"The media counterestablishment of the right ... offers an ersatz system of direct representation in which an increasingly segmented audience absorbs what it wants from its trusted sources, embellishes it in their own voices on blogs and websites and chatrooms, then hears their views echoed back as news. While this ... doesnt threaten our system of representative democracy, it certainly makes it harder for it to function well and regain the publics trust. "
Time to look to ourselves, engage in CIVILIZED, RESPECTFUL discussion, and remember that our government is not an uber-entity placed above us, but is ourselves, for us and by us. Unhappy with it? Change it, don't bypass it. That goes for schools and neighborhoods too.
Excellent essay in NY Review of Books regarding Tea Baggers
I personally think this particular movement is getting a little too much attention recently.