A 'tea party' for the people

| April 3, 2009 1:00 AM

Inter Lake editorial

The message is simple for the Flathead Tea Party, which is being held Saturday at Depot Park in Kalispell: "Are you tired of excessive spending by our elected officials in Washington, D.C.? Then join us."

No one can predict how many people will actually turn out for this event, but similar "tea parties' around the country have drawn hundreds or thousands of people who are fed up with a government that seems intent on spending its way out of an economic crisis.

The model for the folks who are organizing these events is the Boston Tea Party of 1773, when citizens of Boston protested against "taxation without representation." Tomorrow's protesters are worried about 'spending without end," but it amounts to the same thing. Someone has to pay the bill for all the debt accrued by Congress, and of course it will be our children and grandchildren. Is anyone in Washington truly representing their interests?

Organizers emphasize that the Flathead Tea Party is a non-partisan event. It's about the citizenry rising up to assert its rights. Maybe Saturday's rally will just be a drop in the bucket, but if enough people bring a tea bag, it will at least be a strong brew.

A DELEGATION of 100 Flathead Valley residents is taking a giant leap forward in the economic-development arena by embarking on a journey to China.

The Flathead contingent left this week and will spend nine days traveling through the country on a trade and cultural mission organized by the Kalispell Area Chamber of Commerce. It's the first such chamber-sponsored trade mission in Montana, and it's not surprising our own progressive Kalispell Chamber is a leader in this area.

In our global economy, it's important for local business leaders to establish connections and see firsthand how business and manufacturing works elsewere.

China is a key player on the global business stage and we'll look forward to hearing what our local group learns about doing business with our important Asian partner and what opportunities might await us.