"Responsible Spending" Equates to "Terrorism"

Terrorism: the calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological objectives. – U.S. Department of Defense.

When you think of terrorism, what comes to your mind? Perhaps the first picture that forms in your mind is an airplane smashing into the side of a building. Maybe you picture the Weather Underground in the 1960s and '70s planting homemade bombs in front of police stations. Or, maybe you picture a train blowing up in Madrid or a man walking into a pizzeria in Israel and detonating a bomb concealed beneath his clothing.

You may even think of U.S. soldiers invading a village in Iraq or Afghanistan if that is your point of view.

Whatever your perception of terrorism is, we can all agree on one thing: It is meant to catch the attention of governments and media through the use of shock-and-awe violent tactics.

Now, I must ask: Do you believe that our Founding Fathers were terrorists? How about people who fought in the French Revolution? They were a part of the Reign of Terror and were among the first people to be designated as actual terrorists. Now, what about the current Tea Party in the United States? Are these citizens terrorists?

Local Congressman Mike Doyle of PA District 14 seems to think so, as does Vice President Joe Biden, comedian Janeane Garofalo (I fail to understand why her opinion or the opinion of any celebrity on anything matters) and a laundry list of other members of government. Doyle and Biden claim that they have “negotiated with terrorists” and that, “This small group of terrorists have made it impossible to spend any money.”

Is that the worst that the Tea Party is guilty of? Demanding responsible spending and accountability from our Democratic Republic government? What terrorist tactics have they used? Peaceful rallies where people wave American flags, sing the National Anthem, recite the Pledge of Allegiance (Oh no! Those terrorists said "GOD!") and listen to speakers ranging from members of Congress to local radio personalities, pundits and citizens within their community sure sound nefarious, dangerous and violent. A group of people who are largely over the age of 55 and worried about their retirement and the future of the country that their grandchildren will soon inherit must be up to no good.

The White House released a statement on Tuesday stating that the use of the word “terrorist” to describe Tea Party members was used in the heat of the moment of an emotional debate. This is hardly an apology. In fact, it is a non-apology and a blatant attempt to justify such a bold statement that disrespects the people who fund these people’s paychecks, Cadillac healthcare plans and million-dollar pensions.

This type of rhetoric and treatment from our government should be condemned by all Americans, regardless of party affiliation. Our government, the government ran be We the People, has no right to attack its citizens in such a manner. We, however, have the right to criticize our government and demand a redress of grievances. This right is the absolute foundation of our country.

The Tea Party is guilty for certain of using this right rather than taking it for granted. Tea Party members are exercising the right that makes them uniquely American, and they deserve the same respect that congressmen such as Doyle would give members of CODEPINK or MoveOn.org.

Demand respect from your government. This is unacceptable. Vice President Biden’s and Congressman Doyle’s words are an attack on your freedom. No one was meant to hear these words, as they were uttered behind closed doors. The White House promised this country a new way of doing politics, but coming from yet another administration that spews nothing but empty promises and lies, we should not be surprised that the Beltway is engaging in business as usual. This is not about left or right. This is about respect. You deserve it.

Attached are photos that I have taken at several Tea Parties over the past three years. Terrorists, or citizens exercising their First Amendment Right? You decide.