The Republican Party Began as a Tea Party Movement
by Michael ZakRepublicans should welcome a comparison of their party’s history with that of the Democrats – the party of slavery and socialism, Big Government and the Ku Klux Klan.
As Republicans try to repel the socialist onslaught, the way to win – and to deserve to win – is to embrace our party’s original reform agenda. The patriots who created our Grand Old Party did so in order to preserve the vision of the Founding Fathers. And the way they did it has valuable lessons for us today.
Let’s first look at the party currently in power. Democrat ties to the legacy of Thomas Jefferson are negligible. In fact, the Democratic Party was established in 1832 at a national convention organized by Cabinet secretaries and other prominent supporters of the Andrew Jackson administration. From the start, the Democratic Party was a top-down organization. Submission to the grand leader and astroturfing – that is, fake grassroots activity – for the Democrats it’s the same old same old.
In contrast, the Republican Party began as a truly grassroots movement very similar to the Tea Parties now sweeping the nation. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things – that’s what created the GOP. For example, at the famous meeting in Ripon, Wisconsin that named the party “Republican” there were no politicians at all, just fifty-three men and women who took a stand. The first Republican state convention, in Jackson, Michigan, was attended by thousands of farmers and laborers and small businessmen. From the grassroots upward, that’s the Republican Party at its best.
The Republican Party was born as a civil rights movement.
Our party began as a protest against a very specific outrage perpetrated by the Democrats, a law they passed in 1854 that allowed slavery to expand into the western territories. The Democratic Party chose to promote slavery, and the police state and economic stagnation that went with it.
Amid the intense reaction, opponents of slavery united with a single purpose: “Enough concessions to the ‘Slavocrats’ – that’s what they called Democrats in those days, Slavocrats – “Enough concessions to the ‘Slavocrats.’ We draw the line right here. NO SLAVERY IN THE TERRITORIES!” Over the next few months, these groups coalesced into our Republican Party.
The Republican Party was phenomenally successful from the very start, growing swiftly into one of the country’s two major parties. The Whig Party had disappeared because they refused to take a stand on THE issue of the day: slavery, yes or no. Let’s not forget that slavery is the biggest big government program of them all.
Today, the question is… socialism, yes or no. So that the Republican Party does not go the way of the Whigs, we must take a stand on the issue of the day. We must say NO to all things Obama.
Republicans achieved a synthesis of the best of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, combining Jefferson’s appeal for “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” with the Whig Party’s Hamiltonian agenda for economic growth.
In time, established political figures, such as Salmon Chase and William Seward, joined the Republican Party. Nonetheless, rank-and-file Republicans were the core of this Grand New Party and many achieved leadership positions. In a similar way, Sarah Palin and other influential politicians are contributing their talents and prestige to the Tea Party movement, but they are not in control.
Instead of trying to co-opt the Tea Party movement, Republican leaders should recognize that it is in the best tradition of our Grand Old Party. Tea Party activists are championing the original agenda of the Republican Party: free minds, free markets, free expression and unlimited opportunity.
Here then is our chance to re-establish the Big Tent, but it won’t be done by reaching out to Democrats, compromising on this or that issue. On the contrary, we must remain resolutely opposed to the Democrats. When, back in the 1850s, the Democratic Party tried to promote slavery, people of honor and common sense realized that the minor issues that had been dividing them just did not matter. The only issue that did matter was stopping the expansion of slavery.
And so once again, our Grand Old Party is poised to attract a broad range of moderates and independents, who, whatever their differences, will come to understand that the only issue that does matter is stopping the expansion of socialism. Yes, millions of Americans are going along – for now – with the President. But, as the Obama administration becomes ever more disastrous, the Republican Party will be the political home of everyone who cherishes the American way of life.
Throughout his political career, Frederick Douglass appealed for Republican unity, in what he knew to be “the party of freedom and progress.” He speaks to us today.
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173 Comments
Thanks for the reminder of the party's roots.
"…that the only issue that does matter is stopping the expansion of socialism."
This I agree with whole heartedly.
We can and should take back the party. It's the best option, a third party will just guarantee Democrat victories.
If the Republicans didn't suck so bad, we wouldn't even have to wonder if they will go the way of the Whigs. Maybe they should have stuck to their principles. The republicans blew it, and, quite honestly, I don't really care what happens to them… especially if they keep endorsing candidates like Dede Scuzzyfella… I've had it with the Progressives.
…..The Republican Party was born as a civil rights movement.
Our party began as a protest against a very specific outrage perpetrated by the Democrats, a law they passed in 1854 that allowed slavery to expand into the western territories…..
So, by that reasoning the Republican Party was born out of an anti-state's rights movement? All this idiotic historical spin gets you nowhere. Look at how things are now. The GOP has become a wholly run subsidiary of Israel wasting American blood and treasure on these foreign parasites. The Tea Party movement is 100% from the Ron Paul movement that OPPOSES these foreign wars for Israel, Big Oil, and the Military Industrial Complex. (cont…)
Very well put!
The Republicans have moved too much to the center in order to be "main stream" instead of taking a stand and doing the right thing. This has moved the party away from where it belongs. If it was where it belongs, I'd be a Republican… As it is, I'm a Libertarian.
Whatever our background, we need to focus on the end goal! Stop Socialism.
The RNC should get behind the Tea Party movement in order to get back to where it belongs.
The establishment Republicans are headed in the same direction as the Democrats, one’s just moving a little faster than the other. In my mind the importance of the Tea Party is to bring austerity, and conservative principles back to Washington as a whole. We must have a real debate in the primaries then coalesce behind our newly minted conservatives, and hold them to it. Socialist/progressives/statist are all enemies of this great country, in whatever party we find them. We have much work to do.
Ohhhh Mikatollah………
" When, back in the 1850s, the Democratic Party tried to promote slavery, people of honor and common sense realized that the minor issues that had been dividing them just did not matter. The only issue that did matter was stopping the expansion of slavery."
The issue that should be drawing US together now, is the expansion of the Federal Government, and its ever intrusive power in our daily live. Big government is not the panacea, it is not the answer.
This story is disingenuous in that it does not point out how the party ideals have changed. Just as in the past people were slaves and the republican party rose to free them and give them access to a better america, the tea party of today would be against that because of the so called 10th amendment violation. They are completely state rights people and not for creating a system that gives more access to health for its citiens. Besides the original republicans wanted the federal government to act.
So today the tea party is nothing but prejudice republicans, not racist, but prejudice bigots. How do I know this, well the only support republicans for one,why does that matter, well they support Brown, a pro-choice, liberal, health care for all supporter, yet the tea party rejects a blue dog pro-life democrat like Nelson. See more proof
http://bit.ly/charliechoco
see why the tea party hates Gov. Charlie Crist
Socialist/Progressives?Statist are all meat on the same bone, and that bone needs to be buried, once and for all.
The best way to get right wing white people angered up is to label all government action as socialism and then put a black face on it. Well done zak, mission accomplished.
<We shovel money at Israel while we go in to debt.
We guarantee Israel's oil supply, even if it means shortages for Americans!
We are fighting two wars for Israel and if it was up to nutballs like McCain we would be fighting more.>
It It was the strawberries I tell ya the strawbwrries. There all against me….. Get some counseling OK..LOL
Let's see if the Tea Party will practice what it preaches when it comes to energy taxes.
http://www.greenchipstocks.com/articles/tea-party...
"people of honor and common sense"… Progressives, who were mostly part of the Republican party in the middle of the 19th century. They began to lose their way in the 20th century when they became a corporate vehicle. Then of course they had to absorb all those racist southern Democrats fleeing the party after they were betrayed by Democratic support for civil rights.
"Slavocrats." Slavocrats." "Slavocrats."
I've been saying for years that the Republicans fought to end slavery and the democrats are fighting to bring it back. Institutional (governmental) dependence is the same as slavery, and that is the life blood of the democrat political machine.
I will therefore, from this day forward, forever refer to the adherents of the current, leftist, "progressive," democrat, socialist agenda as Slavocrats.
Let's say it together;
nancy pelosi: Slovocrat.
harry reid: Slovocrat.
barry obama: Slavocrat.
They are completely state rights people and not for creating a system that gives more access to health for its citiens.
Well yeah duh!. Times change and I doubt the Feds were so intrusive into the states rights back then. As far as the health care thing if it means my family having to go hat in hand to the idiots in DC to get health care screw them I don't want it. If you want to help someone empty your own pockets not mine you Marxist.
feed me, feed me, feed me…
LOL
As Joe Wilson said – YOU LIE.
Tell me, which party fought for and achieved the 14th Amendment. Then tell me why they did so.
Let's hear it Mr. Race baiter.
The only attempt to defend the Democrats' actions is to point at anything and everything else – no matter how nonsensical it is.
put enough food in a stomach and it explodes…….
apparently when you're an anti-Semite, everything comes back to Israel and the Jews… nuts.
Ironic isn't it? Those who demonize insurance companies and their profits seek to mandate that each person must purchase their products. And the sheeple just lap it up like gravy on a biscuit.
Thats fine that we are given some history here BUT what repubs do not realize is the Tea Party movement (and please lets push to rename it Patriot Party) IS NOT ABOUT THEM, IS NOT THEIRS to take advantage of. The GOP for some reason does not get it that they too are in the crosshairs of Americans. The republicans are just as guilty as the dems for the direction America is headed. both of course infiltrated by the Progressive movement that is showing its head once more of the 2 faced 1 party system.
Fellow patriots do not allow the GOP to hijack OUR movement and campaign on it, they are only saying they are part of it to get re-elected. Same goes for anyone in the DNC claiming to be conservative dem. how many are there really? Enough is enough they all have to go! They all have to learn that they cannot claim to be part of something they are not to save face. Time is now to bring these people to their knees expose them for the corrupt they are.
Your being pulled once again into their rules of the game… STOP and play your game through http://www.savingtherepublic.com
Is it 'Open Season' on RINOs yet? To make this refounding work; they must become extinct.
We've had this conversation many times before. You can look it up in my archives.
"The issue that should be drawing US together now, is the expansion of the Federal Government, and its ever intrusive power in our daily live."
That is, indeed, the defining issue of our time and I'll be doing all I can to fight against it.
If the GOP cannot move back to their Reagan roots, then the heck with them. I'll stay a member of the American Conservative Party.
I will NOT LONGER violate my principles by voting for a RINO/CINO.
In fact, I voted for Barr vice McShamnesty.
http://noliberalspin.blogtownhall.com/2010/02/16/...
The Anti Liberal Zone
Mr. Zak I certainly agree with your analysis that the GOP ought not to
'co-opt the Tea Party movement, Republican leaders should recognize that it is in the best tradition of our Grand Old Party. Tea Party activists are championing the original agenda of the Republican Party: free minds, free markets, free expression and unlimited opportunity.'
"…and ship them back to Africa."
At a time when slaves were still being shipped from Africa to the United States; sending them back to Africa would have been seen (in many cases) as sending them back to their homelands. That's not how we might see it today; but it very well could be how it was seen then.
Good overall theme, i.e. TEA Party movement can be a revival of principles for a GOP that lost its way after Reagan. (And a little bit before Reagan, too. Hmmmmm…)
http://libertyatstake.blogspot.com/
Your Readers might consider joining our new Centrists Group at Linked In and might like to look at my new blog for and about Centrists, The Rest of U.S.
Extremists have become so loud, they’re deafening. And because they shout in perfect sound bites, the media birddog their every rant, however irresponsible or outrageous.
But we believe the political tide’s about to turn with a vengeance. No matter their party affiliation or lack thereof, Americans are disgusted with those who harass to harass, obstruct to obstruct, tear down to tear down. Compromise, consensus, bridge-building, and respect for differing viewpoints have been the hallmarks of American life as long as there’s been an America. We’re certain they will be again.
Please read: The Rest of U.S. – Who We Are and What We Stand For
http://newcentristera.wordpress.com/2010/01/06/th...
If you like it, please circulate to your family, friends, and colleagues. Or perhaps to your favorite extremist!
Amen!!
You took the time to write words, but you didn't answer the questions asked of you.
Why is that?
Liberia.
You're so right… and i love pointing it out to my libertard friends and watch them squirm and change the subject.
Yo0u stole my thunder on that one. I agree wholeheartedly. The Repubs shot themselves in the foot with some of their compromises to the conservative way of life. Big spending, big government Repubs need to be kicked from the "Big Tent" and true conservatives need to be given the helm once again, or I will not shed one tear when the "R"s become "D"s and the Republican party is no more. Conservatism is the way, some folks just need a reminder on occasion.
I am glad the anti-Semite is against us.
That bone needs to be cremated, I don't want anybody digging it up again.
Quite so. And Sierra Leone.
Let's just say that the Republican party of today is not the same as the one in 1850.
You will at least agree with me that the 11 states that formed the Confederacy were a solid voting block for the Democrats during Reconstruction?
I've given that position a lot of thought, too, but I continue to reach the conclusion that voting for a Republican of any stripe will be better than not voting or voting Democrat. At least there is a chance that some conservative ideals will be hand from a Republican and it mitigates being stuck with another 4 of Obama.
I find that I can excuse much to avoid another round of Obama, Pelosi, and Reid.
That said; yes, my first choice will always be a strong conservative candidate.
I am for federalism, states rights and Property rights. That sure as hell does not mean I am for slavery.
My family has been in Wisconsin since the 1830's. Dread Scott sued to be freed from slavery on the basis that he lived in Wisconsin for a time. The Slavocrats in the supreme court ruled against him and said Wisconsin can't ban slavery. Boom! that leads right to the civil war.
Great Great Granddad Anton served in the Wisconsin 9th infantry Regiment.
No, your quite wrong.Compromise, consensus and bridge-building are the hallmarks of cowards and is not what America stands for. Where did the FF's compromise their beliefs in order to build a bridge of consensus with King George? Nowhere, that's where.
Moral Relativism runs rampant in America's Socialist and 'Moderate' circles. Why don't you forward John McCain as the official, perennial poster boy for "Centrists"? You are playing right into the hands of the Progressives.Are you serious in your attempt to compromise with ideologues who have absolutely NO intention of compromising their political agenda?
Your appeal smacks of supreme political naivete or perhaps your group is merely a front for political appeasers, or worse, a front for Progressives.To approach the Progressives with a nambly-pambly posture, to look into the face of perfidy and say "We want to compromise" is political suicide and the end of Freedom.
You and your ilk can run off the cliff like a herd of Lemmings, as for me and mine, we'll atick with the TPM.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
How about if we just answer honestly?
The Republican party fought for the 14th to stop abuses, violations of rights, by states against freedmen.
You scream racist every two seconds, and when you get something factual put right to you, you make every attempt to avoid dealing with it.
See this. in a Republic, the rights of the Minority are paramount. In a Democracy, majority rules and that;s it. Democracy, unchecked, is the mindset that led to slavery in the first place.
Maybe someday you will understand that. As for what I will agree with you about, I am not optimistic about that happening very often.
Then join the Socialist Party.
Republicans Party has always supported the Canary in the Muslim Coal Mine.
The article says the Republicans ended Slavery. Racism is a different story.
Just my humble opinion and no offense intended, but if you view people who ardently believe in the Constitution, very small limited government, etc. as extreme, you are probably out of your element here.
We got a real Jacobite here.
milatollah – A message has just arrived from Allalah: Dear Poor goat-milkatollah, You have become too stupid too be true. I am now sad (laughing) to tell you that there are not "72" virgins, it was only a good joke because You are too stupid to be true and as usual you didn't get it. With great regrets, Allalah.
Hanzo I didn't know you cared…
LOL
Some one mentioned Perot. He is the all time best reason not to have a leader. Ros Perot has got to be the all time worst political leader. He took the frustration with Bush Sr and the dislike of Democrats fanned the flames. Then drove it into the ground.
Perot is a major POS.
Did your principles include , in essence, helping a Progressive win election to POTUS?No offense intended, but not voting for McCain because he's a RINO/CINO and watching BHO win is asinine and makes absolutely no sense.Thanks, Comrade.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
I am my own Tea Party. I join like minded individuals that protest the inane fiscal irresponsibility of each stage of government. Your assertions that "the Tea Party" should support this ridiculous green agenda is hilarious. Check out the photos of the post September 12th rally on the mall and compare it to any other mall demonstration and see who picked up THEIR OWN TRASH. No one wants to live in dirt and pollution. It doesn't take an all controlling state to take care of the environment. If we were to supply our own oil, the sand covered fields of the Mid-East would be far less relevant today. The environazis continue to cost the average guy a bundle of cash with zero benefit because of their ignorance of the natural forces that will win out despite the attempts to federalize sophomoric ideas.
We should also look in the mirror at a simple fact…..since T. Roosevelt….no Republican President has lived up to the promise of debt reduction…..
Only IKE…..ONLY IKE…..reduced our debt….
If we want to be a strong party…..We must learn to do what we say……
That's right, the Slavocrats(party of the KKK) maintaining a stranglehold on segregation and Jim Crow policies until Republicans ended segregation and instituted Civil Rights.Not even a nice try, simply juvenile and very petulant.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
The party of Lincoln did all those things. Then you lost your way and are now a vehicle for groups like the teaparty movement.
I don't know where you come up with this stuff. A democratic republic is still governed by the majority. The only thing guaranteed for the minority is that their constitutional rights are not violated. There seems to be plenty of disagreement as to what those rights are.
The Progressive movement and the Republican party was one and the same until 1913…..and facts are facts…..our first motto was a demand to the government to give the people FREE land….
How well would that go over today if the DEMS gave away free government land?
Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, BMartin.We need to co-opt the GOP, not let them co-opt us.In the current political atmosphere, with the 2-party system and it's lock on politics, especially on the National level, a 3rd party, at this time, is political suicide, guaranteeing a Prodressive/Democratic win.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
mika this "the republicans are a racist party" shtick is OVER… unlike the AGW debate.
Take a deep breath and look at reality, Senator Byrd a Dem (KKK affiliation), didn't the democrats shut down school vouchers? because it seems to me that most people using the vouchers were minorities hoping to give their children a better shot at life…
there is nothing in Democrat's policies that tells me that they are actually helping the poor… unless helping the poor staying poor is help.
as much as I respect one of the greatist Presidents in our history….the fact is Reagan was troubled by the fact he expanded government and increase our debt like no other….
So if you want to go back to the Reagan years….then expect for increased government and larger debts….
Do you ever try to make sense? Guess not.The fact that you continually play the race card is overwhelming proof that you judge people by the color of their skin.YOU are the Racist scumbag.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
His votes got Clinton elected…
Senator Byrd has repented. He has apologized both for his opposition to civil rights and his affiliation with the klan. I hope the Dems can shut down school vouchers. If you want your kids to go to private schools get out your checkbook and pay for it.
We'll just to have to disagree about the poor.
You are for both, Federalism and States Rights? Hmm. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
I am that exactly. As is the Constitution.
I am for the States exercising their due powers, I am for the Federal government exercising it's due powers and I am for the people exercising their natural rights.
Aren't you Hanzo?
While I agree with you, let's be realistic here. There resides in our country, currently, a 2-party system of politics, particularly at the National level, that's not going anywhere anytime soon.Even though the Republicans draw the ire of Conservatives, what, pray tell, is the alternative?
3rd party candidates, unfortunately, have a snowballs chance in hell.That leaves the Democrats. Which party do we have the best chance of changing from within?We need to advance our agenda and remold the GOP from within.The GOP has always been the only chance for Conservatism.Let's work toward returning the GOP to its Conservative roots.The TPM is perfectly suited to accomplish the task. I wish we could do it without the GOP, I just can't envision a realistic alternative.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
Kudos! I agree to the nth degree.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
Ever hear of homesteading Sean?
Yes, I certainly am. However, the Federalist Party, when first evolved, was the party of Alexander Hamilton, who advocated a strong central government along with a central banking system. Perhaps I was being too literal here. ;^) ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
This Constitutional Republic is to be governed, via consent, by the Supreme Law of the Land. Notice how that document guarantees a REPUBLICAN form of government to each state? No we are not governed by the majority nor were we meant to be.
Tell this gun owner in Illinois that my rights are protected. HA! Tell me what happens if I carry a gun. Uh, I go to jail on a felony. The Second Amendment is clear.
Who controls all the state constitutional offices AND the legislature AND the executive here? Oh yeah, DEMOCRATS.
Tell me all about Lincoln, as I sit here in the land of Lincoln.
Ha ha … ;^) ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
There are no constitutional guarantees that people will vote the way you like. When you cast your vote it is an unspoken contract that you will abide by the results of the election. To do otherwise would violate the spirit of the election process.
I find it quite troubling that so many of the commenters seem to expect the GOP to be the PERFECT party. For those who are disappointed by the GOP, keep in mind what happened in 2008. This country elected a Congress and a President that is sooooooooooooo far to the left of every one of the GOP/Tea Party politicians. The two groups need to meet and discuss individual candidates in each district in the country. Hopefully, they will be able to agree on a candidate. If not, that candidate should know that there could be a third party candidate in the race and THE DEMOCRAT WILL PROBABLY SLIP IN THE BACK DOOR. Wouldn't that be good for the country???
A third party would not guarantee victory to the Slavocrats today, any more that it did way back when the GOP was the third party. Perhaps the current GOP should go the way of the Whigs.
Perhaps Mr. Dhasselhoff should jump back into Mr. Peabody's Way Back Machine and return to the death showers that he guarded in another life.
Excellent synopsis. Very factual. Thank you so much for sharing truth; so little of it going 'round these days. None the less, I feel for those "typical", moderate, Democrats (my mother has been one for 54 yrs) that are ashamed & embarrassed by what has happened to their party. She's an unabashed Tea Partier & Fair Taxer.
Why didn't we support Apartheid South Africa, then? Oh, btw, they were Israel's ally.
You are factually incorrect re the origins of today's Tea Party. Most of us never were Ron Paul supporters, nor did, nor do we, support most of the issues he supports. Understand & research the truth. Thank you.
You know, as much as i love the fact the Republican party started out as a Tea Party, it's as big government and big spending as the rest of them. Unless the party listens to the people, it's going to die a death like the Whigs did.
Incorrect. You failed to note the section in the article that emphasized we were the first civil rights movement. Supporting the 10th amendment does not supercede basic civil rights. And BTW, Scott Brown is about the best we could hope for in a state like MA. Sad, but true.
Urgh, another we have no point of view talking shop. I'm sure Obama and Sarah Palin will give you a listen….
If the majority voted to enslave anyone it would be unconstitutional.
I think Dhass could turn an article on gluten-free cooking into an anti-Zionist tirade.
Get rid of the Dems first, then work on getting rid of RINOs, then get more conservatives in.
We can improve our way to a conservative, Constitution-honoring Republic again.
Reagan reduced the debt. Reagan's policies gave Clinton his deficit-free terms.
I would disagree with that Hanzo.
As it stands today, a Liberal Progressive is in the drivers' seat and thus unable to blame anyone else for what he does.
Remember, it took a Carter to get a Reagan.
Hard to dispute the truth . . . especially dispute it with facts. Democrats wanted to expand slavery . . . the new Republican party opposed it. Amazing what can be found in real history books. Standing on principles is not one of the better traits of a politician though. It's hard to stand up straight when you don't have a spine. Hence the reason for the original Republican party.
Sean, understand this, President's do not spend.
Congress does.
Great article! Thanks!
This story is a good example of an important principle — that it is adherence to principles that brings power, NOT seeking for power itself!
When Republicans compromise their principles for the sake of obtaining power first, they shoot themselves in the foot. Seek to stand firmly by principles, and the power will come as the American People rally to those principles. Once the GOP seeks to build "coalitions of power" (as Obama calls it), they have lost their way, because their principles have been abandoned.
Perhaps this is why John Quincy Adams said, "Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." –Thomas Jefferson. It seems that in recent years, Republicans forgot this wise counsel!
I can't imagine a better way to waste my vote than to give it to a person, even a Republican, who won't support those principles once in office!
That's just it, "way back when". That was a time of a much different political landscape than today. With the 2-party system in place, a 3rd party stands little to no chance of rising to national prominence. How far have 3rd party candidates risen in more modern times? ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
lol
And the patriots who created the GOP are, of course, still in charge…
Let's face it folks, the GOP of the 21st century is a hillbilly, war-mongering, religious gathering of savage ideas- financed through tons of cash that egoists are too greedy to spread among fellow citizens . While I believe that Dems rather from representing a 'good' option in politics, as long as the party of fear and obstruction exists, I don't have to make choices at the polls.
You have your facts wrong….Reagan increased the debt and grew government….look at the graph data on the net about our national debt….Reagan was a spend-a-holic.
Sure…..go look into our history and you will find that the REPUBLICANS ASKED the government to release all the land to the people…..THIS IS A GOVERNMENT program that is socialistic based….plain and simple.
There is nothing liberal or democratic about draining money out of the public school system to give to private and parochial schools. We need to provide the best education we can for all children, and if you have the means and desire to put your kids in private schools then go ahead. It is a free country… but you still have to pay your property taxes.
If you read my comment, I specifically mention Progressives. Progressivism is the problem, and it infests both democrats and republicans. So, I would say that a non-progressive candidate/party would be ideal. That could be the republicans, I don't know… but, if they are going to be supporting people like Dede, I won't be jumping on the R bandwagon.
The republicans need to do some stuff to prove they're serious… I will be sure to keep an open mind and ask some honest questions.
And are coming to an end as Socialists. So sad.
just another jew hating leftist…ignore him.
dhass, spoken like a true national socialist!
Bush got Clinton elected. And then, they became very good friends. How convenient.
There are no comparable facts in history to support this flawed belief that is being peddled by the GOP loyalist. Perot is not a comparison at all. There has never been a time in history that compares to the state of the nation today. This is important to consider when you buy into the "split the vote" tactic. This presumes there are not enough disenchanted voters to carry the vote, and thus, is not fact based.
But we did. So many of tried to tell people what Obama and Nancy and Harry would do, but folks just wouldn't listen. They had to see it. They had to experience it. As it stands now, Democrats own it and there is no escape.
That is a good thing my friend. A very good thing.
Dosen't make sense.What gives the government the right to 'extort' money from me to pay for other children to go to school?I am providing for the best education for my children, and the government has nothing to do with it.How are property taxes NOT unconstitutional anyway?
Most of the FF's were homeschooled until college. Do you think they foresaw the government levying a tax on your property without you having a choice on how it's spent?Or that you wouldn't be able to opt out, if there is no benefit to you or your family, if you chose to go an alternate route?
You're just a big government, tax and spend, run huge deficits liberal. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
The Republican Party has gone from a grass roots movement into a big government loving, corrupt, statist organization. It's time for a new conservative party to form. The Republicans can merge with their ideological big brothers, the Democrats.
http://smallthoughtsfromasmallmind.wordpress.com/
I'm calling you out. I'm not a racist, I don't play the race card.You have us confused with dhaffy and fonz, who agree with you most of the time.
You are racist, in the mold of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, who love to call others racist while making color of skin an issue. Now, prove the TPM is racist, without the canard of the 10th Amendment. The 10th Amendment is an issue because the Statea, if they have the power they're supposed to have, could help reign your friends in the bloated Federal bureaucracy.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
I read your comment.Just don't forget to do your civic duty and vote.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
Politically, yes.In reality, it sucks.I see misery around me everyday.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
Look behind you Schickelgruber.
Ain't nobody following you.
Centrists
Who We Are and What We Stand For
HaHAHAHAHA
My vote cancels yours every time.
[...] Neat post from Michael Zak, a GOP historian. the Republican Party began as a truly grassroots movement very similar to the Tea Parties now sweeping the nation. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things – that’s what created the GOP. For example, at the famous meeting in Ripon, Wisconsin that named the party “Republican” there were no politicians at all, just fifty-three men and women who took a stand. The first Republican state convention, in Jackson, Michigan, was attended by thousands of farmers and laborers and small businessmen. From the grassroots upward, that’s the Republican Party at its best. [...]
In rare form this eve…………go Hanzo…..go….I love it
It's not for my children that I want the voucher system there Mickey,….. they have their daddy and his checkbook,
Vouchers?,……. it's for all the children…… and especially for the DC kids that had their opportunity taken away from them by the man you donated $500 to and campaigned for president.
Do I have your permission to call you racist.
HawaiiDOH………..surely you don't believe that 'good friends' jive. HW Bush merely befriended
Clinton to attempt to teach him some manners. Clinton, who was raised without a father, lacked
knowledge of correct dignified behavior toward his successor, who happened to be GW Bush.
Daddy Bush was merely teaching Clinton proper etiquette of former Presidents to current Presi-
dents. I believe he was fairly successful.
Reagan was not a spend-a-holic. How old are you?In order to pass his budgets, Reagan had to work with a Dem Congress.He asked for the line-item veto how many times?,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
Before elected, what was BHO's platform? Tax cuts, governing from the center, etc. The msm faithfully repeated the meme of BHO's astounding qualifications, did they not?Everyone, right, center and left was lied to by the msm as to BHO's agenda a nd his qualifications. Of course there were those of us who virulently opposed BHO and we tried to express ourselves as to his true intentions, to no avail.
No one said the GOP is the pefect party, you're putting words into our mouths. The GOP is basically our only choice.If we could actually form a 3rd party that would have a chance on the National level, no one would care about the GOP, for they have lapsed in their duties to the Grassroots of their core constituency.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
Dude. Focus.
The article is on Socialism, not Israel.
Just because we saw Scott Brown carry the day in Massachusetts, drawing support from a wide range of the electorate, this dosen't mean a 3rd party candidate can win on a National platform. Scott Brown was a Republican, afterall. To think a 3rd party candidate can win the office of POTUS is delusional. Prove when this was possible in this modern era of the 2-party system. You can't and your premise is flawed.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
There might be similarities, but to cast the Republicans, on a whole, as equal to the Democrats in their quest to tax and spend is ludicrous.I'm just as disenchanted with the Republicans as the next person, but let's talk reality here.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
Then you're fine with BHO being in office, with his radical agenda?So, how would you choose to waste your vote better than that?,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
Nice talking points~"party of fear and obstruction". Can't think for yourself, eh?Typical Slavocrat.,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
And that means my vote puts us up one. ;^) ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
No. ,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
"Statist"? Come now.The Republicans can merge with their ideological brothers, the Democrats, ensuring a victory for them in every election. Have to think ahead, friend.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
If mikatrolla lost all of his fingers in an accident(God forbid), do you think he would try to type with his nose, in order to stir the pot with baseless, deranged accusations? His TPDS is getting out of hand.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
The Republicans big tent strategy is a progressive idea itself; which leads people to ask what is the difference between the parties. If the Republicans listen to the Tea Party movement – which would only require them to return to their conservative roots – then they will regain control of congress. If they don't it won't matter as the country will continue down the path the Progressives set. The Tea Party movement must find and support candidates that believe in the Founding Fathers regardless of party. Thus work inside of the parties to right the Country. As the Country is more important than either party.
The Republicans were more socialist than the Democrats until FDR did the Great DoSiDo and took over the worst of Hoover's policies. Granted, that was then and this is now. But that's the danger with invoking the history of the party that wanted to free the slaves…and ship them back to Africa.
republicanblack- You should sue your English teacher to get your money back…your post is non-nonsensical and makes no sense. FYI- in order to fix all the problems, we need to focus on the basic problems first. We need to stop the down-hill slide to socialism. As imprtant as the abortion issue is, it is a non-starter. If any party hangs its hat on it, it will never survive. Change the hearts and minds, and the rest will follow.
No, the best way to get me "angered up" is to distort the english langauge and then over tax me because yous caint talk no good english so's da schoolin gots to be M-proved wif my tax dollars!
In your little gray thing inside your head, everyone is a RAAACCIST!
Not true. The president presents a budget to congress, the congress porks it up, then the president has the option of signing it into law or sending it back to the congress to be reworked. Reagan never once submitted a balanced budget proposal to the congress. Not once in eight years. And the congress never had to override a presidential veto to get a spending bill passed.
No, but Lazybum sure sounds like one to me.
Hanzo,
Like most people, like myself included, I think that when you think of 3rd parties, the Libertarian and Reform parties come to mind. Picture the political landscape today if the Reform party had not turned into a huge comedy of errors… Ross Perot and his paranoia, dropping out then back into the race, Jesse Ventura, … Most Americans will not afford the time to consider the platform of the Libertarian party, …
When you talk of our past you should also point out that the Republican party….asked the Government for FREE land…..this was part of one of the first party slogans….So lets not try and re-write our history by leaving out the fact our party was built by PROGRESSIVES….and we were big into Government hand outs.
The Republicans were certainly NOT more Socialist(or Facist, for that matter) than the Democrats, ever. FDR did a DoSiDo and took over Hoovers policies? How absurd, FDR was a committed Progressive from the word go.The next time you invoke history you should get your facts straight.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
A Jacobite? As in the Jacobins of the French Revolution?The Original Facists? Where did you come from?
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
That is a great response kasteer, made me laugh!
Since someone had to mention the KKK, it started in much the same way as the Tea Parties.
I believe our Founding Fathers were quite against getting involved in foreign wars. There is no reason why the US couldn't have stayed a giant neutral "Switzerland"
AGREED.
I'm alittle dumb a** short and stout
here is my hatred, here is my spout
I'll try my best each day to piss you off
Cuz I don't have a clue what I'm talking about
mik aka Cliffy's mantra – nursery tune for the loony tune
SO then, if the majority voted to enslave black people today, that unspoken contract must see people abide by it?
(HOGWASH)
You really do not understand Constitutional boundaries do you? See they are why we do not have Democracy as our form of government. Such a thing is so very dangerous.
Thanks for making my point for me there mikatollah. I knew you would eventually.
We didn't have to go where we are to get to where we want to be.That's a fallacy. Why suffer through this current administration, one that makes Carter pail in comparision in the outright corruption and usurpation of power being enabled because of said administration coming to power?
Do we have to lose 8,000,000 jobs in order to bring change to our government?Tell that to the people who are losing everything on a daily basis.Not to mention the agenda in all facets of life that is occuring daily. Why have dedicated Progressives in power to wreak the havoc that isn't over yet?
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
What a Facist attitude. Even though we're forced to pay property taxes in order to, among other things, pay for schools, you would deny that choice to people who are sick of the dumbing down of children through the public educational school system.What happened to your 'liberal democratic' attitude? Why not let the people have a choice?Afterall, it's their money, should they not have a say?,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
I'm not playing cards… I'm calling you out. The teaparty is a racist organization and I plan to shine a bright light on those who support it's racist agenda.
Quote," Democrats – the party of slavery and socialism, Big Government and the Ku Klux Klan."Ya think the teachers are teaching this little fact in high school or college history classes???
Right you are…. i should have said i'll be sure to keep and open mind, ask honest questions, and vote according to my principles.
…but you're not a racist.
Saudi Billionaire boasts of manipulating Fox News coverage!
Say it is not so Glenn Beck and O'Reilly!!!!
Did your Saudi Masters instruct you to smear "birthers" and tea party goers as far right loons?
http://www.aim.org/press-release/saudi-billionair...
Thanks for the history lesson, and a reminder of the roots of the Republican Party. The only difference I see is that the teaparty movement is the awakening of the pubic to the shennanigans of both parties in Congress and their effort to force politicians to representing their constituents and the country instead of themselves and their party. As a Republican I am disgusted with FL Governor Charlie Christ's attempt to manipulate himself into a non-term-limited Senate seat which came open early. Instead of appointing someone geared toward representing Floridians, he searched and searched for someone who would vow not to run against him for the seat in November. Not finding such a Republican, he chose instead to appoint his best friend to the seat. One might also note that even though LeMueix has served less than a year, he will still receive his pension and health insurance. These are the kinds of deals that infuriate regular Americans, but that the politicians consider business as usual.
Teaparty folks are not the idiots that the MSM try to portray, and we realize that the Republican Party is closer to our value system than the Democratic Party. The only way to move forward is to become involved in more than protests by choosing one of the Parties and become active enough to make our voice heard and overwhelm any progressive voices within BOTH partys with our numbers. Buckle up, the ride's going to be rough whether your a (D) or an (R) because we're coming and we're going to use the progressive playbook against them….
Great article Michael
"financed through tons of cash that egoists are too greedy to spread among fellow citizens"
Said like a true 'somethin-for-nothin' Democrat looking for a handout by supporting the likes of this group who attended the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee function:
Menendez Robert (D-NJ)
Stabenow, Debbie (D-MI)
Carper, Tom (D-DE)
Lautenberg, Frank (D-NJ)
Cardin, Benjamin L. (D-MD)
Sanders, Bernie (D-VT)
Casey, Robert P. (D-PA)
McCaskill, Claire (D-MO)
Klobuchar, Amy (D-MN)
Hagan, Kay (D-NC)
Begich, Mark (D-AK
And here is a partial listing of lobbyists who also attended and who in addition to making a nice fat donation to the DSCC gave as follows:
–AFLAC – Stabenow (D-MI)=$1,000, Carper (D-DE)=$2,000, Klobuchar (D-MN)=$1,000, McCaskill (D-MO)=$1,000
–Lockheed Martin – Carper (D-DE)=$2,000
–AT&T (source of executive talent for the new GM) – Begich (D-AK)=$2,500
–Microsoft – Menendez (D-NJ)=$1,000, McCaskill (D-MO)=$1,000
–American Hospital Association – Stabenow (D-MI)=$2,500, Carper (DDE)=$1,000, Lautenberg (D-NJ)=$1,000, Menendez (D-NJ)=$1,000, Casey (D-PA)=$250
–Fedex – McCaskill (D-MO)=$2,500, Begich (D-AK)=$1,000, Carper (D-DE)=$1,000
–UPS – McCaskill (D-MO)=$500, Stabenow (D-MI)=$500, Menendez (D-NJ)=$2,000, Carper (D-DE)=$1,400, Hagan (D-NC)=$1,500
–Disney/ESPN – Klobuchar (D-MN)=$1,000
So I guess the bottom line would be do you want a 21st century hillbilly that believes in God to represent you or a crooked, self-serving democratic shyster? The war-mongering doesn't really apply since Obama and the Dems in Congress have come out and defended Obama's prosecution of the wars as exaclty what Republicans and George W. Bush had done…. and all that cash for 'egoists' that are too greedy to spread it around – only these egoists have a (D) behind their name….
This needs to be stated: Socialism IS slavery.
It looks as though we've come full circle.
Ivan
Hummmm, Maybe the problem isn't that we shouldn't start a "third party", but in that we already have a multi-party system.We say that it's a two party system, Democrat and Republican, but from my view it's Anarchist,Fiscal-Moral Conservative,Moral Conservative,Fiscal Conservative etc,etc, down to Progressive,Socialist,Marxist and so on, the problem is that we don't lable them Conservative-Democrat or Progressive-Rebublican. How would people have voted if they had labled say Ford or Kennedy as say a Socialist-Democrat I know they weren't that, but how would you have voted for someone like that. the terms "Democrat" or "Republican" covers a bunch of ground and really tells us very little about the person,A R-C Republican-Conservative or D-P Democrat-Progressive after the politician's name would tell us much more. I don't know how to start this, other than by putting these lables on them ourselves in the commits we make such as "Clinton D-P" which she has labled herself as, possibly it would catch on.
[...] [...]
[...] [...]
I've had it up to HERE with empire-minded neocons and big spending "compassionate conservatives". BS! The GOP has relegated into just a different flavor of BIG Government. As Pat Buchanan has said, "both parties are different wings of the same bird of prey".
I am correct; you are not.
racist…racist…racist of course it sounds like racist, but it's only, simply an echo in your empty head
Will you PULEEZE stop worrying about a third party or tpm somehow mucking things up and letting an evil D sneak in. This country is is heading for a major crash and if it doesn't dismantle this monstrosity of a beaurocracy and turn away from entitlement thinking we…will…crash and burn and it matters little who is at the controls.
[...] The Republican Party Began as a Tea Party Movement – Big Government [...]
The only way to be realistic is to recognize that there is currently no difference between an R and D. If there were you would not see Arlen Spectre so easily move between the parties – Sen Griffith would not have been able to change parties and feel so comfortable and you would not have Rs saying that they hope more Ds change parties to change the distribution of the elitists that currently sit in Congress.
As has been stated, the progressives have ruined both parties to the point there's little difference between Rs & Ds any more – neither party will condone dis-assembling the federal government – a goal that most in the Tea Party movement know *has* to happen to get back to constitutional (and affordable) levels of federal control.
Was it Sherlock Holmes that said "once you've eliminated the impossible, the remainder – however improbable must be the truth" ? Once we eliminate the impossibility of the Rs ever becoming truly conservative again due to their national structure, lack of ethical/moral 'roots', and the corruption of being in DC too long, we must accept that the Tea Party has to become a 3rd party to remain viable and expect that the conservatives in the Republican party will join us regardless of what candidates their party tries to push on them.
Well, it was a nice trip down memory lane. Yet, the future vision might be flawed. No matter how "dandy" Reps seemed in their infancy, both the reds and blues today share much the same corporate identities and goals, their own perpetuation. Our representation and our Republic both suffer.
Oh the irony of that long deceased party, the Whigs, showing back up on the scene and challenging the current model of political particpation. Back to the Future my fellow citizens. LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC!
http://www.modernwhig.org
The 10th amendment reserves all rights not specifically reserved to the federal government or denied to the states to the states or the people. I believe that it can be reasonably inferred from the wording "secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity" in the pre-amble of the constitution that slavery should be a cause that the federal government should fight to end, not a right of any state to impose on anyone.
I keep hearing that argument against a 3rd party. …usually from liberals and progressives….
I believe the correct answer is that we (Tea Party) should put up our own candidates where feasible and/or wherever the Repulican party has a RINO or 'liberal' republican in the race – and accept that we may split the vote for that race.
The 'Republican machine' has become top-down managed – if not managing candidates directly, then by controlling the national purse to influence primaries. Is there some reason that people in the Mid-West never see the entire Republican ballot at their primaries ? Is it perhaps that by the time the primaries happen in the Mid-West, the conservatives have already been rejected by the liberals on the East Coast ?
I'd much rather see Tea Party candidates selected with *NATIONAL* input from other Tea Party groups – not just the input of a few RINOS voting in blue states on the east coast. Let the Republican party come to us if they agree with our platform (it's what they claim to be but usually don't execute on). If the Republican party 'managers' don't agree with our goals and platform, why should we support them ?
It would be interesting to see how conservative the Republican Party becomes once they start losing races because the Tea Party chooses to run truly conservative candidates against the RINOS they find politically acceptable. (I still won't believe them as my days of believing that Republicans are the conservative party are now over – the only conservative party left in the US is/will be the Tea Party.)
Ok – Hanzo – let's be realistic here…
The only way to be realistic is to recognize that there is currently no difference between an R and D. If there were you would not see Arlen Spectre so easily move between the parties – Sen Griffith would not have been able to change parties and feel so comfortable and you would not have Rs saying that they hope more Ds change parties to change the distribution of the elitists that currently sit in Congress.
You (and the liberals and the progressives) keep saying that the Tea Party *must* joing the Rs in order to 'be viable'.
Nothing could be more wrong. The Tea Party is the 'gold standard'. The Rs are (and have been for years) just 'wannabees'. I really don't care that we cannot elect a Tea Party president the first time out. We don't have to. We just have to elect enough Senators and Reps to congress (in state-level elections) that we can over-ride a presidential veto (67 votes in the Senate). At a minimum we need to be able to block the progressive agenda in Congress (I think we're on track here if we don't let the Rs choose the candidates – we can't afford any more 'Olimpia Snows' & 'Arlan Spectres' being sent to Congress on the Republican tickets).
If we have Tea Party members in Congress as Independents, I'm OK with that (and would prefer it to Republican-selected RINOS that would vote against us) – wouldn't you ?
Screw the Rs – they've had their chances to select conservatives for Congress & Pres – we got Arlan, Olimpia, and McGoofy. I've been hoping for most of my life that I'd see the Rs actually run a conservative for President. It has not happened – without exception, they always choose a 'moderate' and their 'moderates' have gotten more and more liberal over time that it became necessary to form the Tea Party to actually select conservatives for office.
It won't take many election cycles for the Rs to realize that running against the Tea Party candidates is a losing proposition. In the meantime, those elected by state-level groups to Federal Congress can act as 'control rods' in the event that the progressives want to 'go nuclear' and nullify the reaction.
Furthermore, once we (Tea Party & the American People) get control of Congress again, we can start acting to expel or recall the more corrupt members of Congress for criminal actions and/or even impeach the President if he/she starts subverting the Constitution as the One is currently doing.
If the GOP does not want to play ball with the Tea Party, then we have proof their current rhetoric about being conservative is so much BULL____ and that those who are urging the Tea Party to 'work from the inside of the GOP' were/are wrong. If the GOP decides to 'play ball', then there are lots of synergies that will come into play as the Tea Party is simply what the GOP *SHOULD* be today.
Please ignore the LSM (Lame Stream Media – including Fox) since any analysis or advice they have for the Tea Party will be from their 'superior' vantage point of understanding the 'status quo'. The status quo is *not* what *I* want from Washington – how about you ?
Hey d!ckheadinohio, first off, don't lump me with libs and progressives, mother fer.You need to get your fat head out of your ass, moron.
No difference between the Rs and Ds? You are so far gone, I'm not even going to reply to your worthless diatribe.I didn't say the "TP must joing(sic) the Rs", asshole, pay attention.I said they must restore the GOP to its Conservative roots.You've been waiting most of your life for a Conservative to be forwarded by Rs for POTUS? Guess you're not old enough to remember Reagan, junior.
Please ignore the LSM, including Fox? Don't tell me what to do, I don't watch TV, for your info.
Why don't you try reading my posts next time, dickheadinohio.You can visit my profile anytime, preview my comments. My political ideology is stated over and over, unlike you.You don't know me, I've never seen you around, don't pop up and try to judge me from your lofty heights, twit.Have a nice day.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hanzo
Releasing the land to the people would be the opposite of socialism. In socialism, none of the people own land, the government owns it all.
Yeah, I thought I caught some irony in that statement, too.
[...] [...]
[...] See original here: » The Republican Party Began as a Tea Party Movement – Big Government [...]
The Tea Party is not as strong as the New American Republic Party coming!
The tea baggers are gaining strength from those that are ignorant and prejudice against their own American citizens. The people see through Sara Palin’s deceit, and the other supporters that wish to slowly start another race war in America…with many lives lost… With the Replacement of the Republican Party with the American Republic party, we will see real change and cooperation from Americans that will not be influenced by the hidden agenda of genocide for selective Americans if the tea party gets their way to gain control of the country. This will not happen as long as Americans stand together and not let Sarah Palin’s ignorance influence the masses!
[...] the Tea Parties. He has the right approach, to which I would add the fact, per my article on BigGovernment.com, that The Republican Party began as a Tea Party [...]
[...] the Tea Parties. He has the right approach, to which I would add the fact, per my article on BigGovernment.com, that The Republican Party began as a Tea Party [...]
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