The simple idea that the citizens of America want their elected officials to listen to their grievances and be their advocate in the government has fueled the politicians and lame stream media to call ordinary Americans “terrorists.” This quote from ‘PMSNBC’: “You know, the problem with this is it’s like a form of economic terrorism. I imagine these tea party guys are, like, strapped with dynamite, standing in the middle of Times Square at rush hour and saying, ‘Either you do it my way, or we’re going to blow you up, ourselves up, and the whole country up with us.’ So you tell me how those kinds of standoffs end.” (Media Research Center- www.mrc.org ) — MSNBC economic analyst Steven Rattner on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, July 29.

Really? Are these people “sleeper cells” of Islamic terrorists? How about a rebirth of the subversive Weather Underground domestic terrorist group? The answer is (drum roll please), NO! It is the tea party patriot folks! You know, that subversive group that has been holding Congress hostage to insure they reach a deal concerning the debt ceiling. Yeah, the group that demanded Congress does the “right thing” by using common sense and takes responsibility for their actions.

I realize that starting the tea party meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance (gasp) and a prayer (huge gasp) qualifies this subversive group as terrorists.

The fact is the lame stream media and the established politicians just don’t understand what the tea party movement is really all about —  moral values vs. political values. The people see our rights diminishing, while the politicians are only worried about re-election. Look at what moral values have been destroyed by the politicos over the past 50 years —  Roe v Wade, prayer in school, religious displays in town squares, gay marriage and even the displaying of the American flag on t-shirts in schools. People are scared that the path we are headed down is fundamentally changing our values and ideals and they are “mad as hell and not going to take it anymore!”

The battle lines have been drawn because the politicians are destroying the fabric of America by catering to every politically correct faction in America. The frustrating part for many is the lack of listening skills exhibited by the politicians to their own constituents. This, at the same time they are quick to take away our rights to grant special rights to groups that may impact their ability to get re-elected. If the politicians don’t bow to the radical groups’ political correctness culture, the willing accomplices in the press will focus on those particular politicians. Just take a look at the terrible things they say about the tea party and great Americans such as Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachman, Mitt Romney, Rick Perry and our own Gov. Paul LePage. The attacks are ruthless and relentless. The Media Research Center reports the liberal media – CNN, MSNBC, CBS, NBC, ABC, you know the enlightened folks —  have launched attacks on the tea party people in Congress and the tea party groups. But I digress.

Using your common sense, ask a very simple question of the critics: “How can 87 Congress people, 435 in the House and 100 in the Senate (that is 535 total), hold the government and American people hostage? The answer is very simple: You, the “ordinary people,” as politicians label you, have been jamming up the phone lines in Washington and in our own state houses across the country. The tea party movement has shaken up the established politicians, both parties, and is the reason they have been characterizing us as “terrorists” and every other negative phrase they can throw at us. Is this having an effect on how people perceive the tea party? In a recent Gallup poll: More Americans consider themselves strong opponents of the tea party movement than strong supporters, by 20 percent to 14 percent, and the ratio is a similar among registered voters, 22 percent to 15 percent. When factoring in those who support or oppose the movement, but not strongly, the opposing groups are more evenly matched, with 25 percent of Americans in total classified as tea party supporters and 28 percent as opponents. About 4-in-10 Americans, as well as registered voters, say they neither support nor oppose the tea party. (http://www.gallup.com/poll/148940/tea-party-sparks-antipathy-passion.aspx)

If you read into the poll itself, however, you see that a full 25 percent of Americans are tea party supporters and 4 of 10 registered voters say they neither support nor oppose the tea party. Those are the facts that scare the heck out of the politicians, because those are the “independent” voters that will swing to the candidates that will help put our country back on a path of fiscal sanity. This is very encouraging, considering it is summertime and not a major election season.

The negative effect on the tea party will be short-lived as we get closer to the next election cycle, 2012, the presidential election. This will be especially true if the economy does not do a total turnaround by then. The way the economic indicators are today, it looks as though President Obama and those politicians who refuse to listen to the people, will have a hard time winning re-election because of the scores of their base running from their policies. All as I can say is lets hope for change.

There is no doubt the tea party has had a profound impact on the debt-ceiling debate and on the politicians. The debate has changed from “let’s protect the status quo,” to “what is the right thing to do?” The only way to keep the conversation going concerning fiscal responsibility is to keep the pressure on the politicians by becoming engaged or continuing to stay engaged if you already have become involved in one of the groups.

Here in Maine, we have many smaller groups that meet at various times every month throughout the state. Right here in Androscoggin County the “Affordable Government” group, Cumberland County tea party, Maine TEA Party/Refounders. You can find out the information about all these groups on Facebook or write me, [email protected] , to find a group near you. You can also visit www.mainetaxpayers.com and click on the links button at the top. This will show you all the groups throughout the state. You will also find different events the groups are sponsoring on their websites.

There is one sure thing we can say: “If the people lead, the leaders will follow”! You politicos and those thinking about running in the next election cycle, I would suggest you attend one of the tea party functions in your area and find out who those “terrorists” are and what they will expect from their elected officials. I can guarantee they will be holding your feet to the fire should you get elected!

That is my opinion let me hear yours! You can contact me [email protected] , on Facebook-Maine Taxpayers United.

Scott Lansley served four years in the Maine Legislature, is currently a Sabattus selectman and political director for Maine Taxpayers United.