Spokane7
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April 15, 2010 in City
Tea supporters turn out for a party
Sally Mahar, dressed as Mrs. Uncle Sam, shows her support during the Tea Party rally Thursday, April 15, 2010, on the steps of the Spokane Convention Center.
(Full-size photo)(All photos)
There may be plenty of disagreement in political rallies of thousands, but Oakesdale resident Ken Hanson’s opinion on taxes is one that was nearly universal at Thursday’s Tea Party gathering in Spokane.
“As the government continues to increase taxes and put more and more regulations on us, it’s impossible for us to prosper,” said Hanson, a farmer and owner of an irrigation supply business who brought his sons to the event.
Thousands gathered near the floating dock in front of the Spokane Convention Center to rally around conservative ideas and protest the direction of the country. Participants held signs, many aimed at President Barack Obama, taxes or health care reform.
There were American flags and “Don’t Tread on Me” flags and dozens of signs, including “Stimulus: Audacity of dopes,” “Socialism and Marxism are in our White House” and “Get the UN out of Spokane.”
Kirk Smith, vice president of the Tea Party of Spokane, which organized the event, said members of any party or no party are welcome in the Tea Party.
“We’re not here to do the dirty work for the Republican Party,” Smith said. “We’re here to do the dirty work of the people.”
More than 3,000 attended, and Tea Party President Dan Selle estimated the crowd at 5,000 or more.
Speakers at the event listed concerns about “death care legislation” and infringements on property rights.
State Rep. Shelly Short, R-Addy, criticized Democratic legislators who voted to allow tax increases without a supermajority.
“You can’t tax us out of the recession,” she said.
Not all the statements were popular. John Waite, who owns Merlyn’s and hosts a local political radio show, praised not only U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (who enjoyed strong support in the crowd), but also Dennis Kucinich – the Ohio Congressman who almost didn’t vote for health care reform because it wasn’t liberal enough. (Waite was later booed after recommending that voters choose third party candidates).
Top billing went to Idaho Gov. Butch Otter, who won a standing ovation for his speech that focused in large part on the importance of states’ rights. He criticized the 17th Amendment of the Constitution, which gave citizens the right to pick their U.S. senators. Until 1913, they were chosen by votes of state legislatures.
Otter asked the crowd to “assert our rights under the 10th amendment of the Constitution.”
That amendment says “powers not delegated” to federal government in the Constitution “are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.”
Otter also stressed that folks wishing to change the direction of government do so legally and peacefully.
“If we disregard the rule of law, we’re going backwards in a big way,” he said.
As folks walked into the rally they could sign petitions for conservative causes including gun rights, repealing tax increases, nullifying federal health care reform and giving sheriffs the “authority to arrest rogue federal officials.”
A couple other groups usually not associated with conservative causes took advantage of the large crowd, as well. At least two people roamed the audience to get signatures for a proposal decriminalizing marijuana.
Michael Lyons and Pete Cleary said they found some support.
“They preach about the federal government intruding in their lives,” Cleary said. “The drug war is a pretty good example of that.”
Austin DePaolo, who ran unsuccessfully for the Spokane School Board last year, even found people willing to sign a petition for a ballot proposal that would raise taxes aimed at lowering the dropout rate. He got four signatures in about 20 minutes. That’s a bit less than he’d expect in most crowds, he said, but not bad considering the Tea Party’s concern about taxes.
One person DePaolo failed to persuade to sign his petition was Laura Carder, who defeated him last year in the primary for school board.
Carder, who lost to incumbent Rocky Treppiedi in the November election, said she’s concerned that Obama and Congressional leaders are purposely trying to anger the public “so somebody might go berserk” thus allowing them to declare martial law and “shut down the electoral process because they know that they’re going to lose big time in November.”
“That is a possibility,” she said.
In some ways, though, Carder said Obama has been good for conservatives.
“He has awakened people out of their state of apathy,” she said.
Snow rules will be considered 
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chump on April 15 at 10:48 p.m.
Wonderful to hear that the crowd reflected the imperative of states’ rights among the fractured values such a diverse crowd would share.
I’ve often wondered how difficult it would really be for the citizenry to move in a direction to omit by amendment, Art 1, Sec 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Washington state: “The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land,” effectively seceding from the union.
“[D]isregard the rule of law,” as Otter mentions, does have quite a case. If the Constitution is truly the Supreme law of the Land, then one might rightly query: How do the feds justify a standing army in a time of peace?; How can so many be dispatched abroad for military actions without a Constitutionally required 2/3rd Congressional Declaration of War? Under what authority can the feds require any citizen to purchase any service or product (amongst their pre-approved and licensed agents)? …and many, many more.
If there is such a contempt for the rule of law (ie- the US Constitution), then for what purpose does the citizenry of a state assume enfranchisement to a double-negative authority? How can that very authority which denies its own authority have any authority?! :P
Great so see the discussion going on out there!
misjustice on April 15 at 10:57 p.m.
Most “tea parties” are still hosted by little girls, using tiny little tea services, with teddy bears as guests…
austindepaolo on April 15 at 11:15 p.m.
For the most part, everyone I spoke to at this event, and I did speak to quite a few, since I was gathering signatures, were actually very civil and sincere. For several that I spoke to they were there out of curiosity and concern for the current economic situation. And BTW Laura Carder did finally sign the petition to put the Children’s Investment Fund on the ballot as did about 16 others. Quite a few folks from out of town at this event.
yikes on April 15 at 11:17 p.m.
Looks pretty terrifying.
Um,
“Carder, who lost to incumbent Rocky Treppiedi in the November election, said she’s concerned that Obama and Congressional leaders are purposely trying to anger the public “so somebody might go berserk” thus allowing them to declare martial law and “shut down the electoral process because they know that they’re going to lose big time in November.”
Carder is a fear mongering, mental case. If she would set up shop & run in Idaho, she’d probably do very well.
By the way, I love you misjustice.
misjustice on April 15 at 11:26 p.m.
Yikes!!! yikes… ; )
misjustice on April 15 at 11:30 p.m.
I’m blushing! ; )
misjustice on April 15 at 11:34 p.m.
Just viewed the photo gallery…what is it with all the jowls??? LMAO! ; )
yikes on April 15 at 11:45 p.m.
Yes, the photo gallery! I’m planning on sedating myself tonight so that those images don’t slither into my sleep. I may have been a bit harsh on Carder, but I am a jaded Idahoan.
misjustice on April 15 at 11:47 p.m.
Jaded Idahoans are the best Idahoans! Sweet dreams, yikes! ; )
spokanecougar on April 16 at 12:21 a.m.
Wow, still trying to figure out where all these people were when Bush was giving billions to banks, billions to companies that benefited him and Cheney and his friends, billions of dollars worth of tax cuts to corporations and the rich and yet actually raised taxes on lower income people and the middle class. The sad thing is most of the people at the rally paid less in taxes yesterday than they did in the Bush years, to bad they are either to lazy or to stupid to know that.
Also, from those pictures and from what I saw when I was walking around during the event (trying not to laugh at the stupidity that was surrounding me), it was just a giant white trash fest full of people who know nothing about actual current events and what is going on in real life and people who just follow what ever Fixed News tells them to do. Also, did not see one person of color there - so that should kind of tell you the type of people a majority of these Tea Baggers are.
One more things, I highly doubt there was close to 3,000-5,000 people there, again from the picture and me actually being there I guessed maybe 1500-2000 people, if that, the whole steps were not filled up like the article says.
(On a side note, anyone else find it funny they call themselves tea baggers???? the most homosexual phrase around!!!)
Justin_Galloway on April 16 at 12:24 a.m.
I’m guessing those attendance figures are either for the whole day or the pictures are taken entirely out of context, because the gallery certainly shows less than 3,000 people. Bravo to Waite for getting on the agenda and pushing for a third party choice even if no one wanted to hear it.
yikes on April 16 at 12:39 a.m.
Spokane Cougar… Are you a Cougars fan or are you a middle aged woman on the prowl? I’m a straight female so please don’t think I’m hitting on you. I’m just curious.
spokanecougar on April 16 at 12:48 a.m.
Hahahaha……doesn’t matter, stick to the topic. :-)
GO COUGS!!!!!!!
Another_Perspective on April 16 at 1:56 a.m.
Crowd estimates were between 800-900. NOT the 1000’s that Brunt saw, but thats in tune with his reporting of the City Council.
The crowd was mainly composed of middle age conservatives. Luckily with all the nearby parking meters limited to 1 1/2 hour, the ones that showed up at 3:30 were packing to go home.
Most of the speaches (if you could hear them at all, until they found the volume control late in the event) were the same old mom, apple pie blah blah blah. There were very little inspiration in any of the blather speak.
The best part was the weather.
So far this TEA party is just a bunch of yowling jowling hot air expenders. If they wanted a real TEA party they would have marched down to City hall and tossed some of the bureaucrats into the River. Any dufus can make a sign, it takes a REAL Patriot to take action.
BTW the local criminal element (i.e. SPD) was not to be seen in the general area unlike the massive surveillance when 20 PJALS grannies bang their drums. However there were a few noticeable Fed LEOS in undercover taking a good look and taking pictures pf people in the crowds. They really need to quit all going to the same barber with that phony blocked hairlines in the back and the cheap JC Penney shirts/pants. Very few real attenders wore a sport jacket with a noticeable 9mm sized bulge under their coats.
Dazzeetrader11 on April 16 at 2:06 a.m.
Those were the employed taxpayers who fund the 50% of the country who don’t. Seems like they should have a voice. Over 3000 came to voice their views. There were a few from the other side of the isle but no problems. Pretty boisterous at times but no problems.
Very few people of color in Spokane Cougar. Less than 2%. And who said YOU were the arbiter as to who’s knowledgeable about current events? Looks like 58% of the country is against this healthcare bill… These guys know when some crazy president and his little minions are picking their pockets to pay for people who can’t/won’t pay for themselves. Seems reasonable to many to protest that.
Diana on April 16 at 2:54 a.m.
Daisy, stand up for your principles! Refuse Social Security and Medicare when the time comes!
flutieflakes on April 16 at 2:55 a.m.
Hey republicans gotta get together some time…
flutieflakes on April 16 at 3:04 a.m.
And it just figures that the forthcoming debate is over crowd size.
ChefGus/ John Olsen on April 16 at 5:13 a.m.
With Laura Carder on their side, I truly believe we don’t have a thing to worry about…. why on earth would you give her any press…. was she the best of the bunch?? Come on Jon…. It is noted that you did not name even one local Republican of Repute… where was Mr Mielke, Mr French, Mr Apple?? Mr Richard? Ex Commissioner Harris? and other prominent polititicians…. Ms McLaughlin etc ?? An Out of State Governor?? not a lot of credibility here…. not even any of the City Of Spokane Valley crew?? Penny Lancaster ??? the bizarre woman who is the head of the Republicans locally. Cindy Zapotoky (sp) ?? seems as if they did not really rally the troops… . hmmm john
EagleEye on April 16 at 5:29 a.m.
@spokanecougar,
Whether the actual number of attendees was 2,000, 3,000 or 5,000 isn’t nearly as significant as the overall message. For the record, last years event was similarly attended with around 2,500 to 3,000 people.
Also, last night in Post Falls, ID, approx. 3,500 people (as reported by channel 4 news) jammed into the Greyhound Park facility for a similar event.
The takeaway message from all of this is that THOUSANDS of average people feel strongly enough (about how badly things are going in our nation) to set aside their work so they can make it to these events.
To have almost 7,000 people (!) show up for these back-to-back events from our relatively small-sized community is a VERY IMPRESSIVE showing. This is the latest proof that growing numbers from a broad cross-section of OUR community are upset about what they see happening in our country.
Do you ever wonder, WHY? Or are you so completely oblivious and blinded by your ideology that you are hopelessly incapable of seeing anything beyond one side of an issue? Big Hint: There are MANY issues that the Tea Party people are concerned about and you haven’t addressed a single one of them with anything remotely close to a factual, coherent argument.
Only the simple-minded and/or ignorant fail to grasp the significance of this movement, which is a genuine outpouring of political discontent by MILLIONS of average Americans. And this phenomenon isn’t about to just fade away anytime soon. On the contrary, these people haven’t even hit their stride, as they still have no centralized voice or strategic direction that they have found to follow. Nevertheless, they’ve already manifested major change by casting the deciding swing votes in the recent Virginia and Massachusetts election upsets.
And despite the ignorant comments to the contrary, Faux News does NOT speak for a great many of these people. The smartest among them (and there are MANY highly informed people in these groups) have completely tuned out not only Fox, but also CNN, ABC, CBS, MSNBC - and many have even tuned out the Spokesman Review (GASP!). In short, fast-growing numbers of these people are giving up on trying to get fair and balanced news reporting from the transparently biased, main stream media (MSM).
So those of you regular commenter’s with nothing but time on your hands and nothing positive to say, can try to spin the numbers all you want. None of your sarcastic, belittling and non-factual comments can change the bottom line, grass-roots nature of the so-called Tea Party movement. If anything, it only further confirms their observations that an ignorant core of S/R readers is hopelessly brainwashed by socialistic group-think and incapable of original thought.
EE
smarg on April 16 at 5:42 a.m.
If a conservative doesn’t like guns, he doesn`t buy one.
If a liberal doesn’t like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.
If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn`t eat meat.
If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.
If a conservative is homosexual, he “quietly” leads his life.
If a liberal is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.
If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation.
A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.
If a conservative doesn’t like a talk show host, he switches channels.
Liberals demand that those they don’t like be shut down.
If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn’t go to church.
A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced. (Unless it’s a foreign religion, of course!) …yes….of course….
If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it.
A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.
If a conservative is unhappy with the government…they peacefully assemble and voice dissent…(they even pick up their trash and leave the place spotless)
Liberals don’t voice civil dissent….they lie, cheat, deceive, scream, become violent and threatening…they don’t believe in “free speech” and they are the most intolerant people in this world….There is NO group, more intolerant of free thinking and speech than liberals.
Mr_Bloggy on April 16 at 6:06 a.m.
They are extremists. They are angry aging baby boomers mostly, choosing to spend their golden years ranting and raging, upset the country is changing, upset by all the brown people, and easily led by a jingo slanging right wing media. Fortunately, in numbers, they are quite small. Even more fortunately, for a left wing commie loving socialist like me, they are the current face of the GOP and will probably scare normal America so much that the GOP will squander a real opportunity at mid terms to get seats. Michelle Bachman, Sarah Palin, Ron Paul, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck. Butch Otter
OMG. If you made up this movement and this cast of characters for a political humor novel your editors would tell you to reconsider the cartoonish caricatures you’ve created.
Spokane_Citizen on April 16 at 6:26 a.m.
The most amusing thing about this ‘narrow band movement’ of government hating boneheads is that they’re predominantly major entitlement consumers themselves. Their true intent has NOTHING to do with patriotism; it’s about personal greed, selfishness, general elderly crabbiness, with a strong touch of racism.
Diana on April 16 at 6:38 a.m.
EagleEye, are you saying that in a country with a population of more than 300 MILLION, that THOUSANDS of people are teabaggers? WOW!
fbhkymom on April 16 at 7:25 a.m.
Thank you, EagleEye, for saying everything right. I’ve tried to wake these people up myself but to no avail. And as you notice, even after you post a truthful, logical statement of undisputed facts, they will continue to bash, insult and spew their hateful diatribes. I just don’t understand why some of you can’t see that these folks at the Tea Parties are concerned Americans just like ALL of us! Why can’t you respect their intentions? They want a better America…an America that was originally intended by our Founding Fathers. Do you not want that? I don’t believe you should have the privilege of calling yourself an “American Citizen” if you don’t believe in the foundations and principles of our Constitution and Declaration of Independance.
OK, now it’s my turn to be ripped apart by the liberal piranhas.
remymartin on April 16 at 7:29 a.m.
Right on the money, TJ. Anybody with an ounce of brains that has watched this regime since it took over our government can easily see that TJ is right. As for the Tea Party people, you can smear them, you can be the bully, you can call them names, you can deceive yourself all you want, but you are only showing your ignorance. Just like the so-called school teacher in Oregon who tried his best to bring down the Tea Party. He is now on administrative leave for possibly using school property to advance his garbage. Have at it.
BigE on April 16 at 7:38 a.m.
You Liberal Democrats make yourselves look worse than the tea party/tea baggers/homos, name calling is grade school antics.
First of all, I am 50, a Veteran, married, own my home, make good money, have no kids at home and am sick and tired of working my butt off and getting taxed to death because I don’t have any write offs.
I am not fat, I don’t smoke, I exercise, I help my neighbor, have stopped to changed a ladies tire, I do the things I was taught by my family. I honor my family name and remember what my Grandfathers and Uncles fought for.
Have at it, if all you can come up with is, balls in the mouth and name calling, good luck to you in the future, I’ll make sure the next person I hire has my views, yup, fair is fair.
SugarShane on April 16 at 7:52 a.m.
EagleEye- “This is the latest proof that growing numbers from a broad cross-section of OUR community”
You might want to check your definition of a “broad cross section”.
Usually that means representative of ALL members of a community, not a bunch of old people.
fbhkymom-“And as you notice, even after you post a truthful, logical statement of undisputed facts.”
Hey mom, you might want to check your definition of “undisputed facts.”
spokanecougar on April 16 at 8:23 a.m.
Amazing how none of these Tea Baggers can answer where they were during the Bush years of running up huge national debts, giving billions to large corporations and giving them even bigger tax breaks. Ending regulations that allowed the worse recession since the Great Depression and then giving the first $700+ billion dollars to the banks (which you all seem to forget about). He also gave billion and billions worth of tax cuts to the biggest and wealthiest corporations and people in this country, while actually RAISING taxes on the lowest of income earners and most middle class people. WHERE WAS YOUR ANGER THEN??? It looks really bad when most of the things you are upset about and fighting to change for happened during the Republicans/Conservative watch and now we progressive Democrats are fixing your damn mistakes and you are pissed about it. TO BAD, YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE FOR EIGHT YEARS AND YOU FREAKING BLEW IT!!! INSTEAD OF FIXING THINGS YOU WANTED AND GOT WAR INSTEAD……OPPS, YOUR PARTY EFF’ED UP NOW DEAL WITH IT AND SHUT UP!!!!!
cormac123 on April 16 at 8:34 a.m.
I’m more of a coffee person. Tea’s okay, too.
BigE on April 16 at 8:39 a.m.
Spokane Cougar looking for young men,
You are not an American nor are you patriotic, talk about anger, bit frustrated I can tell.
We blew it, hmmmm, how about Clinton, cigar anyone ?
America blew it, where you the liberals, did you have your discussions at Starbucks ?
Le’t talk about our current president, my nephew is at war, our President sent him there, yes President Obama, he was out and got called back. Our President has not pulled troops out, what is you answer to that, sucks to get old and no one wants anything to do with you, LOOK AT ME
Another_Perspective on April 16 at 8:43 a.m.
I like how the fake number of 7000 is a majority to a half a million living in the Inland area.
Lemme see according to ye olde slip stick thats uh like less than 1 percent. Call me when you get 50.1%.
They would get more people to show up on both sides of the fence if they quit waiting for the mother ship to land.
ryanbar on April 16 at 8:49 a.m.
I want to rally for the cause of donuts with my coffee. MORE DONUTS!!!
cormac123 on April 16 at 8:58 a.m.
Let’s have a Donut Parade.
remymartin on April 16 at 9:36 a.m.
Half of this country does not pay federal income tax. How ironic, that the loudest complainers about the rich don’t pay enough are the ones that don’t pay any federal income tax and are enjoying all of the benefits we all take for granted. When you don’t contribute, you shouldn’t bitch. Anymore, it doesn’t make a bit of difference about political party, because they all had a hand in what got us where we are in this mess today.
Scoutster on April 16 at 9:45 a.m.
Spokesman…
Why are there two places where this story is lo cated and two places for comments?
It makes it hard to keep up with all the informative and insightful commentary.
zac1974 on April 16 at 10:14 a.m.
I noticed the same thing Scoutster, so I’m posting my comment on both.
! wonder where the Tea-Partiers anger was when the Republican Party (who controlled the White House and Congress) was dragging the country into this recession the previous 8 years? I’m not saying the Democrats have done a great job either but this version of our government inherited many of the issues our economy is having. There just seems to be alot of revisionist history going on.
MrNatural on April 16 at 10:17 a.m.
You may fear the government
When you’re moneys all but spent
An’ you’re worried THEY will come and get you soon
But when it comes to quacko’s
you cannot top the wacko’s
Wearin tin foil hats an barkin at the moon
Now these tea folks are a cryin
And they swear they aren’t a lyin’
That your freedoms being shoveled out the door
So instead of pitchin tea now it’s sos-security
Medicare and education and the war.
Tea and Tin! Tin! Tin!
As they gripe and moan and spin
There’s Conspiracy afoot so wear your tin
Now to add to cannon fodder
The Tea’s courted ole Butch Otter
Who would give you back your money for the rent
But the fraction you are payin
Wouldn’t cover what he’s saying
So you’re stuck now without service or a cent
And don’t forget Ms. Palin
And the bull that she’s a wailin
As she sports a total tin foil pompadour
With a folksy “Yeah You Betcha!”
“We won’t pay but don’t you fret ya
You can get what all you need now from a store!”
Tea and Tin! Tin! Tin!
As they gripe and moan and spin
There’s Conspiracy afoot so wear your tin
A tin foil hat with tea
Is the rage from sea to sea
For it gives the disenfranchised its own say
But the theory’s somewhat blighted
Because their protest is shortsighted
So their culminated voice is like a bray
Still be cautious with this throng
And do listen to their song
For it shows our nations liability
These hammer-heads all vote
Constitutions get rewrote
We might find ourselves on vessels out to sea
Tea and Tin! Tin! Tin!
As they gripe and moan and spin
There’s Conspiracy afoot so wear your tin
I admit the tax annoys ya
And it prompts a paranoia
That the government is socialistic bound
As a citizen my station
Is to help Obama-nation
So our institutions running safe and sound
Don’t be scared and don’t you flee
Practice your democracy
And majority will trim the sails you seek
But remember though this land
That united we all stand
This dissention just might make us frail and weak
Tea and Tin! Tin! Tin!
As they gripe and moan and spin
There’s Conspiracy afoot so wear your tin
Diana on April 16 at 10:41 a.m.
BigE, unless you make over 250k a year, your taxes went DOWN!
spokanada on April 16 at 11:20 a.m.
Is it just me or did the crowd look like it was getting ready for a WWE event?
empyrius on April 16 at 11:25 a.m.
Mr. Natural keeping it lite.
Disagreement with humor even: nice!
spokanecommunistparty on April 16 at 11:30 a.m.
Republican party is dead and new names for it won’t help. My wife and I want to sign that weed petition, does anybody know where to do that in the Valley?
jenniirv on April 16 at 11:42 a.m.
Donuts for all!
empyrius on April 16 at 11:46 a.m.
Re: marijuana initiative (us occasional herb smokers are not that lazy after all eh!!!!!):
Merlyn’s Comics
19 W. Main Street
Spokane, WA
www.merlyns.biz
CBR Medical Clinic
3115 E. Mission
Spokane, WA
www.cbrmedical.com
Spokane Designated Provider
2212 E. Wellesley Ave.
Spokane, WA
www.spokanedp.net
The Emerald Sun
9423 N. Division Street
Spokane, WA
www.emerald-sun.com
Zanies
1214 W. Knox Avenue
Spokane
509-326-8400
www.ithouseinc.com
4000 Holes
1610 N. Monroe Street
Spokane
www.4000holes.com
509-325-1914
Law Offices of Stiley & Cikutovich
1408 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane
www.legaljoint.net
Ronnie Rae & Associates
1403 W. Broadway Avenue
Spokane
www.ronnierae.com
http://sensiblewashington.org/where-to-sign-i-1068/pierce-county/
The Lord’s will be done!
fun_sexy_time on April 16 at 11:46 a.m.
Teabaggin’
by Owl City
No, I don’t drink coffee
I only like tea
Any kind will do
Especially the chamomile variety
And if our love’s like a teapot
Then you are the steam
And I am the teabag
Do you take yours with cream?
BRIDGE:
Here I am, floating in water
Like a cerebral submarine
There’s no need for concern
As the sea starts to churn
And you sink me with your missle
CHORUS:
So baby put on the kettle
And make me some tea
Turn up the heat, make me complete
And listen to it whistle
Listen to it whistle
spokanecommunistparty on April 16 at 11:51 a.m.
Thanks empyrius =)
cormac123 on April 16 at 12:32 p.m.
That’s a Pulitzer Prize-winning song if I’ve ever heard one.
fbhkymom on April 16 at 5:02 p.m.
Scoutster - You mention “informative and insightful commentary” - Thank you! I’m sure you’re referring to myself, EagleEye, remymartin, BigE, and myself. :o)
spokanecougar on April 16 at 5:17 p.m.
fbhkymom - The fact is very few people are referring to you or your fellow Tea Baggers as “insightful or informative.” Don’t believe me take a few minutes to look up the facts and you will see a very small minority are Tea Baggers and most are older, rich white people who are mad because they don’t want people to have the same things as them.
Dazzeetrader11 on April 16 at 9:01 p.m.
Cougar…if they do the work, of course the should go get whatever they want. Nobody begrudges them. It’s the others who didn’t do the work but think they’re entitled to somebody else’s success. Something about that isn’t quite kosher.
BigE’s funny!
And who says conservative’s weren’t protesting George Bush and his crazy spending? Most did. Didn’t matter. Just like Obamas and his mental spending.. iberals should be outraged at what he’s done. Debt for 3 or more generations if he’s left unchecked. Taxes as high as anyone knows of…and he’ll continue unless he’s blocked in November.
Remy’s got a great few posts.
EagleEye just about says it best. Reread his ideas.
We’re Americans and born into an American system Now, because of mistakes ( serious ones in this as well as the past two) brought major infirmites to the American system. Many would like the US to retreat to a modified Euro socialist system …without any good reason . If you’ve lived there, you soon know the people are forlorn…and the system urges each person to conform and be like his neighbor…ie one class sytem. What’s wrong with that? Nothing…and i hope people who like that type of society would go try it….over there.
America needs to return to it’s roots. Everyone has opportunity….some take it and build and others just watch.Some have no ambition…I wish you well. Some are bitter and resentful over others’ sucess…depending on how it’s defined. One thing about the US…there’s room for everyone.
Just don’t allow yourselves to be drawn into a class warefare. Begruding your neighbors financial success is doomed to failure…and a certain level of unhappiness.
EagleEye on April 17 at 1:53 a.m.
@Diana – The loosely defined coalition of “Tea Party” sympathizers is counted in the MILLIONS across the U.S. But I won’t bother spoon-feeding the research to you. If you sincerely want to enlighten yourself, you’ll need to get off your Arse and look it up yourself.
@Another_Perspective
When was the last time anyone around here saw 7,000 people assembling or protesting about ANY political cause in the Spokane area? (Spokane and CDA are considered to be part of the same metro area in case you didn’t know).
By any yardstick, that is an undeniably IMPRESSIVE showing and your attempts to downplay all of this shows that you either have a 2nd grade understanding of the facts, or you are deliberately trying to spin this news to marginalize or dismiss the significance (which would be my guess).
Any thinking person knows that, barring a catastrophe, we will never see anything close to 50% of the people marching in the streets and apathy is one of the biggest reasons. Whenever people actually bother to show up for an event in large numbers, it has significance, primarily because very few people are willing to pull themselves away from their work-a-day routines and vote with their feet. Pollsters are always looking at physical body counts in political assemblages as reliable indicators and representations of a greater level of support below the surface.
Now that the 2008 election is over, why aren’t we seeing 7,000 “Progressive”/Leftists/Socialists getting together in the Spokane Metro Area to publicly call for newer and better ways to line their pockets and vote themselves benefits at the tremendous expense of their neighbors?
Answer: Probably because the vast majority of the observing public would instantly recognize the ideological bankruptcy of their positions and laugh them out of town.
The Tea Party people as a group are far more aware about the issues than the average citizen in our community. Sadly, the average U.S. citizen (and Spokane is NO better) puts more thought and attention into their votes for American Idol, Dancing With the Stars and Fantasy Football than they ever will for the issues that affect them the most.
Unfortunately, those are the same people who may well be lining up for CAT FOOD in their “golden years” after we have allowed our government officials to run the dollar and our country into the ground.
EE
SugarShane on April 17 at 10:40 a.m.
EE-“When was the last time anyone around here saw 7,000 people assembling or protesting about ANY political cause in the Spokane area”?
You mean the people that showed up that are all retired and dont work and have long ago spent whatever they had put into SSI and yet still receive a check and medicare as they decry socialist agendas? What was that about taking from your neighbor what you haven’t earned? Fortunately for you, socialist programs like welfare will keep you from eating catfood, unless maybe you’re doing it by choice?
EE-“Probably because the vast majority of the observing public would instantly recognize the ideological bankruptcy of their positions and laugh them out of town”.
At least you got this much right, you just need to apply it to Tea Baggers, and I really wish you’d look up the current definition of that, because it is a clear indication of how out of touch with America you guys really are.
Diana on April 17 at 10:43 a.m.
@EagleEye:
Dream on, teabagger!
eagleproducer on April 17 at 11:45 a.m.
dazee: Spokane County has only 2% “minorities?”
Hmmm… according to the 2000 census that number is much closer to 12% and I’ll wager it has increased in the last ten years. You’d know that if you emerged from your fifties-era bomb shelter more than a few times a year to resupply.
As for the arch-conservatives in our midst: Your ideology has been proven vacuous. Thanks for running the U.S. into the ground for the last forty years with your anti-government/pro wealthy elite who wouldn’t spit on you if you were ablaze stupidity.
Let me break down what “you” have done for all of us: Gut regulations to the detriment of personal finance, workplace safety, worker’s wages and the environment. Transfer trillions of national wealth to the already wealthy while bleating at the top of your shrill voices that they poor are bleeding us dry. Engage in perpetual warfare.
Thanks a lot!
Dazzeetrader11 on April 18 at 1:19 p.m.
2% black….read carefully…12% is a national figure.
If you know differently…post a link tucks.
EagleEye on April 19 at 7:44 a.m.
@Spoketucky,
You wrote,
“Let me break down what “you” have done for all of us: Gut regulations to the detriment of personal finance, workplace safety, worker’s wages and the environment. Transfer trillions of national wealth to the already wealthy while bleating at the top of your shrill voices that they poor are bleeding us dry. Engage in perpetual warfare.”
Some of your points are valid, but you are seriously misguided in trying to tag the so-called “arch-conservatives” as the only perpetrators. Let me break it down for YOU:
- Personal Finance:
That supreme “arch-conservative,” BILL CLINTON was actually the President who pushed through and signed the ‘The Financial Modernization Act’ in 1999 that repealed the Glass-Steagall Act. That legislation is widely considered to be one of the biggest causes of the recent financial meltdown where institutions were allowed to become “too big to fail”. Some of the same people who drafted that legislation are now steadily employed in the Obama administration.
- Workplace Safety, Worker’s Wages:
Actually, both BILL CLINTON and GEORGE W. BUSH were BOTH responsible for harming these causes by turning a blind eye and/or refusing to enforce existing laws governing immigration. By allowing completely open, porous borders they were tacitly supporting big business by driving down wages and lowering working standards for the American poor and middle class. They both knew exactly what they were doing and unbridled immigration is far more responsible than actual legislation in terms of the negative effect on working people.
- The Environment:
BILL CLINTON shoved NAFTA down the throats of the American public who were overwhelmingly against it (Al Gore was the 51st tie-breaker vote as the Senate Pro Tem/Vice President). Clinton also gave “Most Favored Nation” trading status to China and the two of those policies gave corporate America the green light to move millions of our jobs offshore. Both China and Mexico have zero regard for “the environment” and regularly trash their eco-systems and the health of their citizens in blind pursuit of profits. In the macro sense, those 2 actions by Clinton actually made the GLOBAL environment WORSE than it was when Americans still had all of “those dirty jobs” (as our environmental extremist friends like to say). Bush then later came along and did his part by opening up vastly larger areas of federal lands to logging companies for clear-cutting and also relaxing environmental standards for mining companies.
- Transfer trillions of national wealth to the already wealthy:
I would argue that both BUSH and OBAMA have been responsible for the biggest part of this as they both led the charge to pass the two massive BAILOUT bills. Obama subsequently nationalized GM and Chrysler and bailed out AIG. This assumes that we are only blaming the guys at the top. In actuality, there are legions of politicians from BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES that have been responsible for and continue to pursue the wholesale transfer of wealth away from average, Middle Class Americans towards the wealthy corporations. This is truly a raping of America and the Tea Party people are the most vocal opponents of all of this. They are against welfare (robbing Peter to pay Paul) in both social and corporate manifestations.
…to be continued
EagleEye on April 19 at 7:54 a.m.
@Spoketucky (continued)
- Engage in perpetual warfare:
Certainly the Bush Administration is the reigning champ at starting and perpetuating unnecessary wars (against the non-specific threat of “terror”) that feeds the Military Industrial Complex. Rumsfeld, Cheney, Wolfowitz, etc “justified” the pre-emptive bombing policy that actually makes America LESS SAFE and threatens the long-term viability of the dollar via deficit spending. But let’s not forget, Democratic leaders Reid and Pelosi consistently refused to stop funding Bush’s wars (which they had the power to do). So they were very much complicit with the Bush Administration in perpetuating the wars. Adding insult to injury, Obama is following the exact same failed policy as Bush by sending 50,000 MORE TROOPS into Afghanistan and opening a new front in Pakistan with Special Forces and Predator/Drone type aircraft.
Obama and Clinton must be some of those “arch-conservatives” you are ranting against, as they are both at least partially responsible for the list of problems you mentioned. Why aren’t you complaining about Obama’s military expansion in the Middle East or about his continuing role in the transfer of wealth from the taxpayers to the big corporations?
Since Obama obviously isn’t delivering on all of that “Hope and Change” he promised, I would think he’d get more push back from members of his own party. I guess it’s no different than when too many Republicans remained silent about Bush when he was obviously out of control. The truth is that BOTH major political parties have been huge contributors to our problems. Americans need to get honest with themselves and reassess their bi-polar, 2-party political mentality if they ever hope to see real and lasting changes.
EE
eagleproducer on April 20 at 1:39 p.m.
EE: Take yourself back to when Congressman Murrow wanted to begin debate about war funding, ie. stopping the continuing resolutions and place the war expenses on the books, and look at the backlash he endured. Pelosi and Reid both knew they’d be branded as anti-American and seeking to harm the troops if they made any movement towards defunding both the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. There decisions were based upon political expediency of the same sort used by Bush to justify support for war. They are all complicit. I have never considered either Clinton or Obama as liberal politicians. As you’ve pointed out repeatedly, no true liberal would have supported the policies and positions they have.
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/53/53063.html
There ya go, Dazee. It took me all of thirty seconds to retrieve the facts the refute your claims about persons of color in Spokane County.
eagleproducer on April 20 at 4:35 p.m.
*their decisions my bad…
Hcklbery on April 21 at 12:18 p.m.
THE ONLY THRIVING TAKING PLACE IN THIS RECESSION IS THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPANSIVE TAKEOVER OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE’S LIVES.
ENOUGH.
THIS FAR….
NO FURTHER…….
tommyt37 on January 10 at 7:57 p.m.
“We blew it, hmmmm, how about Clinton, cigar anyone ?”
You are comparing a guy giving a cigar job to an intern to a guy screwing the whole country? lol you’re an idiot
tommyt37 on January 10 at 8:05 p.m.
“THE ONLY THRIVING TAKING PLACE IN THIS RECESSION IS THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPANSIVE TAKEOVER OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE’S LIVES.
ENOUGH.
THIS FAR….
NO FURTHER…….
What are you talking about health care? You mean the one that saves us over 200 billion dollars?? yeah sounds real duuuuumb uh?
Or maybe it was those tax custs they left in?? Was that bad? Or was it the law passed a few years back under the obama admin that allowed for guns to be carried in federal parks? Ohhh that crazy obama!! better keep buying up that ammunition cause they are gunna taker our guns!
Sooo what is it? Cut our military? Cut the DOD are you for that??
What else are they taking over?? Mmmmm
give me a break… paranoia will destory ya!!!