Tea Party events set for April 15
The local Tea Party organization is having local events April 15 in Staunton and Harrisonburg. More information is available at their website, www.shenvalleyteaparty.com. Join in and make your voice heard!
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April 1st, 2010 at 11:43 am
They have a very professional and impressive website.
April 1st, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Guys, I probably disagree with you and the Tea Partiers on most policy issues — but I think assembling peaceably to express your views is very much in the tradition of our nation and I am sorry that some people on my side have declared war on the Tea Party movement. Let’s have a good debate about the scope and role of government without the bitterness, on either side.
April 4th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Do you mean here Traveler? I can’t imagine that occurring at a Tea Party event, or in either Democrat or Republican party meetings. “Debating” with an semblance of rationality seems to be a thing of the past.
April 6th, 2010 at 11:01 am
I suggest that everyone take a look at the recent Health care string we had here, at the Buzz. Seemed to be a rational debate without rancor there. Having never attended a tea, democratic or Gop party meeting, I can’t speak to their actions. I am ,however, very disillusioned by the Democrats and Republicans actions in Washington.
I have no problem starting a discussion, understanding that not everyone will agree with me. I feel that the recent take over of our health care industry by the federal government will be proven unconstitutional.
If allowed to stand it will become the final stone in creating a European style socialist government, which is not what the Contitution or the
Founding Fathers envisioned.
Government and it’s current goal of wealth redistribution should be limited with more powers to the state and local governments.
Agree/Disagree???
April 7th, 2010 at 7:54 am
Old Timer, I see the debate as taking place across venues. No, you don’t find good statements of both sides at a Tea Party event or a Democratic rally, but the whole thing taken together can be a good debate. Just read all the linked articles at http://www.realclearpolitics.com and I think you’ll see what I’m getting at.
Here’s my case for the health insurance reform we have.
1. Look at the collection jars at 7-11’s and the notices for chicken barbecues to pay for someone’s bad accident. We have a system now in which it’s possible for bad luck medically to impoverish a family. And what about those people who don’t have a community support system to barbecue chicken and collect money for them?
2. So, we should provide insurance against the worst disasters collectively. The argument is a lot like the argument for unemployment insurance. With a big pool it doesn’t have to cost much.
3. However, politically it would not be possible just to provide insurance against the worst disasters. So we have to provide more complete health insurance for the broad population. When everybody’s in the system we will finally have a reason to control costs overall. As long as some people had great coverage and others had none we wouldn’t do that.
4. Also, politically, unattractive things have to be done to create social change, including such things as the Cornhusker kickback. But in the final legislation, that problem was eliminated by putting all states on an equal basis.
5. Sometimes Congress has to get out front of public opinion and do something opposed by a majority. That’s why we elect representatives instead of having a direct democracy. If people do not like what they have done, they have redress, not immediately but at the next election. In November 2010 there will still be plenty of time to undo the insurance mandates if that is what people want.
Let the people speak with their votes in November, and between now and then in public forums. I think they will be for more compassionate sharing of health care risks.
April 7th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Traveler,
Your comments were addressed to Old Timer so I hope you don’t mind if I comment. I’ll be brief.
1. Collection jars and chicken barbecues don’t necessarily mean that an impoverished family is involved. Having been involved in these types of things in the past, it sometimes is just a way to show a friend you care.
2. According to the governments figures, they were trying to provide insurance for 30 million people. I believe that the US population is around 250 million. Seems that 220 million people had some sort of coverage/protection. Socialism dictates that we all be treated equally and that seems to be the purpose of the health care take over. People that worked hard and are successful won’t be allowed to reap the benefits.
3. See response #2
4. “Politically unattractive things” would mean jail terms for the rest of the nation.
5. I believe that our representatives are elected to vote the will of their constituents, not to make decisions for them. Our Forefathers and the Constitution indicated as much. The control is to be with the people, not a huge nanny state government. I do agree that the ballot box is the place to address the fact that our government is out of control.
April 12th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
How can I have much faith in a health care system instituted by a congress that exempts itself from its provisions (of course thats nothing new). They don’t have to participate in it and whats more their own cadilac heath insurance program is exempt from the taxation imposed on the cadilac programs of others (unions excluded also?).
But then congresmen are exempt from prosecution for sexual predation while in office and recieve pensions pretty much equivalent to their salaries regardless of how long they serve. Once in our pocket, in our pocke for perpetuity. I have never attended a republican or democratic meeting nor a tea party rally, but I can begin to see where the frustration with government that spawns the tea party movements comes from. The next amendment should be along the lines that Congress shall pass no law to which it is exempt. (and no grandfathering)