Judging The Accuracy Of Tea Party News

By Coleen Torres


There is a political movement seen so differently by commentators - depending on their political affiliation - that it's hard to go by just what you hear. To get the real Tea Party News, you need a computer or at least access to one. Dedicated websites are the most complete and reliable sources of information. Still, these need to be read with discernment as well.

Rallying citizens who favor a free market system, less Federal interference in state and local politics, and a balanced budget approach to public life, the Tea Party is a loosely organized conglomerate of local groups dedicated to opposing some of the more progressive aspects of the Federal agenda. Although many members hold conservative views on social issues as well, the movement is based on impacting mostly public issues.

The organization sets its inception in 2009 and has just celebrated its fifth anniversary. The origins of the movement are either attributed to Ron Paul's campaign for president or to a couple of bloggers who urged voters to send tea bags to Congress to express outrage over taxation and current policies. This links the TP to the Sons of Liberty who threw English tea into Boston harbor in 1773.

Considered by some moderate Republicans to be a third-party threat to conservative solidarity, the TP faces a lot of opposition from Republicans and Democrats alike. Some opponents call the movement racist, secret-agenda driven, and not truly grassroots at all. The popular view is that the movement will fade away. However, it seems remarkably valid, resilient, and enduring to many, especially true fiscal conservatives.

It's easy to find source material by going online to TPNN (TP News Network) and signing up for email bulletins, reading recent reports, and tracking local and national events. There are other dedicated websites, as well as local groups. Each local group may have its own particular focus, which some see as strength for the entire movement and others see as chaotic.

A lot of current coverage concern alleged IRS targeting of TP-affiliated groups for special scrutiny, delays in granting tax-exempt status, and denial of applications. Although the administration and the President have dismissed the allegations, Congress is taking them more seriously and trying to get answers to specific questions. Continuing failure to get the facts for whatever reason - some say accidental loss of documents and others say deliberate refusal to cooperate - has kept the issue in the national headlines.

Knowing the absolute truth may be impossible in this political climate, but it is still important to be as informed as possible. Using the internet to follow candidates, read alternative news coverage, and see what the mainstream fails to report can help form opinions that can shape voting and influence the national direction. It's no time to be lazy; action is required of all citizens at this critical time.

If you have a computer, go online and find major websites for the latest on TP activities. If you don't have one, go to the public library and use the machines there to keep abreast of current events.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment