Why would anyone who isn't an oil company favor offshore oil drilling? Wouldn't any oil that resulted from an increase in offshore drilling simply be sold on the world market to the highest bidder? I wonder if any oil companies would get hefty handouts from the federal government in conjunction with offshore drilling? Hmm. It almost seems like increased offshore drilling will cost the US taxpayers money and provide benefit almost solely for wealthy corporations. That sounds like something that has grassroots support
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The tea party is relevant because it provides a means for those who are already wealthy to become even wealthier. If the tea party could actually achieve its ostensible goals (ie government accountability and fiscal responsibility) the people who currently fund it would be actively funding its antagonists.