A word about the Tea Party (updated)

Not everyone likes politics.  If you are not into politics, just take a few moments to read this blog post.  If you are into politics, then read on:

The Tea Party Patriots is a political action committee (PAC) that was formed within the last year to gather support for reduced government spending and control, as well as to gather support for politicians who oppose the Obama administration’s and other liberal political parties social, economic, and energy policies.  Information about the Tea Party can be found by visiting their website.

The Tea Party is headed by Sarah Palin, the former governor of Alaska and the 2008 Republican Vice-Presidential nominee.  Information about Sarah Palin can be found by visiting the Wikipedia article about her.

The reason I am bringing up the Tea Party is that within the last year, this group has gained a tremendous amount of voter support.  In upcoming elections, it is possible that they will win many government seats across state and federal lines.  I’d like to inform you, the reader, of why this group must not come to power.

The views and proposed policies of the Tea Party regarding conservation and and the environment are inherently disastrous and dangerous.

Offshore Drilling

In her highly media visible speech, Sarah Palin made clear that they intend to support off-shore oik drilling in her“Drill Baby Drill” speech.  However, offshore drilling is extremely risky and environmentally destructuve, as indicated by the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill and the 1989 Exxon-Valdeez incident in Alaska.  There is no 100% secure way to extract oil from coastal areas.  Also, oil is a finite resource that pollutes.

Sarah Palin’s Environmental Record

Sarah Palin herself has a troubling environmental record, especially with regards to her time in Alaska as governor.  She has repeatedly ignored environmental group’s request to ban airborne shooting of wolves and other large predators, and has even made attempts to chance policy so that environmental groups will have a more difficult time launching protests.  She is also a proponent of opening up the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, despite concerns from environmentalists and geologists about the potential negative impacts oil drilling would have on the local wildlife and indigenous cultures.

Government Spending

Tea Party politicians are seeking to limit government spending, including erasing the Department of Education (claiming it is unconstitutional).  We need a federal department of education to help coordinate a variety of education programs across the United States, including environmental education. In addition, they propose cutting and eliminating money towards environmental regulation,  and giving more tax breaks to the coal and gas industries.

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If you are reading this, I ask that you attempt to inform yourself about the Tea Party’s environmental views, as well as their views on topics of your own personal interest.  Vote for politicans that reflect positive change, not just legislation that cuts or reverses previously approved laws.  It is imperative that this reactionary political movement must be stopped from coming to power.

Thank you,

Alex Palmer