What does the Tea Party want/stand for? by Niki2

REAL WORLD EVENT DISCUSSIONS

What does the Tea Party want/stand for?

POSTED BY: NIKI2
UPDATED: Friday, April 9, 2010 11:50
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Thursday, April 8, 2010 10:28 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Pizmo asked, so I looked around, because I, too, am somewhat confused by what it is they actually want or stand for. I know TEA stands for "Taxed Enough Already", but beyond that... This is what I found:

TeaPartyNation.com Tea Party Nation (or TPN) is a user-driven group of like-minded people who desire our God given Individual Freedoms which were written out by the Founding Fathers. We believe in Limited Government, Free Speech, the 2nd Amendment, our Military, Secure Borders and our Country!

TeaPartyPatriots.org seems to be all about the Tax Day Tea Party 2010 and lists no "mission" or anything.

TeaPartyBoise.com lists as their "Principles":

Individual Liberty as Established in Our Founding Documents
America was founded on the principle that the “individual”, NOT the government, was paramount. The Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights affirms that we are granted inalienable rights by our Creator that cannot be taken away by any government or person. We believe this to be true.

Minimal Government & Taxes
The Constitution of the United States granted only very limited powers to the federal government, while reserving most of the powers for the states and the people. We believe this structure has been corrupted and needs to return to its roots.

State Sovereignty
We believe that the states must re-assert their powers and push back the rapidly increasing and unconstitutional reach of the federal government. We support “nullification” legislation that empowers the state to refuse to enforce federal law if deemed unconstitutional, such as federal control of healthcare, cap & trade, education, environmental regulation and intra-state commerce. We also support the repeal of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, which, in 1913, eliminated the rights of states to appoint their U.S. Senators.

Personal Accountability
We believe that our government is a servant of the people, not the reverse. However we have abdicated that control to the government in the past century, resulting in a citizenry that is less free, less assertive and less responsible for its rights than generations past. We advocate a return to the notion of active, accountable citizenship, characterized by knowing our Constitution, our rights and our responsibilities.

Economic Intelligence (Free Market Economy)
Government spends too much, intrudes in private enterprise too much and meddles in the affairs of states and citizens too much. We support a reduction in the size, scope and reach of government and a return to a true free market economy.

Wikipedia says:
The Tea Party movement is a populist[1] United States protest movement that promotes fiscal conservatism. The movement emerged in early 2008 [2], partially in response to the 2009 stimulus package[3][4] as well as the 2008 bailouts[5]. It has been most visible through a series of Tea Party protests, which began in early 2009. Protesters have utilized the social networking outlets Facebook, Twitter and MySpace as well as blogs and conservative media outlets[6] in promoting Tea Party events.[7]

The name "Tea Party" is a reference to the historic Boston Tea Party of 1773, a protest by American colonists against taxation by the British government when the colonists had no representation in the British Parliament that pre-dated but laid the ground for the American Revolutionary War.[8] Tea Party protests have sought to evoke similar images, slogans and themes to this period in American history.

The Tea Party Movement supports constitutionally limited government generally,[12][13] and more specifically is anti-stimulus,[14] anti-deficit,[15] anti-bailout[16] and anti-health reform.[17] Some demonstrators have also opposed federal support for the ailing automobile industry.

TeaPartyKansasCity( http://www.teapartykc.com/) says:

so What IS a TEA Party????

This is the best definition that I've ever seen....

Quote:
"I attended several "tea party" events last month. Apart from the large turnouts, I noticed that the prevalent concern among the crowds wasn't with partisan victory, or even with their own economic situation. It was concern about the survival of the American Constitution and American liberty. Millions of Americans realize that socialist economics, pervasive government control and rampant greed and self-indulgence are inconsistent with our survival as a free people. They reject the Obama faction's bid for unchecked power, but they also reject the unprincipled Republicans whose biggest regret is that they lost power, not that they squandered the opportunity to defend and strengthen liberty while they had it. They know that neither party represents the moral or political sovereignty of the American people." - Alan Keyes

Tea Party Express home page shows their backers, asks for contributions and offers advertising space. All I can find is:

The Tea Party Express national bus tour will host a series of tea party rallies all across the nation from coast-to-coast and border-to-border. The effort will begin in Searchlight, NV on March 27th and travel eastward, building momentum as the tour reaches its final destination: a giant rally in Boston, MA on April 14th.

The tour comes 8 months before the November 2010 elections – and this will serve as a “Countdown to Judgment Day” for our elected officials. Those who are not serving in the nation’s best interest will be put on notice: we’re going to hand you a pink slip!

At each stop the tour will highlight some of the worst offenders in Congress who have voted for higher spending, higher taxes, and government intervention in the lives of American families and businesses. These Members of Congress have infringed upon the freedom of the individual in this great nation, and its time for us to say: “Enough is Enough!”

The “Tea Party Express” tour will feature leaders in the anti-tax, conservative, tea party movement along with musical performances of “American Tea Party Anthem”, “A Bailout Song”, and Tea Party at each tea party events.

"I'm just right. Kinda like the sun rising in the east and the world being round...its not a need its just the way it is." The Delusional "Hero", 3/1/10

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 11:24 AM

WHOZIT

What do the Unions want to stand for? Being a bunch of filthy lying tugs who beat up Tea Party people? Do the dirty work that douchbag Obama tells them?

Oh and Niki2, they're not called Tea Baggers, you're the Tea Bagger, I bet you've got a set in you mouth now.......know what I mean

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 11:28 AM

CHRISISALL

Nice to see that some things remain entirely constant, Zit.

The laughing Chrisisall

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 11:31 AM

MAL4PREZ

Quote:
Originally posted by whozit:
Oh and Niki2, they're not called Tea Baggers, you're the Tea Bagger....

And the punchline is... her post never used the phrase.

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hmm-burble-blah, blah-blah-blah, take a left

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 11:41 AM

WHOZIT

Quote:
Originally posted by mal4prez:
Quote:
Originally posted by whozit:
Oh and Niki2, they're not called Tea Baggers, you're the Tea Bagger....
And the punchline is... her post never used the phrase.

-----------------------------------------------
hmm-burble-blah, blah-blah-blah, take a left

That's what they call the Tea Party people, so I'm not going to edit my reponse. I thought you libs loved a good protest, but that's when YOU agree with the protesters, if not then you sic the SEIU members on them.......you libs can hold this for me

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 11:47 AM

PIZMOBEACH

... fully loaded, safety off...

Hey thx Niki, nice listing.

It's funny because it has a lot of what I already know about them, which is pretty much they're long on fluffery, "We are in favor of our country!" and short on specifics. "We want smaller Gov." Exactly how and where? I might agree with that if I knew better what they were specifically asking for. I honestly doubt many in the movement really know.

This is exactly what I was talking about earlier, they seem like the Anti Party:

"The Tea Party Movement supports constitutionally limited government generally,[12][13] and more specifically is anti-stimulus,[14] anti-deficit,[15] anti-bailout[16] and anti-health reform.[17]"

I really flinch at the name dropping of The Founding Fathers, they throw that around like it's magic dust, like no one would dare disagree with them if they invoke the FFs.

I'm hoping a Tea Partier from this board or 3 can shed some light - I'll certainly check out your links Niki, thx again.

Scifi movie music + Firefly dialogue clips, 24 hours a day - http://www.scifiradio.com

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 12:14 PM

STORYMARK

Once again Zitboy proves himself to be the dumbest person in the room.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 12:14 PM

STORYMARK

I find many of the ideas behind the tea parties admirable. But they undermine themselves by welcoming such fringe loonies into their group.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 12:28 PM

PIRATENEWS

John Lee, conspiracy therapist at Hollywood award-winner History Channel-mocked SNL-spoofed PirateNew.org wooHOO!!!!!!

Tea Party Democrats hate the Demorat Party
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/polls/90541-survey-four-in-10-tea-
party-members-dem-or-indie

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 12:44 PM

NIKI2

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Ignoring PN's usual waste of space; yes, Zit, I deliberately didn't use the derogative "Tea Baggers"; I know what it means; I got a giggle out of them not knowing and using it; but after that, I don't deliberately denegrate anyone, they meant it well and I know it.

On the other hand, denegrating YOU is so goddamned easy...will you ever offer anything of ANY substance? I doubt it. I think you're a sockpuppet. And I can do you one better:

...or, if you prefer:

You!

Howzat grab 'ya, "WhoZit"?

"I'm just right. Kinda like the sun rising in the east and the world being round...its not a need its just the way it is." The Delusional "Hero", 3/1/10

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 12:44 PM

CHRISISALL

Quote:
Originally posted by Storymark:
I find many of the ideas behind the tea parties admirable. But they undermine themselves by welcoming such fringe loonies into their group.

An old story- see: NeoCons.

The laughing Chrisisall

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 12:44 PM

MINCINGBEAST

sound and fury, signifying nothing.

this too shall pass.

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 1:12 PM

MAL4PREZ

Quote:
Originally posted by Storymark:
I find many of the ideas behind the tea parties admirable.

I agree. Some basic good ideas that I'd love to support, but when you scratch the surface there seems to be no actual intention to follow through, to come up with a practical plan for implementing said ideas. Seems to be a bunch of nice catch phrases to get some folks all excited.

But I like what Niki's trying with this thread: let's give the Tea Partiers a chance. There certainly must be people in the movement who have good ideas. You know, people with actual thoughts. People not whozit.

Anyone?

-----------------------------------------------
hmm-burble-blah, blah-blah-blah, take a left

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 1:44 PM

CUDA77

Like woman, I am a mystery.

Quote:
Originally posted by whozit:
I thought you libs loved a good protest,

We do love a good protest. Call us when the tea party has one.

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 3:22 PM

TRAVELER

As Niki2 pointed out, there is more then one Tea Party. More then Niki2 listed. Where they all stand is hard to pin down. A candidate, Scott Ashjian, in Nevada claimed to be a Tea Party of Nevada member only to be denounced by the Tea Party Patriots. They don't see the Tea Party of Nevada as a part of their movement. The guy is bad news and they are smart to distance themselves from him.

The Tea Party Patriots Inc. states the are a "social welfare organisation" and do not endorse any candidates for office. The impression I got from their website is they do not see themselves as a Third Party. They want to imform people of a candidates policy and let each individual decide who most supports their, the individual not the Tea Parties, beliefs. But this is only the Tea Party Patriots.

I suspect you could spend countless hours searching all the different Tea Parties and their agendas. This may be why you find some with derogatory signs at their rallies, while others are more moderate.

There does seem to be an effort to bring these different organisations together under the National Tea Party Federation. There are still agendas that split them. Abortion rights and same sex marriage. So a national Tea Party may never exist.

Having looked into different Tea Party websites I have seen people of different races. So the idea the they are racist seems unfounded. Again there will alway be a few nuts. These people crop up in any organisation. It is not surprising to see them amongst this crowd. They are young and feeling their way.

Hard to say if they will have a great effect. They may in the short term. But if the candidates they support don't come forth with the solutions they desire, where will they go? They argue for less tax and this year around 50% of those eligible will not pay federal income tax. You can't reduce taxes much more then that. Responsible spending is probably the one issue that brings them together. Since the government bailed out the banks and several large companies without much regulation this is a big issue for us all. But to pass legislation on regulating these busnesses is creating big government. So the argument for smaller government seems out of place. With international trade increasing the government needs the power to check fair trade practices and banks will continue to search out loopholes in any legislation. Congress needs to create laws to enforce responsible regulation or we will have another fall. We are also continuing to fight two wars. Hopefully the war in Iraq is coming to an end. We have to let Iraq stand on oys own two feet sometime. My feeling is Afganistan will require a lot more time. The space program is getting reduced. Have no idea what cost savings there is in that, but I would rather have bread on my table then a man on the moon.

For all we know these prople may have been mostly conservative from the start and would vote in that direction without the Tea Parties influence. November will be the test.

That is my take on it. They are so fluid that it is hard to pin them to any set agenda.

http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=28764731
Traveler

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 3:51 PM

CHRISISALL

Quote:
Originally posted by traveler:
They are so fluid that it is hard to pin them to any set agenda.

*SPECTRE*

The laughing Chrisisall

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 3:52 PM

PIRATENEWS

John Lee, conspiracy therapist at Hollywood award-winner History Channel-mocked SNL-spoofed PirateNew.org wooHOO!!!!!!

IRS chief: Buy health insurance or lose your tax refund
http://dailycaller.com/2010/04/05/irs-chief-buy-health-insurance-or-lo
se-your-tax-refund

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 5:03 PM

DMAANLILEILTT

i just hope one day someone will make the "Party Party" and everyone will realise how shitty politics really is.

good for an argument though.

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Thursday, April 8, 2010 5:56 PM

KWICKO

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." -- William Casey, Reagan's presidential campaign manager & CIA Director (from first staff meeting in 1981)

Trying to nail down the various Tea Parties on what they're FOR is like trying to nail down Wulfie on what he BELIEVES. They're generally FOR "good" and AGAINST "bad", but tend to get bogged down in the sticky details of what constitutes good and bad...

"I supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and intellegence [sic] had very little to do with that decision." - Hero, Real World Event Discussions

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Friday, April 9, 2010 3:46 AM

SIGNYM

I believe in solving problems, not sharing them.

Quote:
That's what they call the Tea Party people

Ah yes, the infamous "they". It's all one big "they" to you, innit Zit?

God, if you had a neuron, it's be lonely.

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Friday, April 9, 2010 7:29 AM

STORYMARK

The latest poll - by Fox News no less - shows that Nationally, the Tea Parties are not exactly well respected. The IRS has higher approval ratings than the Partyers.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Friday, April 9, 2010 9:39 AM

NIKI2

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

I agree that

Quote:
Some basic good ideas that I'd love to support, but when you scratch the surface there seems to be no actual intention to follow through, to come up with a practical plan for implementing said ideas. Seems to be a bunch of nice catch phrases to get some folks all excited.

That seems to be what has happened, and generally it seems to be "if you hate the government, come complain with us".

They just created the National Tea Party Federation (NTPF) (see thread on same). Will this "unite" them, do you think? There seem to be so many conflicting "missions" among them, and so many different types of individuals (albeit with a similar anger at the goverment), that we'll see.

I also agree that, should they get people in office who truly BELIEVE in thir goals (given many politicians like Brown will use them until they get elected, then distance themselves), I think they'll find they've elected people worse than what they had before, as I believe those politicians will be even more obstructive than the Republicans are right now (which is saying something!).

And I DO believe the vast majority of them were either Republicans or at least Conservatives to begin with.

"I'm just right. Kinda like the sun rising in the east and the world being round...its not a need its just the way it is." The Delusional "Hero", 3/1/10

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Friday, April 9, 2010 9:57 AM

FREMDFIRMA

Bah, the reason there's no substance is that it's a buncha hoo-ah cooked up by the bastards we just ran outta office in an effort to climb high enough on that pile of shit to grab for the reins of power again - at which point, they'll go right back to the same old tricks and you'll find out the hard way what all that puffy talk is WORTH.

Let's do the math here, nuthin, inta nuthin, carry the nuthin...

And the fact that *anyone* falls for it.. pffth, again, it's like Lucy holding out the football for Charlie Brown, how MANY times do they have to fall for that shit till they stop believing it ?

Same reason I don't support the so-called libertarians, I want the leash CUT, not to change which hand holds it, oh hell no.

And on *that* note, btw, and this especially for you, Niki...

Black Bart's a goner.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20002155-503544.html
I toldja we'd make him gone - "not politically motived" indeed, more like "don't wanna get exposed and prosecuted", given how MUCH dirt there is on him.

-Frem

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Friday, April 9, 2010 11:05 AM

NIKI2

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Yep, I heard about that...yaaaay! He's been a pain in the ass seemingly forever; I won't miss him!

I agree about the rest, to a degree, too. I think there's a lot more to it than a desire for smaller government, etc. I think it's fed into a lot of fear, I think the country's economic situation has made people want to blame SOMEBODY, and of course Obama's in office, I do believe there are some who just can't bear an African American as President, and I think the Repubs are feeding it like crazy in hope of gaining power. Bastards.

"I'm just right. Kinda like the sun rising in the east and the world being round...its not a need its just the way it is." The Delusional "Hero", 3/1/10

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Friday, April 9, 2010 11:50 AM

WHOZIT

Since you libs do'nt like anti-government protests anymore, here's a great site site fer ya's;

www.crashtheteaparty.org

Now that you lying left-wing dictators are now in charge, you'll need all the help you can get

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