The Chicago Tea Flop

I have certainly been a supporter of a nationwide Chicago Tea Party and I applaud the efforts of those who took to the streets yesterday in cities across America to take a stand against the emerging Obama Nation. When the American Future Fund began promoting the concept of making Rick Santelli’s call for a Chicago Tea Party in July a reality, I was one of the first to sign up. I even started the Memphis Tea Party website to use as an organizational tool locally. Unfortunately, in their excitement, many opted to push the concept prematurely yesterday, Friday the 27th.

During a week when Obama’s popularity reached the 67% approval rating mark, the events yesterday were rather embarrassing. Yes I know, many are proclaiming a great victory, but I simply don’t see it. It is like firing your guns before loading the primer. The dismal showing (less than a thousand even in Chicago) only emboldened the forces moving us towards socialism by exposing how meager the resistance is.

I don’t wish to diminish the efforts of those who participated in yesterdays Chicago Tea Flop, because my heart was with you. But someone has got to be honest and say it. From a tactical standpoint, it was a dismal failure. It has to be seen as just one battle in a much larger war and as a learning experience. Some lessons which should have been learned. Don’t have an event on a weekday when most people have work or other obligations. The original date in July promoted by Santelli is ideal (not to mention it could be aligned with Independence Day festivities). Instead of rushing off half-cocked, use a few months for planning and promotion beyond the Internet. And get CREATIVE! Harold Ford, Sr. did not build his political machine by sitting on the sidelines. At its peak, they would go to the minority areas and cook hotdogs in front of the polling places just to get people to the polls! You think that is bad? Go read up on how Patrick Henry got people out to the polls for him! (hint: he was a tavern keeper)

I don’t know about everyone else, but I still have my eyes on July. Someone out there needs to take the lead and get this thing going beyond the banners of a few bloggers. The goal has to be no less than a million people in the streets. Now that will get the oppositions attention. A few thousand and a 67% approval rating doesn’t even warrant a second glance.