There is a political movement seen so differently by commentators – depending on their political affiliation – that it’s hard to go by just what you hear. To get the real Tea Party News, you need a computer or at least access to one. Dedicated websites are the most complete and reliable sources of information. Still, these need to be read with discernment as well.
On the surface, the Tea Party (TP) is a grassroots movement of citizens who feel unrepresented by the current government in the US. They are conservative in viewpoint on almost all political issues, especially about free markets, national defense, secure borders, and the economy. The TP is a loose organization of local groups with a central body mostly devoted to fund raising for specific candidates, presenting petitions on priority issues, and raising public awareness.
Even the start of this political entity is obscure. Ron Paul’s presidential campaign is taken by some to be the beginning. Others trace it to blogs that called on people to let Congress know of dissatisfaction by sending a tea bag to representatives. This was to send a message that taxes were too high, money was being wasted, and liberties were being suppressed. The organization is celebrating its 5-year anniversary in 2014, which sets it’s birth in 2009.
A lot of controversy over this ‘grassroots’ move comes from those who oppose either the agenda or the ‘third party’ aspect of the TP. Progressives and liberals try to dismiss the movement as ‘not truly grassroots’, racist, anarchistic, or worse. The Republican ‘establishment’ – dedicated to supporting long-time representatives in the House and the Senate – say the movement threatens the solidarity of Republicans and thereby lessens the chance of successful opposition to the Democrats.
It’s vital that voters get the real picture, rather than relying on mainstream headlines or blog accounts. There are easily-accessed, dedicated websites online, such as TPNN, the TP News Network. You can sign up for emails, find recaps of recent coverage, and see the calendar of events for the year. You can also find out about TP groups near you.
The TP is in the national headlines often, as when endorsing candidates for public office. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz are examples of unknowns who were elected with TP support and who have stayed in the limelight by sticking to or departing from their conservative values. The IRS targeting of TP-affiliated, non-profit groups and the consequent investigation also keeps the group in the headlines.
Knowing the absolute truth may be impossible in this political climate, but it is still important to be as informed as possible. Using the internet to follow candidates, read alternative news coverage, and see what the mainstream fails to report can help form opinions that can shape voting and influence the national direction. It’s no time to be lazy; action is required of all citizens at this critical time.
If you have a computer, go online and find out what’s happening. If you don’t, the local library and community college will have ones for the public to use. There is no way to stress the importance of everyone being politically savvy in these troubling times.
Read up-to-the-minute Tea Party news as we reveal the truth right here on our homepage. Take the opportunity to check out this website now at http://www.teapartycrusaders.com.