The "Tea Party" movement has been the subject of much debate.

Speculation runs rampant over the airwaves, with talking heads debating what function and influence the movement possesses on the national and state-wide political landscapes. Opinions have mostly been over or understated, depending on which side of the political spectrum analysis originates.

A number of notable pundits, from both quasi-conservative outlets looking to project an air of centrism, to giddy liberal kooks wishing to see the "Tea Party" fail, have made the observation that the movement does not possess a central base of operation, and, more specifically, lacks a unifying representative that can be pointed to as a "leader."

In the traditional political camps of Liberalism and Conservatism, this lack of a political structure seems a foreign, dysfunctional concept, and is viewed by many as a sign of weakness. A weakness which will ultimately serve to invalidate the ideals behind the motivation, and lessen the common bonds of principle which unify the different factions from which the movement has evolved.

It is, however, precisely that lack of a central leadership which gives the movement its greatest strength, allowing for many variations of the movement to be adopted under one grass-roots ideology, yet which has at their center principles inclusive to all.

It is a benefit to not have some uniform, concocted platform which would ultimately morph into a meaningless litany of talking points, where candidates would have the predictable chance of tailoring their "message" to some easily bought-off entity. The movement would do well to remain one built on widespread yet common principles than to become one where a centralized leadership could be prostituted as just another "constituency." This is the ideal "big tent" scenario, not one which houses myopic views which produce either acceptance or abandonment over one issue, but that which embraces variations on a common theme. It is this characteristic that would serve to produce a more focused candidate. One who could no longer just court people with rhetoric and platitudes, but where they would be forced to take a road of honesty and integrity in presenting their values, or risk rapid widespread disillusionment of the whole.

This movement was born out of Conservative principles: Limited government, limited spending, low taxes, a strong military, and immigration enforcement. It has flourished most notably out of frustration and disgust brought about by the forced radical, reckless actions of the Obama/Pelosi/Reid triumvirate, actions which include governmental intrusion into our lives, a march toward more European doctrines, and unlimited spending resulting in unprecedented deficits and debt.

Though it is easy to just recognize and demonize the elected leftist majority of our institutions, the "Tea Party" also invokes just as much scrutiny of those on the Right who declare themselves Conservative. Yet they have either abandoned true Conservative principles, or never demonstrated any adherence to them in the first place.

This frustration, felt by both Independents and Conservatives voters, has emancipated people to vent their contempt toward these self-preserving politicians. The members who identify themselves with the ideals of the "Tea Party," whether with their own silent agreement or by actionable cause, are not advocates of some "right-wing zealotry" as many leftist hacks would charge, but are believers in the original, simple principles from which this nation's founders framed our government for generations of Americans.

The swift evolution of this phenomenon has given many a true sense of hope and inclusion. Those who once felt their calls went unnoticed now have a sincere feeling of political empowerment. The media establishment and their political puppeteers no longer possess a monopoly of information, which has been used for decades to adeptly convey their slanted messages to a people pigeon-holed into accepting their packaged view of political reality.

This hope has not arisen from some hollow political jingle. It has not come from some executive neophyte who employs slick propaganda artists and scripted screeds read off of tele-promters.

This new song has been heard by thousands joining a chorus filled with previously dispirited voices, and though many have varying styles, all sing a common theme.

As with every ideological movement, there are extremists. Though these people may sing out of key, they are drowned out by the harmony of the whole. The liberal media has attempted to discredit the movement by focusing on a few examples of this extremism. They would like nothing more than to silence the voices of people who have finally found their own political acumen. Try as they may, they will fail to weaken the resolve of this movement.

Many times, the media have described the "Tea Party", whether viewed in town halls or protest rallies held across the nation, as consisting of little more than "angry, old, white people." Though this description lacks truth about the actual demographic make-up of this constituency, it is worth noting this same older generation has traditionally been a reliable Democratic voting block. But now, these same people who were once heralded by the media as "The Greatest Generation," who defeated Fascism and Communism and helped build the most powerful industrial revolution this world has ever known, are now painted as extremists, all because they have personally witnessed the unveiling of a political facade, designed to stunt free-thinking, and encourage blind obedience over conviction of principle.

The stench of hypocrisy and desperation from those on the left does a great disservice to these citizens who have sacrificed so much for the safety and prosperity of this nation, and the outright slander of them should be loudly proclaimed as an abomination.

They simply have gotten fed-up with they way in which their government arrogantly ignores them, or routinely takes them for granted. People, both young and old, have gotten a taste of self-empowerment in the political theater, and will not be denied their rightful place in the process any longer.

The Conservative movement is experiencing a reawakening, one which has been desperately needed for for some time. For years, like a team whose farm club has been depleted of exciting, new prospects, we have been subjected to the same canned Republicans running for our elected office, who pretend to be "moderates," willing to compromise what little Conservative principles they once had in a futile bid to gain liberal votes and move toward a center which is not only impotent, but realistically does not exist.

Now, with the rise of this movement, we are witnessing the birth of a new generation of individuals who possess political ambition and raw talent, tempered with the virtue of honesty and sincerity. People who are not vested in attaining or retaining power because they can, but because they feel they can create real political change. People who will not ditch their beliefs for the blessing of a corrupt machine, nor will pervert the process into a game of political brinkmanship.

Though they may be political novices, they're the ones who, by that very virtue, will bring about real change.

It is finally happening, for all to see. It should be embraced and encouraged. We should rejoice in the feeling that we are all not hopelessly doomed to follow a path of predictable failure, and that we are still the ones who have the power to enact real change in our lives, and our country.

It's in the tea leaves.

You just have to believe.