Connect with The Tea Party!
Who we are, where we have been, and what to do now.
I am always reminded of the statement "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it..." Is that not a growing weakness in our country today? When attempting to explain who we are as Americans to people of other nations, is there any common thread shared throughout the country? We do recognize a few things that are wrong, but there are many more - so what can we do about it and what can be done?
Never forget that is country was founded on the governmental promise of "a government of the people, for the people, and by the people". Fortunately, we have groups and organizations uniting in many common ideals and foundational beliefs that need to be restored and retaught to America.
As a minister and professor of Christianity, I cannot see why the nation has not already taken these steps and why a revival is necessary today. One does not truly see the abominations and lies that have taken root in America until you spend a few years abroad. In my case, it was a total of about five or six years. The experience also gave me insight into the fervor of discontent and even loss of pride as Americans. Also were the descriptive evaluations of America and it's people in differing cultures. In any case, it was an eye opening experience and one that sharpened my eyesight for the real government we had and the almost hypnotic viewpoints of so many people in this nation. It is heartbreaking...
We are so fortunate that an awareness has arisen, and one that envisions our country reclaiming our fundamental truths, laws, and moral standards that have been under attack for two centuries. The blind (in government) need opening of their eyes as well as the people of this nation who have permitted the clouding and undermining of our country. More and more this country began to resemble all of those things we revolted against to form this new nation. Today, unfortunately, the nation and its values are so convoluted that taking a stance is scary and for many so very confusing. Too many are passive concerning the state of our nation, our rights, and the freedoms (once the beacon of liberty) in our hearts and nation.
Finally, we were given such an amazing and wonderful chance to be an example to the world of truth, Christian moral character, and a governments grounded in those principles. I believe the many efforts today can and will make a difference. My fear is that it may not be a lasting change and that the lack of patience and American styled "gotta have it now" mentality could undermine any achievements. We, therefore, that have committed to this reformation in our nation, must persist and persevere as time passes and not abandon the goals and needs of our nation.
In conclusion, stand for the needed changes and support each other in our resolve. Change can happen with just purposeful efforts and commitment. Just as social changes have commonly occurred, so too can this needful grassroots movement make a huge impact.
May God bless each of us and guide us and our nation back to the basics of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...under God whom we trust and pledge our hearts. Amen....
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Independent 1000(Bob) on
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Its been my experience that the National Tea Party performs a primary function of educating people in general, and supports local groups, and candidates in various ways, but don't be mislead by thinking they are the Tea Party..........they aren't.
There are over 2000 independent groups throught the US, more today I am sure, and they do not take direction from the National Tea Party, Tea Party Patriots, etc, it works in just the opposite direction.
If you want to be Chaplain of a Tea Party Group, pick out the largest local group you can find, and that is the closest you will get to being a Chaplain for the Tea Party. I know its confusing, but we are NOT a structured political organization, not even close.
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Comaring the Tea Party protests to the OWS protests is about as far off base as I can imagine. There was nothing spontaneous about the OWS protests as is claimed by those that support them, the funding and organizations behind those protests are without question far left wing organizations of all kinds, with people like Van Jones, the Acorn Organization, and SEIU leadership playing a major role. I can't let someone simply compare the two and try to tell the rest of us that both conducted their protests in the same manner, its just not true, and there are tons of documented videos to compare the two.
If the protesters actually knew who they should be protesting, that would have been a different story, they don't. They are protesting the wrong people, as a matter of fact they are protesting so many separate issues it would be hard to give them directions of where they should be protesting.
Patricia Harland said:Dr. Ley: I am new to this website but have long been engaged in the process. I read your statement and feel compelled to point out some things.
1. No specifics, anywhere
2. Standard close-minded thinking that Christianity is the true belief
3. Hypocritical statement quoting the Bill of RIghts while peaceful protesters exercising their First Amendment rights are bullied, attacked and arrested. Tea Party protesters were not treated that way, were they?
4. "The blind (in government) need opening of their eyes as well as the people of this nation who have permitted the clouding and undermining of our country." I agree with this statement from the point of view that corrput legislators (regardless of party affiliation) have sold themselves to buisness. As a result, you are part of the 99% as well as I. See #3.
5. I draw your attention to Melissa Brookstone's writings for the Tea Party.
6. Tea Party behavior tells me who you are: I had to be "approved" before I was allowed to make a comment on this website. You'll not find that requirment on a progressive website.
In closing, I find conservative/republican viewpoints/talking points easy to challenge because they are not based on fact. Thanks
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When you compare the Tea Party Protests to the OWS protests, I simply use this criteria as the basis for your comparison.
Civil Disobedience
Ayn Rand
Civil disobedience may be justifiable, in some cases, when and if an individual disobeys a law in order to bring an issue to court, as a test case. Such an action involves respect for legality and a protest directed only at a particular law which the individual seeks an opportunity to prove to be unjust. The same is true of a group of individuals when and if the risks involved are their own.
But there is no justification, in a civilized society, for the kind of mass civil disobedience that involves the violation of the rights of others—regardless of whether the demonstrators’ goal is good or evil. The end does not justify the means. No one’s rights can be secured by the violation of the rights of others. Mass disobedience is an assault on the concept of rights: it is a mob’s defiance of legality as such.
The forcible occupation of another man’s property or the obstruction of a public thoroughfare is so blatant a violation of rights that an attempt to justify it becomes an abrogation of morality
. An individual has no right to do a "sit-in" in the home or office of a person he disagrees with—and he does not acquire such a right by joining a gang. Rights are not a matter of numbers—and there can be no such thing, in law or in morality, as actions forbidden to an individual, but permitted to a mob.
The only power of a mob, as against an individual, is greater muscular strength—i.e., plain, brute physical force. The attempt to solve social problems by means of physical force is what a civilized society is established to prevent. The advocates of mass civil disobedience admit that their purpose is intimidation. A society that tolerates intimidation as a means of settling disputes—the physical intimidation of some men or groups by others—loses its moral right to exist as a social system, and its collapse does not take long to follow.
Politically, mass civil disobedience is appropriate only as a prelude to civil war—as the declaration of a total break with a country’s political institutions.
Ayn Rand on "Civil Disobedience"
Patricia Harland said:Dr. Ley: I am new to this website but have long been engaged in the process. I read your statement and feel compelled to point out some things.
1. No specifics, anywhere
2. Standard close-minded thinking that Christianity is the true belief
3. Hypocritical statement quoting the Bill of RIghts while peaceful protesters exercising their First Amendment rights are bullied, attacked and arrested. Tea Party protesters were not treated that way, were they?
4. "The blind (in government) need opening of their eyes as well as the people of this nation who have permitted the clouding and undermining of our country." I agree with this statement from the point of view that corrput legislators (regardless of party affiliation) have sold themselves to buisness. As a result, you are part of the 99% as well as I. See #3.
5. I draw your attention to Melissa Brookstone's writings for the Tea Party.
6. Tea Party behavior tells me who you are: I had to be "approved" before I was allowed to make a comment on this website. You'll not find that requirment on a progressive website.
In closing, I find conservative/republican viewpoints/talking points easy to challenge because they are not based on fact. Thanks
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I totally agree with Katie, and would go a bit further, and say that those that currently comprise the base of the Tea Party are not made up of less than 80 percent as it relates to those believing in Christian core values.
Katie Baker, Teabook News Editor said:
John:
I moderate on various Tea Party social networks and I do not agree. Only about 25-30% of the base do not claim to be "Christian" in their core values.
John Foley said:Dr. Chaplain - I agree with your sentiment completely but actual fact seems to point to too many of those in the TEA Party are not Christian believers. I would say that most around here are, but we are a very small microcosm of the TEA party.
This country is in a fight for it's very existence and far too few are even praying for a victory. Many don't even realize the damage that has already been done in 3 years to our rights as citizens of the USA.
I pray that GOD will be with us but as you and I know, there will be a one world government and religion in the very end of the age and I am wondering if GOD will allow the destruction of America because of it's unGodly practices.
There have been too many people against the GOD centeredness of America for many many years and it has taken a great toll on America.
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Permalink Reply by Bill Hayden on -
To Dr Ley, I agree in one respect that the very idea of freedom as expressed in the Declaration of Independence would not even be possible, if not for Christianity. However, man is corrupt, and religions of men are easily corrupted for power and money. I think freedom of religion and separation of church and state are necessary, as long as they are tolerant of the rights of others, and if they fail that test they do not deserve to be recognized as a 'religion' at all. I think many who do not subscribe to a particular religion do recognize the sanctity of individual rights, and deserve to live as they choose as long as they do not violate the rights of others. The OWS vs TEA Party argument comes down to one thing that makes them complete opposites: group rights vs individual rights. Whenever people argue for group rights they automatically argue against individual rights. Thus you have a mob of people including communists, anarchists, and all manner of naiive people who fall for the idea that they are part of the '99%' because they share a common cause against corruption. This is the danger of mob rule, they trample on the very thing that makes America the land of the free: individual rights and freedom granted by our Creator, not by government. The TEA Party is taxed enough already, and your rights end where mine begin. To OWS I say, I agree that crony capitalism and corrupt government needs to stop, but your idea of mob rule is antithetical to the American idea.
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Permalink Reply by 3fbt21d46t496 on -
If the church is designed by God to be his "showpiece" (Eph 3;10; 1 Peter 2:9-10) to demonstrate what new creation, the new and true hunanity is supposed to look like, maybe the church's attention should focus on itself and get its own house in order first. Then the nation might listen. Better yet, the nation might then see. I picture is worth a thousand sermons, especially if there's light shining on it.
How many Christians even know what the Lord's Prayer even means? And as long as we're asking, how many clergy know what it means? For example, how many know that Jesus probably had the texts and storylines of Isaiah 40, 42, 45, 52, etc and especially Ezekiel 36 in mind as he began the prayer? When the church gets its nose out of politics and back into the biblical narrative, and then humbly seeks to live out that narrative as the people of God in the 21st century, then we might see an impact for the good on our nation. But it will be the impact of the Spirit rather than well-meaning but ineffective cultural, social and political reformers. If Christians want a holy nation, then it must first become one.
Just a thought.
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