena. Judy’s husband, Mick, will be running for County Commissioner. A training meeting to share campaign information was discussed. As Literacy Chair, Judy announced Joliet Public Library Childrens’ Reading Activity at 10 a.m. October 24th.
CCRW and Carbon County residents were heartily invited to the Montana Family Foundation dinner with Star Parker Oct. 24 at the Billings Holiday Inn. Call MFF: 628-1141.
President Resley introduced A J Otjen who is running for Representative Rehberg’s House seat. In questions from CCRW, A J revealed she is Pro-Abortion. In new business, Joanne suggested the club begin planning fund raisers. Fundraising for the treatment of Morgan McQuillan’s cancer was discussed and CCRW will bring homemade items to the next meeting for an auction basket. CCRW will collect items for another military care package. SPECIAL GUESTS for the November 11th meeting will be our Veterans with a heartfelt thank you to each and all.