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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2009 > April > 19 > Entry
Editorial: ‘Tea parties’ not start of a revolution
The past week was the chance for Barack Obama’s staunchest opponents to show their strength.
On cable television, radio stations and the Internet, they called their followers to the streets in cities across the country, including Dayton, at downtown’s Courthouse Square. They drew a few thousand in a lot of places. They demonstrated a movement that might turn into something, but at this stage it’s most generously considered nascent.
The critics cried “socialism” often and far harsher words, too. “Obamanomics is fascism with a smiley face” read one sign. Another: “Remember that Hitler gave great speeches, too.”
The warnings were dire: “Redistribution is government enslavement.”
The rhetoric of the speakers was just about as hot. One fellow here pleaded that we not “let the government destroy the fabric of our nation.” Let us not, he said, become a “western France.” He snarled that country’s name.
Among the lines from the podium: “I would rather die a free man than live as an economic slave.”
The “Tea Parties” show part of the truth about public opinion, here and elsewhere. Polls say Americans approve of President Barack Obama by about 2-1 (when you set aside the undecideds). They express more trust in him than in his opponents by an even larger margin.
And yet, there is widespread doubt about his policies. Many who express approval are approving of the man and the fact that he is trying to do something about the extraordinary mess he stepped into.
About 70 percent of the public expresses optimism that President Obama’s policies will work. But that could just be general American optimism, rather than support for his ideological approach. When the Gallup organization threw the magic words “big government” into a question, 53 percent of people said they approve of expanding the federal government’s reach, if it’s temporary, as the president insists. Forty-four percent disapprove.
That divide suggests majority opinion is not set in stone. From here on out, it’s a matter of how the economy goes, whether what the president is doing really works.
Any president who proceeds as boldly as Barack Obama invites a backlash. He has upset the political apple cart. He has flown into the teeth of a conservative movement that still has sharp teeth. He has turned Democrats overnight from critics of high deficits to proponents of enormous deficits, just as Ronald Reagan did that to Republicans in 1980, similarly in pursuit of economic revival.
One result is polarization and hostility that is at odds with President Obama’s talk as a candidate about closing the nation’s political divide. That dream is a victim of irreconcilable differences about how to respond to a stunning financial crisis.
So far, the polarization isn’t threatening the president. He has the clear majority not only with public opinion, but in Congress.
The “Tea Parties” were designed to make sure the president knows that not everyone is on his side. They were big enough to remind Republicans in Congress that hard-core conservatives are furious, but not big enough to be a concern for Democrats.
If the idea was to deliver a message that would reach beyond those who are most angry, let’s just say the critics have more work to do. So far, they’re talking to themselves.
Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment | Categories: Editorials, Martin Gottlieb, Miami Valley Politics, National Politics
Comments
By CU
April 19, 2009 7:22 AM | Link to this
Did you really state a few thousand showed up at the tea parties? This after it was already pointed out to you that Dayton Police estimated the crowd at Courthouse Square to be 8000. The Dayton Tea Party was the largest in OH and there were no big name speakers. You can continue to diminish opposition to your saviour Obama but you know he is the most devisive president in the history of our country. That his personal approval numbers are higher than his policy numbers show just how much libs worship the image of this man but not really any substance about him. Liberals are weak minded followers who look very folish when confronted with fact. Mr. Got Lib, the more you reveal who the libs really are the more hard working Americans will rally against your man. You are proof that the DDN would rather go down in flames than make an effort to accurately report news.By George
April 19, 2009 8:18 AM | Link to this
Listen Gottlib, if the tea parties are so insignificant, why do you keep writing about them?…and why do they generate the most comments? Because you are wrong about thier insignificance. Obama and his Democrat congress are proceeding boldly alright…with policies that are downright scary and dangerous to this nation’s future. History has proven that every policy dececion he has made will fail. That is, fail at improving our economy and standard of living. If I may suggest (boldly) that Obama’s policy goals are designed to create an economic crisis that forces the uneducated and uninformed to look to the federal government for help, thereby giving he and Washington an ever growing amout of control over our lives, then I’d say his policies are working just fine. For now. When you and Obama conclude that polling justifies policy decisions you do the nation a disservice. A real leader makes decisions based on what is best for the country not their own popularity. Popularity and self adulation are what motivate Obama-at the peril of our future. The tea parties’ huge successes, despite comically under-reported attendance figures prove two things: Americans of all political persuasions are starting to pay attention and that Democrats and some Rebublicans that have drifted to the left had better be paying attention or they will be looking for a job come November, 2010-just like the millions of others put out of work by the anti free-market President that you adore.By yt27
April 19, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this
Once again, the left doesn’t get it. People attending the Tea Parties are angry at both parties. This isn’t an anti-Obama movement. This movement is a wake-up call to all levels of government to stop spending money we don’t have.By Robert Scott II
April 19, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this
Once again this editorial misses the point / misrepresents the facts. TEA partys are protesting NATIONWIDE disgust with the slow painfull slide to socialism / government control over TOO MUCH of the citizens lives. They Are NOT anti Obama rallys as you are wont to portray.As an actual attendee of the 15th April Event @ Courthouse Square ( And proud father of one of the orginizers ) I take issue with basically all of the points Mr Gottlieb ” reported / opined ” Thank goodness we do have blogs where we ” blue collar ” folk can actually report the actual facts rather than the obviously biased reporting of the Dayton Daily ” News ” James Cox must be turning over in his grave at what his paper has de evolved into…..By Figures
April 19, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this
There is a reason why the Dayton Daily News is one of the FEW on Bill O’Reilly’s DO NOT READ list. Totally biased and uber liberal reporting. Enjoy your subscription demise DDN.By Mark
April 19, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this
“… Obama’s talk as a candidate about closing the nation’s political divide. That dream is a victim of irreconcilable differences about how to respond to a stunning financial crisis.” WRONG. That dream is a victim of a.) the Dems excluding Republican from sessions to find a solution and b.) the Obama administration labeling conservatives and veterans as possible domestic terrorists.By Emily
April 19, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this
Obama the most divisive president in U.S. history, CU? Really? Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Richard Nixon…do you know who these people are? I’m not sure why I even bother…By Earl Pitts
April 20, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this
Editorial: ‘Tea parties’ not start of a revolution That’s what you think.By Philman
April 20, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this
Democrat’s don’t care about OPPRESIVE TAXATION, they just don’t pay there taxes, as evidencend by President Obama’s cabinet picks.By Jennifer
April 20, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this
Are you even serious? I knew there was a reason I do not subscribe to this paper. Over 8,000 people showed up in Dayton and you say that nobody came? It was not anti-Nobama, it was anti big Government and anti wasteful spending. It was not funded by any group, but by the people. I am sure if there had been any type of rally while Bush was in office, you would of called it a huge success. Please. You and your paper are so far left it is disgusting.By Brian Walton
April 20, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this
Journalism is in fact dead. Unfortunately, this article represents exactly why the decline of the newspaper is upon us. It is not due to the internet or decaying of our public education system; rather, the decline is due to very biased and skewed reporting. If you want to save your paper it would be in the DDN’s best interest to come back to the middle of the political spectrum. In the meantime, as for my family and I, we will be cancelling our subscription.By RAW
April 20, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this
Make no mistake, those that are fighting against larger government and more spending are fully aware of the long road ahead of them. The culture in this country that has developed since the post-war era is one that looks to government for solutions to their problems rather than finding them on their own. From welfare to social security, the message that these systems communicate is one that inhibits growth. Several question I would like to have answered follow: 1) Why is the welfare system not a system based on incentives revolving around professional development? The goal should be to put people back to work. 2)Why do we not teach finincial classes in the schools? Most who graduate high school cannot even balance a check book. 3)Why is retirement planning/investing not a required course to graduate high school? 4)Why are we not developing school curriculums that develop professional skills usable upon graduation? My list goes on…but the simple answer to these questions lies in our own perceptions of the individual’s and government’s role in our society. We need to take back our individuality and celebrate the human potential. We are all capable of becoming more than are if given the opportunity. Government cannot provide that and therefore will not support it. We need to free ourselves and remember that we direct our lives and determine our futures as we see fit. Self-interest is the greatest good any citizen can contribute to their nation.By CU
April 20, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this
Emily, Obama’s most recent polls showed approval from 59% of those polled, 88% democrats, 27% of republicans, and 57% indepen.,a 61% gap. In Nixon’s first term he had overall approval of 65%, 84% republican, 55% democrat, and 65% indepen. a 29% gap. I stand by my point; those who are infatuated with Obama are the only ones left who support his policies, proving that you are still in a haze and not willing to look at facts. Those who were not weak enought to fall for a guy who speaks well with a telepromptor are looking at his policies and disagree. Hence, the still somewhat high personal approval ratings, lower ratings for his policies, and very divisive. Since you asked; Abe was the first Republican Pres. and one your guy loves to compare himself too and was an actual leader not a charade. Andrew Jackson was the democrat who liked the current democratic party symbol made it stick. A symbol that is still just as fitting today as it was back then. Why do you bother?By Connie
April 20, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this
There is this little thing called research. Maybe the bloggers and editors should do it more often. The Tea party wasnt anti-Obama or anti-government. It was protesting the government over stepping their boundaries. The governments job is to protect us from oversees enemies and make laws. Not spend our money. And it is OUR money. The government can not make money. They take ours. You know what else is amazing. That there wasn’t any violence at these tea parties. NONE. They were peaceful gatherings. People want a change. A real change. That is why support of the Fair-tax, of allowing people to invest their own social security money, and no bailouts is rising. People are tired of the government wasting their money. Also why dont you look up and see when the last nation wide protest got as many participants as the Tea parties did. You migh tbe surprised.By george
April 20, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this
Why do we even care about the opinion of the DDN. The people of this country are rising up in protest, across this country against the big government waste of our tax dollars. They covered a small group of protesters when they are against the Iraq war. But when it comes to average taxpayers against the move to socialism it is not significant. This isn’t a D or R issue. It is a common sense issue of right and wrong. We are the silent majority trying to save our liberty and freedoms. It will continue whether it is covered by the DDN.By George
April 20, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this
Raw’s questions about why our government schools systems fail to prepare their students to be self sufficient citizens has plagued me for much of my adult life. Sadly, I have concluded it is by design. Government schools are run by liberal democrats who support politians that promise more and more taxpayer money regardless of performance. Liberal democrat politicians are sadly more concerned with cementing their own power,wealth and influence by creating a pitiful, permanent and dependent electorate than they are with improving peoples lives. I cannot blame people on public assistance/welfare when they vote for politicians that promise them more and more money, confiscated from the rest of us-after all, it beats working for a living. I blame the clueless and the educate elite that listen to what liberal democrat politicians SAY rather than examine the clear results of their failed policies.By Dave Foreman
April 20, 2009 2:32 PM | Link to this
It is a shame that you have become a newspaper of the left. If you do go out of business remember why. God Bless our Country!By Claudia
April 20, 2009 2:50 PM | Link to this
So, if I wanted to burn cars and bust windows, I would be expressing my opinions and you would love it. The nut cases from Code Pink get your admiration. But when fiscally responsible people gather to peacefully to express opinions, according to the DDN, they are hateful, clueless and are only doing this because of their distain for the president. Again, glad I don’t pay for this rag of a paper and I never will.By MWR
April 20, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this
If you’re tired of politicians who spend your money on bailouts and deficits, if you’re tired of politicians who continue to raise your taxes, if you’re tired of broken or ignored political campaign promises, if you’re tired of any career politician who is a poster child for term limits, if you’re worried about an America in decline, if you’re tired of “politics as usual”, then FIRE THE INCUMBENTS! It’s easy. For the next few years, vote out any politician that has been in office since, at least, 2009. They work for YOU. If they’re not doing the job for which you hired them, then fire them by voting for their opponents, regardless of any party affiliations. This does two things: - It rids the American people of politicians who are ignoring the wishes of their constituents. - It sends a message to new representatives that, “We’re watching, we have a vote, we have a voice and we have a choice”. We keep hearing about bailouts in the hundreds of billions of dollars and deficits in the trillions of dollars, but these numbers are hard to comprehend. To put this into an historical time line perspective, let’s compare 1 dollar to 1 second: 1 million seconds is 11.5 days (not quite two weeks ago). 1 billion seconds is 31 years (1978). 100 billion seconds is 3,100 years (Egypt was flourishing). 1 trillion seconds is 31,000 years (about the time that Neanderthals went extinct). The projected deficit based on bailouts by the Bush and Obama administrations is $12.8 trillion. At $1.00 per second, it would take 396,800 years to pay it off …providing American politicians don’t spend any more money. Now you know. PRO/CON: PROgress/CONgress.By Bill
April 21, 2009 9:02 AM | Link to this
It is ironic that the DDN staunchy defends their savior (Barak Obama) and gives his gallup poll numbers. How about showing the approval ratings of Congress. The last I saw they were near single digits. And the last I saw, Democrats are in power. They are the ones actually voting on the stimulas package. DDN, have you seen how partisan these economics bills are, when no republican votes for it. Even Dennis Kucinich voted against this bill the tea parties are based on. Why don’t you start being non-partisan and quit writing negative editorials about Americans protesting the reckless spending by our government.By Ronald G. Houck
April 23, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this
Since you left the TEA Party before you had the opportunity to hear my speech Martin, I’ll publish it here. Perhaps, just perhaps you may pick up on the theme. Dayton TEA Speech, 15 April 2009 © As schoolchildren, many of us had to memorize the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States and recite it before the class. It was a tedious and boring exercise for students and teachers alike. Most of us have forgotten those words. However, they are very important words as they establish the principles under which our nation would be governed. The subsequent Articles and Amendments formulate the rules and regulations that permitted us to develop into the great nation we have become. Our founding fathers clearly established within the Preamble the character of the governing body of these United States. The Preamble states the responsibilities of the government to “We the People.” The Articles state how these responsibilities will be implemented to best serve “We the People.” The Amendments make our Constitution a living document as it assigns rights to “We the People.” My presentation focuses on only one word out of the forty-five words in the Preamble. That word is “Posterity.” The single sentence Preamble ends “…the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” To believe in the Constitution is to believe that it is the responsibility of each generation to pass on to future generations a quality of life the same as or better than the one previously lived. I was born in 1934 during the Great Depression which ranged from 1930 to 1939. Stock prices fell 40%, 9,000 banks failed and wiped out some 9 million savings accounts, 86,000 businesses failed, 25% of our population were unemployed, and the wages of those still employed decreased about 60%. Our economy was at a virtual standstill. In 1933 President Roosevelt resorted to deficit spending - mortgaging the life style of future generations – to spur the economy. When the war broke out in Europe in 1939 the US was still in the throes of depression. Roosevelt’s deficit spending plan was a colossal failure. The United States didn’t come out of the depression until we started to produce weapons for war. Almost immediately, American capitalism, not government directives, rose to the forefront and war goods were being churned out in lickety-split time. Our government used deficit funds payable by future generations to meet this challenge to our freedoms. Those funds went directly into the willing hands of responsible leaders of American capitalism. Driven by a sense of patriotism, not by greed or ego, they put the American worker back to work thus ending the Great Depression. When a large number of our male population was called up to serve in the armed services, women, out of a heritage of responsibility, willing took their place on the production line. It is interesting to note that we are still paying off the WWII debt which numbered in the billions of dollars. Now that raises a puzzling question - and I’ll leave it to you to come up with your own answer: If the billions owed for the sixty year old war debt are still unpaid, how long will it take for future generations to pay off the trillions of stimulus spending implemented recently by Washington? How much debt can the American public carry without breaking? And what will be the quality of life for the American public during those trying times? Americans love to put names to events, activities, and generations. We recently observed “March Madness” – before that the “Super Bowl.” Another example is the name given by Tom Brokaw to the generation that preceded mine “The Greatest Generation.” And the generation produced by them was named “Baby Boomers.” Since my generation has no name, I shall take the liberty to give it a name - “The American Dream” generation. I call it that because I do believe that my generation may well be the only generation to ever live the American Dream. And that thought saddens me. But to live that dream, my generation had to accept and support a fundamental creed that made this country so great – a dedication to responsibility: A responsibility to God - to ourselves - our family - our community – our nation – our future generations. For whatever reasons, the majority of Americans in the generations to follow mine lost that dedication to responsibility. Perhaps greed, ego, and the ‘what’s in it for me?’ mentality played a part? As a nation, we have lost our sense of meaning for Duty, Honor, and Country. I learned responsibility from parents of a generation which understood responsibility. They were forged from freedom, sharpened by duty, and honed by the Great Depression to accept responsibility. And that’s what has made America great! We have a Statue of Liberty on the east coast to welcome to our home those who want what our country offers. What we need now, as a reminder to all citizens of these United States, is a Statue of Responsibilities on the west coast. It would clearly state the responsibilities of the people, by the people, and for the people - as well as for those who govern ‘we the people’ – to maintain our sovereign nation in accordance with our constitution. I am saddened that I cannot leave the United States in better shape for posterity than it is now when it is time for me to pass on. In what shape will you leave it? What will be the legacy of your generation?By Rick
April 26, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this
Once again we have a condescending liberal looking down his nose at those he disagrees with. One thing the conservatives must vow to do is to protest high taxes and wasteful spending when a Republican is president. Frankly, our failure to scream out when George Bush was president has cost us a lot of credibility. We need to work hard to regain it.By J Galt
August 2, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry friends, the DDN writers are simply farm people with thesauruses. Nothing they ‘write’ really matters. Besides, how much longer do you think this paper will stay in business away? I personally will have a beer when all these hicks are laid off; then they can go back to their farms.By J Galt
August 2, 2009 8:30 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry friends, the DDN writers are simply farm people with thesauruses. Nothing they ‘write’ really matters. Besides, how much longer do you think this paper will stay in business away? I personally will have a beer when all these hicks are laid off; then they can go back to their farms.