Wake up an smell the coffee!

Last night was a meeting of the dinner group that we have been part of for over 30 years. Naturally it's a bunch of academics, and although the dinner was superb (rack of lamb with pesto, rosemary roasted potatoes, gelatos with florentines, and so on, all things mighty and good), the conversation turned to recent world (everyone's a world traveler) and domestic events. The concensus was that everyone hoped that the "Silent Majority" still existed in the USA, the real mainstream, and that sooner or later they would get aroused. Now it's not that everyone thinks things are okey-dokey, but just that the right-wing solutions presently so fashionable are simple minded at best and counter productive at worst, not to mention an affront to tolerant people. So much to my surprise while the Phactor is cruising around the web this AM he discovers the Coffee Party. Whether or not this will help provide some balance, it's hard to say, but their message does resonate right now, and it's a good logo. It can't hurt. Here's their mission statement:
"We are Americans working to create a fair and inclusive society. Our members represent the diversity of thought, background, and circumstance that is found in the cities, towns, and neighborhoods of our country. We are a meeting place for Americans seeking common ground and collective action to strengthen our democracy.
We maintain our independence from all political parties and labels. Yes, we are non-partisan, but being non-partisan does not mean we will not take positions. It means that Coffee Party members will arrive at positions based on principles and facts; not on party affiliation. By seeking and spreading accurate information, we empower ourselves to take action and participate in government based on informed decisions.
The Coffee Party provides a place where men and women of all ages, races, physical abilities, and orientations can come together for a respectful and honest exchange of ideas. We believe that by talking and learning together - we can take action to solve the problems facing our nation. Along with national goals, we encourage Coffee Party chapters across the country to pursue local and regional projects chosen by their members.
As voters and grassroots volunteers, we understand that the federal government is not our enemy, but the expression of our collective will – and we pledge to both support leaders who work toward positive solutions, and hold accountable those who obstruct them. The Coffee Party USA believes that the influence of money, and the politics of fear and exclusion, stand in the way of a government “of, by and for the people.”
We believe in the Constitution and ‘the common good’, and will work to ensure that the voices of the people - not the power of the dollar - decide the policies and the direction of our nation.
Our love of country is not based on division. It is founded on our shared belief in democracy, equality, liberty, and justice. These are the ideals that define us as a nation. This is the heritage we wish to pass on to future generations."