Tea Party Republicans Are Anarchists

Two years ago, I blogged about Tea Party Republicans, asking the question if they are anarchists. This was the first time that the Tea Party brought America to the brink of default on its debt. I blogged that since Tea Party Republicans want limited government, they are not, strictly speaking, anarchists. But they are extremists, and if they get their way the economy and federal government may collapse, producing a condition of anarchy.

After the recent government shutdown and near-default, I will change my question to a statement: Tea Party Republicans are anarchists. They were willing to let our country default on its debts to force a repeal of Obamacare. Whatever one thinks of Obamacare, it’s crazy to seriously consider having the country default. As we got closer to potential default, economists, bankers, and financial people sounded the alarm. A default by the U.S. on its debt would be catastrophic, as reported by International Business Times and Center for American Progress. Some of the consequences of a default include:

• Higher interest rates on Treasuries and all consumer credit
• Stock market crash
• Plunge in value of the dollar
• Worldwide recession
• Freezing up of the U.S. financial system

It would be very bad, a major economic blow to every American (and to others in the world). Anyone who would consider this as serious policy option does not have the best interests of the country at heart. Such a person is an anarchist and saboteur. Instead of blowing up buildings or factories, he has the potential to do immeasurably more damage by blowing up the entire U.S. economy.

Public opinion has soured against the Tea Party since the shutdown and debt ceiling debacle. A Pew Research Poll earlier this month shows the Tea Party with 30% favorable, and 49% unfavorable ratings. Business leaders have also turned against the Tea Party, igniting a Republican civil war between business groups allied with the Republican establishment versus the Tea Party. It’s possible that the Tea Party has reached its peak, and is on the decline. But there’s no way to be sure.

There is considerable danger ahead. If Republicans and Democrats can’t come up with a budget agreement, which is a realistic possibility, we will have to go through another possible government shutdown and debit limit crisis next year. The 2014 elections could provide the Tea Party more victories. The more Tea Party members in Congress, the greater chance of a default, economic crisis, and descent into anarchy.

I see nothing wrong with criticism of Obamacare. The American health care system is an expensive mess, and Obamacare falls short in many areas. If Republicans don’t like it, they need to come up with a viable alternative. After coming up with an alternative, they would then need to convince the voters that this alternative is better. That’s the way change is done in a stable democracy. It may not be quick, and will involve compromise, but can lead to gradual improvement. Threatening economic chaos and ruin if Tea Party Republicans don’t get what they want is not the American way. These anarchists need to be voted out of office, the sooner the better.

Thoughts on the First Set of Harry Magnet Lectures

I gave my first public lectures October 10 and 16 in Salt Lake City, UT. The title was "Sensitivity to Electromagnetic Fields." Although they were sparsely attended, I thought the lectures were worthwhile. For one thing, this set of lectures was the first time I spoke publicly as Harry Magnet. It was good practice speaking in front of a group. In the October 10 lecture, I met a woman who had some similar sensitivities. She sometimes changes her bed angle for psychological effect, as I do. While I have one ideal bedtime at any given time and place, she has 2 different ideal bedtimes. In the October 16 lecture, people in the audience asked some very good questions. Based on her questions, one lady appeared to be a scientist, or at least someone knowledgeable about biology.

The presentation I gave is loosely based on the Two Mysteries article on my harrymagnet.com website. I modified it to include an introduction to electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields, and focus on sensitivity to electromagnetic fields. I also cut out a lot of things from my results section, focusing on the main points.

I plan to do more lectures in Salt Lake. I’ll probably do my next set of lectures in December.