Attendance was about 500; my estimate based on the number of cars in the nearby parking lots. There were about a dozen speakers, equally divided between scheduled and walk-up. As one might expect, cap-and-tax and Obamacare were the two most-discussed issues; somewhat unexpected (to me) was the cheering of an advocate of repealing the 16th Amendment (income tax). Is the Fair tax making a comeback?
There was a decent sprinkling of local politicians, mostly Republican and mostly listening. No campaign speeches to speak of, although there were a number of oblique references to getting rid of the current crop of incumbents.
Most surprising, to me at least, was the call for continuing tea parties - for here, on September 12, the day after 9/11, and on December 16, the anniversary of the original Boston tea party.
Here are the pictures.
It should be "You're" but the sentiment was well received.
Obviously the "cap-and-trade" (Waxman-Markey climate change) bill isn't sitting too well with tea party enthusiasts. If it carries, I predict there will be some (many?) congresscritters looking for real jobs in 2011.
Listening to the speakers - the oak trees were fine spots to sit and listen.
"Socialism isn't cool" - a prepared sign. Americans for Prosperity is testing out a branding effort. It might work.
By one estimate, 30-40% of the passers-by honked or waved approval of the protest.
A common sentiment throughout.
"It's not like you earned it."
Or live for free in the Obama Nation?
I suppose global warming will be good when we're all living outside or in tents next winter.
Yes.
Instapundit would be proud of this one.
Chapter 13. That's where we're headed, I'm afraid.
Some final thoughts. First, the protestors were almost exclusively middle-class; not rich, not poor. Largely white, but with a smattering of minorities represented. Second, the protestors were extremely well-behaved. There was no police presence - none - at the tea party. And finally, the protest area was immaculate when we left. Even the trash bins were removed to the dumpsters before everyone departed.
I wish I'd gone to yours.
ReplyDeleteWe had a HEAVY police presence and, looking around at the signs we had, I could see why.
Is it just big cities which attract the nuts?
Thanks for the comment; and interesting post. I tried to con my son into going but wasn't successful.
ReplyDeleteI think police presence is a given at any urban rally; at the DC tea party in April (http://a-shadow-world.blogspot.com/2009/04/tax-day-tea-party-in-dc.html) there was also a significant police/secret service presence. I was somewhat surprised that there was no presence at ours.
On the "birth certificate" types, we had one or two as well. They were polite - and mostly ignored.
Judging from your post and Right Wing Sparkle's post, I'd judge that what you saw in Houston was consistent with what happened in Manassas.