Has the Tea Party Been Hijacked?
by Aaron Biterman
Origins of the Movement
I have been active in libertarian circles for more than a decade, so when Ron Paul’s Presidential campaign raised more than $6 million in one day for our Presidential candidate, I was jumping for joy. That was in December, 2007, 
and was in conjunction with a nationwide “Tea Party” protest of Big Government. At our local event in Georgetown, Ron Paul supporters hosted our own fundraising event in which we wrote “Income Tax”, “Federal Reserve”, and “Invasion of Iraq” on boxes and tossed them out the 2nd story window of the event venue onto the streets of Georgetown.
The “Tea Party” was a nationwide event organized by Ron Paul supporters. Therefore the original concept of the Tea Party was libertarian — in favor of individual liberties (including personal freedoms and the ability to make any choice that does not harm another), limited government, and free markets.
The summer after the MoneyBomb fundraising success, in 2008, I participated in a Revolution March with Ron Paul supporters in DC (that’s me, with the Ron Paul sign, below right). The march was quite massive, likely with between 7,500 and 10,000 participants from all across the country. It ended with a concert in front of the nation’s capital which lasted all day.
2009 Resurgence
Things went quiet for a while, until early 2009. That’s when Rick Santelli drew attention for his remarks made regarding the Homeowners Affordability and Stability Plan in February of last year — from the floor of the CME Group during pre-market hours. Santelli accused the gove
rnment of promoting bad behavior and called for a Chicago Tea Party in response. Scattered cheers, whistles and applause could be heard from some of the personnel around the floor.
I participated in my second tea party event when I was asked to speak at the Reston Tea Party (in northern Virginia) on April 15 of last year. My speech focused on an economic issue that I believe important on tax day: repealing the Sixteenth Amendment. In my speech, I discussed how I never was duped into voting for George W. Bush, but that those who did can now redeem themselves by working for liberty in 2009, 2010, and beyond. I was well-received despite the hard rain pouring down on me as I spoke. At the time of my speech, I could tell that a broad coalition of folks were attending the Tea Party, and I surely realized that not all of them would agree with me — especially on social issues. So be it.
Hijacked Tea Party?
But it’s now a year later, and the Tea Party seems to be transforming from a libertarian gathering to promote less intrusive government and celebrate our freedoms to a neo-con group promoting War in Iran, criticizing immigrants and diversity, and persecuting those with different religious views. Rachel Maddow and David Weigel from The Washington Post have provided excellent coverage of this transformation from the very
beginning, interviewing libertarian bloggers like Steve Gordon and Jason Pye and even interviewing Congressman Ron Paul to gain their perspective on the Tea Party hijack. Maddow was shocked to learn that three so-called Tea Party supporters challenged the inspiration behind the Tea Party — U.S. Rep. Ron Paul — for Congress in his rural Lake Jackson/Victoria area district in Texas.
The “far left media” recently crowned Sarah Palin the new mother of the Tea Party movement. This is problematic for several reasons.
First, Palin is employed by FOX News, which has a history of propping up increased foreign intervention — including the War in Iraq. Second, Palin is closely associated with people who support increased interventionism abroad. In her most recent trip to Hong Kong, she brought a prominent media relations strategist/lobbyist named Randy Scheunemann. Third, there is a correct perception that Sarah Palin is scripted — she’s using talking points from people writing speeches for her rather than sharing what she really believes. (I’m sure she has some core beliefs, but what are they?)
Increased foreign interventionism, bigger military budgets, and sending our troops to more countries abroad is the exact opposite of what the original Tea Parties were all about — so libertarians, paleo-cons, and traditional Goldwater conservatives should be rightful skeptics of the strategists who have put into motion the hijacking of the Tea Parties.
There are several national groups claiming to lead the Tea Party. These include:
* The Tea Party Express, which created a campaign called Our Country Deserves Better. Of the $1.3 million raised for their campaign from July to November, $870,000 plus of it went to a single Republican campaign firm in California.
* The Tea Party Nation, run by Judson Phillips, which organized the recent Convention in Tennessee. Libertarian-leaning groups like Ron Paul’s Campaign for Liberty and Eric Odom’s American Liberty Alliance decided not to participate after dealings with Phillips and his co-organizers.
* The Tea Party Patriots, which is working with FreedomWorks — headed by former U.S. Rep. Dick Armey.
Be wary of any national group trying to control local Tea Party organizations.
How Do We Proceed?
This is not the first time a libertarian concept has been adopted by others. It was libertarian economist Milton Friedman who developed the concept of school vouchers, but most of the credit was never given. The same is true of the Cato Institute, which developed the concept of Social Security privatization but is rarely credited with it. And who was it that was actively calling the War on Drugs a failure from the early 70s onward? Despite that most people recognize the failure of the War on Drugs, the Libertarian Party rarely receives credit for popularizing what is now plainly obvious: that the War on Drugs has not worked.
The original message of the Tea Party — let’s take our government back! – still rings true. It’s up to us to keep fighting to reclaim our personal and economic liberties — and that includes a humble and logical foreign policy.
I would encourage people who share the Republican Liberty Caucus commitment to limited government to attend local Tea Party meetings to get a flavor for what your local branch of the Tea Party is like. Certainly the flavor of the local Tea Party depends on who is leading it. The local Tea Party objectives should determine if it’s a good fit for you. If it isn’t, start your own Tea Party.
If more libertarian-leaning Republicans were leaders in the Tea Party movement, perhaps the Tea Party movement would have a decisively more libertarian flavor.
Overall, the credit for the Tea Party concept goes to the most innovative thinkers in politics today: libertarian Republicans and Ron Paul supporters. The current Tea Party is heading in the wrong direction, but whether it can reverse its course is up to us.
There’s never been a better time to get involved in the movement to change our government to one of, by, and for the people. I challenge you to become active in your area. Joining the Republican Liberty Caucus is a great place to start.
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Aaron Biterman is Vice Chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus. He is the Founder of LibertySlate.com.
On February 10th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
This is an excellent article and I will forward it far and wide. You are right on the money Aaron!
On February 10th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
You the man Aaron!
On February 10th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
The Tea Parties are just a venue for folks to express populist rage and yes, they are a very mixed bag. But if you go to these events and talk with the folks, you don’t find ideological purists but just angry and frustrated folks who don’t really understand what is happening to them and America.
And of course it’s also true that the devious neocon/statist RNC/GOP machine is attempting to hijack the movement. But most folks aren’t drinking that Koolaid these days and in fact are mostly interested in tossing incumbents out of office. It’s there way of mopping their floors with GOP incumbent blood.
On February 10th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
We must all take to the streets on Feb 28th show the media that the LIBERTea party continues and won’t be subverted. We will continue on the work needed to restore liberty. No Socialism, No Patriot Act, No War!
On February 11th, 2010 at 3:03 am
I’ve read your blog and reread the principles the RLC stands for. I agree with the principles, but I for one do not agree that Ron Paul is the one to take it forward. The principles listed are strangely specific on certain points, pointing to a certain agenda, the Ron Paul agenda that I could not support in 2008. Remember as you fight to get back to your roots, that Ron Pauls specific plans to implement the RLC’s stated goals relegated your status to irrelevant bit players and getting back to that exact message may well take you back to that status. There is room for compromise and many that will agree with 90% plus of what you stand for, don’t make the mistake of being a one man party.
On February 11th, 2010 at 9:35 am
Good points Aaron, and I have similar concerns. People I know with only superficial knowledge of the Tea Party movement tend to associate it with social conservatism or neoconservatism. It is not, of course. We need to keep beating the drum that it’s about lower taxes, less spending, and a more limited role of government generally. Perhaps we could refer people to the Wikipedia article on the Tea Party movement: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_Party_movement
On February 11th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
The TEA Party has changed over the last 9 months. I agree that it is being hijacked from the top down. I’ve attended a few gatherings and spoke at the local one on 4/15. The people I see here in Montana at these gatherings are just about 100% guaranteed to not travel out of state and spend $1000 or so to attend a convention. I’ve talked to people from all political parties that are just plain fed up with the direction this country has been heading for many years. Perhaps the TEA Party should become the party of NO as the “Big Tent” Republicans don’t seem to want to be.
NO more big spending increases. NO more intrusion in our privacy and erosion of our freedoms and liberty. NO more increasing the deficit. NO more unaffordable entitlement programs. NO health care bill. NO cap and trade shoved down our throats. And the list goes on… and on…
Rep. Mike Miller, Montana HD84
http://www.MikeMillerHD84.com
On February 11th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
[...] Neocons hijacked the Tea Party from Ron Paul? [...]
On February 11th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
Good article, Aaron. The Tea Party movement has actually been hijacked by 6 giant media corporations.
On February 11th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
How can anyone hijack the Tea Party? It was an event that occured in Boston and belongs to every American…it is not owned by any individual or party as it lives within the spirit of every hard-working, tax-paying American. Seems more like jealousy that fed-up Republicans are having far greater success than Ron Paul ever did.
On February 12th, 2010 at 8:03 am
What part of, “…provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare,…” do you not get Aaron? Are you unwilling to accept that oil has been used as a weapon against the United States, even thought we found and helped bring the product to market? Is your wall strong enough to withstand the Huns?
On February 12th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
There will always be an attempt by the corrupt to infiltrate and control every sizable group which has consensus with an effort to pull all who follow its leaders under the domination of their power.
So be very wary of your leaders…
Only those leaders who have the focus and courage to stand for the ideals which drew their congregation can be trusted. You can never let your guard down, and you must always think for yourself.
Belonging to a group has the advantage of mass resistance and delegated responsibilities…BUT it is an added responsibility in itself.
On February 13th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
While Sarah Palin was speaking in TN, former governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson, was speaking in Seattle. He’s the real deal. He’s a twice elected Republican governor who served two full terms. Hew would be a great presidential candidate. He built a business from scratch and sold it when he had 1000 employees. He was a governor for eight years. He is young. I’d like to see him run for president.
On February 19th, 2010 at 9:23 am
It is up to the local “Tea Party” membership to NOT fall into step behind the so-called national movement. Campaign for Liberty (C4L) has always been formally organized and is recognized as such. While we have a direction and a concerted effort, it is still OUR membership, that drives us. The local “Tea Party” groups must stay centered on “local patriots” that are willing to stand. The “controlled media” is just that. Make no mistake about, they are all in the grip of the “MoneyMasters”. WE, the PEOPLE, must stand tall and once again, destroy the evil hold that the “MoneyMasters” have on OUR United States of America. Gold and $ilver, the only real money must be used for commerce in order to break the strangehold of the “ILLEGAL” federal reserve. I know that I brought a lot of issues up. This why we must FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS.
On May 1st, 2011 at 7:38 pm
I have been feeling that the Tea Party has been hijacked. I believe in reducing our spending and our debt, but the extremism that is happening in Congress now is only creating more division and polarization….and getting the so-called left angry and excited. Just like Obama and his group excited heartland conservative America to rise up. Why didn’t we just cut back, reduce, fix some very broken things in our government…like the checks and balances that are abused and don’t seem to check or balance at all? Why are we trying to do it all at once. It seems to me whoever has hijacked the tea party is just inflaming the left and creating DIVISION WHICH PROMOTES CORRUPTION…..and so it goes…on and on.
On May 1st, 2011 at 7:38 pm
I have been feeling that the Tea Party has been hijacked. I believe in reducing our spending and our debt, but the extremism that is happening in Congress now is only creating more division and polarization….and getting the so-called left angry and excited. Just like Obama and his group excited heartland conservative America to rise up. Why didn’t we just cut back, reduce, fix some very broken things in our government…like the checks and balances that are abused and don’t seem to check or balance at all? Why are we trying to do it all at once. It seems to me whoever has hijacked the tea party is just inflaming the left and creating DIVISION WHICH PROMOTES CORRUPTION…..and so it goes…on and on.
On July 15th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
We are at a crossroads, do we let the fedral reserve and the new world order take the united states of america, or do we stand with the only man fit to be elected president.
Congressman from Texas and champion of the Constitution.
Ron Paul http://www.ronpaul2012.com
On August 16th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
The Republican Party establishment motive is self defeating…It’s not that hard to see that they have been hacking the poles and Hijacking the TEA Party (started by the Ron Paul Revolution) again this year and trying to shove another one of their quasi-liberarian, lukewarm, fuzzymath big taxdollar spending socialist lackey’s down our throats…(in the Republican Primary’s, like they did with McCain in 2008). I don’t think the Repubublican flipflopin’ Party understands ??? Most of them are pretty stupid… It’s a “give me Liberty (Ron Paul) or give me Death” cause !!! (Obama)…Provide a good clean lawful government according to the contract (Constitutional liberty) for government as agreed and promised… (or) watch out for the Ron Paul supporters vindictive, frustrated “suicide vote”. The Registered Republican True Blue Libertarians tend to jump ship from Republican to Democrat in the general (1 vote lost) and Vote Obama (2 votes lost) because of all the hanky panky that goes on by the Republican Establishment
On September 15th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Completely agree. Some of the original Tea Party issues (particularly fiscal policy, auditing FED, constitution and lower tax ideals) were purposefully stolen and assimilated into the establishment Neocon-controlled Republican party’s rhetoric as though they originated it The reason for that is obvious — they know these issues are appealing and gaining popularity for most Americans. Just listen to some of the mainstream GOP candidates speak. They often sound like Ron Paul, which would have been unheard of in 2008. In fact, they laughed at these ideas back then. They are phonies. The establishment desperately wants stay in power, and it is sneaking the founding Tea Party principles into their rhetoric in order steal the momentum of this movement, but does anyone actually believe they will implement these ideas if they take office? They’ll talk strong but once in power these principles will be compromised and forgotten about.
On October 26th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
The New World Order was up and in control of both parties about six years after the 5 bankers who started Federal Reserve took control of America. There goal was to get our elected gangsters to put the tax payers in debt beyond any know math. Well, do you think they succeeded?? The Federal Reserves think tank was created in 1921 and it’s called The Council on Foreign Affairs. Did you know that Federal laws were passed decades ago that forbid us from knowing who the current owners of the Federal Reserve are?? Have you noticed that not even Fox News says a word about it?? Sure they talk Greenspan, Bernake, and Geitner but have you ever wondered who those incomps work for?? In 1971 the Trilateral Commission formed. These groups and others decide our fate at their secret meetings. I really don’t think there is a United States. Here in Kalifornia I just wonder how Feinstein, Boxer, Pelosi and once again that 100 year old extortionist hack Brown magically get elected decade after decade. How would you like to be a trust fund child of any of the owners of the Federal Reserve?? They own each of us from cradle to grave. The news keeps us JUST SMART ENOUGH TO BE STUPID.
On October 26th, 2011 at 10:52 pm
I sent several emails to theteaparty.net in regard to their useless commercial called We Are The Tea Party. I told Ron at theteaparty.net to use the news re. crony/demokrat solar companies and also the electric car companies which got billions of tax payer money. Pelosi’s brother in law got 3/4 of a billion dollars. The trend is your friend and yet theteaparty.net puts out a commercial with a bunch of people saying, we are the tea party. Good grief. I’m sure their marketing dept. are trojan hoarse’s . Yup, I believe we have been hijacked by RINO REPUBS.
On February 8th, 2012 at 10:04 pm
The establishment has hijacked the movement. Any group is vulnerable to being hijacked by the federal government to suppress liberty. I don’t think they’d be able to hijack the libertarian movement though, because it would create so much cognitive dissonance that the takeover would be rejected.