Keep tea out of the river

Opinion

Discussion

April 14, 2009

— Logansport Pharos-Tribune The Kokomo Tribune Tue Apr 14, 2009, 11:29 PM EDT

Organizers of a Lafayette tax protest really ought to rethink their plans to dump tea bags into the Wabash River.

We understand that they want to make their voices heard, and they have every right to do that.

But do they really need to foul the water in the process?

Wednesday’s protest is one of numerous demonstrations planned across the state and nation to pay homage to the Boston Tea Party staged by American colonists in 1773.

Organizers say they’re objecting to excessive government spending. Those involved in similar protests across the country have been particularly upset by provisions of the economic stimulus plan. Some see it as benefiting those whose actions precipitated this crisis while putting an added burden on those who were trying to live by the rules.

They’re also protesting the government bureaucracy that might make a portion of their protest illegal.

“Tea is going in the river, regardless,” said Jared Fagan, one of the Lafayette protest organizers. “The amount of hoops you have to go through for this to happen is part of what we’re protesting.”

We understand the sentiment, but in this case, the bureaucrats would appear to be right. At best, throwing tea bags into the river amounts to littering, and a representative of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management says it might do real harm, endangering aquatic life by depleting the water of oxygen.

The act might also be a violation of state environmental regulations, which could result in a fine.

Worse yet, the whole thing would be pointless.

The protesters in 1773 were making a statement by dumping tea into Boston Harbor. They were objecting to taxation without representation, saying they’d rather go without tea than pay what they considered to be an unjust tax.

The episode enraged the British and galvanized the colonists. Historians see it as one of the key events leading up to the American Revolution, and it has frequently been cited as an inspiration for subsequent protests.

But the protest in Lafayette gains nothing from an act of littering. The protesters send no greater message by endangering the lives of fish.

They can make any point they want simply by holding signs and using their voices. They might even drink some tea.

But they ought to leave the river out of it.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

Forever thankful
Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.

Memorial Day officially

May 26, 2012
Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks for your kindness

Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:

“The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.

May 25, 2012
USPS scales back plans
The issue: Postal Service plans to keep smaller post offices open.

Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.

May 25, 2012
Sign change is overdue
A colleague of ours years ago said Indiana lawmakers should change the state motto to “We’ll Get Around to It.” His observation is both funny and sad.

May 23, 2012 1 Story
Tips on flag etiquette
Monday is Memorial Day – set aside to honor those Americans who gave their lives in this nation’s wars. Lots of folks fly the flag every day as a show of patriotism, but what many might not know is that there are specific rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code concerning its display.

May 21, 2012
Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Carriers collect 19 tons of food

Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:

May 19, 2012
Walk a lap, fight cancer
Before you read any farther, stop for a second and think about what this one word means to you: cancer.

May 18, 2012
Program eyes troubled kids
If you know a teenager who has gotten off track, Elissa Andersen might be just the person to call.

May 16, 2012
Editorial - May 15, 2012: Hard work still pays
The issue: The Class of 2012.

Our view: Congratulations on your achievement, graduating high school seniors, and remember to thank those who helped you along the way to success.

May 15, 2012
de la Bastide: Indiana, the nation lose true statesman
During his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, Richard Lugar was noted for his ability to compro-mise when it came to legislation impacting the nation, and as a statesman when it came to foreign policy issues.

May 15, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Keep tea out of the river

Site Map

Contact Us