Aubrey Immelman's latest post, "Tea Party Credibility Test," is a focus upon a Charles Babington AP item, Tea Party post-election awakenings, etc.

This link; the item saying in part:

Some Tea Party activists — part of a loose-knit, libertarian-tinged network advocating small government and less federal spending — already are dismayed to see their new lawmakers plunge into familiar patterns of raising political cash, hiring former lobbyists and stopping short of the often-heard vow to “change the way Washington works.” …

Some winced at a Jan. 4 fundraiser at Washington’s W Hotel, where ticket prices ranged from $2,500 for individuals to $50,000 for “donors.” It was sponsored by a political committee founded by freshman Rep. Jeff Denham of California and other Republicans who won election with Tea Party support. …

Where have all my rallies gone --- ? Long time passing?

Keep the cardboard handmade signs [some stranger handed you at a rally, saying, "Hold this"], in the garage rafters or some place, next election you'll be getting attention again - although some stranger may hand you a new sign, saying, "That one you kept is out-dated."

Live long. Never stop learning.

Learn, a tool is only as good as its useful life. Then, discard it. At least an automobile they'd do an oil change before stowing it for a couple years --- but we're talking people for installing around microphones and rallies, not commodities placed in careful storage.

And Tea Partiers, do keep that "Don't tread on me," banner, since it's been observed in the item Immelman links to that your being there, having that voice for change, helped keep the tax breaks for the wealthiest of Americans while you believe your own taxes are oppressive, and have been shown attention by strangers handing you signs, who assert they agree.

... dismayed to see their new lawmakers plunge into familiar patterns of raising political cash, hiring former lobbyists and stopping short of the often-heard vow to "change the way Washington works."

Others are more lenient and patient.

"There's a little bit of expectation that they can do more than they really can do," said Sal Russo, a California-based co-founder of the Tea Party Express. Democrats still control the Senate and White House, he noted in an interview from Wyoming, where he was visiting potential Senate candidates for 2012.

Russo said the recently enacted tax cut compromise reached with President Barack Obama was imperfect but "as good a deal as we're going to get." The Tea Party must expand its influence with each new election, he added.

Isn't it reassuring that being handed that sign, holding it dutifully as you did, has achieved some discernible good, for mankind? (Or for the wealthier 1% at least, for them you were effective, where it mattered, so take that to bed with you tonight for warmth and comfort.)

YOU GOT SOMETHING DONE. GOOD FOR YOU.