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Coast to coast, tea partiers promote their cause

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“We’ve lost respect in the world. We are going broke. The American dream is dying and our social and cultural fabric is unraveling,” said Republican Congressman Mike Pence

So, let's take them one at a time...

Lost respect: yes, Bush went to war on lies and deceit...No WMDS

Going broke: uh huh, 2 costly wars and the deregulation of the banking industry did that

American Dream: yeah right, wake up dude, the dream died a long time ago, you're just having flashbacks now

Social & Cultural fabric: these are right wing catch phrases for gay marriage, and white people in charge, respectively. Need I say more.

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A lot of confused people out there. They think government has grown too large and spends too much. Obviously in a country where 30,000 people are paid to listen to phone calls looking for terrorists they are right. But if they don't like it why did they and their parents spend the last 30 years voting for it?

And the American dream is dieing, so that is a reason to cut taxes? Perhaps they should have a look at tax rates back in the Eisenhower / Nixon America of their fantasies.

America is broke (actually a country that issues its own currency can never go broke but the bankers will not tell you that) because of the deregulation of the banking industry, and the misallocated "investment" (including wars) and the massive opportunities for control fraud that resulted from that. The problem is not the "government", the problem is that the government, the banks, corporate America, and the media are all the same thing, and they are sucking the country dry. People who ignore that fact and stand there shouting about government, taxes, and the "social fabric" deserve what they have coming.

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I defy any of the commentators here - American or non-American - to provide an example of a similarly spontaneous, self-organizing populist movement America has produced that is anywhere near as big and enduring as this movement. That the Left and the fat cat Beltway Insider Repubs are alternately terrified and dismissive of the 'tea parties' is to me the surest sign that those attending these rallies are a voice that will have to be reckoned with.

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TimRussert@how about the IWW -- 105 years old this year? The Green Party? The 'No-nothings'? Even the American Communist Party, which attracted huge rallies in the 1930s. It could even be argued that Strom Thurmond's Dixiecrats are still in existence, ('Fighting integration and equal rights since 1948'). Tea partiers are just an angry splinter group whose rants, the cable TV networks have decided, are amusing enough to warrant footage in an election year.

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Try, and fail, from Beelzebub. None of the groups cited were spontaneous, self-organizing movements. The rest of your post is just full of silly caricatures - - the long-dead Dixiecrats and cable news, which seems to terrify so many authoritarian Leftists.

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Tea partiers are just an angry splinter group whose rants, the cable TV networks have decided, are amusing enough to warrant footage in an election year.

I thought that the whole point of America is that one has the right to protest when they feel that things are not going well or they have a difference. Watching the Tea Party, I have not seen any of the signs so prevelant back when "W" was in office like the ones you would see at Code Pink Rallies and other organized mobs protesting the war and Bush. Funny how those rallies were seen as an exercise in their constitutional rights. Just like the massive illegal alien rallies that were in the US a few years back.

Breitbart has put out a challenge for anyone that can show a racist or otherwise show inflammatory action going on at a Tea Party rally he would pay $100,000. So far no takers, because if there would have been and he not paid, the press would have exposed it and it would be all over the news.

If you don't like what the Tea Party stands for, then don't vote for elected officals that they back. Support the candidates that you do like, and let other support whom they like.

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“We’ve lost respect in the world. We are going broke. The American dream is dying and our social and cultural fabric is unraveling,”

And the best thing to do would be to panic and start all over. I think that is the post-Soviet scenario. Tear it all down and build up the economy again based on natural resources.

What the tea-partiers lack is an understanding of how necessary but delicate the social fabric is, and what happens when you rip it up. Cutting taxes sounds cute, but if it means destroying a century of social infrastructure, is it such a good idea?

I do not think I have heard a single tea-partier say something constructive about the US, in terms of creating something new, I mean. It is all destruction and devolution.

TimRussert: easy. Chile (desaperacido mothers), Argentina (Peronista), "the Reagan revolution/Prop. 13", even the Carter candidacy had strong anti-establishment undercurrents

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"to provide an example of a similarly spontaneous, self-organizing populist movement America has produced that is anywhere near as big and enduring as this movement."

National socialism in Germany. But in America, I see a lot of similarities. The KKK is also a grass roots, right wing, almost all white, self-organizing populist movement. It has endured for about a century and a half, and had 4-5 million members in its heyday, which was about 15% of the population eligible to vote. So it has been bigger, and is about 75 times more enduring, despite its other similarities to the Tea Party.

Bull Moose Party (jilted VP candidate forms party Bigger, better, lasted longer than Tea Party ever will). America First (lasted about a decade, fielded candidates, won sometimes.). Ross Perot (grass roots, they basically drafted him lasted about 2 years, surfaced again 4 years later) Ralph Nader's grass roots organization.

I am not so sure that the Tea Party is either big or enduring. What, this is basically less than two years. Not one of their candidates has been elected yet. Are they registered anywhere as a party? I have not seen a single platform or even a plank. No convention. No delegates or any structure at all.

The Tea Party seems to be a branch of the Republican party, supporting mostly Republican candidates. Do they support a single Dem or Independent?

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Tim, I think you need to give us your definition of a) spontaneous and b) self-organizing.

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It makes no difference if the Tea Party is spontaneous or if there are fat cat puppets pulling the strings. It also makes no difference what people's motivation is for joining the movement, whether they are legitimately concerned citizens or angry, white crackpots. What matters is that they mistake the symptoms for the disease. They see the government is too big and say "hey, the government is too big". They see their taxes and say "hey my taxes are too high". And they never ask WHY??? They think the solution to excessive government is to vote for the same party that brought them the excessive government in the first place. How do you think that is going to work out?

The disease is simple - the ending of the gold standard and the deregulation of the banking system enabled the creation of a banking and corporate class (not only in the USA) that used their wealth to gain power and control over the system. A huge government/banking/corporate complex. A plutocracy. A Corpocracy. A Kleptocracy. An Oligarchy. Whatever. Everything that happens is because it suits their interests.

You have big, out of control, excessive government because it is in the banks' and corporations interests to have one. You have wars because it is in their interests. You have the right-left, red state vs. blue state divide because it is their interests. Everything. Especially promoting the idea that by changing political parties (AKA the hired help) things will change.

So even if you buy into the idea that the Tea Party is a legitimate movement that is what they are up against. They have no hope. And if you don't believe it is legitimate, they exist because it suits the money elite's interests for them to.

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Breitbart has put out a challenge for anyone that can show a racist or otherwise show inflammatory action going on at a Tea Party rally he would pay $100,000. So far no takers, because if there would have been and he not paid, the press would have exposed it and it would be all over the news.

Ahh, but if the media only reported facts... wow that would be great.

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GJDailleult - interesting post, some very good points.

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Are they registered anywhere as a party? I have not seen a single platform or even a plank. No convention. No delegates or any structure at all. The Tea Party seems to be a branch of the Republican party, supporting mostly Republican candidates. Do they support a single Dem or Independent?

Have you been reading the news? It is not a party, it is a movement of conservative-minded people who are supporting fiscal, social and constitutional conservatives, regardless of party. However by default of the above most candidates they support are Republican or Libertarian.

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"So even if you buy into the idea that the Tea Party is a legitimate movement that is what they are up against. They have no hope. And if you don't believe it is legitimate, they exist because it suits the money elite's interests for them to."

That strikes me as the rather jaundiced view of an outsider. You are not an American citizen, are you.

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"The KKK is also a grass roots, right wing, almost all white, self-organizing populist movement."

The KKK was the terror wing of the Democrat Party. This is widely and thoroughly documented. In addition to killing blacks in the South they also attacked Republican party offices and killed the supporters in attendance.

The Klan hid their identities, as part of official organizational protocol. It was dominated by white males, yes, but I rather doubt they brought their wives and kids along on their night time rides.

One can join and leave a "tea party" with zero compulsion or fear of retribution from a fellow participant.

If you are American you know damn well that was not the case with the KKK.

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Ten years from now you'll be able to ask an American teenager if he's ever heard of the Tea Party. He'll say 'Huh?' shrug, and go back to watching his MTV programme. I believe the Yank idiom to be applied here is 'flash in the pan'.

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"Have you been reading the news? It is not a party,"

Oh, then by "party" they must mean that they are not serious and are just celebrating. Is that it?

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That strikes me as the rather jaundiced view of an outsider. You are not an American citizen, are you.

Actually, that sounds like a rather educated view.

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Palin as the Mad Hatter no doubt. These people will further marginalise the USA.

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"The KKK was the terror wing of the Democrat Party"

Back when the Republicans were the party of Lincoln and national unity. Because the KKK were Confederates, it makes sense that they would be anything but Republicans, and they were. Their acts happened to benefit Southern Democrats, but calling them a terror wing is not called for and not documented. I think you are playing fast and loose with "Democrat," as in Southern Democrat. You need to remind Obama that the KKK is what Democrats are all about. I think he would be surprised. And you know also that they voted Republican eventually, and still do. David Duke is a Republican.

But speak to the point. I answered your challenge: it was a grass roots organization with greater longevity and wider appeal than the tea party, right? I listed others, but I knew this one would grab you.

"If you are American you know damn well that was not the case with the KKK."

You seem to be very knowledgeable about the KKK. I guess by your reckoning, that makes you more of an American and a better tea partier. I can see how that would be true.

"One can join and leave a "tea party" with zero compulsion or fear of retribution from a fellow participant."

Have you tried? Well, that is a benefit. Is that stated specifically on the brochures?

"Ten years from now you'll be able to ask an American teenager if he's ever heard of the Tea Party. He'll say 'Huh?' shrug, "

No Beelz. It will be on a test in history class "State the significance of the Tea Party, established in the US in 2009." and he will write, "This movie with Johnny Depp and the chick with the big head began the era of modern 3D movies."

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The KKK was the terror wing of the Democrat Party

You might want to remember that the KKK was not a strong supporter of their fellow Democrat, JFK, since he was a Catholic and the KKK had no use for them either. As well as Jews and other religious groups.

But, I don't see why stating that you want to have more responsible government spending, and securing our borders is a racist thing.

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@"Ten years from now you'll be able to ask an American teenager if he's ever heard of the Tea Party. He'll say 'Huh?' shrug, "

If he is in one of our failed gubmint schools, dominated as they are by Lefties, yes, he will be clueless.

If only because his teachers and their union need desperately to believe the only legitimate populist movements originate on the left. Only a lefty can be an 'activist.'

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"the tea partiers have shaken up the Republican party"

Good. The Republicans need shaking up, and the Democrats need to be defeated.

"Congress You're Fired"

I can't wait for that, and for when Obama is fired.

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TimRussert: "The KKK was the terror wing of the Democrat Party. This is widely and thoroughly documented. In addition to killing blacks in the South they also attacked Republican party offices and killed the supporters in attendance."

This always cracks me up. It's funny when you compare the Democrat party of 200 years ago and the one of today. I think I brought this up pretty clearly when you commented on FDR being a Dem. as an insult (in terms of putting Japanese in camps), and then how you ran away when I pointed out your greatest president, JFK, was also a democrat. Point is, the party dynamics were quite different than they are now, in ALL cases.

"That strikes me as the rather jaundiced view of an outsider. You are not an American citizen, are you."

I think I've figured out who you are, my friend... the same guy who always, when he cannot argue about something, claims that's it's because the person he is quoting is not American. The best is when this flies back in your face and you have to change names... again... and again.... and again..... and again....

The 'Tea Partiers' are idiots, but at least the Dems can thank them for splitting the Republican party in two and making American history look moronic; the Tea Party was about freedom.. the 'tea partiers' are a bunch of racist bigots who want to build a wall in the same spirit that King George the III did (and they can't forget to thank the French for saving them, for without the French they would never have won the war). Food for thought... but I don't suspect those who like to think critically to actually do so. :)

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"The Tea Partiers are idiots"

They are not.

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Obama just keeps dropping in the polls. Solution? Attack ordinary Americans who are organizing in unprecedented numbers in order to protect their rights and try to elect politicians who will help restore fiscal sanity.

Yeah ! That's the ticket. Demonize them as "racists," even though the liberal majority in the House and Senate is - - wait a minute - - white, male and "privileged."

Furthermore, as the mid-terms approach, these same politicians, the ones seeking re-election, are distancing themselves from Obama.

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Is the tea party a registered party? I'm enjoying watching Our Sarah-endorsed tea party candidates take down members of Our Sarah's own Republican party. Roll on November. :-)

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Sarge, the Tea Partiers are idiots. Thank you for your understanding and consideration. :-)

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Sarge, the Tea Partiers are idiots. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

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The person who writes Sarah Palin's tweets needs to refudiate or whatever her recent action and tweet tell her to start supporting her own party instead of the Party-that-isn't-a-party Tea Party.

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greatest president, JFK, was also a democrat. Point is, the party dynamics were quite different than they are now, in ALL cases.

Oh please, what was so great about JFK? I would say Theodore Roosevelt was a better president then JFK.

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The 'Tea Partiers' are idiots,

And yet these idiots are just dominating not just democrats but republicans as well in the polls. The truth of the matter is that the democrats are really no better than republicans. Also the democrats and the kkk were closer then you might think back in the 50's and early to mid 60's. So it isn't a comparison of 200 years back it is really a comparison only about 50-60 years back.

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the Tea Party was about freedom.. the 'tea partiers' are a bunch of racist bigots who want to build a wall in the same spirit that King George the III did

I have to say, I think anyone who keeps pushing this racism screed, is the one who is truly racist. Yeah, I know, its the desperation talking. You're so desperate to discredit this movement made up of Americans from all walks of life, ages, creeds, and color, that you will literally say anything to do so. Its rather sad actually.

Its amusing that the same people that were shouting about how others were racist for talking against the president and his agenda, are now doing their best to hide from the President, and hide their votes for it, from their constituents. Can't wait for November when they face the music.

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@"The person who writes Sarah Palin's tweets needs to refudiate or whatever her recent action and tweet tell her to start supporting her own party instead of the Party-that-isn't-a-party Tea Party."

Sarah Palin is now a private citizen. Millions in America ( and apparently, not a few foreigners in Japan he he he ) follow her tweets. She is undoubtedly doing something right.

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We are so far in debt that only the financial terrorists can save the US fiat dollar. Many people have given up on the fiat money and moved to gold/silver or any asset that has a real worth.

Even the smart Libs recognize that something is wrong while the dumb ones still fight for the slimmer handouts or housing vouchers.

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And now Newt Gingrich -- Panderer-in-Chief of the Republicans -- increases the laughing stock of the tea party by suggesting that President Obama has a "Kenyan world view."

Former Speaker finds a second life as a whack-a-doodle!

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hen I pointed out your greatest president, JFK

LOL!!! Obviously you are not American.

The Democrats fought against civil rights legislation, the Republicans forced it through with LBJ's help.

Moderator: Back on topic please.

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'And now Newt Gingrich -- Panderer-in-Chief of the Republicans -- increases the laughing stock of the tea party by suggesting that President Obama has a "Kenyan world view." '

Zing !

Wow. I like the guy even more. He definitely understands that humor is sometimes the single most effective way to wind up authoritarian moralists like Obama and his ilk.

Thanks for bringing that.

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He definitely understands that humor is sometimes the single most effective way to wind up authoritarian moralists like Obama and his ilk.

Yeah, what's funniest of all is that Newt was serious.

But I agree, he sure is a clown. Like that tea party-supported candidate in NY -- Paladino -- who is out there forwarding racist and sexually explicit (including bestiality) emails to his buddies. That's the return to basic values this nation needs.

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But I agree, he sure is a clown.

I might agree, except for everytime I look at Obama, I can't stop laughing. The man is such a buffoon. This is the man you wanted as the leader of the free world? Just Wow!

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except for everytime I look at Obama, I can't stop laughing

Yes. Tea Party whack-a-doodles who live in Bizarro-world will laugh at anything serious.

Just like when Tea Party nutcase candidate Paladino sent out emails of an African tribal dance calling it the rehearsal for President Obama's inauguration.

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"Coast to coast"

Or from sea to shining sea.

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Like that tea party-supported candidate in NY -- Paladino -- who is out there forwarding racist and sexually explicit (including bestiality) emails to his buddies.

Can you provide us a link, yabits.

Paladino seems to have infuriated everybody lately, even the ADL. Check http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/24/paladino-hitler-adl-silver_n_693163.html

Some in the Tea Party are still unsure of his qualification though, and many are simply suspicious of his wealth-- and probably consider him 'yellow' for the movement :(

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“We’ve lost respect in the world. We are going broke. The American dream is dying and our social and cultural fabric is unraveling,” said Republican Congressman Mike Pence, who spoke at the Washington rally. “People are scared. If we do not succeed in November, all that once was good and great about this country could someday be gone.”

Now everyone's echoing Ron Paul :)

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Does anyone find it interesting at all - even though it's not PC to say or think such things - that so much effort it put into proving that the tea party has white supremacist connotations simply because it's made up of mainly white people? Read the posts, all we seem to be discussing is the KKK. If black people were to form a party that backed candidates they were interested in, and presented ideals that they believed important and relevant to their particular community (the black community) - would anyone point out that they are 'racist'? I'm not a tea party supporter per say, but I do find it telling that the left is almost frothing at the mouth to prove them to be nothing more than a gathering of whites a step away from wearing their bedsheets. Because they don't believe in big government and high taxes they of course must be cross burning hill-billies one step away from being extras in the remake of 'Deliverance'. Only card-carrying members of the liberal democrats possess even an ounce of intelligence, grace and cultural integrity, right?

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Because they don't believe in big government and high taxes they of course must be cross burning hill-billies one step away from being extras in the remake of 'Deliverance'.

The hillbillies always did hate big government and taxes of any type. The Tea Party is tailor made for them and they flock to it like Deliverance extras to a nervous pig.

Only card-carrying members of the liberal democrats possess even an ounce of intelligence, grace and cultural integrity, right?

No. Ounces, and fractions thereof, are for conservatives.

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Thank you Yabits, while your comments were meant (perhaps) with a degree of sarcasm, or at least smugness, you did illustrate the truth that has always been bothersome. Liberal democrats think that their poop doesn't stink and that they are yards smarter than any of their conservative adversaries. This of course was perpetuated by the most worthless and harmful generation of them all, the 60's freakazoids who somehow came to the conclusion that drug use and loose morals really does bring enlightenment. Well, Tim Leary was a fool and we've paid for that madness many times over. Yes, the liberal cause did attract many professors and intelligentsia at one time, but I wouldn't say that is necessarily true anymore. Particularly not after this administration. And certainly you don't count those Hollywood morons as the intelligent by any means.

No, I'm not buying it. There are morons across the spectrum, right or left. The really stupid ones follow party line no matter what - even if they don't really agree.

I can see other parties like the tea party cropping up from time to time as normal Americans get tired of the partisan crap which leads to the government's inability to get much legislation passed, good or bad. Since people tend to ridicule what they fear, I wonder if some of you perhaps fear this party as a threat to the status quo of good old us versus evil them.

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Here's a good question asked last March, by the Washington Times, and probably more of an interest for Asia than reminiscing a long-lost decade:

The battle for the "tea party" movement's hearts and minds hasn't yet extended to trade policy, but how far off can that be?

Theory, anyone?

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If black people were to form a party that backed candidates they were interested in, and presented ideals that they believed important and relevant to their particular community (the black community) - would anyone point out that they are 'racist'?

Good question-- but what about a woman's rights lobby (Emily's List for example)and then the homophiles? Would you have any reason to be suspicious of their choices too?

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No, I'm not buying it. There are morons across the spectrum, right or left. The really stupid ones follow party line no matter what - even if they don't really agree.

Now that is something I agree with completely.

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Good question-- but what about a woman's rights lobby (Emily's List for example)and then the homophiles? Would you have any reason to be suspicious of their choices too?

Quite possibly. But it depends if the group had a defined agenda that was particularly bent as unfavorable or even mean spirited. Other than accusations that the tea party is racist based it seems solely upon a very few random instances of supposed racial slurs (that I think were ill proven) and the actual majority makeup of the group (white folks) I have yet to see proof - other than the accusations of their opposition - that this party has any agenda based upon race. It seems more likely based upon ideals and opinions on government rather than any agenda of minority suppression. The accusations seemed more designed to imply impropriety rather than provide proof of it. Unless someone can show otherwise - and that proof could not be simple word of the opposition.

There doesn't always have to be evil agenda just because it is supposed. I'll use my Hollywood example since I loathe the hypocrisy of that lot so much - but this time in their defense. Proportionally there are very few successful actors and actresses that are black. Is this because of rampant racism in Hollywood (and if so, why would all of these supposed liberals be part to that - and the film industry is definitely ruled by liberals)? Or is it simply the case of proportionally fewer folks of color interested in pursuing this as their career (be it due to socio-economic factors or whatever)? I would bet the latter. The detractors could quite easily make the case for the former, but is that fair or accurate? Actually, I'm not sure on that one!

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Other than accusations that the tea party is racist based it seems solely upon a very few random instances of supposed racial slurs (that I think were ill proven) and the actual majority makeup of the group (white folks) I have yet to see proof - other than the accusations of their opposition - that this party has any agenda based upon race.

First, let me condemn these people who would simply yell RACISM or BIGOTRY based on a very few random instances. I simply believe that they're ignorant of the facts.

Secondly, I believe that Tea Party had been helpful (to say the least) to an otherwise limping grassroot movement in America (God bless 'em). That the Tea Party ignited a movement is good for US democracy-- esp. for the conservative side of your politics.

The left, sadly, have lately marginalized or even failed to inspire in that grassroot level. It seems to be the leftist practice nowadays-- even in Australia to disinterest. What's missing, I suppose, is a coherent message that people can construe plainly and positively-- and something for the aspirant electorates that Tony Blair (and even Kevin Rudd in '08) courted decisively. Simply look at the UK Labour Party and the boogeymen running their show. Put simply, it's appalling and the result speaks for itself.

One thing though, I agree that there doesn't always have to be an evil agenda just because it is supposed. BUT the Tea Party have not been forthcoming, esp. in the important gray areas of trade, currency and subsidies. (And I'm afraid that's more crucial than any old bru-haha!)

Now, would you have any theory on why not?

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Now, would you have any theory on why not?

Probably for the same reason they don't go around discussing the issue of Kazakstan. It has little to do with their message. Oh, its peripherally important, but their message of limited government, lower taxes doesn't have a lot to do directly with matters of trade, currency, and subsidies. There are elements in the Tea Party that want to talk about other issues, such as gay marriage, abortion etc. However thats not what the Tea Party is about. Thats people who have their own agenda, who happen to agree with part of what the Tea Party represents.

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Ohhhh my. Tea Party candidates have staged some more 'upset' victories. Tea party-backed candidate Christine O'Donnell won Delaware's GOP Senate primary. Rubio will win in Florida.

The Legacy Media can no longer control the narrative.

Moderator: Please discuss this on the relevant thread.

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I keep reading the tea party is not a republican thing. If that's true why are their chosen candidates all republicans? Why are they running in GOP primaries? It's very confusing :(

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I keep reading the tea party is not a republican thing. If that's true why are their chosen candidates all republicans?

It's an anti-tax, limited government, pro-small business, pro-family 'thing.'

Once upon a time the Democrat Party basically favored these things. That is no longer the case.

Many Americans feel that even mainstream Repubs have compromised too much on the same issues.

Writer and humorist P J O'Rourke, basically a Libertarian, summed it up for me: " America is a country full of people who feel personal liberty and individual responsibility in their guts...America is also a country full of politicians, academics, and self-professed elites who mistrust liberty and responsibility to the bottom of their souls. "

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Sounds pretty bimyo to me, or more like one part of the GOP making a power play. Anyway, lots of politicians are small government.... And then they get elected :0

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Probably for the same reason they don't go around discussing the issue of Kazakstan.

Ouch, but are the issues of trade, US currency and subsidies (as oppose to bailout) in the same league as Kazakhstan. Being thumped even by ant-gay, pro life issues? LoL you had to be kidding, right =/

If the Tea Party wants to govern both houses of the US Congress-- then wouldn't you want them to come clean on these three issues (trade, US currency and subsidies), rather than be manipulated that the message of 'small government', 'lower taxes' is enough to Save America!?

And if the 'real economy' hits rock bottom, can the United States prevail with the insurgent Republican faction known as the Tea Party?

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Many Americans feel that even mainstream Repubs have compromised too much on the same issues.

/Sigh somehow I agree with your reading of things :( because really, it's not the Democratic Party that overlooked the chances of the Tea Party movement-- the Republican establishment did....

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