Tea Party Convention Controversy
Michele Bachmann backed out of the National Tea Party Convention. Here is the statement from her communications director:
Due to conflicting advice on whether Congresswoman Bachmann’s participation in the upcoming Tea Party Nation Convention would be in line with the Committee on Standards, Congresswoman Bachmann has decided not to participate in the event. There is uncertainty about how any proceeds from the event may be used, and we must err on the side of caution. Some will want to portray her withdrawal as a repudiation of the Tea Party Movement, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Congresswoman Bachmann remains encouraged by all Americans, regardless of political party, who are concerned about this nation’s future and dwindling prosperity, and continues to be inspired their passion.
The controversy is based on whether a profit will be made from this convention and the high cost at a having the convention at a resort setting in Nashville.
Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) also has withdrawn from this event.
I find it more than a little ironic that these two Republicans retracted their appearances while the Republican National Committee is holding their convention at a beachfront resort in Hawaii. Maybe I should be a true capitalist and sell my ticket to the Tea Party Convention for a profit to one of the long list of people (over 300) who have signed up on a waiting list.
What are your thoughts on this Tale of Two Conventions?
I don't think Michelle Bachman has the fortitude for a good fight for her senate seat. We need someone in the Senate who will fight for the principals this country is known for. Apparently she is not one. I am sorry I could not go to this event but I have a husband with Parkinson's but my heart is there!
[...] agreed in the pages of NC Freedom saying, “Why disappoint eager attendees who are invested financially and emotionally in [...]
I suspect that Ms. Bachmann is just trying to keep herself clean. The Dem's (and RNC) are out to get anyone involved in Tea Party activities and will use any loose interpretation of rules to screw those involved. The Tea Party movement is in it's infancy and has many growing pains to endure. No one else had the guts to get out and put together anything on a national basis. Cut Phillips a little slack and come together for what could be the biggest political movement since the South seceeded 150 years ago.
Instead of worrying much about Tea Party Nation, and it's future, get the most we can from this event to strengthen our own organizations. Let them worry about themselves & any issues that we don't know about, first hand.
This article give insight from the organizers' standpoint-http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/32255.h...
I don't know Judson Phillips, or much about him, except that he's an attorney, wanted to start a social networking site which was quoted at several hundred thousand dollars to set up.
His site was set-up by someone who says he thought Tea Party Nation was going to be non-profit and is upset about doing the work, basically, for free, although Philips has said that he will pay him some amount, as he is able.There's obviously, at least 2 sides to this story – more if you bring in GOP speakers that backed out, as well as other for-profit and non-profit organizations.
As I said before, I think we use the opportunity to benefit our own organizations and let them fight over whatever it is they want to fight about. I can't see how it serves us, to get in the middle of it.
I don't think these representatives should be backing out after all these people paid so much money in part to hear them speak. I do not have a problem with profit but I do have a problem if the promoters are only using the Tea Party name to make a profit and do not share our passion for limited constitutional government. I'm glad to hear you're going David. You can tell us firsthand what happens at the convention.
Of all the excuses cited — ticket price, organizer controversy, and uses of the revenues — the controversy is the strongest one, but still not enough to justify backing out.
The price issue is not new, as we know. How could it be? So, what took so long for Bachmann and staff to realize that the price was outside the range of most grass-roots organizers?
The legal questions about participating in an event where a guest is unsure what will be done with the revenues is silly. Who keeps track of that stuff? And since when does a guest speaker make their appearance contingent on prior approval of later expenditures?
The controversy over the organizer is fairly new and seems to have come out after the event was sold out. Still, why disappoint eager attendees who are invested financially and emotionally in promoting the cause and networking with fellow patriots? Bachmann's cancellation gives a further black eye to a movement that is already being unfairly vilified.
I suspect that most of the controversy is coming from the media since allow a few news outlets will have access to the convention.
What is the source of the alledged conflict between profit and the promotion of Liberty?
I pay a price that generates profit whenever I buy access to entertainment in Pursuit of Happiness. I pay a price that generates profit when I purchase food to sustain my Life. There is no generally acknowledged problem here.
I see no conflict here. The lament sounds like some misplaced liberal angst.