In praise of tea parties

Six years ago, I wrote a book called “Taking America Back,” in which I envisioned millions of Americans rising up at the grass roots to challenge government and powerful cultural institutions in ways that would expand freedom, restore justice and revive morality.

It took a while, but this “radical” idea is finally sweeping America.

I’m even happy to say that the title of my book has been adopted by many of the “tea party” organizers as their rallying cry.

Now I have a caution for all those involved.

Don’t let this movement get hijacked by the politicians – especially the failed politicians of the past.

Show the world you’re part of the movement to take America back with the “Time for Another Tea Party” magnetic bumper sticker

I see plenty of evidence that former officials are trying to ride this wave.

But this is a spontaneous and righteous uprising of the people. It is too important and pure to be associated with people who have been in power, had the opportunity to take America back and dropped the ball.

I don’t have to name names. It’s not important. It’s just my advice and warning to grass-roots organizers across the country not to be seduced by big-name politicians who “want to help.” You don’t need their help. They need yours.

There are people who are planning to make their political comebacks by becoming your spokesmen. Don’t let that happen.

The “tea party” movement began spontaneously. No national leaders called for the hundreds of events that have already been successfully organized and executed. In fact, they happened because of a vacuum of leadership at the national level.

I am optimistic that the very people organizing these events will become national leaders themselves rather than adopting so-called national leaders who aren’t really leading at all. They are following.

Am I suggesting the grass-roots organizers of “tea parties” shouldn’t welcome support from wherever it comes? Not at all. What I am suggesting is not to allow the spirit and energy you have expended to be dissipated in any way because “professionals” have come along to make your work easier and more effective.

Our politicians have failed us because they put their own careers ahead of the people’s interests.

They will do that again and again if you permit them.

There is a beauty to what is happening in America today. People are awakening. They see where they are being led – like lambs to the slaughter. There is no political messiah waiting in the wings to save us. It’s up to us – and to an all-powerful God of the universe who is far more powerful than all the politicians of the world together.

God has blessed America in the past because we were obedient to Him. He honored the sacrifices our forefathers made for freedom, justice and morality. He will honor them again.

But He will not honor us if we sit by complaining and wringing our hands because no one is leading us in a righteous direction.

He’s waiting for you to take action. He’s waiting for your prayers. He’s waiting for you to be obedient to the laws of His universe. He’s waiting for you to join Him in action that He will approve.

I really believe that – with all my heart.

So, don’t be fooled, again.

It’s up to you.

You’re doing fine.

Be encouraged.

I believe we got Barack Obama because we needed him. Sometimes God’s people need to be made uncomfortable because we’ve been too complacent and we haven’t put Him first.

Your response thus far has been inspirational.

Keep it up.

Don’t be diverted.

Don’t allow what you have done to be used by any politician for his own self-aggrandizement and empowerment.

God bless you.

Let’s go dump some more tea.