A thought on the Tea-party movement

Think what you will of the rallies that took place today, there is an undercurrent of growing discontent in America over the general direction of the country and the condition of the government, a discontent that transcends party affiliation. There are a growing number of people so disaffected by the trangressions of both the Republican and Democratic parties that they are looking for a wholesale replacement of leadership. Of course those who are threatened by such a movement will look for excuse to deleigitimize or destroy it and those who think they can turn it to their own advantage try to usurp it. If current trends are any indicator, neither is likely to succeed. People are tired of being exploited. They're tired of being patronized and lied to. Tired of recycling the same fradulent parties and failed policies season after political season.

The fire that burns in the hearts of the people can become a consuming fire when fanned by rhetorical winds. This is something that governments have exploited since the inception of government as a means of moving the people in the direction of the governments choosing, but such tactics aren't the exclusive property of government. Those who are of a mind to discount media figures such as Glenn Beck who get involved in such causes would do well to research the influence of the Pampleteers of the American and French revolutions. When a popular movement combines with mass media, the effects can be nation-shaking.

JVS