Tea Party's Faux Populism - Sen. Sherrod Brown (OH) - a great article. A must read (& print) article

[JohnWxy]

"Real populism fights for all Americans, while Tea Party populism divides us."

"Republicans have always been good at coming up with catch phrases and slogans that traffic in fear and misinformation."


http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-10-04-column04_ST1_N.htm

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But for generations, conservatives have appealed to fear to protect the privileged and preserve the status quo — fear of immigrants, fear of diversity, fear of big government. For conservatives in 2010, it's easy:

"Stop."

"No."

"Repeal."

Meanwhile, for more than a century — in churches and temples, in union halls and neighborhood centers, in the streets and at the ballot box — progressives have moved the country forward. Progressives brought us minimum wage and Social Security in the 1930s, civil rights and Medicare in the 1960s, and health care and Wall Street reform in 2010.

Opponents of these accomplishments — some of society's most privileged and well-entrenched interest groups — have not changed much. The John Birch Society of 1965 has bequeathed its fervor and extremism to the Tea Party of 2010.

History tells us that rage on the right should not be confused with populism. The far right attacks government regulation as it feeds Wall Street and the insurance companies. It rails against government spending for the least privileged as it lavishes tax cuts favoring the most privileged.

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THis is a great statement. Worthy of printing.

.... In fact, consider printing several copies. Highlight the key paragraphs and leave around for people to see. After having coffee at McDonalds, leave a copy on the table, or at the water cooler at work. We need to all contribute something in the fight to keep our Government from being entirely hamstrung and taken over by the Corporate Lobbyist party. I know the GOP has hundreds of millions from Wall Street Banksters, insurance companies and pharmaceutical giants but if enough people do just a bit, it will have an effect.

People, it's worth a try. Saving our Democracy is worth a try.

[L.Torsalo]

1. Hear, hear!

This does need to be spread. It is the first time I see the Dems deciding to use the political weapon called "truth".

[OHdem10]

2. Kinda like the rich with pitchforks storming the gate screaming

"Cut that spending on these social programs: no more of
my tax money to be used on the'non-productive' of society.

Teeheeheee hhee.

[Uncle Joe]

3. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, JohnWxy.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. He is a most intelligent and articulate man!

We are lucky to have him.