The Battle for Political Freedom

 Lessons from the IRS Scandal and the Walk Away Movement

 

In contemporary American politics, freedom of speech and political expression are often touted as fundamental rights, yet these liberties have frequently been tested through governmental actions perceived as attempts to suppress opposition.  Two notable examples from recent history, the IRS vs Tea Party scandal under the Obama administration and the targeting of Brandon Straka and the Walk Away movement during the Biden administration, serve as cautionary tales about the challenges faced by political dissenters when confronting established power.

 

The IRS scandal, which came to light in 2013, involved the Internal Revenue Service applying extra scrutiny (suppression) to conservative and Tea Party-affiliated groups seeking tax-exempt status.  These groups were critical of the then-current administration, advocating for smaller government, lower taxes, and a more conservative approach to governance.  The IRS's actions included delaying applications, demanding unnecessary information, and applying criteria that specifically targeted groups with "Tea Party" or "Patriot" in their names.  This was seen by many as a direct attempt to stifle the influence of these groups during pivotal election cycles, thereby hampering their organizational and fundraising capabilities.  The scandal led to public outcry, congressional hearings, and a tarnished reputation for the IRS, with officials like Lois Lerner at the center of the controversy.  Although after the investigations, no confirmed direct link to Obama's White House was established, the stain is there.  However you read it, the outcome was clear: political movements could be significantly hindered by governmental agencies.  And the staff know what side to throttle.

 

Fast forward to the Biden administration, and we see another instance where political activism met governmental response, this time with the Walk Away movement and its founder, Brandon Straka.  The #WalkAway thing was a powerful influence.  It was costing the Democrats a lot of votes.  Mr. Straka, a former liberal who created the movement to encourage people to leave the Democratic Party, was charged in relation to his rather innocuous actions during the January 6th Capitol riot.  While his legal issues were directly tied to the events of that day, there's a narrative within conservative circles that his political activism made him a target, suggesting a pattern of using legal means to intimidate or silence political dissent.  Straka's case, involving charges like disorderly conduct and impeding law enforcement, resulted in a sentence of probation and fines, but it raised questions about whether the severity of the legal response was influenced by his political stance rather than solely his actions on that day.  He arrived at the capital on the other side from the riots.  It was open.  The law-fare on him was obvious.

 

These stories share a common thread: the perceived use of governmental power to suppress political speech or activism that opposes the lefts party or ideology.  Both scenarios highlight how individuals or groups advocating for changes against the Democrats (or some other current political climate) can face significant barriers, not just from public opinion but from institutional actions.  The IRS scandal and Straka's legal troubles underscore the potential for government agencies to become instruments of political warfare, intentionally or not, against those who challenge the status quo or the dominant political narrative.

 

The importance of these events in the context of modern left-progressive efforts & lies in their demonstration of the lengths to which those in power might go to maintain control over political discourse.  Such actions can lead to a chilling effect on political participation, where fear of governmental retaliation might deter individuals from speaking out or organizing against prevailing ideologies. This could be particularly damaging in our constitutional republic (not a strict democracy) where diversity of thought and the ability to challenge power are protected and are crucial for progress and accountability.

 

However, these stories also serve as a rallying cry for the importance of freedom, particularly freedom of speech and political association.  They remind us that the struggle for these freedoms is ongoing and that they must be actively defended.  The message is clear: speaking up, even in the face of adversity, is not only acceptable but necessary for a healthy democracy.  Each incident has galvanized supporters, led to increased awareness, and, in some cases, strengthened the resolve of those movements to continue their activism, often with greater support from those who see the importance of these freedoms.  There was a big push way back to try to keep Donald Trump from running as an Independent.  He galvanized the popular vote this time better than the Libertarian or Tea Party or the past Independents had before.  However we go forward, the damage the Progressive Left has done via the DOJ and Democrat Party targeting of Moderates or Conservatives like Brandon and Walk Away and the Tea Party before, will be remembered.

 

In conclusion, while these tales of political oppression might seem daunting, they also offer a beacon of hope.  They remind us that freedom is worth the fight, and that every voice, regardless of political alignment, has the right to be heard. As we move forward, let's take heart from these lessons.  The efforts to silence dissent might be strong, but the spirit of liberty and the right to speak up are stronger.  In standing united for these principles, we can envision a future where political expression is not just protected but celebrated, where the diversity of thought leads not to division but to a richer, more vibrant Constitutional Republic.  We can’t vote our way out of massive government corruption usually.  That is why the corrupt will push for a straight "Democracy" and a "Popular Vote" as it is far easier to corrupt it and have a One Party System when then they can jail of stifle the competition.   

 

The real struggle against political oppression is ongoing, but with every challenge, we are reminded that freedom is indeed worth working for, and that speaking up is not just okay—it's essential. So, get up on your political Bandwagon if you must.  Speak up.  Tell the story you think that needs to be heard.  And also call out the Fallacy of Logic or false stuff as the true stuff will survive being questioned.

I started a group and hashtag of #BandwagonForGood to speak up, in spite of Facebook trying to shut me down.  If I linked to #WalkAway the Facebook algorithms would down-check my postings.  An example of loss of Freedom of Speech.  ( topic for a different post )

Thanks for letting me share.  Look up the story of Brandon Straka for a good read.

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