Just so everyone understands, though, the tag at the end of this segment is not accurate.
March 13th will be many, small sit downs and conversations, not a "large public demonstration."
See our developing blog post for more information.
Someone posted the same video to YouTube and called the people who are interviewed "left wing extremists." Do you buy this person's claim that St. Louis is teaming with extremists? On what do you suppose it was based?
NEW: For the sake of discussion, let's assume something about the person who labeled fellow Americans "extremists." Let's assume he is someone who identifies strongly with the Tea Party. He fills uncomfortable or angry when he sees this spot, and his way of coping is to search his mind for a word that is insulting and dismissive. Maybe the word "extremist" comes to mind because this is a word that he doesn't like to hear when people describe the Tea Party. That's understandable, isn't it?
There are many, many good souls who identify with the Tea Party, and it is unfair when someone labels the entire network "extremist" just because of one speech by a former presidential candidate, or a few outrageous hand-made signs. This is why we encourage participants in the Coffee Party NOT paint ANYONE or any group with broad brushes.
We have decided as a group to stop using the term "teabagger," which we should all by now understand is both insulting and dismissive. By the same token, we really do prefer that the word "racist" not be applied to any person or any group. That is a word that is deeply insulting and incredibly dismissive. When you insult and dismiss people, it makes dialogue impossible. And we're the ones who are supposed to be PROMOTING dialouge right? So can I get some buy in on this? Can we agree that Coffee Party supporters and members should not indulge in these types of pejoritive attacks?
We can say someone's actions were extreme with calling them an extremist.
We can say someone's words expressed anxiety over demographic shifts, rather than saying the person who said those words is a racist.
We have much to gain by being polite. And much to lose by not being polite. As we can see, harsh words hurts people's feelings, they internalize it, and then they project that anger out as someone else. This is a cylce we need to break.
Comments
Progress
I like the idea of this movement so far and I plan to support it. I think it's time that we moved our government, our media and our citizens into the 21st Century. It is time for civil discourse, honesty, integrity and some real truth! I have much more to say, but it's late and work calls tomorrow, early. Before I go, I'll just say this too; America's greatest resource is it's people - us, we!
Bedell.
How are we going to respond to this?
http://michellemalkin.com/
This was great! I'm glad it
This was great! I'm glad it was reported that the movement is more left-leaning, and the moderator used the word "progress" in describing the group. This country and this group needs to move towards progress or we are spinning our wheels. I also liked that he said they were all volunteers willing to LISTEN to all points of view--that's a key word in communication. That's a key component missing in the TPM.
Do we agree?
I love the first part of this organization's story! I plan to attend the event in Richardson, TX. I can not identify with the Tea Party. I do however wish and "hope" for these changes:
- REAL Campaign Finance REFORM and LIMITS.
- An end to Wall Streets control over our Government, by putting an end to ALL Lobbyists.
- Creating a green energy infrastructure in order to end our dependence on Oil, and to stop the greatest transfer of wealth in history.
- End the 2-Party political system once and for all.
- Create Government spending limits that can not be extended at will.
- Reign-in the Health Insurance and Financial Industries.
- Term limits at EVERY level of Government.
Robert Reich spoke of the Social Contract that should exist between employers and their employees. Every employee should derive a fair wage for a full-time (40 -hour per week) job; should be able to save for their retirement (at age 65 or sooner); and should be able to save for their children's education.
What has Wall Street done to the nation that once provided this opportunity to EVERY American?
Now let's get to work for CHANGE! I want my Country back!
ROBERTt REICH
This guy is a brilliant man:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opxuUj6vFa4