Comments on: The Tea Party: A phony grassroots movement headed for political oblivion?

By: Dan H

Dan H — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:10:39 +0000

Yes, there are a lot of Americans tired of the same dance in DC. But what they fail to admit is that part of the reason we’re where we are is because Americans have been lazy and not paying attention. They worry more about voting for American Idol than for their representatives in gov’t. They don’t bother to learn what the issues are, preferring to let Fox News or MSNBC tell them what to think. They accept the expedient lies of politicians promising endless tax cuts with no consequences. The ‘angry voter’ is part of the problem, but of course people would rather point fingers than look in the mirror. The phenomenon known as the Tea Party is really a movement created, organized and led by corporations and Wall St. that taps into people’s natural tendency to point the finger of blame, giving them something to blame and go after. As demonstrated by the one sided view f the Tea Party, it becomes obvious who the wizard hding behind the curtain pulling the levers. The only thing wrong is government; the silence of the Tea Party regarding the oil spill or other corporate malfeasance says it all. This site explains the real forces behind the tea party – http://wp.me/pNmlT-f7

By: Almandine

Almandine — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:39:29 +0000

Real classy, Bill.

By: Bill

Bill — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:20:44 +0000

The expression, “Shit Happens” epitomizes the Tea Party to me. They are the excrement on the shoes of America, and although their stink rises to the level at which one breathes, it is hoped that someone will wash them into a waste treatment center. I just hope it happens before they do too much damage.

By: woody188

woody188 — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 04:21:45 +0000

Fox News acknowledges the different groups comprising the Tea Party movement. C'mon Doug, you used to be better than Fox News.

By: paulb6

paulb6 — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:11:11 +0000

believe that the people of the tea parties are tired of politics as usual and feel that there prior party of affiliation has been taken over by political ideas that do not represent there ideas now. When ever any party is created you will always have some who are uninformed of the current politics, however that is the extreme minority, you will have most who are informed in all the political arguments of the current day. Examine closely and you will find that the composition of the average Tea Party person is from either party, however they are tired of special interests capturing the party’s candidates attention and having the party voting not in the favor of there members ideas but in the special interest groups . Both party’s better wake up and realize that the tea party is not a fringe group of lunatics or radicals . I actually believe this myth is made up and spread because of the threat they present to the special interest and the rich who govern both parties.

By: Doug Thompson

Doug Thompson — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:22:39 +0000

I don’t know what they say about name calling. I just pointed out the truth about the sham organization that has lured you and others into its clutches. The fact that you are so caught up in the hype that you can’t recognize the truth is sad.

When something real comes along I’ll praise it but this outfit is not real. I was there when this sham began. You weren’t. So don’t try to confuse the argument with links to others who weren’t there and have no idea what happened or how this con job started.

The Tea Party gets no slack here. Neither do the fools that follow it.

By: woody188

woody188 — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 06:22:34 +0000

And another thing, you used to claim the Tea Party was dangerous and not unlike terrorists back when they were first gaining momentum. Now that Armey's groups have been successful in self-proclaiming themselves as the national voice for the Tea Party and the media has gone along with it, now they are just idiots and fruitcakes? Or would you like to repeat the claim that the Tea Party and hence, Richard Keith Armey as Chairman of FreedomWorks (previously Citizens for a Sound Economy), are terrorists? When the Tea Party first started it was decided to base leadership on a de-centralized model. This was to prevent exactly what the Armey's of the world wanted, to co-opt the popular movement and bring them under the "big tent." Real Tea Party activists know to be wary of any national group trying to control local Tea Party organizations. Name-calling by the editor-in-chief is likewise very unbecoming. What is it they say about name-calling in debate?

By: woody188

woody188 — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 05:51:09 +0000

Just one problem with that, one of the Tea Party core values is decentralization. The real grassroots don't acknowledge FreedomWorks or Americans for Prosperity because they are nationally organized. They don't trust them. They despise Palin as she is anathema to their cause. You continually point to these top down groups and ignore the real people attending events and the local organizers battle with the nationally organized wings that they see as part of the problem, not part of the solution. Beginning Of The End: Sarah Palin Hijacks The Tea Party Movement You wanted something different, something that couldn't be corrupted, and when it came along, you lambasted it as fake and helped to destroy it. Of course the mainstream media latched onto the nationally organized groups and promoted them as THE "Tea Party." Who didn't let Ron Paul attend the Republican debate in 2008 even though he grossed more donations, and had the highest contributions from those currently serving in the military? I'm only trying to keep things honest and open. It's not often you are wrong but you are wrong and I can't change that. Only you can change that. At least acknowledge that with at least 40% of the Tea Party identifying themselves as Independent and Democrat, there is NO WAY the movement is what it is being portrayed to be in the mainstream media and even by yourself. NO WAY!

By: Doug Thompson

Doug Thompson — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 21:12:59 +0000

Unlike you, Woody, I was in the conference room of the GOP consultant on the day Citizens for a Sound Economy — the precursor of the Tea Party — was founded.

Unlike you, Woody, I worked inside the GOP and know the inner workings of the group of conservatives who formed the basis of Citizens for a Sound Economy, Freedom Works, etc. — all acknowledged as the beginnings of the Tea Party.

Unlike Teacher, I know who Dick Armey is and the role he played in the creation of this whole sham.

I don’t have to check my facts because I was there at the beginning. I don’t recall seeing you or any other of the keyboard commandos around at the time.

Don’t pretend to lecture me on the history of sham grassroots organizations like the Tea Party. I helped create too many of them during my tenure as a political operative. I fought those wars and have the bruises to prove it.

You want history? Try checking your facts:

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/off-the-markley/2010/02/tea-party-movement-a-bunch-of-phony-corporate-d-bags.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alex-brantzawadzki/anatomy-of-the-tea-party_b_380575.html

http://www.commoncause.org/atf/cf/%7BFB3C17E2-CDD1-4DF6-92BE-BD4429893665%7D/Walker%20summary.pdf

http://www.prwatch.org/cash-roots

Jesus, no wonder these fringe groups gain so much ground — there are so many idiots out there willing to join.

By: Ray

Ray — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 18:46:40 +0000

I am forever amused when people say “if we stick to the principles on which this country was founded” as if there are actually people in government who do not. It is sad that our government has been in a dissolute state for some time but both parties are to blame so why would you even believe any one you support would not do the same?
The major problem with a limited government is it would not have survived the early years of our country. I suspect some historian can make a pretty good case that almost every administration has expanded government since Washington’s time. In fact Reagan was one of the worst offenders. So why believe your guy?
What we need are people willing to tackle the tough issues and find solutions i.e. in other words we need to change the perverted system of politics we have to a more efficient system better able to address the needs of our country.