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This week, dear readers, I thought I’d take a break from national politics—from bias in the media, from the GOP field, from why Rick Santorum is a good candidate and why Ron Paul is not, and from why Barack Obama must not get a second term—and focus on something a little closer to home.  Today, let’s look at an example of why, amid all the garbage—all the conflict, all the childish name-calling (which, if you look at my “Ron Paul ‘Revolution’” article, is still going on….) — there is reason for hope for our country, as we look at a phenomenon heralded by the rise of the Tea Party.

It all started back on April 15, 2009, when the Tea Party movement kicked off.  I can still remember the Orlando party, that day…all the people from all parts of the spectrum coming together, to protest wasteful spending, corrupt bailouts, the threat of tax hikes — and overall lack of government accountability to the people.

I remember, then, it was little more than a ragtag conglomeration of various groups that agreed on precious little — but what they did agree on, that was enough.  And a year later, the Tea Party Coalition — consisting of such organizations as the 9-12 Project, the Tea Party Patriots, and the Tea Party Express — became the driving force of a national rebuke to Washington, D.C., as career politicians — Republicans as well as Democrats — were thrown out for their crime of ignoring the principles of the founding.

In their place—in the place of “career politicians”,  addicted to bribery and holding fast to the cancer of “Progressivism”—we saw a movement of true idealists, true conservatives…true servants of the people.  Allen West — Marco Rubio — Mike Lee — heroes all, servants all.

Needless to say, this movement wasn’t limited to Washington.  We saw state government after state government change hands…and at long last, seek to get things done.  Conservative icon and noted author John Kasich is now the proud governor of Ohio — and while he still struggles against the power brokers in his state, he is still holding firm.

Of course, 2010 wasn’t the end.  The path was only laid out, that year.  The next step is 2012 — and such is why we must continue to be vigilant, and look for these citizen-politicians — citizen, not career; conservative, not establishment — to run in every level of government — from national to local.

Here’s an example of “local”: My father, Steven W. Blake — a small-business owner for 20 years — is running for the office of Property Appraiser of Polk County, Florida.  It’s a non-partisan office (local rules, and all that), but suffice it to say the race will doubtless resemble something similar to the Crist/Rubio battle: the establishment candidate who’s…okay on the issues for the most part…I guess — versus the true, authentic conservative with a clear, bold agenda for the future.  They’re both GOP, but one will provide a fresh face — and a mind for running the office like a business.

Now, just to make things clear…do not—under any circumstances—take all of this to mean that “insider good, outsider bad”.  Honor is not limited to the outside.  Jim DeMint, Michele Bachmann…there are people on the inside, who have stayed true to themselves, and never let themselves be compromised for the sake of personal game.  Furthermore, it’s a must that you have people in office who actually know what they’re doing.

Still, the fact that you could probably count the honest insiders on the fingers of a few hands should speak volumes about the system.  A couple months ago, a story broke revealing that insider trading is perfectly legal, if you’re a member of Congress.  Some things have to change—and most of the people on the inside are too connected to the dirt to clean it all up.

So, this year, be vigilant.  Be true to yourself, and know what you believe.  “Question with boldness,” as Thomas Jefferson — and Glenn Beck — would say.  Take nothing for granted, and hold all candidates’ feet to the fire.  Look for people of principles — those of the character to stick to what they believe, and keep the promises they make.  At last, look for someone who honestly believes in the things you believe — and support them.

The fate of America is in our hands.  As my state’s governor likes to say…“Let’s get to work.”

See you next week!