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 Wednesday, April 15th at 11:24PM EDT (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 Wednesday, April 15th at 11:27PM EDT (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 EDT (link)

Estimated crowd of 4,000.

http://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 Wednesday, April 15th at 11:31PM EDT (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 Wednesday, April 15th at 11:31PM EDT (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 Thursday, April 16th at 12:45AM EDT (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/

http://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 Wednesday, April 15th at 11:32PM EDT (link)

<a href=”“>Tea Party Numbers

“Unlike cruel liberty that requires you to stand and take responsibility for your choices, kind tyranny requires only that you kneel and surrender your choices.”

Well update already!

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

Just giving you a hard time Raven.

“You can call yourself a Republican, but if you’ve lost the support of Fred Thompson, you are an unholy thing that will be destroyed by a rain of fire.” -IMAO

 

Added your link to post

MetaCosm Wednesday, April 15th at 11:37PM EDT (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 Wednesday, April 15th at 11:35PM EDT (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 Wednesday, April 15th at 11:35PM EDT (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!

The opinion of a wise whitino male.

Too bad for them

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

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

“You can call yourself a Republican, but if you’ve lost the support of Fred Thompson, you are an unholy thing that will be destroyed by a rain of fire.” -IMAO

 

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

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

…I expect them to change tactics accordingly.

Expect stormy seas ahead.

 
 

Olympia WA estimated 4000 Seattle Paper

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

darn good for Gregorie steal the election- Murray State

Life-long taxpayer, 1st time protester

Mike Friesen Wednesday, April 15th at 11:59PM EDT (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,
Mike

 
 

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

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

Olympia, WA

Michelle Wednesday, April 15th at 11:40PM EDT (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 Wednesday, April 15th at 11:53PM EDT (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 (OBAMACARE – mine), the money of their constituents.” – James Madison

 
 

Ok, what did the people at NBC say?

Jonah Shumate Wednesday, April 15th at 11:41PM EDT (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 Thursday, April 16th at 12:04AM EDT (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 Thursday, April 16th at 12:07AM EDT (link)
 

Tea Party (Melbourne, FL)

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

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

 

Columbus

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

here

Brad Smith
Professor of Law
Capital University Law School
Capital University website
Center for Competitive Politics website

 

Springfield Mass Tea Party

1stRichard Thursday, April 16th at 12:16AM EDT (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 Thursday, April 16th at 12:22AM EDT (link)

Lots of info on the STL Tea Party

bs Thursday, April 16th at 12:35AM EDT (link)

posted on:

Hot Air
Gateway Pundit
Stix Blog

Will post more as I find ‘em.

Decorum is fo’ suckas

Some more St. Louis coverage

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

The expected response from the RFT, I see

bs Thursday, April 16th at 8:04AM EDT (link)

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

Decorum is fo’ suckas

 
 

Another STL

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

Okay, they are starting to come fast now

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

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

The Minority Report | Twitter | Facebook | Digg | Politics4All | Missouri Matters | Rebuild the Party
Important principles may and must be inflexible. ~ Abraham Lincoln

My favorite sign

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

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

The Minority Report | Twitter | Facebook | Digg | Politics4All | Missouri Matters | Rebuild the Party
Important principles may and must be inflexible. ~ Abraham Lincoln

5 - outstanding!! [nt]

bs Thursday, April 16th at 1:35AM EDT (link)

Decorum is fo’ suckas

 

5 - outstanding! nt

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

“No. You can’t” -Moe Lane

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

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

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

“No. You can’t” -Moe Lane

 
 
 
 
 
 

These are great numbers, folks

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

…that we all start throwing our shoes at politicians?

:)

“On the free market, everyone earns according to his productive value in satisfying consumer desires. Under statist distribution, everyone earns in proportion to the amount he can plunder from the producers.”
Murray Rothbard

 

I'm not sure how this will end up playing

Hooah_Mac Thursday, April 16th at 1:04AM EDT (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.

“You can call yourself a Republican, but if you’ve lost the support of Fred Thompson, you are an unholy thing that will be destroyed by a rain of fire.” -IMAO

The only thing here in STL

bs Thursday, April 16th at 1:05AM EDT (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.

Decorum is fo’ suckas

AP reporting 100's of protestors...

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

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

“The UN is right? you can’t be any more “un”; Than you are right now, the UN is undone, Another mushroom cloud, another smoking gun, The threat is real, the Locust King has come, Don’t tell me the truth; I don’t like what they’ve done, Just give me ammo for the United Abominations”-Megadeth

 

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

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

“The UN is right? you can’t be any more “un”; Than you are right now, the UN is undone, Another mushroom cloud, another smoking gun, The threat is real, the Locust King has come, Don’t tell me the truth; I don’t like what they’ve done, Just give me ammo for the United Abominations”-Megadeth

 

OK, I lied

bs Thursday, April 16th at 1:09AM EDT (link)

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

Not bad coverage, actually.

Decorum is fo’ suckas

Wow

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

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

The Minority Report | Twitter | Facebook | Digg | Politics4All | Missouri Matters | Rebuild the Party
Important principles may and must be inflexible. ~ Abraham Lincoln

 
 
 
 

Ye of Little Faith

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

Second Amendment Right Violated!

spaceman_spiff Thursday, April 16th at 2:09AM EDT (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 Thursday, April 16th at 2:13AM EDT (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

 

Tea Party Fort Worth, Texas

CheshireCat Thursday, April 16th at 2:23AM EDT (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!

 

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