The proposal to unite the Tea Party groups as to give it a stronger voice in politics sounded good at first, but on second thought it’s a bad idea. In fact, it’s a terrible idea because it defeats the purpose of the grassroots movement.

The Tea Party and other grassroots groups derive their power from the fact that they are not answerable to anyone except the group’s members. In other words, there is no national leadership in control.

It’s the most refreshing thing to happen to the American political scene since the “We The People” concept was put into place. Without national leadership or control, the groups can advocate whatever they wish, and there is no protocol that must be followed.

The sum of its consequences is greater than that which could be spoken by one central voice. Government officials, lobbyists, nor any special interest groups can influence the Tea Party as there is no control. Much like herding cats, the Tea Party groups go their own way, and politicians are starting to learn the fatality of not searching them out for counsel.

There is a central theme of the groups which consists of lower taxes, smaller, less intrusive government, and more respect for individual and state’s rights.

Were the Tea Party groups to have a central voice of leadership in Washington, it would make it possible for compromise on such issues depending upon the political leanings of the leadership or possible pressure from the administration. As it is, there is no way to do any of that as there is no one person or single group of people in control.

If there was, it would greatly diminish the effect of the Tea Party groups on the political process. The instant we stop fanning the flames of the small fires that heat the blanket of our freedom is the precise time we will see our liberties freeze.

The established Republican and Democrat parties have both shown us what can happen as a result of formality. Any effort by the Tea Party groups in unison should remain the decisions of the individual groups, not a central command.

Also, the Democrats in Congress who do not want to move toward fiscal sanity have no one person to blame for their difficulties. Their feet are being held to the fire and they cannot put a name to the arsonist causing the heat. All they can do is blame something they do not control.

The Republicans are starting to realize that Tea is not going away, and there is no single office they can call to get an appointment for a meeting to discuss a strategy. Tea is much larger than any one person, group, or party, and it needs to remain just as it is.

Randy Walters

Coal Fed Families