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March 19, 2013

TEA Party's 'no backing candidates' policy weakens support

James Bright The Express-Star

CHICKASHA — I think it's important that I start this piece out by saying I have no problem with the TEA Party's members or their politics. I don't think there's any secret that I don't generally agree with those politics, but I still support their right to engage in the political process and work to affect change.

I do however, have problems with the notion that our local TEA Party is so fond of saying they don't back candidates. That is, for lack of a better word, weak.

You're an organization that holds meetings, but strays away from memberships. You advocate certain policies and attack others. You foster political belief and connection amongst those that attend your meetings.

I understand and realize during the sheriff primary races there was a sign for each candidate in front of the local TEA Party headquarters, but that was eight months ago, and during the city council races only Dewey Mosshart was represented with signage.

Mosshart also happened to use the mantra, "Taxed Enough Already" in one of our print debates.

This is social backing. He is a TEA Party affiliate and there's nothing wrong with that.

I think that point, above any other needs to be made. Coming out with the stance of "we don't back candidates" undermines your entire party. And the local TEA Party is ,in fact, a political party. It's written on the building.

Grady County has a weak GOP, so that side of the political coin is ripe for the taking, but straying away from backing candidates for any reason will only work against your political hopes. If you want to be taken seriously, go the distance. Don't back out at candidates, or any sort of political affiliation. It just makes you look like you'd rather whine about issues than fix them.

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