"Extremists or Patriots"
According to the Department of Homeland Security, I became an "extremist" on April 15 when I attended the Winston-Salem Tea Party. I recall another group of men being labeled "extremists" around the time of 1776. Today, we celebrate Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and many other "extremists" for their patriotism. The media positioned these events as anti-tax rallies that were organized by Republicans; however, I believe these "parties" were largely about the disappointment that Americans have with how the country is being governed by those wearing blue and red.
America was born out of the frustration of men and women that balked at ideals such as being taxed without representation, not being allowed to pursue individual happiness with freedom from tyranny, and living under the control of men that placed their needs before the cries of the people. Tea parties took place across America to help citizens unite against the ongoing siege of American Republicanism and the real crisis that is present in our country – the uncontrollable expansion of government.
Although these "tea parties" were dismissed by the Obama Administration as unsatisfied citizens complaining about the current state of affairs; however, I am one that believe these nationally coordinated events could mark the beginning of the next American Revolution. You must remember the British never expected the Boston Tea Party to inspire men and women to rise up and demand freedom.
Americans turned out in record numbers this past November because they desired the "change" that was eloquently preached by President Obama on the campaign trail. I agreed with Mr. Obama that Washington and the way that our government operates needed to be overhauled; however, I am unconvinced the real change needed in this country will come from his administration. Change cannot and will not occur while Congress continues to be controlled by career politicians that care more for self than service.
All of us have grown discontented from lawmakers and their constant stream of legislation that reeks of unintended consequences and wasted taxpayer resources. The citizens that attended these tea parties are demanding that our elected leaders begin to place solutions as a priority over more legislation. Our representatives in Washington must be reminded of their duty to serve this country above their desire to promote ideology and partisan goals.
I firmly believe the only way to alter the course of this country and the control of government is through the institution of term limits on members of Congress. Americans must stand up and rid our government of career politicians that are out of touch with the needs and wants of their constituents. Unquestionably, the House and Senate will not have the courage or will to pursue this issue without the deafening sound of voters demanding real "change".
My hope is that these tea parties are the beginning of a grassroots effort to shift the power in America back into the hands of the people. Obama proved to the world what can be accomplished when people unite behind a unified ideal and use the power of their vote to speak. Over 200 years ago, a grassroots effort overthrew the most powerful empire in the world, and today all of us are needed in order for the citizens of this country to regain control from the career politicians that desire to rule over us. The fight is not about donkeys and elephants or partisan politics, but instead it is about a loss of the principles that helped to create the greatest country in history. Thomas Jefferson once said, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants".
Categories: Politics, Culture
Tags: barack obama healthcare reform algenoncash democrats ken canion economy jobs algenon cash algernon algonon algnon north carolina repubicans
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Algenon,
You have stated most eloquently what needed to be said. I am impressed by your insight and constraint, and could not agree more. Thank you for saying it with style and flair.
In other words, "Preach it brother!"
Walt
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As a Patriot who attended the WS teaparty yesterday, I completely agree with the article. I was encouraged by what I saw yesterday and plan on becoming even more active in restoring my country to its greatness. God Bless you sir.
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Great article that so eloquently states what I have been feeling for several years. Nothing will change until the career politicians on both sides of the aisle are gone. There is a group I've been looking at for some time, www.termlimits.org. Your article has inspired me to join their fight.
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Thanks for bravely speaking out. Term limits are a necessity. Fresh views are necessary....that is why Obama was elected, but he still has to deal with same old politicians who don't want to give up their "power."
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Algenon,
It was nice seeing you yesterday. I agree with your article 199%
Let me know how I can help
Tim Ebert
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Taken for face value I have no problem with this article, it is well written and factual. Well it is factually self-serving.
Movements should have a mission that is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound.
When your movement is a safe harbor for extremist let me use a Bush phrase "Axis of Evil" you are a treat.
Our country is in a state of flux and changes are needed. Some of the problems we face as a nation date back 30 years or more and I will only mention Social Security as a marker of what was good at the time grew out of control just as legacy costs at the big 3 automakers.
What we should have learned from 911 is how powerful this country is when we unite (United States) When we waste time fighting between ourseves we open the door for terror attacks.
Mr. Cash I am a fan but your wisdom and insight on this one is a lot like legacy and social security.... what feels good today may have an even more damaging effect later.
We have been on this same treadmill for years and you want to support a revolt with nothing more than passion..... If I remember my history correctly people came to the US to avoid the "empire." The revolt came after they had done something other than talk..... before tea why not prepare an action plan so we all can enjoy tea but I guess you MBA's call revolts marketing. We old dudes call it destructive.
Mr. Cash one of the greastest movements in this country allowed you to be able to go to same bathroom with your friends at the tea. I was a part of that movement before you were born.... so a lecture about movements do not inspire me.
Before jumping in to look good for your rich friends, we use to call people like you "sell outs," do an analysis of the costs to the kids you should be inspiring, not just the next deal....
I never thought our movement would produce a President and a crab.
For the record when I was 10 years my brother and I were fighting. My dad told us that we were acting like "white people" wanted us to act like crabs in a bucket.... no need for a top we would keep pulling each other back.
You have a voice, don't be a crab
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Mr. Cash,
One of the great things about this country is that everyone has the right to an opinion and to express that opinion. I believe that, if you actually read and understand the DHS statement, they were not calling the "tea-baggers" extremists nor were they saying any other group that protests as all citizens are allowed to do are extremists. What they were pointing out is that the current environment lends itself to the increase of those groups that can be considered extremists. As a matter of fact, the statement didn't even limit itself to right-wing groups but also includes left-wing extremists.
I know it may have seemed like a somewhat spontaneous event if you were there but the fact of the matter is that it has been promoted by Fox News and right-wing talk show hosts for weeks as well as some Republican politicians. Somehow, this does not seem at all to be a "grassroots movement" to me.
My personal opinion about the way the country is headed right now is that we are going in the only direction that can to clean up the mess we've gotten into. There is, unfortunately, going to need to be significant spending as well as tighter regulations on the financial services. Health care is also going to need to be revamped which will help not only the individual but all businesses. There are so many things that need to be fixed from the last decade of abuses that there just isn't enough time to talk about them all but we have to start someplace.
I did watch quite a few of the "tea-baggers" on news programs last night and still have many things to wonder about. The primary thing is that a majority of the people in the crowd didn't appear to be making over $250,000/year and I have to wonder why they are worried about taxes increasing. I know appearances can be deceiving but, since I didn't hear anyone ask people how much they made last year, I can only go by appearances.
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Good article! All of this is so very frustrating.
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Well said...I totally agree with you. It is people like you who express themselves and stand up for their beliefs that make this country great!
Thank you!!
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I am an extremist too. I agree we need term limits and that will only happen if the grassroots demand it. We are going to have to vote out the existing legislators. Also please note what President Obama does and what he says.
Are they the same?
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Congratulations on your apparently new-found belief that “representatives in Washington must be reminded of their duty to serve this country above their desire to promote ideology and partisan goals.”
Where were the tea parties as the last administration was busy running up the deficit with ill-conceived foreign wars with no goals or exit strategies? Or through no-bid contracts to cronies who subsequently ripped us off for hundreds of millions? Where were they as the national debt was being doubled in eight years by cutting taxes (for the wealthy) and profligate spending and expansion of government? None of the above based on fact, or what was best for the country, but rather “conservative” ideology as defined by Karl Rove and Dick Cheney.
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Algenon: This is the very best description of the tea parties I have read anywhere. My wife and I were also at the W-S event. I was quite surprised at the turnout given no publicity whatsoever other than on the internet.
You have a gift, my friend. I urge you to continue with this effort.
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Did you protest Bush and his irresponsible policies?
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Well put! I agree 100% especially re term limits. We have a totally self focused and dysfunctional Congress and the system will never change until that structure is revised.
Yesterday was not a "Fox News Event" as the administration would like to pretend. Now we need a "Newt Gingrich" to step forward and become the respected voice of this movement. It could be you!
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Go Algenon!!
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Good article! I enjoyed it.
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usual, you are once again right on target with this. Please keep up the great work. I’ve forwarded this too many people.
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Once again great. Until Americans unite in the strength of each other what this country was founded on we will continue to spin out of control. Instead of us waiting for the government to do something, the people need to take action themselves by using the orginal principal of helping one another to get out of this mess.
We have had many practice runs with this, 9/11, Katrina, did the government come to the rescue. No it was people helping people. Wake up America.
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I think another way to put it would be: our aging 2 party system is breaking down. Short term interests of both parties has lost sight of their greater duty.
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Algenon, great article! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.
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Well said!! I am sure our main stream media will sell us all down the river with our protest and tea parties. We are now just a bunch of right wing radicals!!
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You are such a radical! Unfortunately what you are saying is correct and has been for quite some time. It is quite worrisome.
You have quoted Thomas Jefferson and now I will quote Shel Silverstein. I am not sure if you enjoyed him as a child or if you have children who might be enjoying his poetry, but my children (who are now grown) and I still quote him to each other from time to time:
"Listen to the Mustn'ts child.
Listen to the Don'ts.
Listen to the Shouldn'ts.
The Impossibles. The Won'ts.
Listen to the Never Haves,
Then listen close to me -
Anything can happen, child.
Anything can be."
Life is still so very good!
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Algenon, We met while I was waiting to say hello to Nathan Tabor at the downtown TEA party and you gave me your card to direct me to your blog. After reading your blog I am proud to say not only was it a pleasure to meet you but to tell you I am now a fan of your blog.
The time is now for us all to stand up and to let Washington and Raleigh know we aren't going to take their waste anymore. keep up the good work. I look forward to following your blog.
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Yes, Pat Gavaghan! Listened to network radio news Wednesday afternoon, and they allowed as how "dozens" of cities had protests against Obama's budget plan. USA today put a subhead on front page (shockingly above fold!) but buried story on page 3. Another reporter was bemoaning the fact they saw no "blacks" at one tea party... said she: "this is a racist rally...".
No, I think the media will report the facts... as THEY see them.
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The revolution that needs to happen should be one where principled leaders emerge to lead our country and represent its best interests, rather than their own interests or even the interests of their constituents. Our government has been infiltrated by those who do not seek the best interests of our country. They must be replaced with leaders strong enough to resist the temptation to support solely the interests of themselves, their constituents, or their states. Federal government leadership should represent the nation's best interests.
On that note, the federal government in general is all about administration and decision making with respect to matters affecting the interests of our nation as a whole. Interfering in the affairs of the states was not how the federal government was intended to operate under our constitution.
Although I did not attend one of the Tea Parties, my personal belief is that the root cause of this type of backlash against the federal government comes from a fundamental belief of most people on "Main Street" (I hate that term) that the federal government does not represent the best interests of the country, and in fact, that the federal government represents in many cases the opposite of our country's interest.
Even in the greatest country in the world, people don't like being lied to, spin doctored, overregulated, overtaxed, and treated like the federal government is its own industry with its own rules into which we have no input. WE WROTE THE RULES!!
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You are awesome. I'm not sure if you get to hear that enough but you should. I had the opportunity to see you speak and I was impressed by how insightful you were. Any way I don't want to ramble on I just want to say thanks for being you.
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We took a long lunch and a car load of us drove from Yadkinville to Winston-Salem to express our outrage at the actions of elected officials. I'm not only tired of unchecked spending, but seriously afraid of the obvious downfall that's right around the corner as a result of ridiculous government "action". I was amazed at the number of participants that gathered yesterday, particularly on the short notice of that particular rally. Yesterday was a decent beginning and I'm looking forward to the next step.
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Thank you for stating so clearly what so many of us think and FEEL.
Thank you again for sharing at the High Point Board of Realtors Expo. I am genuinely appreciative of your insight and comments of matters that so deeply affect our country.
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GREAT ARTICLE! I could not agree more.
All the best, Lloyd
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