A friend posted on my facebook this morning a very troubling trend reported by the American Liberty Alliance. Essentially, they report that California was forced to abandon and retract the use of the term "tea bagger" when describing those who assemble peacefully to protest an out-of-control government. I'll spare you the need to look up the term, suffice it to say, it's not a pleasant experience nor a term that in any way accurately describes our movement.
So, as our movement continues to grow, be alert to the realities of our opponents desire to paint us as; wing nuts, terrorists, radicals, anti-American, evil-mongers, and yes, "tea baggers." The way I handle this is by using a bit of shame as I did on Fox News when I emphatically plead offense at their desire to call me something other than I am. Shame may not work with the person using these terms, but it may have an effect on the people hearing the phase being used.
Stay alert and don't be afraid to shame your accuser.
What's sad is that most of the people who throw such pejoratives around also take high offense when similar insults are directed towards them. They really have no place in a constructive conversation.
ReplyDeleteHere's a snippet of just such a conversation that I had with an acquaintance recently online:
[Them] Weren't the teabaggers up in arms about Letterman's comment about Palin's daughter? ... Also, when you repeat Limbaugh's and Beck's terms like "The Messiah", "The Chosen One", "Dear Leader" , you lose credibility.
[Me] "it's amusing to me to hear you use the term "teabagger" in the same comment where you say that using terms like "The Messiah", "The Chosen One", "Dear Leader" cause one to lose credibility."
We REFUSE to be marginalized! I am most excited that our unworthy opposition has denigrated ITSELF by decending to name calling. It can be construed as a sign of THEIR DESPERATION!!
ReplyDeleteFYI, Radio host Larua Ingraham is also a name caller, and that's one item keeping her from the big time. Too bad, cause she's on our side on most issues!
Great points Clint and Steve. Indeed, language matters as does our tone and approach. That said, as I'm sure you both know, there are just a certain percentage of people that will not capitulate on their thoughts about the "tea party" movement and can never be won over to the Constitutional side of this national debate we’re having. The people that make assertions that we're a bunch of "tea baggers", "evil-doers" etc., generally fit into this category. Indeed, is this not the war we’re in right now, a war of ideas and principles?
ReplyDeleteWhat excites me is that I really feel the momentum turning. I see it in the average citizen not backing down anymore when they’re accused of being a racist, hate-monger, uncaring, selfish, or anti this or that group. People are finally beginning to stand their ground against word bullies and not only stand their ground, but pushing back as well. These next few years will be pivotal years in our nation’s history. The current crop of politicians, dating back to the 1930’s and even before, has all but brought what was once a great country to its economic knees. Just today as everyone celebrates what appears to be a floor in the recession, an article written by Ambrose Evans-Pritchard in the UK Online tells a different story; a chilling one at that (see next post of link). As I’ve said over and over the last few months, we’re really at a “pick your pain” moment in history. With liabilities that cannot possibly be paid with our current GDP, something will give very soon. For my four children’s sake, I pray we come out of this still free; not in a condition envisioned by the average politician today, run by Washington DC. That will be bondage the Founders never anticipated. So in the end, it’s up to us now, the average citizen and by God’s grace, we’re beginning to see them arise and a movement that cannot be stifled is gaining territory; observe the healthcare debate!
Great commentary and it’s great to be linked together in this eternal battle for freedom.