The Four Horsemen of the Tea Party

Scientists have studied the Tea Party Movement and have identified the four Pillars of Ignorance that support their philosophies. Not that there are any surprises there.

Authoritarianism

When fascism comes to America, 

it will be wrapped in the flag 

and carrying a cross. ~ Sinclair Lewis

It's not so much that Tea Partiers hate all government but that the hate any government that they don't control and that doesn't impose their will on everyone else. Tea Party heroes Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder have both used heavy-handed governmental powers to impose their will upon the people. Snyder's "Financial Martial Law" has seen the governor takeover local governments and rule by fiat.

Libertarianism

There is a logical inconsistency between authoritarianism and libertarianism, but who said the Tea Party was logical. Tea Party libertarianism is not a universal philosophy but a "freedom for me but not for thee" belief. Tea Partiers truly believe they are libertarians, they can parrot the slogans ("Don't Tread on Me") enthusiastically. But their list of absolute freedoms they defend is balanced by another list of absolute freedoms (universal suffrage) they would deny.

Fear of Change

Mister, we could use a man 

like Herbert Hoover again.

President Obama's campaign theme, "Change we can believe in," was like a dog whistle to Tea Partiers. Change is the last thing they believe in. Black Tea Party favorite, Herm Cain, has waxed nostalgic for the good old days of Jim Crow and segregation. They want to restore the original intent of the Constitution although 90% haven't read the Constitution. Their adherence to the strict wording of the Constitution includes a desire to rewrite most of the document.

Nativism

Tea Partiers hate non-Americans. By that they mean Hispanics, Muslims, Gays, and liberals. In that they are nothing more than the resurrection of the 19th century Know Nothing Party. Of course, American citizens who happen to be Hispanic, Muslim, Gay, or liberals are not "Real Americans" and, hence, are not deserving of constitutional protections.