Thursday, September 30, 2010
Four Antidotes for the Four Major Themes of the Tea Party Movement
There are numerous questions left answered towards the many different problems that plague the nation. The victories of the Tea Party in various GOP primaries is just a testament to the many lessons the Republicans can get from the scorching anger that the Tea Party activists are displaying. In being able to identify the 4 main themes of the movement, Bradford Kane also gave the antidotes for each theme. It is very important that whoever gets those seats this November, should give their attention to the concerns of this movement or suffer the same fate that Democrats will soon have.
On Fiscal Responsibility
Being the central theme for these upcoming midterm elections, fiscal responsibility should be on top of everyone’s agenda. It is very important for these lawmakers to focus on job creation as this is the only way for the economy to experience growth. There should be an effective and inexpensive way to conduct job skills training. The bulk of unspent stimulus money can be used for e-learning programs which will further widen the skill set of unemployed workers. To ensure the long-term sustainability of our economy, deficit reduction should also be prioritized. The bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform will recommend ways to reduce the debt and deficit such as reducing defense spending, increasing taxes on large corporations and phasing out spending for certain programs.
On the Role of the Government
The role of the government remains to be a legitimate topic for debate, and can best be addressed by specifically identifying what the American people would lose if the federal government were limited or controlled. The voting population may still be unease with the proposal of privatizing social security and Medicare, eliminating civil rights laws and financial companies taking advantage of consumers. They may not also be in favor of dismantling unemployment insurance and educational programs. This remains to be a major topic for discussion and evaluation. While some roles of the government should be better off handled by U.S. states, others are still better addressed by the federal government itself.
On Anger
Voters should be critical enough and must know that, whoever they choose, that candidate will be bringing along a wide range of political views, not only the few that they usually reiterate during the campaign. Each race should be localized, with a focus on the choice between the particular candidates, rather than on national trends. Radical proposals which stem from anger can be countered with sound policies toward shared objectives. Voters should realize that the sound policies of Obama will only take effect in the coming months. The upcoming elections should be nationalized, giving full attention to what the Tea Party candidates say they would do.
On Demonization
Demonization is quite destructive in nature based on distrust and prejudice. Americans of all political beliefs should strongly condemn attacks that are based on baseless allegations and false accusations. There is now, more than ever, a greater need for decency and civility rather than hateful and antagonistic rhetoric behavior. The recent issue with regards to the planned construction of an Islamic center right near the ground zero site is a perfect example of the destruction that demonization may bring. By practicing collaboration, civility and dialogue, a compromise can be done in order to avoid conflict and have a more harmonious society.
On Fiscal Responsibility
Being the central theme for these upcoming midterm elections, fiscal responsibility should be on top of everyone’s agenda. It is very important for these lawmakers to focus on job creation as this is the only way for the economy to experience growth. There should be an effective and inexpensive way to conduct job skills training. The bulk of unspent stimulus money can be used for e-learning programs which will further widen the skill set of unemployed workers. To ensure the long-term sustainability of our economy, deficit reduction should also be prioritized. The bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform will recommend ways to reduce the debt and deficit such as reducing defense spending, increasing taxes on large corporations and phasing out spending for certain programs.
On the Role of the Government
The role of the government remains to be a legitimate topic for debate, and can best be addressed by specifically identifying what the American people would lose if the federal government were limited or controlled. The voting population may still be unease with the proposal of privatizing social security and Medicare, eliminating civil rights laws and financial companies taking advantage of consumers. They may not also be in favor of dismantling unemployment insurance and educational programs. This remains to be a major topic for discussion and evaluation. While some roles of the government should be better off handled by U.S. states, others are still better addressed by the federal government itself.
On Anger
Voters should be critical enough and must know that, whoever they choose, that candidate will be bringing along a wide range of political views, not only the few that they usually reiterate during the campaign. Each race should be localized, with a focus on the choice between the particular candidates, rather than on national trends. Radical proposals which stem from anger can be countered with sound policies toward shared objectives. Voters should realize that the sound policies of Obama will only take effect in the coming months. The upcoming elections should be nationalized, giving full attention to what the Tea Party candidates say they would do.
On Demonization
Demonization is quite destructive in nature based on distrust and prejudice. Americans of all political beliefs should strongly condemn attacks that are based on baseless allegations and false accusations. There is now, more than ever, a greater need for decency and civility rather than hateful and antagonistic rhetoric behavior. The recent issue with regards to the planned construction of an Islamic center right near the ground zero site is a perfect example of the destruction that demonization may bring. By practicing collaboration, civility and dialogue, a compromise can be done in order to avoid conflict and have a more harmonious society.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The Four Major Themes of the Tea Party
With thousands of Americans losing their jobs every day and with thousands more growing desperate in looking for viable source of living, People are beginning to lose their patience and are directly blaming the government for such chaos. The massive frustration of Americans towards the Obama administration and the Democratic-controlled Congress will surely be evident during the upcoming Midterm elections this November. The Tea Party Movement rose out of these frustrations and is now telling the government that the voices of the American population must be heard. In order to fully understand the movement, Editor of “The Bipartisan Bridge”, Bradford Kane, talks about the four major characteristics that the party is focusing this November.
Fiscal Responsibility
It is quite evident that the Tea Party came into existence because of the growing concerns of people towards the rapid federal spending, the ballooning national debt, the continuous rise of the budget deficit, the unreasonable taxes and the capital infusions of banks and automobile manufacturers. Despite of the stimulus package that gave financial assistance to banks and large institutions enabling them to recover and avoid any further damage, it is still unfair for people that much of the package was only benefiting these large businesses while millions of families still suffer today. As long as there is excessive spending done by the government which contributes to more deficits and debts, the Tea Party will continue to dwell on these issues and criticize the priorities of the government.
Role of the Government
As seen from these fiscal issues, the Tea Party strongly considers reducing the scope of the federal government. A smaller government is what the movement is proposing. Many of its supporters would like the Federal government to limit its focus on defense and other international issues. They want the states themselves to handle it instead. In this way, the Federal government can focus more on more important matters such as propelling the economy. Also, the party is strongly objecting two of the government’s fundamental social responsibility roles – providing social safety-net and regulating industries which have direct impacts on safety, health, environment, consumer protection, justice and the economy.
Anger
As seen in numerous Tea Party victories in various Republican primaries, many Tea Party votes were cast to protest the status quo. They strongly rejected Republicans who were not firmly opposed to the economic stimulus and health care and financial industry reforms. Whether experienced or not, Tea Party candidates have a common denominator where they did not hold offices which would have saddled them to the ugly economy of the past three years.
Demonization
As the Tea Party gained strength and influence, it also became an outlet for resentments and malevolence that plagued America in 2010. The movement was hijacked by those determined enough to use it to spread the word about anti-immigration, racism, anti-gay, and anti-Islamic sentiments. Although it diverts from the original scope of the Tea Party, the Tea Party itself acknowledges the demonization of demographic groups in society. Leaders of the group often focused on Pres. Obama, the Immigration law and issues with regards to Muslims.
Fiscal Responsibility
It is quite evident that the Tea Party came into existence because of the growing concerns of people towards the rapid federal spending, the ballooning national debt, the continuous rise of the budget deficit, the unreasonable taxes and the capital infusions of banks and automobile manufacturers. Despite of the stimulus package that gave financial assistance to banks and large institutions enabling them to recover and avoid any further damage, it is still unfair for people that much of the package was only benefiting these large businesses while millions of families still suffer today. As long as there is excessive spending done by the government which contributes to more deficits and debts, the Tea Party will continue to dwell on these issues and criticize the priorities of the government.
Role of the Government
As seen from these fiscal issues, the Tea Party strongly considers reducing the scope of the federal government. A smaller government is what the movement is proposing. Many of its supporters would like the Federal government to limit its focus on defense and other international issues. They want the states themselves to handle it instead. In this way, the Federal government can focus more on more important matters such as propelling the economy. Also, the party is strongly objecting two of the government’s fundamental social responsibility roles – providing social safety-net and regulating industries which have direct impacts on safety, health, environment, consumer protection, justice and the economy.
Anger
As seen in numerous Tea Party victories in various Republican primaries, many Tea Party votes were cast to protest the status quo. They strongly rejected Republicans who were not firmly opposed to the economic stimulus and health care and financial industry reforms. Whether experienced or not, Tea Party candidates have a common denominator where they did not hold offices which would have saddled them to the ugly economy of the past three years.
Demonization
As the Tea Party gained strength and influence, it also became an outlet for resentments and malevolence that plagued America in 2010. The movement was hijacked by those determined enough to use it to spread the word about anti-immigration, racism, anti-gay, and anti-Islamic sentiments. Although it diverts from the original scope of the Tea Party, the Tea Party itself acknowledges the demonization of demographic groups in society. Leaders of the group often focused on Pres. Obama, the Immigration law and issues with regards to Muslims.
GOP Candidate Came Under Fire for Signing then Unsigning Tea Party Agenda
The recent unveiling of the Republican Legislative Agenda called “Pledge to America” represents the GOP’s morale and confidence that they will most likely defeat Democrats this Midterm polls. It is also a way for the party to convince the voters that the party is indeed serious in implementing reforms in the government and achieve the genuine change that was promised before but was ignored by then. But just like Republicans, Tea Party activists also have their own 10-point agenda called “Contract from America” which they want the next Congress to follow. With the popularity of the Tea Party soaring high, many candidates are strongly considering the support of the party as their ticket to a seat this November.
In Alabama, grassroots activists have expressed their anger and discontent towards Republican congressional candidate Mo Brooks. He reportedly signed and expressed his support towards the national Tea Party-backed agenda “Contract from America” on Sunday. But a day later, his name went missing from the list of supporters thus prompting activists to probe Brooks. According to Ryan Hecker, a Houston activist who’s behind the Tea Party agenda, Brooks wanted his name to be removed for the reason that he received pressure from his Democratic opponent for not supporting earmarks.
Alabama congressional candidate and Democrat Steve Raby strongly criticized Brooks for supporting the agenda showing his intentions to reject federal funding for the district. If we look closer at the Tea Party agenda, we can see a section there that calls for an end to earmarks until the federal budget is in balance. Brooks immediately explained his actions stating that the he didn’t treat the provision as a way to ban earmarks. In fact, he strongly supports them so that more dollars will be poured towards his district. He also uttered the following words ““He (Raby) is knowingly misrepresenting my view”.
Despite of this explanation, several Tea Party supporters were strongly criticizing the move of Brooks. On the “Contract from America” Facebook fan page, several users expressed their displeasure and anger. John Guill said “To ‘unsign’ the Contract is worse than not signing it”. He also added “Mr. Brooks apparently lacks the decisive leadership skills necessary to be a Congressman”. Another supporter, Dave Hatcher, wrote, “Vote him out next chance. Some folks need to have an example made of them”. Brooks won the GOP nomination over Rep. Parker Griffith with the help and support from local Tea Party activists. Now, he is under fire and criticism for turning them down.
In Alabama, grassroots activists have expressed their anger and discontent towards Republican congressional candidate Mo Brooks. He reportedly signed and expressed his support towards the national Tea Party-backed agenda “Contract from America” on Sunday. But a day later, his name went missing from the list of supporters thus prompting activists to probe Brooks. According to Ryan Hecker, a Houston activist who’s behind the Tea Party agenda, Brooks wanted his name to be removed for the reason that he received pressure from his Democratic opponent for not supporting earmarks.
Alabama congressional candidate and Democrat Steve Raby strongly criticized Brooks for supporting the agenda showing his intentions to reject federal funding for the district. If we look closer at the Tea Party agenda, we can see a section there that calls for an end to earmarks until the federal budget is in balance. Brooks immediately explained his actions stating that the he didn’t treat the provision as a way to ban earmarks. In fact, he strongly supports them so that more dollars will be poured towards his district. He also uttered the following words ““He (Raby) is knowingly misrepresenting my view”.
Despite of this explanation, several Tea Party supporters were strongly criticizing the move of Brooks. On the “Contract from America” Facebook fan page, several users expressed their displeasure and anger. John Guill said “To ‘unsign’ the Contract is worse than not signing it”. He also added “Mr. Brooks apparently lacks the decisive leadership skills necessary to be a Congressman”. Another supporter, Dave Hatcher, wrote, “Vote him out next chance. Some folks need to have an example made of them”. Brooks won the GOP nomination over Rep. Parker Griffith with the help and support from local Tea Party activists. Now, he is under fire and criticism for turning them down.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Does GOP have a place for Tea Party Agenda?: When Christine O’Donnell was able to snatch the Republican nomination... http://dlvr.it/65s65
Does GOP have a place for Tea Party Agenda?
When Christine O’Donnell was able to snatch the Republican nomination against GOP-backed Mike Castle for the senate seat in Delaware, she immediately gained political fame for having defeated a strong contender for the seat. Castle was heavily favored by the GOP to win the primary until Tea Party activists along with Sarah Palin poured support for O’Donnell resulting in her victory. Immediately after O’Donnell’s win, several high-profile GOP leaders mentioned that they will not support her financially and they felt that their aim of regaining control of the senate was being threatened.
At the recent Values Voter Summit which is an annual gathering of Christian conservatives, Republicans have underlined their primary concern that Tea Party’s focus on fiscal issues might interfere and sideline the agendas of their other candidates. It is remembered that the Tea Party Movement has drawn huge crowds in protesting the cost of Obama’s health care bill, along with his “Unsuccessful” economic stimulus program and his proposed expiration of Bush-era tax cuts. For the past three decades, Christian conservatives have played a key role in the Republican coalition. And now, they are seeking for a reassurance from the party that they are not going to be displaced.
Just last week, Tea Party strategists Matt Kibbe told reporters at a breakfast meeting that the Tea Party Movement is not anti-religion. Yet, Kibbe is widely known as one of a number of movement leaders who have called for more focus on the nation’s economy. One reason seen is the fact that economic issues are rather more appealing to independent voters who decide to fall elections. And with developing concerns that their causes will be left out, three socially conservative organizations last week unveiled 20,000 signatures on petitions demanding that the party will include in its priority list "issues on Family Values" such as a favorable ban on abortion.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the “Susan B. Anthony list” which funds female candidates opposed to abortion, uttered the following words “"It would be an electorally costly mistake for the GOP not to include them (social issues, religion and family values)”. Going back to the Values Voter Summit, several potential Republican presidential contenders rejected the possibility of downplaying a conservative social agenda. Former Arkansas governor said the following words “There are a lot of people who say this is not a year when we should be talking about social issues, values issues”. He also added “Many of our economic issues are the result of the breakdown of something of character and integrity”.
Many participants of the summit also expressed similar sentiments. Elaine Tornero of Columbus, Ohio, mentioned that he believes the Tea Party movement is equally concerned about socially conservative values. In order to be successful in their goal of repealing Democratic influence in the government, the GOP and the Tea Party must be united and must share common goals in order to achieve victory this coming elections.
At the recent Values Voter Summit which is an annual gathering of Christian conservatives, Republicans have underlined their primary concern that Tea Party’s focus on fiscal issues might interfere and sideline the agendas of their other candidates. It is remembered that the Tea Party Movement has drawn huge crowds in protesting the cost of Obama’s health care bill, along with his “Unsuccessful” economic stimulus program and his proposed expiration of Bush-era tax cuts. For the past three decades, Christian conservatives have played a key role in the Republican coalition. And now, they are seeking for a reassurance from the party that they are not going to be displaced.
Just last week, Tea Party strategists Matt Kibbe told reporters at a breakfast meeting that the Tea Party Movement is not anti-religion. Yet, Kibbe is widely known as one of a number of movement leaders who have called for more focus on the nation’s economy. One reason seen is the fact that economic issues are rather more appealing to independent voters who decide to fall elections. And with developing concerns that their causes will be left out, three socially conservative organizations last week unveiled 20,000 signatures on petitions demanding that the party will include in its priority list "issues on Family Values" such as a favorable ban on abortion.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the “Susan B. Anthony list” which funds female candidates opposed to abortion, uttered the following words “"It would be an electorally costly mistake for the GOP not to include them (social issues, religion and family values)”. Going back to the Values Voter Summit, several potential Republican presidential contenders rejected the possibility of downplaying a conservative social agenda. Former Arkansas governor said the following words “There are a lot of people who say this is not a year when we should be talking about social issues, values issues”. He also added “Many of our economic issues are the result of the breakdown of something of character and integrity”.
Many participants of the summit also expressed similar sentiments. Elaine Tornero of Columbus, Ohio, mentioned that he believes the Tea Party movement is equally concerned about socially conservative values. In order to be successful in their goal of repealing Democratic influence in the government, the GOP and the Tea Party must be united and must share common goals in order to achieve victory this coming elections.
Monday, September 27, 2010
A Display of Tea Party Strength: Voters are Unsatisfied with Democrats and Republicans: The present state of the... http://dlvr.it/62HVY
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