As the new “symbolic tax revolt” nears, the pressure is on. I am receiving calls and emails from people I haven’t spoken with in months – even years. The common denominator seems to be today’s ubiquitous interrogative: “which tea party are you going to?”

For the record, I have decided to stand at my own helm. I have no intention of engaging in an exercise of futility. The Tax Day Tea Party goal is currently billed as a symbolic tax revolution. That’s absurd. There are only two means to achieve any goal – either brute force or intellectual persuasion.    This proposed tea party lacks both elements.

At best this tea party is a hastily constructed mob. Mobs, regardless of their origin or intent are seldom recognized for their intellectual capacity: independent thought loses ground to mass hysteria. There are no – for lack of a better term – Generals, Strategists or Central Leaders behind this symbolic tea party. A cause lacking a course of action simply serves no purpose. 

Rick Santelli may be the individual largely recognized as the tea party instigator. I use the term “instigator” because there was no plan or objective in place. This whole thing started with a vigorous “rant”. The instantaneous communication capabilities via the internet inadvertently set the Hessian Soldier on a new mount: nothing more.

If we step back and look at this strangely conceived call to arms we can easily spot two constants: 1) It is a well publicized party: so is the 4^th of July. 2) The central “bad guy” in this particular situation is “big government and excessive taxation”.  With regards to the first constant, when observing Independence Day most of the participants’ focus does not go beyond the fare on the picnic table or the bright and pretty colors filling the night sky. The second constant can be laid to rest as a complete and utter lack of recognition. The average American actually has no clue as to how much of their earnings (property) actually go to big government as taxes.

Here is what will happen. On April 15^th, 2009, scattered hither, thither and yon throughout this country, thousands, perhaps even tens of thousands of Americans will engage in a deceptive unification to voice their objection to Big Government, excessive spending and taxation without representation. Deceptive unification: yes. Forgive them father, for they know not what they do: literally.   On April 16^th, 2009, the status quo will prevail as everyone returns to work – for those that have jobs – and the beat goes on…and the beat goes on. 

Nature provides us with a perfect example of what is to come following this Tax Day Tea Party. For those Americans residing in the Deep South, the familiar sight of fire ant mounds popping up in yards and pastures is by now accepted as status quo.  

For grins and giggles take a piece of paper, make a name tag, label it as “Big Government” and pin it to your shirt. On another piece label it as Excessive Taxes” and wrap it around a big stick. Now, stand within six inches of a fire ant mound for a few moments. After a few moments you will be accepted as a natural obstacle to the foragers. Without moving your feet bend over and plunge the stick into the mound and twist it once.  Let go of the stick and watch the show.  Immediate Chaos!  

The entire surface of the mound comes alive with a massive swarm of workers, soldiers and gatherers. Bumping into and climbing over one another- perhaps an isolated skirmish or two. The soldiers cover every inch of the intruding stick but failing to recognize or make a connection to the actual threat it is ignored. Within five minutes order is restored. The soldiers return to quarters. The foragers continue to scout for food and the workers go back to work. If you have the patience to wait watch the workers incorporate the Big Stick as part of their mound. It is now safe to remove the name tag from your shirt and walk away.

There is no telling what Santelli’sintentions were – perhaps he was merely looking for a pull toy to play with.

At last count there are some 456 Tax Day Tea Parties scheduled throughout the State of Georgia.  The whirlwind of tax and spend politics in Washington is getting many people excited, angered and revved up. Charge!   Ho Toro! Into the Fray!   

Taking part in a symbolic Tea Party offers the chance to make a mark; show where you stand and symbolically defy a mighty oppressing foe: Big Government. A worthy cause if ever there was one.   Peaceful too!   The celebration will certainly be filled with festivity not unlike a National Soccer Mom Field Day.  Have you signed up yet?

Just in case you have been busy voting to abolish “tag” from the playground a (Silent Majority No More) website: http://taxdayteaparty.com/teaparty/georgia/  will direct you to the proper site should you have any interest in joining your state’s exercise in futility.  If you harbor a political bias to this site, no worries. There are sites popping up all over the internet. Finding a group that best represents your attitude is child’s play. There is plenty of time and definitely room for one more. No pushing and running please.

In an effort to really get the national adrenalin pumping several sites explain that there will be “Extensive News Coverage” and certainly U-tube postings. What’s more, you can either brandish one of their banners or make one of your own (providing it is not mounted on a stick or pole). In short these sites offer an opportunity to cash in on fifteen minutes of fame. Oh Joy, Rapture! an opportunity to follow a piper!   Why?

April 16^th will witness thousands of calls, emails sent and pictures exchanged. The Buzz: “Did you see me on the news?” “I sent you this email to show you what you missed”.  Soccer Moms will be giddy with excitement: “Here is a picture of me holding my sign”.   Collectively all the tea parties will have one common denominator: no plan for a follow up.   Not even a morning after pill to take following the national Fan Fest.  

History, as well as the authorities, will certainly record the Rabble Rousers,Gutless Wonders and the hordes of mindless, sycophantic myrmidons equally. To be sure, there is no doubt your face will be recorded by someone. On the upside for those pawns seeking personal aggrandizement, it is possible many participants will make the history books. It stands to reason that if Cindy Sheehan can get a full page spread in our children’s history text books and a place in Wikipedia then why not you?  It’s a given; this is one pseudo revolution that will surely make the history books.

Another revolution destined to make the history books is the culmination of one that started almost immediately after the ratification of the constitution successfully usurped the powers of the Articles of Confederation.  The patent intent of the Constitution was to allow a centralized federal government to grow and collect power as needed.  Thereafter each succeeding congressional body fed its insatiable appetite, passed laws to nurture its self serving autonomy and sheild it from accountability.

Most Tea Party enthusiasts don’t know and probably don’t even care to note we are currently in the midst of an actual revolution: a Congressional Junta to be more specific. This is the coming of age of the progressive movement and not a shot will be fired. While the 111^th congress continues to follow a specific, calculated and deliberate long standing goal of progressive assimilation the silent majority follows directions to a tea party.

The reason Tax Day Tea Parties and 9/12 projects will fail and have little or no impact is simply because the silent majority no longer looks to the government to protect individual rights. Most people, silent majority inclusive, actually feel it is government’s responsibility to further the economic well being of the citizenry.  In less than five years “spreading the wealth” will become socially acceptable.    

We have lost sight of our government’s responsibilities to us. We have allowed our government to seize power not sanctioned by the Articles of Confederation.   We have allowed a punitive progressive tax system (a transfer of wealth) to be introduced. It was rationalized as a means to save family businesses, protect existing jobs and of course, to help the poor and the silent majority went for it. 

Our congressional members know the average American’s attention is easily misdirected. Any well rehearsed speech demonizing acquired wealth will have the citizenry of this nation pointing at one political party or the other as being the enablers.   Instigating frivolous debates amongst the citizenry is an art well executed by our congressional leaders.  

Actually, both parties are guilty of power grabs since the 1790’s. Both parties have contributed considerably to the unbridled growth of government. Both parties have been and currently are directing this progressive juggernaut.   Both parties now have us (their subjects) in their corral. The 111^th congress view “we the people” as nothing more than easily manipulated party goers.  O wad some Power the giftie gie us / To see oursels as ithers see us!

The silent majority may have the numbers but certainly not the votes.  It lacks the courage, the backbone and obviously, the intelligence to see beyond their Tea Party. Orchestrating a party is one thing: demanding independence and freedom simply involves too much effort and Risk. 

To exploit our founding fathers’ bravery, convictions, and unwavering desire to be a free self-governed nation only to replace it with some silly-assed, feel-good tea party or 9/12 project is an insult and abandonment of their convictions.  If, after the party, the Silent Majority remains silent, it will effectively allow the expansion and power of the government at the expense of individual rights and liberty.   Party On!  And oh yes, don’t forget the krimpets[SIC]?