Tea Parties vs Pledge Cards

Opposing grass roots movements are rapidly growing in the US. One involves tax protests called Tea Parties; the other is a group gathering pledges to support Obama and his programs.

Inspired by Rick Santelli’s impromptu rant on CNBC, tax protests have been springing up spontaneously all across the country. Families, young singles, and retirees have shown up in large numbers with homemade signs indicating anger about one or more of the Obama spending programs. The news media has either treated them dismissively, or not covered the events at all despite the large turn outs, even during adverse weather. Yet more are planned, especially on tax day, April 15. The amateur organizers “meet, plan, and advertise” on the Internet.

Focus on the Family is also sponsoring and encouraging over one thousand protests, called Taxed Enough Already, on April 15. Their symbol is a red circle with a teakettle proclaiming, “We Are TEA’D!” There is some overlap with the Santelli inspired demonstrations. For example, in Atlanta the TEA’D protest will be at noon, while the other one begins at 6:30 on the Capitol Steps.

In contrast to the spontaneity of tax protests, Obama’s group is organized under the aegis of the Democrat party, with a group called Organizing for America. The grass roots supporters who helped sweep him into office are signing pledge cards promising to campaign for his education and health care reforms, as well as renewable energy projects in Operation Canvass. They pledge to support his “bold approach” and to encourage family and neighbors to do the same. Gathering new email addresses is as important as getting new pledge cards signed.

The all out push began last Monday, March, 16 when Obama announced his $3,550,000,000,000 budget for 2010 and instructed David Plouffe to send out email instructions to the 13,000,000 volunteers. This weekend a group of 30 in Birmingham were out on the streets and in the malls to promote Obama’s plans. According to Anna Velasco of The Birmingham News, they were instructed to work with friends and stay away from those who oppose Obama. "We're looking for supporters," said DeHaven of Hoover, one of the event's organizers. "We're not looking for a fight. That will come later, when we have an army."

The battle lines are drawn.