Palin gives keynote speech at 'tea party' gathering

[Little32]

Right, but they are working from some very old ideas; so the Tea Party Movement is just another iteration. I guess what I am talking about is the fear that is motivating the movement (the faltering of the U. S. as a nation as a result of our weakened economic position etc. etc.); it seems as though we have seen this before.

I am just trying to figure out whether the fear is more extreme and more widespread this time around; or if it just seems like it.

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by Little32

Right, but they are working from some very old ideas; so the Tea Party Movement is just another iteration. I guess what I am talking about is the fear that is motivating the movement (the faltering of the U. S. as a nation as a result of our weakened economic position etc. etc.); it seems as though we have seen this before.

I am just trying to figure out whether the fear is more extreme and more widespread this time around; or if it just seems like it.

I think the only people who can really own the theme of the "Tea Party" in the true spirit of taxation without representation are the residents of DC.

The widespread fear, in my opinion, is the increase of media and technology and how in a second people can get information (correct or incorrect) and have lost their ability to think independently and rely upon talking heads and pundits on all sides. We have all kinds of crazy conspiracy people in Idaho so I've seen it first hand. I lurve people who don't want to pay taxes yet still expect the fire department to come to their home if their house is on fire or they have a heart attack. They also want roads repaired and plowed but don't feel they should pay for that, or libraries which don't deserve money either, but they like the free movies and books.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

I think the only people who can really own the theme of the "Tea Party" in the true spirit of taxation without representation are the residents of DC.

The widespread fear, in my opinion, is the increase of media and technology and how in a second people can get information (correct or incorrect) and have lost their ability to think independently and rely upon talking heads and pundits on all sides.

I think this has a lot to do with it.

If you look at mass movements like this in US History, I don't think there's been anything like this since the suffrage and anti-immigrant movements of the early 20th century. I'm not including the anti-war sentiment of WWI and Vietnam because I think those are a separate issue.

Technology plays a HUGE role in all of this. Besides the points that VS listed above, technology (through blogs, email, etc.) has made it easier to coordinate the movement (organizing meeting locations, getting speakers such as Palin, etc.). That has helped take it from a bunch of local pockets to something on a national scale.

As far as the subject, taxation, I'm not sure there has been something like this in the past. When Bush I raised taxes in violation of his "No new taxes" statement, there was some hosility, but not to this level. I don't even think there was this level of protest when the income taxes were first instituted in the late 19th century, or when they were raised during the World Wars.

I think that the combination of more technology, a Democrat as President, and the current financial situation combined to create a perfect storm.

Little32, I'm not sure if that's responsive to your question, but that's just the opinion of one history major.

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

Little32, I'm not sure if that's responsive to your question, but that's just the opinion of one history major.

Make that two

I'm TAing this semester and working with undergraduates (and some graduate students) has really opened my eyes to how they are synthesizing and analyzing information, or not. As much as I like getting critical information fast, I covet my ability to see bias, research my own sources, and make an effort to get the biggest picture.

I'm reading a book called "The Dumbest Generation" and the author discusses how today's young adult can get information fast and believes it to be reliable, so there isn't a point for many of them to go beyond an RSS feed or their chosen website nor retain it as long as they have the facts to answer the homework or test question and can recall it with a few clicks. I'm really enjoying my experience with students who want to not just regurgitate information, but will make comparisons and relationships to other areas of their studies and life. One comment from the book that struck me was that one woman used RSS feeds to only get information from particular sites so she wouldn't get anything else creeping in. I see this with the general public who will only listen to a certain channel, talking heads, or read particular websites. Anyone can publish a blog, tweet, or make their ideas look like legitimate news and fact when they aren't.

[Little32]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

Make that two

I'm TAing this semester and working with undergraduates (and some graduate students) has really opened my eyes to how they are synthesizing and analyzing information, or not. As much as I like getting critical information fast, I covet my ability to see bias, research my own sources, and make an effort to get the biggest picture.

I'm reading a book called "The Dumbest Generation" and the author discusses how today's young adult can get information fast and believes it to be reliable, so there isn't a point for many of them to go beyond an RSS feed or their chosen website nor retain it as long as they have the facts to answer the homework or test question and can recall it with a few clicks. I'm really enjoying my experience with students who want to not just regurgitate information, but will make comparisons and relationships to other areas of their studies and life. One comment from the book that struck me was that one woman used RSS feeds to only get information from particular sites so she wouldn't get anything else creeping in. I see this with the general public who will only listen to a certain channel, talking heads, or read particular websites. Anyone can publish a blog, tweet, or make their ideas look like legitimate news and fact when they aren't.

I, too, have questioned whether the access to all of this information, more immediately, necessarily translates into smarter, if those key components of sound analysis and synthesis are missing.

Many have been noting that the "success" of this movement is driven by the new technologies that make it easier to organize. Others have pointed out that certain networks are overblowing the movement, making it seem like there are more people involved than there really are.

But I appreciate both of your responses and would welcome others.

[DrPhil]

I don't know why people really give a shit but:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-b..._b_460769.html

http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?...&sc3=&id=89676

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teabagging

ETA: So anyone who isn't a complete dumbass can see that "teabagger" was self-titled for many tea partiers (party over here!) until the sexual connotation became more widespread. As someone who thinks all of these political parties, categories and affiliations are dumb as hell, I say get the hell over this bullshit and go back to the SUBSTANTIVE.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by demost

Is that your idea of proof?

Are you that stupid? The first link is to a story dated February 12, 2010. The term did not start a week ago, genius.

The term probably start a year or so ago and was given to the Tea Party by low class Democrats. At that point a few Tea Party goers went with the term.

Then go look it up yourself jackass...

*sorry, I was having one of your moments!**

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by demost

Is that your idea of proof?

Are you that stupid? The first link is to a story dated February 12, 2010. The term did not start a week ago, genius.

Even ya mama's smart enough to get what the links are providing.

Originally Posted by demost

The term probably start a year or so ago and was given to the Tea Party by low class Democrats. At that point a few Tea Party goers went with the term.

Prove it. Nevermind, I don't give a shit.

Either way, if Tea Partiers are as smart as they claim they are, they won't subscribe to something that OTHERS call them if they don't identify with it and find it offensive. Duh.

[DrPhil]

I guess demost missed the memo that I'm not a Democrat.

But, I do appreciate the average American who is damn-near-poor and lacks health care. Many of whom are Republicans. Dereisagod!

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by demost

That is their problem. They can go to school and get jobs just like everyone that has health care.

Maybe you can explain something. If Obama can ask middle class Americans who are already working hard to work harder then when can't he ask your people who are doing NOTHING to get to work?

If they want to be rappers then why don't they rap on some doors and get j.o.b.s?

Don't PM me, bitch.

If you have something to say, grow a sack and say it here.

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by demost

Go take care of your kids. It is no wonder their fathers left you.

Found your way out of the PMs? Good for you!

And not a moment too soon. I thought your "cut and paste" feature would go to waste.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by demost

That is their problem. They can go to school and get jobs just like everyone that has health care.

Maybe you can explain something. If Obama can ask middle class Americans who are already working hard to work harder then when can't he ask your people who are doing NOTHING to get to work?

If they want to be rappers then why don't they rap on some doors and get j.o.b.s?

*hi five*

Mas preguntas?

[DaemonSeid]

You shouldn't have...really.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

You shouldn't have...really.

It took 2 minutes on Google and I'm impartial to all of this political bullshit.

If this was a more important topic, such as race and gender, I would tell the fuckers to do REAL research on their own.

[DaemonSeid]

Well let's sit back and wait to see if a Rimjob party would spring up.

or Salad Tossers for Freedom.