Newly Formed ‘Federation’ of Tea Party and Grassroots Groups Announced

Fox News ^ | April 8, 2010 | Cristina Corbin

[Zakeet]

In an effort to build its credibility and influence nationwide, the tea party movement on Thursday announced the formation of a "federation" of tea party groups.

Mark Shroder, a member of the Memphis Tea Party, told a crowd of roughly 200 conservative activists gathered outside the state capitol that 21 factions of the movement will form the National Federation Tea Party. Shroder said the federation will act as a "rapid response" to "misinformation" allegedly put forth by the "mainstream media."

[Zakeet]

In related news, within 30 seconds of the announcement, a mushroom cloud and a foul odor were observed at the DNC headquarters in Washington.

[Salamander]

At least they didn’t say “confederation” and give them all a collective aneurysm.....:)

[ReneeLynn]

This is NOT good. Once you form the ‘federation’ you start appointing ‘leaders’. Not good at all. I hope no other Tea Party groups join this. They’ve got to remain independent.

[TomGuy]

In related news, within 30 seconds of the announcement, a mushroom cloud and a foul odor were observed at the DNC headquarters in Washington.

Or is this an attempt by the moderates to co-opt the movement for their own benefit?

McCain with Palin's help has been trying to do that in Arizona -- identify himself with the Tea Party movement.

Who, exactly are those who are 'federating' the movement?

[DallasDeb]

Good move.

[OrioleFan]

Exactly.

Sarah Palin cautioned against this.

[relictele]

You read my mind.

Control freakery is a gene that can cross political party boundaries.

[twigs]

Yes. I thought this is exactly what the tea party “movement” stood against.

[FrdmLvr]

Didn’t I read recently that she was endorsing some third party candidate? Seems like I saw that about a week ago. (not spreading rumors here - I will gladly stand corrected if its not true).

[listenhillary]

I am the leader of the tea party.

We do not need a structure, we do not need candidates, we do not need leaders. The tea party is an idea that people believe in.

Taxed Enough Already

[riri]

Sorry but at this writing I see this as a good move. Only because it is becoming apparent the R Party is going to continue to be the progressive enabling party.

[onyx]

I *knew” Mark Shroder was dying to lead a third party from the very first time NormsRevenge posted an article about him, months ago.

He’s needs to be reminded that TEA PARTY(S) are a MOVEMENT not a third party.

[ReneeLynn]

Yep. ‘All power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.’. It’s too much of a temptation for anyone. Dangerous to a great grassroots movement.

[Uncle Miltie]

Nope. The Tea Party is a MOVEMENT not an ORGANIZATION.

Let the movement go where it will, by self-direction of individuals motivated by a common cause.

Let ORGANIZATIONS appeal to the MOVEMENT for support, and that support can be given my individuals.

The GOP is the collectivist of the conservative movement, an oxymoron if ever there was one, and is not terribly successful therefore.

Let’s not burden a MOVEMENT with an ORGANIZATION.

[Marty62]

Turn on Fox. Dan Quail is getting ready to compare TPM to Perot(sp ?) types.

There is a giant roar coming from the Rino class.

Why didn’t the TPM at least give us a heads up.

Megyn is saying that TPM is now a political PARTY. Whast is going on?

[listenhillary]

Without leaders, the targets are tenuous. It’s a good thing to keep the left confused.

Alinsky RULE 12: Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it

[jd777]

Time for a 3rd PARTY?

[listenhillary]

Mark Shroder does not speak for me.

[DTogo]

So long as it remains a loose-knit but well-coordinated "federation" without appointed (or self-appointed) leaders, formal memberships or a registered lobby group, etc, I don't see the problem.

Coordinating this grass roots movement, while allowing it to remain grass roots and independent, should be a good thing.

Divide and Conquer is the DNC/Obamulan trap we should avoid.