Okay, I'm probably going to get blasted by someone due to what I write in this post, but here it goes anyway...
After reading the antebellum portion of BCOF, I can't help but notice some striking parallels between today's political climate and conditions and those of the antebellum period. Specifically, I see a lot of similarities between today's right wing "Tea Party" and the States' Rights/Secessionists of the Antebellum South. Now, of course, there is nothing like literal slavery in question today. So I do not want to be misunderstood. Nevertheless, I see a group of people that are, by self-definition, "conservative," clinging doggedly and tenaciously to the status quo. They want 1787 in 2010. "We want the Constitution and nothing more." No federal government infringing on ME and MY RIGHTS and my STATE'S RIGHTS. Sound familiar? Most recently and closest to home I just witnessed a primary within the Republican Party (ironically) where the contest was based on who could be more extreme and appeal to the more vocal and passionate portion of the electorate.
Now, before someone lynches me (good play on words, eh?) let me say one thing. I understand and sympathize with the right wing's frustration with our current and recent government's tendency to spend recklessly and to resultantly tax recklessly. I also understand why some people feel like we are increasingly becoming more and more of a "nanny-state" with fewer rights to do what we want, how we want, when we want, etc.
What I don't sympathize with, regarding the antebellum Southern Democrats, and regarding the attitudes of today's ultra-right wing, is the tendency that I feel they have to believe that the Constitution is the answer to all questions of economic or political import. The Constitution has been wrong. The founders have been wrong. Twenty-Seven times, to be precise. While I revere the Constitution and the founders, I recognize their fallibility and that we live in 2010 and not 1787. I feel that the Southern Democrats and the Extremists of today would do well to recognize that.
Okay, commence lynching.
P.S. to this post: this article is evidence of the similarities that I see between the Tea Party and the Antebellum South.
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I think you are correct in some of the parallels you draw between what was going on pre-Civil War and now. I think there is a definite movement toward states rights. However, I also find that many of those who tout states' rights the most, want the federal government to provide or facilitate it for them.
ReplyDeleteI think as we make comparisons, we need to realize that in some ways, we do have a "slavery" issue in today's society. In many parts of the country (including here) there are people who are treated nearly as badly as slaves because they are here illegally. They, too were transported here (at least in many cases) by those trafficking in people. It's truly something to think about and consider.
I think what you're seeing today in the tea party movement has less to do with state's rights and "sticking to the constitution," and more to do with people's anger and frustration with government in general. I don't believe the tea party is an ultra-right wing movement. Yes, they are backed by that group, and many of them take their talking points from the ultra-conservative (state's rights, constitution), but I truly believe the majority of people who sympathize with the tea party are just everyday people like you and me. Most are simply sick and tired of having government dictate to them how they are going to live their lives. They don't REALLY want to get rid of government completely, but they do want government to LISTEN. The health care bill, the spending, the deficit, immigration ... the government continually turns a deaf ear to the will of the people and openly touts the mindset, "We know better, and you'll thank us for this later." The American people overwhelmingly opposed the health care bill. They passed it anyway. The American people overwhelmingly support Arizona’s new law. The government is suing the state. The people want spending to stop. They keep spending. I believe you are seeing nothing more than the frustration of a people who have finally had enough of a government that no longer listens to and reflects the will of the people. Both democrat and republican incumbents are feeling this pressure.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a charged political climate. After reading BCOF I have hope that we can turn things around before it gets as bad as it was back then!
I have to agree with Brian's take on what is happening today. As I hear people talk...yes, everyday people like us, they are frustrated with everything that Brian has addressed that is going on. To many it feels as if our government has forgotten who they work for.
ReplyDelete"We know better, and you'll thank us for this later."
ReplyDeleteIsn't this what the North was essentially saying to the South in the antebellum period? Is Health Care reform, or Immigration Policy, or whatever, really different from Slavery? Yes, of course it is, but slavery was "their" issue, these are ours. The message from the legislators to the people is the same. Interesting.
Finally, if those sympathizing with the Tea Party don't REALLY believe or support what the wackos say... they shouldn't repeat it. My opinion.
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ReplyDeleteI agree that slavery was their issue. To many of them it seemed a right and a privilege. But I believe the South brought on oppression from the North by seceding. If they had stayed in the Union, it's quite possible we would still have slavery today. They were a powerful force at the time, but they relinquished that power when they left. While the North had its share of radical abolitionists, many got behind the cause of abolition because they believed it was the only sure way to end the war and prevent future threats.
ReplyDeleteThat's not the case today. Health care, immigration policy, spending ... these go against the will of a people who have committed no crime.
I'm not saying tea party sympathizers don't want limited government, less taxes, less spending, etc. ... they probably do. But the movement is successful because it's NOT limited to radicals. Independents make up a large portion of the group, a group who again, is sick of Washington not listening to them. Imagine a child. He pushes the limits to see what he can get away with. You talk to him, you put him in time out, but he keeps pushing the limits. Eventually, you are so frustrated you decide to drop the hammer. ENOUGH!
You knew this post would hit some nerves, huh!! LOL! It's all good, I just like a lively little debate. :)
Sorry if it duplicated posts ... I'm having trouble getting it to publish comments.
ReplyDeleteI agree that slavery was their issue. To many of them it seemed a right and a privilege. But I believe the South brought on oppression from the North by seceding. If they had stayed in the Union, it's quite possible we would still have slavery today. They were a powerful force at the time, but they relinquished that power when they left. While the North had its share of radical abolitionists, many got behind the cause of abolition because they believed it was the only sure way to end the war and prevent future threats.
ReplyDeleteThat's not the case today. Health care, immigration policy, spending ... these go against the will of a people who have committed no crime.
I'm not saying tea party sympathizers don't want limited government, less taxes, less spending, etc. ... they probably do. But the movement is successful because it's NOT limited to radicals. Independents make up a large portion of the group, a group who again, is sick of Washington not listening to them. Imagine a child. He pushes the limits to see what he can get away with. You talk to him, you put him in time out, but he keeps pushing the limits. Eventually, you are so frustrated you decide to drop the hammer. ENOUGH!
You knew this post would hit some nerves, huh!! LOL! It's all good, I just like a lively little debate. :)
Sorry ... my ISP is having serious cache issues, I can't tell what's posted and what hasn't.
ReplyDelete