http://www.teaparty.org/about-us/
Notice something important that is missing?
Here's their opening statement/preamble:
?The Tea Party is a grassroots movement that calls awareness to any issue which challenges the security, sovereignty, or domestic tranquility of our beloved nation, the United States of America. From our founding, the Tea Party represents the voice of the true owners of the United States: WE THE PEOPLE."
Hmmm! Nothing about individual rights. Very populist, definitely not libertarian.
Here's their core beliefs:
"15 Non-negotiable Core Beliefs
1. Illegal aliens are here illegally.
2. Pro-domestic employment is indispensable.
3. A strong military is essential.
4. Special interests must be eliminated.
5. Gun ownership is sacred.
6. Government must be downsized.
7. The national budget must be balanced.
8. Deficit spending must end.
9. Bailout and stimulus plans are illegal.
10. Reducing personal income taxes is a must.
11. Reducing business income taxes is mandatory.
12. Political offices must be available to average citizens.
13. Intrusive government must be stopped.
14. English as our core language is required.
15. Traditional family values are encouraged."
2. Pro-domestic employment is indispensable.
3. A strong military is essential.
4. Special interests must be eliminated.
5. Gun ownership is sacred.
6. Government must be downsized.
7. The national budget must be balanced.
8. Deficit spending must end.
9. Bailout and stimulus plans are illegal.
10. Reducing personal income taxes is a must.
11. Reducing business income taxes is mandatory.
12. Political offices must be available to average citizens.
13. Intrusive government must be stopped.
14. English as our core language is required.
15. Traditional family values are encouraged."
Other than supporting gun ownership and opposing intrusive government very little about individual rights.
Lots of good ideas, some so vague as to be meaningless (e.g."special interests must be eliminated.") lots of ideas that will be popular (reducing income taxes) but again, too little about individual rights. Is "protection of traditional family values" code for anti-LGBT and anti- same sex marriage or what? I guess reducing the size of government and taxes and some culture-wars issues are more important than individual freedoms. Doesn't seem to me that this organization has much to offer those who love liberty and libertarians.
The Tea Party began as "Taxed Enough Already". Its belief structure included less Big Nanny Government. That inherently meant lower taxes, repeal of excessive regulation, a balanced budget and other responsible fiscal policy matters.
ReplyDeleteSince those early days, people have jumped on the original band wagon. Some of them are not particularly interested in the original ideas. Nowadays? Damfino what electees who claim Tea Party "membership" would do.
Art