Why You Shouldn't Compare Occupy Wall Street to the Tea Party (Massive Barf Alert!)

Time via Yahoo News ^ | 18 Oct 2011 | Ishaan Tharoor

[edpc]

With the Occupy Wall Street protests gaining steam in the U.S., it seems obvious to link it with the other grassroots movement that recently shook up American politics — the Tea Party. My colleagues' pieces number among a flurry of others pondering the parallel. Michael Scherer recast Occupy Wall Street as the Tea Party of the American left. Roya Wolverson suggested how the two movements, coming from diametrically-opposed sides of the political spectrum, could find common ground (and perhaps actual policy influence) in their mutual distaste for a Washington dominated by the vested interests of corporations. But while the similarities are noteworthy, they obscure more relevant truths about Occupy Wall Street, the supposedly inchoate movement that has transfixed the American media in recent weeks. I enumerate these truths after the jump.

[edpc]

[T]he Tea Party, whose typical supporter is older, wealthier, and whiter than the American demographic average.

Whiter? Perhaps he hasn't taken a good look at the OWS crowd. Maybe the author meant "cleaner" when he said "whiter."

[FlingWingFlyer]

What is an Ishaan Tharoor and why does it have a problem with the color white?

[Sherman Logan]

Oddly, not a bad article, if you discount for the author’s patently obvious bias.

The Tea Party is a uniquely American movement. Nothing vaguely comparable to it has been seen anywhere else. Why exactly this is something to be ashamed of the author does not say.

His final point about the OWS guys not being opposed to government, just what this government has done, is just another classic example of the eternal claim that “Communism is wonderful, it just hasn’t been done right,” which is of course true.

The problem is that the OWS folks don’t see that the corruption of big government is a feature, not a bug. It can’t be engineered out, and bringing new people in won’t fix it, not for long. It is an inherent part of any system where government is powerful and intrusive. People and groups, if only in self-defense, will struggle to control or influence it.

[camle]

actually you SHOULD compare the two. really. one on the right, the other onthe left. and let people see just who is what.

[SERKIT]

OWS is a graphic representation of what happens to the human body during Hopium withdrawal. Poor hygiene, defecation on squadcars, living in the gutter, nonsensical utterances, and disconnect from reality.

[concerned about politics]

The TEA Party didn't cost anyone else a cent, and they kept the area so clean, it looked even better after they left. The people were peaceful, polite, and outstanding American citizens.

The Obomabots are scrounging off other peoples money (like always), demanding more of it (like always), and literally trashing everything they come in contact with at everyone elses expense (like always).

BIG difference between the two!

[Fester Chugabrew]

A tiny hodgepodge of disaffected, discontent residents of my town have decided to occupy a small place on the Civic Plaza. Not knowing whether the City invites camping privileges on public property without permit or fine, I would like to ask, “What is their point?”

If it is to drag me into their discontented rage and agree with it, they’ve had the opposite effect, namely that of making me grateful to live in a land where the people can aim for good, honest government, and good, honest business. Without question there is need for change, but it does not come about by standing on a street corner shouting obscenities and denouncing those who endeavor to create wealth. Without question greed infects us all, but none worse than those who desire to swipe other people’s property out of sheer discontentment.

If their point is to bring 99% of the world’s ass-clowns together into one place, they should perhaps pack up and move to Zucotti Park where the camping is free, and we get the last laugh as its Solyndra-bound proprietors endorse open sex, drug use, profanity, civil unrest, and lack of sanitary facilities. (Apparently New York City no longer requires a permit to open a zoo!)

Let the tiny, whiny rabble camp out all winter long. Let them enjoy the sympathy of a few agitators. If they cannot stand to live in a strong country where high moral values and prosperity abound; where moral absolutes guide and govern, they are free to leave and pledge their allegiance elsewhere. As for me and my household, we’ll enjoy all the blessings we’ve received throughout our lifetimes in this land without having to raise our voices in anything but prayer; without having to bring about civil change by anything but our votes.

[concerned about politics]

OWS is a graphic representation of what happens to the human body during Hopium withdrawal.

LOL

[Mr. K]

One of them is supported by the Nazi and Communist parties, and one is not. (the REAL ones -not the “oh you Republicans are just ‘Nazi’s’ kind)

Can you guess which? And with Obama’s blessings?

[WOBBLY BOB]

Thieves preying on fellow protesters (Occupy Wall Street)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2794320/posts

did teapartiers steal from one another?

[BobP]

Obama's Street Rat Rabble

Click to watch Obama -- ''How you like me now'' or here to download mp4.
Click to hear Obama -- ''Love me''
Click to hear ''Do for me''
Click to hear ''Cousin Pookie''
Click to hear ''Cracker''
Click to hear ''Caught out there with the nightstick''
Click to hear Obama -- ''In a ditch''
Click to hear Waters -- ''The enemy is''
Click to hear Waters -- ''Taking over'' and Obama -- ''Made enough money''
Click to hear Obama -- ''We want a slice of the pie''
Click to hear Pelosi -- ''Most Ethical''
Click to hear Pelosi -- ''Pass the bill so you can find out what is in it''
Click to hear John Conyers -- ''Read the bill''
Click to hear Al Sharpton -- ''But resist we much''
Click to hear Rangel -- ''I'm here''
Click to hear Warren -- ''Taxation''

[Ernie Kaputnik]

“...why does it have a problem with the color white?”

Because we (white people) are the cause of all the world’s problems, dontcha know. /s

Nevermind the countless millions of people murdered by African and Asian dictators over the past 100 years up to present day. That doesn’t count because they ain’t white.