I have to take issue with some of the talk that I occasionally hear from fellow conservatives and area leaders that “the time for Tea Parties is past.”
The idea behind this line of thinking is that rallies and protests, in themselves, do not really bring about change. I get that. What these people fail to realize is that we don’t have to choose between demonstrating and being an activist. It is all important. Their point is well taken, because many people think that attending a rally every few months makes them a real difference maker, when in reality, they have done very little.
But Tea Parties do have their purposes. In fact, I would argue that they are one of the most important things that we can do.
- Tea Parties provide the absolute best opportunity for recruitment. It would be naive to believe that all like-minded conservatives are already active in the political realm. Many are still stuck in the rut of believing that November voting is our only course of action. Tea Parties provide a way for those individuals to find groups in their community that are aligned with their political philosophy and that they can work with in future activism.
- We are making progress toward restoring our great Republic every single day, but there will be setbacks along the way. For example, many Americans were discouraged when the President and Congress decided to snub their noses and completely ignore the will of the people by ramming through the unconstitutional Health Control legislation. Being around hundreds and even thousands of other patriots reminds us that we are not alone, and though we may lose battles, the war for liberty is far from over.
- Tea Parties are a great way to network with other like-minded people in our communities. There is something special about being surrounded by hundreds of patriots with common principles and common goals.
- Tea Parties provide motivation for those who do not yet have the drive to get seriously involved. It is impossible to attend a rally of freedom-loving Americans without being inspired to do more to protect that freedom.
This said, Tea Parties and rallies are only the beginning of our responsibility as citizens. As stated earlier, rallies alone accomplish very little, but they act as a springboard for many other types of activism.
I personally do not need any motivation to be engaged. An occasional glance at the current events in Washington, D.C. would be enough to cause me to remain active. Some people, however, need to be motivated on occasion to keep going, and rallies are perfect for that.
So if anyone believes that Tea Parties are an end, they are wrong. The Tea Parties are only the beginning. I will be speaking on this subject at the Tax Day Tea Party in Washington, Missouri. If we are going to win, we must all become activists.
Activism can range from writing letters to the editor to standing on street corners with your flag held high, from passing out campaign literature to starting your own blog. We cannot do everything, but are all going to have to do more.
So come to the Tea Party on April 15th, meet some fellow patriots, then get to work. November will be here before we know it. We have to act now. If you haven’t decided on the best candidates in your local races yet, then that is the first step. Campaigning is something that most Americans know very little about. Winning in 2010 will require that we give more than we ever have before–more energy, more time, more money. Are you prepared for that?
Great article Jedidiah! You are right about the importance of showing people that they are not alone. I did know about the many great people invovled in this movement in St. Louis until I went to the April 15 event last year. We have al ong way to go, but we have als done so much, and itis important for conservatives to not see themselves as victims, but as people with a purpose.
The tea parties are useful if for nothing else than creating awareness in a heretofore disinterested electorate. However, from this point on, the tea parties will have to get behind a candidate and support him or her through their efforts and funds. Also, the tea parties will have to vote on principle and not party. If tea party members believe for an instant that the R’s & the D’s have suddenly “got religion” and from this day forward will only vote Constitutionally they are seriously deluding themselves and their fellow patriots. Look at the R’s and the D’s track record! How many times must you be betrayed to realize that they are NOT for “We the People…”
Mike
The Tea Parties are an essential part in our move toward changing the makeup in Jefferson City and Washington, DC. A classic example is that I believe I’ve seen a lot of new faces since the passage of the Obama Health Control Bill — people who had been content to sit at home and “let the other guy do it”. They’ve seen that that doesn’t work and are only now attending Tea Parties. That leads to working on the campaigns of conservative, constitutional candidates. Our base is expanding — and the Tea Parties are a first step for many.
I totally agree with your comments. I go to Tea Parties to be inspired and to feel part of people with common interests. And I don’t think I am the only one – I also have signed up to do volunteer work for Ed Martin (my next congressman) and Robin Hamlin, to be Precinct captain in my precinct, participate in township meetings and help other causes (school board elections/activites to stop RT3/etc). I also started going to school board meetings and council meetings in my township.
I bet you if someone did a survey you would find out that many tea party activists are involved in all kinds of activities.
Great article and I certainly agree with it. Yes, it is time to get behind conservative candidates and help in every way to get them elected. I feel the Republicans have received the very strong message sent by the Tea Party Movement and realize they better listen to “We the people.” I believe they know if they don’t ship up, they will be shipped OUT! I firmly believe, at this time, we stand the greatest chance of getting victory if we support conservative candidates running on the Republican ticket and not another party.
God Bless the Tea Parties! As He always has blessed our country! Jedidiah you couldn’t have written it better! Strength in numbers, networking, stannding up for what is right in the public eye and learning how to rise from the stooper and apathy that has stolen the hearts of so many in our country. RALLIES are the very best way for people to find opportunities to actively jump on board and elect conservative office holders. The very best way! Thank you and FCP for the strong committment to carry on!
Tea Parties are one way to show the growing strength of the Patriot Uprising Movement, against an out of control Federal government. We need to work to support true conservatives that are willing to run for public office, not only in our district, but adjoining districts. Not all will have the exact same priorities, but what is important is that we all work toward the same goal. Thank you Jedidiah, you wrote a great article.
Tell that To Erick!
http://www.redstate.com/erick/2010/04/14/tea-party-movement-20/
I have said for some time that TPs are getting smaller and smaller. Though there is some activity, i.e. Conservatives running for local offices, and support of big name races, the TP movement has to evolve into TRUE community outreach. Helping with business incubation, tutoring, resume writing, etc. which is what my team does!
The tea parties to me were never really useful. They have been infiltrated by those in the Republican party. When the tea party groups in Massachusetts were so happy to see Tim Brown elected I knew something was really wrong. This man who backed the Romney care bill made it easier for Obama to pass his health care reform. It’s time to stop playing in their sandbox and STOP voting. The belief that voting makes a difference is completely absurd. When you have to have tens of millions of dollars before you even have a real chance at winning a presidential bid things have gotten out of control. If the people stop participating in this fraudulent system it gives the elitists less control. If there are no votes coming in how can they give you a winner. There would be no votes to switch or erase. I think that’s how you send a real message to these fascist and socialist pigs that call themselves Republicans and Democrats. And just one more question. Why do you have to label yourself a Conservative or a Liberal? It’s better to call yourself an Individual and keep yourselves out of the paradigm. The word conservative has lost any meaning. We have people in the media now like Glenn Beck who are bringing out the word Progressive. They’re giving you another bad guy to point the finger at and ignore the other side. As long as people label themselves as liberal or conservative nothing will ever be really fixed.
Sorry meant Scott Brown not Tim Brown.
Before the Tea Party movement began I always voted. Sometimes I wrote a letter to my representative. Now I contribute to candidates. I worked 17 phone banks for candidates in the runup to the Nov. 2010 elections. I write/fax/email and call my reps. constantly. I belong to NumbersUSA, Americans For Prosperity and Freedom works. I blog. I am kept informed by many sources and I know that I am NOT ALONE. Even if there should never be a Tea Party rally I know that there are millions just like me who are out there working to bring about change. We are making changes not only in Washington DC but also in the GOP and organizations like CPAC. Stay engaged. You do make a difference!
I meant “if there should never be another Tea Party rally”.