Philadelphia Tea Party - After Action Report

emails ^ | 28-FEB-2009 | George Smiley

[George Smiley]

For something that started getting organized a mere four days ago, things went very well.

Attendance was estimated at around 100 people- this despite the fact that it was in the low forties and the wind made it feel bitterly cold. Park Police were very friendly; their only concern was that we kept the area between people holding signs at curbside and the main group clear so that pedestrians could pass unencumbered.

I understand that several other Freepers were in attendance, however the only one I actually met was dirtboy.

We got a lot of horn honks and thumbs ups from people in automobiles; the positive response definitely outnumbered the negative responses from the Kool-Aid eaters.

Chris Clemency, who organized this event, said that future events in the Philadelphia area will be planned, and that he expects them to occur on something approaching a monthly basis. With more advance notice (not to mention warmer weather), he expects that future events will attract more participants.

Here is the first batch of photos-

[George Smiley]

Here are the first round of pictures so far- they're still being circulated around the mailing list- I'll add more as they come in.

View of protest as I got there.

Appropriately enough, we were right across the street from the marker commemorating the First Amendment.

A bit of local history, right down the street from where we protested.

National Constitution Center in background (nice pic, Neall!)

Some in attendance wore tea bags...

Some got interviewed by the media (WHYY- NPR/PBS)

Some people brought their kids- this is where we were on the curb facing traffic- drivers' education, as it were.

Another view of the protest.

We had a bullhorn, and anybody who wanted to speak was welcome to do so.

Another view showing some of the flags that people brought.

[dfwddr]

GREAT job George.

Thanks for the photos !!!

[George Smiley]

They’re not necessarily *my* photos.

I spent most of my time holding a sign up at the curb, facing traffic.

As I said in the article, links to people’s photo uploads are being sent around the mailing list for this event.

I’m picking a few of the most interesting or well composed (not gonna put 500 pics up here and FORCE everybody to view ‘em.)

[Moozle]

Outstanding work. We’ve got people up here in Alaska organizing too, I’ll post our pictures!

“All socialism involves slavery.... That which fundamentally distinguishes the slave is that he labors under coercion to satisfy another’s desires. The relation admits of many gradations. Oppressive taxation is a form of slavery of the individual to the community as a whole. The essential question is - How much is he compelled to labor for benefit other than his own, and how much can he labor for his own benefit?” -Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) British Author, economist, philosopher. Source: The Man Versus the State - 1884

[2ndClassCitizen]

I was at the DC tea party. Got there late due to a traffic problem. By the time I arrived a lot of the people had already left.

It feels like we are in a country occupied by the enemy. This is the beginning of a revolution and a tea party is a good way to start one.

I am not advocating any illegal actions, just a peaceful revolution full of civil disobedience and legal undermining of everything related to a socialist state. There are thousands of ways to legally undermine the socialists and its always fun.

[siamesecats]

Hey George
My husband & I were there.
We met dirtboy, too :)

[dubie]

See all the pictures I took today here

[dubie]

Video from today from my cell phone:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjZChZ6RCn0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GliwiJVFvRE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-_ooosLu8A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew6k7YVw4TQ

[philly-d-kidder]

As a Follow up To George Smiley's Post... I was there too! it was great... a Good bunch of enthusiastic Folks most were from Jersey!!!Me being a PA sider a Little jealous, one chap drove Down from NYC because there was nothing happening there that he could ascertain. Suprisingly.!!!Very Few Of The Participants Knew of us Freepers! I will Printup Website Cards if Ok to drive people to this site at the Next TEA Party! BTW We walked in a long line From Independence hall while Chanting Through the Promenade Past the Liberty Bell and Crossed over to the Market Street street side Positioned next to the New visitor center .We received alot of Kudos Honking Horns and the Occasional unhinged Libbie!( They still can't debate..even this close to US history..hahaha) The photo of the Black Gentlemen with the suit Filed with the State and County yesterday to oppose Senator Arlen Specter in 2010 and apparently was on MSNBC yesterday for the announcment, he previously was in the US Navy.Sadly Born in Chicago but has Lived in Philly for 9 Years! My Pen was Frozen as well as a brain freeze to Complement it and I don't remember his Name or website! Conservatism is back with a vengeance and Notice No practicing RINO's need attend! Thanks to all for their enthusiasm, Attendance and making the First step to break the Chains of APATHY! We are Right, always and with distinction! God Bless America...especially NOW! PDK

[George Smiley]

He’s running against Sphincter?

Gotta find out who he is and support him.

[George Smiley]

I just asked the Admin Moderator if he’d change the caption on my photo #9 to reflect the fact that Mr. Generally addressed those assembled (it’s newsworthy).

[George Smiley]

Devon Generally to Challenge Arlen Specter for U.S. Senate

[Moozle]

Here here!

[philly-d-kidder]

You da man... Mr Generally.... he should have been in the army not the navy! haha

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[abb]

ping

[Doctor Raoul]

[Allegra]

Thanks to ALL of you! Well done!

It occurs to me that Philadelphia is a very appropriate place for a demonstration like this.

[philly-d-kidder]

I am in two photos!!

[philly-d-kidder]

Imagine what they can do with Socialized medical