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For months now the tea partiers (and their fellow Republicans) have tried to convince Americans that they are a broad-based grassroots movement beholden to no political party. It is not now true and never has been. While the tea partiers may be deluded enough to think they are a grassroots movement, it has been shown they have been funded (and organized) from the very beginning by rich right-wing fringe elements (most notably the Koch brothers).

A new American Values Survey, done by the Public Religion Research Institute, shows just how far from mainstream America the tea partiers are and busts several myths about the tea partiers. The survey involved 3,013 adults between September 1st and 14th. It has a margin of error of 2%. Here are the most common myths and the truth about them:

MYTH – Tea partiers are distinct from other conservative movements like the christian right.

TRUTH – At least 47% of tea partiers consider themselves part of the christian conservative movement (and that figure jumps to 57% among those who self-identify as christian).

MYTH – The tea partiers represent a large portion of the American population.

TRUTH – Tea partiers make up only about 11% of the American population.

MYTH – Tea partiers are independent politically and not beholden to either political party.

TRUTH – At least 74% of tea partiers report they usually support Republican candidates, and about 83% say they will vote Republican in the upcoming election.

MYTH – Tea partiers are a largely Libertarian group believing in maximum freedom for individuals.

TRUTH – At least 63% of tea partiers say abortion is wrong in all or most cases, and only 18% believe same-sex individuals should be allowed to marry.

MYTH – The tea partiers are a racially and ethnically diverse group and have no racist tendencies.

TRUTH – At least 80% of tea partiers are non-Hispanic whites. Only 37% believe in immigration reform with a chance for citizenship. About 58% think blacks and other minorities get too much government attention, and a full 64% think it is OK if some people have more opportunity in life than others.

The tea partiers are nothing more than an angry far right-wing fringe group within the Republican Party. Any effort to make them seem like more than that is simply dishonest. The Republicans may well pick up some seats in the upcoming election (the party out of power usually does) but it will not be because of the tea partiers (who will vote Republican just like they always do).

Here are some other ways the tea partiers are out of touch with mainstream beliefs in America:

THE MINIMUM WAGE SHOULD BE RAISED TO ABOUT $10 AN HOUR.
All voters……………67%
Independents……………64%
Tea partiers……………47%

MILLIONAIRES SHOULD PAY MORE IN TAXES
All voters……………56%
Tea partiers……………35%

THOSE MAKING UNDER $30,000 SHOULD PAY MORE IN TAXES
All voters……………6%
Tea partiers……………12%

MORE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS NEEDED
All voters……………59%
Tea partiers……………32%

The tea partiers are not in step with the majority of Americans, and the more the Republican Party embraces them, the more there will be a day of reckoning in the future once most Americans realize this. The Republicans are playing with fire by embracing this dangerous fringe minority.

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