First of all, I find it humorous that no one seems to know or care what the slang of this term means. If you don't know, click here.
Secondly... I don't understand what the point is. The original tea party was about "Taxation without representation." Well... we have representation... We elected Barack Obama based on his plans and ideas.
Now.. I've heard it's over taxes. But, Obama just cut taxes? There hasn't been an increase in a long time. Obama has talked about raising it on the top 1% of people making over $250,000... but why would the average man be upset about this?
Then I hear it's over spending. Well, what the heck does that have to do with tea? Nothing... so still the connection isn't clear to me. Other than it's a cute gimmick to use.
So, what I really think this is about is sore losers. People can't handle the fact that the majority of the country voted for Barack Obama to be our president. And even though some people will say "Barack Obama doesn't speak for me.. I didn't vote for him"... Until we change ways of doing things, which I don't foresee... The majority is how we elect our president. Surely, they can be upset... I was upset for the last 8 years.... but don't masquerade the anger in a package of tea... Because that's not what the original tea parties was about.
Lastly... they would have you believe this is a grassroots effort. It's a nice thought.... but the fact is that this whole thing was dreamed up by Newt Gingrich and Dick Armey promoted by Fox News. If something is supposed to be a grassroots campaign, it really needs to start with the average people.
People are really going to waste their money buying tea and dumping it into our lakes/oceans/rivers?
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Some existing organizations, like Newt Gingrich's American Solutions and FreedomWorks, have gotten involved. But they're involved as followers and facilitators, not leaders. Today American taxpayers in more than 300 locations in all 50 states will hold rallies -- dubbed "tea parties" -- to protest higher taxes and out-of-control government spending. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123975867505519363.html
What is it that you dont understand? Seems pretty simple and straightforward
Okay.. yep... Wall street Journal.
Is there more corroborating evidence?
Jen,
Every news article I read on todays "tea parties" say the same thing...
but here is a website that has tons of information...
http://taxdayteaparty.com/
and here is a GOOGLE collection of news articles/blogs etc.
http://news.google.com/news/more?um=1&ned=us&cf=all&ncl=1333469161
Totally with you Jen, they need somthing to complain about.
Wasteful government spending is the big thing us tax payers are not happy with and protesting :)
"The tea partiers want to see the cash spigot turned off."http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/04/the-tea-parties.html
Okay... well there are some places that are questioning how this movement started...
but as usual Patrick, you missed the point of the post and you pick and choose what you will comment on.
Okay...wasteful government spending is what happened the last 8 years plus, where was the anger then?
The hope that Obama has is that the spending will go towards investments like healthcare and environment technology and education which isn't wasteful at all.
And both parties have done their share of pork.
Jen,
There has always been wasteful spending by the government. Why no one protested before, I am sure they did but perhaps more folks are protesting now cause Obama is pissing away money like there is no tomorrow!
People that saved, spent wisely etc. are pissed that we have to bail out the idiots that did not save, invest spend wisely!
Jen, I did not miss the point of your post. you seem to think these protests are all about the half black guy that is president, that is not the case, you seem to miss the point that many folks are pissed at bailout(s) and debt that is being incurred among other things!
hahah always comes back to the black guy... hahah typical.
I could care less what color he or George Bush is... The wasteful spending started on Bush's wash and everyone was content with that.
Now, it falls into Obama's lap to fix the banking problems that started long before he took office and he's the wasteful spender!!
hahaha, it's amazin how everything finds a way to get pinned on him.
And what does this all have to do with tea... seems silly to me.. Seems like there's a more adult way to get your point across.
I am baffled by the hype as well Jen. I have asked a handful of people to specify WHAT government spending/taxation they are protesting and I get NO solid response. THAT Patrick, is the point. Spouting hate spewed rhetoric does not count for an informed opinion.
hahah always comes back to the black guy... hahah typical.What black guy?? Good gracious can we at least be honest about this he is only half black :)
I could care less what color he or George Bush is... The wasteful spending started on Bush's wash and everyone was content with that. Really? Dont think so!
Now, it falls into Obama's lap to fix the banking problems that started long before he took office and he's the wasteful spender!!
He has spent $$ to bailout companies/people that should of never been bailed out! Since when should stupid people that dont know how to save, invest, buy be bailed out while those that do the right thing pay the consequences for their stupidity, greed etc.!!
hahaha, it's amazin how everything finds a way to get pinned on him. well he has not done anything yet, expect spend spend spend (increase our debt). the whole wasteful government should be blamed, IMHO.
And what does this all have to do with tea... seems silly to me.. Seems like there's a more adult way to get your point across.TEA stands for TAXED ENOUGH ALREADY :)
I am baffled by the hype as well Jen. I have asked a handful of people to specify WHAT government spending/taxation they are protesting and I get NO solid response.
http://www.teapartyday.com/
that should help :)
He has barely been in office for 3 months. He hasn't had time to complete all of his plans yet. Okay, so maybe he's not superman.
He's black. Doesn't matter to me what variety of black that is.
I figure you are talking about bailing out the banks. If you let them disintegrate, the government will have to pay for all of the people's money anyway (FDIC insurance). Might as well try to keep banks going so we have a chance of getting paid back. I took Economy 101 but admit that I leave this stuff up to the experts. Other people should too. I don't really like that we have to pump this money into these institutions.. I'd rather spend the money on healthcare or education and I would also like to see something done about Social Security... but it's only been *3* months. God didn't create earth in a day. (well, who really knows.. but anyhow.)
No Patrick, it doesn't help a bit. Here is MY point: People in our country (conservative AND liberal) have lost the ability to think for themselves. They cannot articulate their views by themself. They rely on a website reference or a news commentator opinion or stance and then take that as fact. What I am looking for Patrick is an answer, by a real human being, a true unadulterated opinion about WHY this tea bag event is important and relevent.
He has barely been in office for 3 months. He hasn't had time to complete all of his plans yet. Okay, so maybe he's not superman.But he has managed to rack up more debt, pass a stimulus bill that does not stimulate anything etc.
Your right he aint no superman, not even clark kent!
He's black. Doesn't matter to me what variety of black that is.
Mulatto is more like it :)
I figure you are talking about bailing out the banks. Them, car companies, mortgages, etc.
Lynn why do you care? From what I have gathered from your posts you are happy with the way things are going and you think that obama can solve all your problems :), so why do you care if folks are upset and protesting?
Wow P, in the words of one of my favorite Christmas specials . . . "You're a meannnnn one, Mr. Grinch!" I didn't realize I had posted comments on this particular blog often enough for you to form an opinion about me!
Sadly dear sir, NO ONE can solve all of my problems. I don't believe I ever implied that. I do have hope that Obama will do his best - that was why I choose to vote for him.
As to why I care, well, silly goose, it's because I am an educated, well rounded individual and I didn't get that way by sticking my head in the sand and listening only to people that I happen to agree with. Healthy respectful debate (can you do that?) is important to me.
I get so tired of hearing people say things like "People that saved, spent wisely etc. are pissed that we have to bail out the idiots that did not save, invest spend wisely!". It reaks of selfishness in my OPINION. You are helping these "idiots" because if you don't you will end up suffering the repurcussions anyway. Why not help people before it becomes such a problem that it will cost even more?
NO, I'm not happy about bailing these people out. BUT what is the alternative? What if you were on the other side. Would you not want some human compassion? Yeah, I'll pay higher taxes at some point but there will be a more stable economy for my children.
Laurel-
I am sorry but because I did the right thing and my Obama colored neighbors did not is that my fault? NOPE! I bought less of a house than we could afford, made my payments and paid of the mortgage should I be punished for that, NOPE! I saved $$ for my kids educations/retirement etc. should I be penalized for it, NOPE! But I also dont feel that people that did not save, invest, spend wisely deserve my help, why should I help them when they need to learn a lesson...live below your means dont spend what you dont have etc. The only lesson these idiots learned is that they can screw up and Uncle Sam or some other shmuck will bail them out so they can keep doing what they are doing, why should they change?! There is no incentive for them to change as long as the government is willing to bail them out for their stupid choices!
Yeah, I'll pay higher taxes at some point but there will be a more stable economy for my children.The only thing my kids, your kids, and our grandkids will get is government debt payable to China :)
If my local city government over spends my taxpayer money(property taxes)on ONE new tennis court at the local high school and pays $500,000 for it (about $465,000 too much) how can we control Washington d.c. government over spending? Stop voting for the same corrupt over spending idiots!
MG-
And how much further did Obama put us in debt bailing out the banks, auto companies etc. heck of alot more than Bush did ;)
Patrick,
You seem to be under the impression that just because I vote that I have control of decisions our government officials make.
I vote for who I think is the best suitable person, and IF, a big IF they make it into office they have a mind of their own. I can hope they'll live up to their promises, but that doesn't necessarily make it happen.
I didn't hear you complaining about Bush's misspent trillions.
MG-
Yeah the big IF excuse. You vote for people (assuming here) that have a track record of not keeping their promises doesn't anybody look at these peoples track records or do they just listen to the speeches and follow blindly?
As far as Bush I complained but there is more to complain about now :) trillions of billions of reasons more....
Gee, it must be nice to be you. You vote for people they doing actually what you want.
Why are you always complaining, then?
what are you complaining about MG? Isn't Obama and the rest of the yokels you voted into office doing what you want?
Patrick, do you forget that it was Bush's idea to bail out banks, auto industry, etc? If Cheney would have won, he would have done most likely the exact same thing regarding the bailout. But I am sure there would have been no outcry among republicans. Why was there no outcry among conservatives when Bush wasted Billions in a war that no one knows anymore why it started in first place?! When I moved to this country I did not know much about democrats and republicans but I've learned fast that it is the republicans crying about every little thing and I ofen wonder, why. You are no eating a hamburger less by paying a little more taxes but you are giving a hungry family the chance to eat a hamburger more. I think it's so ironic that the US tries to be superior over so many countries but yet there is so much poverty here that is unbelief. I think it's about time this country invests in his people and gives them the standard of living a so called first world nation deserves.
Wow! I missed something here I guess. I was under the impression that Bush was the one who got TARP passed, and his minions handed out money left and right, with no strings attached. Just do with it what you want. And what did they do with it? They gave out huge bonuses. They spent it on lavish retreats. They didn't use it to get us out of this mess.
And for the record, the people who are cheating the system are not the poorest in our country. It's those rich Wall Street execs and CEO's of failing companies. It's those that got us into this mess. They are the ones who stole from every American, and most of the rest of the world too. And now they are working the system and making even more money. Unless we do something to change the way the system works, it will happen again.
I'm amazed that when Bush was in office, the GOP line was "You're either with us or against us." And they also talked alot about loving America or leaving it. Well, now that they are on the losing side for now, they can't even stand it. And I bet they don't much like how things are going. And I bet they don't use those lines much anymore, since they don't even make any sense. There's a place for healthy debate in America. Unfortunately, that means you actually have to think about things in a logical way, and use some sort of common sense. Come on, GOP, 3 months and you're already cracking up. What will you do for the next 4 years?
"And for the record, the people who are cheating the system are not the poorest in our country. It's those rich Wall Street execs and CEO's of failing companies. It's those that got us into this mess. They are the ones who stole from every American, and most of the rest of the world too. And now they are working the system and making even more money."
Amen, CM, amen.
And did Obama vote against TARP? Nope he went right along with it...
Oh and lets not forget the Trillions he (Obama) has added to the finally tally since he has been in office...
If we had someone in office while all this was going down that actually gave a shit, I'd be more worried about all the money we have to spend to get ourselves out of this mess. Of course we don't have to spend it, but I don't see any rich GOPer's offering up their salaries when we hit bottom. Since no one in the previous Administration did anything about this situation, I don't see how those same people can be so upset about what's happening now. Obama didn't create this mess. And he certainly didn't vote for Paulson to just hand out money willey-nilley. Sometimes Congressmen/women have to vote for a bill that's not 100% perfect. I think that happens pretty much 99% of the time. Name me one bill that's passed that's 100% perfect in any time in history.
Crazy teabaggers!
My "Obama colored neighbors" are still in their house and doing just fine. Some of my "non-Obama colored neighbors" are not. I don't really know that it has much to do with their color.
As someone who is 100% effected by both this economy and by the stimulus (who does save her money, thank you) I am pretty offended by people who think they're above it all.
My job is going to a land far, far away, because corporations get tax cuts for sending it there. Not to mention that we put up with it.
I will be able to collect unemployment for a lot longer and have much better chances, thanks to my president (color not applicable.)
My best friend was a mortgage broker making $100k+ a year. The owners of her company were indicted for unrelated issues, she lost her job. Her company car. Her house. And had a baby - with no health insurance. She's white and so is her partner. Just saying.
Have a nice day and DO NOT OPEN YOUR MIND! That is bad.
My "Obama colored neighbors" are still in their house and doing just fine. Some of my "non-Obama colored neighbors" are not. I don't really know that it has much to do with their color. Lucky you! Sadly our area has tons of foreclosures or near foreclosures, that means that the folks are letting their properties go to shit...real neighborly, not!
My job is going to a land far, far away, because corporations get tax cuts for sending it there. Not to mention that we put up with it. Boo-Who should of been more careful in what type of tech job you went into.
I will be able to collect unemployment for a lot longer and have much better chances, thanks to my president (color not applicable.)
Lucky you! Now you can eat your bon-bons and collect $$. Job retraining might be in order dont ya think?
My best friend was a mortgage broker making $100k+ a year. The owners of her company were indicted for unrelated issues, she lost her job. Her company car. Her house. And had a baby - with no health insurance. She's white and so is her partner. Just saying.
Just saying I am sure that she did everything legally right? LOL! She never gave loans to folks that
in all reality should never of gotten them right?!
Have a nice dayHave a nice day to! Now dont forget you have to activily seek employment while collecting $$...I hear that Golden Arches is hiring but that perhaps is below you?
Patrick - You are unbelievable. It's amazing how you can blame everyone for everything that happens to them..
Really? She didn't pick the right "tech job"? Get over yourself. If you don't like NJ, move the hell out of there,... preferable to Alaska or Texas.
Patrick,
For clarification, what is it that you do for employment?
My "tech job" is actually in finance, so don't assume that your job or those of your loved ones are safe.
Still working, not looking. Have to train and document my position. Retraining? I'm eight years out of college and have been in management five of those eight. My state representative told me I'm more qualified than she is and should not have a problem finding a job of any type.
I worked my tail off waitressing to pay my way through college and worked two jobs after paying off my loans. I never said I was above anything. Don't assume.
Have a nice day!
For clarification, what is it that you do for employment?retired the past 9 years, well this year will be 10 years :) oh and before you ask Cancermamma...401K, stocks, etc. are what fund my retirement not SS :) And just for clarification what is it you do Cancermamma?
Kelly good to hear than you should not have to collect $$ for too long :) since your so qualified (thumbs up)
Jen-
So everyone is blameless? That is part of the problem with this country no one is willing to take responsibility for their action(s) or lack of them!
Never said I didnt like Jersey...just clarifying what the rest of us know it is the ARMPIT OF AMERICA :) followed closely by MG pick of Texas or was it D.C.?
So.. now you are just going to pick fights with a bunch of ladies. That's a great idea.
Contrary to what you think, people are not always responsible for the bad things that happen to them. Perhaps you have lived a very lucky life and not encountered adversity... but that's just not typical for all people.
I just have no use for intolerant people.
But if I don't find a job, I have the option and will gladly take the unemployment. Isn't that sort of part of being an American? Having options? Helping out our fellow Americans when they're in need?
I am willing to pay higher taxes to live in a country that really cares for its citizens. Maybe sometime I will need that helping hand too.
I don't think patrick answered my question entirely. I'm very happy to hear that you are retired, what a blessing to be able to do that. What did you do before you retired? I'm just curious, since you spent an awful lot of your time bashing the work of those here who may or may not have lost their jobs.
And, for the record, I have spent the last 3 years raising my 2 wonderful children. The hardest job on Earth. Before that I was a dental hygienist, and will be again as soon as my kids are older. Right now they need me here, around them. After watching me go through cancer treatment, looking like death walking, I'm sure you'd agree that my kids need me here with them as much as possible. I'm very lucky to be able to stay at home with them, teaching them my morals and values and how to create a better world. Thank you for asking.
"I am sorry but because I did the right thing and my Obama colored neighbors did not is that my fault? NOPE!"
What the fuck do you mean by that Patrick?? Is that implying that black/mixed citizens cannot handle money or make good investment decisions?!? That a pretty broad racist statement.
If it's not one thing it's another with you Republicans. I guess you didn't mind George Bush wasting away your tax dollars into a war that had no purpose. Yeah that seems like a great idea, blow up their shit & then rebuild it with our money.
Atleast Obama is keeping us informed about the decisions he's making...I dont remember much of that from Bush!
Patrick - You say you've been retired for the past 10 years huh?
How come you wrote this in an earlier post?
I’m working 7 days a week to meet my financial obligations, so unfortunately I don’t have much time to provide additional commentary. But really, what’s left to say?
Patrick...
So from retirement comes wisdom of the economic climate?
Seems like a lot of armchair wisdom. Observation versus participation.
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