And we’re off!

The very first Tea Party convention is underway! My evil twin Bob [Hi Bob! sip] suggested that I be the official correspondent of our little group here, and I think that's a fine idea. I'm afraid I can't attend in person (although wouldn't that be an interesting time...!), even though tickets are still available for Saturday night's banquet and speech by Sarah Palin, but I will try to glean a few tidbits from the news and from online and write a bit about those. Gee, I'm kind of excited! How about you?

First off, thanks to a new Anonymous for stating their case so compellingly and concisely by calling us all idiots. Way to stand up for your beliefs! Well, in an anonymous sort of way, anyway. But hey, be proud of your accomplishment in successfully not including your name! That was really good, and you know, a total stranger who doesn't leave their name and calls me and my friends idiots? That makes me wonder about my philosophy and my priorities, ponder if I've been wrong in feeling some of the things I do and believing in certain crazy ideas like health care for all. In fact, it just generally makes me want to rethink things....

Okay. I'm done. Next!

I noticed that after yesterday's entry, I had a couple of visits from the House of Representatives, so that was kind of cool! I also see that I upset one of Blackburn's minions. Thanks, bud, for listing some of the things that Blackburn has voted for and some that she has voted against. You know what? I don't care. You know why? Your gal was a co-sponsor of a bill introduced as a reaction to the Birther conspiracy, apparently buying into that idiocy; she called bicycle paths "frivolous and wasteful" (despite requesting millions in earmarks herself); and she maintained that the health care bill mandated death panels for the elderly. All completely ridiculous. You must be so proud.

I read yesterday that this convention was getting pretty big. I don't know if Nashville can accommodate all those teabaggers. (That's what they started calling themselves, by the way.) A horde of 600 angry teabaggers has descended upon that fine city! Run for the hills! Granted, this is billed as being for those who who are running local chapters, a way to work together to consolidate their movement. From what I've seen throughout the years, though, it's hard to consolidate if you don't have clear positions on things, or if you're clamoring without content and fomenting without form. It takes more than "I'm mad!" to make a movement to be reckoned with, and to all these leaders of chapters throughout the country, I say, "Lotsa luck with creating form from chaos."

I checked out the website today, and aside from seeing that there were still tickets available for the banquet and keynote speaker Saturday night, I got to read about the schedule. Even as I write, they are enjoying a meet & greet (with hors d'oeuvres!), to be followed by the kickoff speaker, Tom Tancredo. This is the guy that thinks that all illegal aliens should be immediately deported, and said, "They're coming here to kill you, and you, and me, and my grandchildren." I think that's really a rotten thing to say about Canadians, who seem like a gentle, loving people to me, but I suppose he's entitled to his opinion. I think someone should ask him why he hates Canadians and thinks they're out to kill him and his grandkids. I'm curious, and maybe we need to assess the extent of the Canadian threat. I mean, if we've got murderous Canadians sneaking across our border, shouldn't we address that issue?

But wait! The evening is young! Tonight's entertainment will be provided by Lisa Mei (I had to look her up...she describes herself as a right wing extremist, is retired Air Force, and is a "Conservative singer/songwriter available for performances at your next rally, summit, tea party, march, convention, etc.") and...the one, the only...Mr. Ray Stevens. That's right, the man who brought you "The Streak" will be playing to those teabaggin' crazies tonight! Party on, Ray! Party on, teabaggers! I would certainly hope that they aren't driven into a frenzy by the song and decide to...you know...do that. That would be bad. [clapping hands to head...Get out, mental images!]

The streaking orgy will be followed by a prayer session for the convention and for our nation, and then there will be a showing of a movie called "Tea Party--the Documentary." (Does anyone know if that made the list of Oscar nominees for best picture?)

And this is just the first night! Goodness gracious, what delights are in store for us Friday and Saturday? Stay tuned.