“Somebody explain to me in very simple terms why the Tea Party, which I’m sure considers itself to be pro-free-enterprise, is opposed by the Chambers of Commerce, who are supposedly about exactly that????”
The Chamber of Commerce is not for free-enterprise. It is for using political power to get taxpayer money and government enforced regulations that favor CoC members. That is not free enterprise.
Next question: is there anybody in this so-called "free enterprise" system who does not do just that, when push comes to shove?
Sreious question. I am here to learn.