In his excellent piece on the appeal of the Tea Parties and the hysteria they generate on the left, Matt Kibbe writes:
Judging from the left’s hysterical reaction, something really big must have happened. But the only way to really understand the left’s misinformed and paranoid attacks is to realize that the protests represent tangible proof that basic libertarian values continue to resonate with the American electorate. That, apparently, is a difficult thing for some to accept.
Emphasis added. (H/t: Glenn). How fitting that I read that in the same week that I paid homage to the most successful President in the past sixty years, a man who said “the very heart and soul of conservatism is libertarianism.”
What Kibbe say in Atlanta was similar to what I saw in Santa Monica: a diverse array of protesters:
This was not a typical conservative Republican rally, with local GOP activists, Ron Paul enthusiasts, and single-issue obsessives. . . . The difference was the new people: Young hipsters, families, angry moms, and retirees alike left their normal routines and work obligations to show up in protest of government policies that they passionately believe will ruin what is unique about America.
But, the “left-of-center reporters” didn’t pay them much heed, instead “most simply regurgitated the talking points supplied by partisans in the blogosphere.” Kibbe find evidence of their success in the reaction they drew: “One reasonable measure of progress may be the sheer volume of vitriol produced by their critics.”
The Tea Parties have given the left something to demonize since they don’t have W to kick around any more–though they still try.
Trying so hard to discredit these rallies for freedom, however, they end up making mockeries of themselves:
One frustration for the left that lingers from the Tax Day tea parties is that when the liberal sock-puppet media did show up, they were only fishing for wackos to discredit the tea party movement and instead ended up providing everyone with laughable examples of their own bias.
Wonder why they have such a bias against freedom. Wonder if that antagonism is linked to their hatred of W.
It certainly resembles their resentment of Reagan. As I visited his library on Tuesday, I was reminded of the hostility they left then felt for that great and good man. And a lot of people invoked his image and his ideas at the Tea Parties earlier this month.
And will again as we continue to rally for freedom.
It’s funny how the left demonized these events with labels like “fringe” “racist” or “extremist” by focusing on just a few attendees.
I explained to a friend that the crazies come out for any rally. In fact, the CPUSA were handing out fliers at the Prop 8 rallies and based on that logic I should assume that the gays and commies are conspiring. He rebutted that they weren’t allowed to speak at these events. However, I was able to play gotcha because the Socialist Party and similar groups have marched a quite a few LA Pride parades.
The “tea party” protests were true grassroots in origin and in the way they were conducted. Unbussed and Unpaid protests…something the left is never able to produce.
Someday – and that day may come in as little as 2 to 4 years, when the Dear Teleprompter’s 20% inflation rates hit, though it could also take longer – the survivors will look back on the current period since 2005-6 as the high-water mark of leftism in America, and as a period of unbelievable political insanity.
Americans have temporarily forgotten that they prefer smaller government, more authentic capitalism (where even the biggest businesses are allowed to fail), and patriotism. Why have they forgotten? Two reasons: (1) Whites badly want to believe that it’s great to have a radical leftist President if he’s half-black – or to say it another way, whites still feel too guilty about America’s racal past to subject a left-wing, half-black President to normal, healthy criticism and political rules. And, (2) leftists are at their high-water mark in terms of media ownership.
Will it all end in economic disaster, and perhaps even a security disaster? Tragically, yes. Although I see a distant light at the end of the tunnel, I would rather we all didn’t have to go through the tunnel. But it’s out of my control. It’s up to The Big Guy (and no, I don’t mean Obama).
#1 – “However, I was able to play gotcha because the Socialist Party and similar groups have marched a quite a few LA Pride parades.”
And what exactly is the “gotcha” over that assertion? That just because gays don’t speak at CPUSA functions it doesn’t create a connection between Marxists and radical gays? That makes no sense.
Also, I daresay you never saw any Log Cabin Republican floats or marchers in LA Pride Parades. Where is the outrage over that injustice? Is political persuasion more important than sexual orientation to you girls?
Outlicious, you are a tool.
Regards,
Peter H.
#2 – Sorry, Outlicious, I misread the post. Mea culpa – you are not a tool. But I daresay that gay conservatives weren’t invited to participate in the Gay Pride fest – and I bet nobody batted an eyelash over it.
Regards,
Peter H.
*hands Peter a V8*
HAHA, Peter!
Well in LA (not sure how it is in other cities) anyone can participate in the parade as long as they have the $$$. The LCR have a booth (which gave me sunburn last year as I chatted with the boys working it) at the festival but they do not march in the parade. I’m not involved with the planning but I’m sure with the extortion pricing pride charges to participate, you’re probably better off just picking one (booth or float) and doing it well.
#5 – *hands Peter a V8*
Thanks, Livewire. Actually, it would have been nice to get a “wanna get away?” from Southwest Airlines but I don’t plan on traveling due to swine flu.
Regards,
Peter H.
I heard that yesterday there were hundreds of protester outside of Obamateleprompters town hall meeting. Anyone have video or a news account of those protesters?
I think Kibbe is overstating things re “something big must have happened.” In large part, liberals define themselves by what they hate (as you note at the end–the Tea Parties give them something to kick now that W is out of the news). Further, they establish their liberal bona fides by declaring that which they hate. And proportion was never one of the liberals’ strong suits.
So it’s easy for them to get carreid away with the angry hyperbole. I hope Kibbe’s right and the Tea Parties mature into a viable political force, but the leftwing reaction is no indicator. It is no more than a child’s temper tantrum.
According to the Pew Research Center, 70% of Americans favor a free market economy versus 20% who disagree. This means America subscribes to libertarian principles. Unfortunately, the liberal media elites drive the conversation and makes it appear that most of the country favors big government. Tea parties are a refutation of the liberal agenda and that’s why the libs are crazed.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124104689179070747.html
This is a good video you will like it. This incorporates Lincoln Obama’s inspiration on so many levels.
http://youhavetobethistalltogoonthisride.blogspot.com/2009/04/100-millon-dollar-budget-cut-how-to.html
#11 – What’s scary is that 20% of Americans could seriously *not* want a free-market economy. And that those 20% are in charge of the rest of us, right now.
Grass Roots protests? More like astroturf. 24 hour promotion of the protests by FOXNews and the AM dial for weeks preceeding the event?
#14 – That leftist talking point has been debunked, and you know it. So quit telling lies.
Are you really in Lazybrook in NW Houston? If so, for what it’s worth, I used to live in Timbergrove.
Another reason to despise you.
Regards,
Peter H.
Even Barak Obama demonizes the participants in the Tea Parties. I would encourage him to continue. He doesn´t get it, that it is a grass roots movement. The more he demonizes the people the faster his ratings will go down and reduce his chances of being reelected.
Peter,
In the early days (the 80´s), when Log Cabin was just an Los Angeles club, we did march and participate in the parades. I was in a convertible and the sign announced that I was an elected member of the L.A Republican County Central Committee. We used to be greetede with enthusiams. At the end of the decade and into the 90´s as the left become more radical we were taunted and booed by the watchers. We continued to have a booth at the fair. We managed to register a number of gays who either Republicans who moved into L.A. or we had some changing their party affiliation. But for a good part of the two and a half days of the Pride Fair, we were subjected to insults and scorn.
#16 – Thanks for the info, Roberto. I had no idea it was THAT bad out in LA.
Here in Houston, the organizers of the Pride Parade don’t ever let any gay conservatives participate. Talk about hypocrisy – practicing discrimination against those who they suspect would be discriminators.
Sheesh.
Regards,
Peter H.
Peter,
If you want more hypocrisy, last year in Cincinnati the organizers of the Gay Pride Parade and fesitivites refused to let Pink Pistols march and I suppose they were denied a booth also.
Peter,
Yes I live in Timbergrove. I’m sure your neighbors there loved you. You were probably buddies with that crazy insurance agent.
Far right radio station KSEV in Houston was promoting the teabag thingy for WEEKS. Fox News was pushing it heavily too. I can only imagine what the God Listens station was bleating about the teabag thingy.
I’m sure out of the 200,000 or so people that participated nationwide, several dozen or so voted for Obama.
I remember the Gay Republicans in Houston. I even went to one of their events once. We went to Fort Worth to the 2000 Texas GOP Convention. Openly Gay Republicans were nearly violently attacked (it made the news – I’m NOT exaggerating – It was AWFUL) by GOP Delagates. The police just stood by. I’ve never seen such hatred in my life.
I remember that LCR did march in Houston (or at least we talked about at the LCR meeting – when I was a member). If they choose to march, they’ll probably be booed by many. Im sure Gaypatriot style Republicans aren’t popular in the Gay community in Houston. Maybe its because many of you despise the mainstream Gay community. Maybe its because they don’t see you as helping the team (or actively working against the interest of the majority of the community). You’ll probably get some catcalls and some boos if you chose to march. Maybe because in that crowd of 100,000, there are many that NEED Employment Non-Discrimination Bills passed, that NEED protections for their families, that are tired of being attacked by the GOP and then see you guys runnin’ around screaming about a tax cut and your guns. It just seems selfish to many of us. Its your right, but don’t expect people to like it. I’m pretty sure that LCR isn’t banned from marching and I’d like the details of such a ban (And I will PERSONALLY talk to the Houston Pride Committee about if that is the case). Besides the Houston Gay Pride Parade is heavily funded by Jack Nau and family (Silver Eagle Distributors) who has given literally MILLIONS of dollars to anti-Gay Republican political candidates (I’m talking Santorum, Culberson, and Randanovich – not Mark Kirk) and causes over the last ten years.
I know several Gay Republicans in Houston. Many of them aren’t bad people. Most of them are much more concerned about Gay rights than many of the people in here. They are part of my community because they aren’t embarrased by my community and share many of its goals. They understand that there is a time to stand up and say No, I can’t go along with that when it comes to the behavior of Culberson and Rick Perry.
You’re right, I don’t have much respect with Gay people who think that “I don’t worry about losing my job because I’m Gay, so I’ll work for a tax cut for me over worrying about that silly queen who got fired because he was Gay (or was denied public accomidation). The market will sort it out”. No it doesn’t.
I’m certain that many of your Houston Gay Republican buddies would be horrified by the opinions in here (perhaps not yours, but certainly others).
And I’m sure, if it made the news and all you can post links, right Tom?
It was almost 10 years ago. LCR made a FILM out of it for crying out loud.
more illegal immigrants and their supporters marched through the streets of Chicago in 2006 than ALL of the teabag parties throughout the country combined.
No wonder the GOP will be a minority party for the next decade. No ideas other than lower taxes and opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion. Pathetic.
Pathetic is the illegal immigrant demonstration. They are the results of organized lobby whereas the tea parties are a spontaneous reaction embracing all parties and no parties to a profligate government which is laying a yoke of debt upon ilts citizens.
Roberto,
I was in Colombia before the teabag thingy and I knew that it was coming because of all of the FOX news promotion of the event beforehand.
Did CNN ever devote a full day of programming to cheerleading Bush protests by going out into the streets and and leading the protests. Last time I checked, CNN reported on some protests, but didn’t stop all reporting of anything else to cheerlead them. And if you don’t think that’s exactly what Glenn Beck was doing, you’re crazy.
Eres vos que esta´ loco, if you believe the anti Bush protests were spontaneous. They were carefully orchestrated by the radical left movements; as is every demonstration throughout the world when a conservative leader is present for such as the G-7 or 8, meetings in which thousands are bussed in for the protest. CNN doesn´t need to dedicate a day because their cameras were present along with the rest of the left leaning MSM. ¡Viva Colombia! ¡Viva Uribe!
I’ve never seen CNN do anything like what Glenn Beck did regarding the teaparties. Period.
There were no large anti-Bush protests (except during the 2004 GOP Convention) that ever gained momentum with anyone but the leftmost 2% of the left (mainly those participating are to the left of the Dems). Here’s why
Most people who are left of center are horrified by the G-20 protesters. They’re nuts. And they kill every protest by adding a million off topic things like “Hemp Legalization” and “Bolivian Poverty” so that a protest against Bush just becomes some morass of incoherency. That’s why no one goes to them. We just voted our way out of the GOP.
I like Uribe (mostly). There certainly issues with Colombian police heavyhandedness at times (falso positivos) but I think for the most part, Uribe has been good for Colombia.