As diverse and scrambled as our cultural, social and economic beliefs are, Louisiana’s residents have common links that unite all.
Cajun cooking, beer and all things outdoors bring Louisianians together on many an afternoon, and there’s no better spot for this than Death Valley.
But, in the mornings, there’s one beverage all the state’s citizens drink to satisfaction on common grounds: coffee.
Don’t believe me? Proof of this can be found at Middleton’s CC’s, as customers wind around the library in a line longer than Paris Hilton could even snort.
In a strange way, coffee in our state is a lot like politics. Both are consumed out of habit, and each in its rawest form is a bit strong to handle, and taken in excess they both leave you feeling nervous and on the verge of defecation. Yet bold politics and strong coffee are both a deep part of the state’s tradition. Both are distinctly Louisiana.
But ascending above the scent of the morning’s fresh roast and transcending questionably constructed metaphors is the Tea Party, taking the national and state political brewing pot by storm.
Led by the likes of Sarah Palin, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck, the Tea Party is a conservative movement whose mission is “to secure public policy consistent with our three core values of Fiscal Responsibility, Constitutionally Limited Government and Free Markets,” according to the organization’s website.
Originating in early 2009 as a libertarian-conservative offshoot, its name is an obvious allusion to the historical anti-tax sentiments of our country and actually began as a  meager protest against a New York soda tax. In 2010, however, the movement has exploded from fringe to mainstream and could have a definite impact in November’s midterm elections. Nowhere is this explosion more prevalent than here in Louisiana. According to state political pundit Bernie Pinsonat, Louisiana has more Tea Party-type voters per 1,000 citizens than any other state in the union.
But why here? Why, in this state dominated by coffee and corruption, is a revolutionary movement taking such a stronghold? To find the answer, we have to look at both the demographics of the Tea Party and the voting patterns in the state.
According to an April survey in the New York Times on Tea Party supporters, the 18 percent of Americans who identify themselves as such are mostly Republican, white, male, married and older than 45. Now look at voting trends within the state. Despite only a 7.38 percent voter turnout in the August primaries, 13.6 percent of Louisiana’s white Republicans cast their votes. While age statistics haven’t been released for recent elections, Pinsonat asserts a vast majority of Louisiana voters actually showing up at the polls are indeed over 50.
So it’s easy to see how the Tea Party is gaining popularity in a politically traditional state. Poor turnout among every demographic but its own is giving the Tea Party strength in numbers — despite being completely outnumbered. It’s this passion for politics which makes the party so potentially powerful. Inspired by Christine O’Donnell’s victory in Delaware over Mike Castle, traditional northern liberalism and masturbation, the party is a force to be reckoned with in the state.
But this is only in the short term. Like a cup of Earl Grey in the morning, don’t expect this to have a lasting effect. Many Tea Partiers and supporters would like to convince you otherwise, but there are  two huge obstacles working against them: age and political inconsistency.
With a core built around aging white males, the Party suffers from the same ailment as the GOP — no youth appeal. With a voting population composed of men at the end of their lives, there’s nothing to build upon. Roots in social conservatism and O’Donnell’s outcries against consulting Palmela Handerson don’t help, either.
Meanwhile, the party is alienating passionate youth for big money political cronies like Newt Gingrich. They simply use the party as a platform to regurgitate the 1998 midterm propaganda, which sold a lot of books but ultimately led to George W. Bush’s arrival in the White House.
Consequently, the party in power always manages to screw the pooch just enough to flip fickle political minds from one end of the spectrum to the other. As one party steps into power and settles down, the other is energized.
So no worries, coffee-drinking voters of Louisiana. Yes, the Tea Bagging has begun, and right now your voices are muffled by the overwhelming bitterness of the dipping.
But close your eyes, swallow your pride and bid your tongues patience — you’ll be drinking coffee again soon enough.
Cody Worsham is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_CWorsham.
 
 
 
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Contact Cody Worsham at [email protected]