I think that you are confusing conviction, and courage thereof, with lack of political astuteness. Unlike most of today's politicians, Keyes will not compromise on his convictions in order to win an election. Unfortunately, Republicans and so-called conservatives are too unaware and too timid to follow.
I am glad that you have pride in your Tea Party descendants, but I think that they would be dismayed at what has become of their progeny.
If the Tea Party were held today, I am afraid that men like Keyes would be leading the charge toward the docked ships only to find the weak-kneed turning back and looking for a more "moderate" and "politically savvy" leader that could work with King George to seek modest and incremental gains. Perhaps, through charm and skillful negotiation, King George will just decrease the amount of unrepresented taxation forced on us colonists...something that we can all agree to live with.
“I am afraid that men like Keyes would be leading the charge toward the docked ships only to find the weak-kneed turning back and looking for a more “moderate” and “politically savvy” leader that could work with King George to seek modest and incremental gains.”
That was never my point. Sure, men like Keyes would be there. Such action, though takes the whole thing outside the arena of politics. We have a real Tea Party, the next step is revolution. Are you ready for that? Only a few are, in my opinion.
I love Dr. Keyes. If he were President, it would be a much better country.
However.
Until the revolution, winning elections (something he CLEARLY AND OBVIOUSLY can't do) is how we decide what's going to happen.
The current socialist majority can only be defeated by people who CAN win elections, or by ropes and lampposts.
I'm a peaceful sort of guy, so I'm going with the "win elections" scenario.