Some Thoughts on the Tea Party Movement: Building Strengths and Avoiding Pitfalls

The Classical Liberal ^ | 1/13/10 | Matt

[Bokababe]

....Contrary to what the MSM has been saying, the Tea Parties are not a branch of the Republican Party, Fox News, the insurance industry, and so on. There are Republicans, Independents, Conservatives, Libertarians, and even Democratic and Green Party folks involved (I did see some Green Party folks at a local event). Therefore, the movement should stick with the three basic tenants that can potentially unite all of these groups: small government, fiscal responsibility, and free markets. If battles erupt over other issues, the movement will fracture and fail. Just ask the Reform Party.....

[Bokababe]

In case the term is unfamiliar, "a Classical Liberal" is what has also been called a Paleo Conservative.

[Skibane]

Contrary to what the MSM has been saying, the Tea Parties are not a branch of the Republican Party, Fox News, the insurance industry, and so on. There are Republicans, Independents, Conservatives, Libertarians, and even Democratic and Green Party folks involved (I did see some Green Party folks at a local event). Therefore, the movement should stick with the three basic tenants that can potentially unite all of these groups: small government, fiscal responsibility, and free markets.

Yep, the Dems and Greenies are all about small government, fiscal responsibility, and free markets...

[wolf78]

In case the term is unfamiliar, "a Classical Liberal" is what has also been called a Paleo Conservative.

Definitely not. A classical liberal is a minarchist and in this regard mirrors modern American libertarianism, whereas a Paleoconservative not only cares about social values and tradition (something a classical liberal doesn't see as a core function of the state), but also is slightly more statist and interventionist (immigration, protectionism vs. free trade etc.) than libertarians and many modern American conservatives.

[Wonder Warthog]

These kinds of articles would be more credible if the writer knew the difference between “tenets” and “tenants”.

[Shane]

No wonder we are in such disarray, if you think that the “Credibility” of the article comes down to a misspelling of a word.. Save your quibbling for English class and focus on the challenges we face as a country. The author makes valid points.

[Wonder Warthog]

"No wonder we are in such disarray, if you think that the “Credibility” of the article comes down to a misspelling of a word.. Save your quibbling for English class and focus on the challenges we face as a country."

Ah, yes, an article with gems like "...started seeing that everything I taught was fail" really demonstrates clear thinking. Sorry, but lousy writing like that DOES detract from the message.

[JSDude1]

small government, fiscal responsibility, and free markets

..and the Constitution, anti-Corruption in government stick to those five or six broad principles and we’ll be successful!

[Bokababe]

"Definitely not. A classical liberal is a minarchist and in this regard mirrors modern American libertarianism, whereas a Paleoconservative not only cares about social values and tradition (something a classical liberal doesn't see as a core function of the state), but also is slightly more statist and interventionist (immigration, protectionism vs. free trade etc.) than libertarians and many modern American conservatives."

You are, of course, correct on the subtleties. I was, however, laying cover not get my head torn off in case a less literate Freeper saw the word "Liberal" and went ballistic on me.

[TennTuxedo]

Sorry, but lousy writing like that DOES detract from the message.

Only for anal retentive people.

[Wonder Warthog]

"Only for anal retentive people.

Ah yes, those of us who prefer good grammar, and correct spelling, along with good writing are "anal retentive". I accept the label proudly.

[dragnet2]

In case the term is unfamiliar, "a Classical Liberal" is what has also been called a Paleo Conservative.

Here comes that monkey movie feeling again.