It wanted the basic rights that are guaranteed by our Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. It wanted Freedom from government intrusion, Freedom from high and excessive taxation, but most importantly it wanted the Freedom to CHOOSE its own path and destiny.
Some have labeled the Tea Party movement as a racist movement designed to destroy President Obama. Now while some may want to see President Obama fail, the basic premise of the movement is founded on the life and legacy of Crispus Attucks. The Tea Party movement of today could have been more successful had it reached out to Blacks, Hispanics, Democrats and Moderate Republicans who believe in the American tradition. For those of you who will say the opposite, I beg you to point to a credible face or person that is talking to these groups. The problem is that a credible Black voice in the spirit of Crispus Attucks does not exist. This year’s midterm elections could very well change that. Right here in Texas, we have James White and Stefani Carter, who are black and Republicans, both won State Representative races in majority white districts that insiders had written off as a lost cause. Also voters elected two blacks to Congress who are also Republicans, one in South Carolina and one in Florida. Again these were majority white districts. These individuals and others following them, have the opportunity to become credible voices of the movement.
Right now the Tea party movement is in a unique position to go into Black and Hispanic communities to recruit and elect Democrats and/or Republicans to carry its message of freedom, smaller government, ethical leadership and ridding the system of business as usual politics. The voters in Sunnyside have the same concerns as voters in Briargrove Park. While one may point to Sunnyside being an urban area and Briargrove Park being more affluent the issues are still similar if not the same. A prime example of this theory being true is the re-election of Borris Miles. Representative Miles, a Democrat ran his campaign on “Taking Back 146” the same language as the Tea Party movement (Take Back America). It can be said Representative Miles, a black Democrat could very well espouse some of the same philosophy as the Tea Party movement. Who was he taking District 146 back from? White racist or an elected official who was out of touch with his constituency and the times? I would like to think it is the latter since Representatives Miles beat Al Edwards, a real estate broker and preacher who is black.
Right here in Houston, Texas we heard about a “racist” group called the King Street Patriots (KSP) and how they were out to deny Blacks and Hispanics the right to vote. KSP fueled this flame even more so because they didn’t have the foresight to send a letter to Democrat precinct chairs to offer poll watcher training. They didn’t have the foresight to invite Democrat elected officials out to share their views on Government and its role. By reaching out to Democrats, King Street would have dodged a public relations blunder.
Justin R. Jordan is the former Chairman of the Texas Federation of College Republicans and is a partner with the firm Bethel Nathan Communications.