Tea for one; Tea for too

OK, that's a silly heading for this post, but I'm obsessed with trying to tie each entry into the title of my Blog somehow.

This is the second edition of my discussion of the Tea Party and its 10 Core Beliefs as found on this web site.  Here I will begin to address the list and comment on each point.  Again, remember there is no national Tea Party platform or cohesive organization, just loosely connected local grassroots Tea Party groups with similar beliefs and values.  So the list I am referencing does not necessarily represent the views of all Tea Party followers.  One other note - each item in their list is followed by an explanatory paragraph.  However, in this post I will only reprint the heading of each core belief.  The ensuing comments are my own.  Here goes . . .

1.  Eliminate Excessive Taxes
A more sensible goal would be to "Reform the Tax Code," eliminating all credits, shelters and exclusions.  For income, establish a reasonable, graduated tax schedule, and then LEAVE IT ALONE.  But, yes, many other taxes ought to be eliminated.  This is a huge topic that will probably reappear in a later post.


2.  Eliminate the National Debt
A lofty goal, but it's not necessary to eliminate our debt completely.  We certainly don't want to go so far as to prohibit our government from borrowing when necessary.  It would be a giant leap to just begin paying it down.  Again, a better plank in the platform would be to "Substantially Reduce the National Debt," and STOP ADDING TO IT.


3.  Eliminate Deficit Spending
In the short term, I agree with this principle, as this is the only way to begin to reduce our overall debt.  However, one should not go so far as to prohibit the government from deficit spending during a true crisis.  I think this item is the same as "Balance the Budget."


4.  Protect Free Markets
This item addresses the degree to which the government should interfere with and regulate commerce and business in the U.S.  Of course, the Tea Party is all for minimal government interference in the marketplace, and I tend to agree with their position.  We do, however, expect responsible oversight of most industries, so there needs to be a reasonable balance between regulation and laissez-faire.


5.  Abide by the Constitution of the United States

I'm going to ruffle many feathers on this one, I fear.  The U.S. Constitution was a daring stroke of genius when the founders wrote it, and it's been a model for the world's democracies for two centuries.  However, it is an 18th century document, written for the needs of another age and of a young, agrarian and frontier nation.  It's been amended 27 times to address issues the fathers could not have anticipated.  I recently read an article stating that new democracies of the world today no longer look to our constitution as a guide - there are more relevant models available.  Thomas Jefferson believed from the outset that a Constitutional Convention should be held every 20 years so that each generation could rewrite the law to suit their particular needs.  Yes, I agree with the premise above, that we should all "abide by the constitution."  But that document should be rewritten for the 21st century America.  It's not a sacred text.  When written, those first three treasured words, We the People . . , were assumed to mean white, anglo-saxon, christian, protestant, male property owners; such was the mindset of the time.  


Here in Michigan, we recently voted down an opportunity to rewrite our state constitution.  We only have this opportunity every 18 years, and the last rewrite was done in the early 1960s, 50 years ago.  The only argument I heard against holding a constitutional convention was that it would cost too much.  It seems a modern set of laws, tailored to a 21st century economy would repay that cost quickly, in eliminated waste and excess expenses.


Well, it felt good to get that off my chest.  Those are my opinions - feel free to agree or disagree.  What are your thoughts?  Do you have a taste for tea?  Thanks for taking time to read my humble posts.  Next time I'll address points 6 - 10.