What's in a name

Lately, Jane and I, your almost fearless leaders, have been caught in a flurry of emails from the other leaders of groups here in Massachusetts. One of them asked a question about a candidate who is running a race here in central Massachusetts and whether he is truly a Republican or not. I'm not going to get into that debate, but it brings up an interesting debate, on labels and their definitions.

Without going into great detail. at least today (although in my other blog It's Clear As Mud I know I have addressed the subject) how I became involved in politics in general and the tea party movement in particular, there is one thing I have learned. Any label dealing with a political group has a different meaning depending on just who is doing the defining.

Everyone seems to define terms like left, right, conservative, liberal, progressive, etc. however it will best fit their own agenda. As my friend John from the Worcester Tea party group writes:

These organizations can be just about any movement and their underlying theme is the end justifies the means. Such a philosophy is easily explained to the masses and just about any action is justified, as long as the results are in line with the goals of the organization. Anyone whose preferences lie within the realm of the movement’s agenda will find the organization favorable. (read full article here)

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The question I am usually asked is "How do I know into which group I fall?" My answer is usually all the same, "It all depends on which way you are pushed." What I mean by that is whichever group is using the most persuasive arguments on you is the way you will lean. But the real answer is, you could be anywhere, and more than likely if you are a member of the tea party movement, you will be a little bit of each group. 

We in the tea party come from all walks of life and political philosophy. Contrary to what the mainstream media likes to claim, we aren't all extreme right wing conservatives, we are independent thinkers, a concept many of our opponents can't seem to understand. We read everything, including people with points of view which may be the complete opposite of ours, in order to get both sides of an argument. We also (at least speaking for myself) make up our own minds and don't let the latest tweet or Facebook posting or Youtube rant be the sole reason for what we may think.

And as far as the answer to which group do you belong - if you feel like you need to belong to a group other than the tea party, choose the one who most fits your own philosophy, your own way of thinking.

It's all about free thinking here, independence is the ke