S.C. Tea Party Pics, Reflections
We’ll admit, we weren’t initially jazzed up by all this “Tax Day Tea Party” stuff.
It seemed to us like nothing more than a Republicrat ploy – an Ann Coulter-approved, FOX News-endorsed, GOP establishment sort of thing – which isn’t our bag.
And frankly, we weren’t about to give any undeserved camera time to a bunch of establishment “Republicans” whose big government addictions and social tone-deafness directly resulted in the GOP’s electoral defeats of the past two cycles and ushered in the age of “The One.”
If those RINOs want an earned media “tea-bagging,” they can call somebody else. We remember the “Contract with America.” “Compassionate Conservatism.” We’ve been to those puppet shows, people.
And no matter how you slice it, Republicans are the reason we’re in this mess.
They had a chance to govern the way they should, the way a “Republic” should be governed, and they blew it – and this is what we get as a result.
Of course, watching thousands of people descend upon the S.C. State House today – and hundreds of thousands of people descending on different locations across the country today – we started thinking.
Clearly, there’s a market out there for the kind of fiscal conservatism/ social libertarianism that we sell each day here on FITS – but there’s got to be something driving it.
What we mean is – what’s the mechanism?
How do we channel all of that energy and enthusiasm toward getting this country out of the politician-inspired mess it’s in?
And how do we find politicians who don’t think like, well, politicians.
And if we can find people like that, how do we get the Republican Party that would ostensibly support them to stop betraying its ideals and return to the fiscal values it was supposed to be founded on?
The values these hundred of thousands of people are screaming for somebody … anybody to protect?
Or do we?
Is it time to say to hell with it all and ditch the GOP altogether?
Form ourselves a new party … “just a little further out West?”
After all, such a solution is certainly not going to make things any worse.
All the rallies in the world aren’t going to “un-elect” President Barack Obama anytime soon, nor are they going to disrupt his huge legislative majorities.
Nor are the rallies necessarily going to fix “Republicans” like Arlen Specter, Olympia Snowe, Lindsey Graham, Hugh Leatherman, Bobby Harrell, Dan Cooper, etc., etc., ad infinitum.
So is it time for a new party?
We don’t know, but we do know there were a lot of pissed off people in Columbia today – and in their rage they didn’t seem to be distinguishing one political party from the other.
How many were there?
Well, liberal La Socialista initially pegged the S.C. State House crowd at around 1,000 – or equivalent to the high-end crowd estimate of the government-sponsored rally that took place there two weeks ago.
Whatever.
We saw at least three times that many people there (easily), which is why the paper eventually came back and reported a more accurate figure at 3,000.
That’s a lot of folks. And there are more of them out there. A lot more.
But please, tell us what you think … and by all means, send us your Tea Party pics … we’ll post ‘em all right here along with your comments …
Comments
By Pedro on April 15th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Yep. “Form ourselves a new party … “just a little further out West?” ”
Ted Nugent’s Tea Party is at the Alamo! Meet us there.
By seymour on April 15th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
‘Twas there. I’d guess about 4,300 +. Many were coming and going to and fro work so getting a count was a challenge. My question is: what next? Million man march in D.C.?
By Tim on April 15th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
W, the teabag movement, the homoeroticism notwithstanding, does nothing more than expose the lunatic fringe for what it is. Sure, all these oppressed white people showed up today, but that doesn’t prove there’s any kind of market for the brand of fiscal conservatism/ social libertarianism you espouse. In fact, taking a look at that crowd, I’d say there’s very little social libertarianism in any of them. That, my friend, was a Bible-thumpin, you homos ought to be shot and that by God goes for your dope-smoking fornicators too crowd if I’ve ever seen one.
I’ll grant you the first part, the fiscal conservatism. But guess what – that’s a dwindling market, friend. It was soundly rejected at the polls, and over two-thirds of Americans like the president, despite his blackness. The majority of voters in this country have realized that the unbridled free market religion you and Mark Hoover-Sanford peddle is a loser for most of us.
Let’s face it – at least 70 percent of the crowd are just pissed that Old Grumpy lost to a black man. Fortunately, though, that 70 percent makes up about a quarter of the electorate. South Carolina will remain a cultural and political backwater for a bit longer, but progressivism – aww, hell, go ahead and call me a liberal – is ascendant nearly everywhere outside of Dixie.
By Pedro on April 15th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Tim, y’all still don’t get it.
Watch this:
http://blog.heritage.org/2009/04/15/tea-party-update-ted-nugent-rocks-the-alamo/
###
The words ‘watch this’ often end in a trip to the emergency room. Let’s hope not!
By Home of the Free on April 15th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Tim, please top playing the fool. Believe it or not, a person can oppose the President and not be a racist. Just like a person can be a Democrat and not hate white people. Or are you really just hate white people?
By the way, believe it or not, a person could be opposed to gay marriage and not hate gays. Odds are very strong that like most of their generation, your own parents opposed gay marriage. Were they just ‘haters’ too, Tim?
By Pedro on April 15th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Whoa! The Protest Babes in your tag-back have crimped their hair. Is that subliminal?
http://www.bobkrumm.com/blog/?p=2244
By dj on April 15th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Yeah..its prime time for an independent party. All the signs are showing a movement for a third party, I think the political landscape will be changing within the next four years and independents are gonna rise up to the point where they have to be acknowledged more seriously.
By dj on April 15th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
whoops…sorry..I just read the Drudge headline saying Texas can leave the Union if it wants…doh!! Im gonna say the word….here it comes….succession? Hope I spelled that right. Big government sure is fueling all this fire. Realistic? maybe..maybe not, but you can’t say you haven’t entertained the idea in a political climate such as this. Everyday you read stories of states and governors reestablishing their commitment to states right… just sayin! Laugh now but it is becoming more and more feasible.FITS..you should war game the possibilities.
By Dan on April 15th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Tim, you are one of those guys who thinks he sounds smart, but really isn’t saying anything. Bet you work in the knowledge-based economy.
The public did not reject the free market capitalism that has always set our country apart. They rejected the Republican Party for abandoning it. They wanted change, and they got it. By the way, I don’t remember Obama’s slogan as “a bigger, more expensive, intrusive socialist government for all.” He toned all that down and just attacked the president. Which was fair enough.
If the majority of the people supported socialism, then that would be the campaign slogan of almost every SC legislator. After all, they’ve been practicing it for at least five years. They have squashed the free market, but do you hear them bragging about it?
Your liberal elitism is sophomoric and uninspired, Tim. Man, I miss the days when liberals were distrustful of “the man” a.k.a. government, and stood up for working people like the folks who were out there today. “Homophobic white people” is not an interchangeable term for whomever you don’t like. These are real people, they are losing their jobs and their savings and they are fed up. Simple as that.
By Eric on April 15th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
I don’t know Sic, I think there was a better turnout for the Sanford-ville protest.
By chris on April 15th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
I am all for getting back to basics….and this is a great start to getting something going to reverse 150 years of Constitution destruction.But your thoughts of this being hi-jacked by Republicans is well founded.Anytime Sean Hannity is involved with something I want to puke.I think Rhinos are worse than Democrats.Fake power hungry criminals.WAKE UP PEOPLE-RON PAUL 2012
By chris on April 15th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Tim…we get all your homo talk. Do you want a trophy for being one..Get a life .Everything dosent revolve around your sexuality
By Scott on April 15th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
It’s an instalanche!
Hey, Tim – you are evidence of the well established truth that “believing is seeing.” Funny thing is, most of the cons I hang with find Obambi’s ONLY REDEEMING QUALITY to be that he is mixed-race (or, less accurately, “black” if you prefer). Kinda puts the kabosh on your “Amerika is racist!” screeds (uh, would that be the same Amerikkka that just hired a black guy to run the joint? I’m thinkin’ you got some credibility issues on that one, Homes). BTW – I love your opening of implying that all of us attendees are latent homosexuals followed by your assertion that WE all hate homosexuals. Is it just me, or is there a contradiction in there somewhere?
Coolest thing about the party today – Sanford just shuffling through the crowd after his brief address – no staffers, no security, just his bad self pressing the flesh and heading back to work.
By Rod on April 15th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
I was at the state house today and two weeks ago. Very different crowds. The crowd at the Township Auditorium was about the same as the crowd at the State House. The message I got today was to read the Fair Tax plan, get your representatives to endorse it, and remind them you will be voting.
By seymour on April 15th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Tim,
The first amendment applies to everyone. Not just liberals. I know yer disappointed.
By roofus on April 15th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Tim,
I don’t know what’s homoerotic about a tea-bag but I’ll take your word for it.
I was happy to participate in the Tea Party today. I am concerned that the government is taking over private banks, taking over privately-held car manufacturers (ie:GM), is poised to take-over the health care industry, and will soon dictate completely all energy consumption (ala cap and trade legislation).
Every aspect of our lives will be utterly dictated by the government, which now considers military vets, pro-lifers, and people of faith as possible terrorists.
This isn’t liberalism at all. It’s called STATISM.
By Chuck on April 16th, 2009 at 12:15 am
I was at the Monterey Tea Party and talked to many people, everyone I talked to claimed to be an independent, as I am. The media, without any research as usual, tries to either trivialize or associate this with the Republicans. NOT true – the GOP is just as guilty as the Dems! We’re disgusted with local, state and feseral elected officials who spend the major part of their effort on propping up their party and buying your vote with your own money rather than doing their and doing what’s right for America. Creating the housing mess in the first place with stupid laws then blaming greedy banks, Bailouts, tax the rich (wealth re-distribution), amnesty or ignoring illegal immigrants (what part of illegal don’t they understand?) and the list goes on.
By anonymous on April 16th, 2009 at 4:42 am
Gov. Mark Sanford Up for Sale on Craig’s List
It had to happen. Someone has put Gov. Mark Sanford up for sale on Craig’s List. To see for yourself or maybe to place a bid, go to http://charlotte.craigslist.org/pol/1114593524.html.
Frankly, I’m still in favor or impeaching him first, then selling him. Sure, it would be damaged goods, but at least the buyer would know what he is getting. You can find the impeachment petition and add your name on Facebook.
http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/TheGoodFight/archives/2009/04/16/gov-mark-sanford-up-for-sale-on-craigs-list
By rick on April 16th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Had a ball yesterday with like minded people at a pre-tea party here in Greenville. Funny that no-one told me it was for Republicans….seems the people I met didn’t wear their party affliation. Seemed to be Americans afraid for where this country is headed and what it means for their kin. May I always have the opportunity to meet and mingle with these type of Americans, renews my faith that the time my grandfather, father, myself and my son spent in uniform serving this nation wasn’t wasted after all. Semper Fi
By Pat Hendrix on April 16th, 2009 at 8:32 am
The more appropriate venue would have been Bull Street. They have medications for your rampant paranoia and delusions. A tax cut was just passed for 95 percent of Americans. So, ugh, give me a break.
If you want to talk about spending policy, I say hell yes. There’s a legit case to be made for pulling back from the reckless fiscal policy of the past nine years.
As for the other delusions – marxism, facism, birth certificates, secret muslim cabals, “real Americans” etc. – seek help.
By UpYers on April 16th, 2009 at 9:17 am
I wonder how many of the SC unemployed attended Sanford’s clusterf**ck yesterday?
By PalmettoCPA on April 16th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Seems to me that Ron Paul was right during the Republican debates, and the party hacks who laughed at him are finally coming around (after getting their asses kicked in November).
We need more principled leadership to take the reigns of the Republcian party (DeMint, Paul, etc) and less of the “do and say anything to get elected” crowd.
By Jeni on April 16th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Loved your post – thank you for sharing all these great pictures…and I couldn’t agree more regarding the Republican party. They’ve let us down horridly…but we do need to continue to support the few that stand true to conservatism — kind of a conundrum, isn’t it!? Godspeed…
By Workin' Tommy C on April 16th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I was there and took video footage of the crowds and speakers from every angle I could get. Judging from the crowded conditions in January 2000 vs. the crowd yesterday, it looked to be about half of the 8,000 to 10,000 (the fairest and most accurate count I came across by someone who took aerial photographs and actually counted heads for his estimate) that were there 9 years ago.
I also estimated that the crowd yesterday was based on is at least three times what the anti-Sanford rally had which was about 1,000 (+ about 150 to 200 protesting their fascist protest against Sanford).
By Tim on April 16th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Waldo will be so pleased that all you guys now think I’m gay, except for “Home of the Brave” who thinks I’m black and gay.
Dan says, “The public did not reject the free market capitalism that has always set our country apart. They rejected the Republican Party for abandoning it.”
I just love this line of thought you GOPhers keep spouting because it all but guarantees you will become a minority party based in the South. John McCain and you guys all screamed for months that Obama was a socialist, but the American people voted for him anyway. So explain to me again how people embraced – and the vast majority still supports – this liberal bastard Obama because Republicans weren’t conservative enough. One of you teabaggers should have held up a sign that said, “Don’t tase me with logic, bro!”
Pedro, seriously, dude, you’re peddling a washed-up guitarist from the ’70s – who really wasn’t all that great anyway – and a certifiable lunatic like Glenn Beck and telling me I don’t get it?
For sheer bang for your entertainment buck, the comedy you guys provide beats seeing “Observe and Report” any day of the week.
By RedBank Bar on April 16th, 2009 at 11:26 am
GIVE IT BACK WINGNUTS, GIVE IT BACK
99% of the astro-turfers there at the State House will welcome their tax cut all the while complaining about how morally wrong it is. I smell hypocrits AND dumb-arses.
By Pedro on April 16th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Tim, duuuuuuuude!
What you got right:
1. “liberal bastard Obama”
What you got wrong:
1. Ted Nugent — who still rocks, has his head on straight, has a lot of money and a lot of weapons.
2. Glenn Beck — if he is a lunatic, we are closer to being an American memory than we thought!
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' on April 16th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
All of those pics and not a single boobie shot. :(
By Pat Hendrix on April 16th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I agree with Pedro, we need more Glenn Beck on TV, radio and in public venues. He needs to surround us. A high school educated/ex-drunk/crybaby/paranoid nut is the new spokesman for the right. Awesome.
It’s going to be a slow, trudging slog in the wilderness for our friends on the Right.
By rick on April 16th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Pat: The more appropriate venue would have been Bull Street. They have medications for your rampant paranoia and delusions. A tax cut was just passed for 95 percent of Americans. So, ugh, give me a break.
And 40% of Americans pay taxes…..not a tax cut, an increased welfare check for those 55%. Pat Hendrix: Sometimes you have to pull your head out of the brown round to see something without a shitty outlook. And whose money….wait, let me guess….you think government makes money like GM used to? Well, hate to tell you that once again you’re wrong. You need to go back to school….take a few economics courses, then you’ll understand that in order to give money away, the government must first take(by coertion) that money from the people working for it….but you wouldn’t know about that would you?
By Scott Henderson on April 17th, 2009 at 12:21 am
I propose the citizens of the State of Texas organize statewide constitution parties for the July 4th holiday weekend. Any help or support and/or expertise that can help manage such a project via an Internet page/community groups etc. would be greatly appreciated. I personally have little knowledge of such events.
The week of the national tea parties we saw oppressors calling regular men, women and children radicals, GOP supporters and extremists. My question to you is, do we raise our voice now or do we wait until it is too late?
You know just like I do, it’s coming either when China stops buying treasury notes or the dollars is lost as the global currencies for trade.
Though I’m new to Texas, there is a fellowship that I’ve not seen in other states that I’ve come to care about. Everything is bigger in Texas; Texas has a heart that is Huge. It’s a great place to live, it’s balanced and clean, and it is one of the most affordable places to live with a great quality of life. Our quality of life is at risk, do we raise our voice now or do we wait until it is too late? I think this email answers the question as to my vote.
While, this email is me raising my voice! Yes we can become the leader of a nation; we can institute a change to America for the right reasons. Yes we all voted for change, but I did not sign on for 12 TRILLION DOLLARS, did you? We need to be heard loud and clear, Washington needs to know that these regular men, women and children are not radicals, GOP supporters and extremists. We are America! My son defends it, my great grandfather defended it, and any comments otherwise is an insult to the greatest civilization that has walked on planet earth, “Americans”.
I love America and its time everyone knows it! I’m a free man and I want to stay that way. Help me build the largest peaceful rallies in American history let’s show them our heart.
We have the right, we are in control of our own sovereignty, we have a right not to be oppressed by our government. Our children also have a right not to acquire 12 TRILLION dollars in debt because of the Federal Governments failed policies and other States failed policies. Texas is sound and it has been sound for well over 100 years, and I’m sick and tired of a full time government that’s taken 40 to 43% of my money at the end of the day and less than 18% stays in my home town.
You may reach me scottrhenderson@gmail.com or 281-727-0435
By seymour on April 17th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Legally, TEXAS has the constitutional right to subdivide into at least 4 additional states. Why not? 8 new, relatively conservative senators will really impact the balance of power in Washington. The democrats will no doubt “code brown” over this one…
By rick on April 17th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Scott, let us hope that it doesn’t come to the point of Texas leaving the union. Many a great man and women serve this nation from Texas and they would be sorely missed. Had the occasion to serve 3 years in Texas, and you’re right, they’re great people who understand personal responsibility and freedom. Please keep us posted on you’re happenings.
By Pat Hendrix on April 17th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Rick,
The day I take advice about going to school (I’m completing my PhD) from a guy who spells coercion as “coertion,” I’ll come look you up.
First, as for your stats on paying taxes, they are 100 percent incorrect. All Americans pay taxes – excise taxes, fica taxes, etc – just not everyone pays payroll taxes (of course excluding fica, which is in fact a payroll tax used to service the budget). Besides, the figure, Rick, is actually 88 percent of individuals and families pay payroll taxes. I’ll provide a link: http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/numbers/displayatab.cfm?Docid=2276&DocTypeID=7
Second, there is 11 trillion in national debt. 10 trillion was amassed during Republican administrations, including over one trillion last year. So you will excuse me while I yawn at your new found fiscal responsibility. Additionally, you should have bothered to read the remainder of my post that said: “If you want to talk about spending policy, I say hell yes. There’s a legit case to be made for pulling back from the reckless fiscal policy of the past nine years.” It pays to read before writing.
Third, I’m not on welfare, actually I’m sitting at my desk. I just paid my taxes (24% federal) and guess what? I didn’t complain about. It’s the cost of living in a democracy.
By cecee on April 17th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Did anyone notice that Obama bows before Muslim kings yet insists on covering up Jesus at a Caltholic chapel?
By Dusk Mccoy on April 17th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Pat,
If you paid as much in taxes as I do, you’d probably change your mind.
By Pat Hendrix on April 17th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Dusk,
Perhaps, I was doing consulting work before and got hammered on 1099s. Then again, paying taxes beats the alterantive – not making money.
And cecee, the Muslim bit has gotten stale. Come up with something new. Aliens perhaps.
Best,
Pat
By Val on April 17th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Ceccee,
Obama covered up Jesus ’cause Jesus wouldn’t bow down to him!
By rick on April 17th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Pat….Yawn
By Todd Pikes on April 23rd, 2009 at 12:22 am
Well I’m one of those tea baggers that will be honest with my feelings. The fact is that, I along with most of my fellow tea baggers are upset that a Black man is in office (that’s right I said it)and he is looking to eventually raise my taxes and give my money to welfare inner city mothers and social programs to help minorities. What happened to white peoples rights? I know we still run the world and have the majority of the wealth in this country but we’re slipping. I feel like this whole movement to towards the left and including minorities in our government is the end of white people. Call me an ignorant racist, but it’s how I feel and that’s why I felt comfortable out there with like minded people.
I’m a smart man. I know Obama will certainly lower my taxes because I make less than $250K and no other entity in the world is willing or capable of putting money back into the economy to get it moving again. But that’s besides the point. I’m a middle class American and I will continue to vote conservative republican even though it’s against my own best interest. That means nothing me. I just want to conserve and preserve what I know to be America. Call us ingrorant, racist, rednecks, gun loving devils. I really could care less what the people on the left say. I just know that I’m a proud tea bagging American who is against Obama regardless of how good he might be for my country because he’s not like me. That McCain girl is correct in saying that “we are scared @#$%less”. Sorry my fellow Tea Baggers for telling the truth but I don’t think we should have to hold back our true feelings in our own dayum country.
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