In response to Ralph Rosendin”s Feb 13 opinion letter “Tea Party is doomed to fail,” Ralph”s comments are confusing. I assume he realizes the name “Tea Party” is not a proposed name of a third political party but is the name of event(s) of historical significance. The attendees include members of all political parties and their common theme is: smaller government, less spending, and fewer taxes. So far the movement has been a resounding success with demonstrated movement of candidates (both Republican and Democrat) to more conservative principles. As in the original Tea Party in Boston”s harbor, this movement was motivated by people wanting their government to listen and be responsive. Candidates aligned with Tea Party values have logged recent victories in Virginia, New Jersey, Massachusetts and New York.
However, the Tea Party movement is a grassroots effort and is not steered from the top. Should it become misguided and result in a third political party it would (as he stated) be doomed to failure. The more likely result is alliance with a Republican party that moves more toward its conservative values which would ensure both a win for the movement and our great country.
The formula is simple. Lower taxes equals a more successful private sector. A more successful private sector (small businesses, large corporations, individuals) equals more tax revenue even with lower tax rates. A successful private sector also equals more employment and a strong economy. A strong economy provides funding for education, health care, environmental needs, etc. A Tea Party movement that steers our government in this successful direction is right on target. Excessive government spending, misguided stimulus efforts and continued enlargement of government (public sector) provides none of these advantages, while digging us into a deeper hole.
Ed Calkins
Kelseyville
