After a weekend of as close to political activism as The Oldtimer is likely to get, there are a few observations that some might find to be of value.
As many of you know, The Oldtimer ventured out to both the Searchlight Tea Party and then to the appearance by Ann Coulter in Henderson later that day.
Coulter first:
Ann is obviously a passionate conservative, well suited to tossing the party faithful some serious red meat.
But, I believe she has fallen for the stereotype that the media have been promoting about the Tea Party conservatives... that they are mostly WASP men with somewhat redneck leanings.
While many of her comments were spot on and delivered with effective humor, many were also right on the limit of racial slurs and homophobia.
That's not going to help the Tea Party movement grow, and in fact, turned off a number of the very people she was trying to motivate to action.
It's clear why she wouldn't allow any media in the arena while she spoke.
And it's equally clear why the Tea Party movement shouldn't allow her to be seen as a representative spokesperson for their cause.
Her appearance was part of a larger conservative "grassroots Nevada" event, and in many ways was a reasonable follow-on to the Searchlight Tea Party event earlier in the day.
But both events were seriously lacking in one key element necessary to effect any serious change.
The Tea Party movement is trying desperately not to become another political party, most likely because they are fearful of splitting the Republican vote and giving up yet another term to the Democrats.
But in so doing, they're missing their biggest opportunity.
They're highly effective at getting people to get up off the couch and attend their rallies.
They're highly effective in getting clever (and appropriate) signs made.
And, they're highly effective in getting their followers charged up and enthusiastic about doing.....
What exactly?
The thing that was missing from both Tea Party events this weekend is a specific call to action.
A directed means of capitalizing on that enthusiasm and desire for change in a positive, productive way that will support and grow the movement all the way until November.
Whether it's to go out and volunteer for local candidates, or to keep on writing and calling Congress about liberal activities, or even just raising money for national conservative candidates or causes, there needs to be a proactive focus for this excited and capable constituencey.
And the candidates that realize and capitalize on it first, will be gthe big winners in November and after.
“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” --- Paul J. Meyer
“Stressing output is the key to improving productivity, while looking to increase activity can result in just the opposite.” ---- Paul Gauguin
