Over two centuries ago, colonists in Boston revolted against unfair and excessive taxes by hosting a “Tea Party” in which they destroyed the tea by throwing it into the harbor. The actions of these colonists would go down forever as a crucial historical event, ultimately serving as a stepping stone toward the American Revolutionary War and the establishment of an independent United States of America. Today, Americans from across the nation will gather to again hold Tea Parties against the unfair taxes and grotesque spending of the Obama administration. This happens at a crucial time in which Republicans are looking to rebuild themselves into a respectable national party with a platform that can win in 2010 and beyond.
If you follow me on Twitter (), you may have seen a recent Tweet in which I said:
Thinking that tea parties have potential to cause massive long-term impact due to the sinking economy and frustration of avg Americans.
I wanted to take a moment to discuss this in a bit more detail. Although things have not been easy and an uphill battle remains, it seems that the situation of the Republican Party has improved since the 2008 election. Obama’s job approval ratings, although still fairly high, , , and on key issues like the economy. Today’s Tea Parties provide an opportunity for ordinary Americans to display their dismay with Obama’s economic plans. And although most media outlets will likely give little coverage to the extraordinary event, the real power lies in Tea Party attendees going back to their communities and sharing with their friends and neighbors why the Democrats’ plans are so terrible.
Just as the Boston Tea Party of 1773 sparked massive changes 200 years ago, perhaps our Tea Parties today can serve as a first step toward Republicans seizing the day and making the issues of limited government and fiscal responsibility theirs once again. Republicans can win the hearts of countless Americans who are disaffected with the obscene tax-and-spend ways of Washington. Doing so could bring the revival of the Republican Party and fiscal conservatism.
Last 5 posts by Aaron Marks
- Onward and Upward: Building a Sustainable Majority - January 22nd, 2010
- Dear Young Voters: This Is What You Get When You Don't Vote - December 1st, 2009
- The Youth Vote and the 2009 Elections - November 6th, 2009
- The Best of the Post-2009 Election Spin - November 5th, 2009
- Introducing NextGenGOP Executive Director James Kane - October 20th, 2009
What was probably the icing on the cake for the tea parties was when Rick Perry, Texas’ governor stated that Texas can secede from the union. That will draw a lot of attention but more importantly it sends the message that these movements are serious for such strong words to be used. While the media will say they Texas does not have the right to do this outright (there are some court cases which agree, there are certain paths they can take to get this goal).
While they do not have the right to do this outright, there are certain paths they can take to get this goal. Come on, you know this is possible because this is the same country which gives exceptions to tax cheats through cleaver legal
maneuvers.
Really it is just using the legal system creatively.
Texas probably has the best chance at success. Here is just one way how it can work. The annexation agreement made when Texas joined the union provided that Texas would be able to divide into 5 states. This would create 8 more conservative Senators.
If Texas were to try to divide and be rebuffed, the US would be in violation of the agreement and Texas should be able to go free.
It is not all that far fetched.
Regardless of the TX situation, the movement was larger than expected. And it is just a start because the thing about grass roots is that it will only take hold, grow and spread.
Some pics here: