Rise of the Tea Party

[mikew]

Really?  What's so dumb about it?

[buckethead]

Here's the thing:

The Tea Party, like any group of people, are an assembly of individuals. NN correctly reported the most common ideology among the ranks.

Are there knuckle dragging racists calling themselves Tea Partiers? I haven't met any, but if I had to make an accurate guess or die, I'd say yes.

What I find unsettling is lumping so many people into a group held in disdain only serves to further divide the voting population.

I'm betting the average Tea party member is more intelligent than most seem to here believe, although no one has all the right answers.

Are they a astroturf concoction? How the hell should I know?  I can find "information" to support just about any argument on the WWnet.

If you really consider yourselves the best and the brightest, (let's be honest... you do) you owe it to the rest of us to be patient and tolerant, while informing us (the knuckledraggers) of truths and helping us get our poor skinned knuckles off the ground. *enter the famous how soon is now line here*

We'll all feel better afterward.  


Disclaimer: not directed at any individual, rather the general consensus.

[JeffreyS]

They blew me away protesting the Clay County teachers.  Tell me the rational for that one.

[mikew]

What's that have to do with anything?    I keep up with politics and read the news - the New York Times, the Huffington Post, the Nation.  They're all outraged by the Koch Brothers involvement, yet not a peep from them on protests lead by Left leaning individuals or organizations.

Most people don't even realize that Koch Brothers aren't what you'd call straight up conservatives.  They support gay marriage and opposed the Iraq War.

[buckethead]

I can't believe I'm going to do this, but; Fox News. (the battle cry is against anything government. I have fallen prey to this line of thinking myself.)

Perhaps my introduction to politics was from the wrong source, but my interest was sparked. I search out truth, rather than seeking to reaffirm my beliefs. If I can try, others can and will.

I consider my world view a work in progress.

Maybe there is no hope.

[NotNow]

A good example Jeffrey.  I would agree that was a poor decision on the part of the local tea party.  I do, however, agree with the national goals of less Federal power and empowerment of the states.   As well as strict "Constitutional government".

[buckethead]

What's that have to do with anything?    I keep up with politics and read the news - the New York Times, the Huffington Post, the Nation.  They're all outraged by the Koch Brothers involvement, yet not a peep from them on protests lead by Left leaning individuals or organizations.

Most people don't even realize that Koch Brothers aren't what you'd call straight up conservatives.  They support gay marriage and opposed the Iraq War.

I am a straight up conservative and I support gay marriage and I oppose the war in Iraq.

maybe I need to get up with the Koch bros.

We could form a boy band.

[NotNow]

Really?  What's so dumb about it?

Name 10 people that you personally know who are on 'the left'.

How is this relevant to anything, my leftist friend?

[NotNow]

A good example Jeffrey.  I would agree that was a poor decision on the part of the local tea party.  I do, however, agree with the national goals of less Federal power and empowerment of the states.   As well as strict "Constitutional government".

except the parts you don't agree with, right?

No, the Constitution I agree with, it is the numbnuts who want to twist it for thier own ideology that I don't agree with. 

[mikew]

Did I say I didn't know any actual leftists, Stephen, or did you make that assumption?

I work in the ad business in Atlanta and New York.  I'm surrounded by Leftists.  I've argued with plenty of them about the Tea Party.  They too, think it's an astroturf organization and racist.  Of course, they've never actually been to a Tea Party rally.  

Like you, they're good at making assumptions that are false.

[JeffreyS]

What's that have to do with anything?    I keep up with politics and read the news - the New York Times, the Huffington Post, the Nation.  They're all outraged by the Koch Brothers involvement, yet not a peep from them on protests lead by Left leaning individuals or organizations.

Most people don't even realize that Koch Brothers aren't what you'd call straight up conservatives.  They support gay marriage and opposed the Iraq War.

I am a straight up conservative and I support gay marriage and I oppose the war in Iraq.

maybe I need to get up with the Koch bros.

We could form a boy band.

Yes but could you stomach them being the biggest polluters of our grand river. (They own Georgia Pacific.)

[NotNow]

"A closed mind is a good thing to lose. "

Anonymous

[mikew]

Did I say I didn't know any actual leftists, Stephen, or did you make that assumption?

I work in the ad business in Atlanta and New York.  I'm surrounded by Leftists.  I've argued with plenty of them about the Tea Party.  They too, think it's an astroturf organization and racist.  Of course, they've never actually been to a Tea Party rally. 

Like you, they're good at making assumptions that are false.

really?  What assumptions are you referring to?

Lets start there, since your whole post is about assumptions.

I have a better idea.  Why don't you get the point?

The point I made is that both sides have financial backers that get involved in demonstrations and movements.  Yet the Democrats seem to act like it's a Republican monopoly.

[Clem1029]

Did I say I didn't know any actual leftists, Stephen, or did you make that assumption?

I work in the ad business in Atlanta and New York.  I'm surrounded by Leftists.  I've argued with plenty of them about the Tea Party.  They too, think it's an astroturf organization and racist.  Of course, they've never actually been to a Tea Party rally. 

Like you, they're good at making assumptions that are false.

really?  What assumptions are you referring to?

Lets start there, since your whole post is about assumptions.

I have a better idea.  Why don't you get the point?

*looks at post count*

Ah, you're new here. That explains your question.

[NotNow]

A good example Jeffrey.  I would agree that was a poor decision on the part of the local tea party.  I do, however, agree with the national goals of less Federal power and empowerment of the states.   As well as strict "Constitutional government".

except the parts you don't agree with, right?

No, the Constitution I agree with, it is the numbnuts who want to twist it for thier own ideology that I don't agree with.  

Hmm.  this doesnt match up with your posting history.

So do you believe that felons can rightfully posess firearms as a matter of constitutional law?

Yes, the second ammendment makes no bones about the right to keep and bear arms.  I feel the same way about the right to vote.  There is no provision for "removing" a persons God given rights.  And in NotNow's America, those convicted of forcible felonies would need a walker to get to the gun store or voting booth.  Of course, current US law does not comply with this.  

And you believe that the central government should dictate our medical rights, and charge us for doing it.  And that same central government can tax us for any reason whatsoever.  I've been reading your posts as well.