Wyatt Shev, The Examiner
In 2003, radical historian Howard Zinn (not Thomas Jefferson) asserted that "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism." Apparently, that statement had an expiration date.
The Tea (Taxed Enough Already) Party-people consider themselves a coherent and diverse network of Americans from every conceivable walk of life....In reality, their 'movement' is incredibly divisive, a mindset that stands in sharp contrast to Obama's calls for bipartisanship in this time of great national need. Their arguments have the potential to divide the country along titanic lines not seen since the bloody days of the Civil War.
Think I'm exaggerating here? The Tea Party movement is an incredibly dangerous concept, fuelled by the usual gushes of sycophantic support from the conservative news media (here's looking at you, Fox).... If the country continues down this dark path, a second Civil War might not just be a cool idea for a sci-fi novel anymore. Can you imagine the potential for chaos if some of these 'protesters' decide to exercise the Second Amendment and bring their weapons to these rallies? There's a thin line between peaceful protest and bloodthirsty patriotic fervor, especially if those protesting are used to being on the side of the mighty status quo.
I hope April 15th comes and goes without major incident. And I hope the protesters fail in their mission to bring their message to a national audience. It's a message of fear, prejudice and, quite frankly, hate. |