Coffee Party: How We Began
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Comments
KEEP THIS VIDEO IN YOUR FIRST THOUGHT
So the coffee party wants the people to be represented fully. I want this. Lobbying MUST BE ILLEGAL and in my opinion is bribery of a federally appointed or elected official. I want a NATIONAL VOTING SYSTEM on major issues that affect everyone. Vote by phone, online, or by mail. I want a national ID card and number that must be validated every two years or when you get a new license to be able to vote or some other anti-fraud method. I want those votes to be put into law. Even if one of my ideas isn't in the majority and something passes that I don't agree with. It doesn't matter and progress was made. I am wrong on occasion. Some of my ideas will get through. We can get some of what we all want or none of what we want individually. Media outlets must be registered as a news corporation or an entertainment corporation and be accountable to their facts by law if they are news covering national policy and government.
It's about time...........
I give this woman credit for taking the initiative to take a stand- to the dolt who criticized her - go back to your hole along with the rest of your friends that are part of the problem instead of being part of the solution.
I am a Republican in my wallet and a Democrat in my heart- at this point, I would not vote for one incumbent other than Obama- we need to set term limits of 6 years, and provide Health Care benefits and pension benefits identical to all other Americans- no special treatment.
Shut down all political contributions, every candidate gets a set amount from a fund that limits contributions to $1000 from any 1 citizen. No corporate or business contributions, and dismantle the lobbyists.
important date.
Will the CoffeeParty be in Washington D.C. on the 21st showing our support for amnesty to Illegal Aliens and their undocumented children?
misinformation?
Any misinformation in this report?
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=127865
Campaign Finance
Regarding lobbyists and corporate money, I think all of it should go toward paying down the deficit. If they have that much money to throw around we ought to put it to good use!
lobbyists
I had been thinking this exact thing...that's why I love the coffee party...they have ideas... I also think congress needs to pay back part of their paycheck that they didn't earn this year...but I won't hold my breath. we need to make sure they don't vote themselves another pay raise.
Incumbents
Like Obama, we probably don't need to take a meat-axe approach to the government (i.e., Congress). However, we do want to weed out those who do not support the President, whether Republican, "Blue-Dog" or whatever.
What do you mean by "weed
What do you mean by "weed out"? We've seen governments who have tried to weed out people that tried to state positions against the status quo. This is a very illiberal position in my mind.
weed out?
Do these people support Pres. Obama? How about this website? Everybody needs to come clean because we Americans will eventually find out who you are:
http://www.prisonplanet.com/deluded-obama-coffee-party-says-government-i...
And what do "WE" do when we
And what do "WE" do when we find someone who does not support the president? Is it not freedom that allows us to disagree? Is it "evil" to disagree with Obama? Are representatives who vote against him wrong? In typical liberal fashion, you want to silence anyone who does not follow the progressive line. Last time I looked, this was a democratic republic.
Right now, it looks like the majority of people in this country do not believe i nthe proposed health care plan. But this administration likes to think that they know better than we do what is good for us. That's not the way our government is supposed to work. They work for us, not the other way around.
Obama was elected because the
Obama was elected because the majority of Americans wanted health care reform....the republicans have spent over a year turning Americans against it using any tactic possible. So I don't think Obama is trying to pass health care reform because he thinks he knows what is best for us...maybe it's that he made a promise to us when he was running. He knows the lies that have been spread about the health care bill. This is a much bigger problem than people realize. These political games are hurting Americans...where can they go to get the truth.
And what do "WE" do when we....
Most people, including your Congressional representatives, have little if any idea what is in the health care reform bill. So they can have no clear opinion as to whether they believe in it or not. The fault for this lies largely with giant corporations engorged with power and determined to snatch up any power and wealth that remain.
One of their most dangerous weapons is right-wing talk radio and its ancillaries, which declared war on Obama from the beginning. Listening to them, it is impossible to wonder how long it will take them to burst from their hatred and venom. Every minute they are on the air allows them to spew more lies. The Constitution guarantees their freedom of speech; but where is it written that they should be able to practice their malevolence on the public airwaves? Justice Holmes once said, "No man has the right to shout 'Fire!' in a crowded theater." The Becks, Limbaughs, Coulters, etc. are doing just that.
Somehow we need to get our broadcast frequencies back.
YOu talk about the
You talk about the Constitution and the right to free speech, and then advocate taking conservative programs off the air. Really? Why is it that ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, CNN and the other lame-stream media together can bad-mouth the citizens, cut people like Sarah Palin to ribbons, call the people extremists and dangerous and pretty much say anything they want, and yet one news bureau, FOX, is subversive and needs to be shut down? When Bush was president, your side didn't seem to have any problems with the way HE was treated, especially by the media. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, you're pissed. Why is that?
No one is shouting "fire" in a crowded theater, but plenty of people are shouting "beware" of the socialist movement in this country. That's what free speech is all about, yet you would forget all about free speech unless it benefits you.
This is still the United States, and it is still a democratic republic, governed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I suggest you read that Constitution and learn what it says - I don't think you have a clue!
fox news
There isn't one liberal slanted network that is as hateful as Fox News. And the biggest problem is that Fox says they are fair and balanced....you have got to be kidding. As far as Sarah Palin is concerned, she deserves what she gets and any network that employs her as a political analyist has lost all credibility.
You have GOT to be kidding!
You have GOT to be kidding! You don't watch too much TV news, do you? I have heard more hatred spewed by the networks than FOX could ever come close to. There is FOX representing one side, and every other news station representing the other side, but FOX needs to be fair and balanced? Why is it that when something happens, let's just say the global warming hoax, and FOX reports it, they are biased, but the other networks won't even touch it?
And Sarah Palin DESERVES it? Who made you the judge, jury and executioner? See, that's what I'm talking about. It is okay for you and your ilk to say anything you want, however disrespectful, about anyone else. But God forbid, someone doesn't see things your way. Can you say 'hypocrite'? I knew you could.
Who is this "we" that you
Who is this "we" that you refer to? Hey, you're Rahm Emmanuel aren't you?
We?
"We" is simply a pronoun that refers to "us." If the shoe fits . . .
what an odd video
This must be one of the most bizarre political videos I've ever seen. You went and stood out in the middle of the snow while people walked behind, around, and in front of you? you rambled on at times incoherently and with no direction with all sorts of weird sounds. So you want people to think you have something intelligent to say, but who in their right mind would think that someone is intelligent who sits in the cold and snow just standing there, waiting for pneumonia?
Come on.
Criticism
Hmmm . . . criticism (and "no") is the hallmark of the GOP, the Tea party and others who love to deride, demean and dismiss the sincere efforts of others to be heard. What are you doing here?
Criticism
You nailed that one.
"How We Began" Video
I could not have stated it better. The Coffee Party is a reaction to Tea Party enthusiasts, and rightly so. We are not anti-government; we are pro-democracy. For Tea Party organizers to claim that it speaks for America is absolutely ridiculous. Indeed, those who habitually lie, distort, discredit, propogate hateful rhetoric and images, manipulate (control through fear, anger, intimidation, etc.), misinform, misrepresent, and otherwise mislead people for ideological, political gain are not "Coffee" people. The Coffee Party is reserved for those who believe in cooperation, collaboration and compromise. It is for those who believe in human rights, equity, and freedom from manipulation and control by anyone with extremist ideologies. I welcome this movement; its time has come.
The two parties are both paid for out and out.
There is nothing really shocking with this statement, but it is the first one that must be realized before anything. If one would recognize that back in 2005 the treasonous SCOTUS gave the government the right to take property under eminent domain for the purpose of giving it to corporations. Now, if we then connect that dot with the recent SCOTUS treasonous decision to allow corporations MORE rights than humans, we have no option but to recognize that we are within the midst of a fascist takeover of this country.
The Bush administration was successful in showing all where the fissures, nooks and crannies in the Constitution were, as Prescott and the Bush family HATE this country and have been hell bent, since the 30's, to overthrow it. Ever hear of Gen. Smedley Butler?
This "experiment" in humanity is now over. We need a new construct.
http://www.thisinstead.info
We need to restructure ALL corporate entities which rely on STATE charters to exist.
"COFFEE" for me stands for
Citizens Outraged about Feigned Freedom Entrepreneurial Exlpoits
Durbin Admits Obama Lied?
So little Dick Durbin claims the opposite of what Pres. Obama says on healthcare premiums being reduced? hmmmm
http://hotair.com/archives/2010/03/10/durbin-of-course-premiums-will-sti...
COFFEE
"COFFEE" for me stands for
Citizens Outraged at Feigned Freedom Entrepreneurial Exploits
COFFEE
Try this one: "Citizens Outraged at Fakes, Frauds, Extremists, Etc."
Coffee Party Mission
I was very pleased to see that others are standing up and stating that the Tea Party does not represent all of us. However, there are many who may not join because they do not drink "coffee" and will use that as an excuse to not support or get involved. I do not drink coffee but I believe those of us who are not equally represented need to be heard. We need to read all the positions and provide a frank and clear explanation that makes sense on all the issues that impact our lives. Less emotional, denigrating characterizations and More intelligent responses from the non-Tea Party participants. We need to understand that the decisions made will impact all of us, thus it is imperative for all of us to be heard with no regard to party affiliations. Thank you.
Coffee Party Mission
@ AdvocacyforAll, I wonder if you know that the Tea Partiers don't drink tea. They adopted the name to emulate the Boston Tea party when the patriots went down to the docks dressed up like Indians and dumped the British tea overboard in a protest against the crown. It had everything to do with taxation without representation. I wonder why objectors of the so called modern day patriot's movement has been named The Coffee Movement? I understand there may be opposing views, but couldn't there be a better name for those of us who would rather have universal health care and government control over those pesky corporations and insurance barons? Here, I have an idea!
Since the Republicans don't agree with us, and are the "party of no", why not name our counter movement "THE PARTY OF YES!!!"
Re: Coffee Party Mission
In the wake of the Boston Tea Party, so it was said. the Continental Congress declared coffee to be the official drink of the American Revolution. So it was said this morning during an interview on National Public Radio. I hope it's true, although it sounds a little--well, convenient.
Official Drink
The Continental Congress declared nothing of the sort. They were not declaring official anything except for independence from Great Britain and the West Indies Trading Co. You are right, it's a convenient fabrication.
Yes
I like that. Those in the government who say "no" to cooperation or who prefer a dictatorial government (a la Bush) likely will not understand the "Coffee Party." However, the die is cast and "coffee" is in. I can align with a compromise, though:
Coffee Party - the party of Yes! ;o)
Bush = dictator? seriously?
Bush = dictator? seriously?
Formula
Not "equal to," but perhaps "aspiring to."
Dictator?
NO, Bush was not a dictator! We haven't yet had one luckily! That's plain hysterical! He was just a bad president in some areas and in others not so bad. I'm not sure Obama is much better, so would you call him a dictator too? Let's get beyond this crazy talk!! Come on people! We need to get a grip on reality here! As long as We The People have our voices heard, there is no dictatorship.....just a loud and emotional clash of political ideologies that is polarizing the country. This party ought to be focusing on moving beyond the stale and useless rhetoric.
Dictator
No one said that Bush actually was a dictator. I used the phrase "a la," which means "in the manner of" or "in the style of." (Dictionary.com) Yes, Bush did behave much like a dictator: political firings, taking liberties with civil liberties, approving torture, creating massive debt, deception about Iraq, and on and on. My take on it is that he and his kind (GOP) will not be happy until his Party has total control (not just majority) of America and can do whatever it wants. That is my definition of a dictatorship and that is exactly where "W" was taking us. BTW, I do not have a "political ideology." I am an Independent, but I do think there are limits to what we can tolerate in our country. While critical, negative, manipulative types do enjoy freedom of speech in America, that does not mean we have to roll over and play dead. Pardon me, but my opinion is not "useless rhetoric."
Dictator
Yeah, people should have freedom of speech. I just didn't think that was an accurate criticism of Bush to compare him to a dictator. It's not true. Obama is doing the same things, so what's the difference? We are still in Afghanistan and Iraq and Obama has extended the Patriot Act. Gitmo is still there too. Bush spent like a mad man and so is Obama. What is the difference? Ideology!
I think like an Independent too. That's why I think we are still where we were before, if not worse. I wonder why, with a super majority we haven't accomplished anything. It sure isn't the Republicans. They don't count for nothing in this congress. So, if the country is still looking like hell, if not worse, who's fault is it? The government in control, that's who! We can do whatever we want, in theory. Is that a dictatorship? Nothing is getting done. Are you getting any stimulus money/job? Where did that money go? Goldman Sachs, Fannie Mae and Freddie. They caused this mess in the first place. Wall Street and the auto industry too. Where are the "shovel ready jobs"?
I think they are all crooks and I hate the way this healthcare reform thing is unfolding. It's a stinking process and not going to lower costs. I don't want to fund abortions with my money either. I hate the rhetoric coming from the right and the left! I have an opinion too. I want things to CHANGE and I'm losing HOPE. Doesn't anyone have any ideas on how to CHANGE the way things are so I can HOPE to pay my mortgage and find another job? I have no health care insurance either, so I could care less about Bush and I'm starting to care less about Obama who seems to just talk, talk, talk, talk, talk while he throws money at deer and turtle underpasses, studies on whether condoms make sex less interesting and story telling festivals in Utah, the effects of weed and booze on youths in New York, $9.3 million to Harvard to make robotic bees!(1.66 jobs). AND that is not rhetoric nor opinion. FACTS that make me sick.
I am a Coffee Drinker … a Working Man … an American
I am a Coffee Drinker … a Working Man … an American … and, I served in the US Army (1974 – 1977) and the US Navy (1980 – 1985) and I still salute and display the U.S. Flag proudly. I live in South Florida and I would like to work with other like minded people who are actually paying attention to what is going on in Washington. I am tired of all the negativity and obstructionist behavior and arrogance of the Republican Party in their unified effort to bring down the Obama Administration. With the help of George Bush most of the Republicans in the House and Senate helped send this country into an economic free-fall that caused the financial system melt-down and the massive loss of jobs of over 8 million Americans and a World Wide Economic Disaster and they blame everyone but themselves!!!
Republicans with the help of the media are still setting the country up for failure and ruin with their only motivation to oppose everything President Obama is trying to do just to make him fail and put them back into the drivers’ seat so they can continue to destroy the American way of life!!!
I can not understand how the hypocritical actions and hurtful statements they continue to utter with total disregard for working with the President or for working Americans and they think that we are all ignorant and will believe whatever is worse about any situation! They prey on negativity and doubt and ignorance and fear to hold onto power and their "secure" jobs. I would wager that most of the 'Party of No' will learn to look for a new job come November ... Lets put many of them in the unemployment line behind the 8 million jobs they help to erase!!!
GradyB
I Don't Drink Coffee OR Tea
But I think many of you are missing the reason behind the Tea Party movement. They aren't backing Republicans or Democrats - they are disappointed with both parties. And they also advocate throwing all of the bums out.
And I think you're also overlooking the main reason people are turning against Obama - his agenda to transform this country into a socialist country are obvious. We now have people on the street demanding free education, free health care, free food and free homes, and claiming these things as "rights." None of these things are rights. Especially to be granted by our government. Do you want to live in a country where everyone gets these things? And if so, are you willing to work your entire life so that someone who chooses not to will still get all of these things?
The Tea Party is on your side, not against you.
Tea Party vs Coffee Party
The biggest difference between the Tea Party movement and the coffee party movement is structure. In the case of the Tea Party one man made an idle comment that it was about time we had another Tea Party (refering to 1773). This idea was picked up and spread like wildfire throughout the nation. The Tea Partiers number in the millions with no central authority. James Carvell was appointed to find and attack the leaders. His problem is that he can find no leaders. That is because there are none. Every group is automous. It is a grass roots movement of individuals who are determined to stop Obama from destroying this nation. The Coffee Party movement has a leader who is trying to emulate the Tea Party movement. It did not spring up all over the country. Go to the state listings and see the same name over every state trying to get other people to get involved. You cannot find such a thing in the Tea Party movement. Until the Coffee Party movement has thousands of groups and millions of members it will remain one man's liberal dream.
The Real Difference
The real difference is not structure but the ultra-conservative, anti-government and anti-administration rhetoric and graphics that characterize "Tea Parties," but which infuriate the rest of us. I joined the "Coffee Party" partly to demonstrate that I am NOT one of you (Tea people) and partly because I want to associate and work with others who are also NOT one of you (Tea people). That's the real difference.
For or Against
Well, you have made it clear that you are against smaller government, lower taxes and reducing the involvment of government in our lives, since these are the things the Tea Parties are promoting. The Tea Party also support the return to the constitutional form of government designed by our founders. When I read the other post on here I find some of the Coffee Party movement favoring the same things. It apears to me that your main objection is to citizens coming out in groves to replace those who would destroy our nation, beginning with Obama. You have every right to support the kind of government you want but no right to mischaracterize those in the Tea Party movement.
Wolf in sheep's clothing
You drank the Tea, didn't you, WDL?
'Tis you
I believe I have accurately characterized the Tea Party movement. It is a politically conservative, professionally orchestrated attempt to influence the American people by creating anti-government and anti-administration sentiment. Right?
My views are not so simple that I could be for or against "smaller government, lower taxes and reducing the involvment of government in our lives." Where government invades my personal freedoms, I prefer less government involvement. When corporate interests threaten my personal freedoms, I prefer more government involvement.
My "main objection" is that after the election of 2008, which actually did "replace those who would destroy our nation," a vocal minority chose to actively resist every effort of the new administration. The Tea Party smacks of ideology, racism and hypocrisy. For example, it is inconsistent to insist that Americans rally in support of the GOP president (Bush) and then to insist that those same Americans abandon the DEM one (Obama).
A Land Called America
If you would really be interested in the beliefs of the Tea Party I would invite you to visit my web site, www.alandcalledamerica.com. You will find a number of articles by me there also. As far as the Tea Party movement being racist, You can read the comments of "An Old Black Man" under "Discussions at Raleigh"s Tavern." Why do liberals always run to the race card? Also, if it is hypocrisy to support Bush and oppose Obama, why is it not also hypocrisy to oppose Bush then support Obama? The fact of the matter is that it is not about Bush or Obama. It is about America and the future of my granddaughter. You are welcome to support any vision you choose. I just happen to agree with the founders of this nation. You might also enjoy reading the pamphlet I have written. It is also on the web page. If you take the time to do that you will find that I am neither Republican or Democrat. I am a conservative and a Christian. Therefore, I support the conservative position which is taken by the Tea Party and oppose the immorality that is all too commonplace. It would also do you a lot of good to ignore the mainstream media and attend a local Tea Party. There will be one near you opn April 15th. That way you could have first hand knowledge of the type of people you have so visiously charactericed in your post. Have a nice day.
I don't drink coffee or tea
The Tea Party is composed of fed up, frustrated common sense people from all parties, all races, ages, different philosophies and for the most part are ALL objecting to the corruption in congress and government invasion into their lives, liberties and wallets. It is not anything to be afraid of and quite frankly I don't know why people want to counter it with a coffee movement which is unhinged from a truly real and emotional response to anything like the perceived threat of big government the TP is reacting to.
Why does anyone think government can give anything to anyone? The government can only TAKE FROM US by taxing us, regulating and restricting our choices and our lives. The Founders warned early Americans of the dangers of big government. Those who would sacrifice liberty to the comfort of security deserve neither. Why would anyone want a nanny state? Democrats were never hard left socialists until now. I do not agree with the extreme politics going on in Washington and I don't think most Independents and Democrats do either. There are a bunch of crazy left wing (progressive) Republicans too. Does anyone remember the aura of Jack Kennedy? Imperfect, yes, but he was the Democrat who said, "ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU BUT RATHER WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY". What are we doing for our country? Or what are we doing TO our country? Is this what we want for our kids and grandkids? I say the movement of coffee or tea must kick the bums out and start over.
I wonder if anyone reading this has ever been free. I am old enough to remember the memory of American freedom and the virtues of America's principles of equal justice for all. No power can be granted but from the people to the state and the state to the federal government. The government cannot govern without the consent of the people.
Leftist Meltdown
Where do we go now that the democratic party meltdown is in full swing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKYUhd9VtUU
Meltdown???
"RealDemocrat" -- I think you have the wrong party in "complete meltdown". Does one congressman who behaves very badly constitute an entire party? This man has difficulties with his priorities, but I don't see the whole party in meltdown!
Both parties have their troubles. I believe we should support what is good and helpful and vehemently NOT support what is damaging for the country as a whole.
ONE Congressman????
So far, at least 6 representatives, all Democrats, have retired or quit. None of which were "scheduled" for that particular choice. Why is that? But you have the right idea - we should support what is good, and reject what is damaging for this country. Whether it be a Democratic or Republican idea.
Now that we agree on that, what is good about $3T in debt? What is good about robbing Social Security and Medicare? What is right about federal take-over of the auto industry? What is right about cap & trade, and sky-rocketing utility costs? And what is right about taxing most of us into poverty when 10% of us are out of work? What is right about a BIG government, running everything when they can't even run what they do now?
I saw a student out on the street (video clip) stating that the government owes everyone a free education. Oh, really? And then he continued, a free job, a free house, free food... Wonderful socialist attitude. My only question: if everything is free, who is going to pay for it?
Meltdown?
Paul -- I truly do understand your feeling inundated with frustration! I am somewhat lucky in that I am an "older American (68)" who has seen many ups and downs in the governance of our country. I believe very high deficits, while not a good thing, come from people trying to do what they think is right for the country (it may have been, maybe not). For instance, I rue the two wars in which we are enmeshed; I supported neither one. But they are not the result of evil people in the government, but of misled humans trying to do their best.
To exist under these conditions, we must rob Peter to pay Paul. To keep that debt under some sort of control, cuts must be made. Of course, I will be upset if it is MY Medicare or Social Security that gets cut. But if I can't make my financial life work, I will pack groceries, or do alterations.
Re: your student in the street -- I believe the parents of this generation, along with the schools that grade on unhelpful curves and push students along in grade level when they are under qualified, have produced a few generations of Americans who believe they deserve whatever they want without earning it. Believe me, this is one of my greatest worries! These are our leaders of the future! I don't believe they are socialist -- I believe they are over privileged and lazy. We'll have to live through them, too!
The huge debt only becomes the death of America if our economy continues to lose ground -- which is why the Administration is trying so hard to equalize the situation! In the larger picture, we will pick up and gain traction, and the debt will come down to workable levels. It's all in the BIG picture -- seeing it in a "today only" mode will send us into a deep funk! Over the long haul, we always level out.
I'm not a kid, either...I'm
I'm not a kid, either...I'm 63. And I've seen enough to know that this stuff is not "misled humans trying to do their best." Do some research, man! Look at the people surrounding the president. Look at SEIU and Andy Stern and the unions. Look at most of his czars (people who are deliberately outside Congressional overview). Look at remarks by people like Van Jones. People who praise Mao Tse Tung and Che Guevera and Saul Alinsky. Look at the Cloward-Piven strategy. Andy Stern has said publicly that "power to the people" isn't just a slogan anymore - it's the way things are going to be.
And now, while 10% of this country is unemployed (probably more because there is a theory that a lot of people have now just stopped looking), all we hear is government healthcare and more taxes.
Forget it! We cannot continue to rob Peter to pay Paul, because Peter is also broke, and Judas (China) is holding the money bag. You cannot spend your way out of debt - that is the fallacy that will drive this once-proud country to ruin.
Well stated
I am 69 years old. My wife and I are comfortable because both of us have worked our entire 46 year marriage to provide first for our children then for our retirement. During these years we have paid into Social Security and Medicare. That is not money the government is giving us. It is a refund of the money we have been paying in our entire working lives. Money which, incidently, the government has squandered so both programs are now bankrupt. Now they want to take over our healthcare. When will people realize that the government never has and never will produce any wealth The government does not create wealth, private enterprise does. If you think health care is expensive now, just wait until it's free. All the government can do is take money from those who produce wealth and spread it among those who don't. This is not about health care, Cap and Trade or any other government proposal. It is about control. If all the leglislation before congress right now is passed, the government will have control over 48% of our economy. That has a name. It is socialism and Obama is a solialist. Read his own admission in his book, Dreams of my Father p.100) The Republicans in congres are for the most part trying to prevent this massive power grab by Obama. The left had better pray that they succeed or they may find our contry is now a socialist state. You are right that Americans need to wake up, but they need to wake up to what Obama and his minions are trying to do to destroy our blood bought freedoms.