CW mentioned I attended a Tea Party last week and so of course he put the pressure on for me to write about it (as thanks, I got him one of those Jesus Hope Shirts). I don’t know when each of you are most proud of being an American (I’ll resist the too-easy shot at the person who only recently took pride in her country), but every once in a while I have one of those moments that gets me all choked up with American pride--when my Little Leaguer lines up with his teammates before a game as they play the National Anthem…watching the commissioning of the George HW Bush last month…watching the Fargo residents working last month to stave off flood, a community coming together without the need for government assistance. But nothing (and I mean that sincerely) nothing compared to what I felt observing the Tea Party experience last week in Newport News. By nationwide Tea Party standards it was small (400 or so), but teeming with peaceful, pleasant folks – folks that under any other circumstance you’d never see at a political rally or protest of any kind. There were seniors, vets, dogs dressed in flag sweaters, men dressed as Minutemen, some college kids, young families-you name it, they were there. I’m sure you saw some of it on the news, but like a ship homecoming, or childbirth, it’s difficult to fully appreciate unless you’ve been there. Despite the claims of Krugman and others as to the funding of these events, the only expenditures I could see were by those folks who’d spent five bucks on posterboard and Magic Markers at Office Depot to make signs. There were knots of folks (of all ethnicities) singing God Bless America, knots of folks gathered around various speakers, and despite rain and cold an overwhelming abundance of good feeling.
So I found the coverage of the Tea Parties mystifying – the snotty, condescending CNN reporter, the smug Robert Gibbs who simply can’t understand why anyone would be unhappy with the great deal this President is giving to ‘95% of Americans’, and the always priceless Nancy Pelosi who spoke confidently of the ‘fat-cat funded tea parties for those rich Americans who are losing their tax cuts.’ These people either SO don’t get it, or they do in fact get it and are somehow scared of it. What kills me is the folks at the Tea Party I attended couldn’t have been more civil, pleasant, and more representative of those average Americans the Democrats purport to care so much about. Why aren’t they at all concerned that someone may point out to them 'hey, these are regular folks you’re putting down’ ? For his part, I understand the President was ‘unaware’ of the tea parties (I know, I know). Wouldn’t this have been a fabulous opportunity for him to say something along the lines of how he respects the feelings of those who felt obligated to get out and gather peacefully with their fellow Americans, and it’s great to see we live in a true democracy?
At any rate, after last Wednesday’s events, I can’t help but think that perhaps there’s hope for the Republic after all. If not, I suppose we can all move to Texas
I had not heard that the President was unaware of the tea parties. Says a lot for his briefing teams, huh?
ReplyDeleteCW - I heard that he was briefed about them...by Janet Napolitano during the national security briefing. Not sure which would be more disconcerting.
ReplyDeleteFor GG, nice post. I was contemplating how often folks like Dear Madame Speaker use the term "the American people" then go on to describe this collective of people with whom I have absolutely no identity. Am I no longer an American person? Apparently by DMS' definition, I have been excommunicated from this grouping. And so has virtually everyone with whom I associate. How did people with such un-American philosophies get to hi-jack the term "American people" for themselves? I believe a better collective title would be ORPAs (assuming OPRAH doesn't try to claim copyright infringement) for "Only Recently Proud American people" to make a more accurate distinction about who they really are. I hereby reclaim "The American People". Mme Speaker, keep your hands off it and don't allow it to pass through your carnuba waxed, botox injected lips again unless you are defining the American people of whom GG just wrote (i.e. "The American people are sick of my leadership of their House of Representatives")
It would be nice if the new writers could identify themselves when posting. It could get confusing.
ReplyDeleteThey are identified by a tagline at the bottom of the post.
ReplyDeleteTexas is not a bad place.
ReplyDeletePS -- no state income tax either.
Sally - Apologies. I just assumed that GG would be the first to write. Apparently he really IS focusing on his family. So, to correct my American People rant, "For SALLY, nice post."
ReplyDeleteOh, and "...about whom SALLY just wrote..."
ReplyDeleteAnon - I really don't see how you would think this could get confusing. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm very confused by Anon's comment. If only he would identify himself!
ReplyDelete