Eric Cantor: The tea party’s better off as a grassroots movement, not a House caucus
posted at 4:24 pm on July 20, 2010 by Allahpundit
I’m not sure if this is heartfelt or merely a devilishly clever excuse for not joining a caucus that promises plenty of media headaches for its membership, but I’m curious to see what the HA faithful think. Bachmann’s tea-party cred is as solid as they come, but Cantor’s got a point. This was supposed to be a bottom-up, anti-Beltway movement, no?
The second-ranking House Republican told POLITICO on Tuesday that he’s not joining the group started by Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) because he sees it as more of an organic, grass-roots movement rather than a Washington entity.
Cantor praised Bachmann for providing “another avenue for people to have their voices heard” but said he thinks the tea party is better left outside Washington.
“I met with several of groups that operated under that moniker in Virginia; they’re not all uniform,” Cantor said in his third-floor Capitol office. “That’s part of the beauty of the tea party movement; it’s organic. And it’s certainly not Washington. So I think it’s better left with the people.”
Bachmann’s putting together an initial membership list right now; it won’t be released until 9 a.m. CT tomorrow morning, but according to the MinnPost, at last check the early adopters include Pence, Pete Hoekstra, Pete Sessions (the head of the NRCC, do note), Paul Broun of Georgia, Todd Tiahrt of Kansas, John Carter of Texas, Cliff Stearns of Florida, Dan Burton of Indiana and John Culberson of Texas. Conspicuously absent from the list: John Boehner, whose spokesman reminded Politico that as a rule Boehner doesn’t join caucuses (aside from the House Republican Caucus, natch). Boehner and Cantor, of course, can’t afford to hug tea partiers too closely lest it alienate some of the centrist members they may need to push legislation through if the GOP takes back the House. Sessions, as the quarterback of the Republican House campaign effort, obviously is more voter-oriented and thus chose differently. Exit question: The Tea Party Caucus — important mouthpiece for grassroots conservatives in the halls of power or unnecessary co-optation of the TP brand?
Blowback
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I’m not a fan of caucuses. Look at the Dems; they have so many that its a clusterfark, and they’re pretty much a farce anyway. The progressive caucus totally wussed out and voted for HC w/o a public option. And how’d that Blue Dog caucus work out? And the Pro-Life Caucus? Yeah, every single one of them caved.
‘
Keep it grassroots.
rcpjr on July 20, 2010 at 5:11 PM
They don’t have to be members of a Tea Party group – just support the 3 principals I posted above.
debg on July 20, 2010 at 5:11 PM
First sentence is wrong, should be….can’t help but think that politicians are disingenuous.
right2bright on July 20, 2010 at 5:12 PM
All current GOP leadership………RULING Class!!!
PappyD61 on July 20, 2010 at 5:12 PM
I think that an unstated objective of the TP movement is to exert enough pressure on the existing 2 parties to make them more accountable for their actions in Congress.
Looks like it’s working.
And,no, we don’t want Boehner’s or Cantor’s advice or approval.
Lead, follow or get out of the way.
It’s the GOP which has betrayed my values and principles – not the Democratic Party (which has at least been honest enough to openly oppose them).
molonlabe28 on July 20, 2010 at 5:13 PM
Grassroots.
tree hugging sister on July 20, 2010 at 5:14 PM
Bachman is right and Cantor is wrong. Without direct representation in congress, the congress critters will just give the tea partiers lip service and go on as if they didn’t exist. If we are going to see any significant reduction is big government something has to break the country club atmosphere in the congress.
docdave on July 20, 2010 at 5:14 PM
Cantor is right about this.
The tea party movement should stay localized and vocal. You can’t be anti-DC whilst in DC. There needs to be this balance between our elected officials and “we the people”.
JetBoy on July 20, 2010 at 5:14 PM
Unless you’re Obama. The man did run as a DC outsider and still pretends to be one.
Esthier on July 20, 2010 at 5:17 PM
Bachmann is trying to get people to see that someone is listening, someone gets it.
They may be more successful opposing or supporting individual legislation than it might seem at first.
This thing could take off and swallow up a good chunk of the Republican Caucus, and then would be impossible to ignore on anything that would go through the House in the future.
Brian1972 on July 20, 2010 at 5:18 PM
Balance?? We the people are suppose to be in charge with the elected officials doing our will. That’s the ‘balance’ that is missing today.
docdave on July 20, 2010 at 5:18 PM
Well, according to that ‘logic’ we may as well pack in our marbles and go home. How is anything supposed to change if we can’t elect constitutional conservatives that will go in and dismantle some of the leviathan?
Firefly_76 on July 20, 2010 at 5:21 PM
Oh? Well then, where’s the Progressive party? The Black party?
I think this is a good idea. It will clearly represent a place for people to go to be associated with the Tea Party principles. It will also provide a KNOWN friendly ear for expressing those views.
What I really want are the names of those pols that were meeting and had such disparaging things to say about them… want to “co-opt” anyone elected via the Tea Party. The target on them is every bit as large as the target on progressive Dems. They wish to continue with their misguided belief that the country is run from INSIDE DC. Maybe if we know who they are, we can help them get OUTSIDE DC. I would very much like to know who Trent Lott lobbies for…. they would also make a very good target. This whole corrupt den of thieves needs PUT IN JAIL.
CC
CapedConservative on July 20, 2010 at 5:22 PM
If they are localized and vocal, but nobody in DC is paying attention, what good does it do?
That vocal voice needs to have a destination where decisions are made, deals are made and things get done, or what is the point?
This is a sign that the protests of the last year have had a positive impact on at least the GOP in the House, and that in the future that same voice will be given a seat at the table. It is progress, and I look forward to seeing what they can do with this.
Michele Bachmann gaining influence should be a positive development as well.
Brian1972 on July 20, 2010 at 5:23 PM
Eric Cantor and the GOP leadership aren’t in favor of reducing the size of the federal government. That’s what he’s telling us here. After all, they like the power, pay, prestige and attention just as much as the Democrats do.
Tea Party activists and other average citizens will need to force the GOP leadership (via the power of elections) into supporting our goals.
MTF on July 20, 2010 at 5:23 PM
Cantor is right… I think it is a bad idea for both the TEA party and the GOP… but I think it could work alright too… but it could also be a disaster… lets just see what happens…
ninjapirate on July 20, 2010 at 5:23 PM
Cantor is right. The same hacks will be joining the caucus claiming to speak for the TP.
rickyricardo on July 20, 2010 at 5:24 PM
Who says those constitutional conservatives have to be Tea Partiers? Why can’t they just be elected representatives that you’re under no obligation to defend but under every obligation to hold accountable?
Esthier on July 20, 2010 at 5:24 PM
OT topic, but related…
Republican Senate nominee Carly Fiorina has shifted her position on the extension of jobless benefits to America’s long-term unemployed, stating Tuesday morning that she “probably” would break with her party and support the extension if she was in the Senate for the vote expected today.
Oil Can on July 20, 2010 at 5:25 PM
true…
cmsinaz on July 20, 2010 at 5:25 PM
Sharron Angle comes to mind here. Could Dingy Harry hold his seat because of her?
Maybe she has done this already, but if Michele Bachmann wants to organize a Tea Party caucus in Congress, she should draft a written set of principles and/or legislative goals that she believes the grass-roots Tea Party wants, then circulate it among House members and ask them whether they want to join. Bachmann has made many speeches to Tea Party gathering, and seems to be clear on what they want, but there needs to be a clearly defined, written platform for the Congressional Tea Party Caucus, so that any House members who join it know exactly what they are defending and promoting, and are not co-opted by rag-tag groups operating loosely under the Tea Party label.
If such a platform could be written, the Caucus should also be open to 2010 candidates for House seats, who pledge to support the platform if elected.
Steve Z on July 20, 2010 at 5:25 PM
Don’t play dumb. You were around during the Townhall meetings whether you noticed or not. Given the adage, “it’s the economy, stupid,” even Bush only provided TEMPORARY TAX CUTS AND REBATES THAT TAX PAYERS HAD TO REPAY THE IRS. Time tells, and there’s no way to keep on keeping on the nation’s economic destruction.
The Tea Party is the only aggravation within the GOP that threatens corruption encompassing the Washingtonian status quo. We need to cut federal spending while cutting taxes. And Republicans in office will only give that lip service unless constituents REALLY HAVE A VOICE. Cantor only hears his own.
The Tea Party takes the Constitutional Conservative stand against Progressive politics. The Tea Party protests kickbacks and PORK. The point is to curtail federal abuse of powers that exceed the Constitution to the point now that what politicians WANT is to erase the Constitution.
Eric Cantor has a superiority complex and won’t associate politically to support Michele Bachmann’s legislative efforts, and certainly won’t have anything to do with Sarah Palin.
As Republican politicians ignore their constituents, having the Tea Party Caucus provides those constituents the organized opportunity to report to the caucus for those instances to be taken up officially within the Republican Caucus.
There was no such caucus for the new Young Conservatives elected for GWBush’s initial majority in Congress. Newt’s Contract w/America was rhetoric so far as the incumbents were concerned. And the newly elected conservatives were abused specifically by Republicans with seniority who did not want to rock their boat load of kickbacks.
Having the Tea Party Caucus ready for newly elected Republicans in 2010 and 2012 will provide the organization lacking at the last Republican Majority in Congress.
SOMETHING needs to be changed, because the way things work as usual is unacceptable to those who demand responsibility from elected officials in both major parties.
maverick muse on July 20, 2010 at 5:26 PM
Did she release this on her Amigo’s de Carly site?
MeatHeadinCA on July 20, 2010 at 5:27 PM
Anyone…of either party…who runs on being a “Washington outsider” who will “fight the establishment in DC” is either flat-out lying, or is woefully naive.
Well, no…”we the people” elect representatives who, in a perfect nation, represent the will of their constituents…us. The people need to hold elected officials accountable for their actions, not become integrated with them.
DC corrupts. If the tea party got official representation in the halls of the Capitol, it would become corrupt. No question. Same if the tea party movement became nationally centralized…there would need to be a “power structure” or hierarchy, which also would lead to possible corruption.
The tea parties need to be at where they are right now. They ARE having a positive effect. Why fix what ain’t broken?
JetBoy on July 20, 2010 at 5:29 PM
It’s Bachmann’s opportunity, having organized the caucus, to define the initial parameters that the Tea Party Caucus will attempt to achieve.
FISCAL CONSERVATISM
maverick muse on July 20, 2010 at 5:30 PM
Why can’t it be a grass roots effort and have a caucus at the same time? The whole point is to obtain some leverage against the ruling class and electing like minded people, not simply holding rallies and waving flags.
Bravo to Bachmann on this one. It’s only a first step.
I like Cantor but please can’t we have any males in the party with the balls and backbone of people like Bachmann and Gov Brewer? At least we’ve got Christie. People are hungry for leadership and action, not for mealy-mouthed hand wringing.
Lead , follow, or get out of the way.
exceller on July 20, 2010 at 5:31 PM
Oy, I know what you mean…
No on Prop 187
No on AZ law
- Meg Whitmen’s billboards (in Spanish) in San Bernadino County.
Oil Can on July 20, 2010 at 5:31 PM
Probably more likely that they simply have naive followers.
Esthier on July 20, 2010 at 5:33 PM
I am not suggesting that they will become a political party, but they will become a political target, a better defined target. I have enjoyed that these people have baffled and even scared the politicians. They need to be afraid. If I turn out to be wrong I will gladly admit it but I don’t understand the rationale of wrestling with the pigs.
Cindy Munford on July 20, 2010 at 5:33 PM
*sigh*
Whatever. Good luck, CA.
MeatHeadinCA on July 20, 2010 at 5:33 PM
She’s still reaching for cover from her CEO outsourcing record that sent jobs abroad. CA unemployment is bad, and she wants votes. She’d be no more conservative than Brown or Graham. Once elected, if elected, whose favor will she curry?
maverick muse on July 20, 2010 at 5:33 PM
Remember, all of the senate Republicans are in the ruling class, except perhaps DeMint. Also I’d say about half the house Republicans are inclined to go the ruling class route.
exceller on July 20, 2010 at 5:34 PM
Link?
Jenfidel on July 20, 2010 at 5:34 PM
Ha, better to admit wrestling than claiming to teach the pig to dance.
maverick muse on July 20, 2010 at 5:35 PM
I am going with JetBoy on this one. DC corrupts absolutely, grassroots brings the pressure.
di butler on July 20, 2010 at 5:35 PM
I don’t think of the TP as an actual entity. Aside from being opposed to big government, big taxes, and too big to fail, what is the “TP” position on trade, the wars in Afganistan and Iraq?
The TP is Rick Santelli’s rant – which was 100% on the money – but not much more.
Lou Budvis on July 20, 2010 at 5:38 PM
Tell that to hypocrite Brad Ellsworth.
BTW……Dan F’in Burton??!!! Dan “I’m busy golfing” Burton? My low-life representative? He narrowly lost in a 5-way race. That’s the only reason why he won.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on July 20, 2010 at 5:39 PM
*sigh*
Whatever. Good luck, CA.
MeatHeadinCA on July 20, 2010 at 5:33 PM
Meaty: You know that in ILL-annoyz we have different issues but the same crap goin’ on-at least as far as Mark Kirk is concerned.
Our gubernatorial candidate is a solid conservative who has a good shot at winning.
annoyinglittletwerp on July 20, 2010 at 5:39 PM
The Tea Parties themselves haven’t changed from this.
Bachmann is adapting the House GOP to the Tea Parties, not the other way around. What is so wrong with that?
She is responding to the recent demand in the market of ideas, voiced by the Tea Parties around the country.
I fail to see how this could be a corrupting influence in the Tea Parties. The influence is flowing the other way, and I thought that was the whole point all along.
Brian1972 on July 20, 2010 at 5:39 PM
Definitely agree with Cantor.
Bee on July 20, 2010 at 5:39 PM
If you could teach them to dance you could take it on the road and earn some money.
Cindy Munford on July 20, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Poor Cantor. Does he sense his best laid plans might be in jeopardy? That the entrenched Republican power structure just might not be able to control everyone like little kids who should know better.
Go Michelle and Go Sarah. Kick some wussy girlie men Republican butt.
PhilipJames on July 20, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Here
Oil Can on July 20, 2010 at 5:41 PM
I have to also be clear that I am disheartened that I agree with Mr. Cantor. I guess I will go with the stopped clock theory.
Cindy Munford on July 20, 2010 at 5:41 PM
This is one of the things that has always confused me about the whole Tea Party effort. What exactly is the TP trying to do?
I thought it was supposed to be a way to bring attention to issues the participants thought were important – fiscal sanity, freedom from govt interference, etc. etc. Call me silly but it seems like the only way to make changes is by influencing Congress. And the way to do that was either through getting candidates who believed in those thing elected or convincing current politicians that their constituents wanted those things and if they strayed there would be electoral consequences.
What is going to be accomplished if all the TP does is hold marches and wave signs talking about how Congress is all a bunch of idiots? It seems like a caucus would be an opportunity for the movement to make sure Congress remembered the positions of the TP once they got to DC. Isn’t that what the Congressional Black Caucus does – consider how issues affect their group?
katiejane on July 20, 2010 at 5:42 PM
This is California we are talking about.
Brown, I can understand, Massachusetts.
Graham is different, because South Carolina is one of the reddest states, and could do better.
Boxer must go, period. Dump on Carly all you want I guess, but she would be better than that harpy Boxer.
Brian1972 on July 20, 2010 at 5:42 PM
Allahpundit, whats the score?
Cindy Munford on July 20, 2010 at 5:42 PM
By Reps declaring themselves a member of this caucus, they at least provide people that claim to support the principles. Then, all you must do from there is observe their actions and act/vote accordingly. If they become targets, well, that goes with the territory. You must still pursue YOUR elected congressman/senator with vigilance to be sure they push for the necessary change.
The Tea Party cannot currently be associated with a “leader”. Beck seems to be trying hard to be that guy and his 8/28 (notice… it’s HIS event) event is sucking a lot of attendance away from the 9/12 event (that is not associated with ANY PERSON). Just what we need… more people following a “celebrity” than follow principles. I guess that’s the American Idol mentality at work. What happens to the movement when Beck screws up?
CC
CapedConservative on July 20, 2010 at 5:43 PM
Yes.
Brian1972 on July 20, 2010 at 5:44 PM
They will vote. And they will continue to march and wave signs until Congress stops spending money like they have some. Or they will vote again. It may take a few rounds but eventually people are going to get the message. Evidence at this point is that they get the message, they just don’t like it.
Cindy Munford on July 20, 2010 at 5:45 PM
Cantor’s quote from the Politico piece says it all:
JetBoy on July 20, 2010 at 5:46 PM
Has the Democrat Party reached out to the Tea Party Folks?
If the Democrat Party doesn’t represent the common working man anymore just who is it they do represent? The Unions that’s their whole constituency? Good Luck with that Dems.
I Can See November From My House.
Dr Evil on July 20, 2010 at 5:49 PM
Who decides that? And what happens when the GOP takes over Congress? Does the Tea Party caucus cease?
If there is a push to eliminate farm subsidies when/if the GOP takes over; that conforms with eliminating waste, reducing the deficit and fiscal responsibility. Iowa Tea Partiers down? Or that just doesn’t count because you said so.
The Tea Party doesn’t speak with one voice and its easy right now as a minority fighting a hostile empowered enemy. But what happens in November if the GOP retakes the House. What purpose doe the Tea Party caucus serve?
swamp_yankee on July 20, 2010 at 5:50 PM
I don’t think Beck is trying to co-opt the Tea Party. I think he has a different message and movement altogether. I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer here. I don’t admire Rep. Bachmann any less for this, I just don’t agree with. I am in my anti-Washington phase.
Cindy Munford on July 20, 2010 at 5:50 PM
I really like Bachmann, but I’m with Cantor on this one. We have to avoid anything that can potentially be construed as a tie to washington insiders/career politicians in general.
ReformedAndDangerous on July 20, 2010 at 5:51 PM
I want Tea Party Americans all over the country voting at the ballot box in huge numbers. What is the point of that though?
I think it is to get Tea Party Americans into the House and Senate, voting on Legislation, and writing Legislation, and repealing Legislation.
After a cycle or two, we might get a Tea Party American signing Legislation, making nominations and appointments throughout the Executive Branch and the Courts.
Isn’t that the ultimate point to all this?
Brian1972 on July 20, 2010 at 5:52 PM
That sounds like a new political party to me. No thanks.
Cindy Munford on July 20, 2010 at 5:57 PM
I like Bachman’s caucus route and here is why:
The movement was started because democrats and republicans were ignoring us. It was started by libertarians, although the majority of it’s members are disaffected republicans.
The republican party urged the tea party not to go off and become a third party movement and water down the conservative power of the republican party. Fine. I get their point. The problem is, if we do nothing else, then the Lindsay Grahams and Rick Perrys of the world will continue to ignore citizens and only serve their corporate constituency. Bachman’s route gives us a direct voice.
paulsur on July 20, 2010 at 5:58 PM
Bingo.
At a minimum, controlled by an existing political party.
JetBoy on July 20, 2010 at 5:58 PM
THEORY ABOUT WHY THE GOP SUCKS SO BAD, ETC.
Is it possible that the GOP leadership really, really wants to piss off the Tea Party supporters because if push comes to shove they would rather THE LEADERSHIP keep their MINORITY POWER than to possibly lose it in a Conservative uprising within their own party?
Think about it…….Boehner, Cantor, McConnell, Cornyn, etc. it seems like they just show continuing disdain for the Tea Party and want to use them, but do they at SOME POINT (maybe they have decided they have to now) decide they would just rather be part of the MINORITY RULING CLASS permanently (cocktail parties, etc.) than to lose their own power?
I think this is really possibly the explanation. Any other possible ideas?
PappyD61 on July 20, 2010 at 6:01 PM
Count me as another that agrees with Cantor. I don’t want the TP to become incestuous with those in power in DC. That just leads to places I don’t want the TP to go. I think the loose and barely affiliated movement works best the way it has developed. Congress knows what its issues are and what they are passionate about, and what can happen if they cross them. That’s all that’s needed.
Just ask Bob Bennett.
lizzie beth on July 20, 2010 at 6:02 PM
Agree with you on most of your comment, but I have to say a word for Rick Perry–the people of TX pressured the legislature to stop Perry in his tracks on the Gardasil issue and his plans to set up and build the Trans Texas Corridor were shut down, too.
Rick makes mistakes, but he can be stopped before he goes too far, unlike some governors or other politicos.
Is he perfect? No, but he’s a damn site better than his opponents like DemocRat Bill White.
Jenfidel on July 20, 2010 at 6:03 PM
This doesn’t give you any assurance that teaparty interests are represented in Congress. Congresscritters can always join the caucus and then claim they represent teaparty interests. Then the various teaparty groups can be divided as they bicker about whether the congresscritters do, or not. If you keep the name “teaparty” away from official government definition, and keep the principles in the hands of private citizens, you can’t be co-opted.
YehuditTX on July 20, 2010 at 6:03 PM
Congress is terrified at the thought of a growing “vote the bastards out” philosophy among the electorate. They have spent years cultivating the Congress-is-bad-but-your-Congressman-is-OK mindset and the Tea Party is about to blow that up in their faces. Couldn’t happen to a more deserving pack of scum.
Extrafishy on July 20, 2010 at 6:14 PM
Couple things:
I don’t want Congress to think they represent the tea party, or are channeling the tea party, or anything. Cantor’s right.
Furthering on that, Repubs don’t need to be wary of “centrist members.” Freedom and limited government is not some fringe idea. The tea party is centrist; the tea party is America.
Everybody else are just big government stooges in various different disguises.
Pablo Snooze on July 20, 2010 at 6:20 PM
That is not even close to what I said.
If you want to change the GOP, you are going to have to invade and conquer it. You cannot just stay on the periphery with a megaphone forever griping at the powerholders that they are ignoring you.
You, or someone you agree with, has to file the papers, run against them and beat them.
That is how you can make the changes every one wants made.
That road eventually leads to DC, and that is the destination.
Reagan did it, and the Tea Party is going to have to do it too, the sooner the better.
Third Party is the way to defeat and liberal Democrat majorities. That is never what I have advocated.
Set your sights on the GOP, mobilize and grow your forces, form your divisions, then invade and conquer.
It will not be pretty at first, but it will be worth it in the end.
That must be the ultimate goal if you want Washington DC to change at all.
There must be an endgame, a final destination for all this energy and participation, or it is wasted.
Brian1972 on July 20, 2010 at 6:24 PM
Wrong Eric. Why? Enough is enough. Because the conservative republicans and conservative democrats should be breaking down the door to join the Tea Party Caucus, including senators. Each member need to commit themselves to:
Tea Party 101 Principles
* Be open and honest;
* Speak truthfully;
* Listen to and work for the American people;
* Adhere to the Constitution and your oath of office;
* Support smaller government;
* Lower taxes.
If any Congressmen/women cannot live up to those standards, then they should be voted out of office. The American people are sick of talk, and no action!
byteshredder on July 20, 2010 at 6:25 PM
I can attest to this by experience; when I decided to be the whistleblower, the top got to a family member and members of the movement.
ProudPalinFan on July 20, 2010 at 6:32 PM
Same question here. If it’s non-partisan, they have to show “concern” and “curiosity” and step up to the table. It’s not like the Tea Party is picking up a 2012 presidential candidate!
ProudPalinFan on July 20, 2010 at 6:37 PM
Paul Begala said as much on CNN he would at least have Democrats attending Tea Party Events so people could listen to what they offer…it’s as if they are surrendering huge chunks of the electorate – to stay true to a far left fringe?
Seems counter productive to me and it means that the Democrats are not for the common working class anymore.
Dr Evil on July 20, 2010 at 6:43 PM
Time for a mini-poll!
Patrick Ishmael on July 20, 2010 at 6:47 PM
How about a CONSTITUTION CAUCUS? that would send a message, shine some much needed light, and the masks would fall off.
Watching_Cloward-Piven on July 20, 2010 at 6:49 PM
Pappy, you may be on something here. Nobody likes to lose a seat, let anybody new sit down with them, nor admit that they suck at their jobs and there’s new people coming in (imagine a corporation takeover/buyout).
The GOP wants to give the impression that they are open to new ideas, present alternatives yet when it comes from minions, you just ditch? I don’t know if Cantor is merely tiptoeing due to November. I agree with Mark 1971 on what he suggests. BUT Democrats will NOT look good if more scandals keep coming up, and they won’t sit down at the table.
ProudPalinFan on July 20, 2010 at 6:49 PM
Please let me hear some feedback about a Constitution Caucus idea?
Watching_Cloward-Piven on July 20, 2010 at 6:51 PM
Although Michelle Bachman forgot to ask me, I would have suggested that she call her new caucus the “Constitutional” caucus rather than “Tea Party” caucus. We’ll do the tea party thing outside the halls of Congress. They need to do the Constitutional thing inside those halls.
ncjetsfan on July 20, 2010 at 6:52 PM
SOVEREIGNTY NOW – Three Critical Questions for ALL Politicians & Candidates
All, tests which the Obamunists fail — and so do many Republicans.
Please share this with leaders of the electoral action organization and Tea Party entity of your choice.
Please ask politicians and candidates, yourself.
In addition to asking a candidate whether he or she is pro-life, for restoring constitutional government, for cutting budgets and taxes, for protecting our borders, how he interprets the 1st and 2nd Amendments, etc., these questions must be asked our political candidates:
Are you a member of any organization supporting the ends of globalism, transnationalism, communitarianism, or U.N. Agenda 21 defined “sustainable development,” or have you received money, or services, or other favors from any of these?
Do you pledge to uphold America’s individual popular sovereignty, our parental sovereignty, the sovereignty of the states, and our national sovereignty, against every internal and external threat, according to our Constitution and our Declaration of Independence?
Do you pledge to support and not undermine the sovereignty of other free and benign nations, for example, an unified Israel, in its present borders, with its capital Jerusalem?
Ask them all, now. Then, hold them accountable. – Arlen Williams
http://investigatingobama.blogspot.com/
http://gulagbound.com/
Watching_Cloward-Piven on July 20, 2010 at 6:58 PM
Are we/you talking about that Article 5 Constitutional Convention?
Jenfidel on July 20, 2010 at 6:59 PM
ITA with the Constitutional Caucus name and leave the “party” name out, since there are many aspects of the US Constitution that would be discussed, along with other Founding Fathers’ beliefs and documents.
I am not a Tea Partier, but wish them the best. I hope that they pick the best of the best, since they are going into a
rat holesnakes’ nest.ProudPalinFan on July 20, 2010 at 6:59 PM
Perfect example of the Ruling Class vs the Country Class…
Let the war begin!
Seven Percent Solution on July 20, 2010 at 7:01 PM
Cantor voted for the GIVE/SERVE act, among other obnoxious bills. He’s not on my team. He represents, as far as I can tell since I started paying attention to him a couple of years ago, the permanent politicians more than the citizenry.
http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=5121
poplicola on July 20, 2010 at 7:03 PM
A Constitutional Convention is another ball game. This has been suggested to the people of PR due to the mega-indecision with the final status going on down there.)
What I understand that it is (due to what the message is given there), is that a few chosen and picked by some speak for a whole population on a situation that needs a final outcome and this process must follow the US Constitution.
Now to represent the whole movement, is there gonna be some voting process to pick the few that will speak to some to solve a problem once and for all?
ProudPalinFan on July 20, 2010 at 7:06 PM
I agree with you 100 percent. A Constitutional Caucus would make most in congress sweat. I often call Rep. Paul brown office and feed him news. he’s a former family friend. We should all call our congressmen and demand a Constitutional Caucus.
I’ll be calling tomorrow and emailing the idea to my list. I suggest we should all post this idea on all the conservative message boards of the big and small blogs.
Watching_Cloward-Piven on July 20, 2010 at 7:06 PM
I Agree with Eric — Know when to Hold Them , Know when to Fold Them — Kenny Rodgers —
wheels on July 20, 2010 at 7:09 PM
I forgot to add that the Constitutional Convention that has been suggested in PR to solve the status’ of the island has been rejected time and time again by the majority of the population. It is believed that to pick some people of different ideologies and belong to different political parties have their own agendas and not the people’s; so is not properly a representation of four million souls.
Try to apply that principle here and see what happens.
ProudPalinFan on July 20, 2010 at 7:11 PM
No just a caucus we don’t need a convention. nothing more would expose who supports the constitution. It would draw a big line in the sand and see where who stood where. No just a Caucus.
I agree leave the party ids out. I believe we are onto a slam dunk political move. A Constitutional Caucus would make them sweat and I can’t think of a more needed caucus in congress to form right now than this.
Watching_Cloward-Piven on July 20, 2010 at 7:15 PM
How could a congressman explain not joining the Constitutional Caucus?… he could not. time to see what cards our reps. are holding don’t you agree?
Watching_Cloward-Piven on July 20, 2010 at 7:19 PM
I do indeed. And BTW, your nic is excellent. Watching Cloward-Piven is something we should all be doing.
Mary in LA on July 20, 2010 at 7:25 PM
Bobby Jindal will be the keystone speaker tomorrow at the Rally For Economic Survival in Lafayette, Louisiana.
I will attending on a press pass.
http://www.rallyforeconomicsurvival.com
cane_loader on July 20, 2010 at 7:29 PM
You rock! Do you have a blog yet?
Mary in LA on July 20, 2010 at 7:32 PM
Or maybe even better, see if you can post here in the Green Room!
Mary in LA on July 20, 2010 at 7:33 PM
Ed said he won’t take unsolicited stories, but that if someone else publishes it it might be eligible for the Green Room.
So the drilling moratorium’s not going to be a topic here unless someone else publishes it.
cane_loader on July 20, 2010 at 7:35 PM
I will record the post-interviews with Jindal, as I’ll have access to him afterward.
cane_loader on July 20, 2010 at 7:37 PM
Hey Eric, evolution doesn’t happen overnight. Its a free world so don’t join. You might need to keep score though to see how the Tea Party caucus does when compared to the RINOs. Just a thought.
volsense on July 20, 2010 at 7:44 PM
Thank you Mary. I read and studied about Cloward-Piven when I was living in Boulder CO 2001-2006. C and P are evil people. Mary please suggest the idea of forming a faction, which caucuses are, about the Constitutional Caucus. I’ve spoken with friends on the phone and they are going to spread the word and make call and send emails.
I have RSD in my left arm and its painful as hell to type and the surgery to reroute the my ulnar nerve made the RSD spread up my shoulder from my hand. I love to type and write but it comes at a very high price.
Could anybody please provide me a link to the offices of the Congressmen cause right now I want to saw off my left hand. It would be much appreciated.
Thank you and God bless yall.
Watching_Cloward-Piven on July 20, 2010 at 7:47 PM
Ouch! I’m so sorry about your arm. My former housemate was a programmer who had to quit because he got RSD in both hands. He couldn’t even drive. His story has a somewhat happy ending: He became a teacher and loves it, even though the salary is about a third of what he used to make. He uses Dragon Naturally Speaking software to dictate his teaching materials and correspondence.
here’s a link to all the Congresscritters:
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml
Hope this helps!
Mary in LA on July 20, 2010 at 7:58 PM
Thank you Mary and God bless you and yours
Watching_Cloward-Piven on July 20, 2010 at 8:12 PM
You’re welcome, and amen!
Here’s a link to Dragon Naturally Speaking:
http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/
I hope it will help you. Speech-recognition software has come a long way since the days when you. had. to. talk. to. it. like. this. ;-)
Mary in LA on July 20, 2010 at 8:16 PM
I am not sure what I think. I can not tell that the black caucus has actually helped African Americans, in fact if anything it has only politicized racial issues even more and has hurt the people it was supposedly going to help.
I honestly do not know. I think that House members can take advice and feedback from people without actually creating special caucuses. But then again, it would mean more publicity.
Terrye on July 20, 2010 at 8:30 PM
sorry, read the article but not the comments, so I give you my humble opinion:
The Tea Party is NOT A CAUCUS. It’s the Voice of of a h%ll of alot of American People.
While I applaud Ms. Bachman’s move I feel it will just infect and complicate what the Tea Party wants to do.
As a Tea Party Member, I want a smaller Government (uphold the Constitution, defend borders, look after our National interests in the World at large, regulate where necessary prevent fraud & uphold the law of the Land)
A Caucus is a nobel idea Ms. Bachman, with all due respect, a little late. What we need are Proud MoralAmericans to Vote for, and cull the herd.
seesalrun on July 20, 2010 at 8:33 PM
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