The Tea Party

 So, what Party does the Tea Party really belong in? Over the years, especially since 1980, the Republican Party has prided itself on presenting an image of unanimity. One focus, everyone in support of one course, no public internal dissent. Quite an accomplishment when you consider the large number of people needed to subscribe to such an action. The Democratic Party has been an accumulation of differing views which by nature causes public debate and a multitude of interesting options. Dissenters call Republicans “conservative” and Democrats “liberal” but facts don’t support the claims.

Now we have the Tea Party which advocates definite conservative views, was born within weeks of the inauguration of President Obama, gives voice to certain Republican speakers and candidates and is thus considered an arm of the GOP. But are they? I have been watching the situation with some interest and question that conclusion.

First, you can not listen to what the Tea Party “says” because that is filtered through well intentioned news sources who are reporting on what one person or one group is claiming and not how the total membership is advocating. For this you have to look at intelligent polling data and then use some common sense. Second, forget the message from impromptu gatherings at the Capitol Building since it isn’t practical to believe a representative group of Tea Baggers can leave their jobs or come from anywhere that isn’t close.

So, what are we left with? Apparently Tea Baggers believe government spending must be cut drastically before anything else is done but not to programs that they want (not any different from any other group). Some put the emphasis on cutting the National debt but they are opposed by those who think the budget deficit is more important. Some want the United States to become isolated from the outside world while others believe that aggressive warfare with unconditional surrender is better. Most Party members feel our taxes are excessive yet a majority of them also believe corporations make too high a profit. There is a faction guarding the military budget facing off with possibly a larger bloc reminding us that million dollar toilets are the product of the Pentagon. Most surprising is the fact that the Religious Right is more prone to be members of the Tea Party but Tea Party members don’t join the Religious Right in astounding numbers.

In short they are diverse, they debate in public, they are only a little more religious than the norm, they hate taxes, and they don’t want to be lead around by a ruling, dictatorial, minute troupe of self-serving people. Quite frankly, if they learn to compromise and play with the other kids at the park, they would resemble a component of the Democratic Party more than the Republican Party.