Would you like some disrespect with that tea?

I attended a tea party protest this morning held in the City Plaza. I was pleasantly surprised with the number of people who showed up. There were about 300-400 people there. I almost didn't go, but upon hearing from one of my students about what his economics professor said about people who choose to attend these tea party protests, that sealed the deal for me. This economics professor said that the only people who would be attending these protests were either rich or idiots. I'm not rich, so I guess that makes me an idiot. Isn't it wonderful how respectful this man is of people who don't agree with his point of view? Isn't it terrific that he shares his lack of tolerance with his students? This view is also shared by the LA Times in one of their op-ed pieces. This op-ed, in its title labels people like me "insane." What is so sad is that these people just don't get it. It's not about the taxes, it about government spending; it's about the growing federal government; it's about the 10th Amendment and the increasing pressure to disregard state rights; it's about politicians who believe that we serve them rather than they were elected to serve us. This country was formed as a Republic, not a democracy. That's what I heard at the tea party I attended. I was so impressed with the people who showed up. All parties were represented. Everyone was respectful of each other. There was one lady who kept yelling out "bulls**t" but everyone ignored her and didn't get into a shouting match. It wasn't an anti-Obama rally, as some in the media want to say it that it was. I saw people from all walks of life. I stood next to a vet who was in his early 60's. When I told him what that economics professor said, he confirmed that he must be an idiot too because he certainly wasn't rich. He was a mechanic. It felt good being with a group of people who felt just as disenfranchised as I feel. We weren't bitter, just determined to be silent no longer. It's time to organize and be pro-active. By the way, the Department of Homeland Security came out with this memo stating those who speak out against big government are extremists. I guess that makes me an idiot and an extremist...and boy am I proud to be both. Their disrespect, condescension, and ridicule will not alter my course. I'm even more committed to making sure that no more ground is lost to this progressive movement that has taken over our country.