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With the Tea Partiers
Two Women of Bucks County
One of the amazing aspects of the Tea Party movement is how much it is driven by women.
One of the amazing aspects of the Tea Party movement is how much it is driven by women, and not just any women: many of the local organizers are typically stay-at-home moms with younger children. Ana Puig and Anastasia Przybylski of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, north of Philadelphia, are two such women who concluded they’d had enough with the way things were going in this country-and decided to do something about it.
Anastasia, married to her high school sweetheart and the mother of three younger children, is a lifelong resident of the county, and was at one point a cellist in the Bucks County Symphony. Her real political involvement, she says, began in 2008. “Throughout the election cycle of 2008, I was growing increasingly distressed over Barack Obama and his policies,” she told me. “You could say I was a little obsessed and upset that everyone I was talking to seemed to think he was great.”
But what really set Anastasia in motion was the passage of the stimulus package, and after she heard Rick Santelli’s “rant heard ‘round the world” she e-mailed a friend and said a “porkulus” Tea Party demonstration was needed. Anastasia and her friend were originally going to do a reading of all the pork in the bill at the Doylestown public square, but plans changed as the Tea Party movement began to explode from the grassroots. “We saw tea parties springing up all over and we decided to have a bigger and better tea party at Washington Crossing Park because of its historical significance,” Anastasia recalls. “Afterwards, the newspaper dubbed us the Kitchen Table Patriots because we’d planned the event around our kitchen tables.” It was at that first Tea Party event that Anastasia met Ana Puig.
Ana’s journey to Bucks County was far different. Born in Brazil, she came to America at age 14 to live with her uncle, a general in the Brazilian army who was serving as an exchange professor at West Point (where her future husband was a cadet at the time). Two years later, she joined her family in California. “Our family came here legally to be part of the American dream,” Ana told me. “We came to enjoy life, liberty, opportunity, and the pursuit of happiness. We did not come here to take ‘advantage’ of or change the system, but to be part of this great system.”
As with Anastasia, it was the 2008 presidential election that truly awakened Ana, who by then had moved to Minnesota and was married with four young children. “During the 2008 presidential campaign I decided I’d had enough. I decided to stop sipping my latte while screaming at the TV and do something,” she recounts. “But the one moment I can point to where I really woke up was the exchange on TV between Obama and Joe the Plumber where Obama said that it was OK to redistribute the wealth around. At that point, I looked at my husband and told him that because we had seen this before and had felt this in our own skin, it was time to get up and actually do something in order to help keep the American dream alive for future generations.”
Ana began writing op-eds, and on the day Obama was elected, called in to the Jason Lewis radio show in Minneapolis. “He gave me 20 minutes of air time, which was unheard of, and for days afterwards he continued to speak about ‘Ana, the Brazilian,’” Ana recalls. “What I discussed on the show that day was what I saw as correlations between what was taking place in the U.S. with the new Obama administration coming onboard and what had happened throughout Latin America under ‘democratically’ elected dictators. It was a huge hit, and it encouraged me to continue on.”
A few months later, Ana moved to Bucks County, and through the grapevine heard about the tea party that was being organized at Washington Crossing Park. She turned her op-eds into a speech on the same topic she’d spoken about on the radio with Jason Lewis and submitted it to Anastasia, who was the main organizer of that tea party.
COMING OUT of that event, Ana and Anastasia became an effective team, working together on everything from infiltrating the left’s pro-health care forums in 2009 to putting on their own health care forums. In 2010, they redoubled their efforts. Working in tandem with American Majority Action, Kitchen Table Patriots opened a Liberty Headquarters in Doylestown, with the goal of doing direct advocacy work on the issue of health care, and then advocating for leadership that would overturn Obamacare. Running a tightly focused campaign on targeted doors and phones, Ana and Anastasia turned their local Tea Party movement into a potent political force. “The coolest thing I have worked on was opening and running the Liberty HQ last fall and seeing the effect that we had in an entire region of Pennsylvania by simply working hard, being principled, and believing in our work,” Ana says.
They haven’t stopped there. “Right now we are working on getting SB1 [an education reform bill in Pennsylvania] passed, and we are supporting local candidates for school board and TWP supervisor,” Anastasia says. “I am most proud of organizing a candidates’ forum and calling for an open primary and getting the GOP to not endorse a candidate. This was the first time in 40 years that there was no endorsement.” Meaning, no more RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) receiving backing ahead of principled conservatives.
The ladies have big plans for the future but realize there are great challenges, not only within the movement, but with the country as well. However, they do realize that national change begins at the local level. “The greatest challenge for the movement right now is maintaining cohesiveness and stamina and finding common conservative ground to keep people engaged until we really kick into 2012 election cycle mode,” Ana says. “I also believe it is important for folks to understand that we need to take over our school boards, our towns and really bring change from the ground up on a local level. Concentrating in our own states and our own ‘backyard’ will have a trickle-up effect into the national level and effect the proper kind of change throughout the entire nation.”
About the Author
Ned Ryun is the founder and president of American Majority, a political training institution. His “With the Tea Partiers” column run each month in the The American Spectator’s print edition. You can follow him on Twitter @nedryun.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (28) | Leave a comment
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Gary| 6.20.11 @ 6:56AM
Two wonderful women who understand how the game is played. God bless them and their families!
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 6.20.11 @ 7:22AM
Too many men have been conned into believing their best years are spent as muffin brained metrosexuals. If they have an opinion there are too many "special" people who reject it simply because it comes from a male, and in particular white males.
This partly explains why women have had to step up and take leadership roles. Good for them.
Gary| 6.20.11 @ 7:43AM
Bill,
Good analysis. You're right. We need more white males to stand up the all the PC bull and start firing back at the press with questions of their own.
For example, "Before I answer that question, tell me where your kids go to school." Or, "Tell me, what is it about personal responsibility and personal liberty that you hate so much?"
Remember when Reagan told some empty-headed heckler to "Shut up!" It was priceless.
TrueBlue| 6.20.11 @ 5:48PM
Well they spend at least 12 years in school being told acting like a man is wrong, what do we expect? Need to start by dropping this entire PC BS.
Melvin| 6.20.11 @ 10:26AM
Oh no, not those bible and gun toting empty air headed Conservative women do you. All they want to do is stay at home and have babies, and take care of their families. Making a women do that is down right sexist.
This crap I would fully expect from the Communist Democrats, but I am sad to say, this is the dogma spewed by the Country Club Blue Blood Republicans.
The most sickening part is when these, I'm sorry I cannot even begin to bring myself to calling the Republican leadership men get in-front of the TV cameras and they are all perfectly coiffed, tanned, and they're Brooks Brothers suits are oh so perfectly fitted.
For God's sakes they don't even have the mannerisms of a males. What male in their right mind would get a spray tan or visit a tanning booth in the middle of Winter?
These poofy pampered Little Lord Fauntleroy's strut about Washington D.C. like Peacocks who have been neutered .
All pretty feathers and fluff, but no once ounce of conviction.
Gary| 6.20.11 @ 10:44AM
Yup... Melvin, you're 100% correct. The lowest form of life in DC is an establishment Republican. Their list of betrayals would reach to the moon.
With a Democrat, you at least know what you're getting - a textbook Marxist.
The best answer is to primary these RINO SOBs out of office. The second best answer is a third party. If Palin did that, The Muslim would get a second term. Would that be worth sending the Republicans to the back benches again? Maybe so...
If Romney or Perry gets nominated, it'll be the same crap again - the lesser of evils. Raise your hand if you're sick to death of that?
Gladius| 6.20.11 @ 9:28PM
I believe everybody in Washington for more then 12 yrs is responsible for the mess we are in and everybody should take a good look at the Republican leadership. You know the Dems won't change any time soon.
Mike Gabel| 6.20.11 @ 10:37AM
Great work ladies! It is my honor to stand with you.
Connie| 6.20.11 @ 10:43AM
Women are very strong in their beliefs and impart them to their family. I am tired of our Republican men in leadership who don't have a "backbone." Quit trying to please everyone and stand up for what you believe in! Or do you only believe in getting re-elected instead of strong values?
rendite| 6.21.11 @ 4:05AM
Connie, I have nothing at all against strong women. We need them. And God bless these two women from Bucks County.
But...Connie will you and others here who bemoan our emasculated society stand with me when I:
1. END all affirmative action. All current laws immediately nullified. All women who benefitted from clear bias due to gender removed from posts/jobs.
2. Point out the women-led movement (by name and who funds them) for abortions across the land.
3. End the presence of women in our military, at our military academies, and in ROTC programs. Ditto for homosexual participation.
4. End Title IX nonsense in NCAA athletics.
5. End legal preferential treatment for women in divorce and custody cases.
6. Aid institutions that wish to return to only-male status, e.g. educational institutions.
7. End single women with children receiving welfare, stripping away the current ongoing, unmerited welfare benefits.
8. End all federal funding (taxpayers' money) for all schooling in large part to end the effeminate domain in America commonly called the university campus-academia-our perverted education system.
That's enough to start. There would be more later. This is not women bashing; this is what is needed to restore those strong values to which you refer.
Richard| 6.20.11 @ 12:10PM
Actually, conservative American reform movements are typically begun and led by women going back at least to the anti-tobacco, anti-drinking, pro democracy, pro Christain movement that ushered in the Victorian era in the early 19th century. They were driven not only by the "cult of male drinking" and inconsiderate disease spreading tobacco spitters but by political corruption and central control.
Stuart Koehl| 6.20.11 @ 10:41PM
Actually, all of the movements you mentioned were exceedingly radical, not conservative at all.
Karen Bracken| 6.20.11 @ 12:41PM
These two ladies are loving mothers and wives that prove you really can do it all and do it well. I worked at the Liberty HQs with these ladies and I look forward to joining them again in 2012. They are dedicated patriots.
Mike Hawk| 6.20.11 @ 3:25PM
If Liberals fear Sarah Palin, they should be prepared for others like Ana and Anastasia and go screaming into the funny farm. They are fearless and focused. They drive the left nuts. In person both are charming and smart. Great article Ned.
Redstateboy| 6.20.11 @ 4:23PM
may be this is where the country took that Left turn.. when the Left convinced Men not to lead and Woman not to follow thereby compelling woman to enter the work force instead of staying home. If we had more stay-at-home-Moms we wouldn't have a 10th of the challenges we're dealing with now. Nothing could turn this country around faster and get us moving in the right direction than having millions of Conservative stay at home Moms!
Michael Bergsma| 6.20.11 @ 5:27PM
Here in Corpus Christi, the teaparty leadership has lots of women. The Republican county chairman is a woman who got her political start in one of our teaparty groups.
wholesale underwears | 6.20.11 @ 11:30PM
Yeah. Now a loto f women become the leaders, right? Women also can apply for some respective jobs.
weddingdresses | 6.21.11 @ 5:39AM
Here in Corpus Christi, the teaparty leadership has lots of women. The Republican county chairman is a woman who got her political start in one of our teaparty groups.
k962| 6.21.11 @ 6:11AM
For years I have been watching the media denigrate the American white male. On commercials the male is always made to look stupid or ill informed or just a meat head, while the wife and the kids are made to look intelligent. In schools males are taught to have more "feelings" instead of thinking logically. The whole culture has become feminized. Men have been indoctrinated to shut up lest they be tagged
as "sexist".
Bucks Cty Doubter| 6.21.11 @ 5:03PM
Both of these women are registered paid lobbyists in PA. Look it up. How can you be grassroots when you are a lobbyist?
In addition, one of them had their house foreclosed on not too long ago. Again, look it up. I guess it's the school of Christine O'Donnell again ... that is, do as I say and not as I do. Love it how some of these folks (like O'Donnell and one of these women) scream fiscal conservatism - when they do not practice it themselves.
Nothing but self-promoters and trying to get on Fox News here. The author should have dug a little deeper on the background of these two.
I want Obama out in 2012 - so I am not a tea party basher. I am just against people talking out both sides of their mouth.
Mike Hawk| 6.21.11 @ 8:04PM
I am acquainted with them and you are full of (*%^&.
Dan McCabe| 6.22.11 @ 8:12AM
So, if someone takes the time to spend advocating (lobbying) for a position that they believe in at the state capitol, this somehow disqualifies them? That is one of the most stupid comments I've seen.
And they are not self-promoters; they promote conservative ideas and principles. They have the guts to put their name out there and take the hits from ignorant people like "Bucks Cty Doubter" who has made these distorted accusations before and yet is too much of a coward to actually use their name.
Bucks Cty Doubter| 6.21.11 @ 9:56PM
I guess I am more acquainted with them than you. Search the PA Lobbyist Database at:
https://www.palobbyingservices.state.pa.us/ACT134/Public/EnhancedSearch.aspx
Here are their lobbyist registration numbers:
L27419 Puig, Ana L. Lobbyist
L27754 Przybylski, Anastasia Lobbyist
Don't have a link for Ana's housing foreclosure - but if you are interested, have a lawyer or someone familiar with foreclosures in Bucks County look it up. Not hard to find.
They are a step down from Christine O'Donnell (at least she ran for something) on the conservative leadership scale.
You want to ignore facts, go ahead. I don't care what you think anyways.
Marlene Douglas Fine| 6.27.11 @ 1:14PM
Bucks Cty Doubter, Yes, you are entitled to your opinions; however, before you start bashing women or men who are trying very hard to keep our freedoms intact, look at yourself. What are you personally doing aside from writing nasty comments to an article in the American Spectator? Are you one of those people, that judge while sitting on the sidelines doing nothing? Are you a true law abiding citizen - are you a citizen? Are you recognized for the great work you are doing in the community, as well as for the nation? All people need to get a pat on the back, but if you have criticisms or suggestions, please look at the way they come out in a written comment and ask yourself, how would I feel if this was falsely stated about me? Did I gather all the facts before I wrote? ......
Ana | 6.22.11 @ 12:23AM
Bucks County Doubter, this is Ana Puig here. Yes, I am not afraid to come on and show myself like you are! Get your facts straight. Yes, I have had to register as a lobbyist in PA in order to be able to push through some much needed school choice legislation. Yes, I am taking a small stipen to cover the babysitting costs of my 4 children. I am not ashamed to admit to it. It doesn't make me a bad person or not a patriot. I am still fighting like hell to save this country from the Obama's of the world. Now, when it comes to the foreclosure part of your comment, I have to flat out tell you that you are very mistaken. I have never foreclosed on a house. I had to do a short sale on my house in MN because I bought it in 2005 at the height of the market and had to sell it due to a job transfer at the very bottom of the market. A short sale is very different than a foreclosure. And, even if I had had a foreclosure, I would not have been ashamed to say so. I am a fiscal conservative, I have no debt. Attack me, go ahead, but get your facts straight. BTW, do you ever do more than just sit at your keyboard and play "keyboard warrior"??? Your country needs you.
Pelligrino| 6.22.11 @ 9:11PM
Dear Mrs. Puig,
Good evening. Goodness, you have provided a real rarity on these American Spectator web pages. You, as the good subject of the article, have done readers the extra treat of adding to the article's follow-on comments. Thank you.
But please do not think that most readers would give much credence to the B. County Doubter's statement. Most all of us are tipping our hats and wishing to convey our appreciation for what you, Mrs. Przybylski, and probably many good friends are working to help fix in Bucks County and beyond.
Thank you!
Your challenge to BCD is one for all of us: It is easy to be a keyboard warrior. And it can help. But what are we doing to preserve and sustain a nation so richly blessed by God? Yes, our country needs us to do more.
Thank you and your friend for your good examples and energy.
P.S. If you ever want to come a bit further south and help turn things around in Maryland, please, you are most welcome!
Additionally, please collaborate with American Spectator staff to give us insights into your native land Brazil. A very important country in this hemisphere and the world that we should understand better.
chuck| 7.13.11 @ 9:00PM
Its amazing that you neglect to say they are paid lobbyists. These two have been awful towards the Tea Party activists in PA.