What is the Coffee Party? Why I Became A Founding Member.
Posted: Tuesday, March 01, 2011
by Jean Horst
Yesterday, I became a founding member of the Coffee Party. Ever heard of it? It's not just because I adore drinking coffee and don't care much for tea.
I am really not much of a "joiner". I resist when someone tells me there's a bandwagon that I must jump on, but here I am jumping on this one. Why?
The Coffee Party USA is not affiliated with any particular political party and was formed as a reaction to the rising vitriolic nature that American politics took on during our last election cycle. I have been following them pretty much since the inauspicious beginning on Annabel Park's Facebook page. The Coffee Party believes, as do I, that government cannot exist without the free, fair, civil exchange of ideas among those with differing opinions. After all, the entire United States system of government with it's "balance of powers" is the result of compromise. Our system of Congress with it's two houses was made to compromise between the needs of the small population states and large population states - to give them both equal voice.
Here's a statement from a section of the Coffee Party's Mission Statement, "The Coffee Party provides a place where men and women of all ages, races, physical abilities, and orientations can come together for a respectful and honest exchange of ideas. We believe that by talking and learning together - we can take action to solve the problems facing our nation. Along with national goals, we encourage Coffee Party chapters across the country to pursue local and regional projects chosen by their members."
Of course, the Coffee Party is not without it's detractors who claim that it is merely a front for the Democratic party, due to the fact that Ms. Park did volunteer for the election campaign of President Obama. This is not, however, the Coffee Party's spoken or unspoken political platform.
Again, from their own statements, "Coffee Party USA draws from diverse backgrounds and diverse perspectives, with the goal of expanding the influence of the People in America's political arena. We do not require nor adhere to any preexisting ideology. We encourage deliberation guided by reason amongst the many viewpoints held by our members. We see our diversity as a strength, not a weakness, because we believe that faithful deliberation from multiple vantage points is the best way to achieve the common good. It is in the responsible and reasonable practice of deliberation that we hope to contribute to society."
This is exactly the sort of tone that has attracted hundreds of thousands of Americans to them and their cause. Without specific statistics, I would guess that it is true that there is a preponderance of moderates or left leaning individuals in the ranks but I would largely attribute that to the Tea Party being the place that many Far Right conservatives have already found their home.
I enjoy reading the opinions and thoughts of those who disagree with me. I learn much more from people who are on the other side of an issue than I do from those who agree with me. I NEED to hear what others think to develop a greater understanding of how a problem can be addressed and solved in a way most beneficial to our society at large, so I am an enthusiastic supporter of the Coffee Party's stated goal to bring all to the table.
Consider this, "We believe that powerful special interests are employing deliberate tactics to divide and distract the American public, making us more susceptible to ill-considered proposals. Critical policy discussions are subjected to a perpetual cacophony of misinformation designed to breed cultural resentment, and sound policy decisions are undermined by the temptation of our elected leaders to play to this noise instead of the substance of a debate. The ugliness on television, on talk radio, and on blogs and conspiracy emails is alienating to the vast majority of Americans. Alienation breeds apathy. It shrinks participation, and leaves our democracy vulnerable to manipulation by the very special interests who fund and produce this alienation."
Up until recently, the Coffee Party has been completely and 100% volunteer. However, due to the increasing influence of large amounts of corporate monies in our elections, they began to realize that they must have some sort of system to bring in funds. Hence, the Founding Member drive. Hence, my becoming a "joiner" for the first time.
If you are interested in learning more about The Coffee Party and reading the complete Mission Statement, check them out at http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/
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Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)I'll second that! I'd like to add that I've meet some great people at the local meetings of the Coffee Party. I'd encourage anyone to look up the local chapter nearest you and drop by one of their meetings.
Hi Jean.I'm not much of a "joiner" either, but this one sounds interesting. Also, I'd like to point out that SearchWarp has been doing a wonderful job of bringing together people with differing ideas and providing a forum for discussing them for some time now.Thanks for the info.Hugs, DianneWe did feel from the beginning like we had an affinity with the goals of this group. It's been an enjoyable and affirming association! Thanks for the thoughts.
If I were to choose between the coffee party and the tea party I would definitely choose the coffee party. For I am more liberal and my political views do lean to the left, and I am also a democrat.You would be welcomed, David, as are all who wish to participate in our democracy without shouting or attacking each other.
Very well said Jean. I am a proud member of the Coffee Party for the many reasons you succinctly stated in your article. The intentional misinformation and outright lies portrayed as truths by the corporate backed and well financed Tea Party, which is in direct contradiction of the original Tea Party revolt is abhorrent, and taking advantage of the otherwise well intended citizens that are susceptible to the propaganda of self interest at the expense of an educated and informed public, for as you say "to divide and distract the public." As powerful as these self destructive forces are the national protests sparked by the Wisconsin union busting maneuvers by their state government should give us hope that they have won many battles but not yet the war for our right to live in a civil society based on the interests of the people, by the people, and for the people, which we are in danger of losing should we allow current corporate interests to prevail. Thank you for your active participation towards this worthy goal, dare I say Ms. President:-).Thanks so much for your input, David. Have you ever attended any of the local chapter meetings?
Ms. President... haha! I do have delusions of grandeur!No I haven't Jean, been working 12 hour days to make ends meet so it's been kind of hard with family responsibilities too, to get to one yet, but I intend to. Just one more tactic of the entitled class to make it hard for average Joe to get involved, like voter i.d., appealing the 14th amendment, etc. Hope to see you there someday though. Keep up the good fight, Ms. President.:-)You are more likely to see Bruce there than me. It's hard for both of us to go at the same time, so usually he is the one who goes. Good luck to you!
Jean, this is something I had not heard of before but am now very glad to find out exists. This country has become too divided and too closed off, eliminating the all-too-necessary free exchange of ideas and perspectives. The Coffee Party is indeed needed. Thanks for writing this.You're welcome, George! Hope you find an active, local group near you.
In order for one to be comfortable with diversity one MUST be first comfortable with themselves. This is a problem we all have dealt with frm time to time, and SearchWarp has certainly lent itself to the cause.
Great article, Jean. I'll have to look into the Coffee Party!Hi Ken,
You are SO right. What's the old saying? "Variety is the spice of life". I like spicy!! thanks for commenting.
Hi Jean. Nicely done. Thanks for sharing, you know me not much into anything political, so I hadn't even heard of it, but from your description, I would say I agree. Many blessings! TThanks T! I'm not usually very political myself, this hit me as something productive, which generally isn't how politics hits me... :)
oops, that was supposed to be five stars
The Coffee Party sounds like a social movement more than a political one, which I think is great, because politics are supposed to be about social issues. Somehow they've got so divided now, haven't they.I have to laugh, I was just thinking of you as Ms. President when I read David's comment!You're right, Jennifer, it is really a social movement more about the "how" of politics. Very excellent observation.
Oh, I think I prefer to be the Queen. lol
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