Christ First Forum

by **Jeani** » 22 Nov 2009, 17:37

Tea Parties: Misunderstood and Vastly Underrated
By Kyle-Anne Shiver
Elected officials of every political stripe ought to be shaking down to their Gucci loafers and pumps. History is forming and firming up harder than the proverbial brick wall right outside their congressional glass house. Yet they seem utterly oblivious.

Since last April, I've written a few columns on the Tea Parties, but I had never actually attended one in person. I harbored a few misconceptions, formed at a distance through the media's drive-by lens. Being a woman who tends to cower in crowds and who loves the security and solitude of my little office-cloister, I had been content to write based on the observations of others. But an Alabama homemaker-turned-activist, Suzanne Green of Birmingham, pulled me into the bosom of the Tea Party movement along with the Rainy Day Patriots.

And, honey, I'm here to tell you, it's a fiery hot bosom indeed.

Monday, I went to Birmingham and Atlanta and saw for myself. I asked and asked and asked questions of people of all ages, both black and white, male and female, former Republicans and former Democrats, seemingly of very diverse socioeconomic situations, and I even rode the Tea Party Express Bus to interview the insiders.

So what's a Tea Party?

In a nutshell, the Tea Parties are a visible expression of the widespread rekindling of the love of liberty. This rekindling of freedom's fires seems to be occurring among diverse individuals independently, and then they seek out fired-up others with whom to connect. Among Tea Party participants, there is a demonstrated willingness to actually do something tangible in order to claim those unalienable rights of which our Founders wrote, and for which so many have given their lives in battle.

This may be the movement Americans truly have been waiting for. It's the real deal, the genuine article. It comes from the groundswell of the people, not from the power-broker elites in political, corporate, or religious America. It's middle-class, thoroughly unpretentious, with a good sense of humor and a keen disdain for things like faux Greek columns, tacky props, and professionally written hyperbole. At a Tea Party, you won't find puffed-up hubris or even a tad of the liberally popular it's-all-about-me syndrome.

The Tea Party messages are clear and strident.

Party operatives? Not welcome. Political candidates? Keep your mouths shut and your ears open. Prefer a D or an R after your name? Not here, not on our time, or on our dime.

The clear message: This is the people's movement. Outsiders, opportunists, and party pols are vehemently not invited. Want a voice in this groundswell, bottom-up oriented movement? Fine. All comers welcome to pitch in, get involved, stand up to tyranny, and do your own thing. Just don't try to hijack the people's movement for personal gain. Like our grandparents' generation, these folks can spot disingenuousness a mile away. They don't suffer fools or counterfeit passions.

I talked to over fifty Tea Partiers in Birmingham and Atlanta on Monday, and I can honestly say I've never seen such a variety of people from different walks of life, different types of livelihood, and different ways of speaking all in the same place, united in one cause: Throw the bums out.

Out of all the people I spoke with -- every single one -- I did not find a solitary person willing to identify with a political party. "Independent" was the only identifier with which people would agree to be labeled. Some said, "I used to be a Democrat," or "I used to be a Republican," but they invariably put a sharp edge on the words "used to be." The sense of betrayal by politicians is palpable among Tea Partiers.

If there is a shared ideology among them, it is the one espoused by our Founders, simply put: God and Liberty. "Unalienable rights" was a phrase I heard over and over again.

The only political figures for whom there was a visible shred of professed admiration were Ronald Reagan, Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, and Joe Lieberman. Sarah Palin was roundly regarded as a Ronald-Reagan-style "rogue." Michele Bachmann was getting lots of kudos for two reasons: her stand against government overreach and her willingness to be public and visceral in her denouncements. Joe Lieberman is becoming the new hero to the Tea Partiers for his willingness to stand alone with the voice of freedom on the health care power-grab.

When I reminded one woman that President Reagan was a Republican, she declared, "No, he wasn't. He was an American, and the only reason he had to put that R beside his name on the ballot was that they were the least off-the-rails party. But G. W. Bush ruined that for Republicans."

When I asked her how he had done that, she didn't hesitate. "He spent like he was using Daddy's credit card and made the already-too-big federal government bigger."

The uncompromising message in the Tea Party movement to politicians of all stripes is clear: You work for us, and you have betrayed our trust. The anger wasn't only about the amount of money spent for unpopular causes, but also against the waste and fraud being perpetrated with hard-earned taxpayer money. Several angered taxpayers stressed the need for term limits to keep opportunistic pols from using public office to enrich themselves.

When I asked Tea Partiers about expenses for the events, I was hit with one resounding answer: "We pay for everything ourselves." A point made over and over again by various responders was, "There's no ACORN here. We don't soak the taxpayers for our protests." There seemed to be quite a lot of resentment over any groups of protesters using tax dollars to support their personal causes.

I decided to broach the social issues that have dominated so much of the national discourse over the past twenty years: abortion and gay marriage. I found only one opinion among all those I polled: they're state and local issues. The federal government has no business telling all Americans what social standards they can have in their state laws and their schools and their hospitals. "Butt out!" was the ubiquitous answer on social issues from Tea Partiers.

That, of course, brought me to ask about the Supreme Court and its role in deciding such matters for all Americans. One man, a doctor from Huntsville, answered matter-of-factly, "The Supreme Court has become a tyrant, using ideas not in the Constitution and turning them into a weapon of tyranny against the people."

One table under a canopy was reserved for petition-signing. There were only two. One was a state sovereignty petition and the other was a gun rights petition. A return to the Constitution, as written, seemed to be the overriding demand of the Tea Partiers.

When I asked whether this was a person's only involvement, nearly all responders said "no" and "not by a long shot." Women readily proclaimed their citizens' committees, their petitions, their phone calls, e-mails, and hand-written letters. Many said they were either precinct captains or otherwise involved in locally forming conservative parties. Others said they had signed up to work for Republicans, but only if they remained true to constitutional, limited government.

If anyone asked me to adequately describe the Tea Party movement, I would have to reach back into my American civics book to find its root.

Simply put, the Tea Party movement is 1776 brought back to life.

Liberty Boys abound, now both black and white, and led in many instances by Liberty Gals. Paul Reveres use hand-held microphones instead of lanterns. Hand-lettered signs replace tar and feathers. Minutemen use the vote in lieu of muskets. The Declaration of Independence is revitalized as a document of proclaimed anti-dependence on government to solve personal problems. The Constitution is celebrated, revered, and yes, thought to be the primary weapon against tyranny. God rests firmly in place as America's only King.

Honey, if you love America and truly desire liberty, then these are the ones you've been waiting for!

It's a movement, all right. A true red-white-and-blue citizens' movement.

And it is not likely to fizzle the day after elections are held because these folks are entirely self-motivated. None were persuaded by political operatives or stipends. Nor were they given professionally manufactured signs and led by hand to show up at the rally.

Among the all-American individual ingenuity in the signage department, these were my personal favorites:
Congress get your resumes ready; send them to Chavez & Castro!

Can you imagine what a Fannie & Freddie Medicine would look like?

Vote Democrat; It's easier than working.

It's the Constitution, STUPID.

Drill Darn it! Drill already!

Declaration of Independence, not the Declaration Dependence on Government

Give us liberty, not DEBT!!
And, my own contribution:
Don't you dare tread on me, honey!!
The spirit of 1776 reigns at Tea Parties. It's awfully hard to argue that there's anything whatsoever un-American about this movement. And while President Obama mocks these crowds of independent American voters as "extremists" and the "tea bag, anti-government" people, he more and more resembles a petulant European monarch who is clueless about the strength of the people's resolve.

When these staunchly independent men and women say, "Don't tread on me!" they seem to mean they're simply not going to stand for much more government tomfoolery and usurpations of power.

Office-holders beware! They're onto you, and they don't like what they see!

Americans are on the march. Like it or not, they're a force to be reckoned with. And they're here to stay.

If they succeed, then perhaps the slogan, "Free at last! Free at last!" will actually mean what it says. Free to succeed, free to fail, free to fall flat on our faces upon our own efforts, without the nanny government capriciously dictating outcomes. Freedom, say the Tea Partiers, means freedom -- period. And to a man and woman, they seem ready to reclaim it, no matter the personal cost.

Now, does America have any leaders capable and humble enough to be led by the people? Answer I got from the Tea Partiers: God will provide.
www.americanthinker.com

by **open door** » 22 Nov 2009, 18:15

This is good, that people are finally coming together in support of what is right for our nation. From a "national" standpoing, I wholly support this. However, from a prophetic standpoint, I have to believe that God is using the evil people in Washington to bring down our nation. We know we don't play a role in end-time prophecy, at least as I understand it. We fall, the European Union arises and takes its stance as the revived Roman empire, all in accordance with scripture. Do NOT get me wrong - I love my nation, and I served 4 years in uniform for it - but I love my Lord more. All this brings us closer to Him, as He brings the curtain down on the Church Age. The evil players mentioned in the Bible are on the world stage at this time, awaiting His call to take their respective places, and have actual names attached to their end-time roles. We're witnessing it, the genertion of which He spoke in the Parable of the Fig Tree. Maranatha

by **Jeani** » 22 Nov 2009, 18:40

Yes, prophecy is being fulfilled,but I still believe we as Christians are to do what is 'right'...

We are to fight against the 'evil' within this world...

We're to 'abhor' abortions...homosexuality...greed...mistreatment of Israel...on and on...

by **open door** » 22 Nov 2009, 21:52

Jeani, I agree with you, and apologize that my post didn't clarify that. Where I was coming from is that many out there are clinging to our nation as their only hope. Those of whom I speak only see things through, as Joel Rosenberg says, the economic and political lens. We, however, see things through the third lens of scripture. YES we as Christians must stand for what is right and do all that we can to stand against what is evil, after all, as Christians, we are soldiers in this great spiritual warfare. But, while we fight against all this, knowing it is the end of the age, we recognize it all brings us closer to being with Him, which is where we all want to be. We are indeed witnessing it before our very eyes.

by **Carmela** » 23 Nov 2009, 07:23

AMEN, open door! Very well said!

by **Jeani** » 23 Nov 2009, 22:22

AMEN & AMEN Open Door~

by **joanna** » 25 Nov 2009, 01:45

Can you point me to the scripture passages where Jesus endorses the state sovereignty, right-wing radicalism, gun rights, fossil fuel, and inciting anti-government violence, anarchism and assassination? I can't seem to find them. In my bible -- that's the KJV -- he says "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." I guess the translators really got that wrong. But if they got that wrong, what else did they get wrong? The seven days of creation? Noah's Ark? The ten commandments? I think they say something about adultery, which clearly is not wrong since so many Christian and Republican politicians actively practice it.

by **Remnant** » 25 Nov 2009, 07:35

Hello Joanna!

Wow, Welcome to Christ First Forum.

By your post, it sounds as if you are angry about something.

Do you not believe the inerrancy of scripture?
You said:

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." I guess the translators really got that wrong.

You are trying to make a point based upon one scripture and not the whole council of God.

Then you group Republicans and Christian together as if they all commit adultery.

Is there anything nice you would like to say about any of the over 12,000 post that has been made here?

by **Carmela** » 25 Nov 2009, 08:41

My goodness, joanna. I'm just trying to figure out why you are here. You have completely different view points than we do so why would you want to associate with us. We are a small group of very loving people who pray for each other's needs and support each other in the choatic world we live in today. Please don't lump us with the bunch of people you mentioned. We love the Lord Jesus Christ with all our hearts and only want to see others come to His saving grace. What you see on the news does not necessarily represent a Christian's point of view. We believe that prayer will save this country and we pray for our president and leaders on a daily basis. We would love to have you join us and learn more about the love of Christ, but we will not argue with you about politics or world affairs. Only Jesus Christ can put this world back in order and He is setting the stage to do just that. Please visit us again and see what we are really about.

by **elect777** » 09 Dec 2011, 18:53

Jeani ,Found your post on Tea Party enlightening and glad its not about Party per sa..however the lady that come down on President Bush spending did not have the facts ..
President Bush had to repair our Military that Clinton strip,though President Bush did not get the change to fully repair damage Clint did;Because in 2006 the House and Senate was taken over/control by the Democrat Party the Tax and Spend Party,there is when the party spending took place without being for the good of the people..
When President Bush took Office he went in with New Program's signed by Clinton that were activated under President Bush..they were a done deal .... Also Clinton not only strip our Military ,the stripping included withholding pay raise for our Servicemen/Women,and Benefits were cut,and this forced many Military Families on Welfare ( food stamps)..
Clinton did not created a surplus as people were led to believe..what he did to create so-called surplus was close Military Bases,some wre a done deal that were closed after Presiden Bush took Office..So under Clinton we got a Tax increased highest ever put on the people..stip the Military to get money for so-called surplus.. and the worse was stipping Social Security ..I mean actually took the funds... which taxes were increased to try and put back in..which never will be able to do..btw every time SS was dip into it was under a democrat President..thats anotherstory for another time including who they felt were legal to recieve SS
Clinton used millions of $ to fund N. Korea it was a bribery if you want to believe that,anyway supposly it was to get them to stop their Nuclear Program..right.....
Clinton before leaving Office paid off one nations debt...gave a HUGH hunk of surplus to the IMF...
Clintons so-called surplus was not there when President Bust took Office
1- Raised Taxes 2- Strip Military 3- Stole /STRIP SS funds 4- Signed New Programs that would not take affect untill President Bust took Office 5- Used $ Millions to aid North Korea 6- Paid off debt for one nation (I 4get the nation) 7- Gave Hugh Hunk to the IMF
President Bush had to restore our Military,give benefits to Soldiers,give pay raise.. and bow to Programs that were a done deal under Clinton..
The Husing Bubble was caused by Clinton and Obama both pressured Banks and other Morgage Lenders make loans to fokes they knew full well could not afford to make payments ,many were ILLEGAL's ..this was the plan it would come to the top boil over,but not while they were in Office or holding job Obama had..oh ACORN was the puppet Obama used to pressure ( Threaten Banks )
Freddy & Fanny fell out of the money tree under President Bush, 2007 a year after the Democrat Party took control of the House and Senate..2006-2010 and when they took over in 2006 they went into their spending mode,,and Obama was in the Senate going along with thespending...I know for a fact that both President Bush and MeCain ask the Democrats controling House and Senate to *Investigate* F&F but Barney /Dodd and Fiends said F&F are fine.. The only spending President Bush did was to repair our Military (Defence) see that Soldiers had the Benefits they deserve and gave them the pay raise they were withheld from having under Clinton.. President Bush spending had purpose,it was for the peoples Security and dignity..2006 Democrats went on their spending spree that was for their own self interest...
I know President Bush as not perfect,but those Republican that left the Party because of spending and housing bubble burst,it was not President Bushs doings.. Democrats caused the Housing Bubble and refused to correct F&F and they control House and Senate 2006-
If you ever see that lady again, they need to be enlighten with facts,it wasn't President Bush or Republican Party that spent America in debt...it was the Democrats ...and Obama outspent all Presidents at one setting from Washington- Bush...

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Tea Parties: Misunderstood and Vastly Underrated

Tea Parties: Misunderstood and Vastly Underrated

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