Is the Tea Party movement a Fascist or a Totalitarian group in disguise?

“You’re dead; we know where you live; we’ll get you.” - This was a message that greeted Bart Stupack after his vote pro health care reform vote Sunday. “My wife still can’t answer the phone,” Stupak told POLITICO Tuesday. The messages are “full of obscenities if she leaves it plugged in. In my office, we can’t get a phone out. It’s just bombarded.” Stupak's wife has also reportedly received death threats.

What, if anything, does this have to do with the Tea Party? Since the passage of health care reform, many people who claim to be members of the Tea Party have issued similar threats. Politico also reports that “Rep. Dennis Cardoza, a Blue Dog Democrat from California, said he’s gotten physical threats over health care reform.” “There are some folks that identified themselves as being members of the tea party [who] called, [and] my staff has gotten to know their names over time, and they have been very loud and very ugly,” Cardoza said.

Tea Party activists recently attempted to post Democratic Rep Tom Perriello's home address online after his "yea" vote for Health Care reform. Mistakenly, they posted Perriello's brothers address. Mike Troxel, an organizer for the Lynchburg Tea Party, encouraged tea party activists to 'drop by.' Reportedly, a gas line was severed at Perriello's brother’s home. No injuries were reported, the authorities are investigating.

At least 5 democratic offices nationwide have been vandalized and threats have been made to 'assassinate' the children of pro-reform lawmakers. The FBI is investigating. These types of stories go on and on.

The definition of Fascism varies greatly but it is essentially an authoritarian ideology that believes in violence and a will and ability to commit violence and wage war in order to keep the nation strong. Totalitarian governments believe in rule by a single party and alternate vote are not allowed, often punished with violence or worse.

The current Health Care Reform passed with a majority in the senate, majority in the House of Reps, and finally approval by the president. Hence, it passed the Democratic way. With groups and members of the Tea Party threatening violence and spreading fear to those who passed it, what does that make them? If they are unable to accomplish their agenda through the democratic practice, they now turn to violence and the threat of violence. During town hall meetings, a memo was posted on the Tea Party Patriots Website encouraging and explaining to members how to disrupt discussions on Health Care Reform. Their goal was not to make their views heard but to simply stop the flow of discussion and information.

I believe there are members of the tea party that are good people who choose to freely organize and demonstrate their opinions. However, there is a growing movement within the party to promote violence and/or the threat of violence in order to scare people into voting their way. Disturbing images from the Tea Party protest during the healthcare vote show signs that said “We came unarmed - this time" and "warning if Brown can't stop it, A Browning (showing a picture of a Browning Gun) can" - a sign referring to Scott Brown pledging to stop Healthcare reform but if he can't, a gun can.

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A Majority of Americans are dissatisfied or angry with the way our national government operates…is it your fault?

Check liberal or conservative media sources and you will find one common agreement: Americans are unhappy with the way our government is working, especially congress. What is wrong and who is to blame? The Republicans will point to democratic policies as the reason. Democrats will blame republicans for hindering policy. We elected these officials so is it our fault? The answer is not that simple and may surprise you.

Let’s get out the obvious. A ‘good’ election turn out is one in which 50% of the registered voters show up in a presidential election. In non presidential elections, the turn out is usually around 35% of the potential voters. In the last non presidential election in 2006, there were 220 Million Americans old enough to vote. Only 135 Million of them actually registered to vote and 80 Million actually turned out to vote. Would more votes solve the problem? Probably not.

How often do we see talking points and rhetoric being spread around the internet? While some of this information has merit, most of it is factually untrue or distorted. We often hear talking points from both political parties rather than actual concise legislative ideas. Does every republican believe the healthcare reform plan is a bad idea? Did every democrat believe the George W Bush’s Social Security plans were a bad idea? In an effort to constantly get back power in congress, our leaders play against each other rather than work together.

Does our vote matter? It does only if you fulfill a simple task. We need to communicate to our congressional representatives. Sending your representatives emails or making calls to their office ultimately will force them to make decisions on behalf of the people. Our congressional leaders know that if they upset the majority of registered voters, their political careers could be short lived. This does work and I have seen many examples of our congressional leaders changing their stance based on popular opinion.

Do I have time to do this? Yes you do! It’s a very simple process of identifying your reps and then sending an email or making a call. If you call, most often you will speak to a staffer. Tell them you are a registered voter and voice your concerns. Be specific in your correspondence. Let them know where you stand on important issues and explain that your vote hinges on how well they match up with your stance.
Here is a simple link to find your congressional members.
http://www.contactingthecongress.org/

What is the truth and details on the issues in front of Congress…stay tuned.