Think nationally, act locally is the mantra of grassroots organizations--a slogan that was popularized by the Left but is now adopted by Tea Parties are all over the country.
Having experienced great success at the national level, Tea Partiers are turning their attention inward to their local governments and are having an impact at the city level.
Locally, the Thousand Oaks Tea Party claimed a temporary victory when plans for a giant auto mall sign off the 101 Freeway were removed from this Tuesday's City Council agenda at the auto mall dealer's association's behest.
The Tea Party has been campaigning against it and hoped to organize a large demonstration at the meeting. The dealers said they want more community input before moving forward on the project, which is still very much alive.
Although the 35-foot-sign is merely delayed--not dead, as Tea Partiers hoped--it puts wind in their sails for a future battle with the project.
Eric Ingemunson's commentary has been featured on Hannity, CNN, NBC, Inside Edition, and KFI's The John and Ken Show.
Eric was born and raised in Ventura County and currently resides in Moorpark. He earned a master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from California Lutheran University. As a conservative, Eric supports smaller government, less taxation, more individual freedom, the rule of law, and a strict adherence to the Constitution.
Linda Parks was a major advocate and organizer against it. Consider updating your post and including that information. She isn't seen as a tea party type.
I'm not sure how stopping businesses from advertising fits the tea party ideology but I'd like to see an explanation.
Brian, that's an interesting point that deserves discussion. The answer lies in one of the themes of the Tea Party movement.
First, let's ask ourselves what Tea Partiers are struggling against. Obamacare, taxes, regulation, politicians, the Establishment, global government, socialism, welfare, spending, illegal immigration.
What is the common thread that ties it all together? The shifting of power from the federal level back to the local level where it was intended to be. In a word: decentralization.
So while the Thousand Oaks Tea Party took what seems to be a surprising stance against private property rights, it was consistent with the overall theme of exercising power at the local (proper) level.
Why is local control superior, you might ask? As the Thousand Oaks Tea Party demonstrated, it's easier to influence local public policy than it is to influence federal policy. And good luck trying to influence the global regulations that are on the horizon.