We, the enlightened people of the United States, returned the control of the House of Representatives to the Republicans in an effort to rein in some of the criminal increases in the federal spending spree. Guess what? It did not happen. Instead our beloved speaker and his cronies “caved in” and agreed to cut a paltry few billion from a multi-trillion budget. They agreed to continue funding for abortions and Obama-Care. In other words, they totally and dismally failed to do as we instructed them to do. They no longer represent. They wheel and deal; they compromise; they posture and they rule. Or, they think they do.
I keep track, sort of, of the new additions to the Tea Party here in Texas. It is interesting to note a steady, constant increase in “membership”. This would seem to be in direct opposition to the pundit’s portrayal of the party. They see us as a flash in the pan, a movement in decline. In point of fact, we, or at least I, have been waiting to see what the powers that be would do with the limited success we handed to them in the last election. As I pretty much expected, they talk the talk but can’t walk the walk. They turned their collective backs on the people who supported their return to power. Admittedly, there were exceptions such as Rand Paul, Michele Bachmann, et al, but for the most part, the Republicans reverted to type and they blinked. So be it. They no longer have any claim to our loyalty or support. They have abandoned us, not the other way around. It is time for us to re-evaluate our mission and tactics.
I am a dues-paying member of the Constitution Party. I firmly and reverently agree with 99.9% of what they stand for. I would like nothing better than to see them send a host of like-minded individuals to Washington DC. Then, I come back to reality as it is. The Constitution Party doesn’t have the money and resources to field viable candidates. When one out of a thousand so-called party supporters actually pays their annual dues, this doesn’t leave them much to work with. The same holds true for the Tea Party. How many “associates” have actually committed to paying monthly dues so the Tea Party can really crank up its programs and make an even bigger splash than it already has? I doubt Dale can finance the effort any more than I could. I fully realize that there are probably many who simply can’t make a monetary pledge. Older folks, like me, are frequently on very limited fixed incomes. We value and welcome their insight and help whatever form it may take. Our failure, in both organizations, is we have not fired up the younger generations who are working and probably can afford to help financially. Nothing is free. Success in the political arena is measured in dollars. Sad, but true. I am 68 years old. I had hoped to work toward retirement at some point. Now I know that isn’t to be. I am fortunate enough to have a very good job that pays me well. I will have to keep working until my wife can collect my life insurance. So be it. In the meantime, I will continue to pay dues to both groups in the hope it will make a difference. This isn’t an ego thing, it is a dire necessity.
OK, sorry about the sermon. I had to get that off my chest. I have firsthand experience of the frustration involved, so cut me some slack.
I am not one to post a claim to vast political insight, but it seems to even my limited intellect, that a merging of effort is called for here. In fact, it is going to be a requirement if we, collectively, are to accomplish anything useful and meaningful in the next couple of years. Beyond that, it won’t matter.
I don’t know how many people here actually read my blog. I have no real control over that. I know there are a few regular readers as they comment from time to time. I would hope they pass this particular rant on to others. I am actively asking for all members of the Texas Tea Party who want to escalate our efforts to the next level to contact me as soon as they can. I want to get the Texas Tea Party folks and the Constitution Party of Texas together to see what we can do together to put candidates in Austin. We have to start somewhere and here at home is a good place. With all the talk about Texas seceding we had better pay attention. Personally, the thought of President Rick Perry scares the Hell out of me. That possibility aside, we need to do everything we can to get our own house, Texas, in order. Only then can we spare the attention needed to fight the national battle, assuming it even matters at that point. Let’s put whatever differences we might have aside and combine our power and resources to make a real difference in our lives and the lives of those to yet to come. What are we going to leave them that we can be proud of? Obama-Care? Abortion on demand? A bankrupt country and citizenry? Not me. I would rather croak trying to make a difference than to sit back and watch it all go to hell around me. Is there a danger making waves? Who knows? Who cares? I certainly don’t. I am too old and pissed off to care. Who will join me in making a big noise?
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