Posted on 07/07/2009 8:52:20 PM PDT by Libloather
Protesters show anger with Washington, D.C.
By ANDREW SCHOTZ
July 7, 2009
HAGERSTOWN Hundreds of protesters gathered at Hagerstowns University Plaza on Tuesday, showing that their level of anger about spending, civil liberties and President Obama remains high, rain or shine.
The first TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party, held in a sopping rain on April 15, drew about 300 people downtown.
On Tuesday, which was clear and sunny, about 400 people attended.
Cities across the country have hosted similar rallies this year.
Lining West Washington Street, many people sounded off about the hundreds of billions of dollars in Obamas stimulus plan to revive the economy.
Judging by their signs, the crowd was steamed about socialism, taxes and Obama in general.
Lord, Forgive Us and Our Nation, one sign said.
Others read: Read My Lipstick No New Taxes, Impeach Congress, Trickle Up Poverty and Obama: Commander and a Thief.
Hitler Gave Good Speeches Too, one mans sign said.
Some motorists leaned on their horns and signaled thumbs up to the crowd as they passed.
Downsize government!, Anita Bussard and Robin Dickerson chanted at traffic while waving signs. We want jobs!
Wearing a T-shirt reading The Second Amendment Is My Gun Permit, Bussard said she doesnt want Obama to tax guns and she doesnt want illegal immigrants taking jobs from Americans.
Dickerson accused Obama of trying to change the Constitution and of planning to outlaw conservative radio talk shows.
I came here because I dont agree with spend, spend, spend, said Brian Herchenrother of Hagerstown, whose sign showed a bag of money and read Thou Shalt Not Steal! God. He said Obama hasnt eliminated pork spending, which he pledged to do.
Event organizer Neil Parrott said participants in the local movement are frustrated and have been active, already planning for a Sept. 12 national TEA Party in Washington, D.C.
Volunteers are worried about the national debt and the tax implications of a cap-and-trade plan to limit carbon emissions, Parrott said.
The crowd gave a standing ovation to speaker Jim Warner, a Marine officer who was held captive for almost 5 1/2 years when a plane he was in was shot down during the Vietnam War.
Warner said modern politicians should apply Common Sense that Revolutionary War-era pamphleteer Thomas Paine wrote about. For example, wind cant provide energy for the entire nation and printing more money wont solve an economic slump, Warner said.
Randy Buchman, Williamsport High Schools cross-country coach and a pastor at the Tri-State Fellowship church, said the nation was built on ideals of limited government, free enterprise and a strong defense.
By one survey he cited, more Americans consider themselves conservative than liberal.
We indeed are mainstream America, Buchman said.
Another speaker, George Michael, pretended to need the crowds help in filling out a survey.
Who favors a bailout for banks and insurance companies? No, the crowd called out.
Who wants amnesty for illegal aliens? Again, No.
A national health plan? No.
Michael said former President George W. Bush started a bailout trend during his last year in office, but Obama has upped it by a factor of about 10.
The second TEA Party included a My Freedom, My Future, My America speech contest for those ages 14 to 22.
The judges couldnt pick one winner, so they settled on two Sharayah Carbaugh of Clear Spring, a home-schooled student, and Aubrey Muller of Myersville, Md., who just completed her first year at Northland Baptist Bible College in Wisconsin.
Each received $76, which was first prize.
Pelosi has met her match, whether she recognizes it or not...
That explains a few things.
Hey, that’s where I live. Why didn’t I know about it?
What state is Hagerstown? I wish the article listed both the city name and state.
It’s Maryland. I just added it to Topics under the article quoted above. The source seemed a little slow to load, but there is a good video of event speakers (right side of page near the bottom).
Pay no attention...it just looks like those damned White people again.
I went to the one in Frederick on July 4th. Which one(s) did you go to?
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
Them fascist, racist tea-bagers, straight up!
Damn them to hell.
Brings a tear to my eye!
[Mr] T
Beautiful to see and to read about! Loved the signs!
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