(September 22, 2008 - Photo by None/Getty Images North America)
Big news today for the Tea Party movement and the hoards of Sarah Palin fanatics across this great nation. The two will be joining forces in a big way next month as the First National Tea Party Convention is held in Nashville, Tennessee. Palin is set to be the keynote speaker and will share the stage with the likes of Congresswoman Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee. The addition of Palin to the lineup all but guarantees that much attention will be paid to the inaugural convention – that until this announcement was a relatively unknown event in my world.
Look I will keep this short and sweet. I’ve been pretty clear about my feelings regarding Sarah Palin, so other than simply adding that I think this is nothing more than a clever way of uniting herself with the “Tea Party movement” officially, we can save the Palin talk for another day. As to the convention, I must admit that I didn’t even know a gathering of this magnitude was in the works – let alone being held next month. As to the “Tea Party movement” in general terms, I am always inspired when Americans exercise their 1st Amendment Rights – (yes that even includes times when its the nutbags on the Left doing it). The Right to petition our government and to engage in peaceful political protest is what distinguishes us from so many nations around the world.
In addition to appreciating the “movement” as an expression of liberty and political participation, I genuinely believe that most of the Tea Parties have emerged organically as a result of pure and absolute frustration with the current state of affairs in Washington, DC. That if nothing else makes us kindred spirits.
As to a “convention” or the need for one, I am uncharacteristically undecided and will have to reserve judgment until after I see how this thing comes together between now and the day Gov Palin takes the stage. The source of my indecision on this convention is two-fold. First, the most endearing attribute of the Tea Party movement was what many – like David Brooks – would consider to be low budget, poorly organized, and country bumpkin – hundreds of communities of conservatives gathering in protest of an out-of-control federal government. It wasn’t talking heads and political giants of the likes of Sarah Palin leading the charge. It was no name everyday Americans taking a day off from work to meet in their town square to let their elected officials know that they’d had enough. I don’t know that an organized convention of this magnitude really has the same feel.
That leads me to my second, less visceral, reason for being unsure about this convention. While organizers and the lead sponsor, Tea Party Nation, have emphatically denied that the “movement” or the convention are in any way an attempt to create a third party, I am inclined to believe that it is precisely what is at play here (at least with the convention). When a movement such as this progresses to the point where it begins to want to hold conventions, it appears to be grasping at legitimacy. On the surface, such an ambition is admittedly harmless or at least reasonable and natural given attempts from the Left and the mainstream media to discredit it from day one. For that narrow purpose I see no ill effect from such efforts, but as a conservative who would like to see the Republican Party returned to greatness, the Tea Party convention of this magnitude rather than a rally at the foot of the Lincoln monument or other similar display may simply be a step too far for my own comfort level.
For me, the idea of a “third option” in our political system must be last option. Taking that path prematurely only leads to Democratic victories and two inadequate “conservative” parties battling for leftovers at the liberal table. However, if the threat of a third party, or simply the gathering of passionate and principled Americans unified behind conservative values, can help to bring the Republican Party back to the Right, then I say march on Tea Partiers and best wishes on the convention. If that’s the way this convention continues to develop and those objectives remain clearly defined, then I will see you there.
What’s in it for Palin?
Since I said I would save the Palin talk for another day, we will just assume this is only about the money, if in fact its not about her wanting to tie her cart to the bumper of this populist conservative movement.
Other Conservative Perspectives
Sarah can and will go a long way toward striking that fear of God into the GOP establishment and the RNC. She’ll do an even better job of it if she does the convention because she believes in the message and not because they’ll pay her.
Don’t take the money Sarah. Do the right thing.
Russ
Sarah…Don’t Take the Money….
…
I think I must have missed your point buried in your sarcasm. I was under the impression that Sarah Palin was a fine conservative. Am I mistaken? My children adore her and they are both prominent attorneys and registered republicans. I too think she is quite the fireball and a fine leader for the movement. Care to explain or elaborate bc I just do not see why her appearance would be a bad thing.
Why does everyone think I have a hidden message “buried” under sarcasm. I was simply refraining from destroying Sarah Palin in a post that had bigger concerns to deal with. Yes, I think her participation is nothing more than another cheap trick side show, yes this is precisely why I loath the woman, and yes I think she should be laughed out of the Party if she takes money to speak at this convention… but that wasn’t the main point of the post. My real concern is the budding movement toward a third party. In fairness, I should add that I too have written volumes about the prospect of creating said third party, but in the end I am always drawn back to the conclusion that such a measure would only lead to a complete bastardization of any and everything uniquely American while the Left had the full run of things as we transitioned to the new party. For me, a move in that direction is only an option when it is in fact the ONLY option. If the Party moves permanently to the center then yes, that will be the time, but I am still optimistic that it can find its way back to the Right where it belongs.
If you want to hear the same message stated in a more direct – less “sarcastic” tone as you characterized it. Check out the link above. Russ at That’s Right is a Palin supporter and even he thinks it would be a ridiculous move for Palin to take money for her presence at this convention and he echoes my sentiments regarding the dangers of this third party talk.
Grassroots Movement = Tea Party = for the people by the people
Tea Party Convention =Sarah Palin as main speaker= quit as Governor= tickets to the event are $549 each???!!!???
It seems the two statements should have nothing to do with each other…
The real members of the Tea Party Movement are not quitters…We don’t abandon our elected posts, our jobs, or responsibilities. This movement was born out of sheer frustration with Washington, the Big Brother Police State, and taxation without representation. Now the Tea Party Movement has been infiltrated, watered down, and Sarah Palin has been elected Rogue Queen of the Movement. What a crock! And $549 for 1 ticket!!! That’s highway robbery! Compare this with the upcoming Campaign for Liberty Convention in Atlanta GA 1/15-1/17/2010..Ron Paul is the main speaker who has voted Constitutionally and said no to bigger government, unnecessary war, and higher taxes… and the price to attend his Convention? 65$!!!
When are so-called ‘Conservatives’ and ‘Republicans’ going to learn? Perhaps, they don’t want to truly experience liberty and America the way our Founding Fathers intended it to be. Perhaps, having FOX (FAUX) NEWS spoon feed them their new opinions on Obama, Endless War, and Al Quaeda is what they settle for…Mike Huckabee, Glenn Beck, and Sean Hannity validate their existence and entertain the fake ‘Conservatives’ all the while they bash True conservatives and Americans like Ron Paul.
Evidence of insult and discrimination against True Conservatives and Constitutionalists by FOX (FAUX) NEWS and their Underlings:
Glenn Beck calls Ron Paul supporters ‘terrorists’:
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/7601
Hannity insults/discredits Ron Paul and his supporters:
Ron Paul Florida Post Debate w/ Hannity & Colmes 10-21-07
Hannity tries to discount the poll results but Ron Paul forces Hannity to affront the audience, insult FOX News, or admit Ron Paul won. In all, a great interview and surprisingly civil.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDwDIj5ahuY
Huckabee attempting to debate Ron Paul and showing his ignorance on foreign policy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9sA5FQfE1E
An old post of mine explaining Huckabee’s flawed logic, his past failures and non conservative voting record, and his discrediting of a Constitutional Conservative Tea Party or Third Party:
http://tnsonsofliberty.blogspot.com/2009/11/huckabees-flawed-logic.html
Campaign for Liberty Atlanta, GA Conference 1/15-1/17/2010 only $65!!!:
http://www.campaignforliberty.com/event/2010atlanta.php
Campaign for Liberty Atlanta, GA schedule:
http://www.campaignforliberty.com/event/2010atlanta.php?page=agenda
Tea Party Nation Convention Ticket Price only 549$!!!:
http://tpn.eventbrite.com/?ref=eweb
Tea Party Nation Convention Schedule:
http://www.nationalteapartyconvention.com/schedule–topics.aspx
Which one of the above events could the average American more likely attend? Especially during these times of rising unemployment and financial uncertainty?
Please examine what I have presented and decide which kind of Conservative or Constitutionalist you are!!!
Do you want lower taxes, limited federal government, and the freedom to exercise your Constitutional Rights?
Or do you want bigger more bloated Federal Govt, more Endless War, more pork barrel projects, and more bills like the Patriot Act (brought to you by the Neo-Conservative George W Bush)?
In Truth and Liberty,
Joey Fuller
temporary blog: http://tnsonsofliberty.vox.com/
upcoming site: tnsonsofliberty.com
-Please feel free to repost and use on any website or blog.
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Wow that was a lot of information. Certainly appreciate your comments Mickey. Glad you made it back. If I remember correctly, I have no doubt that Blackburn’s participation in this event has at least a little something to do with it and frankly I think that’s great.
As to the conventions, I firmly believe that these events will do nothing but chip away at the passion and energy that is driving this movement. Once the Tea Parties become elitist overpriced events, they truly lose their authentic and genuine feel and only remain relevant as publicity stunts for their biggest stars.
Hello and many thanks for a informative article. I thank you what you write.