Tea Party movement deepens partisanship

Republicans have been able to manipulate the populace into believing that it is only they who know who are the “real” patriots and Americans. By creating that mindset, they were able to exploit, for political and other advantage, the perceived notion that they, and not Democrats, were the true patriots and representing mainstream Americans.

But now, a “new patriotism” is being foisted upon the masses, and it is being promulgated by Tea Party leaders and the Fox propaganda network. In a nutshell:

l Allowing states to secede: examples, Alaska and Texas (Sarah Palin's husband is/was a member of Alaska Independence Movement. In addition, after her speech to the recent “Tea Klux Klan” convention, she immediately flew to Texas to back their secessionist governor).

l Voting against troop funding in Afghanistan

l Violations of our Constitution

l Aiding corporate influence over the best interests of people

l Loyal opposition replaced by dangerous opposition

l Mocking/disagreeing with Democratic president, in time of war, is now not only acceptable but mandated.

This new “patriotism” is even infiltrating our political system.

l Anything that comes close to appearing bipartisan is abandoned.

l Bills that conservatives support will be opposed if Democrats support.

l Divisions among groups has gotten to points not seen in my lifetime and exploited for political gain.

These people are now eating their own by creating a litmus test for “real” Republicans, a test that Ronald Reagan would have failed.

God Bless America - we need blessing more now then ever.

Thomas Sass

Iowa City