Sum It Up:
The Sum It Up question from Sunday was: Do you think the tea party is effective?
* * * * *
The tea-party movement represents a growing number of Americans who object to the destructive “progressive” policies emanating from both sides of the political aisle — dating back to Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Come November 2012, we shall see just how effective the tea party will have been toward reversing the unprecedented big-spending, big-government policies of George W. Bush and the accelerated, expansive policies of Barack Obama.
DEBORAH S. “DEB” PHILLIPS
* * * * *
Not yet. But, if the tea party can pave the way for members of the coffee party, tequila party and whatever other beverage you like to join them in office, then they will have been effective. It will take many groups working together to effect meaningful and positive change in the way government operates.
MELODY THOMSON
* * * * *
The tea party has been very effective in mobilizing the citizens among us who have been brainwashed by Fox News. It is backed financially by the Koch brothers, who are as far right as one can get. Certainly it was effective in lowering the U.S.’s credit rating, to our detriment. So, yes it is effective, and it is also despicable.
ANNE N. PAISLEY
* * * * *
Were the Iron Age, Renaissance or the Industrial Revolution effective?
Like many awakenings, there is no single point of reference to follow in effectiveness. There is no man-led “tea party,” as handy a label as that is for some to attack. It is an idea with many voices and no single guiding hand, but minds of common sense and frustration, with a system seemingly out of control, no matter the “proper” party involved. Yes, the ideas are effective, if only because so many people believe in them. But then, isn’t that true of all successful movements?
JACK C. LITTLE
* * * * *
The tea party is very effective in revealing that its primary goal is defeating President Barack Obama in the 2012 election.
Even if its actions break the country apart in the process, so be it.
MARY H. MURPHY
* * * * *
Yes, the tea party is effective, but not in a positive way. No good leadership. They want to win the 2012 election at any cost.
ELIZABETH R. ERVIN
* * * * *
Has the tea party been successful? You betcha. Founders and money backers, Charles and David Koch, are now each worth $17.5 billion apiece. They will be worth more when they get those pesky “government regulations” and those unions out of the way and not to have to pay those messy taxes.
This is not a grass-roots revolution. This is a well-financed plan to keep the mega-wealthy unencumbered. Read about it before public education is made a thing of the past.
VICTORIA WEEKE
* * * * *
The tea party is very effective, just as rats are very effective in spreading diseases.
DAVE DANNER SR.
* * * * *
The tea party has introduced a new awakening for all Americans. Its effectiveness has resulted into a better insight into our government, politicians and patriotism.
SUSAN WARREN
* * * * *
Many of us once found the tea party laughable and absurd, but it appears this group of ideologues is gaining traction, effectively thwarting our democracy as we know it. The very thought of Rep. Michele Bachmann’s winning the straw poll vote in Iowa is no longer amusing, but rather a genuine concern. Why would American voters want to elect a president or legislators who wish to dismantle the government that has served our country well?
ANNE GRIFFIS WILSON
* * * * *
Well, it must be pretty effective, we’re still talking about it.
KAM BENFIELD
* * * * *
The tea party has some good goals, but its plans are unworkable; kind of like, “We’re driving the interstate at 70 mph in the wrong direction. Let’s ignore the Mack truck on our left and jump the Jersey barriers to get in the opposite lane now .” It would seem better to drift right, take the next exit (which might be a few miles down the road), make a couple left turns (honoring stop lights at the overpass), then accelerate smoothly to merge back on the interstate, headed the other way.
JIM WHEELER
* * * * *
The tea party is effective in making our Congress ineffective.
HENRY FANSLER
Lewis Hartman says
I think that for a new group the Tea Party has had amazing success. I feel that perhaps we should have a little bit better organization but I’m confident that will come with time. In the meantime may God bless our individual as well as collective efforts to save our great nation!
Snake Doctor says
Lord help all of these Progressive Posters on this site.
Amos Elvis says
Good Job Lynn, I couldn’t have said it better myself. The far Left will never wake up!
Lynn Angel Vernon says
I would be willing to bet that most if not all those making such ugly comments about the tea party have never been to a meeting or rally and have gotten their information from media outlets that spread the propaganda of the left who preach about civility to others but don’t believe the rules apply to them. The friends and neighbors I have seen and talked to at tea party meetings and rallies are not radicals. They are not community organizers. They’re not racists. They’re not violent.. What they are is patriotic Americans who have a concern for the downward spiral we are in as a country. The fact is our country’s economy is in a sad and scary condition and it’s going to take someone with exceptional leadership qualities to lead us out of it. Whether you like Obama or not, the fact is he is doing little beyond making speeches and blaming others to get us out of this mess. It is also a fact that for the first 2 years of his presidency HIS PARTY controlled Congress. If he could fix everything if it weren’t for ‘the other side’ , why didn’t he (they)??? After 3 years as president, still no budget. After 3 years as president, he’ll reveal his first plan to put Americans back to work next month. But he continues to blame everyone else instead of looking at his own failed policies. I am thankful to tea party members and other patriots who are willing to give of their time and energy to try to get our debt under control and to leave a prosperous society for our children and grandones to live in.
Snake Doctor says
Mrs. Vernon thank you for educating the far left opposition as to the agenda of the Tea Party. Yes I too beleive this Patriotic Group is and will be very effective in unseating this president that is know for doing nothing to help the economy. I as a non hyphenated American feel that the Tea Party will be under the microscope form here on out till the election. This blog proves that.
The Main Agenda of the Tea Party right now is to Make Obama a One Term President. Thank GOD for Patriots like you and many many more. If anyone that has an open mind wants to learn the real truth about The Tea Party, have the intestinal fortitude to attend a meeting. Can I get an Amen?
jim kinney says
Of course the Tea Party has been effective. They’ve changed the conversation from, “How much more can we spend?” to…”How little can we cut?”. If they can continue the 2010 wave into the next election cycle, maybe we can change the conversation again…from, “How little can we cut?” to how can we restructure the budget process to ensure we begin to live within our means?”
All those who oppose the tea party priorities of smaller, constitutional government are supporting an unrealistic, unsustainable status quo.
Joyce Krawiec says
You detractors know nothing about the tea party. Funding, Koch Brothers? What a laugh. Tea party members are everyday Americans who love our country and have awakened to try to stop the damage before it’s too late. Funding comes from our own pocket and we answer to no one. That’s why it’s so frustrating for you libs..You can’t find a single entity to attack. You aren’t used to folks “talking back to you”. Republicans never have, but tea partiers have plenty to say and “we ain’t going away” and we are “silent no more.” You’d better come up with a different strategy than attack the tea party…Got news for you guys, Tea Party is not on the ballot.
Debra Hopkins says
Well said Joyce!