Tea Party 2.0: The Block Captain Revolution (Part I)
Posted by Jim Hoft on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 5:18 AM
By Guest Blogger John Burns
There’s been much ado recently about the decline of the Tea Party Movement. Pundits opine that we’re losing momentum, losing support, losing steam; “they just peaked too soon.”
Not True. Not by a long shot.
Years from now, historians will look back at the Tea Party Movement and divide it into two primary eras. Tea Party 1.0 was about the birth of the first massive, spontaneous grassroots movement in a generation. It was about rallying the troops and waking up America to realize that the inmates are running the asylum; that the first Manchurian Candidate became the first Manchurian President; that government programs and government spending were poised to destroy our children’s future. Tea Party 1.0 was the start of what I believe will prove to be the 4th Great Awakening in America. Tragically, we learned that rallies alone could not stop the powerful river of socialism from surging through our nation and our communities.
We recognized that a new focus was needed. Whereas before we would protest and rally, now we will activate, organize, and build.
This is not the beginning of the end for the Tea Party Movement, but merely the End of the Beginning.
Tea Party 2.0, is characterized by the swift march of Tea Party Patriots into political activism on a permanent basis. Tea Party 2.0 is an unstoppable freight train. Patriots will be just as active on November 3rd as they were on November 2nd. Because, win or lose, we’re fighting to WIN…permanently. Sure, this will take a number of years. But the election of Barack Obama and the hegemony of socialists in our government were not suddenly achieved overnight. After the protests and turmoil of the ‘60s, liberals marched into institutions of higher learning and bureaucracy, and they are now running them. Today, we are living in the world they built. Tomorrow, they shall live in ours.
In St. Louis we’ve just started organizing Block Captain Teams, which are similar to precinct captains, except that the teams don’t rely on a party for their strength, energy, or legitimacy. The teams are decentralized and don’t rely on a pecking order. Anyone can be a leader. And whereas precinct captains are only active during the campaign season, Block Captain Teams are in the field year-round. Anyone can become a Block Captain overnight, and anyone can start a Block Captain Team and start making a difference immediately. The Teams have many projects, including voter registration, Liberty Evangelism, activist trainings, candidate trainings, petition drive projects, volunteering with various candidate campaigns, and on and on.
BUT THIS IS THE KEY: Whereas in the past we were content to win a given election (a mere battle), now we’re focused on winning the war. The war doesn’t end on November 2nd, and neither will our volunteerism. Win or lose November 2nd, we’re still fighting come November 3rd, December 3rd…until we restore the US Constitution, kick every socialist out of office across the nation, and restore the culture of liberty that our nation was founded upon.
The mistake of the ’94 revolution was thinking that after we had taken the “beaches” of Congress we had won the war. But Eisenhower didn’t stop at Normandy, nor shall we at Scott Brown, Chris Christy, or Rand Paul.
We’ve recognized that no one is coming to save us. Many would-be leaders are overly concerned about preserving small fiefdoms of power or rearranging deck chairs on the titanic. So, we must rise up and save ourselves. We didn’t ask for this war, and we didn’t start it. We will, however, finish it. And that may mean time sacrifices and fewer vacations and hard work. But the salvation of our nation and the restoration of US Constitutional government (unabridged and without disclaimers) is worth the sacrifice. There are millions of noble servicemen and women who understand this all too well. Patriotism demands service and this is our duty: to fight until we win.
So, maybe the pundits are right. So far as it constitutes the first incarnation of this massive social movement, maybe the Tea Party is in decline or dying. Maybe the Tea Party 1.0 is over. But the social movement, the 4th Great Awakening has not and will not die. Tea Party 2.0 and the era of the Block Captain, has begun.
Tomorrow: “What is a Block Captain Team and How Does it Work?”
• www.BlockCaptains.com
• Facebook Profile: “Block Captains”
• Titter: BlockCaptains
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Featured Story:
Busted!… Obama Headlined a DEMOCRAT SOCIALISTS OF AMERICA Event in 1996 **FLIER**
Published May 24, 2012 at 8:46 pm - 89 Comments
Mahdi Al-Dajjal commented:
This is all real good but you do realize however that the talking heads in the DNC Propaganda Machine (otherwise known as the Mainstream Media) will CONTINUE to paint the entire Tea Party movement as a defunct, dying movement that has lost all relevancy and which absolutely nobody except Rightwing fanatics gives a damn about. You do realize that, don’t you?
Militant Conservative commented:
I have taken the next step as well. I have been politically active for years just not as involved. I participated in the Atlanta TPM and am now becoming a precinct committeeman in the Republican party to facilitate change from the inside. I know this will consume some of my time but the country and the constitution is worth it. This is a lifetime endevour for the evil on the left will not take no for an answer till it is outright slain. I do wish to one day become a congressman, but for now I will start small to facilitate the rebirth of American exceptionalism and the founding fathers dereams. powder is dry.
Militant Conservative commented:
Mahdi Al-Dajjal
June 16th, 2010 | 7:40 am | #1
Yes I/WE do. That attitude is what will cost the MSM BIG. It will be the Right Hook from nowhere that totally devistates the left. Under estimating your opponent is a grave mistake. Under estimating and impugning your opponent just makes them fight harder. This is why the MSM left cooks are spinning so hard because the truth is too frightening for them to actually speak of. powder is dry
YeahRight commented:
Nope…I think you are wrong.
The TEA Party movement has actually waned due to the fact that those who were part of the grassroot were sick and tired of not just bo and his gang of democruds (and bush before him) and criminals but ALL politicians. And since then the TEA Party movement has been taken over by rino’s — and the grassroot has left the stage.
No historians will note that the TEA Party movement started the awakening of Americans, but it was American’s that shook the world when they ousted all politicians (not just one party).
And due to writings like this that boast that repubicants are ‘the best’ makes those like me who love our country sick to our stomach.
So please do some of us a favor and go rah rah for your rino’s elsewhere. Go back to sleep and dream of your rino’s back in power so that the cycle can continue.
…And GP — better look at the polls concerning American feelings towards bias news reporting. We don’t give a crap which side of the isle you are….report or loose viewers.
HandyBill commented:
Dont think its all about the tea party. While they are the most visable there are numerious citizens out there that dont affiliate with any party that are ready to give these socialists the boot. There are socialists/commies in both parties that need to be removed. Given there are a lot more on the left side but just installing the same old Republicans isnt going to cut it this time around. Fundamental change has to take place on the ground level of the republican party or millions of supporters will be lost forever. Not only should congress be cleaned out, the RNC should be cleaned out. Steele needs to get lost. Only true conservatives will get mine and others just like me, votes.
Militant Conservative commented:
YeahRight
June 16th, 2010 | 7:55 am | #4
two choice fight or go to sleep. I WILL NOT GO QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT!
I am using the TPM as a vehicle to revitalize the party that reflects the values I have. This means alot of RINO’s are going down as well as Dem’s. Your not “getting it” son. America has awakened and not going back to sleep.
It seem’s you are pushing for anarchy. That is the last choice and show’s an obvious immaturity on your part to work peacefully to get your country back. I am prepaired for the worst that is your vision but willing to wade through all other options first. First is stopping the current administration, then setting the country right. This will be a long road, very long road and I for one will not give up. powder is dry.
Chippy commented:
Here in NYC 21% consider themselves Tea Party members. There are weekly meetings, phone calls and emailing. We are not protesting as much because the politicians are not listening to us. This was the case with Healthcare. We are waiting for November. Check it out! We are not going away!
http://jammiewearingfool.blogspot.com/2010/06/if-i-were-running-today-i-would-be.html
Auntie Em commented:
The spirit behind the Tea Part Movement is very much alive and well.
Militant Conservative commented:
Chippy
June 16th, 2010 | 8:15 am | #7
So mote it be Chippy.
That means Amen Brother!
C-Christian Soldier commented:
the Dark Side (Lucifer’s Kids-alinsky-ayers- et al) did not create ‘community organizing techniques’–the children of the Light (God’s Kids) did– so-it is past time that we take back our ‘high ground’ and “occupy” Lk 19 KJV -til He comes…
We can also learn how the DS thinks by reading their books…like Rules for Radicals – alinsky–who gave honor to lucifer in it!
Great post–and thanks for the to Block Captains link…
C-CS
C-CS
Chisum commented:
Hey YeahRight, the Tea Party must be doing something right.
From Drudge:
RASMUSSEN Reports at 9:30AM ET:
Obama Approval Falls to New Low: 42%
Obama Approval Index: -20
Strongly Approve 24%
Strongly Disapprove 44%
Total Approval 42%
Developing…
Joylily514 commented:
Well said.
DJ commented:
Here are some more resources…
A twitter account & a link to a google spreadsheet that tracks competitive house races.
http://www.twitter.com/keyhouseraces
http://bit.ly/dm728I
Sheila M. Summers commented:
Everyone keeps talking about how the talking heads keep speaking about the Tea Party movement. I think we should all agree and also tell all to not ever watch them ever again. We all know what is up.
The elections in November are what matters and even in the polls all the pollsters have to do is state tea Party support and the numbers fro the Republicans increase. Only with Tea Party support do they skyrocket. The American people know what is up and know that Tea Party endorsement means Conservative candidate and that is what we need. If you doubt the Conservative movements strength and specifically the Tea party Movement check out latest poll at my favorite polling site. Sharron Angle (R) Increases Lead Over Harry Reid (D) For U.S. Senate By 54%- 38%. See how they explain it as well. It is the Tea Party! America will come out of this fine but we will all go through hell soon thanks to the Marxists.
http://www.usofearth.com/polls/?p=139
Fuzzy commented:
Works for me. One thing BO’s speechwriters got right about Americans is that we don’t give up. And we can add that given the stakes, that our very country and its future is at stake, we are certainly not giving up now. Not by a long shot.
Ginger commented:
Militant Conserative….You sir are another of our wonderful HERO”S! I have a feeling that you will go higher then a congressman and I will be praying for your journey to be fullfilling. Never give up!
BTW… The Tea Party Patriots movement is alive and well! We choose to pick our time and our place!!!
Trish commented:
Chris Matthews (aka Mr Tingle) was on a morning radio show- Michael Smerconish (a turncoat conservative talk guy in Philadelphia) promoting a special he’s going to air about the Right Wing Movement. It’ll be an honest and fair representation I’m sure…he used the terms Tea Partiers and Birthers, as well as Patriot groups etc. in his description of the “new” right wing.
An example of how Chrissy will represent us; this bonehead Matthews said he can only imagine how the right would have reacted, if the popular vote went to their candidate and the Supremes gave the election to a Democrat. He stated that it would have been dangerous times.
newton commented:
Our own “long march through the institutions” is about to begin.
By the time we’re done, the Left and the MSM will never know what hit them!
JP Ehrlich commented:
Excellent article John! Thanks to GP for having you blog here.
The movement has indeed moved to phase II. The Missouri “As A Mom” organization (a 9/12 Project) has “Pick Parties”. We invite our friends and neighbors for study and discussion of Constitutional and historical issues. We are not going back to sleep, we are educating ourselves and we are getting involved.
EJ commented:
This article is spot-on. I can tell in my own TPG…we are not as vocal, but now we are ACTIVE. Some of us have become precinct committee people, some of us have become involved in political campaigns, some of us have run for office, others of us are boning up on our education so we can spread the word. BUT, the days of unchecked advancing liberalism are over!
pm commented:
How wonderful to read what’s going on in the hearts and minds of more and more Americans.
And what’s going on in our communities — especially groups gathering to study and discuss our nation’s founding and Constitution.
It may become more important than ever in the coming days and months that we continue to nuture relationships with those who share our values — those close to our homes and neighborhoods — we’ll be looking to help one another should times become especially tough.
And we never know when our ability to communicate with those in distant places might become compromised.
Let us all be prepared, in mind and heart as well as physically, to face the challenges that are definitely before us.
God bless America and her exceptional citizens.
Cold Warrior commented:
You are exactly right. We conservatives need to become politically relevant. Some of us have been working on this for over a year. Just about all you need to know is here:
http://www.theprecinctproject.wordpress.com
and here:
http://www.redstate.com/coldwarrior/2010/06/13/mr-obama-and-congress-abide-by-our-constitution/
and here:
http://www.redstate.com/coldwarrior/2010/06/11/nyt-confirms-obama-is-empty-suit-puppet-emanuel-gives-americans-gotv-strategy-to-destroy-dems/
For Liberty,
Cold Warrior
Bruce commented:
They’ve got a point. My participation with various Tea Party groups has tailed off quite a bit. I’m even stopped blogging about it.
Of course, the fact that I’m now putting all that energy and effort into my campaign for State Rep might have something to do with it.
I know a lot of people who are doing less flag waving and more out-of-the-spotlight stuff like collecting signatures, filing candidacy papers and organizing local political campaigns.
This movement is FAR from dead or dying.
snopercod commented:
I was the Treasurer of our local Tea Party PAC, but bailed out when it became clear that the “leaders” were doctrinaire Ron Paul supporters. They refused to support any candidate who wasn’t perfectly Libertarian.
For example, one candidate was a free-market conservative, but the Tea Party leaders refused to support him because he believed that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. “The government shouldn’t be involved in that” was their reasoning.
I believe in liberty, but I fully believe that the Libertarians are no better than the Liberals.
Jack commented:
It’s a trap!!!…
I don’t believe that we have hit the conservative rebirth, because we haven’t had our ‘Pearl Harbor’ of freedom yet. Things have not yet gotten bad enough and known enough for there to be a united overturn of the regime that permeates all government institutions.
The current trap that awaits us will be from November 2010 to November 2012. There is a strong likelihood that there will be many Republican victories, and probably even a takeover of one or both of the houses of congress. This will only set off the trap. Here are the reasons why this is a dangerous place to be:
1. The MSM controls the truth
2. With Obama in office, he has veto power over any bill
3. With record amounts of debt, new taxation, spending, etc, we are poised to extend the next, horrific leg down in this new depression
4. If the Republicans hold a majority in congress for 2 years, while the economy is crashing though the floor and unemployment is skyrocketing, the MSM will constantly paint it as their fault and/or they are being obstructionist in all the democrats’ attempts to fix the economy.
5. The fate of Bush could be the same fate of the Republican congress of 2012, after the MSM get through 2 years of blaming them for all the mess that Obama created or exacerbated from 2008-10.
We could very well enter the 2012 elections with an angry, disconnected voter base for both parties. The lessons from the great depression have been forgotten, and we would do well to remember that a president with similar attitudes, goals, ideals and actions was elected 4 times in the 1930s-40s while he worked on dismantling our freedoms and destroying our economy. Read “The Forgotten Man” if you are inclined to learn some history.
I do not believe we can change our outcome will we can change the distribution of lies and truth. The people cannot do what is right if they do not know what is right. The war really needs to be taken to the purveyors of the lies and distortions, but to do that would require that we defund the media organizations. This would mean choosing to boycott any product advertised on their stations, and I really doubt that there are enough people who are angry about things and understand what is going on in order to accomplish this. This would also mean choosing to defund the learning institutions that are poisoning the minds of our youth with anti-capitalism and anti-freedom drivel. I still have yet to see the common desire to wage this battle as well.
That’s why we need a ‘Lexington’, ‘Pearl Harbor’ or ’9/11′… because the good people don’t wage war unless there is a catastrophic call to arms.
Dave K. Smith commented:
Part 2 of this article:
http://gatewaypundit.firstthings.com/2010/06/tea-party-2-0-part-ii-what-is-a-block-captain-team-and-how-does-it-work/