American Outrage: Tea Parties

Americans, outraged by a seemingly endless spiral of expansive and intrusive government protested at “tea parties” across America today. A populist groundswell against federal and state governments that lack accountability, actual and proposed tax increases and dissatisfaction with the two dominant political parties appear to be themes which have rallied protesters and brought them together in over 700 locations.


Amidst the protests today, President Barack Obama elected to speak to his desire for a fair tax code by increasing taxes on the 5% of the population that currently pay 60% of federal income taxes. The White House perspective on the tea parties was that they do not represent the beliefs or interests of most Americans.


Populist movements have arisen through out the history of the nation. The most successful populist uprising in this nation was the uprising that over time gave birth to the nation, resulting in the Declaration of Independence and the transformation of thirteen British colonies into the United States of America. Since the formation of this Republic populist movements have arisen over perceived injustices. The root cause of these injustices are generally related to economics. The bail outs of banks, insurance companies and the auto industry combined with a severe down turn in the economy and rising unemployment have all contributed to the frustrations that many Americans are feeling. The Tea Parties provide an outlet for many people to vent those frustrations.


The election of Barack Obama, was an example of the Democrat Party using a traditional populist platform by incenting class war through judicious claims of extreme fiscal abuse by Wall Street and the wealthy. President Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have continued that tactic following the Obama inauguration to rationalize the largest expansion of government in America’s history.


The recent passage of the $787 Billion stimulus bill and the 2010 budget have proved to be the tipping point for many Americans who feel disenfranchised by a government that appears to have turned its back on traditional American values and principles including the free enterprise system.


The Tea Parties that are occurring around the nation provide a platform for people to express their outrage with the status quo in Washington and perhaps spark a movement that will gain enough ground that the Obama administration will pause to listen.


We do not know if a third party movement will evolve from these activities. Third party movements in America are shortlived. The Republican Party has been weakened over the past eight years and the Democrats will no doubt pay a price for the damage they are inflicting upon this Republic. We do recognize that communications technology enables voices to be heard today beyond the range of previous decades and that may indeed be enough to awaken this nation from its current stupor.