The so called Tea Party movement is not bad, just confused, short sighted, and misguided. I applaud their efforts to attempt shake up the 2 party system. The mere fact that someone can try start a new political movement, without fear of arrest or maiming or killing, says a lot about our country.

We need a smart party movement.

Tea Party. They want smaller government. Or, do they just want the parts of government that they don't like to be smaller? They wouldn't admit it, but its true. They also favor strict and limited interpretation of the US Constitution. They better hide their guns, unless they are in a militia (Oh, they probably are).

In an attempt to understand what creates the "Sarah Palins" of the world, caveman thinking needs to be considered. If you grow up in a place like Alaska, it would appear that your resources are unlimited. Worrying about the evironmental impact of your actions would seem crazy. You would probably think that other people who worried about such things were crazy. You don't want other people telling you to conserve, pollute less, and consider the environment. What is the point? Nothing is wrong with the way I do things, I am accustomed to it, and I don't want to change. (Caveman thinking).

A little education would be helpful.

Education is often the path to understanding the direction to take and the way to think about the world. Put yourself in someone else's shoes. Education requires an open mind- sometimes hard to find.

I tried to get this out on memorial day: What about the men and women who lost their lives fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan? These are unpopular and unjust wars, in some people's minds. The goals and accomplishments of these conflicts are still in question. There have been unpopular wars in the past. Did these people die in vain? You could argue that any casualty of war is not worth it. When someone joins the military, they are asked to sacrifice themselves as part of their job. I'm sure most feel (and hope, and pray) that they will make it through unharmed. In the line of duty, they focus on doing their job. There is great value in doing your best and sacrificing and being a team player.

No matter what anyone else thinks, these people are heroes to their comrades, family, friends, and country. Their lives and deaths are important.

Cavemen probably invented their version of religion to help them deal with death and other crappy things that happened to them. It started out as simple beliefs and morphed into the mess we have today. Shouldn't we get beyond this by now?
Religion still helps people get through the day and go on with their lives. Lots of crappy things are still happening.
To participate in religion you follow rules and are supposed to have faith. The rules don't have to make sense. Faith helps you follow the rules. The concept of "god" is thrown into the mix.
Silly? Yes- I think so. Appealing? Apparently to many. Leave me out of it.

Constitution

That's Unconstitutional. This little phrase is used a lot. I've read a good portion of the U.S. Constitution and it is quite comprehensive concerning laws and governing the country. The structure of the text is somewhat lawyer -like and worded differently than common english used today. Some of its content needs modern interpretation(which has been done by the courts on many occasions), but overall it is an amazing and relevant document.
If you think it might be Unconstitutional, check the Constitution.

Parking: What's up with backing into a parking spot in a parking lot? Its always more difficult to back into a spot than backing out. The only reason I can see is for a fast get-away. Funny.

Healthcare: Millions of people, many children, are uninsured or poorly insured. I constantly see people using emergency rooms as there primary source for any and all medical issues/problems/true emegencies. Emergency rooms can't turn them away, so they will be treated and probably will not pay. Much of the cost is "written off". So, who do you think pays for this? Don't oppose a public option for health insurance based on cost, because you are paying for it one way or another!