Memphis to Tea Party Alongside Chicago

It’s amazing what a moment of passion can produce.  I believe it’s one of the reasons blogs are so successful.  Just a day or so ago one of CNBC’s live reporters, Rick Santelli, indulged in one such moment.  That he was tapping into the feelings of everyday Americans was evident by the reaction of those around him who took a moment from their own work to applaud his sentiments and voice their support.

What did he say?  Just that the President’s mortgage bailout plan was ridiculous, wouldn’t work and ought to be opposed by Americans.  He then offered the notion that in July of 2009, people should join him in Chicago for more than just opposition, they should come ready for protest!  He called for a Chicago Tea Party reminiscent of the infamous Boston Tea Party of December 1773 in protest of a small increase in the tax on tea.

That few moments of passion on camera has sparked a phenomenal response literally across the nation!  The video has been shown and reshown on all major networks.  It is being reported in MSM print publications and talked about on radio.  Different clips and cuts of Santelli’s comments have garnered hundreds of thousands of views.

But folks are doing more than just watching the video.  They’ve taken Santelli’s comments and are running with them.  CNBC put up a non-scientific poll at their site asking if people would join Santelli in Chicago for his Tea Party.  As of last night, 65,000Americans said “Yes!”.  As of this morning, that number had grown to 190,000!

The idea is growing.  Online activists are sorting out the different responses at Operation Twitter Tea Party with the hashtag #optwtp.   Tennessee activists are not to be outdone.  For those unable to take the time off of work or spend the money to travel so far, know the Memphis Tea Party will be happening this July as well!  The details will be more clear as plans move ahead but you can keep up with them at Memphis Tea Party!  Perhaps we should also do a Nashville and a Knoxville Tea Party.

If anyone is aware of plans to do a Tea Party in your area, please let me know.  We’ll give a go at trying to compile a list of them.  Now go be active …