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Tea Party Patriots: The Second American Revolution
The definitive history of one of the most radical, revolutionary movements the country has ever seen, from those who started it all In 2009, an unemployed mother of two and a politically inexperienced northern California attorney met on a conference call that would end up starting one of the largest grassroots political organizations in American history, the Tea Party Patriots. Fueled by the fires of passion and patriotism, Mark Meckler and Jenny Beth Martin have become the faces of the most powerful political movement in the country, empowering their more than twenty million members by using both high-tech advances and the time-tested American tradition of rallying in public. Promoting the basic principles of the Tea Party Movement―free market, limited government, and fiscal responsiblity―the Tea Party Patriots have become the largest tea party organization in the world. With unparalleled access to the inner workings of the movement, Meckler and Martin hope to explain how the Tea Party came to be, what it is and is not, and perhaps most important, provide the first comprehensive, forward-looking document outlining a plan to restore America to its prior greatness. Never before has there been such an audience for this material. Americans of all political stripes have been waiting for a thorough and informative account of this movement. Straight from the co-founders themselves, Tea Party Patriots promises to be the definitive source for a political revolution.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 3, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 17, 2024
After Trotskyite neocons hijacked the Reagan Revolution, the American Right was mostly submerged beneath the globalist imperialism of the Bush Dynasty. The Tea Party bucked this trend, forcing the GOP rightward and dealing the liberal Obama administration a resounding defeat in the 2010 midterms. Though they would fail to elect a president or seize control of the house or senate, the Tea Party had a big influence on contemporary political culture, and paved the way for the ascendancy of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.
This book gives an overview and a manifesto of the Tea Party. It discusses government spending, judicial activism, public education, and other conservative bugbears. The authors specifically avoid social issues, instead focusing on economic and governmental topics. Therefore, it's less polemical than Tea Party activists were known for being. More Mr. Smith Goes to Washington than, say, Michele Bachmann or Glenn Beck. I blame the co-authors – the two segments written by guest authors are much more engaging.
This book gives an overview and a manifesto of the Tea Party. It discusses government spending, judicial activism, public education, and other conservative bugbears. The authors specifically avoid social issues, instead focusing on economic and governmental topics. Therefore, it's less polemical than Tea Party activists were known for being. More Mr. Smith Goes to Washington than, say, Michele Bachmann or Glenn Beck. I blame the co-authors – the two segments written by guest authors are much more engaging.
October 9, 2012
definitely written for the true belivers............if you think, this is a real time-waster
October 10, 2012
As a more liberal leaning voter(I may vote for a heavy libitarian con) I take it upon myself to get as much information from anywhere I can get it. The tea party's image is twisted by both people that act in the name of the Tea Party(i.e people who bring racist, anti homophobe, and other signs along those lines to rallies) and those who oppose the Tea Party. That is why I read this book.
This book excels at giving a history of the movement, explaining the values that many people in the movement hold and explaining what the broad ideas the movement has to restore balanced budgets to the federal government and influence Federal, state, and local governments and also culture so that it reflects their own beliefs. This book is not without the bias that one would expect from a book like this.
Pros:
-Authors were clearly passionate about their cause and this passion is clear on the page
-Motivation. If I was a Tea Party participant, I would guess that this would get me out on the streets. The book has a lot of places to go to find info on how to participate in Tea Party politics and other related material.
-Values. This book is very good at explaining general tea party values from why they feel campaign finance reform is the wrong approach to stemming lobbying interests to how they govern themselves and generate ideas.
- The book continues to remind the reader that the authors are not the sole generators of the ideas and encourages the reader to help with generating more ideas. I liked that.
-The budget must be balanced!! This book makes a good argument of this point, listing alot of great quotes from the founding members of this nation that pertain to US's issues today.
Cons:
-It's hard to make a book like this and not sound bias. This book cherry picks some facts and gives some outrageous quotes from people on the left and lumps all liberals under that statement. It's a common tactic from both sides of the political spectrum but that doesn't make it right. I would have liked the book to make the liberal argument and then apply Tea Party values to prove the argument wrong. While the book does this in a few points, it could have done that more. Because there is a lack of point, counter point, this book feels a shallow at times.
-This book may feel very dated, very soon. This book does a great recap of the history of the movement but it continues to reference the 2012 elections which will date this book. Not only that, but the book references the Tea Party's 40 year plan which isn't made yet. Once it is made that may make this book dated.
-Wasteful and corporatism spending in the military branch. Military is a very large consumer of funds with ALOT of poor spending habits but this book only gives one sentence to Military spending reform. That makes me question the values of the movement.
- I felt the culture part of the book was a bad combination of victimization and sanctimony and I did not enjoy that chapter.
Overall I am really glad I read this book. While I disagree with a lot of what was in it, I learned a lot about Tea Party and some of its beliefs which strengthen my own views but will help me engage in understanding people who associate with the Tea Party.
This book excels at giving a history of the movement, explaining the values that many people in the movement hold and explaining what the broad ideas the movement has to restore balanced budgets to the federal government and influence Federal, state, and local governments and also culture so that it reflects their own beliefs. This book is not without the bias that one would expect from a book like this.
Pros:
-Authors were clearly passionate about their cause and this passion is clear on the page
-Motivation. If I was a Tea Party participant, I would guess that this would get me out on the streets. The book has a lot of places to go to find info on how to participate in Tea Party politics and other related material.
-Values. This book is very good at explaining general tea party values from why they feel campaign finance reform is the wrong approach to stemming lobbying interests to how they govern themselves and generate ideas.
- The book continues to remind the reader that the authors are not the sole generators of the ideas and encourages the reader to help with generating more ideas. I liked that.
-The budget must be balanced!! This book makes a good argument of this point, listing alot of great quotes from the founding members of this nation that pertain to US's issues today.
Cons:
-It's hard to make a book like this and not sound bias. This book cherry picks some facts and gives some outrageous quotes from people on the left and lumps all liberals under that statement. It's a common tactic from both sides of the political spectrum but that doesn't make it right. I would have liked the book to make the liberal argument and then apply Tea Party values to prove the argument wrong. While the book does this in a few points, it could have done that more. Because there is a lack of point, counter point, this book feels a shallow at times.
-This book may feel very dated, very soon. This book does a great recap of the history of the movement but it continues to reference the 2012 elections which will date this book. Not only that, but the book references the Tea Party's 40 year plan which isn't made yet. Once it is made that may make this book dated.
-Wasteful and corporatism spending in the military branch. Military is a very large consumer of funds with ALOT of poor spending habits but this book only gives one sentence to Military spending reform. That makes me question the values of the movement.
- I felt the culture part of the book was a bad combination of victimization and sanctimony and I did not enjoy that chapter.
Overall I am really glad I read this book. While I disagree with a lot of what was in it, I learned a lot about Tea Party and some of its beliefs which strengthen my own views but will help me engage in understanding people who associate with the Tea Party.
January 20, 2012
Both Meckler and Martin, the co-founders of the Tea Party Patriots organization, which is but one arm of the much broader, and more commonly known Tea Party movement that arose in 2010, lay out a detailed and comprehensive accounting of their philosophy and ideology for this movement. From explaining how this movement began as a truly grassroots effort with little organization and direction, to their proposal of a long-term solution to the nation's problems, this book should be a must read for anyone interested or involved even reomtely in American politics today. Will it serve to convince doubters or convert "non-believers"? That will be hard to say. However, it is a very easy to read explanation of one side's beliefs, and will be accessable to alomst everyone. Folks who are already supporters of the movement will find a reassertion of their core beliefs and insipration to continue. Those who are not supporters, on the fence, or doubters of the movement will walk away with at least a better understanding of the thoughts and motivations of those who do support the Tea Party.
February 27, 2012
Well I can't say that I'm exactly very into these types of books, but the book itself is pretty well written. As you would expect with all sorts of these types of advocating books, it is specifically designed to make you feel a certain way about other political parties and such as that. I'm not saying that is a bad thing, but just bringing that to your attention. To the average person, this political party would seem like a much better candidate compared to the Democrats or Republicans simply because it uses patriotism and refers constantly to the Constitution to support its claim. Again, not a bad thing. I enjoyed the book and it was interesting to see another type of political party founded by solely the revolutions of a group of people. Overall it's a good book, filled with quotes, detailed plans, and a pleasing commentary all the while.
March 20, 2012
This book does a decent job of describing the thinking of those who call themselves "Tea Party Patriots".
One thing it never did was explain the difference between "Tea Party" and "Tea Party Patriot".
But that is okay. The logic of what the authors had to say was consistent, but sometimes did not feel complete, and there were some occasional things I didn't really agree with.
But again, that is okay.
I have been more familiar with libertarianism, and find that there are some similarities, but also some differences....libertarianism seems to be a more "complete" political philosophy.
I do think that if the authors and their Tea Party Patriots are successful in implementing what they would like to see done, our government will shrink, budget deficits will disappear, and liberty will experience a resurgence.
One thing it never did was explain the difference between "Tea Party" and "Tea Party Patriot".
But that is okay. The logic of what the authors had to say was consistent, but sometimes did not feel complete, and there were some occasional things I didn't really agree with.
But again, that is okay.
I have been more familiar with libertarianism, and find that there are some similarities, but also some differences....libertarianism seems to be a more "complete" political philosophy.
I do think that if the authors and their Tea Party Patriots are successful in implementing what they would like to see done, our government will shrink, budget deficits will disappear, and liberty will experience a resurgence.
March 9, 2012
I received a copy for review, but surprisingly, it was a very interesting, quick read and I really liked it! For those people like me who feel totally bored and overwhelmed with politics, this is a must-read. It is educational and will start you on basic understanding of our political system by learning the ideology and action plans of the Tea Party as formed to date. I believe this book opens the understanding of what the Tea Party really is, and what it intends to improve. I think it can open the door for comparison and more knowledge of our other parties and traditional politics. I definitely recommend, especially for those a little frustrated with politics as usual.
April 12, 2012
This book is a great story of the history and future of the Tea Party Patriots. It will be very reasuring to Tea Party supports and will explain their beliefs to those who don't understand what the Tea Party is about. Will it recruit new members and win over doubters? Only time will tell but if it is read with an open mind and at lest a look at how Tea Party sees the state of the United States a person has to agree on our problems wether they agree with the solutions or not.
February 14, 2012
Won a free copy of this book through Goodreads First-Reads.
Mark Meckler and Jenny Beth Martin are the co-founders of Tea Party Patriots. They wrote this book to recount their experiences and the history of the movement. They explain what the Tea Party is and what it stands for; and they also make clear what the party does not support. They explain their mindset and the path which they think will benefit the American public.
Mark Meckler and Jenny Beth Martin are the co-founders of Tea Party Patriots. They wrote this book to recount their experiences and the history of the movement. They explain what the Tea Party is and what it stands for; and they also make clear what the party does not support. They explain their mindset and the path which they think will benefit the American public.
February 6, 2012
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I'm a republican, but you don't have to be a republican or democrat to appreciate what Mark Meckler and Jenny Beth Martin are trying to accomplish in this book. Our country needs a change and they have an incredible blueprint for our nation to use. I will definitely be looking into the Tea Party organization in my city and try to make a difference.
December 20, 2016
Good descriptive book explaining 'The Second American Revolution' of the Tea Party Patriots. The book is informative to those unfamiliar, but tends to run a little repetitive if you already understand the basic concepts of the party. Another thing to mention, although very descriptive in the Tea Party fundamentals, this book seems to quickly fall behind current events. Great read for any American Patriot that loves the best country in the history of the world.. AMERICA!
March 15, 2015
A Must Read!
What is the Tea Party? It certainly isn't want the media tells you it is! If you want to know what the Tea Party represents, read this book. Nobody has any business declaring, expounding, or conjecturing about the Tea Party until they have read this book!
What is the Tea Party? It certainly isn't want the media tells you it is! If you want to know what the Tea Party represents, read this book. Nobody has any business declaring, expounding, or conjecturing about the Tea Party until they have read this book!
December 4, 2014
The authors examine the roots and goals of the Tea Party Movement in America. They address government abuses at all levels and give some thoughts on what can be done to correct the current trends in government power grabs.
November 17, 2013
My eyes. The bleeding from my eyes.
June 30, 2014
Yes, where do I sign up. I embrace the core values of fiscal responsibility, limited government and free markets.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews