How long does a movement take?

Well let's see

The Feminist movement - it has really been going on as long as humanity. But let's say it started in the early 20th century. The mark you will most hear is from the publishing of Betty Friedman's "The Feminine Mystique" in 1963.

The Conservative movement - this began in the midst of the Nixon presidency. Knowing that they had had their clocks cleaned for the last decade or so they retreated into thinktanks and created their own punditry soon to be supported by their own media. This was a quick media-driven turnaround, Reagan was elected within 10 years.

The Civil Rights movement - this began with the Bill of Rights. But let's say it started with the desegregation of the US Army in 1948.

The Anti-Nukes movement - this began before but primarily after the US bombings in 1945. It came to full fruition in the 1970's as construction (subsidized) of nuclear power plants stopped.

The Green movement - this began officially on April 22 1970 but it came be traced back in this country to at least 1739 (Ben Franklin). It has become evident to everyone that "Green" means saving their own money.


So, we have ourselves a "Tea Party" movement afoot. This began officially on February 19, 2009 with Santelli's rant.
As a citizen and a marathoner (3) I have to ask the members of this "movement"- Do you have what it takes? Can you go the distance?


As always time will tell. But, having truth and conviction on your side is the foundation (not images and banners to fly from atop the roof) is what grassroots is all about... and what makes it last.

Too bad.

The "movement" attribute has been included for the public consumption by the the right wing allies in the media. Catchy monikers like "movement" don't make it a true fundamental understanding by a large group of people. The TeaParty Movement is more of a fashion statement concocted by slick right wing idea guys and flooded in the news cycle by a sympathetic media.

progressives can't deal with going the distance - they want it now and if not they will go home and pout and no longer try or even vote. No wonder many label the democratic party and base as effete liberals.

Only a few of us have succumbed, so don't sell the rest of us short. We'll be there when it counts. Mopers won't.