Tea party espouses freedom, frets about federal power creep

Columnist Don Gale (Deseret News, Oct. 2) raises multiple straw men in order to obfuscate the objectives of tea party members. The basic issue is freedom and we are threatened by the continued accretion of power by the federal government. We are not threatened by Wall Street or increased bonuses. We believe in fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government, individual responsibility and free markets.

Mr. Gale's concern regarding the gulf between rich and poor is misplaced. Multiple studies show mobility of individuals within the various income segments. This mobility characterizes capitalism and is sadly lacking in socialistic societies.

As a member of the dominant local religion, Gale is surely aware that the basic reason for mankind's existence is the exercise of free agency. While the tea party is a conglomerate organization, most embrace Libertarian ideals. While we may quibble over drug use or abortion, we are in general agreement that individuals should be free in their choices. God so loved freedom that he allowed sin.

Fred. L. Greer

Draper