America was not designed to be run by elitists – nor was it designed for pure mob rule. What we need to find here is some middle ground – a government that will be responsive to the needs of the people without being subject to the whims of daily polling and public opinion that is too often swayed by a slanted press corps. That’s not where we are in the state of American politics. What we have is a bloated federal bureaucracy that is incapable of being the kind of government we need, and the American people are beginning to wake up to that truth — that’s the idea behind the growing tea party movement in this country. It could be reasonably argued that both parties (yes, even the Republican Party) share the blame for the massive spending, but the sins of one party should not serve as an excuse for the other party to continue the bad behavior. That’s where I believe the average citizen, and the tea party protests serve the purpose of drawing the line here, to say, “Enough of this. It’s way past time for Congress to start being more responsible with taxpayer money.” Nothing at all wrong with that.
The average citizen may not be the most eloquent, and in some cases, may know just enough to question the direction of government policy without getting a front row seat to the halls of power. Engagement in the political process by all citizens should be encouraged, but at the same time, we also have a responsibility to be able to argue intelligently on the issues of the day. While I believe that everyone should have a voice, I think it’s in the best interest of opponents of the policy positions of President Obama and the Democrats to know what they are talking about. The media will continue to do what it does best — shredding the reputation of good and decent people who care about their country to burnish their merit badges and keep their invites to the hot cocktail parties. It’s up to us not to give them any additional ammo by bringing our A game, doing our research, and being armed with the facts when discussing policy.
Don’t you think it is a bit hypocritical of the tea partiers, most of whom are on Social Security and Medicare, to be protesting the taxes that are supporting their lifestyle?
When are the tea partiers going to be ready to say, OK, cut 50% of the budget, beginning with me and “my” entitlement?
I do, and that’s a good point. But everyone is willing to stop the federal spending once they get their own chunk of it. However, I think that it is highly unlikely that we will ever be able to make the necessary reforms to keep Social Security and Medicare around forever, so those still in the workforce need to start thinking about a Plan B if we want to have enough money to retire.