Tea Party 2009

Tomorrow is the nationwide tax day.  I'll be heading to Harrisburg, Pa(my capital) to join in the protest.  It will be a soggy day, but I hope that won't deter anyone from going out.  For those of you going to a "tea party" if I may give some advice.

1. Do not make this a Republicans against Obama rally.

   This is counterproductive.  The media wants to hear us scream about Obama, makes a good sound byte.  They are trying to tell people that this is because we're upset "our guy" didn't win.  This has to be because Washington isn't being a good steward to the money we let them use.  Replace the word "Democrats" with "Washington"

2. Do not identify yourself as a Republican!

Again this goes back to number 1.  They want the people watching at home to think this is all sour grapes after losing in November.  Instead identify yourself as a conservative. Be sure to mention you're upset at all parties for spending like drunken idiots. 

3. Stay on the message of taxes and bailouts!

This is not the time to spout off about how you think Obama is going to take away your guns, create a new world order or that he hasn't proved that he's a U.S. citizen.  This is not the purpose of the tea party.  There will be time to address these issues later.  For this to be a productive protest you need to win the minds and hearts of Joe Six pack watching at home.  As near as I can tell no one likes taxes!

4. Puff your numbers up! 

This is an old protesters trick.  For instance, if you only have 20 people and they ask how many are there say "We are proud to have close to 100 people out today, not to mention the 100's more stopping by in support of this".  I realize this may create a moral dilemma for some.  So in that case mention that you are only a small part of a movement that is over 6000 city strong.

5. Smile and be polite!

This is the most important thing.  If you are screaming, yelling, and looking ticked off you will come across as a wack-job!  Think about when you see some liberal protesting acting like this...what do you think of them?  If someone is trying to "get your goat" come back at them with kindness.  Don't be surprised if this happens.  ACORN  and Huffington Post have already said there will be counter protests and citizen journalists at the rallies.  

6. Follow up afterwards!

Write a letter to your local paper mentioning how much of a success this was.  Talk about how you sent a message to Washington that they have to be better stewards of our money.  Talk to your neighbors and colleagues about the rally.  Keep the buzz going about this.  Tell them about future protests if there are any in your area.

7. Check your spelling!

This is one of the most important things.  Nothing can ruin a protest like some idiot that can't spell.  This will be the one thing that the media zooms in on!  So when you make your signs, t-shirts, etc. check it and have someone else look as well.  Also take some time on your signs, don't make it look like a 3rd grader with a crayon did it!

Finally remember that protests and rallies are new things to conservatives.  Liberals have been doing the whole grassroots thing for over 40 years now, this is their bread and butter!