Tea Party Open Thread


You Say You Want A Revolution....

Let us know in comments about any events today you’ve been following. We’d like to see if anyone has an overall estimate of the number of events or total attendance today, as well as any particular stories that need to be told.

Please use this thread for discussion, and use the Tea Party Turnout Thread for actual hard numbers.  Even if you post the numbers here, also post them on the Tea Party Turnout Thread!


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Prescott, AZ Tea Party

azaeroprof (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:24PM EST (link)

Nice crowd on a cold evening, I’d say probably 2000+. Good speakers, especially Prof. Terry Lovell from Yavapai College. Some awesome signs and lots of great folks!

 

Batesville, AR Tea Party

Jonah Shumate (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:27PM EST (link)

We are a small town in Arkansas, but we had right at 100 people who were passionate and mad as hell about what is going on.

I have told some, who think all this was a sham, that today, Democracy was on display for the whole world to see, and all parties were out today, voicing concern for their country!

 

Des Moines Tea Party

MG Wednesday, April 15th at 11:31PM EST (link)

Estimated crowd of 4,000.

www.desmoinesteaparty.com

It’s not that our liberal friends are ignorant; it’s that they know so much that isn’t so.

 

I've been strolling liberal media sites

red4ever (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:31PM EST (link)

Dudes, we scared the pants off them. I have seen supposed straight reporting call us “racists” “wingnut” “paid for by FoxNews [I wish]” etc. They will say anything to make today seem meaningless. Which means it wasn’t. If it had truly failed, they would have just ignored it.

Wooooooooohooooooooo.

The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.
Dante

 

DC observations

ddstrain (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:31PM EST (link)

I saw more college-aged kids carrying signs and being active than I thought.

I heard many people saying that this was the FIRST time they’ve participated in a political rally/protest.

People brought their kids out and the theme throughout was “the future of my kid(s) in at stake”.

Ron Paul types and GOP types got along just fine … hmmm … maybe someone should explore that further.

No one I recognized as a Congresional leader was seen … anywhere.

This was true grasroots, without imported or professional protesters. I’ve been in DC when the lefties riot against IMF or World Bank. Definitely different quality kind of people.

Same here in Dallas

scottbomb (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 12:45AM EST (link)

I, too, was surprised by the number of youths. When asked, “raise your hand if this is your first protest”, almost every hand in the crowd went up.

The Dallas Morning News doesn’t have a number but says, “thousands”. See pics here:

http://www.redstate.com/scottbomb/2009/04/16/dallas-tea-party-in-pictures/

www.HowObamaGotElected.com

“The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But, under the name of ‘liberalism’, they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened.” – Norman Thomas, U.S. Socialist Party presidential candidate 1940, 1944 and 1948

 
 

Got a list already working

Raven (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:32PM EST (link)

<a href=”“>Tea Party Numbers

“If you do not have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.”
Luke 22:36

Well update already!

Hooah_Mac (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:34PM EST (link)

Just giving you a hard time Raven.

-Priorities-
1. Mission 2. Soldiers 3. Everything Else

 

Added your link to post

MetaCosm (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:37PM EST (link)

Raven–

Didn’t catch your post before we front-paged the open-thread, so I just added a link to your post to the main thread — please use it people. :)

http://www.redstate.com/raven/2009/04/15/tax-day-tea-party-numbers/

~ MetaCosm

 
 

Greeneville, TN

Justin_Case (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:35PM EST (link)

The heart of Republican East TN had approximately 200 – 250 people at the downtown court house. Many horns sounded off from cars passing by. A very good crowd.

The event was organized by a young woman who had previously not been involved in politics. She did a great job. Politicians at an event like this definitely prove to be a drag.

When the second RINO stood up to speak, I had to leave.

 

This is really freaking out the lefties.

NeoKong (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:35PM EST (link)

One or two more parties and they will board up their windows and call the National Guard.
It’s hilarious and quite disturbing at the same time to watch how some of these t.v. pundits describe and sneer at the people who have gone to a tea party.What’s even more amazing is how some of the networks completely ignored it when in the past they breathlessly covered every pathetic little anti-war protest like it was some sort of political sea change.

The media won’t lift a finger if it means it may help grass root conservatives by spreading their message like they are more than happy to do for Obama and his band of tax cheating thieves.
You can feel the vitriol in their words and see it on their faces.
Lefties despise Conservatives and people who reject them.
Things were quite different however when it was they who were doing all the protesting and organizing.
It kills them to see their own tactics used against them so successfully.

Ha Ha!

Follow me on Twitter.

Too bad for them

Hooah_Mac (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:38PM EST (link)

They can’t call the National Guard…most of them are returning combat veterans the lefties need to be afraid of.

-Priorities-
1. Mission 2. Soldiers 3. Everything Else

 

It May Be The Left Now Realize They're In a War...

IJB Wednesday, April 15th at 11:38PM EST (link)

…I expect them to change tactics accordingly.

Expect stormy seas ahead.

 
 

Olympia WA estimated 4000 Seattle Paper

bobojake (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:37PM EST (link)

darn good for Gregorie steal the election- Murray State

Life-long taxpayer, 1st time protester

Mike Friesen (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:59PM EST (link)

Attended the Olympia event and was impressed with the crowd. Very respectful, salt-of-the-Earth Americans. Except for a couple pro-tax, pro-O knuckleheads, we had a great time. The State Police estimated the crowd at over 5,000.

Best regards,
Michael

 
 

Does Anyone Have the San Diego Numbers from Saturday? (nt)

IJB Wednesday, April 15th at 11:37PM EST (link)

Olympia, WA

Michelle Wednesday, April 15th at 11:40PM EST (link)

We had quite the turn-out! According to the state patrol via King 5 News in Seattle, there were 5000 people there. I’m no good at estimating crowds, but my rough estimate was a couple thousand. One other station, KIRO 7 I think, said one thousand, but that wasn’t based on what the state patrol said.
A gentleman who works nearby said it was the largest rally he’s ever seen at the capitol! There were people looking out the windows from the capitol building. Everyone was very polite and enthusiastic. Great signs and we sang “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” on a short march to the capitol steps. The state patrol and city police had nothing to do. We even offered them cookies as they walked past us.
If we’re radicals, we are the most mild-mannered, peaceful radicals I’ve ever seen!

Amusing

DerKrieger (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:53PM EST (link)

The contrast between a Lefty protest consisting of freakishly dressed, angry malcontents wailing and gnashing their teeth and a Conservative protest. Of course it’s us the DHS wants to keep their eyes on.

“In questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” – Thomas Jefferson

“I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.” – James Madison

Whenever the legislators endeavor to take away and destroy the property of the people, or to reduce them to slavery under arbitrary power, they put themselves into a state of war with the people, who are thereupon absolved from any further obedience.” — John Locke, 1690

 
 

Ok, what did the people at NBC say?

Jonah Shumate (Diary) Wednesday, April 15th at 11:41PM EST (link)

What, or can it be posted or linked to, the people at NBC say? I was “partying” earlier today and must have missed it…

 

Orlando

cindermutha (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 12:04AM EST (link)

I’m not sure how many were there in Orlando, but I’m guessing at around 3000. It seemed like it was less than the March one, which was 6000, but there was definitely more signage and everyone was far louder. There were Ron Paul supporters, who behaved for the most part. There were two Ronulans freaking out about the contrails. It was entertaining.

I have pics at my diary.

Park Service & Police estimate 5000-6000 [nt]

cwilson (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 12:07AM EST (link)

If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom — go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen! –Samuel Adams

 
 

Tea Party (Melbourne, FL)

cwilson (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 12:05AM EST (link)

Local paper reporting 400-500. I blogged it here.

If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom — go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen! –Samuel Adams

 

Columbus

Brad Smith (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 12:11AM EST (link)

here

Brad Smith
Josiah H. Blackmore II/Shirley M. Nault Designated Professor of Law
Capital University Law School
Capital University website
Center for Competitive Politics website

 

Springfield Mass Tea Party

1stRichard (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 12:16AM EST (link)

Excellent for this area! 1k to 2k? Too hard to count around the block

http://photos.masslive.com/photogallery/2009/04/spldtea_8.html

http://photos.masslive.com/photogallery/2009/04/spldtea_7.html

http://photos.masslive.com/photogallery/2009/04/spldtea_6.html

http://photos.masslive.com/photogallery/2009/04/spldtea_5.html

http://photos.masslive.com/photogallery/2009/04/spldtea_4.html

http://photos.masslive.com/photogallery/2009/04/spldtea_3.html

http://photos.masslive.com/photogallery/2009/04/spldtea_2.html

http://photos.masslive.com/photogallery/2009/04/spldtea_1.html

http://photos.masslive.com/photogallery/2009/04/spldtea_7.html

http://photos.masslive.com/photogallery/2009/04/spldtea_6.html

http://photos.masslive.com/photogallery/2009/04/spldtea_8.html

A personal Thank You all for attending this Tea Party in Springfield mass and special thanks for all that attended Tea Parties across this nation, that we have spoken loud and clear, from coast to coast, it is WE the PEOPLE and mot we the government!

Now can I please stop making signs and making calls for a moment, I am exhausted. For the MSM, bias, I accept your invitation to have a tea party at your house. Now who should it be first?

 

Police estimate ~1,500 for the event I attended in Raleigh

6eorge Jetson (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 12:22AM EST (link)

Lots of info on the STL Tea Party

Bill S (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 12:35AM EST (link)

posted on:

Hot Air
Gateway Pundit
Stix Blog

Will post more as I find ‘em.

“It’s such a fine line between stupid, and clever.” – David St. Hubbins

Some more St. Louis coverage

Brian Simpson (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:10AM EST (link)

Respublica
Riverfront Times


| My RedState archive |
Important principles may and must be inflexible. ~ Abraham Lincoln

The expected response from the RFT, I see

Bill S (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 8:04AM EST (link)

The commenters did a nice job of ripping the guy, though.

“It’s such a fine line between stupid, and clever.” – David St. Hubbins

 
 

Another STL

Brian Simpson (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:29AM EST (link)

DanaRadio.com


| My RedState archive |
Important principles may and must be inflexible. ~ Abraham Lincoln

Okay, they are starting to come fast now

Brian Simpson (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:31AM EST (link)

A photo set on Flikr from Jim at 24thstate.com


| My RedState archive |
Important principles may and must be inflexible. ~ Abraham Lincoln

My favorite sign

Brian Simpson (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:33AM EST (link)

He got a picture of this on the way out after stopping by to say hi.


| My RedState archive |
Important principles may and must be inflexible. ~ Abraham Lincoln

5 - outstanding!! [nt]

Bill S (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:35AM EST (link)

“It’s such a fine line between stupid, and clever.” – David St. Hubbins

 

5 - outstanding! nt

TNJim (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:38AM EST (link)

Activism: What to do after the TEA party rally. Unified Patriots

Sorry, bs, didn't mean to repeat your comment

TNJim (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:41AM EST (link)

but it is a great sign. Sums it up perfectly.

Activism: What to do after the TEA party rally. Unified Patriots

 
 
 
 
 
 

These are great numbers, folks

Dan McLaughlin (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 12:43AM EST (link)

Yet somehow, less newsworthy than one Iraqi with a shoe.

“No compromise with the main purpose, no peace till victory, no pact with unrepentant wrong.” – Winston Churchill

Are you suggesting...

Jim Thursday, April 16th at 1:03AM EST (link)

…that we all start throwing our shoes at politicians?

:)

“If we wish to preserve a free society, it is essential that we recognize that the desirability of a particular object is not sufficient justification for the use of coercion.”
F.A. Hayek

“Laws are no longer made by a rational process of public discussion; they are made by a process of blackmail and intimidation, and they are executed in the same manner. The typical lawmaker of today is a man wholly devoid of principle — a mere counter in a grotesque and knavish game. If the right pressure could be applied to him, he would be cheerfully in favor of polygamy, astrology or cannibalism.”
H.L. Mencken

 

I'm not sure how this will end up playing

Hooah_Mac (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:04AM EST (link)

All the local lefty newspapers in MN covered it on their websites, all the TV stations covered it, and nearly all the coverage was relatively fair (although most mentioned the astroturf charge).

There is only so much spin you can do…if 500,000 people or more around the country protested in the middle of a work day, that is news that is hard to hide.

The 24 hour news people can dismiss it, but at their peril when people read it in their local newspaper or see it on tv.

-Priorities-
1. Mission 2. Soldiers 3. Everything Else

The only thing here in STL

Bill S (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:05AM EST (link)

is the generic AP story about the tea parties. NOTHING about a 10,000 person rally that took place in the middle of downtown St. Louis.

Of course the STL Post-Dispatch makes the NYT look like a publication of the Republican party.

“It’s such a fine line between stupid, and clever.” – David St. Hubbins

AP reporting 100's of protestors...

DONTREADONME (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:06AM EST (link)

across the country were out for the tea party protests on the AP radio on American Right on XM.

 

cont. AP News on the hour on XM Radio American Right -nt

DONTREADONME (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:09AM EST (link)

OK, I lied

Bill S (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:09AM EST (link)

They just published a story to the P-D web site, here

Not bad coverage, actually.

“It’s such a fine line between stupid, and clever.” – David St. Hubbins

Wow

Brian Simpson (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:14AM EST (link)

They actually recognized that the tea parties started pre-Santelli. I’m…shocked.


| My RedState archive |
Important principles may and must be inflexible. ~ Abraham Lincoln

 
 
 
 

Ye of Little Faith

OccamsRazor (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 1:19AM EST (link)
 

Second Amendment Right Violated!

spaceman_spiff Thursday, April 16th at 2:09AM EST (link)

In Phoenix, AZ, we had a group of 5000 to 6000 Patriots show up at the State Capitol. A great turnout and for the most part peaceful.

There was one glitch, for me anyway. I was relived of my weapon with no reason given. The Department of Public Safety, the Highway Patrol in most states, confiscated my firearm even though I wasn’t involved in any altercation or posed any threat. I don’t think they where sure themselves why they took it explaining that they didn’t know what the rules where in this case.

The handgun was returned after the Tea Party.

The State of Arizona allows open carry of a firearm in public places.

Confiscated!
http://www.stopproposition202.com/teaparty/Firearm_taken.JPG

Another Patriot open carry..
http://www.stopproposition202.com/teaparty/Patriot_open_carry.jpg

 

College Station, Texas

tcgeol (Diary) Thursday, April 16th at 2:13AM EST (link)

There were two in town at the same time (unintentionally), so the numbers were split up. The Brazos County Republicans hosted the one I attended. Attendance was probably around 500 during the time I was there.

It wasn’t a fiery, emotional crowd, but it was still a great time.

Just your typical bitter gun- and God-clinger

Even the Left admits we’re Right

 

Tea Party Fort Worth, Texas

CheshireCat Thursday, April 16th at 2:23AM EST (link)

Over 5,000 plus standing room only. This was a great moment. So many like minded people standing up for the principles of the Constitution. Young and old alike. God Bless America!