While the Tea Party movement is one of the most positive developments in American politics in a long time, it is an entirely grass-root organization. As a result it is loosely organized, consisting largely of people who are new to political activism. This will be a major problem for the future of the Tea Party until some national leadership emerges that can answer philosophical questions like this one posted at Pelline’s blog.
Local political cartoonist RL Crabb has asked the local Tea Party what other beliefs it holds — social views, for example — but has never received an answer.
With over 2000 community Tea Party organizations, spread from coast to coast, it is currently impossible to answer with one voice. The Tea Party of a set of ideas, not a political party like Democrats and Republicans. What one Tea Party group in Texas might say about an issue, does not mean that all 2000 other groups will follow suit. Over time strong national leadership will emerge who can address complex issue questions. Right now the focus is on Fiscal Responsibility, Limited Government, Free Markets, Respect for our Constitution and Bill of Rights.
That said, George at Rebane's Ruminations has been diligent in answering RL Crabb’s questions when there is a reasonable answer. As a local political sage, Mr. Crabb asks intelligent and thoughtful questions, and George to my knowledge has responded to every question Mr Crabb has posted at Rebane’s Ruminations on Tea Party issues. I have tried to do the same, though not with the same diligence as George.
Perhaps Mr. Pelline can provides some specific examples where Ruminations and this blog has failed to address Tea Party issues raised by Mr. Crabb and we will do our best to reply. Remembering that we are not the official spokes persons for the Tea Party, only participants.
