On Monday around supper time, I received an automated phone survey that asked two questions:
- “Do you consider yourself a Tea Party Patriot?”
- “Do you support Sarah Palin?”
Anyone else get this call?
On Monday around supper time, I received an automated phone survey that asked two questions:
Anyone else get this call?
justan–I agree, but when racism becomes part of what is “dished out,” then I don’t agree that everyone should be able to take it. The difference, of course, is that when you see someone walking down the street, you can’t identify the person as a Republican or a Democrat–the same is not true of race. Also, the Republican vs Democrat arguments and unkindnesses occur only when discussing politics. Race spreads across way too many arenas. Of course, the only way to work toward a solution is for those of us who care to “bear one another’s burdens” instead of asking others to take the guff alone.
“If you don’t think it happens both ways then you are as or more closed minded than those you have differing opinions from. Both sides are horrible.”
The left is busy arming themselves for a revolution, using “sacred” images from our revolution against Britain and the Confederacy. They are blowing up federal buildings and threatening elected officials, creating isolated survivalist camps and religious cults… oh that’s the RIGHT… never mind.
I am not saying it is right but I find it funny that both parties turn a blind eye when they are the ones in power in the WH. Racism, manipulation, threating of political officals, name calling and religous cults can be associated with both sides. Nobody should deny that. It is a poor argument to say it is a liberal or conservative issue. Hopefully those of us somewhere in the middle can shed some sort of rationale on the madness.
When was the last time a leftist committed an act of terror in the west… 60’s anti-war and anti-establishment movement?
P of Order: It is a known talking point of Fox news that the left always brings up racism in regards to Obama. Yeah, like the right doesn’t know about racism. You didn’t know about the Constitution until Bush left office. The fact of the matter is, tea party members don’t haul no coal. In fact I have never seen a black person at a tea party. Also, during the Bush administration, when did you see a gun toting redneck at one of Bush’s speeches?
You are missing the point. The fact that you made that comment only proves my point, but to answer your question without pitting numerous instances of left or rigth wing examples, Bruce Ivins is one that comes to mind. I believe he was a registered Democrat. He was the Anthrax killer in 2001. Again, we could go on and on with examples from both partys, but that is not the point.
Andrew Joseph Stack, the Unabomber to mention a few.Or go here http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9AGKD0O0&show_article=1
Based on the liberal posts on the thread, only liberals can use names, words, terms or phrases such as progressive, socialism, race, MLK, tolerance, etc. That way these things retain a sanctity unblemished by an ‘unenlightened’ white conservative-type. (Talk about possessive.)
Reading some of these clowns’ writings you could almost conclude that on the day JFK or MLK died that all the “unwashed” white conservatives stood up, applauded or rejoiced like a Palestinian in Gaza on 9/11.
And then there’s the “Fox news, – talking points, Fox news, – talking points, Fox news” mantra that left wingnuts like emtronics OM to daily. A device the hateful emtronic-type uses to dismiss anyone opposite even one of their own positions or editorial points.
Of course there is use of semantics in order to confuse CJ’s contention that emtronics insulted the behated Bush with a corollary concerning Hitler. Typical of the wingnuts on the left. He then tries to come off as having retained some kind of integrity and propriety instead of admitting to the insult outright. But as emtronic would have you see it, it is not an insult — it’s an observation (as the euphemism would probably be portrayed or characterized).
The left wingnut contend they aren’t wingnuts at all but rather the beneficent holy ones — the guardians of ethic, morality and the only to purvey propriety and display reasonable conduct. Yet I remember that once superb local website Obrien’s Tomato Patch where nothing but invective and hatred was tossed toward any and all of the flock to the political right of the left view. At that site I recall reading about the so-called Nazi and/or fascist President Bush written by a proud, partisan liberal seraph. I think the only irreverent writing omitted on the site was a glowing review of the film “Death of a President” – the assassination of President Bush. But maybe I just missed it.
And of course the democrats are not at all socially progressive (not if a conservative pundit were to use that descriptor). Only the consecrated or the bishops of partisan liberalism such as Chris Matthews or Lawrence O’Donnell are allowed to use the term. Anyone else using “socially progressive” to describe Obama, Pelosi, Reid or democrats is simply using a talking point that must have originated from Fox news and Glen Beck. It doesn’t matter to an emtronics-type that on MSNBC Matthews and O’Donnell agreed with white conservative Pat Buchanan that the healthcare bill was socialism (maybe the two are brain washed, right?). Or, holy emtronics may agree with Matthews and O’Donnell that it is socialism though the two may lose some of his esteem for agreeing with the white right wing sinner. But emtronics would never give such an acknowledgment to a white conservative. There is no redemption for the white right wingers. All hope forever lost, burnt by fire, lost in ire. The final fall from grace.
Here’s a little information about your “registered Democrat”.
Sound REAL Liberal to me.
“These were cited in the Department of Justice summary of the case against Ivins as suggesting that he may have harbored a grudge against pro-choice Catholic senators Daschle and Leahy, recipients of anthrax mailings.[19] In a letter expressing his belief that Jews were God’s chosen people, Ivins stated, “By blood and faith, Jews are God’s chosen, and have no need for ‘dialogue’ with any gentile.”[20] Ivins praised a rabbi for refusing to dialogue with a Muslim cleric.[20]
His pastimes included playing keyboard at his local church, Saint John the Evangelist;[1] he was a member of the American Red Cross;[1] he was an avid juggler and founder of the Frederick Jugglers.[10] He played keyboards in a Celtic band and would often compose and play songs for coworkers who were moving to new jobs.[10][11]”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Edwards_Ivins
Where did you get YOUR information, Rush or Beck?
Packa… yes the conservatives were delighted when Kennedy was killed. That is history. So were the corporate elites invested in Vietnam and Johnson’s gang of criminals in Texas.
Yes, white conservatives around the country were relieved when King was assassinated by one of their own. “He deserved it”.
Obrien’s Tomato Patch??? “Your search yielded no results”
Here is YOUR problem: “unblemished by an unenlightened, unwashed”
Unenlightened is not a value laden judgmental term… it means one is ignorant. Equating that with blemishes and uncleanliness is just another sign of your inability to understand…
Most of us “Liberals” were conservatives until we “saw the light”. That does not mean we are better or worse, just more aware of the world around us, and not totally locked in tunnel vision about our own self interests.
If you are familiar with Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, we are trying to get you to step out of the cave, metaphorically speaking.
Packa Garbage,
Oh, I just love you folks that whine about name calling and then…..um…name call. Yippie.
First off, those wackos on the left are not known as “wingnuts”….that name is for those wackos on the right. I think lefty wackos are known as “moonbats” or something like that.
Next, if you think Matthews is a good example of a “liberal,” well, all I can say to that is your definitions are definitely out of whack a bit. He may lean Dem, but he is clearly an example of a shill for the corporate media. Although, I will admit he has had some good comments lately about the bizarre anger of the “tea bag” movement.
I wish folks like you would pick up a good dictionary and use terminology correctly and appropriately.
Packa: Nice. Your post sounded as bad as the posts that you bitch about. I’ll tell you this, if you just fell into a vat of dog poo, would you come out smelling like a rose? Nope. Would you want to fall in again? Probably not. So, after 8 years of Bush policies and seeing this country run down the drain, I’ll stick with the left as I don’t want that vat of dog poo again. Obama has had to pass some serious bills to bail us out which seems to be working but not on Fox. They’ll tell you nothing is working. At least Mathhews can tell the difference. Of course, we moonbats have memories something you wingnuts don’t. At least you don’t seem to have one. I vote both ways (although never for Bush) and I didn’t like the way the Right was running our country into the ground. Where was your almighty great insights during those years? Your diatribe of me and your use of comparing media entertainers is just as amusing. Nice to know you are as ignorant as the rest of us you accuse.
sctobrien wrote: Although, I will admit he has had some good comments lately about the bizarre anger of the “tea bag” movement.
You call the Tea Party movement the “tea bag” movement, and then you write this?
I wish folks like you would pick up a good dictionary and use terminology correctly and appropriately
The Washington Institute for the Study of Ethnicity, Race and Sexuality and the UW Department of Political Science paid for a survey to be conducted by telephone from Feb. 8 to March 15, in battleground states. The survey reached 494 whites, 380 blacks, 77 Latinos and 64 members of other races. It was conducted by the UW’s Center for Survey Research and it has some revealing information about the Tea Party and race. Check it out here:
http://emergepeoria.blogspot.com/2010/04/alice-in-wonderland-tea-party.html
“The survey found that 30 percent of respondents had never heard of the tea party”
Because they live in an Amish community? I wonder if that 30% have ever heard of TV?
41% thought blacks were intelligent… what does that mean? All people with dark skin? Or do they know at least someone with dark skin that is intelligent?
I love the expression “battleground states”. Brings to mind images from Monty Python and the Holy Grail …
http://static.guim.co.uk/Guardian/arts/gallery/2007/jul/22/comedy.films/holy_grail_ronaldgrant-2878.jpg
“You call the Tea Party movement the “tea bag” movement, and then you write this?”
David, would you prefer T-square, T-Payne, or T-bird?
To call it Tea Party is a great disservice to those in Boston who struck a blow against corporate greed and over reaching corporate influence in government. If I may refresh your memory, The Boston Tea Party was about hurting The East India Trading Company’s monopoly on selling tea in the colonies.
Charlie,
It was also a reason to dress-up, act silly and beat the hell out of some British sailors.
Question: Was the ‘Boston Tea Party’ an act of patriotic…’zing,’ or a blatant act of terrorism?
New Voice: That depends on whether you were a colonist or British royalty or a loyalist. 🙂 It’s all relative.
emtronics — “Your post sounded as bad as the posts that you bitch about”
I’m glad you admit that your posts come off sounding bad. That’s what I’ve been saying (but maybe you had to read between the lines).
I also wrote my post knowing it would give you a stir and make you somewhat defensive. Just as you did with your “capitalism” post. It only goes to show how one can rise up when one feels passionate about something (you said as much yourself). I get the same rise out of my little sister when I make fun of the acting on Hannah Montana or say something negative about Kim Kardashian. Sometimes it’s just called pushing buttons I suppose. Sometimes it just seems like it’s pushing buttons.
I want to comment on some of the other posts from other ‘doh’nuts but I just got home from work and I have homework to finish with some reading to begin. Maybe tomorrow.
Call it what you want people,it is making people aware of how far our country has drifted from its founding. I hear some far left goons are going to infiltrate some Tea Party events tomorrow and cause trouble. I guess they must be worried that people are listening and perhaps agreeing with those who are espousing those views. Is that the way to show tolerance to those you disagree with?
“Call it what you want people,it is making people aware of how far our country has drifted from its founding.”
Ahhh, back in the good ole days, when owning black people was legal, when women couldn’t vote and young children went to work instead of school…
“I hear some far left goons are going to infiltrate some Tea Party events tomorrow”
No one has to infiltrate your little klan fests. They do just fine being themselves.
Unless you mean by infiltrate stand outside and protest them… just be careful you don’t get your finger bit off.
Packa- We all await your wisdom
I do have to take this rare opportunity to agree with both Jon, Charlie, and Emtronics. I, too, find it so disconcerting when people can look back at the founding of this country–when there was so much unequal treatment of people–and cannot make the observation that the strides we have made with regard to how people are treated make our country better today than it was at its founding. To their credit, the founders of this country did make those advances possible.
Jon,
“Ahhh, back in the good ole days, when owning black people was legal, when women couldn’t vote and young children went to work instead of school…”
– Outside of “owning black people”……whats the problem?
Charlie, etc………
Before I got into my current [career] gig, I used to be a “goon” for hire. I would moonlight, occasionaly, as a thug.
By the way, I currently teach Pre-School/Kindergarten with District 150.
Does my former status as a ‘goon’ qualify me for a seat on the Peoria County Board?
It is not right to accuse people of being racist simply because you disagree with their political positions. It’s sad that those who would bitterly decry stereotyping a whole group of people based on their race or ethnicity seem to revel in stereotyping a whole group of people based on their political affiliation. I guess bigotry isn’t wrong as long as you’re bigoted against the “right” group.
“Tea Party Patriots” are not an organized group. They’re just a bunch of people who generally oppose out-of-control government spending, specifically centered around the stimulus bills and the health care bill. Yes, a certain number of them are ill-informed and just jumped on the bandwagon without really thinking through their views consistently (e.g., a recent NY Times article quotes one of them as saying they want smaller government AND their Social Security). But you will find that in any large, unorganized group.
To assert that a desire for smaller government equals a desire to repress black people or return to the worst aspects of 18th century America, and then use that assertion to declare the whole Tea Party movement racist is irresponsible, cynical, and demagogic. We should be able to have a civil debate about governmental spending policies without calling each other names or impugning each other’s character.
All jokes aside now…..
I do not teach with Dist 150. Really, I have no formal higher education whatsoever, no real experience, and no real insight……
I am, however contemplating running for a seat on the Peoria City Council.
Thanks, CJ, for making your points. Yesterday I considered leaving the blogs due to the unproductive negativity. However, I come here to learn, and I have been persuaded to change my position after reading some pretty good arguments here. There seems to be a sociology lesson in here somewhere. What is it called when you attack the man instead of his ideas? Ad hom something.
Interesting comments, CJ – what sparked that? Who is asserting a desire for smaller government equals a desire to repress black people? Who is claiming the WHOLE Tea Party movement is racist, etc.?
Or, should I say, WHO is making the broad allegations?
And while the Tea Party may not be AS organized as other political parties, some people claimed to have a Tea Party convention a couple months back, with Tom Tancredo as a primary organizer and speaker. Who wants to defend his comments at the convention? Who wants to defend the birthers, Obama is Hitler, a socialist, etc.? Why would anyone associated with the Tea Party movement NOT denounce that crap?
We are defined not only by our actions, but our inaction.
Obviously, not all Tea Party supporters are bigots. But you’re fooling yourself if you don’t think the Tea Party has a higher proportion of them. What, if anything, are they going to do about it?
How interesting that the Tea Party people are working on behalf of the party that is doing it’s damn best to insulate wall street and the bankers from real reform.
I just returned from the Tea Party gathering in downtown Peoria. I’m happy to report that there was no disruptons by those opposed to them. It was informative as to how the Constitution has been interpreted over the last 100 years. They passed out pocket Constitutions for everyone who wanted one. It was a very pleasant time and I didn’t see anybody in a white hooded sheet.
Jon, here I go again agreeing with you. I know that I am overly sensitive on the racial issue. Therefore, I would not knowingly side with any group that even tilts in that direction (when the group’s public stand leans in that direction). However, that does not mean that I assume that all who belong to the group are racist. I know many people who oppose big government who definitely are not racist–C.J. would most likely be on that list. We might not all be bigoted but we are all prejudiced (sometimes against and sometimes in favor of a particular group or view). I am not at all well-informed about the Tea Party–most of my negative attitude comes from listening to Glen Beck for 15 minutes most mornngs. If Beck is for it, then I’m sorry, but I certainly question it (second thought–I’m not sorry). I am going to have to read the questionnaire about which you are all speaking. But if a question is “Are blacks intelligent?), then I certainly have misgivings about the purpose of the group? Today’s era is one in which most people know that they can’t get away with statements of blatant racism, so they have found ways to veil it with more acceptable language. Also, with regard to big vs. small government. I believe–as C.J. stated with regard to bigotry only being wrong when it is directed at the “wrong” group–that those who oppose big government oppose it only when it benefits some “other” group but not some much if it benefits them. And we all benefit by some manifestation of big government.
Just like everything else in life, the truth most likely lies somewhere in the middle…
I was at the Tea Party from just before 10 as they were getting set up til 12:15… I saw 2 people of color in attendance. I asked several people what they thought everyone had in common that were there… it was obvious that there were poor, young, old middle class and upper middle class people there. It was obvious there were those that might be Protestant, Catholic or Jewish. It was obvious there were blue collar and white collar people there… but what did they all have in common?
With the 2 exceptions noticed, the 500 people in attendance were white. A few black couples or individuals walked by or through the group as the crowd was gathering around 10:45. No one looked at them or spoke to them… not even a “good morning, how ya doin’…” NOTHING. And, just to be clear, neither of the black men I saw were being engaged by anyone around them. They were watching and listening.
So… what is it that people of color did not feel welcome to be there? Do not people of color have businesses, jobs and interests that are espoused by the Tea Party movement?
The second speaker read a letter written by George Washington explaining the Constitution… The government exists to regulate business, national defense, provide for the common good and collect taxes. Tea Partiers want government to stop regulating businesses, stop collecting taxes and stop providing for the common good. And they call themselves lovers of the Constitution.
““Tea Party Patriots” are not an organized group.”
I will disagree with this assessment, C.J. Of course it is organized. The press was there, there were tents selling cds, books and t shirts. There was an agenda with scheduled speakers, a 50/50 donation/giveaway.
The group of 500 people there may not be organized (and they never would be) but the orchestration of these events is DEFINITELY organized. There was even one guy pushing around a cross in a wheel barrow. There were pre-printed signs, and several hand written ones which may have all written by the same hand.
They played The Glenn Beck Show over the loudspeakers!
Wow, I am sure CJ that the local NAACP merely mis-placed their invitation to the tea party. Fox News released a poll saying that tea party’s are approx. 20% making over 100K a year and the rest just under that meaning that they most likely have health care. I have no problem with tea party people that protest high taxes. Lord knows I pay high taxes just like everyone else, well, except Exxon which made $15 BILLION in profits this year and paid NO US TAXES. Yes we all want smaller government intervention and will say that the government can’t do anything right BUT these same people say “Support the Troops!” which the government completely runs and we spend the most on defense. What gets me is the people who infiltrate the tea party on behalf of their own agenda, like FOX News producers in larger cities who bus in people. Still, I heard a woman today on WPEO 1020 AM radio say she went to a tea party and all she mostly saw was mom’s with kids. How the kids enjoyed reading all the signs and how every one had a great time. Letting your young child see the President of the US as Hitler. How gratifying. See the US President in a coffin. How beautiful. Calling the President a Nazi or a Socialist. Wonderful. What a lesson for those young children.
Fact is, the true tea party is not grass roots as that would imply a base that raises money. They don’t. But Fox News does it for them. How sweet. Truth be told, most honest tea party members have no use for any of today’s politicians both on the right and the left but don’t worry, John “Bonner” is going to get out and walk with them and try and earn their votes. Yeah, like Col Sanders walking with the chickens.
You won’t see many minorities at tea party’s. Why? Because most TP members think that they will have to pay for minority benefits and have no use for minorities. That is a simple truth.
http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=FA90462A-18FE-70B2-A8C4C7D0CC493FF2
If you want to know what The Tea Party Express is all about…
Emtronics: I love the “Col Sanders walking with the chickens”–how appropriate! The “cross in the wheel barrow” definitely offends me–especially, since the meaning of the cross is all about a gift from God freely given–but paraded by one in a group that undoubtedly is against health care for all–makes me wonder how they feel about salvation offered to all.
Thank you but I must tend to my slaves.
I went to the Tea Party today at around 12:00 (I couldn’t resist).
I saw about 150 people; (lots of mommy jeans)women and men in their mid 30’s; women w/kids (who evidently were being home schooled, otherwise they would be in school?); Caucasian; large numbers of people who appeared to be 55 – 60+ (who are more than likely on Medicare or SSI).
I was reading signs and t-shirts as I walked through, nobody made eye contact.
One woman walked by me with a sign that read “All Democrats are hypocrites”. I read it out loud (in a very nice voice – with a smile on my face as I walked towards her and her friend) and said “hey, I’m a Democrat – I’m not a hypocrite”. They ignored me.
Well organized event.
Could you please site the source that said Exxon “made $15 billion in profits this year”? To which quarter are you referring? I read the Forbes article, but that was based on ’09 numbers. Since facts are the foundation of truth (L. Pitts), what facts do you site to support the simple truth that TP members have no use for minorities?
Jon asks, “Who is asserting a desire for smaller government equals a desire to repress black people?” Answer: You, Jon.
Jon also asks, “Who is claiming the WHOLE Tea Party movement is racist, etc.?” Answer: Charlie.
Read again, CJ – Explain to me where Point of Order was “asserting a desire for smaller government”?
I guess I need to ask whatthe Tea Party group has done to dispel the “rumor” that is rampant that most of its followers do have “a bit” of a racist agenda? Charlie and Emerge, I’m glad you checked out today’s party. Thanks for the info. I wonder how many other white guys in the crowd were just checking it out. 🙂 Like so many others, I wonder where these people were when George Bush was letting big business run rampant with big government’s consent. Something had to change–like Obama became President.
Jon — I have a better idea. Read your response to Point of Order again, and explain to me why you think it’s appropriate and civil.
In my case about 20 or so of my students were there with me just to observe. I can’t wait to read their observations.
Absolutely – it begs the question: What does “how far our country has drifted since our founding” mean? It would be absurd to think people want to go back to slavery, women not being able to vote, etc., correct? It was sarcasm – I know you are aware of how that can work – and how it can backfire. Does that make it wrong? Inappropriate and uncivil?
I am very careful about what I write – I NEVER claimed Point of Order, or the WHOLE Tea Party movement wanted that. YOU made that assumption. It’s hypocrisy, CJ. Well-intended but misguided. You complain that Tea Party supporters are being unfairly labeled as a whole – yet you make the same type of blanket assumption based on my quip to Point of Order.
Granted, I don’t expect you to police every single comment on your blog, but I do find it interesting that you assumed something about my comment that wasn’t said, and yet let this from packa go without comment:
“Emtronics = another ignorant, see-only-what-you-want-to-see lunatic/liberal/socialist/anti-capitalist type moron.” But I digress.
Back to what is was like at our “founding”. Does our Constitution say we should have “smaller” government (and what does “smaller” mean, anyway?)
Me, I think it means we govern ourselves – it also specifically says:
“the Congress shall have Power To…provide for the…general Welfare of the United States”
What does that mean? To me, it means that, through our form of government, we decide for ourselves how to provide for our general welfare and how that is defined. It has obviously changed over time, from freeing blacks, to equal voting rights, to providing for a social net for the poor and elderly and now to health care.
Sure, many of the Founders felt we should be wary of government. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong, that doesn’t mean it’s “too big”. Sorry, not everyone believes – or assumes – that going back to the principals of our founding fathers means “smaller” government.
Jon — I don’t believe that potentially misunderstanding your intentions in your comment is analogous to stereotyping a whole group of people based on the words or actions of a few members of that group. Apples and oranges. Nevertheless, thanks for explaining what you meant by your comment.
Packa — Jon’s right about your comments. Please refrain from name-calling.