Tea party movement is not about Obama, but about freedom

This is such a period in our history. The Sept. 12 and the Aug. 28 rallies occurring two weeks apart are powerful evidence patriots are standing up to self-serving Washington elites. The people need to continue to keep the pressure on our representatives to make a lasting change.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in the rain at the Washington Monument at 10 a.m. on Sept. 12 asking God to continue to bless our exceptional country before beginning the march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol building. The rain did nothing to dampen the friendliness and the enthusiasm of the tea party participants during the seven hours of a political educational experience.

Just like last year's Sept. 12 event, there were no arrests and the grounds were left in pristine cleanliness. The crowd castigated attendees for carrying inappropriate signs. One carried a sign saying, "Obama is a gay alien" and was booed by the crowd and left the rally. On entering the Capitol grounds, a La Ruche advocate held a photo of President Obama with a short moustache reminiscent of Hitler. A chorus of three women told him that the sign was offensive to them. Obviously, the crowd monitored those in the audience who were outside the spirit of the movement.

The tea party movement has become a political revolution. Today it is stronger than it was last year. It has made great strides since its inception. Members have had a great impact by choosing primary candidates for the general election who have made a firm commitment to serve the people rather than dictate to them. The members are energizing other voters and are gaining a strong voice in American politics.

The difference this year as compared to last year in the organization is there was almost no advance notice of the event. The media was suspiciously silent on the second annual Sept. 12 event. Many people attending the rally voiced they had difficulty finding specific information even on the Internet. Yet the people arrived, proving it is truly a grassroots movement led by each person's individual commitment and dedication. Most of these patriots came because they vowed at last year's event to return, and they did. They understood that although this is a pivotal election for the survival of the country, this is only the first step in restoring our nation to its prominence.

For 100 years, the progressive strategy and tactics have penetrated our political system by transforming our country into a more centrally controlled government. The people are responding all over the country against the ruling elite's destroying our free market economy and imposing their Marxist values on us.

Time after time, speakers at the rally made the point that if we are to make a real difference, we will have to keep politicians of both parties serving the people's interest rather than leading us into a totalitarian regime. This movement of mainstream Americans is about exposing progressive political elites preventing them from overthrowing our Constitutional Republic.

Contrary to media spin, this grassroots uprising is not about the Obama Administration. It is about firing members of both parties who believe their positions grant them the right to control the actions and money of citizens in order to establish an all-powerful federal government. Year after year, the government passes thousands of laws, which one by one crush our freedoms.

Recent progressive presidents have pushed policies to greatly expand the federal government. They pretended to be leaders governing from the center, but they are pushing us toward dependency on the state. If John McCain, a stealth progressive, were elected president, eventually there would have been the same strong reaction.

The tea party movement is a citizen uprising against the dismantling of our moral values and Constitutional Republic drifting toward a socialistic state. Contrary to the media's reporting, the members are no more bigots than the general population. President Obama campaigned as a moderate but immediately began governing as a progressive radical. His initiatives came fast and furious, which awakened the people from their politically irresponsible sleep.

It is dangerous for us to be self-absorbed in our sports, work or even family and use them as excuses to let our government go wild. It is imperative to America to perform our civic obligations. Merely voting, no matter how charismatic the candidate, is no longer enough. We must learn the strength of the candidate's commitment to our traditional American principles.

President Obama's egotistical style of leadership is not the issue. The Nov. 2 election, even if it turns out to be a tsunami election for conservatives, is not the issue. The issue for tea party patriots should be a lifelong commitment to stay vigilant, wake up those who are still asleep and be prepared for the long haul. The ultimate goal is the restoration of our Constitution to its sacred place as the guiding light for liberty.

American citizens must heed Samuel Adams' words, "For true patriots to be silent is dangerous."

Citizens must speak up to hold our representatives accountable. Our future freedoms depend on our researching the candidate record, studying history and teaching others about the importance of participating in a political process that follows our Constitution.

For America to remain free, we must fulfill our civic duty for our entire adult lives.