Joe the Plumber at D.C. Tea Party: No one on the Hill gives a rip about you
posted at 4:10 pm on February 27, 2009 by Allahpundit
Even I’m not so cynical as to believe that, but he’s entirely right to credit the boss for her tireless work in promoting the Tea Parties. She’s been Twittering contact info on this stuff for days and dropped by the D.C. festivities herself this afternoon. Click for photos and video of that, or go here for her coverage of Parties around the country. I like the “No Taxation Without Deliberation” sign best; read Jonah Goldberg’s piece today at NRO for a shrewd gloss on the haste to make waste.
More coverage at Instapundit. Exit question: How many of you followed DeMint’s advice to CPAC and “took to the streets” today?
Update: Another good sign here. You’ll know it when you see it.
Update: A fair question from lorien1973 in the comments: “In reality, though. These tea parties are pointless. They have no direction. What do they want to accomplish with them?”
Blowback
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The protests just put the extremism in the debate. The D’s were already against it (even if publicly supporting it). The protests just allowed them to take it further.
Right now, we don’t even have a credible voice up there who can start a rational opposition. And that’s pathetic.
The actual problem stems from the fact that republicans haven’t been been arguing -for- small government for years, so it’s really hard for them to say no “man, that small government we had during bush was suh-weet”.
A great op-ed a few months ago (prior to the election) put the stamp on this with the argument that republicans don’t hate the welfare state, they just hate paying for it. It’s an important distinction, as it cedes the battlefield.
So our leadership (if you wanna call them that) in DC has shot themselves – and us – in the foot.
lorien1973 on February 27, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Good point, we’ll do it your way. Fewer facts, more spin.
exception on February 27, 2009 at 4:51 PM
\
Give me a break! If anything our Tea Party in Tulsa was too cordial! Many happy to see others of like mind, but many concerned. If we all hate where the Republic is going yet toss off these public protests as being meaningless, we are doomed to whatever the vocal socialists foist off on us.
Christian Conservative on February 27, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Its about damn time we got a Tea Party post here!
And as to lorien1973‘s comment:
They accomplish something very important, IMO, that is and has been lacking among conservatives and the productive class. Its showing that there are a lot of us that are very upset with what we see going on in Washington, enough so to get out there, organize, and be heard. Leaders ARE emerging, and people ARE organizing, even organically and on their own.
While the groupthink Dems have been organizing for years, and have been well financed by the likes of Soros, conservatives and independents are individualistic, and not naturally given to a mob mentality/groupthink. We think for ourselves, and quietly go about having productive lives providing for and protecting our families. But we are opening our eyes and realizing that WE BETTER ORGANIZE and get out there and get our voices heard if we want to take our country back and keep the American Dream alive.
Cavuto just had some of the Tea Party protesters on, and he introduced the segment with Peter Finch’s famous “mad as hell” speech. I, for one, agree with that sentiment, and am getting out of my comfort zone to go out and fight the madness that has taken control of our government.
No more Mr Nice Guy. Let’s take the gloves off and throw down to defend our freedoms, or lose them forever.
/wish I had time to read the whole thread…bbl
ornery_independent on February 27, 2009 at 4:52 PM
Everybody in this thread thinking that protests are pointless, I have an assignment for you:
Go to the next one. Put your body where your mouth is.
Alana on February 27, 2009 at 4:52 PM
-
So… you will tell us when then… Right?
RalphyBoy on February 27, 2009 at 4:52 PM
It’s just a drop in the ocean.
One man can’t make a difference.
I’m fixin’ to get ready to try.
You can’t fight City Hall.
I can’t.
I haven’t made up my mind yet.
Christien on February 27, 2009 at 4:53 PM
LOL! Best Comment of the Day
Norwegian on February 27, 2009 at 4:53 PM
People, don’t let these defeatists get to you. If we don’t get involved and engage, we deserve the government we get.
We don’t have to take ANY of this stuff lying down.
capitalist piglet on February 27, 2009 at 4:53 PM
Hey AP, we’ll answer that but first you gotta answer what’s the purpose of your existence, you pointless pessimist?
promachus on February 27, 2009 at 4:53 PM
500 people today. 500,000 people tomorrow. Will these tea parties sway politicians in Washington? Maybe not. But at the very least, they’ll be made aware(as if the thousands of phone calls and e-mails weren’t hints already) that there will be a price to pay at the ballot box if they continue down this road.
And besides, I much prefer this to the alternative which is outright revolution. And if you think that’s an impossibility, just let Washington continue down the path they’re headed. All it takes is one spark to light what will be a very large fire.
Doughboy on February 27, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Which wheel is it again that gets the grease?
Oh right, the squeaky one.
ornery_independent on February 27, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Yeah, well: When these placard holders risk federal prosecution by throwing $800,000 of government property into the harbor, then you’ll have analogy between today and the events of Dec. 16, 1773. Until then, give it a rest.
paul006 on February 27, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Amen to that. Tucker Carlson represents everything that went WRONG in the last election cycle. People are attracted to the strong horse folks!
Right wingers are a bit new at the organizing and protesting stuff because most of us are busy, but we will adapt and get better as we go. These tea parties sure as hell made me feel better and they demonstrate that there is a willingness to get out there and do something.
echosyst on February 27, 2009 at 4:54 PM
I’d rather raid a monastary for its gold!!
Fuquay Steve on February 27, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Caption the Robin Hood Obama image with “BO Stinks!”
maverick muse on February 27, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Don’t we have the exact same thing here with Republicans even openly rejecting these bills (all but three) only lacking the coverage to do more than vote no?
So, then what? We just sit on our hands the next four years and hope it doesn’t get to bad or that it gets just bad enough in another year to win Republicans some seats?
You’re doing exactly what people are upset as the Republicans for, saying no to this and offering nothing up as an alternative. While indirect, we are still a democracy. The people are expected to do something.
Esthier on February 27, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Equally fair question: Allah, when exactly would be the best time for conservative citizens to start making their stand? Our “representatives” sure don’t seem to be doing the job.
MadisonConservative on February 27, 2009 at 4:56 PM
The Sign. Let me see if I can digest this… OK, got it: Do unto others before they do unto you.
I’ve advocated the Tea Parties as well, but in reality, what are we talking about? A thousand folks per city? We lambast the left when they attempt to make a crowd of 300K look like a million, and then we belittle their effort. As ridiculous as their demonstrations are, they draw better, so our efforts always seem weak, and on the fringe (cough Ron Paul cough). Unless it’s crowds of 10K plus in each city, it’s still a green light for the legislators.
At the point that we have to take to the streets, it might be too late. We’re better off meltin‘ phone lines to the Capitol like with Immigration. It’s just that the media won’t indicate that there is any traction on the idea that we should have a problem with being taxed to pay off someone else’s obligation.
juanito on February 27, 2009 at 4:56 PM
I don’t think we have time to waste, much of this stuff is irreversable once established.
jp on February 27, 2009 at 4:57 PM
I, for one, can’t believe the apathy some of you have. You can blog a great game, but for heaven’s sake, don’t actually DO anything and be sure to fault those who do! CINO’s (Conservatives in Name Only). Starting to worry about HA.
Christian Conservative on February 27, 2009 at 4:57 PM
There’s a lot more at stake now just the GOP image, like THE FUTURE OF THE COUNTRY!
One of these days–and it’s coming very quickly–it won’t be Republicans vs. Democrats, but Americans vs. anti-Americans.
Party differences will no longer matter when the Republic itself is imperilled.
Jenfidel on February 27, 2009 at 4:57 PM
-
I have a feeling that his answer will be “just a minute or two after it’s too late.”
RalphyBoy on February 27, 2009 at 4:58 PM
Everyone can piss and moan and strategize about the next election all they want but this is the question to answer.
genso on February 27, 2009 at 4:58 PM
There is blame enough to go around.
That being said we will need to find or develop leaders who really understand the problem; know that the media is against us; can persuade voters that our path is the correct one; will actually shrink the federal government; can withstand the media onslaught of stories that the sky is falling when the showdown with Congress occurs…is there such a candidate?
Sheerq on February 27, 2009 at 4:58 PM
I wouldn’t look for any good ideas from Allah, his specialty is being an armchair quarterback and trying to destroy morale in our ranks. I have been on this site since the beginning and I have never heard him once come up with a constructive alternative to anything. If I didn’t know any better I would say he is a lib plant.
echosyst on February 27, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Obama riding on “The Never Ending Story” dragon’s back.
maverick muse on February 27, 2009 at 5:00 PM
So is Apathy
1. Lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal; indifference.
2. Lack of emotion or feeling; impassiveness.
Can we afford not to drink the tea? Or shall we mix our own koolaid?
Kini on February 27, 2009 at 5:00 PM
“Joe the Plumber” gets nostalgic:
I think Wurzelbacher needs a break, as all the fame (such as it is) has clearly gone to his head.
starfleet_dude on February 27, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Grab your pitchfork and let’s go to Washington!
ornery_independent on February 27, 2009 at 5:00 PM
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
The tea parties are the beginning of organization.
Spirit of 1776 on February 27, 2009 at 5:00 PM
GOP needs to take over the MSM to institute ‘real change’
jp on February 27, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Regarding lorien1973′s question. I think if you asked Sam Adams (not the beer) or Thomas Jefferson for that matter, they would tell you that sometimes dissent for dissent’s sake is enough of a reason, as long as it has merit. The rabble-rousing of Sam Adams was the acorn that grew the mighty oak that is our country.
Jim-Rose on February 27, 2009 at 5:01 PM
Best. Sign. Ever.
I’m sure someone else touched on this, but the sign doesn’t really make sense. To me, it’s akin to this:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/images/morans.jpg
“Tea bagging” is a form of subservience.
Tom_Shipley on February 27, 2009 at 5:01 PM
To be fair, many of these were very last minute. I won’t judge the turnout until the next ones come.
Esthier on February 27, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Allah, don’t dismiss these Tea Parties.
Read the e-mail sent to Professor Reynolds today by a human rights activist. Money quote:
My warning to you is the same as that for Leftists who dismiss them: Do so at your peril.
newton on February 27, 2009 at 5:03 PM
you’re never going to get enough people to make a difference at these “Tea Parties” unless Taxation really does go too far and is effecting alot of lives in alot of obvious ways.
the Original Boston Tea Parties, had alot that lead up to them. Culminating with outrageous Tea taxes/tarrifs the King was forcing them to pay. It was tolerated until it got to bad, then eventually it gets to this point.
jp on February 27, 2009 at 5:03 PM
Actually, I got that wrong. Tea bagging is something you have done to you… the sign works!
Tom_Shipley on February 27, 2009 at 5:03 PM
They’re arguing against the bill which they probably would have supported had an R been in office. This is the point. It’s blatantly hypocritical. Everyone sees it.
I don’t think it’s bad -enough- to get people really interested. The spending is high but people are not being hit in their wallets.
Once that happens, you’ll see changes. For now, it comes across as partisan noise. It just does.
I’ll, again, make the analogy to the wife’s silent treatment. Things are okay (not perfect) when she yells at you. When she gives you the silent treatment, then it’s really bad.
When people who pay the taxes are so fed up, they don’t even want to talk about it; then it’ll get interesting.
And honestly, I think the GOP should push the tipping point faster – I’ve said this for months though, must’ve thought I was joking. Double up any tax and spending bills (if $500 billion is good, $1 trillion is better … if $100 billion in taxes is good, $200 is better). If they truly believe that the system (capitalism) is more important than their careers, they’ll do something dramatic. Right now, they do not.
lorien1973 on February 27, 2009 at 5:03 PM
Refuse. Refuse to buy their tea, regardless of price.
What part of American history did you guys not sleep through?
We need to refuse to participate in their fiat money system. We need to use gold and silver. We need to make every person who loses his/her job into a small business owner. We need to tell them to take their greed need and shove it.
We need to go back to the future. Or be slaves.
platypus on February 27, 2009 at 5:03 PM
Don’t like him, you’re free to leave.
MadisonConservative on February 27, 2009 at 5:03 PM
What’s been going wrong is an ever-greater Republican reliance on the power of silly spin to win. You can only run on fumes for so long before crashing and burning.
starfleet_dude on February 27, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Absolutely. Not.
“Tea bagging” – http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=tea+bagging
Far from subservience, its also a form of flipping your opponent the bird on Halo or any other FPS where you can crouch over his dead body.
Ryan Gandy on February 27, 2009 at 5:06 PM
Desiring a constructive idea, and leaving are two completely different things.
Spirit of 1776 on February 27, 2009 at 5:06 PM
“lorien 1973″ is making all kinds of sense here.
Polite li’l tea parties aren’t likely to get the job done. What we need to follow is mass get-togethers (not 20, or even 200 people) in numbers large enough that name politicians think it worthwhile to be seen and speak.
In D.C. a crowd the size of the one that came to hear Dr King speak would send a message, and even some cowardly — but at least somewhat on-our-side — politicos would want to be involved in that.
Doesn’t mean things have to get ugly, but we have to do whatever it takes to get Osama Obama to understand two things: one, that he cannot do whatever he wants to destroy our country and, two, that there are millions who are mad as hell and are not going to take it any longer.
MrScribbler on February 27, 2009 at 5:06 PM
Yes, we should be happy to continue being the doormat we have been for the last 8 years for you RINOs.
drunyan8315 on February 27, 2009 at 5:07 PM
These Tea Partys were organized just DAYS ago.
I think we can expect a larger turnout on March 21.
Let’s Take Back Our Country!
Orlando Tea Party
March 21, 2009
Will YOU take a stand and be there?
ornery_independent on February 27, 2009 at 5:08 PM
I have 2 words for you: No. Way. or Bull. Sh!t. (whichever you prefer)
I like to think no Republican would ever propose such an ridiculous bill.
That being said, I told my representatives to vote No to TARP.
So there!
We really do believe in limiting government and lowering taxes; it’s not just happy talk.
Jenfidel on February 27, 2009 at 5:08 PM
Protests work for the left, so they can work for us, if we learn how to escalate the confrontations.
petefrt on February 27, 2009 at 5:09 PM
MARCHING BANNERS:
“I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any more!”
BUTTONS: “Network”
catch @ 2:30
maverick muse on February 27, 2009 at 5:09 PM
BTW, we’re NOT all Republicans here, so stop calling us that.
ornery_independent on February 27, 2009 at 5:10 PM
Yeah, I am free to leave, but until I am banned I am also free to stay and express my views. If you think the site should be restricted to only those who agree with AP then Michelle’s ad revenues will go into the toilet because her traffic will tank. Free speech all around right?
AP has been given a privileged soapbox and he has the potential to shape Conservative opinion, if I think he is being defeatist, I will say so. None of us are above criticism.
echosyst on February 27, 2009 at 5:10 PM
How much porn do you have on your browser?
Symbolism is what the Tea Party is all about.
It was the beginning.
Kini on February 27, 2009 at 5:10 PM
I see AP’s faux-defeatism has accomplished its intended goal of riling everyone up and spurring us to action.
Well played, AP. Well played.
World B. Free on February 27, 2009 at 5:12 PM
The idea that TARP was good, but everything else is bad amuses me.
The thought that McCain wouldn’t be doing (essentially) the same thing Obama is doing here is equally funny. You’d know he’d be all over “crossing party lines” to fix the problem.
The problem is, the GOP cannot explain the concept that government can’t fix problems. Or that it doesn’t create anything. It can only destroy. I don’t even think they believe it anymore.
lorien1973 on February 27, 2009 at 5:12 PM
So now you’re an image consultant? Don’t quit your day job.
Fletch54 on February 27, 2009 at 5:13 PM
+1
Spirit of 1776 on February 27, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Agreed. There you go. I just think that if we expect to get national notice of the fact that maybe 2 dozen towns drew a thousand folks each (or a few hundred) then we’ve already lost. A single rallying point would be more effective. By staging them in multiple locations we dilute the effect. Stage something big in DC or Chicago and then make it so large that it has to get coverage. It has to be significant.
juanito on February 27, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Honestly, I don’t really care so long as they do the right thing. Doing it for the wrong reason doesn’t bother me.
By the time they are it’ll be too late to do anything about it.
And at that point, it does serious harm to your relationship, because while she’s not talking to you, she’s sitting there thinking about everything about you that bothers her and that alone magnifies the problem.
Had you just bought her flowers when she was yelling (or however you work out fights when you’re wrong), you’d have avoided the messy make up.
And potentially dangerous. I imagine this is how Weatherman Underground was formed.
Except I imagine a move like that would be too subtle to be understood. Now, putting restrictions on CEOs who take bailout money and making taking one far more unattractive than filing for bankruptcy, that’s something I have a little more faith in except that it shifts the focus from the problems with the government onto corporations.
Esthier on February 27, 2009 at 5:17 PM
That IS his day job!
platypus on February 27, 2009 at 5:17 PM
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Christien on February 27, 2009 at 5:18 PM
I went to the Houston tea party today. Perhaps 200 people on hand.
Lots of great signs and great people, and several good speeches.
Some, though, were a bit dispiriting. There was a call to impeach Obama and an attack on his abortion views. The attack needs to be directed on the people whom The US Constitution empowered to appropriate the funds, not simply Obama. And, think what you may about abortion, it simply isn’t the clarion call that’s appropriate for a taxpayer revolt.
JudetheFossil on February 27, 2009 at 5:19 PM
just for you: http://gawker.com/393526/obamas-body-man-violated
disclaimer, probably not safe for work
jp on February 27, 2009 at 5:19 PM
LOL! No wonder the GOP is on its ass.
Fletch54 on February 27, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Short memory? The first TARP started all of this. Obama’s just continuing what Bush started.
Esthier on February 27, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Yep. Once we passed TARP, it was all over and it was almost assured that the economy would continue to go in the crapper.
(House Republicans + Blue Dog Dems had it right the first time!)
McCain’s so erratic, it’s hard to say. You may be right.
I like to think that were he President, he’d enact tax cuts immediately, like Bush, including corporate ones, but let’s face it, McCain doesn’t really like tax cuts.
But I don’t think he’d pull this–frankly, I’ve lost track of what bill we’re on now and what sector of the economy it’s supposed to fix…it makes me nauseous.
I’d love to argue this with you, too, but you’re pretty much on the money.
The idea that government cannot solve problems died with President Reagan.
He said the worst words you could ever hear are
“We’re from the government and we’re here to help.”
Sarah Palin came the closest to articulating this during the campaign and I believe her.
After the Obama terror, Americans will run to the polls to elect the “Get out of my face, my yard, my house and my wallet” candidate.
Jenfidel on February 27, 2009 at 5:22 PM
I pray the protests will build momentum towards a Large Tea Party July 4th in Washington DC. The symbolism would be TOO strong to ignore.
So to answer the exit question, the point is to build momentum until the media has to cover the protests. The goal is a major one in DC on July 4th. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Independence Day than symbolically declaring independence from the Federal Gov’t housed in DC. That should be the goal!
Watching_Cloward-Piven on February 27, 2009 at 5:23 PM
Right, the same way that conservatives supported the bailout.
Oh wait, they didn’t. They said Bush was pushing the country into socialism, and he was.
MadisonConservative on February 27, 2009 at 5:23 PM
We’ve talked about this before.
1. File with the IRS on time but don’t send in payment. Pay the penalty and interest with what is owed, but do it very late.
2. Allow no employer witholding from your paycheck.
3. A nationwide work stoppage for a few days.
These need coordination and publicity to be most effective. They also have a direct effect on government revenue streams.
a capella on February 27, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Down & dirty protests & revolutions are not the property of the past or the pre-modern or pre-industrial world.
They are the true vehicle of change in human society.
We have grown soft, meek & mild & whiny & wimpy.
So many in our nation are the armchair quarterbacks as mentioned above.
As my mother used to say:
“$hit or get off the pot!”
Get your a$$ in gear & do something meaningful to save this country.
Don’t just sit around in committees strategizing.
Get your a$$ out in the world & protest & do what it takes to change stuff.
Bcs obviously voting is not enough anymore.
Badger40 on February 27, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Would a happy mob meet with your approval?
Erich66 on February 27, 2009 at 5:25 PM
I was at the Hartford CT Teaparty. I find it interesting that folks with enthusiasm, no matter how well mannered, are now “an enraged mob”. I wonder how AP would describe gatherings where the police actually have to do something other than stand there watching and chatting with members of said mob?
LibraryGryffon on February 27, 2009 at 5:26 PM
Declaring what you think someone would have done in a certain set of circumstances is evidence of, well…squat.
capitalist piglet on February 27, 2009 at 5:27 PM
lorien, continuing the thought: This is what AP doesn’t get about giving Joe the Plumber, Sarah Palin and Rick Santelli a voice–Populism appeals… to the populace.
Career politicians (yes, this includes GOP ones, too) are just going to keep selling us more government.
Palin, Jindal and maybe Sanford seem to be rare breeds who remember that they work for the people (who are in a real sense themselves) and not the glory of their own political career.
President Bush had this “common man” spirit really, as well.
Jenfidel on February 27, 2009 at 5:28 PM
And students of American colonial revolutionary history:
As I recall, the beginnings of the war were sad & pathetic with not so many in the public supporting it.
Many were apathetic & not willing to “stir the waters” of trouble & dissent.
Indeed, many were Tory’s bcs at 1st that was the safe route to take.
Then many became emboldened with small American victories, & finally, the spirit of patriotism turned into a storm & we won.
We are now the greatest country the Earth has ever known, accomplished the most in such a very short time.
So pray tell how will we keep it if not by stirring up some trouble-like a Tea Party Protest?
I wish I had the $$ to get my butt to DC.
Instead I’m stuck here in snowbound ND & no way to protest but to talk to liberal whiners on the net.
Agh!
Badger40 on February 27, 2009 at 5:29 PM
I think this is just the beginning – it’s going to be small, it’s going to go nearly unnoticed. But as more people feel ripped off by the government, more and more will want their voices heard. Revolutions do not happen overnight.
One tiny complaint: Little miffed there was nothing in Virginia, but if the D.C. Tea Party had been tomorrow, we’d have been there. I’m not too keen on having my daughter miss school or having to sit in commuter traffic on a weekday. That’s me, though.
Anna on February 27, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Well, MOST conservatives said that … but there were a few, including some around here, that lacked the courage of their free-market convictions and whined that if we didn’t make this one exception, why, the Dow would plunge all the way to 9000.
Glad the bill passed and prevented that from occurring.
thirteen28 on February 27, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Republicans voted for it. A republican signed it. The entire right blogosphere was preaching doom and gloom – when the stock market was like 3,000 points higher than it is today. It’s comedic. Face it; conservatives blinked at their opportuntity to stop this in October. They blinked. And it was sad.
If, somehow, you could get 5 million net tax payers (not ones getting a refund) to not file their tax return this year. I’d join in and you’d see something happen. That’s about 5-6% of tax payers. If that’d happen, it’d be fantastic. That’s something. Standing on the corner with signs is cute and funny, but you gotta risk something.
lorien1973 on February 27, 2009 at 5:30 PM
I may be disappointed in Bush’s overall performance over the 8 yrs, but I think he is still a good man.
If I had to fight under his command, I would gladly go & serve under him.
No one can say that about Carter or Clinton or Obama.
Badger40 on February 27, 2009 at 5:31 PM
I’m not yet interested in breaking the law, especially when I can only speak for myself on this issue and not my husband (who does our taxes) and when we don’t even break 70k combined anyway.
But I can do this: save the bulk of my income for a very lengthy trip out of the country as soon as October of this year.
Esthier on February 27, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Absolutely right, but the thing was that the vast majority of the arguments in favor of the bailout were not rooted in fiscal conservatism. It therefore was fundamentally not conservative to support them.
MadisonConservative on February 27, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Amen on the TARP vote. They did a great job of selling the necessity of that. I know I have said this before but the whole time I was writing my folks in Congress telling them to vote NO, my stomach was in knots. As to the Tea Parties, you may be right that they don’t help but they don’t hurt. I remember thinking during the Iraq War protesters that they were pikers. Does anyone remember the sheer numbers of protesters against Reagan and the installation of nuclear weapons in Europe? Now those were demonstrations and may I add equally useless. Republicans cannot stop promoting fiscal responsibility because they fell off the wagon themselves, it’s why they need to be more vocal. And where were we when all this spending took place. Did any of us every complain to Washington?
Cindy Munford on February 27, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Yup. It’s all in the risk.
There’s too many sheeple & not enough wolves with ba!!$.
I also find it hard to say I wouldn’t pay my income tax.
But there has to be more that we can do & at least flooding Congress with emails, phone calls, protests, etc will do something better than us just voting.
Badger40 on February 27, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Jenfidel. Sarah is part of the problem. She, during the campaign, supporting increasing the fund for special needs kids from $8 billion to $40 billion. She’s part of the problem.
You cannot logically argue that increasing this to $40 billion and then, on the flip side, argue that decreasing this other expenditure that people should cover themselves is then wrong. You gotta be intellectually honest. She isn’t. McCain isn’t.
I dunno who is, but the names everyone throws out there aren’t it. So me? I’m all about tanking it.
Let’s reach the logical end game sooner, rather than later. Let it burn – was my mantra in October, it’s still that today.
lorien1973 on February 27, 2009 at 5:33 PM
You’re conflating Republicans and conservatives, and you know better than that. Fiscal conservatives everywhere were bemoaning this thing, and they were pretty much the only ones that were. Bush himself said he abandoned free-market principles, and he was seized upon for that, and rightly so, I might add. The Republicans largely went along because of one man: McCain, and conservatives were none too pleased with him.
MadisonConservative on February 27, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Just like a lot of so called conservatives.
Be_Aware on February 27, 2009 at 5:34 PM
As a teacher I think it’s a great opportunity for her!
She’ll be learning something far more important there.
This is her country,too.
I’d gladly take my own daughter if she wanted to go.
Badger40 on February 27, 2009 at 5:35 PM
I was at the Hartford CT Teaparty. I find it interesting that folks with enthusiasm, no matter how well mannered, are now to be considered “an enraged mob”. I wonder how AP would describe gatherings where the police actually have to do something other than stand there watching and chatting with members of said mob?
LibraryGryffon on February 27, 2009 at 5:35 PM
You are right.
And I attribute this to the cowardice of the human race.
Lots of conservatives don’t have ba!!s either.
But even fewer liberals do.
Badger40 on February 27, 2009 at 5:36 PM
thanks Badger. some folks think that “change” is a carefully crafted policy decision, vetted by image consultants and announced at a forum.
thanks newton. A couple of dissidents – what could they do ..
runner on February 27, 2009 at 5:37 PM
True but most people don’t, and I think that’s his overall point about hypocrisy.
Still, I don’t care what they believed or how they behaved. They can still be redeemed as far as I’m concerned. Even Vader was a good guy in the end.
Esthier on February 27, 2009 at 5:37 PM
July 4th is perfect. A Saturday in a 3 day holiday weekend. If we can’t draw an effective crowd then, we never will.
juanito on February 27, 2009 at 5:39 PM
I agree with you. I didn’t miss work either, though that’s also because I have no one here who would go with me. Still on a Saturday, I’ll at least go to one for pictures and morale building.
Esthier on February 27, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Thats why I would take a 1000 conservatives with a backbone against 25000 liberals!
Be_Aware on February 27, 2009 at 5:39 PM
In Star Wars 3; Vader killed like 50 kids in the Jedi Temple and caused an intergalactic war that killed how many millions of theoretical people? Not to mention blowing up a whole planet.
But, somehow, he redeemed himself? If this redeemed, I’d rather them not be.
lorien1973 on February 27, 2009 at 5:39 PM
John Boehner
All of our conservative legislators need to update their websites with YouTube spots per topic to educate the transient online visitors up to speed.
Sen. Kyl has great reading, making thorough and reliable resource information. But most visitors want a quick fix first impression memory to retain from YouTube for instance.
We, the people, concerned citizens need to formulate our own daily routine to include effective messaging, subliminal and overt, in public dealings.
maverick muse on February 27, 2009 at 5:41 PM
It’s sad how ‘conservatives’ can never be bothered to get off their butts. Silly online petitions – check. Ranting on message boards – absolutely. Actually pulling themselves away from must-see-tv – not so much.
capitulus on February 27, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Oh, I’ve taken her to things before – she fell in love with Palin at a rally last November. But my husband works out of state, and I have two younger kids… so maybe it’s less about her missing school and more about me not wanting to navigate crowds with three young children by myself.
That, and she loathes missing school. :)
Anna on February 27, 2009 at 5:43 PM
quit whining
runner on February 27, 2009 at 5:44 PM
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