The 2010 Tea Party shenanigans are dangerous.  They use the name “Tea Party” to denote an affiliation with the historical Boston Tea Party that preceded the American Revolution.  The Boston Tea Party was a direct revolt against King George’s tax on imported tea – taxation without representation.  This modern version bears little resemblance to the proud and honorable endeavors of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America.

In late 1944 the power and offensive initiative of World War II had shifted to the allies – primarily to the Big Three – the United States, England, and the Soviet Union.  As the defeat of Hitler’s Army seemed imminent the Big Three began jockeying for post-war power.  The Soviet Communist Party was muscling the government of Greece.  Winston Churchill sent a division of British troops to Greece to help maintain Greek Government order.  Many in the British Parliament protested – they were growing weary of war and did not wish to expand the fighting front.  Churchill was furious, stating, “One must have some respect for democracy and not use the word too lightly.”  He continued, “The last thing that resembles democracy is mob law…”

“Democracy is no harlot… to be picked up in the street by a man with a tommy-gun.”

The present day Tea Party, which primarily represents FOX News, proudly states that they have no leaders.  They claim a ‘grassroots’ movement.  By this they suggest that they are of the people, by the people, and for the people.  The idea has a nice nostalgic ring – but is fundamentally flawed.

With no leaders there is only anarchy.  The Founding Fathers of America proudly declared their independence and signed a formal document identifying themselves as the protagonists.  They were not afraid – they were justifiably scared – but they were not afraid.  The behind-the-scenes leaders of the 2010 Tea Party movement are cowards.  If there are no leaders then the 2010 Tea Party is nothing but ‘mob rule’.

When the mob gets unruly, becomes violent, or makes outrageous statements, the pseudo leaders raise their hands in feigned innocence, “Hey,” they say, “Nobody asked them to get unruly.  They did that on their own.”  The leaders will stir up the mob with blatant lies, false rhetoric, and then deny responsibility for any resulting heinous action. (Post Corrected after comment below)  One of the leaders of the American Revolution was Nathan Hale, famous now for his last words before being executed, “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.”  Patrick Henry said, “Give me liberty or give me death.”

The Tea Party leaders of 2010 are more like Osama Bin Laden – you give up your life so I can look more important.

We should heed the words of Churchill, “Democracy is no harlot… to be picked up in the street…”