For me, the tea parties were the convulsions of a dying Republic. You can’t put a convulsion on life support. And what of the dying Republic? Well, the convulsions are usually a sign that it’s too late.
In other words, a last ditch effort before things do get violent in order to win back freedom.
The elections of 2014 could be the first cycle where Tea Party conservatives "Go Galt". It may not be that noticeable, as turnout will be low, but the GOPe will be killed in 2016 without the energy and votes of conservatives like you and me.
I've already heard how McConnell's back-tracking on his "kill the Tea party" comment, courtesy of Ann Coulter last night...she's been dead to me since her infatuation with Chris Christie.