LadyNottingham Persephone, I like Americans like you ! You're the honor of your nation. To "soothe" you, I could say the same about my country. We have leaders that are a bunch of incompetent losers that monger fear, hate and division, at a crucial moment in history when we need unity. What pisses me off are those politicians that are not clean, they are entangled in scandals and after that, they come to us, telling us the people doesn't know how to manage their lives and money. But people are less and less fools. Let's look at the bright side of the events : a few years back, there were political scandals but nobody ever heard of them. Now, they are in the public eye, despite the powers-that-be that do their best to keep the media shut up. Looks like all the nations face more or less the same issues. Rest assured I do not confuse a population with its government. You mentioned the possible return of a civil war. Somehow, we are at war : ecological and economical war, without the still ever present class warfare. History has this particular trait, that it repeats itself as long as we have not understood the History lesson. We in Europe are also threatened by this kind of issues. Folks have more and more access to information. Information flow at the speed of light from one continent to another. Look what happened in Tunisia, now spreading to other countries. So even if our immediate future may not be bright, I trust that people are more and more mature and informed and ticked off by their leaders. That we acknowledge we all have the same problems and the same solutions to them. "Que se vayan todos !" Let's send them off ! : this is, in my opinion, one of the solutions we may have to get rid of old customs and old ways of thinking.

Persephone713 Thanks to you both. The world is a strange place..I just pray for peace and that it doesn't get stranger.

SouthParkSmart My favorite part: "CHANGE is inevitable people, Gays and Lesbians are human, Woman have rights to their own bodies, not everyone in America is going to be Catholic and white...people can be Wicca, Atheist, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, etc." I'm probably going to get a lot of crap for this, but I completely agree, and f*** the Tea Party!

Persephone713 ^^^thats just it. The Media nowdays wants to SELL CONTROVERSY. Does happiness sell? no. Does conflict and arguing and hate? YEP. Its like when you go into a Disney movie-you know that the Prince and Princess will be married and blah blah blah...But there is always some mother effer villain that has to cause a problem. Sad part is there is people out there who support the villains more than the heroines. -Well I think DISNEY villains are cool. Government Villains are NOT.

Shepard14 To say that the Tea Party is racist... is completely ridiculous! If you had ever been to a Tea Party, you would see what we truly believe…. The narrow minded view that Tea Partiers hate anyone who is not white is false! I have a very good friend who is African American and her family is part of the Tea Party...I know lots of people who aren't, as you so eloquently put it, " Catholic and White...." I have friends who range from African American to Native American….I myself am part Native American…… I’m also Catholic. The Tea Party is not about skin color. It’s about personal ideology…people with the same beliefs coming together to voice their opinion…..It’s no different than a group of gays and lesbians coming together to vote in Gay Marriage….if that’s what they believe, fine. I’m ok with them voicing their opinion, but don’t expect me to change what I believe in. You are obviously racist by saying that, quote on quote, “White people” hate anyone who isn’t their color. Ok, so, if someone who isn’t Caucasian acts racist towards people with different skin color it’s ok, but the moment one white person says something racist against someone of a different skin color , it’s racism? Help me to understand this! This doesn’t make any sense! This double standard has got to stop! Another thing…..you say that the Tea Party advocates free speech but then turn around and dismiss pro-choice….Well, guess what! Free Speech gives people the RIGHT to voice their own opinion! Just because we happen to believe in Pro-Life, doesn't mean I hate you for your opinions. They are YOUR opinions and I respect them, and in turn I expect you to respect mine

Persephone713 Well...your leaders in the news give a whole new meaning to " Ugly Americans". And there shouldn't be a Tea Party. Our system is divided into three main groups. Democrat, Republican, and Independent. That is fine that there are colored people in the Tea Party but 80% of them ARE WHITE. Im not racist..because I am a white person dissing my fellow narrow-minded whites. The Real Ridiculous thing is Rich people bitching about being " Taxed Enough Already" really...last I checked WE ALL HAVE TOO many taxes. So you have a problem with how you are seen. TALK to Palin, Bachmann, O'Donnell, O'Reily, Limbaugh, Beck, Coulter, and Hannity. They all support TP and are all rich white folk. NOW do you know where I am coming from?

Persephone713 Im the opposite of racist by the way...I want MORE TOLERANCE for our African American President who has NOT gotten the credit he deserves for fixing the mess. THAT SOB BUSH started. It shouldn't matter if you are red,orange,yellow,green,blue,purple,pink,aqua, or if you worship..Buddha, Allah, God, The Wicked Witch, The Stars, The Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus..I dont care. TOLERATE EVERYONE. The point of getting angry at you guys...is you have NO toleration. Im done arguing. I want Peace not War. Oh yeah..that was another mistake. Going to war.

Poseidon3 I know, everybody blames Obama for the economy. It's Bush's fault for sending us into a war based on suspicions that there were terrorists in Iraq that were gonna attack us.

Persephone713 Yeah...well. Dubya Bush was and is a chicken shit. Hate name calling but, truth is the truth.

bellelena I feel like some of these attacks on Tea Party members are misplaced in this club. This is a fan-spot for the United States of America, and at the moment, that includes the Tea Party. While I feel like your advocacy for acceptance of change is appropriate, I guess I just wish you would have saved your more vitriolic comments about the Tea Party, war and taxes, and President Bush for a more partisan spot on fanpop. To me, fanpop is a place to celebrate the things we all enjoy. On a partisan spot, everyone might enjoy ranting and venting about the Tea Party. On the USA spot, that seems unlikely. As someone who as been to a couple of Tea Party rallies, I can attest to the fact that while some of its supporters are close-minded and ignorant, the majority of them are decent, rational people who are fed up with this country's direction over the past few years, and are in fact not pleased with actions taken by BOTH Democrats and Republicans. Our nation is not meant to be divided into three political groups (Dems, Reps, and Ind), and I am not sure where you got that idea. George Washington himself argued against such distinct political divisions, but that is beside the point. There are countless voters who would not classify themselves as any of those three groups. Although they are not the majority, smaller third-parties, such as Green or Progressive, represent the political ideologies of many Americans. I self-identify as libertarian, so where would I fall in your three-group scheme? Or what about my roommate, who identifies as a socialist? We are NOT independents, and we do support the platforms of specific parties. If you were to argue the liberal/moderate/conservative spectrum as the only classifications, I think you would have more success, but then the Tea Party would clearly "belong" as a subsection of the conservative block. Either way, there is space for the Tea Party in our country's political climate, for better or for worse. The way I see it, the Tea Party is a third party, just like all the others, that happens to be decently popular at the moment. I kind of doubt that it has much staying power, but only time will tell. Anyway, just thought I'd leave my two cents on the matter.

frostydragon This is obviously never be a subject we will ever agree on. Bush had right to go to war, (remember9/11) Colin Powell should be court marshalled for lying because I know to many military who saw what was really there (Powell is a traitor to his own military), Hope he sleeps well at night with money in that Swish bank account keeping him warm. Clinton had a military sniper with bin Laden in the cross hair of a rifle and the world said no it would be a political killing (he's a religious radical not political). How about our guy blown up on the USS Cole, English subway riders killed and injuried, terror all over the world. The Holocaust/Hitler, Salem Witch Trials/Church, Joseph Stalin/Red Army. All these mass murders and worst of all the rest of the world knew it was going on and did nothing until it touched them. America, England, France knew but set back. The world has learned from the past. If warnings don't keep these psychopathic murders in check then force does so the past doesn't repeat it self. This is not a political issue it's a human nature issue. There will always be a Hitler, a Costro, and we and the world stop them or are we all suppose to let hundreds of thousands of innocent people die before we and the world do what is right. If a gang of 5 or 6 with weapons are jumping on 1 person unarmed do we not call the police. Well if an army is beating and killing civilians so their dictator leader can have control do you not bring in help to stop the same act. It is called the Humanitarian Act and all free countries have an obligation to our fellow human to protect and defend human rights and stop listening to lies from a politician who's feathers were ruffed by the leader who stood up for right. This isn't a Disney story with a Hollywood ending. Characters did not come back to life to play another part. America, England, France, Israel, Saudi Arabia, to name a few countries terrorized by these radicals and their supporters. We need to stop Bush Beating and point the finger where it should be. If 9/11 had not happened, if subways hadn't been bombed, if hotels weren't attacked, army's from around the world would not be there in the first place. When would it have been 1 too many killed or attacked? When would it have gotten to the point that people around the world would have enough of being afraid of going to a simple thing as work or market? As for Obama. Sorry I haven't seen a change but for the worst. Our town is dieing. The main source of income (the mill) closed, but in all honesty it isn't his fault either or Bush's. Did ya notice how the rich people started hording money more afraid another 9/11 will happen and they may lose a dime of their multi-millions. They cut positions it profit more, cut hrs to profit more. All the domino effect of bin Laden/Saddame and their world wide mass murders.

frostydragon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpoudLoc8sY Remember. People from all over the world were in the towers and on the planes. This is not hate but why the world has had enough of terrorist.

jlhfan624 [i]Im not racist..because I am a white person dissing my fellow narrow-minded whites.[/i] That too, is called racism. It's also called self-hating. You're a self-hating white person? You say you aren't racist, and to tolerate EVERYONE. Doesn't that mean the Tea Partiers too? Or do you only mean to tolerate everyone who follows your ideals? I have a hard time taking someone seriously who professes [b]tolerance for everyone[/b] when you are in fact doing the exact opposite.

Persephone713 I am not tolerating the so called " Tea Party" movement. Yes they are the only movement I do not support because they are full of hate. Why would I feel tolerant of people who are rich and whine about being the most taxed when there are people homeless and living on the streets and less fortunate than them. This is my opinion you don't like it. Too bad. The Majority of people are sick of " The so called Tea Party" they are a branch of of the Republican party. And no I don't self-hate. And if I am hating my own color that is not racism. I am sick of people not tolerating other colors that come into this country and other religions. And yes WAR was unnecessary. It hasn't gotten us anywhere but in debt. You can call me names, disagree with me. But this is my opinion. And I have facts to back it up. This isnt to say I dont care about 9/11 or our country. I am just sick and tired of people being so ignorant. War never is the answer. It cause more problems and complications. Im done arguing.

jlhfan624 Okay well you have your opinion and I have mine, and they're obviously on two totally different ends of the political spectrum. I never called you names though, nor did I ever intend to....

Shepard14 These "Anti-Tea Party" arguments are based on poorly gathered information. Before you go bad-mouthing the Tea-Party or any other political movement, I suggest you realize what the Tea-party is truly about...I don't ask that you agree with us, but at least get the information correct instead of coming up with absurd falsities about how we are full of hate.....

frostydragon The best thing any of us can do is join this party. It's the one I'm a member of. It's called The American People. This is what they stand for: 1. Do away with all special interest groups. 2. Ban Political Correctness. (Get Gov Out Of Our Home) 3. Let people live as they choose as long as it isn't hurting you whats it your business, tend to your own. 4. Realize people are gonna think and hate as they will. Can't change it but by our own actions. 5. Stop reading head lines and read the small page 5 write ups that aren't influenced by political and public pressure. 6. Go to the source of the problem not the reaction taken by others conduct. 7. Most important You Can't Change Stupidity Just Educate It. And Lets Add. If It Comes Out Of A Politicians Mouth, It's 10 Times Likely A LIE!!!!!! And They've Got A Nice Bank Account For Telling It.

jlhfan624 @Persephone713, what would you propose is the correct option against war then? How would you go about retaliating against those to attacked us first? Buy them a pizza? I'm just asking... @frostydragon, I'm ALL for implementing your second rule. Political correctness and the people who preach about it are one of the many things that piss me off. Why can't I say whatever I want to say without worrying about offending someone? I'm also both for and against your first rule. For it because well...affirmative action and all. If that's how you mean...As for your 3rd rule, no way. Society needs rules.

frostydragon We all know right from wrong. Now in America there are states and towns that tell people you must have your yard fenced, what kind of fence, type of dog, color of your house, age of car you are permitted to park in your yard. Rules are one thing but control is an entirely different thing. Rules keep respect and others from over running others rights, I refer to "This is the way I think everyone should live so lets pass a law to make them." Some people don't like fences, some can't afford them, some like big dogs some like small, some like blue/gray some like natural wood slats, and many can't afford a new car. Yes I lived in Virginia and there are laws like these there and all over the country I have found. Laws and Rules are to prevent physical harm, mental/emotional harm or death. Where does society break down because the property I purchased and pay taxes on has a hedge row and not a wooden fence or no fence at all. This is what I refer to. This is my corner of the world. I purchased it, I like any size dog, I don't like being closed in so I have a chain link fence, and I have a second hand used car (but it gets me from point A to point B) Hopefully you understand better what I refer to in 3. These are rules and laws that encouraged us to move to where people let live, and believe it ain't bother me so what ever. As for 1 it's the extreme things go to if not kept in check. We need to learn a happy medium here people.

Persephone713 Did I say the terrorists are RIGHT? No. But retaliating and going to war and spending our surplus sure was stupid. We still are paying off the debts of WWII and Vietnam war. YES that is a fact. And now we added another that will not be paid off in our lifetime, our children's, grandchildren's, great-grandchildren's , great-great-grandchildren. So Yeah I am pissed off that Bush impulsively went to war with a Whole country who doesn't have a civilized government. 4,000 plus people died including a friend of mine. I had to go to my first military funeral in 2006. That is something I never ever want to see again. And no I will never like, or forgive George W. Bush for his stupidity and selfishness. There are other ways he could have handled that situation. He went to war because Osama bin Laden was after his father too. And no I will not support the Tea Party. Now please leave me alone. You don't like what I have to say ignore me. But I never said the terrorists on 9/11 were right. Shame on you for inquiring such a dumb thing. War is not the answer. Thats like bullies in school..say they hit you? you dumb enough to hit back?? or walk away, and be the bigger person.

Poseidon3 Well put, Persephone713.

Persephone713 thanks! it means alot. I cant tell you what it felt like seeing my friend in uniform dead. hearing/seeing the 21 gun salute. Or hearing taps...then they fold the flag over the coffin and gave it to his mother as his father saluted him for the last time. I cant say anymore. I will cry. He was a nice friend. He had a baby daughter too. Ironically he died on 6-6-06. If you know what 666 means.

frostydragon I'am so sorry. Yes a military funeral is the saddest.I've attended many. My views comes from attending a funeral with no body because someone thought it was funny to fly an airplane into their place of employment and the entire body was incinerated due to jet fuel. In a military funeral the deceased made a choice to put their life on the line. The same as a police officer or firefighter. If an officer goes after a drug dealer that poisons kids with his drugs and he dies I blame the dealer not his chief for giving him the assignment. If a firefighter dies in the line of duty fighting a fire set by an arsonist, I blame the arsonist, not his commander for sending him in. My 12 yr old was bullied for the first 5 yrs of school. He finally got tired of it and the last time the boy hit him he beat the stuffing out of him and he hasn't bothered him again. There is no comparing kids bulling to murder, but then bullied kids have turned into murderers. Look at Columbin. One can only walk away so many times before anger sets in. Persephone713 I'm not targeting you. I come from a military family on one side. The other had to run from their home in Germany because they were mistaken for being Jewish. To their dieing breath they never blamed the Jewish people for what Hitler did to them and their homeland and praise Roosevelt (who took the same actions as Bush) for the fear and torment they went through until they reached America. I HONOR your friend, I'm sorry you grieve. I guess we see things different because I grieve for one killed because they didn't call into work that day. You grieve for one who was killed because of that act that killed my friend. ONE DATE IN HISTORY HAS DIVIDED THIS COUNTRY. Guess bin Laden and Saddam wins one way or another. No war is not the answer but sometimes the only one by being given no choice. Decades of terror. DECADES. 9/11 isn't the first time these murders have touched my life. Far more than 4000 murders to these people. On Pier 21 in Norfolk I waved good-bye to many friends I never saw alive again. I'm no more a war monger than you are one wanting America to be a coward and the worlds kick puppy. We are two people grieving over a senseless act that violated so many people. I respect your view and 100% hate the Tea-Party we do so agree. Lets look at it this way we have both presented in our debate over this two completely different views. Maybe someone can take both our views and find a happy medium so the past won't repeat it's self.

roorkcme WOW I'm new on here and was shocked to see such a exchange between people. We have a 14 yr old and 21 yr old who don't know but what the schools have shoved down them. Middle aged just learning how politics work and older mature adults that have lived and who learned to read between the lines. Kids I was there and went to revenge my country and proud of if. This isn't the 60's and Vietnam. Stop disrespecting your country and those lost to terror and the soldiers and the memories of those lost. This war was not started by a President, Political Leader or anyone holding an office of any country. World Criminals Started this and you need to learn this or become a lawyer where you can spend your life blaming everyone except who really committed the crime. One pointed out this is just a one date in history. True. Follow the trail of bodies it goes back for years. This isn't Disney World as I see one on their profile is obsessed with this is real life. I nursed children there starving well before the war. We did more than fight, we brought hope to people who never knew there was any. If showing a country there is a better way I did my job because I gave what the dictator ruling them refused them, self respect. The Tea-Party. Well their just like all other flash in the pan groups that have come around with big mouths that if you just ignore will go away. The more attention you give them the more it fuels their ego.

Persephone713 I salute you and our Veterans who have served our country. My Grandpa did. But even he says he wish he didnt have to because war is never the answer. War is just One BIG Dispute between two or more countries, that cost more money than anyone could ever imagine. And kills so many in the process.