The turn out at the capital for the Tallahassee Tea Party was impressive. The enthusiasm infectious and the "cause right and just". The hope would be that this is just the beginning and that the movement grows and grows rapidly so that "all" our governing elite, democrats and Republicans alike get the message.
"we are tired of you screwing up the country!"
The operative word above is "ALL". And that is where the warning comes in. Some who gave speeches recognized the need for this movement to be "bi-partisan." As it should be. Politicians on both sides of the aisle have had a hand in the fall of this country and those who did not, but stood with mouth shut and watched, are as much to blame. I commend those who spoke and recognized that need for bi-partisanship. That will be the key to success.
The WARNING: Some who gave speeches and have made the news today nationally, such as Newt Gingrich., are and will try to co-opt this movement as some sort of public mandate to return the "Reagan Era" and/or ultra conservative partisanship. They can't be blamed. That is their agenda and that is what they do. However any political party or politician that attempts to ride this movement is going to kill it. But you can be sure politicians left and right, if they see this movement grow, will be jumping on board like a "cat on Tuna" and corrupt it, as they corrupt most everything else they touch.
A prime Example:
Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne
who said,
"The people did not ask for more government in their lives, They want their freedom back."
In our post here :
Are Florida legislators guilty of willful and wanton negligence resulting in death?
has a link that will take you to this about the honorable Senator:
A Times/Herald review of fundraising and spending patterns over the last two years of 40 lawmaker-connected political committees shows legislators have spent substantial amounts on consultants, advertising, staff, travel and meals not directly tied to the committees' stated missions. No law prohibits the practice, and legislators themselves write the campaign finance laws.
The committees operate under noble-sounding names such as Senate President Jeff Atwater's "Preserve the American Dream," Sen. Mike Fasano's "Floridians for Principled Government" and Sen. Dan Gelber's "A Better Way for Florida."
The one controlled by Haridopolos, the Committee for Florida's Fiscal Future, which is also connected with Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami, spent the most on food in the past two years, $12,495. The biggest dinner tab, for $530, was at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Coral Gables.
Their committee also used donations to buy flowers and gasoline, and to pay cell phone bills, and Haridopolos reimbursed himself for thousands of dollars in expenses.
and lest one think we our selves are being partisan let us not forget to include :
But the No. 4 committee in fundraising since 2007 is controlled by Aronberg, the Democratic senator from Greenacres.
The article, Special interests funnel $6 million to Florida lawmakers, is a must read and I think clearly demonstrates how Florida's current lawmakers, on both sides of the fence, continue to feed at the trough, continue to be a "part of the problem" and not the "solution".
Was it not the economy that has republicans, democrats, and independents alike out of work? And is it not the same politicians who continue to spend money like water with pork fat earmarks?
Remember, this movement was not started by politicians. If it wasn't started by Rick Santelli of CNBC (See video here) he damn sure gave it the shot in the arm that resulted in people around the country taking a first step. Let us not allow them, politicians, to steal it from us, "We The People," as they are so adept at doing.
A special shout out to Preston Scott of WFLA's morning show who gave an awesome speech. There are probably a number of issues I do not agree with Mr. Scott on. But credit is due where credit is due. It was the best speech of the day. Thumbs up Mr. Scott.
Pictures to be posted shortly.Add to Technorati Favorites
