They are part of the Republican party. A rather convenient way to use them for dirty work and them blame it on the 'Tea Party'.
Dirty work, really? The dirty work that all the credit agencies are also warning us about? They're just pointing out the obvious.
This, more than any brand recognition or disapproval, is what gives me a bit of hope. To answer the bolded question, my gut feel is because of the amount of smear being put out by those (both righty and lefty) who are threatened by the first sentence.
There is certainly some truth to that. However, I suggest it is also because of the actual behavior of those who identify themselves as tea partiers. I think the authors of this article drew a useful parallel with the anti-war protesters of the late 60's. Basically, America is saying "Ok, you got our attention, and you might even have a point - but we don't like you or your tactics very much." barfo
I actually agree with barfo. Politics is about who is the most fucking sweet badass, not who's actually right on the issues.
I question the fact that "Tea Party" followers are racist... but they have to be smeared and the NY Times has a job to do. But I also know this- they are people who have had it with government as usual from both parties. They demand lower taxes, balanced budget, small government, less entitlement spending, lowering the deficit... it's hard to argue with that. That said, they are a radical element of the far right. Much like communists are to the far left. Personally, I might see some of their points, but have an inherent mistrust of them.
We care about limiting the size and scope of government to the point where we don't burden our kids or future generations with debt that would make their standard of living worse than ours. That's it. That's all that ties us together. Oh, and if someone calls themselves a Tea Party leader or spokesperson, they're lying.
Michele Bachmann Rick Perry Sarah Palin Glenn Beck Christine O'donnell Sean Hannity All these people claim to speak for the Tea Party movement. They're just as vocal about religion as they are about small government. To have a national movement you need a unified voice. Like it or not these people are it for the Tea Party.
