The Tea Party Is Over - The conspiracy to kill a grass roots political movement

I'd like to thank everyone for participating in the compelling "Hannity escalation" thread. The evolution of the topic there was excellent, and inspiring to watch.

Admittedly, my initial reaction to Hannity's yuckity-yuck closing statement didn't factor into account his all too-well calculated, and timed-for-effect, sarcasm as much as it should have. However, crafty sarcasm or not, the statement stands as an unfortunate example of the new absurd lows being achieved in political discourse.

(NOTE: This started as a reply to the original thread, but evolved into a post that, I believe, is worthy of a new thread.)

But more importantly, I believe the evolution of this discussion clarified a rather troubling conspiracy. The conspiracy is the collusion of the media and both "parties" to demonize and destroy an "unauthorized" grass roots political movement.

We've been given a clear case study of the conspiracy in action, on a silver platter:
(1) The unfortunate comments from Representative Bain,
(2) followed rather deftly by sensationalist ratcheting-up (via distortion) of the comment by conservative entertainers (such as Hannity, but he's not alone),
(3) and then amplified by sound-byte media coverage, from various angles on various networks,
...wash,
...rinse,
repeat.


Neither political party could tolerate the "Tea Party." It's early incarnation represented actual people demonstrating an ability to think for themselves, and the result of their startling "thinking" was the notion that the politicians -- not the other party -- are the problem. You can almost hear them, "Oh crap, that needs to stop, and fast!"

No newsertainment network could tolerate the "Tea Party." People loosing alignment with a ideological mindset are difficult to sway through mere emotional sound-bytes from angry spittle-spewing pundits, or crybabies with chalkboards. You know you heard them, "Shut up and listen to us instead."

And certainly, the lobbyists and political sponsors couldn't tolerate anything like this "Tea Party" rabble of free thinkers. Let loose the hounds! You never heard them, but you heard those on whom they spent their money.


So within months of noticing its existence (if not weeks), the strategy to demonize and trivialize the movement was born. Republicans will fuel the flames via extremist ultra-conservatism (that is their role in this grand game, supply the anger), Democrats will shudder and cry about how terrible it is (that is their role, supply the sniveling spineless), and the media will sensationalize every bit of it over-and-over-and-over again.

Supply the movement with firebrands - Sarah Palin, yeah, that's it. Demonize it with fear - militia and guns oh my. Cover it all ad-nauseam from every imaginable angle. And sooner or later, real angry wingnuts with guns and cabins in the woods will join up and shout racist tripe in front of a news camera with a Tea Party t-shirt and carry absurd signs at rallies.

That's it. Job done. Tea Party ruined. Now what? Oh look, health care reform.


The vacuum of centralized leadership, if not a single charismatic figure, hobbled the movement before it began, and allowed this to happen.

I understand the altruistic dreamers who felt the grass-roots approach had merit and real hope of initiating some kind of change. Maybe in 1950 that could have worked... but it won't play in 2010. Without a strong backbone and ballsy leadership, the media and politicos had their way.

If there are any of those original altruistic Tea Party people left who are reading this (two if we're lucky), I strongly urge you to gather with your local people who are of a like-mind. Recognize the fundamental mistake that allowed your fresh young benevolence to die an ugly and bitter death. Then, cut and run. Distance yourself from the madness. It doesn't matter if the movement has been poisoned to death by interlopers and evil-doers, the perception has been solidified. Done. Party over... all that's left are the ugly dry and putrid leaves at the bottom of a grungy cracked tea cup.

But when you cut and run, do so with as many like-minded people with all the other local grass-roots groups across the country as you can muster. Condense your issues down to five (or less) easy-to-express core problems that need immediate correction. Find an inspiring leader who shares your passion and is so eloquent as to make Hannity and his ilk seem like knuckle-dragging illiterate buffoons. And get it done.

Fell free to use the name previously dreamed up in the thread -- R.O.A.R. - Reform Our American Republic. Take it if you like it... or not, there may certainly be something better (though that's pretty damn good ).


Most importantly, please understand that while Tea Party is over, the movement must continue. ROAR loud my friends, roar loud.

Am I first at posting

Yes the tea-party is over...it's been over for me shortly after it started. It was hijacked and put through the media circus.

Thank you SO

I believe it has been a co opt mission since Dick Armey has taken the helm.
Now it serves as a sort of cleansing ritual for the GOP... Unfortunately the
people who want substantive change will get status quo, same OL GOP, same policies
for the effort. The GOP will reap the rewards of other peoples time, energy and passion,
while the faithful will be disappointed; concerns ignored in the long run. I am perpetually shocked that so many here do not recognize this little tally of the math.

S+F

[edit on 3-4-2010 by Janky Red]

Hello?!?!

www.abovetopsecret.com...

reply to post by SkepticOverlord


That's just it, SkepticOverlord, the Tea Party was doomed from the get-go.

This is because when people begin "grassroots movements" they forget the snake in the grass, the Agent Provocateurs, who are sent in to infiltrate, divide and conquer, and basically cause major chaos in the membership.

And through doing this these idiots, the Agent Provocateurs, upset the delicate balance of the leadership, because the leadership is constantly and consistently going around putting out those small to medium "fires".

Any politicial movement, in direct opposition of the Republicans and Democrats is instantly a target, because those parties see them as a threat.

When you have only two choices, you have no choices, you have two already decided slants, "left-wing" or "right-wing", easily controlled.

Sorry, the Tea Party was as done as tea steeping in the pot, as soon as they opened their mouths to make their change, because they did everything wrong.

Up to and including inviting Sarah Palin into their movement, because she's a loyal puppet, and willingly serves her party, even up to and including sabotaging the "Tea Party Movement", because she will get a reward.

[edit on 3-4-2010 by SpartanKingLeonidas]

Originally posted by SpartanKingLeonidas
This is because when people begin "grassroots movements" they forget the snake in the grass, the Agent Provocateurs, who are sent in to infiltrate, divide and conquer, and basically cause major chaos in the membership.

It's an unfortunate side effect of the altruistic mindset.

And the subversion is why I think any new grass roots group CAN NOT have any aspirations to be a political party. It must be a coalition of free thinking people that have had enough of what politicians have become.

I agree with this post and it is always good to see our leaders on the board get in with we the people. I watched the TPM gather and many people in it that didn't care for the Republicans get sucked up into the same nonsense that we have with the two party system. "We gotta vote this Obama guy out, that is our main priority, it can only be done through the reform of the Republican party". Well that party has entrapped us long enough and I vowed never to believe their rhetoric ever again. The forum I was on before this was strictly republican and though I will not post the name I guess you look around the net and see what you are up against. It is quite scary how polarized this nation and dare I say the world is right now. The TPM is indeed dead and it isn't coming back. The media got ahold of it, followed by the RNC. I know we have members of it on here and while your cause is great, don't try and reform it. I implore you to start a grassroots organization that won't be swallowed by the "elite". You can control your movement, and let it go anywhere you want. I would suggest never bringing anyone in the RNC chain of command to talk at your meetings. Start your own media through radio or newspaper, and get the cause out there. Meet in the middle and try and take down the two headed snake, that is the only cure for our ailments right now.

Roar!


star and flag, very well written, great idea's.

i was never part of the tea party activist, but your idea of consolidating to 5 or less points and really keeping like minded (sane) people together, sounds like the best way to get the message out and hopefully push threw some real reform.



[edit on 4/3/2010 by Alaskan Man]

Quite a good set of perimeters you have established.

I can see the co-opting of the movement, but I have to say I gave it low odds.

As for it being over though not quiet yet. You see the initial conditions have been met but not all the prerequirements for break down. They have no leaders to turn around the situation. At least none that have stood up yet. Barring an internal takeover and new leadership, then yes you are right.

I want to take a moment to add to your post op. Not distract from... You mentioned a lack of leadership leading to a lack of direction. So what would the leader who is hiding do?

What would you tell him?

Me I would point out a few things about the hijacking of the idea. Id welcome the Republicans but not hand the keys to them. First what you have mentioned is lack of a brand and brand control in a sense. I would tell him to work on that....

Next write out the ideals for the party. The Tea party itself and give them something to rally around. If sarah palin and the others want on board hit them for donations.... Large ones to fund your PEACEFUL activities... This would be a good start...

Otherwise your sage prediction will be self fulfilling...

One more thing...Not to start a heated debate or anything. I love this site as much as anyone but be careful of using ROAR even though it is freaking awesome. One google search that brings a media member to this site, while it would be good for this site, would certainly kill your movement. I am just saying, when fighting TPTB you need to have every advantage. I can already see Hannity next week smearing SkepticOverlord for calling him on his crap.

Originally posted by SkepticOverlord

Originally posted by SpartanKingLeonidas
This is because when people begin "grassroots movements" they forget the snake in the grass, the Agent Provocateurs, who are sent in to infiltrate, divide and conquer, and basically cause major chaos in the membership.

It's an unfortunate side effect of the altruistic mindset.

And the subversion is why I think any new grass roots group CAN NOT have any aspirations to be a political party. It must be a coalition of free thinking people that have had enough of what politicians have become.

Of course, which is why I stated inviting Sarah Palin in was a mistake.

She is the enemy of free thinking people, if the Tea Party had stood on their own two feet, so to speak, and consolidated their membership they might have had a chance, but they saw her as many saw Obama.

A false knight for a new guard.

This is not a Republican or Democrat slight, I see both parties as fools.

The heads of them and the people who follow them.

The people who blindly follow the dictum of partisan politics, instead of thinking, are solely to blame, because they are following those people who have an agenda, to keep up the partisan bickering, the partisan squabbling, and the partisan sham, as a means to a sideshow, nothing more.

Bread and Circuses my friend, bread and circuses.

It is a shame, really, I had hoped the Tea Party might make a change.

Alas, the Agent Provocateurs were salivating at the chance to rip that virgin asunder.

The virgin party who knew not to gird her loins and put on a chastity belt.

I am a registered Independent, and will remain that way, even when and if I seek a political office, I will not sell out to one party or another, never.

I have all the resources, knowledge, and experience of going into politics.

My problem is finding the funding, and making it so I can tell lobbyists and special interest groups to go to Hell, denying their funding, through think-tanks.

For the people, of the people, and by the people, or there are no people.

Deny Ignorance.

[edit on 3-4-2010 by SpartanKingLeonidas]

Originally posted by ExPostFacto
Am I first at posting

Yes the tea-party is over...it's been over for me shortly after it started. It was hijacked and put through the media circus.

This.It was a great idea that was completely destroyed by Glenn Beck and the Fox Cast.

Originally posted by SpartanKingLeonidas
reply to post by SkepticOverlord

 

Any politicial movement, in direct opposition of the Republicans and Democrats is instantly a target, because those parties see them as a threat.


[edit on 3-4-2010 by SpartanKingLeonidas]

Well SKL, with all due respect my analysis is different in this case.

I infact think the Tea Party was a gift from god for the GOP, completely the opposite of a threat. The shared base ideology, made it very easy to join the Tea Party and "be" GOP under the new brand name. Next step, Tea Party gets quietly assimilated by the GOP. In order to WIN the a victory over the great Socialist threat this little foolery is overlooked in the face of said threat. NOW GOP can be GOP with this new coat of paint because the process has been obscured by this simple shell game.

Genius!

reply to post by Janky Red


I agree and disagree Janky. It has been a great asset to the GOP for awhile now but surely it was the one thing that could have robbed them of their base. They gobbled it up and it worked to their favor but things could have been different.

Yep.. All of us who supported Nader in the last few elections know this all too well.

Hell, we can't even get him in the debate. Forget about favorable news coverage.


Such is American politics.

If people want to change it, they need to stop watching so much TV, educate themselves, and take some time to THINK for themselves. This seems very unlikely, though, as there are far too many pleasurable distractions to take our minds off of productive tasks and new learning.

Originally posted by SkepticOverlordCondense your issues down to five (or less) easy-to-express core problems that need immediate correction.

Btw, this is a very good, concrete idea.

Hell.. the tea party could learn something from this. You can't have a "movement" without a concrete direction to move in. So forming some kind of "constitution" for your party is definitely required.

Originally posted by SkepticOverlord
I understand the altruistic dreamers who felt the grass-roots approach had merit and real hope of initiating some kind of change. Maybe in 1950 that could have worked... but it won't play in 2010. Without a strong backbone and ballsy leadership, the media and politicos had their way.

You said it. The Tea Convention was very disappointing. I dont think they ever really intended to have any backbone and the thing has turned into a Palin stump....so...she can drag whats left with her into the next election.

And...many on there right saw this thing as certain destruction for thier efforts to take back the white house in a few years. I cant say I blame them in a purly poitical sense...nature of the beast and all.

Originally posted by Kaytagg

Originally posted by SkepticOverlordCondense your issues down to five (or less) easy-to-express core problems that need immediate correction.

Btw, this is a very good, concrete idea.

Hell.. the tea party could learn something from this. You can't have a "movement" without a concrete direction to move in. So forming some kind of "constitution" for your party is definitely required.

They appeared early on to be leaderless sheep woundering about here and there.

I stated early on that their best bet was to form small locals and stop looking for a national hard unification. Something like the Tea Party would be just great for state and local issues, with strong local leadership.

Originally posted by Janky Red

Originally posted by SpartanKingLeonidas
reply to post by SkepticOverlord

 

Any politicial movement, in direct opposition of the Republicans and Democrats is instantly a target, because those parties see them as a threat.


[edit on 3-4-2010 by SpartanKingLeonidas]

Well SKL, with all due respect my analysis is different in this case.

I infact think the Tea Party was a gift from god for the GOP, completely the opposite of a threat. The shared base ideology, made it very easy to join the Tea Party and "be" GOP under the new brand name. Next step, Tea Party gets quietly assimilated by the GOP. In order to WIN the a victory over the great Socialist threat this little foolery is overlooked in the face of said threat. NOW GOP can be GOP with this new coat of paint because the process has been obscured by this simple shell game.

Genius!

Assimilation was a part of the strategy of this though.

Don't you get it?

If they cannot divide and conquer, they assimilate, or they align with the similar idea and like-minded people, who quit whichever respective party.

The Democrat and Republican parties have had a chokehold on politics for far too long, more like a stranglehold, through asphyxiation sex.

Like I said, if there are two choices, there are no choices.

It is a false paradigm, giving you two choices, guarantees one of two options is picked.

Bad or worse.

Remember the saying :

The lesser of two evil's.

Sorry, the lesser of two evil's, is still evil.

So, back behind closed doors, behind the scenes, the Republicans and Democrats most likely cooked up the idea of how to dismantle the Tea Party.

Remember, they want the status quo, nothing to rock the boat, ever.

Their political funding is under a threat if a new kid shows up on the block.

Yes, I said most likely, not something I can prove, but I know how Washington D.C. works, political collaboration during times of crisis.

And to the two party system, meaning the only two parties which actually make it to the Presidential election process, sees a third party as a direct threat.

And a direct threat has to be nullified, no matter how.

The false paradigm works very easily, you can agree or disagree.

Then, however, there is a third option, you and I can agree to disagree.

These politicians are threatened by a third option, because if we agree to disagree, we might actually not fight amongst ourselves, and not be divided.

Divide and conquer, it works, because people so fervently fight for "their party".

It is similar to a football team, and America is a bunch of couch potatoes.

They would rahter cheer from their cozy couch and or the sidelines.

They are too damn lazy to get off their duffs and play in the game.

Let someone else do it and they will pay for tickets, t-shirts, hats, and waste their money, for someone else to do what they want, win, and therefore they will win through merely living in the moment, instead of living within the moment.

In the moment, is a shared win, with people who want more funding.

Within the moment is actually being there on the stage and or with the players.

I know you understand this I've seen your posting before.

[edit on 3-4-2010 by SpartanKingLeonidas]

Originally posted by ventian
reply to post by Janky Red

 

I agree and disagree Janky. It has been a great asset to the GOP for awhile now but surely it was the one thing that could have robbed them of their base. They gobbled it up and it worked to their favor but things could have been different.

I still disagree based upon the fact that the original tea party movement fell into the trap
of patriotic platitudes;

less government (ok how much less)
freedom ( Ok, Ok )
constitution (a document that is still debated as to its true meaning, interpretation and administration)

I am not going to debate the fine points as my goal is to illuminate the dysfunction of the rhetoric.

NOW

if the TEA PARTY had a VERY SPECIFIC platform this COULD have been avoidable, maybe...

IE

End the wars
close X amount of bases
Repeal all income tax
etc..

However the TPM platform above, the basic gist is rhetoric that the GOP has always used, therefore very easy to step in undercover of all that fine talk.

What sealed the coffin is when they started using GOP political tactics of opportunism,
filtering, FEAR and Red/Real America baiting. That was the final conformation and transformation. Assimilation complete, THEY BECAME THE GOP