Tea Parties: GOP Once Again Manipulating the Average Joe
During the eight miserable, ineffective and wasteful years of the Bush administration, Karl "Turd Blossom" Rove, the president's chief political advisor, deftly crafted a successful strategy of turning the "little guy" on himself. That being, to divert and distract these Average Joes away from the real issues that effect them--unemployment, wages, health care, education--and instead drive them to the polls through hot-button issues including abortion, gay-marriage and life-support (Terri Schiavo). For a long while, it worked. The little guy consistently voted against his own self-interests.
But the little guy's not completely stupid, and the inevitable backlash began with the 2006 midterm elections where Democrats won a small Congressional majority, and kicked into high gear last November, with Barack Obama's presidential victory and the Democratic landslide in the House and Senate. Dejected, the GOP crawled away a broken, dysfunctional family. A tarnished brand. But as this year's tax season rolled around, conservatives issued a rallying cry in the form of "tea parties," those ill-founded, embarrassing, scantly attended protests that were held Wednesday across the nation. Though touted by organizers (most likely GOP funded and supported) as being attended by "Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Independents," judging from the crowds and the signs they waved, it was pretty clear this was a decidedly anti-Obama movement. And that's the insane part.
What the demonstrators are protesting is what they believe to be higher taxes and wasteful government spending, in particular the $787-billion stimulus plan and the $3-trillion bailouts of banks, Wall Street and the auto industry. But the not-so-comic irony here is that the Obama administration has yet to impose one single tax increase on anyone. To the contrary, it's giving income tax cuts to 95% of Americans, and gives additional tax cuts and credits for small businesses, tuition payers and home buyers. The only individuals that could be hit with an actual tax increase are those whose annual incomes exceed $250,000. An increase, mind you, that's still a full 10 points less than the rates during the Reagan presidency. But I didn't see any seemingly rich dudes in NY, Chicago, DC and elsewhere parking their Benz's and raising any protest signs at these rallies. The crowds, though small, were filled with the same types who've been used and abused before: low and middle-income taxpayers who ironically stand to gain the most from Obama's tax policies. And once again, they've somehow been manipulated by the GOP through lies, misinformation and perhaps even racial bias.
I nearly cringed when I saw on Neil Cavuto's Fox News show a few people in the crowd jeering one of the guests being interviewed, a woman from a progressive/green organization, who supports taxing the rich. It was as if the poor and middle class in the crowd had been brainwashed into defending those mistreated rich folk at the hands of the elitist Obama.
In case anyone hasn't noticed, there are many recent signs that the economy may finally be turning around. There's been several positive indicators in the banking, home, retail and auto sectors. The credit markets are opening up. The stock market's had the best rally since the Great Depression. And, there hasn't been one bank/Wall Street failure since the bailouts. Maybe, just maybe, the government's fiscal policies which began in the Fall under George Bush and then expanded under Obama are working? And maybe those misguided protesters--the ones out across America yakking about Obama as if he was the biggest socialist since Karl Marx--should realize that these same policies are the ones that will help create jobs; protect savings; make home-buying more affordable; make tuition easier to pay; create universal health care; make the US more energy efficient; and, overall, resuscitate this ailing economy.
But the GOP sees opportunity here to revive its heretofore comatose, dispirited base. What a better, time-tested, tried-and-true conservative cause-celebre than taxes? It's the Republicans trying to create something out of nothing. But will this populist approach work? Will the newly-energized "Contract with America" folks like Newt Gingrich succeed in creating a groundswell of support over this issue and thus breathe new life into the near-dead Republican Party? A new Gallup poll released this week shows that 53%of Americans approve of big government spending to fix the economy, and 48% think that the federal income taxes they pay are "about right," indicating the lowest anti-tax sentiment in 50 years. And President Obama enjoys impressive overall approval ratings. Judging from yesterday's meager turnouts--so weak they should be called "Decaffeinated" Tea Parties-- it appears these tea-baggers are nothing more than a fringe minority.
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I wont speak of what I did not see. However I was at the Oregon State Capital building here in Salem Oregon. Yes we were average people. No, we were not violent. This was not about color, creed, or religion. What it was about was taxation, holding our representatives responsible, makeing our opinions know to them. 3 of our State Representatives were with us, and glad to see us. Call me a teabagger, average joe, what ever you like. I really dont care what name you use, or handle you put on it. I was there of my own will. I chose to attend. Me. Why, because I have my own values and beliefs that I wish known to my representatives and if I never contact them they will never know now will they? Say what you like, I will not be silenced, nor belittled by any comments others make for thier own benefit or beliefs.
Both parties will be crunching the numbers today, and scratching their heads.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics2/51_view_tea_parties_favorably_political_class_strongly_disagrees
Rasmussen:
51% have a favorable view of the Tea Parties, 34% very favorable. One in four people personally know someone who attended a Tea Party. 54% of Mainstream Democrats have a favorable view of the Tea Parties.
The Political Class, a tiny minority, is the only demographic with an unfavorable view. Good. The whole point of the Tea Parties was the corruption within the political class.
One poll doesn't mean anything.
You know, taxation is not just a federal issue. Nor is illegal immigration. Is seeing your state representatives and makeing your opinion known so threatening? disturbing? and if so, who is afraid of the average Joe who is so easily duped? The Salem Oregon tea party was a great experiance I will be more involved with our political process from now on.
Andy Ostroy wrote: That being, to divert and distract these Average Joes away from the real issues that effect them--unemployment, wages, health care, education--and instead drive them to the polls through hot-button issues including abortion, gay-marriage and life-support (Terri Schiavo).
He should have written "...the real issues that affect them..." not "effect." To "effect them" means to put them into effect. To "affect them" means to make a difference to them.
What can be very confusing is that when "effect" is used as a noun, it does refer to making a difference, as in "that will have an effect on me."
I keep telling you people that Fox Noise and the idiot Tea Baggers protest have nothing to do with Taxes or Big Spending, it has more to do with who the President is.
You can decorate it however you want to, the bottom line is. President Obama is not the face of America they want to see.
The George Wills, Pat Buchanans, Joe Scarboroughs and everybody at Fox Noise will much prefer to see a White, Blonde, Blue Eyed, gun toting, ill speaking, ignorant, warmongering President threatening everybody and making enemies all over the World, because it makes these old has beens feel macho.
Guys it is time to come out of the cold war era, times are changing, people just do not have time for your type of politics anymore.
Hey Andy - you say that only people with incomes over $250k may be affected. Not correct, income of COUPLES over $250k. Also, Obama has spent nearly 4 trillion dollars, his budget is another 3 trillion dollars and that before his universal healthcare. Do you actually think all the people making over $125k a year ($250 for a couple) can actually pay for that debt? Of course not! The average American making $40k a year is going to end up paying as well. There is not enough people in this country making over $125k to tax high enough to pay this back, not to mention many of the very rich will just take up residency in a foreign country if their taxes are raised too high here just to avoid the increase.
If you seriously believe that ALL of us will not be affected by Obama's spending then you are very naive and it's not the tea baggers who are stupid it's the democrats for believing they won't be touched by ths spending.
Addie123 wrote: There is [sic] not enough people in this country making over $125k to tax high enough to pay this back, not to mention many of the very rich will just take up residency in a foreign country if their taxes are raised too high here just to avoid the increase.
Americans living abroad have to pay taxes just the same. They do get a credit for taxes paid in another country, but their total taxes are the same.
How naive you are. I am one of those people making > than 250,000 yet I am a pauper in comparison to millions. Go to NYC, Go to Tahoe. Wake up honey, you must not have any idea of the protected wealth thats out there.
Please parade out there for me. Please parade out there for Bechtel and Halliburton. They really need you to keep paying more than your share,
I don't like to disagree with an otherwise reasonable piece, Andy, but I'm afraid the little guy IS completely stupid.
By deciding to create a world-view from prejudice and paranoia, getting their information from Fox Fantasy Network, blending in religious superstition and worshipping folks like Limbaugh and Beck, they've decided not just to be stupid, but to be very public about it.
Folks, when is everyone going to realize that politicians do NOT care about you. Whether they be Dem or Rep. They just care about Votes, and Power and do whatever they have to stay in Power. They have come so far from the Founding Fathers original ideas. Especially concerning debt. The founders thought of debt as a necessary evil, only to be used in times of war or crisis and to be paid back during their generation so their children could really be born free. They did this up until the current generation, and now our children are to be born with such a mountain of debt that they will be born as "Slaves to this debt". Everyone keeps proclaiming
that 90% of the people will get a tax cut. Where do you think this money is coming from?. Now they want cap-n- trade. You have any idea what that will do to your electric bills? . I know people already have their mind made up about AGW, but I think there are enough scientists opposed to it now that it should be open to debate. It's like the 1,000 page spending bill they passed without reading. People on the left and right, we have been used by the Pol's to divide us for their purposes of power and greed. If we cannot find some common ground somewhere in the middle and start holding Washington accountable to "We the People".Mark my words... 'A nation United.
.A Nation Divided....Falls.
Both parties are at fault, but I completely agree with the writer that he Republican party for the last 8 years at least has been praying on the less fortunate, less educated (not to offend anyone), more religious, etc. to make them focus on certain issues, while making lots of $$$$ off of them through taxes, bailouts, big business, etc. Democrats do it too, but I actually believe that Republicans are better at being crooks and thugs, they have more BALLS! Which is frightening because look what they did, they got W. elected and they stood by for 8 years without one peep while this country was being driven off a cliff. See Democrats would never have had the balls to put up with all the criticisms Republicans would have given is Gore was the one doing what W. did. Of course we know that this would have never happened, but I am being theoretical here.
I live in East Tex and to this DAY my favorite country station I listen to will not EVER play a dixie chick song. Weird. I think I will start calling them every day and ask WHY? LOL
Republicans are so embarrassing. They persist in showing the world that ugly 30% backwash of America that the great Stephen Cobert spoke about at that WH correspondence gig. Today the Texas governor popped off real stupid stuff because he ws 'whooped up' on the silly 'Teabag day' the goofball retards cooked up with Foxnews.
Let me just say ...
I am a true Texan and these political poser morons (RE:Tom Delay?etc..) embarrass me on a daily basis but I love the common sweet brave everyday PEOPLE here and the LAND here and the diverse culture and the glorious history here and I will defend this wondrous state till the day I die HERE. As of today,David Letterman is toast on my tivo. jerk.
Democrats are equally embarrassing.
I'm sorry, what? When were the democrats protesting Bush by wearing teabags?
Prostesting is fine all right for as long as it's not used for mud slinging and veiled racism. Where were these teabagger when Bush43 & Co were more than doubling the national debt more than 2 times for corporate welfare. In the end they left us with a huge economic chaos and 2 wars, a subsero international prestige and an usurped constitution.
First of all, let me say that this is a great article. It acted as a form of stress relief after browsing through all those pictures of these morons with their little signs. My personal take on the tea parties is the common one....they were a joke. There was no direct issue, just a bunch of people still feeling dejected about Obama winning. I don't think it's going too far out on a limb to say there were plenty of racial undertones as well. Any argument to that, I would argue back this point: where were all you fools during the previous 8 years? You want to protest wasteful spending? How about Bush borrowing trillions to fight wars! It just seems somewhat convenient that there was no outcry from these types of people (make what you will of "these types") when Bush was in office.
I totally agree that these people are being used but I will not waste a second feeling sympathetic. These people don't want to research, don't want to inform themselves, don't want to THINK. The GOP has essentially banished rational thought and these people have followed suit. The truth is too scary, I guess. Better to cling onto those issues that spark controversey.
On a side note, I love what McCain's cheif strategist said today about the GOP being destroyed by religion. So true....the GOP has drawn that line between the issues they use to muster up hate and anger and religion.
The Tea Party event I attended was organized by Democrats. It was not anti-Obama. It was anti-earmarks and anti-increased government spending. Dem and Republicans alike didn't care for Bush's spending either. The tea parties were middle class Americans and because it was not organized there was no particular focus. You should really inform yoursel.
Really? Organized by Democrats? Where do you live, and where did you get the information that Dems organized it?
Have y'all seen that hysterically funny commercial where the guy is trying to interview for a job, but the stain on his shirt starts babbling right over him? For some reason that's what I was reminded of on teabagging day.
There may have been some honest-to-goodness salient, legitimate points intended by the organizers, such as "how are we going to pay down this huge debt?" A good question, let's face it. But we'll never know, because whatever "message" was intended, it was drowned out by "Obama is Hitler," "This is a Christian Nation," "I'm Joe The Plumber," "Don't Trust Obama - He's a A-Rab," and other babblings of the Troglodyte Right. The shirtstain is speaking louder than the shirtwearer. If there is indeed someone - ANYone - actually wearing the shirt...
OK. So here we go. Now listen up all you dummoheads, er, I mean dittoheads, and Hannity sheep, and all of you other followers of the Fox/Right Wing Talk group. Here are the facts behind our current National Debt.
1. The National Debt under W. Clinton rose $1.610 trillion from the time he took office to when he left. That increase represents a 39.6% growth. Under G. W. Bush, the National Debt grew $4.351 trillion or a staggering 76.7%. The Bush Administration managed to almost double the National Debt with their idiotic economic programs (you know, the ones where taxes were lowered for the wealthy during time of war, and increased spending without revenues to pay for them).
2. Here's the real kicker. Under the R. Reagan Administration, the National Debt rose $1.695 trillion which is, now hold on to your hat, a staggering 186.7% increase. When coupled with G.H.W. Bush's Administration, which saw the National Debt rise another $1.462 trillion or 56.2%, the combined 12 year Republican Administrations from 1981 through 1992 saw the National Debt rise $3.157 trillion which is an increase of 347.8% from the end of the Carter Administration.
Bush made every effort to wreck the American economy; now Obama is doing what is necessary to salvage it. But, you only believe the pasture patties fed to you by Fox and Friends.
Hannity is not a politician nor a reporter. He is a commentator giving an opinion. You can change the channel or you can watch enthralled as his ratings support.
Nice job addressing the central premise of the post you replied to.
So, continuing to make the same mistakes, only quadrupling the numbers, is what you deem as necessary to salvage the American economy?
Go read your history books. Look at the years 1929 through 1945 and especially the Great Depression, Hoover and RFD. And if you come back with "it was WWIi that fixed it all", what part of government spending don't you get?
Remember what your father taught you. If you see an injured dog lying on the ground do not go near it. It will bite you!
This is what GOP people are now. Out of power and out of control. There are no more lies to tell, and the last couple whoppers they tried to sell died like Haddock flavored ice cream. From what I saw and heard on the news from these parties it looks like all the GOP has left in their corner are the kooks and rednecks.
Unfortunately for the majority of us, there will still be those who wilfully don't educate themselves on the issues and blindly follow and repeat the fallacies of fox et al. They hear what they already believe and use that to justify what they believe whether it's right or wrong.
Take the incident with the Dixie chicks being turned on by the so called patriotic country stations and other country singers for speaking the truth about a war that should not have been fought in the first place. I wonder how many of those people now have dead or injured loved ones and have changed their mind about the war.
These folks will never change their minds and will never even know what they were actually protesting, which was right wing hatred against a black man and all minorities in general. I just hope that this country is on it's way to better place at the end of Obama's 1st term, then they will have no reason for complaint and if they do complain, they will look even more stupid than wednesday.
Republicans don't hate blacks. Abraham Lincoln was a Republican. Come to think of it, the RNC Chairman is black.
Ab Lincoln was ahead of his times and an exceptional person. During his time, he was also called every name in the book for being a visionary.
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated! The RNC Chairman is being used the the GOP.
The GOP went through a demo shift from the 60s to the 80s- the former "Dixiecrats" [conservative pro-segregation southern Democrats] became Republicans as the Democrats became more liberal. These uber-conservative southerners-courted by Nixon as part of the "Southern strategy"- took over the party from the moderate Rockefeller republicans, leading to the f-ing mess of a GOP we have today. Therefore, today's GOP bears about as much resemblance to the party of Lincoln as does the current Democratic Party does to that of Andrew Jackson.
I am sorry but I have been paying taxes since i could remember. I have seen these type of protest in the past and have been to some while in college, however a lot of these protest were a front to slam Obama.
People realize it is only April. Obama was left a million and one problems to tackle. He could have cut taxes across the broad for everyone and people would still complain.
Give the man some time to work. Bush didn't mess up the USA in 4 month and Obama can not correct in 4 month. give the man a chance to work.
Bush mess up the country royally and was never called half of the names Obama is called during a protest.
I beg to differ....I was calling Bush all those names and a few more all along! LOL!
But, you are correct. It took more than 4 months to get where we are today. And it will take a long time for ANYONE to fix it...Obama or not.
I personally believe that he is the right man for the job. Just look at the calculated way he chose people for cabinet positions that actually knew something about the job, instead of just knowing who was giving out the job.
Anytime any Republican tells you something bad about Obama just answer in one word that is sure to shut them up....................BUSH!
Good point.
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