Party pooper


I want distributed freedom
I've been asked my opinion of the Tea Party movement.

I was very excited at first. The Tea Parties represented promise. Unlike most of the carefully orchestrated of the last two decades, these were "bottom up" rather than "top down." Most of the political establishment wasn't part of the organizing, instead, they were the targets.

Unfortunately, the Republican leaders and some fringe groups quickly capitalized on the Tea Parties, offering themselves as the only "reasonable" alternatives to the "Democrat agenda."

Here's the thing. Both parties have conspired to keep anyone who challenges their power out. The real reform has to come from the bottom up. It can't be handed down from on high by Wise Leaders Who Know What's Best.

In the wake of the protests of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, protest was co-opted. Only certain groups were allowed to protest, and it never was to get out of hand. Certain leaders trotted out the threat of protests just to get their way. Real protest comes from outside the political establishment. Most of the American protests from the 80s on were a part of the political establishment. Protest became organized like a tailgate party, something to do on the weekend provided you weren't too busy. You didn't have to make a real commitment. Just like the old "polyester poncho hippies," you could do it for kicks and go back to your real life none the worse for wear. Even if you were arrested, it was a badge of honor for standing up against the Man. The appearance was more important than the results.

Contrast that with the civil rights marches of the 50s and 60s. Those people were putting their lives and property on the line to make their stand. Arrests were not a minor thing. People risked violence. Some were killed.

Hmm, sounds familiar. It's an American tradition. No wonder it resonated. "…we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." They were willing to sacrifice everything to see justice done.

Government won't hand anyone liberty. It has to be torn from the clutches of tyranny.

I think that before real change can happen, we need seven million effectives. I think the Free Market Rebellion can happen, people have to choose freedom for themselves. Remember, we don't know who those effectives will be. All we know is that not everyone has what it takes. Still, people have to choose. I estimate using the 80/20 rule that seven million effectives means thirty-five million people willing to put everything on the line.

Lives. Fortunes. Sacred honor. Everything that is worth anything.

And it's the only way to freedom.

— NeoWayland

Posted: Tue - December 15, 2009 at 01:18 PM  Tag


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