The Mad Hatter had a Tea Party too!

The primary in Wisconsin is over and done. Did you vote? If not, I got to select the candidates that will be available in the general election, November 2nd. I know you will like who I selected, since you left the decision up to me. Thanks.

The big news around the country is the success of the Tea Party. For the uninformed, the Tea Party isn't exactly a new political party, but an offshoot of the Republican party that is even more extreme and conservative that Republicans. (I'll get back to extreme) In fact the regular Republicans have run extensively against Tea Party types and put lots of money up to their candidates to defeat the Tea Party candidates believing that their less conservative, less extreme (later) candidate will have a better chance of defeating the Democrat in November. But the Tea Party has rabid supporters that actually turn out and vote. (What a concept) No better case can be seen than in Delaware. The Republican party supported a long time politician for the US Senate race against a Tea Party backed candidate running for the 1st time who was backed by Sarah Palin. This election was for the Republican nomination to run against a Democrat in November for the seat vacated by Joe Biden. The Tea Party won. The Republican party leaders said initially that they would not endorse the TP winner and would not give money to her campaign. WOW! Less than 24 hours later, the Republicans said they would work for her and would give her money. I guess they felt a TPer was better than a Democrat in holding that seat and the TPer would never vote with the Democrats, so she would be a solid Republican vote. Who cares about her beliefs? The Republicans want a Republican vote no matter what the moral issues, or political issues, and certainly please never mind their flip-flop on their support for her.

Extreme?
Understand there is not a national platform of beliefs that govern all Tea Party members. As a result, they have a wide range of beliefs. This candidate from Delaware believes in abstinence only education. She has in the past labeled masturbation as lustful and therefore sinful. Other TPers have talked about stopping the "Gay agenda". I don't think I've seen a copy of that agenda. TPers most usually talk about cutting taxes and less government. Really? Less government means less regulation of businesses, less services provided by the government, which might include less money for social programs like social security and medicare/medicaid. This usually means cutting taxes, especially for those that have the money. Hmmm. Tax cuts for the wealthy? Good thing that isn't a hot topic right now. Oh, wait. It is. Look at TP crowds. Glen Beck drew several thousands to Washington DC. It turned out to be more about the USA finding its way back to God through lower taxes, less government and "taking our country back". (I'm not sure where our country has been that it needs to come back). The crowd was nearly all white. People interviewed all talked about their taxes. Maybe the Tea Party should have a slogan that represents them--"poor folks need not apply."
What is extreme? What is far off from the mainstream citizenry? TPers have held signs that say "Taxation without representation". Our government is based on representative government. Their problem is that they think they are not represented by those elected. To their credit, they are doing something about it....getting their candidates on the ballot and in some cases, winning.
Democrats are cheering on TPers as they think this will divide the Republican party. Be careful what you wish for. TPers have shown they will turn out in numbers on election day. The Republicans, once they have lost primary nominations, will support the TPer as opposed to sitting out the election or voting for a Democrat. Democrats are in trouble this November, according to most political experts, and thinking that the American voter is smart enough to get past the sloganeering that catches the eye and ear of the mindless is folly (a great word not used enough).
Democrats are in trouble. Some are disenchanted with Obama claiming he hasn't done enough and the economy keeps dragging down the news of improvement. The Republicans are poised for a big win. A win that could put them back in charge of the House and the Senate. TPers that may have been disillusioned by the Republicans, are charged up. Democrats seem to be charged down.
It is not too important. The future of the USA is at stake. Where will you be November 2?
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