As a proponent of states’ rights and the need for citizens to take a stand against out-of-control anything in government, I really thought I should go to this rally / hearing. But, something in my gut told me to rethink, and eventually to stay away. It isn’t the right thing – at least for me. The flames of division are growing hotter – right here in America as well as across the globe. Let the Left stir themselves into a frenzy. We should not be doing that on our side.
A few days ago, several hundred pro-union supporters gathered in the same place to protest SB 5, which would eliminate collective bargaining for public unions. We need to understand the point of their protest- it effectively dissolves their organization. I’m no fan of unions, but I understand their point. Common sense says that public unions should not even be allowed to exist, since the object is usually to garner higher pay or job security, at the expense of and not necessarily in the service of, the taxpayer. Neither merit nor productivity play much of a role in the negotiations with the unions.
No one can deny the explosion of public sector hiring and the pensions that will inevitably follow. Most Americans won’t come close to receiving retirement benefits like public sector workers.
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t disparage those who went. Your leadership has told you it’s the right thing to do.
That being said, most of us believed and said that the time for rallies had passed. We’ve educated ourselves, and continue to do so, some worked to elect responsible candidates who we think will work in the interests of all citizens not just special interests, and now we must take a breath and let them do their jobs. Phone calls and emails may or may not make a difference, but experience shows rallies don’t either. But they are not confrontational or incendiary as a counter-rally has the potential to be.
We are a nation being pitted one against another. Are we not adding fuel to that fire? If elections are the answer, a position that isn’t fully sufficient for me (which is why I support the Ohio Sovereignty Amendment), then the next cycle will bring more adjustments. That’s the way our system works. Democracy is “mob rule.” Peaceful or not, ”Our mob is bigger than your mob” isn’t the road the tea party movement started out on.
Everyone wants to be a part of something big. But if that big thing is going off-track, I’m jumping off.
Just a thought.
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roger–i understand your line of thinking–however i think that we should discuss this in future meetings–personally, i’m tired of this pacifist line of thought!–in liberty, craig eyrich
We certainly can discuss your take at the next meeting, if you like. And rest assured, my friend, you didn’t offend me with your comment.
I’m no pacifist. I was for a stronger stance on the passage of the health care law, even proposed shutting down the city to show how serious we were. But, alas, I’m nobody, so it got nowhere.
I’m connected in several ways with people who swore an oath to uphold the constitution against enemies foreign and domestic – and haven’t recanted. And I really believe they mean it.
The evil we are fighting against, Fabian socialism, the drip drip drip that’s gotten us shoulder deep, leaves us with really only two choices – the slow, painful political way, or the way of armed revolt. If there’s another, let’s talk about it next week.
Stoking a fire without a sure means to extinguish it could lead to many being burned. That’s what I fear more rallies will do. We are not coming together, we are polarizing. The rhetoric isn’t lessening, it’s becoming more strident. Us vs Them.
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apparently for now–it is all rhetoric–and you are right; polarization is inevitable–i thought for sure there would be some seiu thugs lurking around, but apparently not.–i’ve been watching what’s going on in wisconsin on fox news while typing this–no violence there either!! armed revolt won’t do anything except get us all killed or maimed!–i was thinking in lines of defense in case of trouble!
That’s a bit clearer as to what you meant. To be honest, one of the main reasons I wanted to start these groups – and grow them – was to find out who gets it and who my real friends are. I’m in Glenn’s camp – prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Most in the tea party movement are followers and sheep, waiting for their next order. They will be caught unprepared. Thanks for bringing this up.