Sen. Webb on the roots of the Tea Party

The Washington Post ^ | 7/13/2011 | Steve Vogel

[mdittmar]

People looking for an explanation for the rise of the Tea Party need to look no further than America’s Scots-Irish heritage, according to Sen. James Webb (D-Va.).

The movement has its roots in the populist-style, bottoms-up democracy that emerged from Scots-Irish migration to America, he said.

[mdittmar]

Hey,what about us Germans?

[Colonel Kangaroo]

Webb probably believes the development of state Shinto in Japan was due to Scots-Irish migration to America.

[Cheetahcat]

“Hey,what about us Germans?”

Exactly!

[truthguy]

Webb is right about the Scott-Irish and he has a program on Cable about their heritage. They were and are a huge part of the fiber of the nation.

Webb is somewhat of a dinosaur. He's a dying breed- a reasonable Democrat. His patriotism cannot be disputed as a result of his service. Also that's a big part of the Scotts-Irish, military service in much greater numbers than their percentage of population. If I were a voter in the last Senate election in Virginia, I still would have voted for George Allen. I'm more in line with Allen on issues. He was a better Senator. But as Democrats go, Webb is probably the best of a very poor and pathetic group.

[WayneS]

It almost sounds as if he is starting to pave the way towards (once again) switching political parties.

Maybe he's had enough of the ‘Asshat in Chief’ and his handlers.

[Maverick68]

b

[jersey117]

Is he man enough to primary obama?

[FreeReign]

Webb is somewhat of a dinosaur. He's a dying breed- a reasonable Democrat.

Good gosh no. Look at his voting record. He votes about 90% unreasonable.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Webb is a leftist creep.

[mdittmar]

Most of the delegates at the Constitutional Convention were natives of the 13 colonies.

Americans.

[Darren McCarty]

Webb talks a game, but in the end does whatever is best for his ego.

When push came to shove, he sold out.

[TheOldLady]

Boop His Nose! You Know You Want To.

This guy would like to ask you nicely to donate
But he's too cranky right now

Give what you can
Or donate monthly, and a sponsoring FReeper will contribute $10

[stuartcr]

???

[Colonel Kangaroo]

Just a comment inspired by Webb's focus on the Scots-Irish. Not to say those people haven't been too often overlooked, so maybe Webb's finding scots-irish influence in everything is a good balance.

[robowombat]

You are quite possibly correct. Webb is both something of an independent intellectual and a posturing self indulgent ham. He genuinely believes his service and wounds in Viet Nam endows him with a special sense of moral superiority elevating him far above the rest of the Beltway denizens. This feeling of being one who the country owes a great deal enables him to engage in a wide range of political chameloenship without batting an eye. Along with this ego about as big as De Gualle’s he is one of the most obnoxious and rude people imaginable. An argument with this man will always end in being verbally abused by Mssr. Webb, frequently he will drag in his military service and use it as a club on his opponent. He will do this in totally inappropriate contexts. Jimmy Webb is in a many ways a smarter and more intelligent version of Lucius Fairchild, the one armed perpetual between and bloody shirt waver of the post bellum era.

Webb is starting to maneuver for some end. He is voraciously ambitious but wishes to appear to be Amanda of independent convictions and belonging to no group. Since BHO and his party might be in serious trouble it is time to start distancing oneself so that Jim Webb can find another platform to provide his invaluable services to a nation who will never be able to reward him sufficiently for his sacrifices.

If readers think I am being to harsh on this man I can only say that I have followed Mr. Webb's career for over three decades. He is a classic example of a man who has become a worse and worse person by being inside the Beltway. Jim Webb is a much better writer and sometimes thinker than he is a human being. One can say that about a lot of men in DC.

[WayneS]

I have seen/heard nothing from Mr. Webb which would lead me to attempt to argue against your analysis.

I think you are ‘spot-on’.