Mason Weaver
The President of the United States openly insulted a large group of citizens a few days ago. He smugly said, on national television, that the Tea Party rallies “amused” him, and that he was surprised the people concerned about taxes were not actually thanking him.
I can’t recall ever before hearing a US President publicly taunt citizen activists. Yet beyond the infuriating disrespect, the fact the President took time to ridicule Tea Party folks shows he is worried. Very worried.
A recent Gallup poll shows 28% of the people in the U.S. support the Tea Party movement, a number which is growing fast. This poll also shows that, contrary to media stereotyping, Tea Party attendees have a higher than average level of both education and income, they are working folks, and almost as many call themselves Independents (43%) as claim to be Republicans (49%), with a smaller portion declaring Democrat (8%). It’s a mixed bag of political parties but there are important shared beliefs: Less government spending, more individual accountability and liberty.
Tea Party people are in love with this country! It’s a fact that Mr. Obama will not herald, but I just finished watching the video of last week’s North Idaho Tea Party at the Greyhound Park, and the crowd’s passion for Freedom, the Constitution and the Rule of Law came through loud and clear. (I missed the event because I injured my back but am mending well now.)
It’s government spending that is a big problem for Tea Party members, spending that started with the previous administration(s) and is now unsustainable. We are smart enough to know that massive taxes are on their way, like a mushroom cloud on the horizon, even if minor cuts have been made recently. President Obama has currently approved more than 670 Billion dollars in new taxes, due to go into effect over the next ten years. And more are on the way. Of those approved, 14 separate taxes break his middle class promise to never increase their taxes, “Not even a single dime”.
The attendance at the North Idaho Tea Party was tremendous. Almost 3000 people crammed into the Greyhound Park. The start of the rally was delayed because the keynote speaker was caught in an enormous traffic jam on the freeway, caused a mile long string of cars waiting to exit and make their way to the rally. The number of folks attending this time was double the highest previous total!
Terrorists? Racists? Haters? Wackos? Hardly. These are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. And they embraced keynote speaker Mason Weaver with open arms, hopeful hearts and many standing ovations. Mason is a black conservative man with a fascinating life story which includes military service, a devastating injury, his own racist anger against white people, awareness, redemption, and dedication to the rights of ALL Americans. He’s now running for Congress from San Diego. There were no issues of who’s black or who’s white, who’s old or who’s young, who’s rich or who’s poor, at this Tea Party rally. There were only passionate Americans sharing their concerns about the direction of this country. Certainly not a group or movement our President should be mocking.
It is not just our right to have these meetings and rallies, people, it is our DUTY as citizens to stand up for the values upon which this country was founded and protect our freedoms. I was just talking with our auto mechanic today, a successful businessman who has built and expanded his operation, in spite of the tight economy. He told me that almost everyone he talks with, all day long, is upset about our national leadership. His wisdom came through when he said, “We will take back our country because we, the hard-working, regular folks of this country, understand we can make a difference.” WE, the people, already are making a difference! We obviously have the attention of the President and Congress. Let’s pass the word: We can do this. Keep the faith.
None of this means squat if those people sit home and don’t vote.
Comment by Dan — April 21, 2010 @ 3:00 pm
It also means nothing if election administrators have allowed unlawful registration and voting.
Comment by Bill — April 21, 2010 @ 3:24 pm
Well aren’t you two just rays of sunshine and joy!
You are right, of course, but it’s not an “either/or” situation. We have to fight for election accuracy and integrity like Jim Brannon et al are doing (Bill, once again you are “et al”–inside joke). And yes, Dan, people have to get up out of their chairs and go vote in much larger numbers than we’ve seen in the recent past. But the Tea Party movement is one tool in the effort to get those outcomes; it’s working to raise awareness and educate and motivate people to become involved. Because, as we all know, involved, empowered, educated people go vote!
Comment by mary — April 21, 2010 @ 4:33 pm
Speaking of voting…
In lieu of contacting the county clerks office – I have not voted in a Primary. However, this year it looks like I might like to – is there any thing special that I have to do or can I just show up and vote?
Comment by Stebbijo — April 22, 2010 @ 6:16 am
Stebbijo,
Based on your address, you are registered to vote in legislative district 4. Your polling place is St. Pius Center, 625 E. Haycraft Avenue. The May election is a primary election.
Here is the sample ballot for Republican candidates.
Here is the sample ballot for Democrat candidates.
Comment by Bill — April 22, 2010 @ 7:02 am
So I can vote in the primary without additional work – what is this stuff about a straight ticket. I have to pick one or the other?
Comment by Stebbijo — April 22, 2010 @ 11:28 am
stebbijo,
In a primary in Idaho you must choose one ballot. You can choose the democrat ballot or the republican ballot, but you can’t choose both. Both ballots have the (allegedly) non-partisan positions on them. You do not need to vote for every position on the ballot. So, if you only wanted to vote for the (allegedly) non-partisan candidates on the ballot, you could choose either ballot and it wouldn’t matter. However, if you wanted to vote for one republican candidate in one position but a democrat in another position, you would not be able to. The ballots are party-specific for positions that require a declaration of party by the candidate.
Comment by Bill — April 22, 2010 @ 12:09 pm
Honestly, I think there are many, many people seething for the next federal elections to take place. There’s nothing to discuss any longer. There is nothing that will surprise anyone. The situation has stooped to such new depths that that a few fathoms deeper won’t startle a soul. But American voters are gonna speak loudly next November. Very loudly.
Comment by Wallypog — April 22, 2010 @ 12:31 pm
Just read specifics on the fines for individuals/families without health insurance. On the average, $1000. to be collected with federal taxes by the IRS. But panic not my friends, the IRS will not have the power to prosecute, collect or place liens on those who do not pay. I have health insurance, but I can assure you, I would never pay this sort of fine. And Congress receives bloated pay and benefits for this kind of law. It is my belief that this is totally unconstitutional. In a democracy you cannot force or penalize individuals for making this personal choice. Hence, I suspect, the lack of teeth in the law. But, it gave me a good laugh. This is the quintessential example of muddled govt.
Comment by rochereau — April 22, 2010 @ 1:01 pm
stebbijo, I contacted the county clerk’s office last week to inquire about voting absentee. I told them I was related to a certain local democrat knew someone who was on TV and that I was from Calgary, they said, “well sir, how many ballots do you want and when do you need them by?”
Comment by WannaBe JD — April 22, 2010 @ 1:47 pm
Do those ballots come pre-filled-in, like they do at the nursing homes?
Comment by Dan — April 22, 2010 @ 2:27 pm
Yes, Dan they are pre-filled in. They learned that lesson in Florida.
Comment by WannaBe JD — April 22, 2010 @ 3:10 pm
Like they say in Chicago (Cd’A?) – vote early and vote often!
Comment by grizz — April 22, 2010 @ 7:53 pm
Perhaps they should have a Frequent Voter Card: You vote in 9 precincts in a single election and the 10th precinct is free!
Comment by Dan — April 22, 2010 @ 8:29 pm
Dan you have somehow illegally accessed Maybarry Mikes campaign secrets.
Comment by WannaBe JD — April 23, 2010 @ 8:09 am
JD…Mayb”E”rry was a lovely and honest little town. You do it an injustice. I believe “Cook County Mike” is more descriptive!
Comment by rochereau — April 23, 2010 @ 8:24 am
Sometimes the “My Turn” column gives me the shivers. I mean, I drive on the same street with these mentally challenged people! Scary. Todays was a real gem. Talk about muddled, follow the party line thinking. To say nothing of ignorant. Remember to look both ways…twice!
Comment by rochereau — April 23, 2010 @ 8:27 am
That guy, Jimmy Pappas, who wrote today’s My Turn column in the Press is a piece of work! I agree with you, Rochereau, it’s scary how mean and ignorant some people can be, especially when they want to tell others how to behave. If Jimmy Pappas doesn’t like the Tea Party movement, about which he is obviously mis-informed, he doesn’t have to attend. It’s still a free country…for now.
If you haven’t read today’s My Turn column, here’s the link: http://www.cdapress.com/columns/my_turn/article_db7dcba3-2475-5191-a54e-c127654934b6.html
Comment by mary — April 23, 2010 @ 9:08 am
Mary, Thanks for the links to the sample ballots. After having reviewed both ballots I think it is about time that we in Idaho have “closed” primaries. Let’s let the parties battle out to see whom they wish to nominate. This is not an electoral function but rather a party function. There is too much chance of party sabotage.
Comment by Ancientemplar — April 24, 2010 @ 11:16 am
My Democrat friends think that closed primaries would deny them their voting rights. Sure seems they want to manipulate Republican primaries so that they can choose Republican candidates and then vote Democrat in the general. My independent friends are too lazy to choose a party and work for good candidates.
Comment by citizen — April 24, 2010 @ 1:15 pm
I agree with citizen and I think this “primary” stuff can be manipulated and with so few folks voting in this area, I think it can be done. I think closed primaries would only make it fair. I was trying to figure this stuff out and I read about a term called “raiding.” Anyone know about that?
I don’t like the primaries because you have to choose a ‘side’ in order to vote, however this year with the Idaho Supreme Court Justice election I feel that is enough to get me out because it so seldom any judge has any opposition. Also, because of my own focus on the Idaho Supreme Court Judicial Committees and their nature to appoint and approve of conflicting nepostistic influences, I am again motivated to vote for another choice. Transparency in our judicial system is critical to any transparency we all want in our own local and state governments.
I also see where certain local races are critical in the primary like the county commissioner’s race. I don’t think I am too “lazy”, I just don’t like being boxed in and then labeled as either/or when I am not. It’s confusing when our state justices claim to be non-partisan, yet we have to pick a party in order to vote for one or the other.
Comment by Stebbijo — April 24, 2010 @ 6:15 pm
The primary is to choose a party’s candidates. The general election is to decide on the individual you want to vote for and does not limit your ability to have a mixed ballot. If the Democrats would offer choices in the primary then there would be less mischief in the primaries. Perhaps their plan is to avoid having a meaningful primary of their own to set up this mischief.
Comment by citizen — April 24, 2010 @ 7:10 pm
Primaries should be run and paid for by the parties. That government funds these political activities is wasted revenue.
Comment by Dan — April 24, 2010 @ 7:33 pm
I get that but I don’t like it, because if either party cuts someone that I like, then I can’t vote for them in the general election. Essentially then, I will nulify my vote because my power is not to give it to them if I don’t like them. For instance the AG and the SOS are running unopposed. Will they get my vote? Nope. Will my favored candidates get mine even if they are not on the general election ballot? Yes.
Every Democrat I have known or know works for a Republican. It is just the way it is in Idaho. Then there are Democrats I used to know who are now Republicans. I don’t know any Republicans who turned Democrat.
I have decided when I vote in the primary this year, my husband and I will flip a coin. Heads, I am R -Tails he is a D. If it isn’t flush then we have to switch parties. That way we both get the votes we want. Is that raiding? Maybe we should keep the primaries open.
Comment by Stebbijo — April 24, 2010 @ 7:37 pm
Now that Dan has posted, I agree – cut the waste of money and just run a general election. That is cost saving and we should submit that idea to Efficiency.Idaho.gov!
Comment by Stebbijo — April 24, 2010 @ 7:47 pm
Oh Gad, I have to get this right. There is one (just one) Democrat I know who does not work for any Republicans.
Comment by Stebbijo — April 24, 2010 @ 7:51 pm
Stebbijo, May I suggest you join a party and work within it to get good candidates. I spend time and money to help my choice win in the primary. If my candidate loses I generally have another candidate to consider in the general election. I would never think to vote in a Democrat Primary as it is not my party. If you have no party then that is your choice. I say close the primaries and dems get off your butts and produce some competition.
Comment by citizen — April 24, 2010 @ 9:19 pm
Citizen, I will think about it – but I won’t be spending any of my money because well, I am kind of a populist – I think – but I am not a Democrat and I am really not a Rebublican – I kinda lean toward the Libertarian side, however. I think I will write in Star Kelso for AG this year. Can I do that? Any ideas for SOS?
Comment by Stebbijo — April 25, 2010 @ 6:13 am
I got it – Bill McCrory for SOS! It is going to be fun voting this year for sure!
Comment by Stebbijo — April 25, 2010 @ 6:19 am
Stebbijo,
No, but thanks. I do agree that both Wasden and Ysursa need to be replaced. It would appear their election to office had more to do with their willingness to succumb to the control of influential people rather than their desire and competence to serve all Idahoans.
Notice that I didn’t refer to their party affiliation, because that is something of a red herring. Strength of character, integrity, and a desire to serve honestly and energetically are not reflected in any particular party affiliation. I’d rather see evidence of a candidate’s personal traits than any particular letter or symbol after her name.
Comment by Bill — April 25, 2010 @ 7:12 am
Well said, Bill.
That is why I work for candidates in the primary so that we can get the best people for Stebbijo to vote for in the general.
Comment by citizen — April 25, 2010 @ 7:29 am
One of the definitions of the Coeur d’Alene Mayor and City Council, and one of the reasons you’ll never see someone like me sit in one of those chairs.
Comment by Dan — April 25, 2010 @ 8:18 am