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The Boston Tea Party was an act of revolution by American colonists against the imposing rule of the British Empire.

This iconic event occurred more than 230 years ago and is a major part of the United State’s history. Lately, however, a new group has begun to invoke this iconic image: The Tea Party.

The Tea Party is a current grassroots political movement in America acting in response to the current presidential administration and their agenda.

Originating in 2009 in response to the controversial stimulus package, this group has slowly been picking up sympathizers and media coverage ever since.

Purely on principle, this idea is great. Petitioning the government and the right to free speech are basic freedoms guaranteed in the first amendment and should be used often and appropriately. The Tea Party, however, is going about reform the wrong way.

Throughout American history, there have been several examples of political reform groups who have tried to change history.

Their intentions are good, motivated by ones similar to people who run mainstream politics, but they are burdened by one significant quality: they are a third party.

Third parties have been riddled throughout American politics, but tend to make little difference. In some cases, however, third parties can make a difference, but often one people do not see as favorable. In 1912, for example, Teddy Roosevelt ran for the Bull Moose Party.

Roosevelt won over a quarter of the vote, but did not win. Unfortunately, his running split the Republican vote and, consequently, Woodrow Wilson, a Democrat, won the election.

History has a chance to repeat itself exactly 100 years later. If, in fact, the Tea Party does submit a candidate for election in 2012, they have the potential to split the Republican vote.

For the Tea Party, and all who wish to see a change in administration once more, a more prudent decision may be to integrate Tea Party ideals with the mainstream Republican demographic. Perhaps then, America will see the change that these people are so willing to protest for.