The original Tea Party (OTP) in Boston Harbor, thanks to Wiki Commons.
We at USDemocrazy would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of our readers a happy TAX DAY!!
What’s so happy about paying the government money? Well, not much according to a certain political movement –namely, the Tea Party.
Sure, they’ve gotten a lot of lip service since they launched their cause a year ago, but a recent poll has really helped the country understand the views and the people of this Party.
But first… There’s a name dispute to settle. One Florida dude registered the Tea Party as an official political party, which has upset other unaffiliated Tea Partiers because that dude is confusing the public! Hate to say it… but there’s a lot more that the public is confused about when it comes to this movement!
Anyway, the New York Times and CBS poll seeks to put a face on the movement, and came out with some interesting results. The article from the NYT explains,
Most (members) describe the amount they paid in taxes this year as “fair.” Most send their children to public schools. A plurality do not think Sarah Palin is qualified to be president, and, despite their push for smaller government, they think that Social Security and Medicare are worth the cost to taxpayers. They actually are just as likely as Americans as a whole to have returned their census forms, despite some conservative leaders urging a boycott.
Interesting. So if they’re so similar to the general public, what exactly sets them apart as a movement?
Tea Party supporters offered three main concerns: the recent health care overhaul, government spending and a feeling that their opinions are not represented in Washington.
The article also explains that an overwhelming 90% of the Tea Party’s supporters don’t see America headed where it should be as a country, compared with the 60% of the other Americans polled.
There’s more that is interesting about the Tea Party, but those are the basics.
This post from The Atlantic talks about the just-released “Contract From America” that the movement conjured up to outline its platform. The Contract makes its main points on Individual Liberty (not government-dictated), Limited Government (there should be less government intervention in stuff), and Economic Freedom (preserve capitalism!).
It also outlines 10 more beliefs that they all agree upon, the most important of which include repealing legislation that raises taxes that go into effect soon and re-doing the current tax system so that it is simpler and fairer.
So, in honor of Tax Day, we’re asking you for YOUR opinions or questions on what the Tea Party stands for and why it is important in American politics these days. Let’s have it!
