But first I'd like to provide my thoughts on the nature of the tea party. Since yesterday, there have been several reports on the news, most notably Susan Roesgen's report from Chicago on CNN, which describe the TEA parties as being a right wing coordinated invention. This simply is not true. There certainly is an anti-Obama sentiment to the people who showed up, but this also coexisted with an anti-Republican sentiment as well. (If you look in the background of Roesgen's report, you'll see an sign which says, "Republicans Suck Too.") The whole point to why these TEA parties are occurring is that people see a huge intrusion by government on all levels, but most noticeably the Federal level, into the lives and pocketbooks of the citizens. That's it.
The atmosphere contrary to Ms. Roesgen's comments was in no way anything but family-friendly. Everyone I spoke to was courteous and kind. Anyone could have brought their children, and some did, without even the fear of exposing them to profanity. The most family-unfriendly things that I saw was the photos which some anti-abortion people brought.
...although this is somewhat of a digression, but even though I believe abortion outside of certain circumstances is murder, some of the photos people use to progress the anit-abortion discussion should be used with more discretion.
2/17/09 Update:
If you would like to see a video of the Knoxville TEA party go here.
I'll be looking forward to a TEA party next year....AND GOOOOOOOO FAIRTAX!!!!!
Here are some photos from yesterday.
Some Good Signs:
Some Good Costumes:
Yes, that is a Tax Vampire.
Really agree with what you read? Really disagree? Somewhere in the middle?....Let yourself be heard in the comments!
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