I must now admit a mistake of many years standing. I had confused the "Right" with the Republican Party. No longer. The Official Republican Party has now joined the Democrat Party in proclaiming that it is the role of government to "Help People." That ultimately cynical attitude has sunk every democracy in recorded history; i.e., that point at which those in power realize they can stay in power by writing checks on the public treasury to those who will vote for them to remain in power and keep writing the checks. Where are we now? About 50% getting the checks or the breaks, and about 50% paying the taxes.
Repubs will always be fighting a rear-guard and retreating fight. And that, my Republican Friends, is exactly the way our official GOP likes it ... picking up their share of the swag with each backward step. 2010? Just a chance to get a better seat at the big poker table in DC ... unless WE figure out what to do about it.
Think of the Revolution. 25% patriots. 30% Tories. and 45% wondering what the hell was going on until after Yorktown, and then lining up for the freebies.
Fasten your seatbelts. The next 15 years ain't gonna be a smooth ride. And stayed armed.
I think we are on the same page. It is my hope that the Tea Parties do not lose steam after this 2010 election and even build more steam. Perhaps they can brance to more activists roles such as lobbying state governments when, hopefully, constitutional amendments come their way.