turbine - The Tea Party, Glenn Beck, All Of It: A Word

August 29, 2010

The Tea Party, Glenn Beck, All Of It: A Word

I rarely get political online - and for a few good reasons - but I need to take a moment to say something now.

It’s understandable why so many are angry about Glenn Beck’s rally. It’s understandable why you’re freaking out about the Tea Party. It’s understandable why you’re standing here pointing back at Bush yelling “Those 8 years! Those! What about those!”

After all, you say, where were people protesting the spread of big government and unfathomable debt then, right?

To which I say, where were you? And where are you now?

If you’re so angry at what’s going on, if you’re so frustrated, don’t just keep writing Tumblr posts and blog posts and tweets and semi-anonymous comments. I’ve been reading about it all for years now. Years! Come on, guys. You can decry the ignorance of the Tea Party movement all you want, rail at the racism, and laugh at their illiterate signs and shirts. But you know what? There were thousands upon thousands of people at the rally. Just like there are thousands of people knocking on doors and going out in support of their candidates and getting word out of what they believe in.

What are you doing?

There was that long moment, during Obama’s election. A huge swell of people had found not only a leader but a reason to come together. No more! Time for change! Are you telling me you can only do it when inspired by someone you perceive to be your leader? Are you telling me you can’t do it on your own, grassroots group by grassroots group? Because if that’s the case, then maybe you should stop rolling your eyes at the Tea Party and start worrying a lot more. They’re not afraid of your scathing blog posts. They’re probably not even reading them.

If you want change, it’s time to start making it. If you want to fight back, you better start. And you better hurry.