Tea Party

[rauchman 3]

Greetings,

 

I'm curious how many NJGF'ers have been to Tea Party meetings and what chapter?

 

I went to my 1st last night w/the wife. As I explained to people that I told I was going to a Tea Party meeting, my expectation was low, but my hopes were high. I don't think I was disproven.

 

The meeting was held at Bergen Harley Davidson in Rochelle Park. On the website NJ Tea Party Coalition, it was mentioned the topics of the evening would be someone giving a speach of why we should support Israel and another presentation on how public schools are teaching alternate history and teaching things from a socialist/globalist agenda.

 

It started off w/ the host giving a few jokes in the vein one would expect and then the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence for our vets. Cool, I'm with ya so far. Then it went to the host reading some quotes from the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and various memo's from the Founding Fathers........ and somehow sequed into how America is a Christian nation and we are at war w/ the entire Muslim war. In my head I'm thinking, Oh no, he didn't just go there. That's like saying the rest of the world views all American Christians like Timothy McVeigh. This was worked into how we need to support Israel because we have similar Constitutions and share the same God. Maybe it's me, but as soon as the religious component enters any debate, you've lost my interest. I couldn't give a rat's a** as to what you believe. Keep it to yourself and don't interfere w/ my beliefs as I won't interfere w/ yours.

 

I digress.... Then the guest speaker came up for his Support Israel presentation. Before we go further, I need to state that I do support Israel.... but not unconditionally. Do they face war everyday there, of course, but they are far from being angels themselves. I have to give the presenter credit as he had topographical/relief maps of Israel and it showed how the West Bank is bordered by a mountain range, how the Golan Heights is the perfect high ground for the north of Israel and so on. This guy claimed that he went to Congressmen to build support for Israel and influenced them to approve support funding. While this may be true, I couldn't get past the fact that this guy just didn't come across as credible to me.

 

And that was the problem I had for the whole evening. NOTHING came across as credible. It seemed like a meeting for people who were pissed off at the system, but couldn't get it together to offer a solution. The words Mob Mentality come to mind. Aside from the religious war idea that was being pushed, I didn't once hear what they were about.

 

To be fair, the host did mention that there would be a meeting in Hackesack talking about Agenda 21. It's a UN initiative to somehow manage world land use. Somehow, and I don't know all the details to know what I'm talking about, it would have an effect on private land ownership in the USA. The way it's being pushed here in this country is way of things like "Sustainable Communities" and what not.

 

Bottom line, have any of your been to Tea Party meetings that weren't so focused on the religious superiority aspect? I'd like to get involved 'cause I really think things are seriously f*** up in this country, and I think there needs to be a push back to Individual Rights and Liberties as guaranteed by the Consititution.

[PDM 91]

I am registered Republican, fairly conservative on economic issues, very hawkish (and pro-Israel) on foreign policy, and more of a liberterian on social issues. I find that the views of the Tea Party, while useful as a counterweight to the numbskull "progressives" on the far left, are too strident and absolutist for me. For example, their unyielding view that government is bad and should be minimized at all costs. Yes, government has gotten too big and bloated and spending is out of control. But that doesn't mean that all regulation is bad. We need good, well thought out regulations, not no regulations. For example, without environmental regulation, we'd all be breathing polluted air and drinking polluted water and the entire country would be one big strip mall. IMHO, many people have jumped on the Tea Party bandwagon out of anger and frustration without carefully and dispationately thinking through some of the issues.

 

Unfortunately, in this country people generally don't listen to each other. We become so entrenched in our positions and enamored of our preset soundbytes that we are unwilling or unable to critically examine positions of those with whom we disagree or those who we support.

[lunker 274]

I agree with a lot of what you said. I have many Constitutionalist (if that is a word) views about limiting the role of government in our lives, and really wanted to like the Tea Party. If a group is constantly going to be shoving Jesus/God/Yahweh in my face, I am not going to be a part of it. Practice all the religion you want. I don't care about "In God We Trust" on coins, or prayers at public events, or any of the other aspects of religion in our public lives so long as they aren't mandatory. I feel like I put up with the religious social conservatives in the Republican party because the Democratic Party is a worse alternative in most ways. I imagine there are a lot of Democrats who have no use for the race grievance mongers and government dependent welfare bums that make up some of their party, but they still see it as a better alternative than the Republicans.

I had hoped that the Tea Party would turn into something that took elements from both parties, but it feels as though it has been hijacked by the Corporatist wing of the Republican Party.

[raz-0 1,259]

PErhaps if all the very religious folsk side with the tea party, they can be jettisoned. I'm for freedom with responsibility, equality before the law, and as few laws as it takes to keep things from going to hell. I'm not interested in winning the war about who's unsubstantiated beliefs are more correct.

[rauchman 3]

1st off thanks for the replies. Have to say, I thought I was going out on a limb in starting this discussion. It's warming to see that I'm not the only one of this mind set. Thanks!!!!

 

Now........

 

All of this begs the question........

 

If the Tea Party is not the answer, what is? What other alternative is there?

[lunker 274]

1st off thanks for the replies. Have to say, I thought I was going out on a limb in starting this discussion. It's warming to see that I'm not the only one of this mind set. Thanks!!!!

 

Now........

 

All of this begs the question........

 

If the Tea Party is not the answer, what is? What other alternative is there?

 

I'm pretty sure there isn't one, at least of any size. Secular humanism is the religion of liberals and the Democratic Party. I just don't think there are huge numbers of irreligious conservative/libertarian folks out there. They certainly don't seem to be organized into their own political or social entities.

[Underdog 1,593]

I am not sure about your experiences with ultra-right, religous Tea Partiers, and I am not sure about your particular group, but I can tell you that the Tea Party is a grassroots movement and not focused on religion. Essentially, there isn't a centralized group that controls it, although there are major groups like Americans for Prosperity that organize under its banner. It is a gathering of Americans, supported by the majority, in which Americans believe that the government is assuming too much power and control and involving itself in EVERY aspect of our lives. It is about identifying and changing the corruption that occurs mainly because of the disjunction between career politicians and the special interests they serve and the American people that take the hit. It is a movement that resists the attempts of mainly the Left toward class warfare and that the solution is to attack the rich in its quest to create a socialized state. The Tea Party is about individual responsibility.

 

Your experience is NOT typical, most Tea Party members, and I am proud to be one, believe in the right of the individual, and that by protecting that right, you are protecting the right of a free society. The Tea Party, made of many parties, A group of Americans, it would welcome your involvement. Become part of this grass roots individual protecting the rights of individuals. When you get involved, you could share the disillusionment you felt and make it better. This is a chance for Americans to make a difference and put us back on track as a land of liberty that shares the blessings of a free-market society.

 

Actions and agendas have to come from principles, and every day people, members of the Tea Party are working toward that. Be part of that and make a difference.

[halbautomatisch 60]

You all are Libertarians (as am I) - leave people to alone unless it effects others somehow.

 

The problem with social conservitives is that they, just like the liberals, want to impose their beliefs on others - and that's wrong.

 

All the more reason if it was feasible for me to leave NJ, I would move to NH.

[Ray Ray 3,566]

I am not sure about your experiences with ultra-right, religous Tea Partiers, and I am not sure about your particular group, but I can tell you that the Tea Party is a grassroots movement and not focused on religion. Essentially, there isn't a centralized group that controls it, although there are major groups like Americans for Prosperity that organize under its banner. It is a gathering of Americans, mainly backed by the majority, in which Americans believe that the government is assuming too much power and control and involving itself in EVERY aspect of our lives. It is about identifying and changing the corruption that occurs mainly because of the disjunction between career politicians and the special intersts they serve and the American people that take the hit. It is a movement that resists the attempts of mainly the Left toward class warfare and that the solution is to attack the rich. Your experience is NOT typical, and you are certainly, as a grass roots individual protecting the rights of individuals, you are able to get involved and promote what you believe the TEA Party stands for. Actions and agendas have to come from principles, and every day people, members of the Tea Party are working toward that.

 

Yup

[Smokin .50 1,907]

1st off thanks for the replies. Have to say, I thought I was going out on a limb in starting this discussion. It's warming to see that I'm not the only one of this mind set. Thanks!!!!

 

Now........

 

All of this begs the question........

 

If the Tea Party is not the answer, what is? What other alternative is there?

Not all of the Tea Party is as screwed-up as the Chapter you went to. Do not judge us all by only ONE small group that may be mis-guided in some way. Most of the Tea Party folks that I converse with are regular folks who are tired of being trampled upon by feel-good legislation. Embrace what makes sense to you.

 

Or you could start your own "movement", or just get out of the way. No offense, but your original post sounds somewhat "trollish". I hope in the future you prove me wrong.

 

I'm for as little Gubmnt as possible--just enough to run things right, but not enough to run my life!

 

Dave

[Caine 147]

You all are Libertarians (as am I) - leave people to alone unless it effects others somehow.

 

The problem with social conservitives is that they, just like the liberals, want to impose their beliefs on others - and that's wrong.

BIG +1

[Old School 611]

You all are Libertarians (as am I) - leave people to alone unless it effects others somehow.

 

The problem with social conservitives is that they, just like the liberals, want to impose their beliefs on others - and that's wrong.

All the more reason if it was feasible for me to leave NJ, I would move to NH.

 

 

I don't know if that is necessarily true. I consider myself a "Social Conservative and Libertarian" I'm the last one impose my beliefs on others.

I just feel I need to stand my ground on some issues.

 

Being a "grassroots" organization you will get some factions of the Tea Party that go off on a tangent.

[StarWarsGeek45 5]

I'm sorry your Tea Party event didn't go so well, but unfortunately am not surprised.

 

I, for one, will likely never understand the fascination that American conservatives have with Israel.

 

It's funny, because that segment will talk all day about how virtually every federal spending on domestic projects should be cut, but are offended at the very notion of even thinking of cutting spending with a foreign nation.

[CageFighter 236]

Ron Paul in Trenton on Monday (09/26) @ 12noon! Who's going?

then Webster Hall in NYC that night!

[Maksim 1,504]

Two quick comments.

 

I am jewish, support israel, however I am not anti muslim, in fact, I will have one working for me very soon. I am anti crazy people, be it ultra-conservatives, ultra liberals, ultra jewish, ultra crazy muslim. Anyone that is so jaded in their point of view that cannot accept the fact that in this country, people have a right to their own thoughts, feelings and opinions, is just a sheep of their leader, whomever they may be.

 

I would consider myself fiscally conservative, and independent on alot of the issues, there are nut jobs on every side, and hence why I typically hate politics, (even thought I am an elected Republican official in my township. ) (won a write in vote for those interested).

 

Secondly, forum related, we have a politics section on the forum here for a reason... however because this has been kept very civil for now, will let it stay in bucket 3. The moment it gets out of hand... it will be moved. This is a firearms community for morally mature folks, if you cannot accept a person's right to their opinion and cannot just not take a personal hack at someone, this is not the place for you. =)

[KpdPipes 388]

Two quick comments.

 

I am jewish, support israel, however I am not anti muslim, in fact, I will have one working for me very soon. I am anti crazy people, be it ultra-conservatives, ultra liberals, ultra jewish, ultra crazy muslim. Anyone that is so jaded in their point of view that cannot accept the fact that in this country, people have a right to their own thoughts, feelings and opinions, is just a sheep of their leader, whomever they may be.

 

I would consider myself fiscally conservative, and independent on alot of the issues, there are nut jobs on every side, and hence why I typically hate politics, (even thought I am an elected Republican official in my township. ) (won a write in vote for those interested).

 

Secondly, forum related, we have a politics section on the forum here for a reason... however because this has been kept very civil for now, will let it stay in bucket 3. The moment it gets out of hand... it will be moved. This is a firearms community for morally mature folks, if you cannot accept a person's right to their opinion and cannot just not take a personal hack at someone, this is not the place for you. =)

 

Ding ding ding ding ding WINNAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Old School 611]

I'm sorry your Tea Party event didn't go so well, but unfortunately am not surprised.

 

I, for one, will likely never understand the fascination that American conservatives have with Israel.

 

It's funny, because that segment will talk all day about how virtually every federal spending on domestic projects should be cut, but are offended at the very notion of even thinking of cutting spending with a foreign nation.

 

Israel is our only true ally in the Middle East and share intel with us, also does things the the USA can't do for one reason or another.

 

Yes it costs us money but, I for one, think it's worth it.

 

BTW I'm not Jewish just a mongrel American

[Underdog 1,593]

I don't know if that is necessarily true. I consider myself a "Social Conservative and Libertarian" I'm the last one impose my beliefs on others.

I just feel I need to stand my ground on some issues.

 

Being a "grassroots" organization you will get some factions of the Tea Party that go off on a tangent.

 

 

I agree completely with Old School.

 

The Tea Party is made up of Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians... All are welcomed under the big tent.

 

Here is a Robert Heinlein quote for thought:

 

“Political tags – such as royalist, communist, democrat, populist, fascist, liberal, conservative, and so forth – are never basic criteria. The human race divides politically into those who want people to be controlled and those who have no such desire.”

 

By the way, Star Wars Geek must also be a fan of Lucas...

 

And I threw these in for good measure:

 

"I am free because I know that I alone am morally responsible for everything I do. I am free, no matter what rules surround me. If I find them tolerable, I tolerate them; if I find them too obnoxious, I break them. I am free because I know that I alone am morally responsible for everything I do."

 

"An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life."

 

-Robert A. Heinlein

[Underdog 1,593]

Two quick comments.

 

I am jewish, support israel, however I am not anti muslim, in fact, I will have one working for me very soon. I am anti crazy people, be it ultra-conservatives, ultra liberals, ultra jewish, ultra crazy muslim. Anyone that is so jaded in their point of view that cannot accept the fact that in this country, people have a right to their own thoughts, feelings and opinions, is just a sheep of their leader, whomever they may be.

 

I would consider myself fiscally conservative, and independent on alot of the issues, there are nut jobs on every side, and hence why I typically hate politics, (even thought I am an elected Republican official in my township. ) (won a write in vote for those interested).

 

Secondly, forum related, we have a politics section on the forum here for a reason... however because this has been kept very civil for now, will let it stay in bucket 3. The moment it gets out of hand... it will be moved. This is a firearms community for morally mature folks, if you cannot accept a person's right to their opinion and cannot just not take a personal hack at someone, this is not the place for you. =)

 

 

Whether you hate politics or not, the clowns that are in charge and that have been in charge and that have been implementing their beliefs and agendas on us, perhaps for about 80 years, those are the ones that want to fundamentally change this society and all that America stands for. America has had some dark times, but the good things in America are much greater. It is still the most free and could be the most prosperous society on Earth, again, if the people were taught personal responsibility and honor,instead of selfishness and entitlement.

 

Americans are accepting of and being taught to be dependent and that they are entitled to everything. There is little sense of community, anymore. This is the way that those in power gain more power and control. So, whether you want to be involved in politics or not, you have a responsibility. You have a responsibility to our children, and you have a responsibility to those that made the ultimate sacrifice. This attitude of avoidance and disenchantment with our political system is what has allowed this to happen. Don't stand by and let our society continue to disintegrate. I challenge you to be a balanced voice of reason and become active in saving our country.

 

As an elected official, I hope you are making a difference.

[matty 810]

I happened on a Tea Party event shortly after I moved to Jackson. No religious aspects to it at all, at least no one was going all Christian White and his Aryan Reggae band against the Evil Muslims. One vocal woman in her 70s reminded me of Miss Hathaway from the Beverly Hillbillies, if Miss Hathaway was a lifelong 3 pack a day smoker. Their hearts were in the right place with the emphasis on shrinking government and taxes, but some of them were a little.......off, shall we say. In an Alex Jones sort of way. At least they are up and awake & participating. Makes a nice counterweight to the wacko left--

[Underdog 1,593]

1st off thanks for the replies. Have to say, I thought I was going out on a limb in starting this discussion. It's warming to see that I'm not the only one of this mind set. Thanks!!!!

 

Now........

 

All of this begs the question........

 

If the Tea Party is not the answer, what is? What other alternative is there?

 

 

The Tea Party IS the only alternative. Work with the tools that we have. If it wasn't for the Tea Party, things would be much worse than they are at the moment. Many in this government are consciously working to destroy the economy and our society. The Tea Party, or I should say, the American people for the majority, do not want to "fundamentally change" our society to a socialistic, statist land in which WE the Government and NOT We the People is the law of the land. We need to save the principles espoused in our Constitution and make them stronger. The Tea Party is the only entity making a stand for individual freedoms.

[Underdog 1,593]

I happened on a Tea Party event shortly after I moved to Jackson. No religious aspects to it at all, at least no one was going all Christian White and his Aryan Reggae band against the Evil Muslims. One vocal woman in her 70s reminded me of Miss Hathaway from the Beverly Hillbillies, if Miss Hathaway was a lifelong 3 pack a day smoker. Their hearts were in the right place with the emphasis on shrinking government and taxes, but some of them were a little.......off, shall we say. In an Alex Jones sort of way. At least they are up and awake & participating. Makes a nice counterweight to the wacko left--

 

 

Matty, what did you contribute? What did your appearance there look like to others? What have you contributed? Miss Hathaway is obviously doing her part.

 

Obviously you are concerned with our country, or you wouldn't have attended. Maybe you were just curious. Did you show others that Tea Party members could be cool ahd hip? Last time I was at a meeting, they passed around the TEa and not the Koolaid.

 

Are you awake and contributing? What have you done since that meeting? How many letters have you sent to your representative? Did you go to Washington? Have you checked the books that your kids are learning from in your community?

[Underdog 1,593]

I'm sorry your Tea Party event didn't go so well, but unfortunately am not surprised.

 

I, for one, will likely never understand the fascination that American conservatives have with Israel.

 

It's funny, because that segment will talk all day about how virtually every federal spending on domestic projects should be cut, but are offended at the very notion of even thinking of cutting spending with a foreign nation.

 

 

We helped to create Israel, whether right or wrong. If we stopped supporting Israel, those people would be slaughtered. Additionally, Israel is our only connection to a land that is largely under tyranny.

 

And, in this dangerous world, allies which share many of our beliefs of freedom and democracy, they should be cherished.

[Old School 611]

Whether you hate politics or not, the clowns that are in charge and that have been in charge and that have been implementing their beliefs and agendas on us, perhaps for about 80 years, those are the ones that want to fundamentally change this society and all that America stands for. America has had some dark times, but the good things in America are much greater. It is still the most free and could be the most prosperous society on Earth, again, if the people were taught personal responsibility and honor,instead of selfishness and entitlement.

 

Americans are accepting of and being taught to be dependent and that they are entitled to everything. There is little sense of community, anymore. This is the way that those in power gain more power and control. So, whether you want to be involved in politics or not, you have a responsibility. You have a responsibility to our children, and you have a responsibility to those that made the ultimate sacrifice. This attitude of avoidance and disenchantment with our political system is what has allowed this to happen. Don't stand by and let our society continue to disintegrate. I challenge you to be a balanced voice of reason and become active in saving our country.

 

As an elected official, I hope you are making a difference.

 

Agreed- If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

[StarWarsGeek45 5]

By the way, Star Wars Geek must also be a fan of Lucas...

 

 

I used to be. I was displeased with the changes he made to the original trilogy in '97, of course the modern special effects were nice as well as the additional scenes such as the celebration at the end of VI , however I was upset that he allowed viewers to see the ice monster in V (far more terrifying when you never see him, IMO) and the musical added to VI was just a big wtf moment. Not to mention the butchering of the Cantina scene. Han shot first, not Greedo!

 

I am pretty mad about the most recent changes for the blu-ray, notably Vader's new lines in VI and the continual butchering of the Cantina scene which now looks very hacked up. I don't understand why he tweaking something so great as the original trilogy.

 

But overall, he is a great film maker and left us with the greatest trilogy ever made, so I really can't complain.

[Underdog 1,593]

I used to be. I was displeased with the changes he made to the original trilogy in '97, of course the modern special effects were nice as well as the additional scenes such as the celebration at the end of VI , however I was upset that he allowed viewers to see the ice monster in V (far more terrifying when you never see him, IMO) and the musical added to VI was just a big wtf moment. Not to mention the butchering of the Cantina scene. Han shot first, not Greedo!

 

I am pretty mad about the most recent changes for the blu-ray, notably Vader's new lines in VI and the continual butchering of the Cantina scene which now looks very hacked up. I don't understand why he tweaking something so great as the original trilogy.

 

But overall, he is a great film maker and left us with the greatest trilogy ever made, so I really can't complain.

 

 

He also has tendency to share political beliefs with his Emperor Palatine. Another rich left-leaning capitalist-made, gets-all-he-wants person that wants to impose his "utopia" on us.

 

Yes, Han shot first, and I don't want that changed, either. That is the political correctness coming through, though.

[Maksim 1,504]

Here is the thing though, the Tea Party is just another bunch of nuts who are following their own thing.

 

If the Tea Party had their way, the US Economy would have already imploded, just my words as a financial professional.

 

remember that month long period of time when people were against bail outs? That is what caused 8% of your retirement dollars to go away in one day. Politicians playing politics to play up to their political constituencies.

 

There is being right, and being effective. While I agree 100% in principle that the Us government needs to stop spending money and start balancing the budget, and I am all for privatizing social security, and lowering taxes... guess what, it aint the most effective approach.

 

If the above were to happen, we would have the great depression 2. With all the economic issues in Europe, (issues of different mentalities of various EU nations), any so called crisis in the united states... turn over, kiss your butt goodbye. We were within hours of a major banking meltdown (ie all the us banking instututions were about to fail) in 2008, which was averted in the 11th hour. And all of it could of been avoided had politicians, both on the right and the left started listening to experts and not trying to impress their base. (If you really want to know the story, ask me in person, toooooo long to write up).

 

Where we are right now, the best way to understand it is this... give you two examples....

 

1. United States is a 2 packs a day smoker. Any more smoking will be met with certain death. You got to stop smoking. do you quit cold turkey and become a miserable b*tch for the next few months, or do you go on the patch and try things to ween off of it?

 

2. United States is a heavily debted person, do we default on the debt by filing bankruptcy, screwing the lenders (that would be you and me), or do we hire a debt manager and work it out over time.

 

 

Much like after WW2, unfortunately we have to spend money to make money and to avert a bigger catastrophe. Its a tough decision, but it is what has to be done. By not spending money, money is not going to roll into the private sector. Personally as a business owner, contrary to what you might be spoon fed on TV, I couldn't give a rats butt what the state of the US Debt is, or what not. Money is as cheap as it ever was to borrow. The only person in charge of my company's success is me.

 

Hire great people, do a great job, and all will be a success.

 

Contrary to what might be out there, ask any business owner, the number one concern right now is finding good people. With unemployment being as high as it is, the big issue is finding qualified people. With a ton of folks being out of a job for 2 years, they lost their skills and desire. The great employees, are still working. (this is for the private sector) (I do not deal with, or even pretend to understand the public sector).

 

So bottom line, hopefully you can see where I am coming from, the Tea Party, while in theory was great ( a true grass roots movement), just became a different type of radical. Unfortunately, Michelle Bachman and the other ultra conservative nut jobs, know as much about the economy or what is best for us, as I know about the migratory pattern of birds in Europe. (which is exactly nothing).

 

If you want to succeed, you have to do it for yourself. No politician give a rat's butt about you personally, all they care about is being elected/reelected. If they succeed, they just might do something good for you, but I doubt they will sacrifice anything themselves for you.

 

(btw, my elected position is as a Republican committee person for mercer county), and yes, they are all a bunch of tools bickering over email.

[CageFighter 236]

I can care less about Isreal, they're FAR from innocent, sorry guys. I compare it to bringing a stick to a gun fight. Its EASY to pick on people that cant defend themselves. Whats good for the goose should be good for the gander!

[bulpup 98]

Han shot first

 

 

Why do I picture you wearing this on a T-shirt?

[StarWarsGeek45 5]

He also has tendency to share political beliefs with his Emperor Palatine. Another rich left-leaning capitalist-made, gets-all-he-wants person that wants to impose his "utopia" on us.

 

Yes, Han shot first. That is the political correctness coming through.

 

I see Palpatine's rise from Corrupt Senator to Evil Emperor as a parallel to the fall of the Roman Republic and the birth of the Roman Empire. The government even goes from Republic to Empire in the movies, and Lucas is well known for drawing inspiration for Star Wars from Roman history, as well as Nazi paralells for the Evil Empire, right down to the architecture. He's also big on Japanese Samurai films, with Vader's helmet being directly inspired, in the words of Lucas, from his favorite villain Kabuto something, in some Samurai movie. Also the Jedi wearing Kimonos, Yoda being the wise old master, and the concepts of honor etc. I suppose one could also draw parallels to modern politics as well but I think that's an afterthought and not the direct intention. But it's definitely there and a great illustration of how power corrupts and how easily deception can destroy an electorate. "So this is how liberty dies....with thunderous applause" says Padme

 

I'm not sure why it was changed for Greedo to shoot first in '97, I don't think it's political correctness, but perhaps it is. Han Solo is supposed to be the outlaw scoundrel that is greedy and selfish, but has a change of heart and does the right thing at the last moment. Even in V he's only along for the ride because his trip to go pay off Jabba is derailed by the Empire and not until VI does he actually join the Rebels. So I'm not sure why they changed that scene, because Han shooting first fits perfectly into his image of scoundrel-turned-hero. All I know is it really ticked me off.