Thursday, April 16, 2009

A Capitol Tea Party

The local media (ABC, CBS, and newspaper) did a helluva job covering the Tallahassee Tea Party yesterday (April 15). And I do mean “helluva” job.” That is, they reported “hundreds” in attendance, where some in law enforcement estimated 2,000-3,000 participants. Too, they did mention “a large banner” asking passerbys to honk, although there were at least 50 signs saying such things as “honk if you’re tired of high taxes” held by demonstrators lining the street in front of the Capitol, and so many drivers honked their horns that, at times, it sounded like one continuous blare.

Nonetheless, it did get local coverage, so that, in itself, was at least something. Of course, had it been a riot or a “peace” march, the media would have had continuous live coverage and maybe a few helicopters overhead. But, then, in all fairness, a couple of thousand law abiding citizens holding signs, clapping, and hoorah-ing at particularly salient points made by those at the microphone can hardly measure up to bloody riots or the vitriolic hyperbole of “pinkies.”

Despite the not-so-enthusiastic coverage by local media, it was a remarkable event which brought out everyday folks of every race, background, and political persuasion who had never in their wildest dreams thought that they would be involved in any demonstration. But then, neither had they ever imagined a day when their elected representives would turn a deaf ear to them nor that the United States government would become so paranoid that military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan would be labelled potential threats to the nation.

The Dept. of Homeland Security says I’m a dangerous radical—all 5’1”, 115 lbs. of me, but label me what you will, I’m looking forward to more tea parties where I can stand with other “radicals” to defend the Bill of Rights, the right to pursue happiness, and the right to keep a couple of my hard earned dollars to buy some groceries, pay my mortgage and medical insurance premiums, and even set a little aside for my precious grandchildren.

http://tinyurl.com/klm-web

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