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McCook Gazette

Our opinion

Editorial

Will coffee or tea replace the donkey or the elephant?

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Two-thirds of Americans are "dissatisfied" or "angry" with the federal government, according to a rcent Washington Post-ABC News Poll, the highest negative numbers in the past 14 years.

Just wait until health care reform is passed through back-door maneuvering, if that's what actually happens.

But it looks like the two-party system is alive and well -- it just might not be the same two parties in power now.

Most of us have heard of the Tea Party movement, or even attended one of its local gatherings last year. Concerned about the growth of big government, small groups have gathered here and elsewhere around the nation in search of fiscal responsibility, free markets, limited government and lower taxes.

But others, concerned about the right-leaning movement's identification with Fox News and Sarah Palin have embraced a more moderate or left-leaning alternative, the Coffee Party.

It was the brainchild of Annabel Park, who used her Facebook status update to call for getting together to "drink cappuccino and have real political dialogue with substance and compassion."

The Coffee Party Movement Facebook page had more than 165,000 fans this morning.

The advent of the Internet has empowered average Americans to organize and make their opinions heard more effectively than ever before.

Too many of us in the middle are no longer represented by the major parties, whether it is because they have been hijacked by extremists on the right or left, have been fiscally irresponsible to the point of bankrupting our nation, or are too beholding to big business, big labor, tort lawyers, Hollywood or other special interests.

If a beverage -- be it coffee, tea or a soft drink (alcohol may not be the best idea) -- can bring us together for civil, constructive discussion aimed at finding solutions to our nation's problems, it's a worthy replacement for the donkey or the elephant.

Comments
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    A very wistful editorial...however, the "coffee party" is a political farce.

    http://newsbusters.org/blogs/p-j-gladnick/2010/03/02/grassroots-coffee-party-org...

    It was created to undermine Tea Party movement efforts.

    Sorry folks.

    -- Posted by Mickel on Fri, Mar 19, 2010, at 3:08 PM

  • What is there to be sorry about. Of course it was created to undermine the tea-baggers, and that is a good thing.

    -- Posted by hulapopper on Sat, Mar 20, 2010, at 5:19 AM
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    hula - the point being that the story is misleading. The 'coffee party' doesn't spring from grassroots but from within the Dem political party. This is illustrative of the lack of momentum from the liberal side of the ideological fence.

    Also - please refrain from the diminutive term to which you refer to the Tea Party movement. It is a term which describes a despicable pornographic act, and it's use and presence is most unwelcome.

    'preciate that.

    -- Posted by Mickel on Sun, Mar 21, 2010, at 7:59 PM

  • Mickel, you should have been quiet. Most folks would've thought of the bags left over when tea is served, as I'm sure hula meant.

    Also, from what I've heard, the "Tea Party" movement is just "warmed over Republicans". Also, diminuitive is what the Tea Party is, at best.

    Both parties spent us into this mess and pointing your finger and assigning blame is a waste of time.

    -- Posted by old grouch on Mon, Mar 22, 2010, at 7:19 AM

  • Mickel,if you can find among the coffee party the equivalent of Formerr Republican congressman Dick Armey(R-TX) and his corporate sponsored astroturf group Freedom Works then I might assign some credibility to your assertion.As it stands the coffee parties are closer to being what the tea partyers wish everyone to believe they are than are the actual tea partyers.Further they do not seem to have an organization similar to faux news to promote and publicize them which is,I am sure,a significant handicap among a certain segment of the population.Actual grassroots movements would be a welcome change from the astroturf thinktank/ advertising firms derived ersatz organizations that now try to claim that status.But that might be too close to community organizing for Republicans and tea partyers

    -- Posted by davis_x_machina on Mon, Mar 22, 2010, at 9:57 AM

  • No they only have CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, NBC, NPR, NY Times, LA Times, PBS, etc..etc.. etc..

    -- Posted by Chaco1 on Mon, Mar 22, 2010, at 6:49 PM
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    old g...I'm sure you would like me to stay quiet; however, hula knows what I'm talking about and so do most read, learned or semi-intelligent people. The term was meant to be a slam, and you don't need to read between the lines to understand that.

    That being said, I've pointed no fingers, and assigned no blame; as you have asserted. And, really, so what if I did? How would you defend that? Sorry, but your attempt to derail the subject of my post has sputtered and gratefully died.

    Your comments about the Tea Party movement are flaccid and are the equivalent of a strawman. You say "you've heard" without any supporting evidence. The fact of the matter is...the people who attended the Tea Parties are masses of concerned, hard working, freedom loving Americans; who feel they have no advocate in Washington. They gathered to exercise their free rights of assembly and speech. Your efforts to besmirch their efforts speaks volumes about you and your particular political posture. Further, there is no evidence what you are saying is true, speculation, perhaps; but no evidence.

    -- Posted by Mickel on Wed, Mar 24, 2010, at 11:23 PM
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    Davis_x... What exactly are you trying to say? Is there something wrong with republicans organizing? You think ACORN, George Soros, etc. should have the lock on organizing? To begin with, I reject your assertion that the Tea Parties were organized by one group, or were somehow less than genuine (astroturf as opposed to grassroots - for those readers who may not be familiar with your political jargon). Perhaps one or two events; but certainly not most or even all.

    Your post is rife with liberal speak, left leaning media talking points, and circuitous thinking. Sorry, young (man/woman?) person, I've posted a link which lends plenty towards the credibility of my post.

    Your turn.

    -- Posted by Mickel on Wed, Mar 24, 2010, at 11:30 PM
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