Topic: Sarah Palin
Palin speech marginalizes Tea Party movement Those listening carefully to Sarah Palin at the Tea Party Convention should have no doubt, political animals are attacking tea party activists in earnest.by Gary Wood
(conservative libertarian)
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The excitement over Sarah Palin has grown among many people who view her as the maverick she likes to be thought of. There is no doubt she cannot be mistaken for a McCain republican, she is different from the status quo republican politician who does not embrace conservative, Constitutional values. It is not surprising many were looking forward to hearing her at the first Tea Party Convention promoted by the Tea Party Nation.
Watching on TV perhaps is the challenge. She began to talk, the audience was panned and the feeling was far from the inspiration a Constitution loving person normally feels at Tea Party rallies. This was a $350 a plate dinner which meant many who attend Tea Party rallies couldn't or wouldn't pay that amount even if it was Sarah Palin speaking. Suddenly realization sunk in, this was more like a fund raising political campaign stop with political trappings traditional politicians are comfortable in. OK, that impression was about to leave as the focus returned to the speaker, calming the crowd applause and getting ready to talk.
Of all the wonderful people involved in the movement, all those who could be used to point to as an example of Tea Party heart and soul Sarah Palin chose Scott Brown, the MA state politician turned senator due to his ability to tap into the frustration of politics as usual even in MA. She painted Brown as a representative of what the movement was all about, just a guy with a truck that took on the big bad party machines and won, an example of Tea Party spirit and foundational principles. From this point on it was apparent this was a campaign speech from a politician addressing a block of people she hoped would be future supporters.
It was good, no doubt, Scott Brown won in MA yet he does not represent true conservative, Constitutional values. This is simply a fact of his voting record, as simple a fact he was not just some guy with a truck taking on the machine. What Palin was doing was spinning the Brown victory, campaign style spin. She moved on from there to slam the Obama administration, mention Washington as bad, and poke at both parties as political machines. There was no direct attack of any republican and any comments negative toward the Republican Party was carefully wrapped in bubble wrap speak.
Tea Party events usually have citizens who are frustrated with major parties and those attending are not afraid to call it like it is, naming names of those who don't uphold conservative, Constitutional values. Palin could not risk that type of spirit in her campaign speech, and it sure sounded a lot like a campaign speech. The problem with this is the goal of the Tea Party Nation hosting the convention was to teach the new activist how this all works, a goal that appears to be achieved.
Palin was the keynote, the top of the excitement tide, and the lesson taught was politics as usual will come to the Tea Party. The movement is being marginalized like so many movements of the past. Infiltrating the movement are leaders taking advantage of raw passion to sell products, host conventions that are too expensive for many, and inviting a mainline speaker people love but just now (and only if they look with both eyes open) can begin to see more clearly is a politician first. From the very first errant spin of Scott Brown's campaign to the quaint post-speech interview and feigned "Palin has left the building" excitement at the end spells warning.
Turning the Tea Party movement into a political party or teaching those involved how this all works is the end of the movement if people are allowed to be led down this typically political path. With a promise to take over the Republican Party those skillful politicians smell the blood of another movement to devour and coax away from principles into the fold of today's politics. Palin was like the pied-piper playing her tune of difference while sounding just the same as always, even using the worn out "my friends" from her friend. Our Constitution is not designed for party politics; it is designed for freedom and a people free thinking, critically questioning government. Critically questioning everything is important if the principles and goals of restoring People's Law is to be achieved. Do not be marginalized by the Tea Party Nation or Sarah Palin. She is not the leader our Constitutional efforts need to succeed, they are not leaders who share your passionate frustration against politics as usual, and they will teach you to become usual politicians.
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The views expressed in this
article are those of Gary Wood only and do not represent
the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Gary Wood is
solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an
employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
I do not really understand the desire to label anyone as the leader of the Constitutional Movement. It needs no leader. The Constitution can speak for itself.
However, the best leader that can emerge (because someone will be labeled by the other side as the leader) is one that will respond to questions consistently and the same way as millions of the rest of us will. We should not be hanging on the edge of our seats to hear their response. We should already know the response if they truly are a supporter of the Constitution.
I did not vote for Obama or McCain in 2008. But I guarantee you, if the repubs elect Palin to be the 2012 repub. nominee, I will be the first in line to vote for Obama. In her speech she stated she is for sanctions against Iran- an act of war! This woman is dangerous!
Sarah Palin is the best hope for the nation. The Tea Party movement is ...well, untested, unproven. Will the people who claim to have never been involved before remain involved...will they continue their patriotism when their greatest fears have receded? In the past these groups have risen only to grab the spotlight for a campaign or two. But America keeps going... I am glad the Tea Party invited Sarah Palin. I am glad they allowed her to articulate a conservative movement in America...not the Tea Party..but the conservative "silent America." Palin has a long way to go, as do the GOP, in divining a new course. We need reject globalism, we need to reject the role of world policeman. We need an America First approach...one that addresses the needs and priorities of America's citizens. Foreigners, illegal aliens, international corporations...back off. America First.
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