OUR TURN: Tea Party must decide on identity

The Tea Party needs to get an identity.

The populist grassroots movement that decries Washington big spending and espouses a “take back our government” philosophy appeals to many Americans tired of a bloated federal bureaucracy.

That popularity is evident right here in Marble Falls, where a Tea Party Tax Day rally is set for 5 p.m. Thursday in Lakeside Park. Last year, more than a thousand citizens turned out. This year, even more are expected.

No one can deny that Americans are once again disenchanted with the government — bailouts, a multitrillion-dollar deficit that puts our grandchildren in debt, soaring unemployment and health-care legislation have all taken a toll.

Because of this, the Tea Party appeals to Americans from all walks of life who fear this country is headed for financial ruin. But U.S. history has also shown that populist movements not backed up by clear leadership, an organized membership and shared goals often fade away. Just think about the “Know Nothings” of the 1840s and the agrarian People’s Party of the same century — remember them?

No one else does, either, and they were popular in their day.

Is the Tea Party actually a political party, or just a movement? Are they Republicans? Extreme Republicans? Or Libertarians trying to influence Republicans? Are they middle-class Americans who believe they are doing the right thing and really want to see a change in government? Do they really want a peaceful, second revolution? Or are they, as a columnist in this newspaper opined, just puffy white people mad at the world?

Are they all of these, none of these, some of these?

If the Tea Party really wishes to make a lasting impression — getting Scott Brown elected in Massachusetts to the U.S. Senate is not enough — members need to decide soon who they really are.

The truth is, the Tea Party really isn’t a political party. It has no leadership, no centralized group of representatives and no real structure. It began life on the Internet, and the Internet keeps it going, as do television- and Web-based commentators such as Fox News’ Glen Beck. It has some high-profile adherents, including former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and ex-U.S. House Republican leader Dick Armey.

But even hosting political celebrities won’t truly establish the Tea Party as a viable force in American affairs without real, committed leadership.

Tea Party officials will argue their lack of centralization is what gives the movement its populist appeal — anybody from anywhere can take part. Well, that’s almost the definition of a mob, too.

No one really runs it, and someone sooner or later is going to have to decide if the Tea Party is really the birthers who argue President Barack Obama isn’t an American; the ones who want religion to walk hand-in-hand with government; the militias; or if it’s the party of the middle-class, who simply want Washington to balance the budget, listen to the people once again and clamp a lid on out-of-control federal spending, i.e. “porkulus.”

Indeed, there are some signs the Tea Party is solidifying into a viable political force. During their first convention in early February, attendees packed workshops on voter registration and how to attract additional conservative members. There was talk of becoming more mainstream, and the Tea Party has wisely used the tools of the blogosphere — probably better than anyone — to get their message across.

But it will take more than that to really have an impact on the American political process.

Wake up, Tea Party. Your members have some good ideas, and they are passionate. Use that energy to really make a difference. Decide who you really are.

Otherwise, the Republicans and Democrats will only pay you lip service, and before you know it, your efforts will be relegated to the dustbin of history — just like most populist movements in America.

Being angry just isn’t enough.

The Daily Tribune editorial board includes Dan Alvey, Amber Alvey Weems, Thomas Edwards, Daniel Clifton and Chris Porter.