Editor:

A recent editorial in The Aegis expressed the opinion that the Tea Party is comprised of the "grass roots" right while the "Occupy" movement is comprised of the "grass roots" left. There seems to be an implication that these two groups are comparable in nature. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The Tea Party's central purpose is to rein in out of control government spending and excessive taxation as expressed in their TEA acronym, Taxed Enough Already. Their demonstrations, with a very few exceptions, are well organized and peaceful. They work through the system by supporting candidates that are in sympathy with their position.

Contrast that with the "Occupy" movement, which is categorized by protests where disruption is commonplace. Their purpose is to address what they call "economic inequality." They are opposed to free market capitalism and in support of redistribution of wealth and extreme government regulation of the private sector. In essence, they are opposed to our basic economic system which has made the United States one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Instead, they favor a socialist approach that hasn't worked anywhere in the world. If you have any doubts about this, do a little research into the groups that support this effort.

Bottom line: the Tea Party is working within the system, while the Occupy Movement supports overthrowing it. Many Americans are unaware of the actual nature of the Occupy Movement because the mainstream media isn't reporting on the matter.

Even more disturbing is that President Obama, who promised to unite us, is tacitly supporting this radical movement. He can't run for a second term based on his dismal record; instead he is restoring to the standard class warfare approach, pitting rich and against poor. However, this isn't difficult for him, given his agenda for the United States. November 2012 can't come soon enough.

Bill Rixham

Bel Air