Will We Give Them Their Country Back or Keep it for All Americans

"We want our country back!" If you are anything like I am you cringe a bit when you hear those within the Tea Party proclaim these words. Perhaps they would have another meaning for us of color if they stood alone. Yet certain conservative pundits and supporters interface that proclamation with a longing to have things as they were when they were kids.

I have heard Beck, Hannity, O'Reilly, Limbaugh and even Palin say this and when they do, since I am about the same age as them, I say Hell No I don't want America to return to those days. I remember that my people did not have a lot of what we have today during that period. Apparently those like Palin don't remember that neither did women.

The NAACP is monitoring for signs of racism within the Tea Party which basically is only driving their zeal to gain power. They speak of being strict Constitutionalist but seem to only lean on the document when it suits their purpose because they have no problem seeking repeal of the 14^th Amendment.

Some conservatives such as Chris Grayling and Rand Paul believe in a limited government that should not force private businesses to abide by civil rights law. Apparently they would not mind returning to pre 1964 Jim Crow and Paul is a Tea Party darling.

Oh but Paul is not racist he just believes in individual rights even if they violate other individual rights like eating in a public place of choice. Upon his feet being held to the fire he backed off the statement and apologized. Okay I guess that settles it for some but do we really want him making law? That was not a misquote or taken out of context. That is his belief system.

This brings us to the upcoming Mid-Term elections. Historically the party in office loses a lot of seats in the Mid-Terms especially when the President is unpopular. Look at what happened yesterday when the Tea Party took some really important wins. And look further at what that means. The establishment Republicans lost and won at the same time because now they vow to put their money and influence behind the Tea Party candidates.

Voter turnout is always low for the Mid-Terms but make no doubt about it the Tea Party and the Republicans as a whole will be out in force on November 2^nd. Will the Democrats and Independents show up is the question? If they do not we can count on the Tea Party being in charge and the President serving out his term as a Lame Duck.

In Gallup's most recent update, the Republicans are within two points of the Democrats among registered voters. The closeness of these results suggests that voter turnout, which Gallup will begin to assess next fall with its likely voter model, will be an important factor in the ultimate 2010 election outcome.

This stands to ask what will you do? Will you get out and vote on November 2^nd or will you leave it up to your fellow Democrats, Independents, Progressives and Liberals to defeat the Tea Party? And if any one of us does not get out and do our civic duty does that mean you surrender your voice because of apathy? Complaining after they are elected and begin legislating will serve no purpose. Please vote on November 2^nd.