Tea Parties and Rallies (and what to do about them)

I'm not against people gathering and protesting what they see as great wrongs that need to be righted. I'm just one of those people who believe that such gatherings are colossal wastes of time. They're merely adventures in buffoonery and character assassination, and they accomplish nothing except raise ire. And the media thrives on Us vs. Them scenarios!!

Look, if you don't like bloated government then do something that has real and lasting effects, like befriending poor people and acting as a mentor, demonstrating to them how they can get on track for a more decent life, sticking with them for the long haul and showing that you believe in their potential. The vast majority of people refuse to do that (it's the "I can't be seen with them" syndrome, and it's more widespread than you think), and that's why government takes it upon itself to lead on this. It steps in in places we won't go because we're too concerned about personal safety (which is an illusion) and our wallets.

Just think what would happen if everyone "adopted" (for lack of a better term) at least one poor family and showed them what's possible in this country and how to attain a better quality of life. You don't need a government grant, nor do you have to work for a government agency to do this. All you need is a little bit of love and compassion for fellow Americans (yes, poor people on Welfare are your fellow Americans). They'll go a long way in creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, limiting the places where the government needs to intervene.

It's a helluva lot better than standing around at city hall dressed like a Minuteman or Betsy Ross, carrying a picket sign, and protesting government largess. You have gifts and talents that can be better utilized elsewhere.