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.