What are the Tea Parties really about?

I have been pretty lucky. Since the first Tea Party back on February 27, 2009, I have been heavily involved in what has become a pretty big deal. But, what I remember most about the 300 people standing in a park right across from the White House that day was the feeling that I was surrounded by a group of people that were there for one purpose – to voice their opposition to the Stimulus and to speak out for fiscal responsibility.

And they were not all Republicans!

It was that day that I realized how powerfully angry and scared citizens were. They were willing to come together and stand next to some they would never before consider agreeing with about anything political. They didn’t care if they were CEOs of companies, lobbyists, coal workers, or stay-at-home moms. What they cared about was the chance to make their voices heard and their fears realized. And armed with literally a soapbox and a bullhorn, we gave them just that. For me, this was the most powerful truly grassroots event I have ever seen or been a part of. And it was incredible.

History will show that this was the beginning of a revolution. Patriots from all walks of life and all political backgrounds mobilized across the country and created a movement that would bring nearly a million activists together in 800 sites across the country in one day. Working from their homes and offices, using their own money for marketing, and realizing the power of social media, these grassroots organizers (most learning what this meant for the first time) asked local businesses for money, applied for permits, and begged for donated time and resources. Nationally, they were armed with an organizing structure, a database, and a conference call line. We reached out to Republicans, Democrats, Independents, unregistered, registered, poor, rich, employed, self-employed, and those that had lost their jobs.

And still, the intent was clear – oppose wasteful spending and save generations to come from a debt so monstrous it could cripple us.

The response was historic. I saw it for myself, leading a group of volunteer organizers to create an event in front of the White House on April 15, 2009. In freezing rain, over 3,000 people turned out. Like most events throughout the country that day, we did not target elected or public officials as our speakers. We asked those who were making a difference on the ground. Policy experts, media pundits, and grassroots organizers joined our stage to speak their minds and talk to those voters joining us.

I was blown away. I could not believe some of the powerful stories I heard about how people were already being adversely affected by the stimulus and I was amazed by the voices of those who stayed out with us, despite the cold. And this happened all over the country. We merely laughed when the Administration said they didn’t even know we were there. Because we were loud. And our message was clear.

And the movement grew. It grew because people had seen first hand the power of their voices and what gathering together could do. It grew because people really did give a damn and wanted to help others realize that as well. And it grew because people saw that their voice, and their vote mattered. And those voices, together, could change the ruin our government and our country was becoming. The word “patriot” was the best way to describe these people.

We traveled the country, we spoke to thousands more, we emailed and listserved, blogged and vlogged. Facebook groups exploded, Twitter became a gathering point. And all the while, the patriots continued organizing and fighting.

THIS is what the “Tea Party Movement” really is. It isn’t about a leader and it isn’t about making money. It is about a grassroots swell that is changing history. The activists that have come out of those original Tea Parties early last year have helped to put people in office, have changed courses of elections. They have demanded that our candidates advocate for fiscal responsibility and limited government intervention in our lives. They have fought to protect their loved ones – their healthcare, their businesses, their futures. And they have raised public awareness on the lack of transparency in our government. These men and women have taken matters into their own hands when their government isn’t listening – and have WON!

The movement, as intended, has transcended social issues and our differences in policies. Grassroots support helped to put two governors into office, and won an unwinnable Senate seat. These were not all Republicans that voted for these candidates. They were voters who identified with the solid principles that movement activists continue to push. They see that our country cannot survive without being more responsible with its money and that it cannot control every aspect of our lives.

I am proud to be a grassroots activist that supports these principles. I am not a Tea Partier, I am not a right-wing extremist. I am a patriot. I am a voter trying to make a difference. And I am proud to stand by so many like me that are part of this movement.

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Rebecca Wales is Director of Communications for Smart Girl Politics. She lives in Falls Church, VA and she is expecting her third daughter in the Spring of 2010 with her favorite Smart Guy.

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