Many years ago a friend and I were walking through a hallway of some dorm rooms and by chance saw an interesting poster on a wall. It pictured a squirrel hanging on for dear life to a tree branch and the caption read: “Hang in there, baby!” I’ve been reminded of this poster lately as I’ve watched entrenched politicians trying to find ways to cling to their “jobs” after being upset by Tea Party favorites.
One of the most recent was Lisa Murkowski, senator from Alaska who lost her primary bid to Joe Miller who was backed by Palin and Tea Party faithful. Murkowski, who was first appointed to office in 2002 by her Governor father, is just finishing her first full term to which she was elected by the people of Alaska. The unexpected loss obviously did not sit well with Murkowski because she has mounted a write-in campaign in hopes of regaining her seat. Talk about hanging on!
Why is it that some politicians can’t seem to accept the will of the people? Some try to find a way around the system by changing parties (i.e., Charlie Crist in Florida has jumped from the Republican Party to run as an Independent). Murkowski opted to give voters another chance to make up for their mistake or to come to their senses through a write-in vote. Why?
Well, in Murkowski’s case, she said she was doing it for the people of Alaska. So, what is she saying? Did the people of Alaska not make their choice in the primary? Did she not have an opportunity to make her case to “the people of Alaska”? What was so wrong about the process that will change with a write-in campaign? Are the people going to change their minds? Go figure.
I see another reason which Murkowski would never say openly. I think Murkowski is yet another example of the career politician. She sees it as a job. She was hired by the state of Alaska, given a great benefits package, and a very nice annual salary. The office where she works happens to be in Washington D.C. Being fired from this job doesn’t sit well with career politicians. Especially in her case; she hadn’t yet reached full-retirement that brings a lifetime income and benefits package. She needed to serve just one more term for that favored status to kick in. No wonder she’s clinging, clawing, and hanging for her life.
There was a day when politicians were statesmen (or women) who “served” the people rather than worked a job. When you are a servant, you go home when freed by your constituents. If for whatever reason your service is no longer required, “we the people” can send you packing. That’s all there is to it. To see an array of career politicians clamoring or clawing for their “jobs” is embarrassing. If you want a career, get a real job. If you want to serve “we the people,” then serve.
Showing posts with label Tea Party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tea Party. Show all posts
Friday, October 1, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
“It’s not Time to Retreat, but to Reload”
So, what were you doing this morning? Sleeping in? Jogging? Eating a big breakfast? Tilling your garden space for Spring planting? Well, when I started out this morning at my wife’s encouragement, I could think of several other places to be going. Staying with the in-laws in Henderson, NV, we stepped out of their home, hopped into the XTerra, and headed to Searchlight.
What in the heck were we doing going to Searchlight? Well, it wasn’t to shake hands with each of the 773 people who live there. On this particular weekend, there was an organized event. In fact, it was a Tea Party, purposely scheduled in Harry Reid’s hometown. Why? It was a “Dump Harry Reid” party, and Sarah Palin showed up to give it some creds.
About 4 miles outside of Searchlight we ran into stop and go traffic. It was a little surprising since they were only expecting about 4,000 people to show up. We slowly made our way another 2 ½ miles and noticed people pulling of I-95 and parking. We hurried and did the same.
There we were, walking with whites, blacks, Latinos and Hispanics. They were of all ages, from kids to grandpas… all of them happy to be together and shooting pictures of posters and signs. It was also an interesting mix of people from all walks of life. You had your bikers with long hair and earrings to grandmas with umbrellas. One guy had his leg in a brace and a cane… slowly making his way to the event. These folks were quite a contrast to the Reid supporters who drove by yelling obscenities from car windows or who threw eggs at the Tea Party Express bus. In fact, I’m sure the Nevada Highway Patrol had to be surprised by the pleasant thank you’s extended to them as they crossed the street.
When we finally finished our 1 ½ walk, we were surprised to find a crowd of people in a dusty desert bowl surrounding a makeshift stage. High above the stage was a large speaker hanging from a cranes extension. We heard a variety of different speakers whipping the crowd into a frenzy. There were a number of motor homes parked around the bowl marking the perimeter. We made our way to a rise on the opposite side of the bowl and sat on a rocky mound.
My wife asked if these people were in Cougar stadium how many people would I say were there. It was a good way to look at the crowd. My best guess was that there were 30,000 to 40,000 people crowded in that dusty bowl. Flags colored the crowd: an American flag here; a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag there. A variety of signs and tee shirts carefully moved through the mass of people. One young woman featured a sign that said: “I’m in your DEBT, Obama.” High in the skies above, five planes painted word art messages. “God bless the US.” “Tea Party-ers Vote Reid Out.” And then Sarah Palin took the stage….
She is a crowd favorite. A helicopter from a local station hovered above us; they must have been informed about the time Palin was to speak. It was so noisy it competed with Palin’s talk. The cold wind didn’t help either. It didn’t matter to the crowd, they were glad to be there and to heartily thank Palin for some one-liners that they did catch. What was one of her most popular one-liners? “It’s not time to retreat… but to reload.”
Well, that is the point, isn’t it. The Democrats cram through legislation that Americans didn’t want. They did so in ways that sicken most red-blooded Americans. They’ve abused some principles of representative government. Finally, Mr. Obama signed it into law. With so much going against us… including our own elected representatives… the tendency would be to throw in the towel. “Why try… no one’s listening anyway?”
Well, from what I saw today, no one is throwing in the towel. In fact, they’re writing “Don’t Tread on Me” on their towels and waving them for the world to see. Palin’s got it right… one battle may be over, but the war goes on. Don’t retreat, just reload. Well, this is one Basicguy who will do just that. I’m not finished… I’m thinking we replace those who refuse to represent the people in both 2010 and 2012. We literally reload Congress and the White House and then repeal bad law. In time the bad taste in my mouth will be gone and I’ll once again be enjoying the sweet flavor of liberty and hope.
Well, our first Tea Party experience is now over. How heartening it is to know that good and basic people are rallying to this cause. Little Searchlight, Nevada, drew people from Texas, Oregon, California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Pennsylvania and, of course, Nevada. This is a nationwide movement. It is a grassroots movement. It is a movement for limited government, free enterprise, and sanity in the political arena. Basic people mad about Mr. Obama’s change, like a sleeping giant, are awake and rising up to wrench America back from the hands of those who hate it and intend to reinvent it in their own sorry image.
Well, America is speaking out… since too few are speaking for them in Washington. Reload America… lock and load… load with the right ammunition—the principles of freedom found in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Now, I’m just a Basicguy, but if America rode into existence on the shoulders of such weighty principles, we can ride them again to reclaim our nation.
What in the heck were we doing going to Searchlight? Well, it wasn’t to shake hands with each of the 773 people who live there. On this particular weekend, there was an organized event. In fact, it was a Tea Party, purposely scheduled in Harry Reid’s hometown. Why? It was a “Dump Harry Reid” party, and Sarah Palin showed up to give it some creds.
About 4 miles outside of Searchlight we ran into stop and go traffic. It was a little surprising since they were only expecting about 4,000 people to show up. We slowly made our way another 2 ½ miles and noticed people pulling of I-95 and parking. We hurried and did the same.
There we were, walking with whites, blacks, Latinos and Hispanics. They were of all ages, from kids to grandpas… all of them happy to be together and shooting pictures of posters and signs. It was also an interesting mix of people from all walks of life. You had your bikers with long hair and earrings to grandmas with umbrellas. One guy had his leg in a brace and a cane… slowly making his way to the event. These folks were quite a contrast to the Reid supporters who drove by yelling obscenities from car windows or who threw eggs at the Tea Party Express bus. In fact, I’m sure the Nevada Highway Patrol had to be surprised by the pleasant thank you’s extended to them as they crossed the street.
When we finally finished our 1 ½ walk, we were surprised to find a crowd of people in a dusty desert bowl surrounding a makeshift stage. High above the stage was a large speaker hanging from a cranes extension. We heard a variety of different speakers whipping the crowd into a frenzy. There were a number of motor homes parked around the bowl marking the perimeter. We made our way to a rise on the opposite side of the bowl and sat on a rocky mound.
My wife asked if these people were in Cougar stadium how many people would I say were there. It was a good way to look at the crowd. My best guess was that there were 30,000 to 40,000 people crowded in that dusty bowl. Flags colored the crowd: an American flag here; a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag there. A variety of signs and tee shirts carefully moved through the mass of people. One young woman featured a sign that said: “I’m in your DEBT, Obama.” High in the skies above, five planes painted word art messages. “God bless the US.” “Tea Party-ers Vote Reid Out.” And then Sarah Palin took the stage….
She is a crowd favorite. A helicopter from a local station hovered above us; they must have been informed about the time Palin was to speak. It was so noisy it competed with Palin’s talk. The cold wind didn’t help either. It didn’t matter to the crowd, they were glad to be there and to heartily thank Palin for some one-liners that they did catch. What was one of her most popular one-liners? “It’s not time to retreat… but to reload.”
Well, that is the point, isn’t it. The Democrats cram through legislation that Americans didn’t want. They did so in ways that sicken most red-blooded Americans. They’ve abused some principles of representative government. Finally, Mr. Obama signed it into law. With so much going against us… including our own elected representatives… the tendency would be to throw in the towel. “Why try… no one’s listening anyway?”
Well, from what I saw today, no one is throwing in the towel. In fact, they’re writing “Don’t Tread on Me” on their towels and waving them for the world to see. Palin’s got it right… one battle may be over, but the war goes on. Don’t retreat, just reload. Well, this is one Basicguy who will do just that. I’m not finished… I’m thinking we replace those who refuse to represent the people in both 2010 and 2012. We literally reload Congress and the White House and then repeal bad law. In time the bad taste in my mouth will be gone and I’ll once again be enjoying the sweet flavor of liberty and hope.
Well, our first Tea Party experience is now over. How heartening it is to know that good and basic people are rallying to this cause. Little Searchlight, Nevada, drew people from Texas, Oregon, California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Pennsylvania and, of course, Nevada. This is a nationwide movement. It is a grassroots movement. It is a movement for limited government, free enterprise, and sanity in the political arena. Basic people mad about Mr. Obama’s change, like a sleeping giant, are awake and rising up to wrench America back from the hands of those who hate it and intend to reinvent it in their own sorry image.
Well, America is speaking out… since too few are speaking for them in Washington. Reload America… lock and load… load with the right ammunition—the principles of freedom found in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Now, I’m just a Basicguy, but if America rode into existence on the shoulders of such weighty principles, we can ride them again to reclaim our nation.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Tea Anyone?
Now, I’m not a tea drinker… never have been. Actually, some forms of it is against my religion. However, there is one particular tea I’m very partial to. It both tastes good and feels right. It’s something that anyone can taste or feel at your local tea party. What am I talking about?
Well, there have been “tea parties” sweeping the nation for at least a year now and they keep coming. The name was borrowed from our early revolutionists who opposed British taxation on local tea and ended with a major tea party in Boston harbor. The movement today is a national stand of regular people against big government and irresponsible spending. In essence it’s a citizen’s revolt against the policies of intrusion by the Obama White house and the wasteful and out of control spending of Congress. And to me, it’s the only tea that both tastes and feels good going down.
I’ve watched it with a great deal of interest and feel swells of patriotism for my country. A glimmer of hope fills me knowing that I’m no longer alone in a world that once appeared to be slipping into political and economic insanity. But of course, if we’re not careful, all of this hope can be dashed upon rocks of reality. I see worries on the horizon.
Tea Partiers beware! Political forces see you as a prime source to exploit, are at your doors. Don’t get sucked into their web. Many are conspiring for their own gain. The GOP would love to “catch” your wave and claim you as its own. Now, I’m a republican, a say this carefully. I may be a Republican, but I’m a conservative first. Republicans like Democrats use movements to gain power. Republicans “used” conservatism for this purpose and once in control ended up wielding their new-found power to simply maintain job security on the people’s dime. Conservatives felt betrayed when those entrusted with the reins of power defaulted to party politics. The same thing will happen to the Tea Party movement if you are not careful.
Another warning I can see is the temptation to establish a third party. Political parties tend to exist less for movements, and more for those who seize control of them. Power invested in the few has a debilitating affect on mere mortals. They tend to think its all about them instead of an opportunity to use talents for the greater good… servants of the people. With this in mind, I was glad to see Mark Skoda (a Tea Party organizer in Memphis, TN) says:
“This movement is beginning to mature… not as a third party but a force to be reckoned with in the traditional party structure.”
Now that makes the most sense to a basicguy like me. The Tea Party needs to remain as a movement. There may a star around which the movement takes voice such as a Sarah Palin or a Mit Romney. But as soon as any one person sees it as a chance to seize some power and wealth, and Tea Partiers allow it to happen, then the movement dies. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed… no, let’s stay ever vigilant and not allow for any one person or entity to rest it from the hands of the people.
Finally, a tea the tastes and feels good going down… and that isn’t against my religion. Tea anyone?
Well, there have been “tea parties” sweeping the nation for at least a year now and they keep coming. The name was borrowed from our early revolutionists who opposed British taxation on local tea and ended with a major tea party in Boston harbor. The movement today is a national stand of regular people against big government and irresponsible spending. In essence it’s a citizen’s revolt against the policies of intrusion by the Obama White house and the wasteful and out of control spending of Congress. And to me, it’s the only tea that both tastes and feels good going down.
I’ve watched it with a great deal of interest and feel swells of patriotism for my country. A glimmer of hope fills me knowing that I’m no longer alone in a world that once appeared to be slipping into political and economic insanity. But of course, if we’re not careful, all of this hope can be dashed upon rocks of reality. I see worries on the horizon.
Tea Partiers beware! Political forces see you as a prime source to exploit, are at your doors. Don’t get sucked into their web. Many are conspiring for their own gain. The GOP would love to “catch” your wave and claim you as its own. Now, I’m a republican, a say this carefully. I may be a Republican, but I’m a conservative first. Republicans like Democrats use movements to gain power. Republicans “used” conservatism for this purpose and once in control ended up wielding their new-found power to simply maintain job security on the people’s dime. Conservatives felt betrayed when those entrusted with the reins of power defaulted to party politics. The same thing will happen to the Tea Party movement if you are not careful.
Another warning I can see is the temptation to establish a third party. Political parties tend to exist less for movements, and more for those who seize control of them. Power invested in the few has a debilitating affect on mere mortals. They tend to think its all about them instead of an opportunity to use talents for the greater good… servants of the people. With this in mind, I was glad to see Mark Skoda (a Tea Party organizer in Memphis, TN) says:
“This movement is beginning to mature… not as a third party but a force to be reckoned with in the traditional party structure.”
Now that makes the most sense to a basicguy like me. The Tea Party needs to remain as a movement. There may a star around which the movement takes voice such as a Sarah Palin or a Mit Romney. But as soon as any one person sees it as a chance to seize some power and wealth, and Tea Partiers allow it to happen, then the movement dies. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed… no, let’s stay ever vigilant and not allow for any one person or entity to rest it from the hands of the people.
Finally, a tea the tastes and feels good going down… and that isn’t against my religion. Tea anyone?
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