The Tea Party Express will arrive in our nation’s capital on September 12th. As much as I approve of the cause, I do not like some of the symbolism. The logo the organizers have chosen gives me the willies (see below).
The organizers explain their reason for the clenched fists here (first frequently asked question). I think the clenched fists ill-advised. This dictionary definition explains why. The symbol of the clenched fist is commonly used by leftists (see here), and it is often associated with violence.
Frankly, I think the fist a stupid choice. Without any allusions to violence, a simple picture of the Constitution would frighten our congressmen far more. Unfortunately, Conservatives are amateurs at symbolism.
What is done is done. Should I go to the Tea Party? I have mixed feelings about Tea Party demonstrations. Thus far, I have constrained myself to local events promoted by local political leaders I know. Since I told my children not to participate in demonstrations, the idea of going into the capital for a Tea Party makes me feel a bit like a hypocrite.
Yet there is a time and place for everything, and when they are called for, demonstrations can have an enormous effect. The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960′s, for example, was driven by the public’s response to demonstrations. Although they were costly to some, those who received beatings, jail time, and were killed, without the demonstrations we cannot be certain that Blacks would be accorded equal treatment before the law even now.
So I have a question? Should I do go? How will I decide? For me the issue is the company I keep. Not every Tea Party is the same. Do the organizers have a good reputation? Do I share their cause? Do these people have any idea what they are doing?
As it is, I am still doing my research. I probably will not know whether or I will be in DC on September 12 until that day comes. I hope I make the right choice. I pray you do too.
Other Views
SWAC Girl is wholeheartedly promoting the Tea Party Express. Here she reports on the Liberal reaction to the possibility of Sarah Palin joining the Tea Party Express.
Kevin Tracy reports from Indiana (here). Tracy has joined the express.
Virginia Right notes that the Tea Party Express actually got onto CNN here. Don’t worry, CNN has not gone Conservative.
I agree with disappointment at the clenched fist symbol and have not used it in any of my posts about the 9/12 March on Washington. Growing up during the Cold War, it symbolizes communism to me.
I prefer the Constitution with “We the People” across it or the “09.12.2009 March on Washington” symbol with the Capitol in the background. I have used the “Don’t Tread On Me” flag … to me that symbolizes American independence and determination.
With that aside, this is truly a movement of “We the People.” We have filled 6 buses in the Shenandoah Valley and most of those folks have never demonstrated before. A number of them are older; some are from WW II and worry for their country. One 73-year-old gentleman said he is walking every step of the way. There is frustration at our elected officials and a feeling of not being listened to.
I first heard and saw this voter frustration in February when Augusta County resident began resisting the huge real estate assessment, when 600 turned out for an organizational meeting, when 10,500 signed petitions asking supervisors to roll back real estate assessments, and finally when 1,000 Augusta County residents showed up for a Board of Supervisors meeting in March — the largest turnout ever.
That same feeling of frustration is running through voters as Congress continues to jam bailouts, increased taxes, and government health care down their throats. They saw their country experience the worst terrorism attack ever on 9/11 yet the government is trying to sweep it under the rug.
I am going to DC with my friends and neighbors to stand up and be heard. We have a rendezvous with destiny … 09.12.09. A sleeping giant has been awakened … that giant will roar on 9/12. That giant is “We the People.”
“Growing up during the Cold War, it symbolizes communism to me.” That is interesting, SWAC Girl.
I think it’s super interesting the way people interpret symbols differently. I also grew up during the Cold War, but I would never have thought of Communism. Huh.
That was just a one-stop thing for me. I won’t be going to Washington, DC for the September 12 rally. I don’t have the money or the time to give an entire 4 days to make that happen. I haven’t announced this on my website yet, but I’ll be speaking at a Sept. 12 rally in St. Joseph, MI instead.
I actually share a lot of the same concerns about this as you do, but like you said, there’s a time and a place for it and I have to believe we are living in that time and place now.
I hope to have video of my speech and the event online very soon. Until then, here are the pictures from the Mishawaka, IN TEA Party on Labor Day.
http://ktracy.com/?p=4314
The logo doesn’t bother me too much, for some reason. When the fists raised are in front on the capital, I think “protest.” It’s not like there are armies on the flag.
Now, when people start using death rhetoric and threats, that’s another thing.
I suspect I have a decade on you. The raised fist was commonly used by activist during the sixties. Many of those activists now run our government.
Haha, as long as they are our fists and not the fists of communists, I think I can live with that. I do agree though… not the best use of symbolism.