Here's a shot of two of the approximately 2,000 "right-wing extremists" that yesterday attended the Tea Party near Victoria Gardens. Anyone who thinks there's something sinister going on with this movement is really mistaken. If Nancy Pelosi had attended one of these rallies, she would never have dismissed them by saying "Those people want to return to the failed Bush policies." Most people were concerned about the massive growth of government, the bailouts, and what this means to tax burdens and our freedoms. We were very impressed by the whole thing, and went away from it thinking that this is just the beginning of something big.
UPDATE: (HT: Instapundit) I just can't help but post some comments from Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.). The political class is so out of touch with what is happening on the ground that it's really pathetic. Contrast Schakowsky's words to the picture above:
The ‘tea parties’ being held today by groups of right-wing activists, and fueled by FOX News Channel, are an effort to mislead the public about the Obama economic plan that cuts taxes for 95 percent of Americans and creates 3.5 million jobs.
It’s despicable that right-wing Republicans would attempt to cheapen a significant, honorable moment of American history with a shameful political stunt. Not a single American household or business will be taxed at a higher rate this year. Made to look like a grassroots uprising, this is an Obama bashing party promoted by corporate interests, as well as Republican lobbyists and politicians.
UPDATE: Brian Wesbury has a nice essay on the economics behind the Tea Parties. They are basically a sign of a popular uprising against the growing size and cost of government.
Scott,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I was unable to attend my local tea party they had my moral support and sympathies. I am hoping and praying that this movement continues forward and will become involved both actively and financially henceforth.
Make no mistake, believers in the core ideals of Americanism, that is the rights of the individual to pursue happiness unobstructed by the heavy hand of government, are under attack by a very strong movement that believes exactly the opposite and will use socialist principles to effect their cause.
Pelosi and this Congressman's comments are testament to that.
By the way, welcome home. I enjoyed your travelogue through Argentina so much my wife and I are planning when we will go.
Bob