It’s great that progressive activists are promoting efforts like The Coffee Party Movement and Teabusters, but the use of such terminology suggests that the efforts are simply a reaction to the Tea Party efforts. They are not. We supported President Obama in 2008 because we wanted to change the way things were done in Washington, we wanted government that was responsive to the concerns of the American people and not special interests, and we wanted a government that would respect our Constitutional rights. That’s what Tea Party Queen Sarah condescendingly refers to as “that hopey-changey thing.” The Spirit of 2008 was, and is, all about Change. Not reactionary, fearful, angry, nativist (and sometimes racist) change, but progressive, constructive, and yes hopeful change. The Obama Administration has taken some steps toward changing Washington, including barring lobbyists from government positions and publicizing White House visitors. It has respected the Constitution by curtailing illegal and banning torture. In his State of the Union message, President Obama challenged Congress to publicize earmarks. But they need to do much more – Congressional Democrats should advance a reform agenda and change the way Washington works. We should support groups like OFA, the Coffee Party Movement, and others that are continuing to work for that change. [This post has been revised to make it clearer.]
Wow – I guess I was really unclear – my sincerest apologies. The point I was trying to make is that the 2010 progressive efforts are a continuation of our 2008 efforts, and not just a reaction to the tea party movement. I was suggesting the the counter-tea terminology made it look like it was a reaction. But I enthusiastically support the “coffee party” effort – whatever you want to call it, and thank you all for working on it.
I understand – I was trying to compare the progressive movement (whether you call it coffee party or not) with the tea party movement. I tid not mean to suggest that the coffee party movement was reactionary, fearful, etc. see apology below.
What’s wrong with civil discourse over a cup of coffee??
“…progressive, constructive, and yes hopeful change…”, exactly, that IS what the Coffee Party Movement is about and more.
“…reactionary, fearful, angry, nativist (and sometimes racist) change…”, nope, that is NOT what the Coffee Party Movement is about.
Check them out, I bet you will become a fan after you really learn who they are and what they believe in.
:)
I’m not familiar with the Teabusters, but I do know that the Coffee Party Movement has the same goals and reasoning as you stated above. There’s a growing and concerned group of citizens who wish to see cooperation in government, not obstruction. The goal is to work toward the blueprint as envisioned by candidate Obama, support leaders who work toward positive solutions and hold accountable those who obstruct them. At this point in time, we can’t say that Washington is doing that as the political process is broken and dysfunctional.
Please check the coffee party usa fan page on facebook. It stands for exactly the positive approach you’re talking about and it’s energizing people to get involved. I quit my job to volunteer full-time for Barack Obama, I’m a volunteer leader for OFA, a vice chair of my local Dem committee, a member of two standing FCDC committees and a very enthusiastic member of the Coffee party USA. It’s not an either/or thing! – Pat Hynes
Mr. Leone,
I would have to disagree with your assessment of the Coffee Party Movement as a reactionary organization. While it is true that group was formed in the hopes of countering the Tea Party, the mission and goals are much more progressive and positivistic than simple contrapositional antagonizing of obstructionist tactics. Check out the website and read the facebook page. The message is about cooperation, negotiation, compromise, progress. A primary goal is to move beyond the partisan vitriol and extreme polarization which have essentially ground the federal government to a standstill. Take is a look is all im saying.
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