Posted on 07/08/2009 6:37:26 AM PDT by OneVike
Chico 4th July Tea Party
by OneVike
It was a beautiful day for a Tea Party and when I showed up, a bit late I might add. Jack Lee had just finished giving a pep talk to the many that showed up at the Elks lodge for the vehicle procession to Bidwell Park. As I walked around chatting with those involved I was impressed with the variety of people who showed up. There were bankers, businessmen, bikers and children all ready and eager to show the people of Chico they were fed up with the current situation in Washington and California.
As I took pictures of the many whom attended I stopped by a vehicle owned by Pat Roy. Pat brought his wife and children and was accompanied with his friend Peter Erickson and his family. Pat's wife Sandy told me, "We are doing this as a family affair so our children, Summer and Melody, will grow up knowing that in order to make a difference in America sometimes you need to protest against the government." Peter's wife Ruth was getting her children Ben and Bethany buckled up as I walked away with a sense of pride that these four children would be growing up with a understanding of their American heritage, love for America, and a sense of community spirit and pride.
My guess would put the number of vehicles at about forty to fifty. Not bad considering it was the 4th of July and many people were getting everything ready for their BBQ's and family picnics. In order to get a feel for the reaction to our procession, I decided to follow at the rear in my Toyota PU. I saw many people wave their hands in approval and honk their horns as we drove around town on our way to Bidwell Park. When we arrived at Bidwell, I was getting my camera ready when an elderly woman pulled up beside me. Her name was Mary Lou Johnson, and she is a third generation American whose grandfather came over and settled in the Sacramento Valley near Biggs. She drove up to Chico for the Tea Party because as she put it, "Grandfather would be devastated if he knew what this great country has become. I have to participate because Grandfather would have." Brock Eastman, who brought his "Don't Tread on Me" flag, was standing next to the Chico Tea Party Patriots banner and said, "If we don't speak out now, we will live to regret this for the rest of our lives."
The next phase of the protest was a walk to Bidwell Park where the yearly 4th of July celebrations were being held. It was a long peaceful demonstration that everyone seemed to enjoy. As walked along taking pictures, I saw a familiar face that I had seen at another rally almost seven years ago. A gentleman named Russ, using a walker, was bringing up the rear. Thanks to his walker and his wife's help, he was not going to miss this party! Since the first time I met Russ, at a support rally for the troop in Iraq, he's been battling a degenerative bone disorder that makes getting around almost unbearable. Russ may have been bringing up the rear today, but he was with us all the way. His effort was an inspiration to us all, and his struggle was a testament for his great love of America.
As we reached the picnic area we were again greeted with a lot of support from the many Chicoans who verbally supported our effort. As we walked through the crowded park we passed many booths that had a variety of goods for sale...at capitalist prices. I was especially surprised to see the Democrat booth selling bottle water at an exorbitantly high price. I would have guessed they would just offer the water for free, but I guess they only believe in socialism when it is someone else's money not theirs.
Finally we settled in and ended our peaceful protest in front of the band that was appropriately playing the theme songs from each branch of the service as veterans and current members stood for public applause. I walked around and shot some more pictures and greeted people I knew that were in attendance for the day's big Independence Day celebration. I stopped at the Chico Tea Party booth and talked to Cindy Selby who informed me that they were part of the national protest group that were staging protest across the Country. They had shirts for sale and were offering free copies of the United States Constitution along with gathering signatures for four petitions that were going to be sent to our Representative Wally Herger, and our United State Senators Diane Feinstien, and Barbara Boxer. One was against nationalized health care, one against the cap and trade bill; one was against the value added tax bill being proposed in congress. Then there was a petition asking the government to reverse Obama's decision to reward the illegal activities of ACORN, and instead start prosecuting them for the crimes they committed during the last election. All in all it was a good protest where everyone had fun and felt like they made a difference, if at least for one day.
For more information about the Chico Tea party Patriots visit their website or find them every Tuesday evening @ 7pm at Logan's Roadhouse on 1900 W 20th St in Chico behind the mall.
I would like to give a special thanks to Janet and Linda whom I walked back to the parking area with as I left. They were very enthused and excited about the ability to be involved with something so historic as the Tea Parties. As I stopped at my truck, I looked back at the many new friends I had made and knew that this may be a long fight, but I did not despair, because I know it won't be a lonely one. With Americans these across this country who have had enough and are ready to fight, we are going to take back this country.
Next week I will be covering a meeting our City Council is having on the 16th about whether or not they will allow a new Walmart Supercenter to be built. I will post the article after the council meeting.
Nice report. Thanks for letting us know!
My 4th of July Tea Party experience in Chico.
I thank you and yes Bidwell Park is beautiful. The original “Robin Hood” with Errol Flynn (sp?) was filmed there back in the early years of Hollywood.
(Let me know if you want added or removed from my ping list.)
Your spelling, in this instance, is correct.
Last time I was there, a couple of months ago, it was looking like they had fired the maintenance crews! (love that swimming pool though)
Thanks for the ping!
Cool pics. I joined the group today, and look forward to the next meeting at Logan’s.
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