Sticking up for the Tea Party

Monday, May 13, 2013
The end-times must surely be upon us, for I agree with Glenn Beck. 

It turns out that during the 2012 election the IRS was unfairly delaying or denying tax-exempt status for groups that applied with "Tea Party" or "Patriot" in their names. The next day, it then came to light that the IRS knew they were engaging in this grossly inappropriate behavior - and did next to nothing to correct the problem.

I've been following the scandal via Outside the Beltway, and there are plenty of liberal and conservative media outlets and blogs who are writing about the legalities of the situation, so I'll not do that here.


It's no secret how I feel about the so-called "Tea Party" and it's so-called "Patriotic" affiliates. I think that much of their rhetoric and vitriol is inspired by racism.I think the vast majority of the membership is being manipulated by big money, and they're too stupid to realize it. I think they're intellectually dishonest and lack anything resembling self examination. In short, I think their very presence in public life lowers the IQ of the country and their pandering to the lowest common denominator of American life makes me apoplectic with rage.

Which means I might be inclined to chortle softly in self-satisfaction at the hand they've been dealt by the IRS, right? Wrong. I feel compelled to speak about this matter, and speak on behalf of the Tea Party.

Here's the thing about that pesky "rule of law" we liberals are always nattering on about: It must apply to everyone, equally, or it means nothing. This means that not only my group gets a fair shake - all groups must get the same treatment. It means that when a government agency abuses their power and imposes bureaucratic burdens on an unpopular movement, they should be called out, held accountable, and heads should roll, REGARDLESS of which side of the political aisle is affected. 

Because, you see, you never know when your group or movement might be the "unpopular" one, and be subject to the same abuse of power.

Accountability matters. When the government is involved, it matters even more. People should lose their jobs over this. And don't forget to stock up for the impending Apocalypse.

3 comments:

Anne C. said...

My thoughts precisely. Well stated!

Eric said...

Yeah, these allegations are pretty damn appalling if true. And, unfortunately, they're looking like they probably are.

Random Michelle K said...

First, I agree completely with you.

Second, I noted something I heard on the news this morning. Conservatives were saying this HAD to be a conspiracy, as no progressive groups were targeted.

Well, DUH. Tea party and "patriot" groups all avow they want to get rid of income tax--essentially the IRS.

Small wonder individuals whose jobs were threatened by these groups took vengeance (especially when said groups were using the existing tax code to attempt in their fight.)

Again, what they did is wrong, and the individuals SHOULD be fired. But a conspiracy? No. Just individuals who don't understand what holding the public trust actually means.