Drink the Tea, Live the Lies

Article submitted
by Mangani 
     libocon.blogspot.com, "The Liberal Conservative"

So, I know it's been a while...                                 

A few weeks ago, Republicans took the house by what many consider a large margin- the largest Midterm gains in history, they say. I have a completely different perspective- more like 14 Million voters aged 18-29 who voted in 2008 not showing up to vote, or the fact that even if they did, that would still only account for about half of eligible voters in that age group compared to over two thirds who show up above aged 60, or how voters in that age group more closely represent the American populace, and how age groups above 44 over-represent whites by as much as 85% (the share of whites among voters above 60), and how whites account for more than two thirds of the Republican electorate... but I digress... That's not what this post is about...

For some reason, America has been drinking this "Tea" of lies. Let me put it simply, and point by point:

1- The "Tea Party", as the "new" "ultra-conservative" "libertarian" "movement" likes to call itself, is named after the Boston Tea Party. We can trace the name back to CNBC's Rick Santelli, who on February 19, 2009, said the following:

(From Infoplease.com)
"Do we really want to subsidize the losers' mortgages?" he asked. "This is America! How many of you people want to pay for your neighbor's mortgage that has an extra bathroom and can't pay their bills?" He went on to suggest that he would organize a Chicago Tea Party in July, where capitalists would dump "some derivative securities into Lake Michigan." The video of his tirade became a YouTube hit, and thus the movement was born. Within weeks, Tea Party protests were sprouting up all over the country. The Tea Party name, a clear reference to the American colonists' dumping of tea into Boston Harbor to protest taxes imposed by King George, stands as an acronym as well: Taxed Enough Already.

Here's the problem- The American colonists weren't protesting the same thing. Santelli was going off about subsidizing mortgages- something that, had it been done fully and with less concern about "Capitalism", would have ended the financial crisis once and for all. I wrote a piece a while back on Blacktino.net that lays out what would have been MY "Stimulus".

What the American Colonists were protesting was a much more complex situation. The corrupt East India Trading Company monopolized all tea imports to the colonies. When local officials in Boston refused to send back to England a shipment of taxed tea, a group of colonists dumped the tea into Boston Harbor. This protest was the culmination of colonial opposition to the Tea Act.

Opposition to the Tea Act was for a variety of reasons, but, basically, the colonists were protesting being taxed by other than their own elected representatives. So you got that? The mantra wasn't "Taxed enough already", as the new "Tea Party" would have you believe, rather "NO taxation without representation". Sound familiar?

2- The "Tea Party" is not a group of revolutionary progressives- like the American colonists who started the Revolutionary War, rather, they are backwards conservatives who want to "take the country back." This is not what the Boston Tea Party represented, and the Revolutionaries are surely turning in their graves.

3- The Boston Tea Party (BTP from now on, ok?) was not "funded" by anyone, nor was it instigated by commercial interests. In fact, the Tea Act favored capitalism, while opposition to the Tea Act favored democracy. For those of you who thought they are one and the same, think again. Democracy is a system of government, usually in the form of a Republic, or other form of democratic government. Capitalism is an economic system. One does not require the other, though we have been led to believe otherwise. But, again, I digress...

Who funds the Tea Party Movement (TPM)?
-Rupert Murdoch via the Fox News Channel:

Karl Frisch of Media Matters wrote that Fox News "frequently aired segments imploring its audience to get involved with tea-party protests across the country."

Glenn Beck, a Fox News host, led the Tea Party in a gathering in Washington, DC on MLK's birthday, of all dates.

Media Matters also noted that "While discussing the April 15 protests on his April 6 program, Glenn Beck suggested that viewers could "[c]elebrate with Fox News" by either attending a protest or watching it on Fox News. Beck stated that in addition to himself, hosts Neil Cavuto, Greta Van Susteren, and Sean Hannity would be "live" at different protests. While Beck spoke, on-screen text labeled those protests as "FNC Tax Day Tea Parties."

-David and Charles Koch, Koch Industries: The Cato Institute, Manhattan Institute, and other libertarian/conservative groups were founded by Koch Industries. David Koch ran for President on the Libertarian Party ticket in 1980 (Ron Paul is a staunch libertarian, as well as his son and Tea Party favorite, Rand Paul). Republicans tied to Koch include former attorney general John Ashcroft, President George W. Bush, Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, Governors Haley Barbour and Bobby Jindal, among others. Koch also runs Americans For Prosperity, a think tank that has, from the beginning, disrupted every Obama Administration policy agenda.

I was going to list Freedom Works (the Tea Party's larges backer, and, arguably, Tea Party, Inc. Headquarters), but I learned that it was formed after a merger of Koch's Citizens for a Sound Economy, and Empower America.

Basically, the TPM is not "grassroots" as they love having the American ignorant populace believe, rather it is a multi-billion corporate backed continuation of 30 years of conservative opposition to common sense policy.

4- TPM candidates have been touting cutting spending, while also cutting taxes. Now, I'm not an economist, but I've played enough real world video games to know this is impossible. Cutting taxes IS RAISING SPENDING. Let me say it again- CUTTING TAXES= RAISING SPENDING!!! AGAIN! IF YOU CUT TAXES, YOU RAISE SPENDING!!! If you don't get it yet, let me explain WHY:

If you save 100 per month, at the end of the year you would have saved $1,200. Now, let's say this is a payment on credit for $1,000 with 5% APR interest. By the end of the year, you would have owed $1,500. You would be $300 in debt by the end of the year. You do this for YEARS, until someone points out, "hey, you're never going to pay this off if you keep ending with a $300 debt every year".

So what do you do? Do you raise your monthly payments (taxes)? Lower your credit limit (spending)? Or do you lower both??? Let's see what happens if you cut spending by 1%, and lower taxes by 4%, as many Tea Partyers like Rand Paul have suggested:

$900 per year with 5% APR= $1350
Annual payment = $1152

Hmmm... that lowers my annual debt by nearly $100, but I'm still in the hole.

Ok, I can play with numbers all day, but I think you get the point. It just doesn't work.


I would love to make this post a lot longer, but I have to go to work :/

Basically, don't drink the Tea. If you did, now bear the intoxication! We need a Liberal Tea Party NOW!!!

liberal conservative tea party liberal tea party boston tea party glenn beck rupert murdoch charles koch david koch

Statement from No Labels

Statement from No Labels

The horrific act of violence that occurred Saturday in Arizona has shocked us all to our core and spurred many Americans to ask some hard questions, both about this specific incident and the larger political forces that may have contributed to it. We at No Labels believe this kind of conversation, as painful as the circumstances surrounding it are, is in the best interests and traditions of our country. At times of crisis, when our fundamental democratic values are threatened, we come together as Americans and directly confront our challenges.

But for our country to move forward from this tragedy, we have to talk carefully as well as candidly. We do not yet know all the facts behind this senseless act, and it would be inappropriate and irresponsible to rush to judgment or point fingers of blame at the moment, as some sadly have already done. This is no time for self-aggrandizement or partisan point-scoring -- that's part of the problem, not the solution.
It is clearly, though, a time for self-reflection, as Sheriff Dupnik eloquently put it. Based on the immediate and intuitive reactions of so many Americans, we know enough to say that something is deeply wrong with our political discourse -- and that with this incident, a dangerous line has been crossed. As we grieve for those who died and pray for the recovery of those who were injured, we hope this moment of mourning will lead us to engage each other with more civility and respect and see each other not as opponents or enemies but as Americans.

###

Sexism, Racism, Bigotry: Diaries of a Dirty Tongue [week 20]

As silly as this video is, I believe the producers touch on a very good point concerning the "dress" of today's American women.  As proud as a I am to be an American citizen, I find an equivalent level of shame regarding the clothing attire of our women.

Why do American women find it necessary to purchase and where clothing that accentuates and (often) reveals their woman parts?  The mini-mini-skits, booty-booty shorts, low-low cut blouses, belly rings, and sweat pants with sexy words on the bottom parts tempt and tantalize us me something crazy and we love it.  However, it's whore attire!!!   It just is!!!  If it walks like a rat, talks like a rat, and acts like rat, then maybe it just might be a RAT.  

Woman, don't profess to be something you are not.   If you're dressing like a whore, men will think you to be a whore.  I don't care what you say.  Your arguments of liberation has NO power against this simple fact of life....Men will treat you as the woman you profess to be.  You can't trick us with your clothing.  If I can see your 'gap' when you bend over, then I will assume you want all of us to see it and you are  a "whore."  OK, perhaps that is too strong of a word.  However, you have been CATEGORIZED.  Don't do that to yourselves.  You think it makes you look cute, but we don't need all of that.  All we need is a great smile and a beautiful personality.  REALLY!! These are tough times, so we need partners of substance, not some ass wiggling, cleavage-showing trick who will only cause us trouble.  Oh, yeah, be able to cook a meal or two, damn.


I'm just saying...

No Labels

The inception of the NoLabels.org group (or, movement) may just be the perfect antithesis to the so-called "Tea Party Movement," which simply polarizes the American landscape even further, thus leaving the overriding national spirit in very hateful mood.  Although it remains to be seen exactly how this group will use its influence to yield any "real" positive changes, it sure is nice to see someone trying to mend society, as opposed to dividing (and subsequently conquering) it.

With the official lauch date of December 13, 2010,  this new-wave groups intends to "unite Republicans, Democrats and Independents with a simple, single idea -- our leaders need to work together to do what government was intended to do: solve problems.  No Labels is not a political party nor aspires to be one, our focus is on building a broad citizen movement, not running any one individual for office."  The purpose of this group just feels a lot better than the aforementioned Tea Party, which had ulterior motives oozing from its stubborn, conservative pores.

NoLabels.org claims to be merely asking conservatives, liberals, democrats, and republicans, not to abandon their core ideologies, but to merely put them aside in order to work together and find practical solutions to our nation's problems. Sounds good to me and as the 10,851st person to sign up in support of this group, I hope they mean what they claim.

My bottom line is that, we the people need to stop allowing ourselves to be lumped into these ridiculous socio-political categories by groups that care very little about change, but more about gaining power, influence, and of course money.

Men Be Careful...PLEASE!!!

"Homosexuality Will Ruin the Military???"

"If open homosexuals are allowed to serve in the U.S. military, it will harm recruitment, retention, and readiness and will without question weaken our national defense. Repeal is bad for the military and bad for the United States."  This is the bottom line statement the "American Family Association" asserts on its website. 

REALLY??!!

They are, of course, talking about the "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" debate currently ensuing on floor the U.S. House of Representatives.  Currently, a stand-alone bill repealing the 1993 legislation barring openly gay men and women from serving in the military is undergoing heated debate in the House and Senate.  Does any average citizen really care two-cents about this issue?  Is it (really) a burning topic of discussion across kitchen tables throughout America?  Let's see, are people more worried about the sexual habits of soldiers or rather the soldier(s) are well-trained; and, how are we going to pay this rent?  Being one of those average Americans that politicians so often speak of, I'll say that our major concern is for the latter debate.  Rent.

The American Family Association cite statistics and make broad statements, such as:

-at least 30% of active service members believe the repeal is problematic

-24% of active duty personnel indicated that they either would resign or would consider resigning from the military if open homosexuals are allowed to serve

-it is clear that allowing open homosexuals to serve will have the opposite effect. It will weaken rather than strengthen our military

-Repeal will mean the end of careers for conservative Christian chaplains, who have deeply held moral and spiritual objections to the normalization of homosexuality. This will bring to an end a tradition of conservative Christian chaplains that goes all the way back to our first commander-in-chief, George Washington, who made the appointing of such chaplains one of his first orders of business. General Washington knew that military success depended upon the spiritual strength of the military

-Repeal will be the end of careers for conservative officers. They will be forced to publicly affirm the normalcy of homosexual behavior

(http://capwiz.com/afanet/callalert/index.tt?alertid=20024566)

The aforementioned statements (by the AFA) are obviously the opinions of a few pseudo-conservative tight-a$$es spending far too much time bible thumping and less time actually living the principles of the GOOD BOOK.  Dont' get me wrong, I carry a few conservative principles myself.  For instance, I feel that the FCC has lowered its standards to very dangerous levels.  The loosening of our core cultural standards is leading our civilization down a slippery slope of destruction.  However, to profess that homosexuality will ruin the military is a gross over-statement.

I am a straight man, who has never had the privilege to serve in the military.  As such, I deeply appreciate any man or woman willing to place his or her life on the line for my freedom, regardless of that person's sexuality.  In stead harassing these soldiers, it would be nice if the AFA simply said, "thank you."

Instead of pretending the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" legislation is a major concern for us average Americans thus garnering a lion share of their attention by our congress, congress needs to have a very real discussion about the "Omnibus Bill."  Last time I checked, everyone was against earmarks --- right?

What Does Christmas Really Mean?

'tis the season for what reason? 

Christmas time can bring forth wonderful joy and memorable times...like the first bicycle you received or that GI Joe, with the kung fu grip :-), or the reuniting with long-lost family and friends, the slow-quiet evenings of great expectations and the melting away of all of one's troubles....(if only for a moment). 

But, what exactly does Xmas represent today?  Honestly.  Is it the birth of The King?  Does it represent the beginning of the winter solstice?  Does it truly represent an appreciation of God's gift to mankind?  Does it?  NO!!  In fact, the insinuation of God existence, in this holiday, is shunned and replaced with the glorification of "Black Friday," and "Xmas Specials" sales. Heaven forbid, one does have the means to purchase expensive gifts for one's family and friends...not only is s/he shunned by society, but that poor soul is made to feel like some sort of inferior ingrate.

Although it is not my place to place judgment on how anyone prioritizes this season, I will only ask that you take a moment to truly thank the creator, and try to give the greatest gift one can give....and that is 'of yourself.'  Shake a strangers hand or greet them with a smile, hold the door open for someone, give a holiday greetings card to a fellow public transit rider, remember to tell your mother what she means to you and thank God for her, really embrace the kindred spirit which connects mankind, shed a tear (as you shed away your past hurts), and laugh as hard as you can in order to invite positivity to plant its flag in your world.

So, what is the reason for the season?  You tell me....

Seasons Greetings!!!