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Today's Nuze

"Every government interference in the economy consists of giving an unearned benefit, extorted by force, to some men at the expense of others."

Ayn Rand

Nobody's listening.

TEA PARTIES - GIVE ME A BREAK

By
Neal Boortz
@ March 16, 2009 8:49 AM Permalink | Comments (87) | TrackBacks (2)

OK .. I'm going to make some people mad with this one, but would you folks please put this asinine "tea party" idea to rest? I'm just a wee-bit tired of hearing excited stories about people sending tea bags to their congressmen. Sorry ... but how LAME!

OK .. first of all; these tea bags are NOT getting to the people you're sending them to. Do you remember 9/11? Do you remember the anthrax scares that came along after 9/11? Well ... maybe you also remember that they set up a mail processing facility for members of congress after the anthrax letters were sent. Now you folks actually think that your tea bags are going to go ripping through that mail processing facility and end up being dumped on some congressman's desk? Yeah ... and Obama's going to give a speech without a teleprompter any day now.

Do we need action? Yes, absolutely. We've lost control of this government. We're rapidly approaching the point ... give it two years or so ... where the majority of eligible voters in this country will be getting checks from the government instead of paying taxes. Can you guess how these people will vote? It certainly won't be for anyone who promotes self-sufficiency. And you think we're going to turn this thing around by mailing tea bags that will get thrown away in some postal handling facility miles away from the office of the elected official you sent them to?

Not trying to rain on your parade .. but you're taking the easy way out here. "Hey, we're in a jam, but I DID something! I mailed a tea bag to my congressman! When the history of the 21st century is told I'm going to be right there because I mailed a tea bag!"

Over two hundred years ago young patriots dragged their naked feet down icy roads - leaving a trail of blood - to fight for independence. And you're sending tea bags. Put a tea bag in the mail and your job is done.

Do you plan to tea bag your representative?
Yes
No
Use your tea bags to make tea and do something meaningful. Go around your workplace or neighborhood and register voters who actually produce and contribute to our society. Trust me, there are enough people out there registering the parasites, find the producers who don't vote - convince them that their vote is needed and would count - and sign them up. Then take a copy of their voter registration, put it with the other copies you've already collected, and send them to your congressman. It sure would count for a lot more than a tea bag. If you think all your co-workers and friends are already registered ... then design a little "I'm voting in 2010" pledge form and get them signed. Then send copies of those. What do you think an elected official is going to pay attention to? A tea bag or a pledge to vote in 2010?

Quit taking the easy way out here. Anyone can go to the grocery store and buy tea bags. Takes a bit more to hit the pavement and find voters.

From now on ... no more calls about your great tea party protests. If that's all you have to offer go find a copy of People Magazine and dig in.

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Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: TEA PARTIES - GIVE ME A BREAK.

TrackBack URL for this entry: http://boortz.com/blogging/mt-tb.cgi/24627

» TO NEAL BOORTZ: Splain your criticism of Tea Parties from The News Factor: News, opinion, current events -- a rewarding news experience

I just sent this to Neal Boortz … used “Email The Show” link on Boortz.com. Probably won’t get a mention, but I had to try. The man is showing signs of losing it … this could just another one of them. I’ve heard it o... Read More

Tracked on April 2, 2009 9:51 AM
» Tax day “tea party” in Lynchburg from HalifaxCentral

Want to participate in a useless and meaningless celebration? Tax day ‘tea party’ planned in Lynchburg Here’s my favorite part of the article… Brendan McIntyre and Ray Coble have lined up several politicians, including former Fifth Dis... Read More

Tracked on April 6, 2009 11:22 PM

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What others are saying

  • Tea Partys
    I think the Tea Party madness went a little far when it got past the actual demonstrations, but I would be very careful to discredit them entirely. I mean the demonstration it self was not really going to solve any problems, it was simply a symbol of the frustration of the people.

    With the media largely not covering anything relevant now days, you DO have to group up and scream in order to get any attention. It is sad, because even then, even after all those people protesting this government spending we the people have gone almost completely ignored by our government. Now that right there should tell you something.

    First let me elaborate on how extreme it is to ignore that many people: Well when a congressman gets a phone call/snail mail/email; that contact is supposed to be treated as though it represents a larger portion of the public than just one individual person. It is a rule of thumb that I have heard about. Emails = 10 people, Phone Calls = 50 people, and Written Letters = 100 people (or something like that).

    Anyway, I would think that by that standard of guesswork theory, each one of the people out protesting government spending in the middle of a Wednesday, should be counted as 500 to 1000 people for every person that attended.

    So taking that into consideration, can you see now how insane it is to mock those people like Pelosi and other Dems/Libs/PPL did. It was/is a legitimate movement, and I know it is not that most effective way, but that is all that we have here. We are talking to a blind and def government that is set in its ways, so if screaming and looking like an idiot is what it is going to take, then I am there!
    By Mr. Thoughtcrime @ 10/07/09 04:58:08 PMreport abuse
  • "IT IS JUST THE BEGINNING"
    I remember when there were a small group of demonstrations in the 1960,s well if you recall it grew and grew. What I have observed is many of the people speaking out at the tea parties are of the baby boomer generation and I also noticed a younger generation participating, also I noticed no blacks and few Hispanics, I wonder why?

    What is interesting to note many of the people of the sixties and early 1970's have not spoke out against government actions if over thirty five years. There are sixty to eighty million baby boomers and now included is also the younger generation in which both groups are anything but happy with the way the government has performed and the direction they are taking the country.

    The block of Americans that are angry is massive in numbers and size. Let us not forget the number of Corporation's that are also not happy with the direction the government is trying to take us. Any movement like what took place on April 15th is not to be taken lightly; they could and can bring about the change they want. If they decide to act and they are not afraid anymore.
    By Pat Day @ 04/16/09 07:34:28 PMreport abuse
  • Tea is just as good as the silly fair tax
    This tea bag idea is just as fantastic as the ridiculous "fair" tax.

    I wonder if everyone at the tea parties are actually the same people that are going to make out like bandits under Obama's tax changes.

    I think it would only make sense, whenever I hear someone touting the advantages of the "fair" tax are those that would double or triple their effective tax rate.

    This boards a great example.

    Just like on the air, thanks for the laugh Boortz. Keep on fighting the good fight. Before you know it republicans will just be the ultra rich and the lower middle class that doesn't know they shouldn't believe everything they hear on TV.
    By Gabe @ 04/15/09 06:55:13 PMreport abuse
  • Tea Party
    Obviously the Tea Party will be an ineffectual waste of tea that will not change the minds of any Congressman. That being said, it's not about the tea. It's about showing the world, as hundreds of thousands gather, that we, The People, are not happy and we will oppose the Liberal Agenda. Sure, this won't change anything, but it will increase solidarity among Conservative Americans. That in itself is a worthy cause.
    By Jeff Patterson @ 04/02/09 10:41:48 PMreport abuse
  • Response to Vlad
    Vlad wanted to know when in the last 100 years that protests have worked. Hmmm... Let's see
    1)Lech Walesa and the Polish Workers' Revolt, which began a domino effect on the entire Soviet empire, Berlin, etc.
    2)Women's Suffrage Movement, which gave women the vote, as well as the Women's Rights Movement 50 years later which gave equal opportunities to women.
    3)Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
    4)The Anti-War protests in the 60s.
    5) The end of apartheid in South Africa.
    6) AIDS marches increased public awareness and spending to find a disease

    I could go on, but I think you get my point. My question to Vlad is when has MASS protests NOT led to change?

    The Tea Party is not silly. It's going to change this country, and this change is being created by the people, not a PR agency on Madison Avenue. Oh, and Congress IS noticing the tea bags, even though they won't tell you in the press. It is only the first step in a long process. It's like the kick-off in a football game. Next play - 4.15.09.
    By KB @ 04/02/09 07:48:49 PMreport abuse
  • Tea Party
    I absolutely agree that tea bags will never pass the screening process....but tea bag labels will...and yeah they won't make a change because they got a few hundrerd thousand labels....but it is the first part of throwing down the gauntlet. They, meaning our elected officials have forgotten who they are, why they are and HOW they are. There will be many many portrayals of protest over the next months. The idea is to start by getting the silent majority to recognize their responsibility and importance in the efforts. These Tea parties are just the beginning......
    By Davidh0225 @ 04/01/09 05:09:08 PMreport abuse
  • tea party
    I'm sorry, but boortz made an ass out of him self today. He just seems bitter his fair tax isn't going anywhere. I support the tea parties and don't think you should have to spend millions of dollars just to protest over spending.
    By David @ 03/31/09 09:44:26 PMreport abuse
  • something to think about...
    Neal,
    You are coming off like a jilted child... it's not my idea so it sucks. What you should be saying is - GREAT! hopefully tens of thousands will attend the FairTax rally in SC and Jax but I know that a number of the people who endorse the FairTax or are frustrated with what is going on in DC work and have families. They can not go to SC during the week or Jax because of cost or work/family schedules on the Saturday of Easter weekend. Me for one and it is killing me as I have been to every other rally. So instead I will leave work early, head to the capital and join what I hope will be one of 100's of groups across our nation to help educate people on the FairTax. Offer them a better option than Tea Bags, and create a sense that they CAN make a difference to keep the momentum going. I joined the e-mail list for the FairTax in the 90's I have been singing it from the top of every hill I can find. I a very dissapointed in you on this one. Don't be such a kill joy! You are better than that and we still need you!!!!!
    By Lyn @ 03/31/09 04:21:50 PMreport abuse
  • Tea Parties
    Anyone who doesn't get off their blankity blank and go is a lazy socialist (excusing those who aren't physically able). We don't have any money left -- he kept the change. We have to stand up for our rights and it takes numbers!
    By Andrea L. @ 03/31/09 02:21:21 PMreport abuse
  • Tea parties
    I am all for the tea parties as long as they get people together to organize and discuss how to go beyond the tea party to get our country back. If the tea party doesn't go further, then it makes no impression on Washington. They just think we are letting off a little steam and will go back home and it will end there. It must not end there.
    By Lou @ 03/23/09 11:50:10 PMreport abuse
  • Tea Party Rally's
    Neal:

    You are dead wrong. The "Tea Party" Idea is the new American Revolution. We are not Republican's , Democrat's, or Independent's. We are American's plain and simple! We are mad about the Tax increases and the Porkulus Bill that Congress thinks it can get away with.

    We are not just "Sending a Tea Bag" to our Congressmen, we are signing petitions, urging Voter Registration as well as activism on the part of all those involved. Some of the people who are coming to these events are there for the first time and are non-political for most of there lives. This is the perfect time to get them involved in this "New Revolution".

    We are like the "Son's of Liberty" and the "Daughters of Freedom" that started the First American Revolution". We will start small and work to make this a real REVOLUTION, not just a "silly" prank.

    We mean business and will do what we need to do to get the job done! We will "Storm the Gates" if we have to, but until that time comes we will continue to meet, plan, protest and yes we will continue to "Tea Bag" our Congressmen and the President until we get our message across.

    WE ARE MAD AS @#&%@@ AND WE WILL BE HEARD BY THOSE "WE THE PEOPLE" HAVE SENT TO WASHINGTON TO DO OUR BUSINESS!

    Let the Revolution begin!
    By Chris Sivley @ 03/23/09 11:53:57 AMreport abuse
  • Tea Party= Right Code Pink
    Thank you, Neal- finally someone on the Right who isn't going for such silliness as these "tea party" stunts. These tea party folks are little more than our side's equivalent of Code Pink or Cindy Sheehan, no one thoughtful people take seriously.
    By HoweeCarr @ 03/23/09 09:33:50 AMreport abuse
  • tea party
    Please educate me.
    Name one instance of a protest of any kind achieving anything of substance in the last 100 years. Hint. Do you think people in power care?
    By vlad @ 03/23/09 09:10:44 AMreport abuse
  • DO Write to your Senators and Congress
    Whenever I vote, I get a round red sticker that says 'I Voted' - I ask to get one still on the waxy backing. When writing to elected officials (especially the one less receptive, based on voting records), I stick the 'I Voted' sticker onto the letter.
    Only write about one issue at a time. Reminding them that I actually DO Vote should nearly double the significance of my letter (based on about 50% turnouts)...
    By Tommer @ 03/23/09 08:47:15 AMreport abuse
  • May I offer a solution?
    On the 15 May 2010 (or other agreed date), we ALL pay our taxes to a Trust instead of the government.
    By Anthony Rose @ 03/23/09 05:27:30 AMreport abuse
  • Awesome! Right on the button
    Never heard it put so well in my life!
    Well done Neal! Mail a tea bag and switch the TV back on! It's the inevitable curse of an idle society decaying in luxury, where getting up and getting involved is the only way out. Take the pain, before it is forced on you.
    By Anthony Rose @ 03/23/09 05:23:17 AMreport abuse
  • What are you,Puff Daddy?
    OK maybe sending tea bags won't do anything BUT the rallies get people moving. Newsflash Neil, we're beyond politics! '10 and '12 are meaningless. ACORN, the census being altered by the ballerina will make our vote meaningless. I'm so sick of petitions and get out the vote crap. The Democrat Party is gone! The Republican Party has fallen. It's time we get back to basics and start pushing back hard.
    I bet Neil thinks what Beck is doing is lame too!
    Get out the vote? What are you Puff Daddy? The '08 election was tampered by ACORN. We need to rally, if that don't work then we need to rebel in other ways and if that doesn't work what do we do Neil? Vote for Romney? LOL!!!
    Where were you Neil when Duncan Hunter and Tancredo were running? Where were all of you talking heads when real conservatives were running? All of you talking heads dropped the ball, you deserve some of the blame. All I heard from Hannity was Fred, Rush hinted Romney, Savage was being sued, Levin talked either Fred or Romney.
    Coulter talked of Hunter but was so half ass it didn't get the base moving.
    She called him a "crotchety old man who didn't smile!" Glowing endorsement.
    Hunter would've been behind until the bailout where he voted TWICE against it! That would've put him ahead! He had specific ideas. But was ignored and treated like a bitch by you talking heads.
    Either help or shut up Neil and let the sons of Liberty fix this debacle.
    This Country has a spiritual and cultural problem. The politics is a reflection of who we are.
    We need to stop bitching about Dodd,Pelosi, Reid etc. We need to hold the their districts accountable for electing these animals.
    We need to start boycotting cities and industries based in these districts.
    Fair Tax isn't going to save us Neil!
    Going back to our spiritual roots will then the IRS will be shutdown.
    Get out the vote...how about getting your head out of your...
    By O311 @ 03/22/09 09:49:58 PMreport abuse
  • Teabag? We need something meaninful
    How about collecting Federal Reserve Notes (Donating most to Chairity, then Burning as in FLAME at one of these rallies maybe 10-20%?)..

    In our history "burning/hanging" in effigy was once a time honored political traditional form of "protest"..
    By JS @ 03/22/09 09:16:15 PMreport abuse
  • Our Protests Need TEETH!
    Okay, so which would you send a media film crew to?

    A Tea Party?v Or a Full-On Citizen's Revolt?

    People, what we are facing is no less than a coup de tat of American Government. Extreme leftists have taken over our most sacred institutions: Our national political power, or media, the halls of academia.

    I'm beginning to think that Eric Holder's off-the-cuff reference to Americans as a "Nation of Cowards" is closer to the truth than we'd like to admit.

    We're seeing an epidemic of corruption, incompetence, power and money grabbing, thwarting of our Constitutions and laws by our "public servants" at unprecedented levels--Nationally, Locally and at State levels.

    Our response? Tea parties. TEA PARTIES!

    Are you friggin' kidding me???

    When we see liberal anarchists take to the street to protest non-existent environmental crises, feigned outrage over our war on terror, or demands for further entitlements for the undeserving, we see windows broken, canisters of tear gas lobbed and black clouds over burning cities.

    Isn't it time to take the gloves off and let the Marxists who have bought their way into the seat of government that we are SERIOUS about preserving the liberties our forefathers fought and died for?

    How far are we willing to let this administration take control of how we can conduct our capitalist system the way our fathers did?

    WHEN ARE WE GOING TO PUT SOME TEETH INTO OUR PROTESTS?

    Because you can bet they're LAUGHING THEIR ASSES OFF at what we're doing right now.
    By TruthHound @ 03/22/09 09:13:04 PMreport abuse
  • The Tea Parties
    The reason I have a hard time about the GOP setting up these tea party things is that the GOP, for the most part, set this table.
    By Brian Smith @ 03/17/09 08:22:36 AMreport abuse
  • Aren't you due for a vacation?
    Haven't sent a tea bag and probably won't (but I won't say that millions showing up wouldn't get the point across--might not pursued dems but could embolden some reps), but the posters who said he sounds both old and grumpy and elitist have both picked up on the same things I have. Sad that we're on the edge of a cliff an Neal is becoming increasingly insignificant. Perhaps it's time for him to take an extended vacation and let some fresh blood in (but not Arim--he's alright, but that's not what we need right now).
    By Getting bored @ 03/17/09 04:35:50 AMreport abuse
  • Tax Day Tea Parties
    Don't discourage the troops, Neal. I can understand the concern about tea bags getting screened out. But calling the rallies lame? How about the fair tax rallies? These movements have to start somewhere.

    I know you like Michelle Malkin...she's a big supporter of the Tea Party movement.
    By RightKlik @ 03/16/09 10:17:06 PMreport abuse
  • Hmmmm...got me to thinking
    We need to create a bumper sticker in the shape of a tea bag and print, NO FAIR TAX = NO REPUBLICAN VOTE.

    Start sending those to Congress and giving them to the producers to put on their gas-guzzlin' SUVs and Pick-Ups. The more, the louder the message.

    Why NO Republican Vote? Because the Fair Tax embraces Republican principles and most Republicans politicians refuse to support it. They have to go.

    We have to hold the Republican politician's feet to the fire on this issue, even if it means losing to Democrats. We can not blink and we have to let them know WE THE PEOPLE (producers anyway) will not give them power until they PROMISE to pass the Fair Tax.

    We have to let our Republican voting friends know that Fair Tax or not, a Republican is better than a Democrat is not acceptable any longer.

    Without the Fair Tax, America is heading for economic disaster and matters not who is in charge.

    That's why I wish we would quit talking about Obama's failing attempt to socialize this nation and spend the time talking about how we are going to get the Fair Tax passed.

    Constant talk about Obama's failure is as productive as sending a tea bag to Congress. WE NEED A SOLUTION NOT A PITY PARTY.
    By Patriot til' Death @ 03/16/09 09:35:03 PMreport abuse
  • Alternative Idea
    How about we just rescind our Social Security Cards?
    By Nick @ 03/16/09 07:33:47 PMreport abuse
  • Is this the Neal Boortz site?
    I thought I'd stumbled onto MoveOn or Daily Kos by mistake.
    By SDN @ 03/16/09 05:35:34 PMreport abuse
  • Teabag
    I'm not sending one but I wouldn't mind "t-bagging" a bunch of the liberal genius goof balls in Washington.
    By Jason S. @ 03/16/09 04:42:26 PMreport abuse
  • Tea Bags?
    Perhaps we should hold down some appropriate members of Congress and tea bag them!
    By Leech farmer @ 03/16/09 04:33:35 PMreport abuse
  • geeeeze calm down!
    If it takes baby steps for some people so be it. If it first takes a tea bag sent in the mail that leads to that person showing up for a tea party rally then on to "hitting the pavement", I say more power to them! It also unifies and gives people a sense of purpose that leads to bigger numbers and purposes. If you want to light a fire under peoples butts don't rain on their parade!
    By hap @ 03/16/09 04:24:56 PMreport abuse
  • Tea Parties
    Gotta disagree with you Neal. I wore my tea bag to the County GOP Convention last Saturday and spoke with 2 Congressman; both are well aware of the Tea Bag protests. They will hear us on April 15th. I will be wearing my tea bag to the state convention as well.
    Mailing the Tea Bag IS pointless, Attending a rally with thousands of other protesters is certainly not

    several hundred of us stood out in the pouring rain for nearly 2 hours at the state capital to make our voices heard just a few weeks ago and we will be out again on April 15th. I will NOT stand by silently while the socialists take this country into ruin.
    By Keith @ 03/16/09 04:15:28 PMreport abuse
  • Tea Bagging My Rep
    I don't plan to send a tea bag to my Congressional representative because it's not necessary. She already knows what kind of fraud this "Porkzilla" legislation is and will not be voting for it.
    By Ralph Gizzip @ 03/16/09 04:12:46 PMreport abuse
  • Cut off the Socialist's money supply and grab their attention
    As long as the Socialist's can buy enough votes from the Dumb masses they won't care what happens.

    But threaten their vote-buying money supply for even a day... week or even a month and the producers of this country will get their attention.
    By JG @ 03/16/09 03:59:14 PMreport abuse
  • Good Grief, Neal - Part 2
    Matthew is quite correct here. Yeah - mailing Tea Bags is probably ineffective - but the lack of support for the tax protests (a.k.a. governmental money grabbing by a Congress that uses our treasury as their personal checking account) by you is most puzzling.

    I would think that you would support, promote, and encourage citizens to rail against these new financial assaults on earning a living - and it wouldn't hurt you to spin the Fair Tax into the conversation as well.

    People are finally getting fed up and involved in calling our government out on tax ploicy and you think it's not worthy?

    Neal - hate to say it
    - but someone has to -
    that is such an MSM-like response from you.
    By David @ 03/16/09 03:16:23 PMreport abuse
  • The Producers already vote.
    The problem with going around and registering the productive people in society to vote is that if they are productive they are more than likely already voting.
    By Mike Longino @ 03/16/09 02:36:42 PMreport abuse
  • Tea Bags
    I think a postcard with the picture of Benito Mussolini hanging upside down after the partisans captured him in April of 1945 might have more impact on the reprobates in Congress than a bag of tea.
    By Slade @ 03/16/09 02:34:02 PMreport abuse
  • Tea Party
    If you send your tea bag to the local office, then it doesn't go through the radiation and will get to your representative.
    By Heather @ 03/16/09 02:17:18 PMreport abuse
  • Perhaps.....
    How about a takeoff on an old idea of Neal's, send lawmakers a fax of a tea bag. The picture on the website shows that a fairly decent qaulity image can be made that should survive the degradation of a fax transmittal.
    By John @ 03/16/09 02:06:57 PMreport abuse
  • Good grief, Neal
    The whole 'tea party' thing is a lot larger than just mailing tea bags to one's government officials. It's rallies, protests, and yes, spreading the word to others.

    Neal, given your interest in tax reform you should be behind this 100%. The fact that you aren't suggests that you've finally lost touch with reality. If and when this movement finally takes off, I hope you'll have the decency to NOT come around hawking your FairTax book.
    By Matthew @ 03/16/09 01:41:22 PMreport abuse
  • tea bags
    If all you do is send a tea bag, then it is a waste of time. But, if the tea bag is the beginning of active involvement, then send it on!

    Which is easier, sending a tea bag or running your mouth about the futility of it all?

    Hey Boortz, lead, follow or get the hell out of the way.
    By minuteman @ 03/16/09 01:40:36 PMreport abuse
  • Dump truck full of teabags
    Pat Daly,
    That would get coverage for about 24 hours and then the media and Congress would forget about it and go on to the next media sensation. It needs to have a measurable affect on something and it needs to be on-going. One shot stunts don't keep our issues on their radar.
    By Michael Mealling @ 03/16/09 01:28:12 PMreport abuse
  • Y'all still aren't listening
    The solutions is simple.

    Over 250K earners need to lower their salaries for a scant 2 years. It isn't exactly ROCKET SCIENCE, and trust me, the resulting deficits would run the country out of business in far less than 2 years.

    It wouldn't be hard to go back to your old salary after the 2nd year, and you could save this country!

    As for the Tea Bag idea? Perhaps your Congressman will not get them, but imagine if we collected them in a single place, and loaded them up in DUMP TRUCKS, delivering them all at ONCE to Congress, in front of a crowd, on TELEVISION.

    Wonder if they would get it then?
    By Pat Daly @ 03/16/09 01:12:24 PMreport abuse
  • couple of things
    #1 dumping real tea bags into the Potomac, or anywhere else, is a BAD idea. It can kill fish or otherwise disrupt an ecosystem. Capitalists don't have to be "anti-environment" - just because the environmentalists are anti-capitalist..
    #2 The sysmbolism would not be lost on them if it were just a big printed 'T' on a piece of paper. send along a petition of 2010 voters, that would actually reach a desk. (if you're in Georgia, just don't make them orange T's!)
    #3 I totally agree that 4-15 rallies are a GREAT idea, not to be lumped together with mailing tea bags. And I don't think Neal meant to imply they were a bad idea too.
    By jasonfm @ 03/16/09 01:08:04 PMreport abuse
  • just a thought
    Wonder if Barney Frank's been tea-bagged lately....
    By stepcousin @ 03/16/09 12:42:09 PMreport abuse
  • Teabags
    I always thought sending them a teabag was pretty lame, too.

    Now, sending them a sealed condomn would better express my feelings on the matter.
    By Clay @ 03/16/09 12:36:42 PMreport abuse
  • I don't think so...
    John Linder is my Congressman, I don't think he would appreciate getting tea bagged. Maybe we can talk him into giving one to the nearest democrat.

    P.S. My Congressman is better than yours!
    By Angelo @ 03/16/09 12:24:32 PMreport abuse
  • Survey
    The Survey question should have been, “Have you written or called your congressmen recently”. With and answer of; Yes, Yes more than once, Yes many more than once, and No.
    By Paul B @ 03/16/09 12:16:43 PMreport abuse
  • Wow...
    ... as worthless as this idea may sound, We the People, are getting ourselves involved. I'll admit, sending a tea bag to a congressman, won't do the trick. Standing outside the capital en masse, and listening to great people, who are taking a stand, is effective.

    You may think that sending a tea bag is wasteful... You are dead wrong on this. Sending a tea bag, as stupid as it sounds gets people engaged in a cause. It is a worthy cause, and if it takes something so stupid to engage people, who after they mail their teabags, may jump on the Internet, find out more about why they performed the stupid act of mailing a teabag, they just MAY talk to their neighbors, or co-workers, or group members about the cause...

    You may think it is a waste of time, but i assure you the tea party concept is not a wasted cause.

    It's THIS type of attitude that is the reason conservatism is in exile. Suggestion that someone who never participated in a cause before is wasting their time by exercising their free speech rights, is only going to deter people from participating.

    This stupid act of sending a tea bag, gets those less informed talking, and learning about the political landscape.

    So how is it a waste of time?
    By markbureau @ 03/16/09 12:09:11 PMreport abuse
  • Tea Party in Wilmington, NC
    We're having a real Tea Party on April 7th to protest forced annexation in North Carolina.
    By Valerie @ 03/16/09 12:06:46 PMreport abuse
  • Protests, organizing and actions, not just teabags
    I am/was one of the organizers of the Atlanta event a few weeks ago and the effort is about way more than just teabags. Neal shouldn't be conflating the two.

    But I do agree that sending teabags is an empty gesture when it gets down to it. Its more of a media hook than something you expect to have an affect at some congressman's office. The media that are there want some action to take a picture of so they can frame their articles.

    All of that said, we do need to do something that has a measurable effect on Congress itself. Neal has one idea: voter registration. That requires _WORK_ beyond showing up at a protest. The people actually AT the protests generally vote. You need to get out and talk to people who don't go to protests and get them to vote.

    One of my ideas is to max out your W-4 deductions for the first half of the year. You deny the Fed Gov't the monthly payments your employer makes on your behalf. You jack them back down at the end of the year so you end up paying nearly the same in taxes. The shortfall in receipts to the Treasury is immediate, noticeable, and affects the Gov't's ability to pay its bills.
    By Michael Mealling @ 03/16/09 12:04:23 PMreport abuse
  • Your missing the point
    While your right that sending tea bags will not change anything, it does make the news and brings awareness. As you know people are sheep and if this "fad" catches on just imagine the possibilities for the next election. Those of us with common sense saw how Obama got elected and this could be the start of a true tax revolution.
    By Thomas @ 03/16/09 12:03:09 PMreport abuse
  • One Small Step
    Neal just doesn't get it. The tea bags are intended for congress but they have a much larger impact on us. You see what Neal’s wants is a full fledge change, like the Fair Tax, with a full fledge activist group, which doesn't exist right now. In a way it is like Neal asking a toddler to run a marathon. We will never be able to affect the change we want until we build our momentum. The Tea Bags are baby steps for our baby activists. They gotta start small. The Tea Bags unspoken purpose is to instill interest in the masses. Yes Congress probably does not care for the Tea Bags but with each Tea Bag we make one more small step toward the Tsunami of real CHANGE that will come to D.C. Today Tea Bags tomorrow Fair Tax. Remember Neal Rome wasn't built in a day.
    By Thomas @ 03/16/09 11:57:54 AMreport abuse
  • "Tea Parties"
    Neal, You do know that only a third of the population actually participated in the first American Revolution. I think a whole lot more will participate in the next one.
    By Jim Forbes @ 03/16/09 11:52:04 AMreport abuse
  • Teabag Poll
    Will I send a tea bag to my representative? No.

    Will I teabag my representative? Yes!!!

    For those of you who don't get it, Google teabagging. :)
    By MadGamer @ 03/16/09 11:47:31 AMreport abuse
  • Your becoming old and grumpy
    I have always agreed with you on almost everything Neil, but you're dead wrong on this one. You need to com on board with the times or your going to be left behind. This is about Americans standing up and showing their disdain peacefully. We all can't get on the radio and have our say like you, so we have to do it in other ways. Stop sounding like the other media elitists! Respect everyone's right to be heard!
    By Wes @ 03/16/09 11:40:59 AMreport abuse
  • Disagree
    Neal advocates playing the game using their rules and send them a nice little letter. Yeah, that will work.
    By Tony @ 03/16/09 11:39:17 AMreport abuse
  • Tea Bags???
    What genius came up with this idea?

    How far do you suppose these things will get? Go back to the drawing board and come up with a real plan.
    By Aedyn @ 03/16/09 11:27:44 AMreport abuse
  • Tea Party
    Hey Neil,

    I think you're missing a great opportunity. You are for the Fair Tax and these parties are a great place to help gain momentum of the Fair Tax. Just imagine how many people at a tee party would join in the fight or donate to the Fair Tax cause: ALL OF THEM WOULD. So you're Tea Parties that you think are ridiculous is identifying the perfect crowd to help build the movement. Kind of like fishing in a fish tank.

    I don't think that the tea party is the answer but why can't we do both; have the tea party to create awareness and send your registration copies to your reps? I think public demonstration is a must in this situation. PEOPLE NEED TO GET ANGRY! Once this anger subsides, we've lost and a tea party in the news will help it keep the steam.

    Anastas
    By Anastas @ 03/16/09 11:22:01 AMreport abuse
  • Point: missed
    The point of teabagging your congressmen, Neal, is that the citizens must act civil. The others have covered many of the reasons why the mailing of an actual bag of tea is pointless, and it is, but the tea parties being thrown are relevant symbols for the recapturing of our American ideals.

    Obviously, the patriotic citizens of this country are not going to walk and drag their bloody stumps to Washington...modern times, sir. Most citizens will not actually cause damage to government property either. Yet. For now we must worry about arrest, court, fines, jail.

    But the revolution (violent?) will come if the symbolic messages are ignored. This country is perched on the edge of the chasm of socialism that she has been fighting for nearly a hundred years. Her citizens will do what they can to drag her away if or when the situation necessitates.
    By Armed @ 03/16/09 11:22:00 AMreport abuse
  • Atlas Shrugged
    Rather than sending tea bags to your congress, send them a copy of Atlas Shrugged...well at least the cliff notes.

    FYI, there was an article in the WSJ stating Atlas is selling at a faster rate today than at any time during its 51-year history.


    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123698976776126461.html
    By Brian Kirkpatrick @ 03/16/09 10:58:36 AMreport abuse
  • I agree, cheap stunts just don't cut with me.
    Let the dp stay the party of adult children and sophomoric feel-good gimmicks.
    By CowboyUp @ 03/16/09 10:55:32 AMreport abuse
  • I say...
    we all teabag Hugo's Ghost, Copyleft, and Stan GayBull.
    By LiberalHater @ 03/16/09 10:55:19 AMreport abuse
  • Tea Bag Parties
    I received a "tea bag" e-mail just yesterday. Now that I went ballistic, my entire family is "p-o"-ed at me and I really don't care. The old "Boortz" man just happens to be spot on this time. Those worthless thugs in D.C. aren't worth the postage.
    By Gene Sprenkle @ 03/16/09 10:51:19 AMreport abuse
  • Actual Tea Parties vs. Sending Teabags
    The actual "Tea Parties" where people get together and protest, are different than the idea of sending tea bags.

    I think lumping the 2 together and then attacking label "Tea Party" is counter productive.

    I think the physical "Tea Parties" where people get together and see they are not alone and actually mobilize is the right step.
    By JamesH @ 03/16/09 10:29:56 AMreport abuse
  • Tea Bagging
    First, as a gamer this phrase has way more meaning than most of the people hear might realize (and if we DID do that to an elected rep they would be thoroughly embarrassed...and you'd probably end up in jail *snickers*)

    But anyway! I think we should remind people that the Boston tea party held a lot more meaning because it cost the British shippers a lot of money for the lost tea shipment. It wasn't just a slap in Britain's face about taxes, it cost them something as well.
    Sending a tea bag to your Senator will do exactly what Neal said: zilch. But I think I do remember him mentioning something about a neatly typed letter...with a copy of your voter registration attached.
    By Josh Y @ 03/16/09 10:28:53 AMreport abuse
  • T-bagging congress
    As tempting as the idea is, Neal's right-- it's stupid to use the mail for this. However, a few tons of tea in the Potomac might be just the thing...
    By Mike N @ 03/16/09 10:24:19 AMreport abuse
  • Teabag my congressman?
    Oh, the possibilities with that!

    www.urbandictionary.com
    By wettap @ 03/16/09 10:24:05 AMreport abuse
  • LH!!!
    Don't tell ALL our secrets!

    By the way, did you get Neal to agree to perform the ceremony?

    Back to the subject: I'm doing both, going to a tea party, sending tea bags and yelling and screaming at my senators and lame congressmen JOHN BARROW every chance I get. That is one man that will NOT be re-elected if I can help it.
    By Joyce M/Blythe @ 03/16/09 10:22:46 AMreport abuse
  • To: Lauri and other Atlantans
    There is an Atlanta tea party being organized. Details are here: http://taxdayteaparty.com/teaparty/georgia/
    By Tracy @ 03/16/09 10:21:58 AMreport abuse
  • Achievers strike
    The achievers in this country have to do something now to stop the Demo-fascists from running this great country into the ground.

    We need to do something that will get their attention and rhetorically slap them upside the head.

    The only meaningful gesture is to stop feeding the ever growing beast of Big government with Achiever strikes that show them that we WILL NOT sacrifice ourselves to their dreams of a collectivist H*ll hole.
    By JG @ 03/16/09 10:18:16 AMreport abuse
  • Wrong on this one, Neal
    But you are right that we should be trying to promote implementation of the Fair Tax instead.

    eom
    By $mooth Operator @ 03/16/09 10:15:48 AMreport abuse
  • go ahead
    The tea baggers might not make the impact we'd like to see, but at least they're paying attention and making an effort. It would be good to support them and help promote the ideals.
    By jill @ 03/16/09 10:15:25 AMreport abuse
  • Joyce M/Blythe
    Joyce,
    I really wanted to marry you until you were disgusted by the teabagging remarks. I had some plans for us on our honeymoon.
    By LiberalHater @ 03/16/09 10:14:04 AMreport abuse
  • http://GetAmericaRight.org
    Mail tea bags? No. Tea parties? Yes. Two foci: (1) lay land mines in the path of the administration and congress every step, and throw grenades into their gatherings. (2) Join GetAmericaRight to change the menu options for 2010 elections.
    By Pete Stevens @ 03/16/09 10:11:25 AMreport abuse
  • Tea Parties
    This doesn't happen much, but I disagree with Neal.

    One look at www.taxdayteaparty.com reflects a well-organized effort to bring taxpayers out en masse on April 15 to protest what our legislators are choosing to do with our money. When more than 150 cities nationwide (with more added almost daily) stand up together and scream "ENOUGH!," that's something you celebrate, not denigrate. What else would you suggest we do, Neal? Sit back and sulk?
    By Tracy @ 03/16/09 10:08:35 AMreport abuse
  • Tea Party
    Dear Neal:

    Once again you’re right. You are going to get some people upset for raining on their parade. You’re also correct that not one single Congressperson or Aide will receive a tea bag. Other than that you’re mostly wrong.

    Whether the Congresspersons actually get the bags or not you can bet they’re aware of the number of tea bags being sent in which translates to a large number of Angry Voters. So it doesn’t matter if they actually get the bags because they are getting the message.

    In addition, be it so small and ineffective the tea party gives people a feeling of participating in the government process, most for the first time ever. Of course we all know its just a feeling but you have to get people excited and motivated some way and the tea party is the way. People go to the parties and they listen to Conservatives speak about government excess and how were getting ripped off. For many of these people this will be the first time they ever heard the truth about liberal democrats so they get angry and fired up. Then they leave the party and they are so excited they go tell their neighbors what they’ve learned and the conservative message starts spreading mouth to mouth like wildfire. And it all got started because a few people got mad and organized a local tea party.

    Neal people have to start small and work up to bigger things. Even though the tea bags and tea parties are small and have little direct impact on Washington, it might inspire several people to take the next step and do the Voter Registration gig you talk about and then as the message grows more and more people participate in the more effective voter drives and fund raisers. If they never had the tea party there would be a lot of people who would continue ignoring politics and not voting or even worse voting democrat. Don’t discount grass root politics.
    By Dr. Moon @ 03/16/09 10:07:52 AMreport abuse
  • Cincinnati Tea Party
    While I agree that sending a tea bag to your congressman is silly, I was proud of the protesters in Cincinnati for actually going out and demonstrating their displeasure at the government "porking" us. see story I would actually attend such a protest in Atlanta if anyone's willing to organize one.
    By Lauri @ 03/16/09 10:02:14 AMreport abuse
  • Galt's Gulch
    You won't find my valley!
    By John Galt @ 03/16/09 09:59:20 AMreport abuse
  • We Should be Tea-Bagging our Represenatives
    Tea Bagging in slang terms anyway... as in dropping our testicles on their foreheads... but yea sending a tea bag to them will do no good... April 15th seems like a good time for protest... If you plan on not paying your 'fair share' I'd suggest calling out the Treasury Secretary for defense when you are frog marched to court.
    By Corey @ 03/16/09 09:53:59 AMreport abuse
  • it's protest not just 'tea bagging'
    Tea bagging our Congressmen/women will of course not solve any of the problems now or in the future. However, these 21st century Tea Parties are more of "Taxation Without Acceptable Representation" protests for change (oh how I hate to use that word now!). But that is what they are. We are having one in Dayton, OH on April 15th and it is called the "Dayton Ohio Tax Day Tea Party" so to get out the word and petitions to see real change (I need another word) locally and federally.
    By Colleen @ 03/16/09 09:52:29 AMreport abuse
  • Ya'll are
    just gross.
    By Joyce M/Blythe @ 03/16/09 09:34:32 AMreport abuse
  • Tea Parties
    Ido not intend to send a tea bag to my Congressman. Neal is right, that would be useless and ineffective. Protests and marches, however, have historically shown that they CAN make a difference. So far, there are more than 150 Tea Party rallies and protests planed for April 15th in cities across the nation. That's the kind of thing that just might matter. Certainly a lot more effective than mailing a tea bag.
    By Matthew @ 03/16/09 09:29:04 AMreport abuse
  • Tea Baggin'
    Neil....We know our votes are overshadowed by the masses with their hands out. This is at least a small gesture for the rest of us to try to maintain some sense that we matter in the public arena. Do you not think these tea baggers vote or talk to others about the atrocities being committed by our elected officials? America is waking from it's consumer I-Pod, Lexus Driving, McMansion Living SLUMBER!!!!!
    By Brian @ 03/16/09 09:27:02 AMreport abuse
  • Wording of poll
    While I do not intend to "teabag my representative," I almost fell out of my chair laughing when I read that.

    There are quite a few in Washington that deserve a rather intense tea-bagging.
    By Patrick @ 03/16/09 09:20:07 AMreport abuse
  • Cincinnati Tea Party
    I attended the Tea Party in Cincinnati yesterday, and there was much more than simply sending off tea bags. Petitions demanding change to the city’s budget were on hand, and speakers urged the crowd to become more politically active. In fact, one speaker talked for several minutes in support of Neal’s Fair Tax! Additionally, these tea parties are drawing attention to the growing dissatisfaction with the administration’s policies. Crowd estimates exceeded 4,000, and this was the largest political demonstration in the city since the Vietnam War. There are plans for 150 tea parties around the country on April 15. Word needs to spread that not everyone is looking for a govt. check!
    By Tom J @ 03/16/09 09:16:17 AMreport abuse
  • Tea Bags
    Neal is wrong on this one. We need some kind of massive tax protest. A symbol, be it a tea bag or whatever, will speak most eloquently to our representative in Washington. Writing a letter (sent by fax)is also very good, but if I were to put into print what I'm REALLY thinking... @!#$%^&*%$#@! (obscene gerund) @#$%^&%$@!
    By Jim Smith @ 03/16/09 09:14:37 AMreport abuse
  • Tea Bagging (I know.. I Know..just had to wriite it)
    I say we should do both !! Have voter registration drives at the tea parties as well. That would at least make for useful drama.
    By KC @ 03/16/09 09:13:52 AMreport abuse
  • Here hear, Neal
    I'd agree with Neal on this one
    By jacob @ 03/16/09 09:11:00 AMreport abuse
  • Maybe, maybe not
    The tea bags may not get to them, but when thousands show up, they will hear about it!

    I say Neal is wrong on this one! DO IT
    By Joyce M/Blythe @ 03/16/09 08:59:40 AMreport abuse
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