Week 45, Day 309 - "The First Tea Partiers"

“The First Tea Partiers”

Written by Joe Janes

11/23/09

309 of 365

Cast:

Sam Adams

Colonist One

As many colonists as possible

(Lights up on Sam Adams addressing an angry mob of colonists.)

SAM

This meeting can do nothing further to save the country. Fellow colonists, the British Parliament has imposed upon us a tax on our tea. (Angry mob uproar) A tax imposed upon us without a single American representing us. (Angry mob response)

COLONSIST ONE

But, the Tea Act of 1773 actually reduces the cost of legally imported tea. It will save us money.

(Pause)

SAM

Uh… No taxation without representation! (The mob joins him in chanting) No taxation without representation! No taxation without representation!

(The angry mob starts to storm off.)

COLONIST ONE

Wait! Where’s everyone going?

SAM

We’re going to the ships to dump all the tea in the harbor.

COLONIST ONE

You’re damaging someone else’s property. That’s vandalism. It’s thievery. Not to mention how you’ll also be poisoning the fish in the water. Have you no conscience? You’ll be committing a horrible crime.

(An awkward pause as Sam and the colonists look ashamed.)

SAM

We’ll blame it on Indians!

(The mob cheers as they storm off. Blackout.)