An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
“Coffee Party”
If you are on Facebook, you often notice groups to join, or some such nonsense. You can give a ‘thumbs up” to the group or whatever. This morning, I noticed one of those little domaflitchies, and noticed several of my ‘friends’ had done just that. Which group? Why, the Coffee Party.
Now, what I am thinking, or at least hoping, is that those of my ‘friends’ who gave this group a ‘thumbs up’, really don’t know what this group is, or what it stands for.
About Us
Tue, 2010-02-23 17:43 — pcoughlin
We are diverse — ethnically, geographically, politically, in age and in experience.
We are 100% grassroots. No lobbyists here. No pundits. And no hyper-partisan strategists calling the shots in this movement. We are a spontaneous and collective expression of our desire to forge a culture of civic engagement that is solution-oriented, not blame-oriented.
We demand a government that responds to the needs of the majority of its citizens as expressed by our votes and by our voices; NOT corporate interests as expressed by misleading advertisements and campaign contributions.
We want a society in which democracy is treated as sacrosanct and ordinary citizens participate out of a sense of civic duty, civic pride, and a desire to contribute to society. The Coffee Party is a call to action. Our Founding Fathers and Mothers gave us an enduring gift — Democracy — and we must use it to meet the challenges that we face as a nation.
Sounds nice, right? Oh, wait a minute. ‘Democracy’? Looks like this group is historically challenged. Our Founding FATHERS didn’t give us a democracy. They gave us a REPUBLIC.
Right on their Home Page, there is a “Mission” statement:
The Coffee Party Movement gives voice to Americans who want to see cooperation in government. We recognize that the federal government is not the enemy of the people, but the expression of our collective will, and that we must participate in the democratic process in order to address the challenges that we face as Americans. As voters and grassroots volunteers, we will support leaders who work toward positive solutions, and hold accountable those who obstruct them.
Now, where have I heard that word, obstruct, recently. Let me think….. Oh yeah…. Here. Here. Here. Here. And so many more examples. The internet is a wonderful tool. Something a great many should put to good use BEFORE using a ‘thumbs up’ feature. The “news room‘ is quite telling as well. MSNBC? CNN? Progressive Blend? Uh huh.
Some very interesting information comes out of the internet. For example, you can find out more about the ‘founder’ of the Coffee Party, just by looking for it. Amazing! Here are a few items I came across, in just a matter of minutes.
Bitter cup of Coffee Party: Digging up the AstroTurf on Annabel Park and the Obama Administration, from Left Coast Rebel. “In truth, Annabel is a longtime political wonk with a large number of leftist political connections.” How about from Riehl World? Annabel Park: From Netroots Nation To Coffee Parties? And gracious sakes, Instapundit is always a good source of information, KINDA DIFFERENT FROM THE “TEA PARTY” COVERAGE.
I could go on. but I have things to do. Please, for future reference, check out all groups before you join, or thumbs up, or whatever. It might save you a great deal of embarrassment. ESPECIALLY if you are of the conservative mind bent. 
UPDATE: Dang! I thought I had cut off the name, but evidently I screwed up. I apologize! Problem fixed now.
is this grass roots or astro turf?
Heh. Well, I guess that would all depend on if you are Pelosi or not.
I “fanned” the group within its first day or two; I liked the emphasis on process vs. position. Moreso than any specific plank of the tea party platform, I just despised the early shoutfests at so many town halls. If this group picks up a liberal slant, I’ll un-fan. But if the focus continues to be on the type of discourse we need, I’m all for it.
I guess you’ve never been to anything where the left was on display, eh? Cussing, screaming, spitting, totally irrational behavior. At least the ‘shoutfests’, as you call them, there were FACTS behind the emotion.