Alba Park fills with the sounds of protest (Medford, OR Tea Party!)

The Medford Mail Tribune ^ | October 30, 2009 | Chris Conrad

[Uncle Miltie]

They're back and feisty as ever.

Protesters clutching anti-Barack Obama and pro-Constitution signs braved damp, chilly weather Thursday in Alba Park as they waited for the arrival of the Tea Party Express II.

Two Express buses wound their way up from San Diego to Medford as part of a cross-country tour to spread the belief that the federal government has lost its way.

Jeff Krump, of the Americans for Prosperity, took to the gazebo to address the 100 or so protesters.

"We believe in the founding fathers' vision of a constitutionally limited government," Krump said to a round of cheers. "There is a tyranny happening in America and we can't let it continue."

Several booths and button sales stands popped up in the moments before the Tea Party Express buses arrived.

Participants shelled out $15 a piece for T-shirts emblazed with anti-tax and anti-gun-control logos.

Louise Gliatto made the trip from Yreka, Calif., to join the Medford protest.

"We've been called racists and worse, but that isn't true," Gliatto said. "It's that we are having our rights taken away and we don't like it."

Rick Butler, a Vietnam War veteran, compared the current protest with the Boston Tea Party.

"These protests are in favor of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights," Butler said. "It's a shame, because I spoke to someone earlier who didn't even know what the original Boston Tea Party was."

Krump said the protest was not partisan in nature and was part of a grass-roots movement created to protect personal liberties such as private property ownership. He welcomed Democrats and Independents to join the Tea Party cause.

However, former Jackson County Democrat Party Chairwoman Paulie Brading said the Tea Party message often is confusing and shrill enough to alienate moderates.

"Fundamentally, they claim they're a grass-roots movement, but that's not really true," Brading said. "It's a top-down strategy designed by conservative groups such as Freedom Works to create media opportunities and to disrupt health care meetings."

The Tea Party Express buses rolled into Alba Park just before 5 p.m., announcing themselves with loud honks. They were greeted by a chorus of cheers.

The buses unloaded nearly 100 riders, among them singer Lloyd Marcus, who led the crowd in a satirical number skewering health care reform and President Obama set to the tune of "New York, New York."

The Tea Party Express tours have been economically productive for Bob and Ellen Prescott, of Jacksonville, Fla.

The couple joined the Express in San Diego and sell homemade pins decrying tax increases and bearing the face of Sarah Palin.

"We traveled around 5,000 miles so far on this tour," Bob Prescott said. "These protests have done a lot of good for the country."

The Prescotts said the Tea Party gatherings are getting larger and more popular than campaign stops made by Arizona Sen. John McCain during his ill-fated run at the presidency last year.

"At a stop like this in Medford, we'll sell about 30 to 40 buttons," Ellen Prescott said. "But that hopefully will increase as we continue across the country."

Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471; or e-mail cconrad@mailtribune.com.

[Uncle Miltie]

Pictures here:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2374268/posts

[Uncle Miltie]

"Jeff Krump, of the Americans for Prosperity, took to the gazebo to address the 100 or so protesters."

That's a lie. There were around 400 according to the TV News last night. I was there. My guess was 500.

[Syncro]

Here's a good link to your pictures thread, Uncle Miltie

Medford, OR Tea Party Pics (Image Heavy)

Thursday, October 29, 2009 8:49:55 PM · by Uncle Miltie · 9 replies · 558+ views

The Medford Mail Tribune ^ | 10/29/09

And you are right, there were about 500 people there. Many came a long distance, some from Yreka and one guy said he drove 2.5 hours to get there!

Thanks to you and all those that came out, it was a great event!

[AuntB]

Thanks for posting this, Uncle Miltie. I saw this on the news.

Medford is my old home town, where I grew up and spent 50 years. Unfortunately, under doctor orders I couldn’t make the trip to attend. I am SO proud of you Medford!

[DDLL]

WHOO HOOOOO For MEDFORD!! 400 - 500 is GREAT!!!
I’ll go look at the photos now.

My images from wednesday’s rally in Walnut Creek can be seen here: http://shootmypix.com/p403566567
Thursday morning, there was not ONE WORD about the rally in the Contra Costa Times. .. but everyone knows that reading the CCT is like watching Olberdude.. zero credibility if you’re expecting anything except bias babble.

[jan in Colorado]

Can’t wait to see you all on Tuesday, Syncro.
Hopefully the snow will have melted and I ordered some warmer weather for that day as well. ;-)

[marsh2]

I came from California to attend. There were about 4-500 people in attendance. It was a nice group. It was telling that when they asked the crowd how many there were at their first protest, the vast majority raised their hands. No one was paid to attend that I know of

The California contingent was organized by a local volunteer lady. We all gathered in Yreka, carpooled to Medford and met up at a hometown buffet for lunch before going over to the park. Most of our group was middle aged and there because we are very concerned at the direction in which our country is going and the debt that is building. We want to make sure that America remains true to the principals of the “grand experiment” started and cultivated by our forefathers. We want to make sure our kids and grandkids know the opportunities of individual freedom that we were given.

Here is an article on our mini homegrown tea party before we left for Medford.

http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/news/x665158285/Tea-partiers-gather-at-Schuck-s

[Syncro]

I think I talked to some of you, no one mentioned FR!

Glad the bunch of you came from Yreka, I remember one of you asking for us to come to your area sometime.

I hope we can!

[Syncro]

See you then Jan!

mtgrandpa, you gonna be there too?

[mtngrandpa]

Yes, mtngrandma and I will be there and we should have good weather too, that big snow melted fast. You have a great location for the rally this time.

Pat Schroeder ran for President of the United States in 1988, before announcing her withdrawal in an emotional press conference on September 28, 1987.

Your rally location is where Pat cried. Much better spot than the last time we saw you in Denver.

Are you spending the night in Denver, or in Kansas somewhere?

[marsh2]

I think I saw a gentleman in his 30s with dark brown hair taking photos with his cell phone. He took the photo of the girl on her mom’s shoulders. I was in back of her at a picnic table.