As we come to the end of another year the question I ask is “are we any closer to solutions regarding the direction this country is heading?” The answer is probably not, but the mid-term elections gave notice that there is unrest with the populace. The Tea Party emerged and made themselves heard. But what is the Tea Party? Is it a legitimate alternative third political party? If so, who are its leaders and what is its political structure? It seems to be less of an official party but rather an outcry of unrest that has suddenly found an unstructured voice.

Everyone has an explanation for the tea party, which is actually not an explanation but a description. They're "angry." They're "anti-establishment," "populist," "anti-elite." To some degree this is probably true, but I believe we as a people are just fed up with what is going on and have an overwhelming feeling that out government has failed us. It has gotten to the point that the issue isn't about "big spending" anymore, it’s about “ruinous spending”. Spending that will end America as we know it and not the America that we promised to our children.

So there's a sense that dramatic action is needed, a sense of profound urgency. When you add drama to urgency you get the impact of The Tea Party.

Let’s compare our political system to the speed limit. For years the limit was set at 55 mph. Comfortable for most and it got us to where we wanted to go. There were those who never got past 50 and those who never went less than 70. Then the limit went to 60, 65, and 70mph, add to that a 10 mph over the limit grace buffer, things can get out of control and quickly. At present, it seems the government is operating in the State of Nevada – where there is no speed limit.  

The Tea Party, it seems, doesn’t necessarily want their candidates to be reflective, skilled in negotiations, or a great plotician. What they want is someone who will walk in, put their foot on the brake and stop the insanity.

A writer for the Wall Street Joural stated, “nobody knows how all this will play out, but we are seeing something big—something homegrown, broad-based and independent. In part, it is an uprising of those who truly believe America is imperiled and truly mean to save her. The dangers, both present and potential, are obvious.”

A movement like this can help a nation by acting as a corrective, it’s like the State Police vehicle parked along the highway, or it can take a popular Barney Fife and parade that person as authentic, serious, with true conviction.

This country is based on a party system. I am a Republican, more Libertarian than Conservative. The two-party establishments may be compromised but they exist for a reason and that reason is experience. They've lived through a lot, seen a lot, know the national terrain. They know how things work. They know the history. For the Tea Party to make a difference it must bring the center of both parties with it.

The Tea Party may be a “wake-up call”, like the ads on TV after a heart attack.

But if I am having a heart attack I at least want someone that knows what they are doing rather than someone who can only give you mouth to mouth resuscitation.

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