Tea party event organizers reject Michael Steele speaking request
The Washington Independent and other news outlets are reporting that organizers of an anti-spending Tea Party in Chicago have rejected a request from Republican national chairman Michael Steele to speak there.
"We prefer to limit stage time to those who are not elected officials, both in Government as well as political parties," according to a written response from Tea Party oganizer Eric Odom, posted on the Washington Independent site.
Odom pokes Steele, saying the chairman "has only just decided to reach out after realizing how big the movement has gotten."
Tea Party "revolts" against government spending are being organized throughout the country on April 15, including several in Maryland.
Comments
These people are both lunatics, and the dupes of a few very-right-wing folks who have been planning this for months. This is the most astroturffy of astroturf movements. Steele is well out of it.
Posted by: Anonymous | April 9, 2009 9:34 PM
The tea party folks are not right-wing lunatics. It is a grassroots movement by conservatives of all parties. Mothers and fathers who pay their taxes, mortgages, and employees. We (yes, I include myself) are extremely frustrated and disappointed in our elected officials and we are sending that message with these rallies and protests. Most of us have never rallied before but we are NOW!
Posted by: countywomen | April 10, 2009 8:18 AM
These are the key words to your blog Mr. Nitkin;
"Tea Party "revolts" against government spending".
NO politician should speak at the tea party rallies. Each party is responsible for what has happened to our country. Read Ron Smith's column in today's Op/Ed.
Posted by: Carole | April 10, 2009 8:19 AM
Gee David you posted another negative Micheal Steele blog. I'm shocked.
Did Micheal kick your dog or are you still upset over the ban? It certainly appears you are still carrying a grudge.
Posted by: Waiting for the sun to Set | April 10, 2009 8:46 AM
The Tea Party folks are a heck of a lot smarter than the fools who voted for Steele to head the RNC. Was Steele planning to speak about his and Ehrlich's massive tax increases disguised as fee increases?
Posted by: Chum | April 10, 2009 8:56 AM
Anonymous is all for protests by ACORN and illegals but against protests by anyone right of them. How sad.
Posted by: Fed Up | April 10, 2009 9:10 AM
The fact that Steele was rejected shouldn't be news. The organizers are, correctly, making this a nonpartisan protest. If unchecked, Dems will certainly make the "wall of federal debt" table unchartable in five years, while the Repubs have only themselves to blame for their profligate spending the last eight years. It didn't all go for war efforts. And Michael Steele is quickly making himself irrelevant (assuming he ever was relevant to begin with). SOMEBODY needs to step up and act responsibly...
Posted by: Paul | April 10, 2009 11:48 AM
I wonder if Steele would have addressed Gov. O'Malley passing the largest tax hike in Maryland history?
Oh well, they dont want it to be political. Of course, part of me thinks its Walt Kelly's... I've met the enemy and he is me.
Posted by: Crumbs | April 10, 2009 2:44 PM
Does anyone in this crowd remember the Boston Tea Party and why this country found for freedom from taxation that we have lost? If the Republicans are willing to play ball with the Democrats at Federal, state, and local levels, then it's time they all get replaced. I hope to be in Bowie on Tax Day to let them know someone is watching.
Posted by: AnneR | April 12, 2009 11:55 AM