The Tea Party 

        I heard our Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid call the Tea Party “right-wing extremists” a few days ago.  I found this statement interesting.  There was a time in this country when most views shared by the Tea Party would have been considered “politically moderate.”  How far to the left have some of our politicians moved to call people associating with the Tea Party “right-wing extremists.”

        I have heard the Tea Party called fragmented and unorganized.  They are not an official party and have no formal platform or candidates.  This is all true and I am glad for that.  I hope they never become a political party or align with an existing political party.  If they did, the Tea Party could get as mired down in “party politics” as the Republicans and Democrats.   

A friend once told me that, as a country, we have not put “our country” before personal interests since WWII.  I don’t totally agree with that statement, but we definitely have a lot of special interest groups that put their interests ahead of the best interests of the country.  Our growing government, out-of-control government spending, and increasing government debt is clear proof of this. 

So who is the Tea Party?  I think the Tea Party is a lot of “politically independent” people that were the “silent majority” of this country, and are now concerned for the future of this country.  There are a lot of different issues.  Not everyone involved with the Tea Party movements agree with the issues, and that’s the way it should be. 

There are social issues and fiscal issues.  Personally I think we need to address the serious fiscal issues and put the social issues on hold.  Most social issues should not be the business of our Federal Government anyway in my opinion. 

I think the most predominant concerns for most people that might associate with the Tea Party movement is the growth of government, out-of-control government spending, and government debt that could threaten the future of this country.  These Tea Party supporters will support candidates for office from any party that have these same concerns. 

They will elect candidates that express similar views.  If the elected officials don’t follow through, they will be voted out the next time.  This is the way it should be.  People associated with the Tea Party are tired of the political deal making and “compromises” that perpetuate the problem.  They want results.

       

        I don’t care if you are Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, left or right, if you get a chance to attend a tea party event, do it.   I have attended several Tea Party events.  I have even been a scheduled speaker at a couple.  You may not agree with some or all of what you hear.  I don’t agree with everything I hear at a Tea Party event, but I am impressed and admire the way the events are conducted. 

People conduct themselves in an orderly and civilized manner.  If there are signs or individuals that are not appropriate, they are asked to leave.  Tea Party attendees understand they all are responsible for the image they project and are responsible for self-policing their events.  No BS excuses like, “It’s OK, they’re just so passionate about their beliefs.”

There is no damage, violence or death threats at Tea Party events.  When an event is over, there is hardly a scrap of paper left behind.  Other groups staging rallies and protests could learn a lot from the Tea Party.  They might actually do some good for their cause.  They might actually change someone’s mind instead of just alienating people.