I have trouble understanding the current political climate in America. The Tea Party movement is disturbing. I don't know much about it, other than the protestors are loud, shrieking at the clouds as if something can be done about it. They don't like difference, or seek to understand a position opposite from their own; anyone who doesn't believe in their dogma is termed communist, socialist, or un-American. The de-facto leaders seem to be Dick Cheney, Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin. So, I've created a moniker for them: Palinstinians.

 

I am of average intelligence. I attended college and would like to think that I am educated. I was taught to help my fellow citizens. I was taught to pledge allegiance to my flag. I was taught to judge people on their character rather than race or gender. I was taught to work very hard and then I could accomplish anything I set my mind to doing. I was also taught that it is OK to give a hungry man a meal. Alas, I was also led to believe that I should not give something to someone who does not deserve it; the more unearned benefits a person receives, the less likely they are to have dignity, self worth and self sufficiency regardless of circumstance. I think I was raised well.

 

From what I can tell, the Palinstinians are all white and quick to exclaim how they are not racist. Yet, they have the gall to compare their plight to the Civil Rights movement. At no time do I see the police beating these protestors, or attacking them with hoses and dogs. It is trite and I fear is the rebirth of the ultraconservative right wing on the political spectrum. I am as American as they are; and I think there is a place for them in the national dialogue. But, I am not sure they feel the same way. They write it on their palms: no taxes, and less government control over our life, and no more stimulus plans. Sounds good- but it is just word magic. I think there is some waste in government that could be eliminated. I don't feel controlled by our government unless I am at the airport. Their philosophy is one they don't want mentioned; they simply don't want a black man controlling their tax dollars or telling them how to live their lives. They think that some people have more rights than others.   This same mentality caused this great nation to justify discrimination against people of color, women, the disabled, and homosexuals. It seems that race is never a question when you are white.

 

I believe the movement is all about race. The Palinstinians are angry. But I still don't know why. They don't know what it is they really want, they just know they don't have it. It is mob rule and almost Fascist. It is the recycled Perot political stance on steroids. It shows us at our worst. They have done a nice job decrying who is to blame for their supposed poor lot in life; instead of looking in the mirror. They have no substantive approach to governing except to castigate a mythical "them"- which is code for the less fortunate and poorest members of our society; most of whom are minorities. Lest we forget however, that the new silent majority are those minorities that helped elect our current President. The Palinstians might have a moment in the sun; but I do think they will end up eating each other.

I am sure they are decent people. So were the Germans before Hitler took power. While I haven't researched their membership lists; I am sure I would know someone who is active in the movement. As the average man on the street, this is my view. I'm just sayin………..