Or, at least, they had....

There’s one thing about the tea Partiers storming Washington. They’re doing something right.

The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights is pretty clear:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

There is no greater power the American people have than their voice and their vote.  Nothing else comes even remotely close in pulling the leash on the hounds of Congress and the Senate than the power of the people.  The conservatives realize this and have taken advantage of this in the creation of the organized Tea Party.

Since its conception in early 2009, the Tea Party movement has stood upon the shoulders of such movements as the Tax Revolts of the 1980’s and 1990’s, a successful series of movements that resulted in Proposition 13 in California capping property taxes.  This is just one example of what can be accomplished when the people of this country, bound by an ideal or common interest, come together to protest.

Since February 27, 2009, (the ‘official’ first day of protests) there have been at least 75+ Tea Party protests around the nation.   In 2010 there have been at least 8 so far.

Good intentions…. But somewhere along they line they became strictly partisan and in essence defeating their own purpose.  No longer were they merely voicing their concerns against a government they felt were passing unfair and unjust taxation. They ere changing, under the leadership and encouragement of such political figureheads as Rush Limbaugh, Glenn beck and the latest, Sarah Palin.  Politicians who stand as fast friends, using the Tea Partiers as a platform to advance their own careers.  But as we know with all politicians and celebrity heads, once the support is no longer of use it is often abandoned.  Leaving those who felt true to the calling of change in a state of bewilderment and loss.

The National Tea Party has, for all sense and purpose, lost its original identity and has become nothing more than a tool to be used by those who would feed from and thrive upon the political apartheid in this nation.  What began as a true movement by the people for the people was blindly led to a place where their identity was stripped and replaced by powers in suits and robes carrying a singular agenda: bring rise to the GOP at any cost.

Some of the tea Partiers have recognized this. Others continue blindly. Such is the weakness of man, to fall in love with the idea if not the ideal.

Protest organizer and co-creator of dontGo Eric Odom has argued that "This is a protest that has been in government the last few years...Bush himself was guilty of socialist policies." He also said of the Republican Party that "It’s obvious they’re trying to ride on the brand that we created... It’s somewhat insulting." His group has turned down a request from Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele to speak at its Chicago protest. After the denial, the Republican National Committee released a statement saying that "They're just having a little fun."

A little fun, indeed.  At the cost of the nation as a whole.

My question is this: where is the democratic tea party? Where are the liberal nationalists who have similar valid concerns over the direction this country is being led by corrupt and willfully ignorant politicians and celebrity heads? The Republican tea Party is a success because they have considerable physical force, appearing across the nation and in as much media spotlight as they can muster.   Politicians can not counter this movement (obviously) so it is again up to we, the people, to establish and equal yet opposite foundation to take voice against the OTHER side of this political DMZ.

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Cause and effect. Give and take. Push and pull.

As the National Tea Party continues to be molded by unseen hands with strictly partisan political interests it is our CIVIC DUTY as Americans to rise against this power and seek balance in government. 

Who is willing to raise their fists and voices against this monstrosity?

Who among us is willing to personify the First Amendment for the Democratic or Independent party?