Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

My new theory about the Tea Party movement and general displeasure of the citizenry of our country all has to do with run-away government, especially since BHO has taken office. In today's instant gratification world, a lot of people are beginning to see things for what they are, and with all of the social networking available on the internet, people are able to discuss their displeasure with the government like never before. These discussions lead to friendships and meetings and eventually demonstrations.

Every time our government does something stupid (which seems to be almost daily at this point), those who are watching (not just major media outlets, but people like me and you) start getting the word out through social networks, and the next thing you know, you have several hundred thousand pissed off people.

Conservatives have generally been happy with the status quo and resistant to change. This has lead to multiple generations of conservatives who haven't felt the need to do anything or change anything, while at the same time, the progressives have made major changes to our society. The seemingly insignificant changes that the progressives have made throughout the years are now beginning to bear fruit - meaning that the small changes over the years have begun to exact very significant changes in the way of life of everyone in our country.

Conservatives, also, generally being more rurally oriented, have not had the same access to information and "people resources" like those in the cities have had. Someone in a corporate office in the city comes up with a "societal problem" that needs to be solved, then starts talking to co-workers and the word begins to spread through the city that this problem needs to be corrected. Next thing you know, there are a bunch of picket signs in front of City Hall or the State Capitol, and the road to changing that issue begins. Rural people haven't historically had the same access to people and ideas - until now with the internet and social networking.

Now that these significant progressive changes are being made, the conservative population of our country has begun to see it for what it is, and has felt the need to begin putting a stop to it. Unfortunately, it's plenty too late, and we're stuck with a lot of it at this point, but there is still hope for our nation, if we can all stick together and continue pushing back against the progressive ideas that we feel are ruining our society and our country today.

Slavery.

Wait, what was the question again?

It was created (how exactly is a "grassroots movement" created anyway?) by GOP old hat Dick Armey to win more seats for Republicans, nothing more. Glad to see more people are catching on it was a ruse, yes, you true hardcore conservatives, though I don't agree with most of your views, I know your hearts are in the right place and you want whats best for our country.

Having your ideals co-opted for votes is sleazy and unfortunately it happens in politics(remember Hope & Change for example? Alot of really disappointed Libs out there right now) with distressing frequency.

Funny how you say it's too late because everything is so ingrained, I am genuinely amused that these tea party elects are actually forced to defend entitlement programs! Amazing! Its almost double-speak to hear them talk about it.

Rick, I had to go back and re-read your post again. I thought that I was reading Garrett!

Brian - Son, you really need to do some research before you start posting. While Dick Armey may have been an early figure in the Tea Party, he most certainly DID NOT create it.

100% agreed with Rich.

Uhh, except for the last sentence (for the Secret Service and NSA folks).

Rick, agree but the bottom line is the tax and spend mentality, especially with the current administration. And, many conservatives arent so hot on spending our money wisely either.

The main point that I'm trying to make here is the "connectedness" of the rural community that the internet and social networking (especially Facebook) has provided. Without this connectivity, many of us would still be going about our lives without the benefit of knowing that the government is out of control and that there's something that we can collectively do about it.

@Rick - you so right about that point...I get about 99% of my news on the net...

By the way - I'd like to release this article for printing outside VGOF and would really like some specific feedback.

1) Does the title match the article?
2) Does the article make my point?
3) Any additions, deletions or other adjustments that would make it more readable and understandable?

Thanks!

allingeneral wrote:The main point that I'm trying to make here is the "connectedness" of the rural community that the internet and social networking (especially Facebook) has provided. Without this connectivity, many of us would still be going about our lives without the benefit of knowing that the government is out of control and that there's something that we can collectively do about it.

So now the reason for all of the government propaganda about regulating the Internet makes sense. Nothing can remain outside of their control.

Just remember anything you read - print or online - is usually published with an agenda. If you understand that agenda, you will understand the data more readily. Both sides are prone to hyperbole and false presentation. Read everything from all sources, weigh the inputs, and make a reasoned and educated decision.

When Bush was in office, the left wing wackos spouted off so much idiocy it made me cringe. Now that Obama is in office, the right wing wackos are spouting off the same level of idiocy. Be smart.

allingeneral wrote:By the way - I'd like to release this article for printing outside VGOF and would really like some specific feedback.

1) Does the title match the article?
2) Does the article make my point?
3) Any additions, deletions or other adjustments that would make it more readable and understandable?

Thanks!

I would suggest that you contact several Tea Party Leaders and do an interview with them first.

Yarddawg wrote:Brian - Son, you really need to do some research before you start posting. While Dick Armey may have been an early figure in the Tea Party, he most certainly DID NOT create it.

Well, he seems to think he did, so I consider my post grounded in reality of some sort, whether correct or not, I do not know.

Paliden wrote:

allingeneral wrote:By the way - I'd like to release this article for printing outside VGOF and would really like some specific feedback.

1) Does the title match the article?
2) Does the article make my point?
3) Any additions, deletions or other adjustments that would make it more readable and understandable?

Thanks!

I would suggest that you contact several Tea Party Leaders and do an interview with them first.

That depends on if it is a news piece or an opinion/blog/analysis piece. To state that it is what created the Tea Party would require interviews, etc. To say this what you think started the Tea Party does not, but sources lend creditability.

Wellll...I'd say it's pretty much my opinion at this point

Decades of communist advances in the US, capped by Obama's policies created the movement. I'd argue that it's not a movement per se; it can best be explained or described as a counter-revolutionary imperative.

Rick Santelli's rant on CNBC didn't hurt either but was more of a crystallization.

Mindflayer wrote:Just remember anything you read - print or online - is usually published with an agenda. If you understand that agenda, you will understand the data more readily. Both sides are prone to hyperbole and false presentation. Read everything from all sources, weigh the inputs, and make a reasoned and educated decision.

When Bush was in office, the left wing wackos spouted off so much idiocy it made me cringe. Now that Obama is in office, the right wing wackos are spouting off the same level of idiocy. Be smart.

One doesnt need to resort to idiocy to slam Obama. He is the most transparent politician I have seen. It is obvious he does not care what is best for the country.

I'd have to say frustration coupled with desperation created the Tea Party Movement. I'd also say this is more of a true 'grassroots' effort that really did spring up, so to speak.I

Is your article accurate? According to my own limited knowledge, probably. I think the social networking aspect of today's society played a big part. Most of what I've read about Tea Party events was passed on to my by a dear friend via email. It wasn't until AFTER the big do in DC that I realized I should have participated. However I'm not much for such things myself. To me, participation in a forum like this one is a big thing for me. I spent almost no time on facebook and even less on twitter. I'm not one to attend meetings or rallies, etc.

Lately, I've been hearing more and more comparisons and references to Ronald Reagan. I think these are appropriate. As in the Reagan years, conservatives are joining together to beat back socialist forces.

As Rick points out, this time it may be too late.

Andy

In truth? I was fussing about spending with BUSH!

You cannot keep spending more than you take in... it's not financially, or logically, feasible!

Eventually, everything falls apart.

However, I see certain segments of the political population on BOTH sides wanting a "failure" so they can "rebuild" in their own "image". I find it amusing how Republicans, and Democrats argue, when in my mind, you're two sides of the same coin.

And as I have said, I want a new coin.