Refocusing Our Energies

[sheri1449]

It seems to me that we need to incorporate, in the 4th of July rally, some of the things that have occurred since the first Tea Party

BO is still trying to close Gitmo but doesn't have a place to put the detainees. He is now acting to get some kind of socialized health insurance enacted. Pelosi has proven to be a liar concerning her knowledge of waterboarding (by July 4th, she hopefully will no longer be Speaker).

We need to stay focused on all things that are occurring & not get "locked in" to what we protested about initially (which is, of course, still an issue). It is important that we all keep up with the news & remain focused on the many issues that are now coming to our attention.

California's economic situation (Pelosi's state) is a smaller example of what the Congress is trying to do with the US economy: California spent money, raised taxes, & now is bankrupt.

The bailout money given to Chrysler & GM appears to be money that was "wasted". Chrysler has already stated they will be filing for bankruptcy - GM will probably soon follow. Closing dealerships will cause more people to file for unemployment benefits.

The economic problems of our country appear to be escalating - which admittedly is what BO stated would occur before things got better. But, spending needs to be curtailed. We need to remain determined to get our voices heard.

[joel311]

You are entirely correct regarding the "refocusing of energies".

In order to apply meaningful pressure to the place(s) where it may have the biggest bang for the buck, (in my not particularly humble opinion)it is not just by attendance and noisy sign holding at a place of public notice; but rather by a sign bearing attendance in support of candidates for office who most closely agree with the desires for restoration of American values, of the Tea Party Goers, and the eschewing of socialist anti free market, personal freedom destroying policies of the state and national governments du jour.

Individuals who may be Tee shirted, and or sign holding who may be bi or non-partisan in their numbers, supporting both by small donations and presence will gather notice when their attendance is performed en bloc.

Select individual conservative candidates, interview and question them for assessment of their true positions, rather than the ordinary lip service paying RINO professional polititurds, who are generally more interested in personal political tenure a la Arlen Specter, than service to the nation or state.

Directed and focused attention towards one or two candidates will get the attention of the lazy MSM and the favored or negatively impacted individual Pol. A lawful and respectful attendance in patriotic garbed, "message sign" bearing numerical force to protest a negative politician/candidate or favor a politician/candidate would have an effect of clear grass roots organization and support and not the "Astro Turf" with a well financed effort by the common leftist political reptiles or an Acorn or Moveon.org. (May jock itch and athelete's foot follow them the rest of their days)

Joel Ariel

Please note that while I personally favor two candidates for office at the state and national level (one for Gov. and one for Senate) I have left them out of the message of this instant in order not to politicize the content.
Individual support for selected candidates may be worked attended to at a later time and date.


Long Live the Great American Tea Sipping and Coiled Rattlesnake Appreciation & Preservation society

[sheri1449]

As we are a Grassroots & Nonpartisan group, I have a problem with endorsing any individual. We would look like we are backed by a political organization. This changes the "image" of our being "regular people" from many different walks of life getting together to protest legislation that is harmful to the future of our country.

I, personally, am not a "Conservative". I am a Moderate who leans in both directions depending on the issue. I will freely admit, though, to being a Fiscal Conservative.

There is nothing wrong with our encouraging people to vote against those legislators who voted for the stimulus package, bailouts, & pork. But, care needs to be taken concerning how this is phrased -without encouraging voting for (or against) a specific individual. A possible general statement needs to be devised that states our opposition & beliefs.

Our focus definitely should be on getting as many legislators out of Congress in 2010. This is not necessarily only Democrats - although I believe no Republican voted for the legislation (if any did, they should also be removed).

I'm glad you mentioned ACORN. This organization needs to be stopped from registering voters. I firmly believe that we need to "go on the attack" against them.

What is most important is that we present a united front - showing up in numbers with similar messages. We need to avoid hateful comments, name-calling, & accusations - as this only demeans our cause.

[joel311]

With great respect for your personal opinions, positions, choices and values, simply stating one's opposition to the privations of the ruling entity is much like "Dennis the Peasant" calling out for someone to "witness the violence inherent in the system".

If you only claim, no matter how loudly or notwithstanding the colorfullness of your personal decorations and sineage, nothing will be accomplished. Rather all of the effort(s) will be dilluted and fade away without notice of effect. The current mal administration will continue doing what it wishes unchecked. It clearly now has a majority in both houses of congress, and it promises to get worse.

The best (once again, in MY opinion)option is to support those persons seeking office that will provide elequent and noticable opposition to the Executive's roughshod running over the other branchs of government.

Being a "conservative" regardless of stripe; cultural, fiscal, or social, is not in question. Most likely more accurately none of us are, (not wishing to conserve the recent poor past showings of government) but more properly; I believe, that the correct political orientation appleation for the "Tea Party Goers" is closer to "Restorationists".
Those seeking the restoration of what was the simplefied and very workable vision of the founding Fathers; the Jerrersons, Addamses and Madisons, understanding their disagreements and their personal piques regarding the State vs Federalism.

Being a "moderate" is somewhat of an oddity in the present political climate. I do not question your right to claim moderation as a political mantle, I just question it's base effectiveness.

Obviously the predatory nature of what is currently called "liberalism", but which is more correctly socialism, or even national socialism, seeks to gobble up those whose forte is moderation, as would a Great White "Jaws" Shark does bait thrown in it's territoiral waters.

How does one have any effect if one stays outside of the political support/opposition venue?


Nationwide review of the various Tea Parties have indicated a pretty much similar and spontaneous message:
Lower or reduced taxes.
Less spending and sunseting of foolish boondoggle "pork filled" and wastefullly needless or non cost effective programs.
Smaller and more efficient government that is openly transparant and responsive to the electorate.
Greater attention towards national defense.
Support of and for our friends and clearly expressed cynacism antipathy towards our enemies.

There have been other messages depending on the specific venue, but the above is pretty much what has been called for.
The White House and congress (and of course the Main Stream Media) have scorned and snidely; vulgarly laughed at the Tea Party attendees. It is their intention to continue to do so.

Their attention needs to be focused. That is not dodne with signage and t-shirts or hats; whistles and bells,m but with a clear showing of what the power of a directed voting block can do in terms of actual votes, campaign contributions(although small amounts)and word or mouth support of specific candidates.

Find the appropriate candidate that mostly agrees with the goals and beliefs of the Tea Sippers and support that person AFTER he or she has committed to the goals and beliefs. There simply is NOT going to be any recalls or throwing out of office any of the non responsive polititurds. They will just consolidate and reinforce their personal positions in office.
They must be, one by one, replaced with new and responsible individuals, candidates who are more in tune with true American ideals of responsive governance.

Pardon me for having run on so long. It is a personal failing.

Joel Ariel

Long live the Great American Tea Sipping and coiled Rattle Snake Appreciation & Preservation Society

[sheri1449]

Joel, I agree with everything you said.

My previous comment was merely a wariness at becoming a "politically" backed organization - where we are perceived to be associated with the Republican or even Libertarian party.

The five messages you have highlighted in bold are exactly what we need to focus on.

I definitely agree with your statement about avoiding
"signage and t-shirts or hats; whistles and bells,
and instead focusing on
"a clear showing of what the power of a directed voting block can do...".

As for my being a "Moderate" -- what would you call a person who:

Is Pro-Choice & has no problem with Stem-Cell Research?
Is an environmentalist?
Is an Animal Rights person who does not believe in research on animals?
Is uncomfortable with the Death Penalty?
Is a Fiscal Conservative?
Believes in Backing our Troops?
Believes in Homeland Security & National Defense being a priority?
Believes in our traditional system of government?

I lean in all directions.

I know! Call me an "AMERICAN"!!!

[joel311]

Good day again,
What would I call a person with those attributes you have outlined?
Well,... you say an American.

I can happily live with that but I would also add the attribute that is so essential to an American's personality; ....
an Individual American

The putative National Socialist government du jour of the ruling party, would have each of us; all and singular, be an ingredient in a poorly flavored, badly prepared stew.

Thank you all the same, I much prefer having the government wary of me rather than me (a la DHS's shameful and now retracted report on Potential "Right Wing" Extremists) being wary of the government.

I do NOT require a Nanny, nor do I need my nappies changed at the call of the Great "Half White Father who art in D.C."

Joel Ariel

Beware of coiled Rattle Snakes hiding in Tea Pots across America.

[sheri1449]

Individual American? Definitely. But, even more so - Independent American.

I have always "marched to my own drummer". I follow my own path - even if it goes away from the "herd".

But, that is what our wonderful country is all about:

Following your dreams & your "vision".
Making your life what you want it to be.

THAT is what we are fighting for!!!

[cookielady]

I think our focus should be on restoring and honoring our constitution. If our elected officials were governing according to the guidelines outlined by our founding fathers, we would not have the problems we have today. WE need to make it as clear as possible, that we want our rights protected. We have to put elected officials feet to the fire, ask them more questions about how they feel about how big goverment is getting.