Thread: CA: 1 year later, the Tea Party has gotten larger/stronger

One year later, the Tea Party has gotten larger / stronger

April 16, 11:18 AMSF
Tea Party ExaminerRob Calonge

Obamacare may have helped. Maybe the media bashing made them a little more of an underdog -- America does love their underdogs. Possibly, it is the message of pro liberty, anti excessive taxing, and a call for elected officials to bow to the collective will of the people.

Whatever it is, the Tea Party was in full force for the second annual round of tax day gatherings on Thursday.

In the Bay Area, thousands flooded the Pleasanton Alameda County Fairgrounds and possibly made it the largest gathering in Northern California. The crowd was estimated to be over 10,000 strong and it was just one Tea Party of more than 90 organized events in California for the day.

The Sacramento courthouse Tea Party drew an estimated 10,000 visitors, San Jose drew thousands, San Francisco had two different events that drew nearly 1,000 people at each -- yet there is no mention of it in the paper of record.

In 2009, there were an estimated 800 Tea Parties nationwide. This year, the number of events has risen to over twice that number with figures at each event growing all the while many in the media continue to discount the movement.

While some of the descriptions of the Tea Party have depicted Tea Partiers as racists or wild birther conspiracist's, it's important to note that the Pleasanton Tea Party removed a speaker, Orange County attorney Orly Taitz, from their organized event due to her continued "birther" activism. The San Francisco event, held by BayAreaPatriots.com, organizers patrolled for signage mentioning the President's birth certificate or signs accusing the President of fascism.

Millions throughout the country joined the movement on Tax Day. Nearly every protest went off without a hitch and none ended in riot or major incidents.

http://www.examiner.com/x-42502-SF-Tea- ... --stronger

One reporter from Houston said he talked to the crowd and many or most of the people said that this was the first Tea Party they had attended so that means, the movement is still growing.

Dixie

Orange County Tax Day Tea Party Held in Irvine, California April 15, 2010

Published April 16, 2010 by:
D.K. Ramakers

Nissan Hosts Tea Party at the Irvine Auto Center
OC Nissan at the Irvine Auto Center hosted a Tax Day Tea Party event from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. April 15, 2010 in Irvine, Calif. There seemed to be more than 1,000 people there at any given time, with people
coming and going as the afternoon went on. It appeared that more and more people were arriving rather than leaving, and soon the entire area reserved for the event was full to capacity.

"Angry white men?"

The crowd was very peaceful and in fact largely cheerful. There was more a celebratory feeling than one of anger. Attendees were about half older whites, which may in part be due to the proximity of the Laguna Woods retirement community. The remainder was a smattering of many ages from very young (including a tiny girl holding a sign that read "I'm already broke and I'm three years old") to very old, from very well dressed to those who arrived on choppers with the appropriate clothing, and included many ethnicities. I saw blacks, Asians, Latinos and others who appeared to be Indian or Pakistani. There were even a few that looked more at home at a Ramones concert, with piercings and metal band tattoos. The ceremonies of the very informal "program" were opened by the "surf guitar" sounds of the Duo-Tones, a pair of older gentleman playing instrumental 60s beach standards.

There were booths for food at reasonable prices. Spread around the periphery were booths for quite a few gubernatorial campaigns, House and Senate campaigns, and state and local races including Orange County Sheriff. Many candidates were given two minute slots to speak during the day. The most interesting was a fiery speech by self-described conservative Democrat Joe Symmon, who is running for governor of California. Mr. Symmon spoke passionately about the value of the family unit in a tone reminiscent of the Bible-thumping Baptists pastors of old and in a thick Kenyan accent. Despite the mainstream media template of the angry white Tea Party activist, the crowd cheered this foreign-sounding black man quite enthusiastically.

The Motivations

There were also booths for various advocacy groups, including the SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY 912 - Tea Party - Grassroots SOC912, a local group based around Glenn Beck's 912 Project. Here
I met Kevin Richardson, 59, from Capistrano Beach, who said that the frequency of their meetings sometimes interfered with his other interests, but that "we're the founders, so we kind of have to be there!" Kevin had once been a plumber for Teresa Heinz Kerry, and said that between her and George Bush's second term he knew he had to "get off my butt and do something." This was a recurring theme from several people I talked to. They were tired of complaining about the abuses of government, and they wanted to do something about it. Cindy Brown, 55, of Tustin said "being here gives me goose bumps. The media makes you think you're the only one who thinks this way, and it's really nice to see so many others who are like-minded."

Other stands were promoting the military and conservative organizations on college campuses. One of these sold mock pitch forks and torches, which were quite popular at $10 per pair.

Local press was present, including the Orange County Register and Los Angeles television station CBS 2/KCAL channel 9. Appropriate to the Internet Age, USTREAM was webcasting live. Contrary to the Register's version of events, there was no "roiling."

It was more of a carnival atmosphere with some speeches than what one might expect at a political rally. Many held signs or wore t-shirts against Big Government, high taxes, Obamacare, and socialism. I searched for signs or shirts that were offensive or racist and saw none. There were some fringe elements, such as a single "9/11 was an inside job" t-shirt and one elderly gentlemen carrying a "show me the birth certificate" sign. People were giving him a wide berth, and he was almost always standing alone.

Where's The Hate?

Taken as a group, the media portrayal of Tea Party activists as angry, white racist types proved universally false at this rally. Even the most passionate speeches promoting limited government, lower spending, and a return to following the Constitution stressed the political process. While attacking the "Obama/Pelosi" agenda, the tone was one of what I would describe as optimistic anger. The overall mood was one of anger at the current situation, but optimism that the country had a bright future if the current party in power could be stopped. There were no calls for violence, and in fact quite the opposite. On that theme, there was a prayer to open the speaking program that stressed the refusal of violence and the defeat of the opponents of the Tea Party agenda "at the ballot box."

There was even a call from the stage that anyone "behaving inappropriate to the standards of good citizenship" be pointed out to security so that they could be removed. I observed no problems, and there was only a single police officer in evidence at the rally and one motorcycle officer ticketing cars parked in fire lanes. One of the speakers also announced a ten-minute warning on that issue.

I observed no signs, shirts, or speech of any kind advocating violence of any kind against anyone. Agree or disagree with their politics, one cannot continue to paint the Tea Party rallies as being full of gun-toting extremists or Neo-Nazi types.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/articl ... html?cat=9

Published: April 15, 2010
Updated: April 16, 2010 9:54 a.m.

Evening Tea Party rallies take over

By MARTIN WISCKOL, IAN HAMILTON, JESSICA TERRELL , RASHI KESARWANI and LOU PONSI
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

At least five Tax Day Tea Party rallies are being held throughout the county.

COMMENTS 319| RECOMMEND 6|

The county's evening shift of Tax Day Tea Party rallies Thursday included events in Yorba Linda, La Habra and Mission Viejo, as hundreds continued the theme of earlier demonstrations against government spending and against being "Taxed Enough Already."

In Yorba Linda, police estimated 700 people turned out in front of the Yorba Linda Community Center to wave signs and flags, and listen to speakers.

(photo) Vietnam war veteran Dave Endler, from Brea, waves his sign and flag during a Tea PArty Rally in Yorba Linda April 15.
JOSHUA SUDOCK, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

One theme at the Yorba Linda rally was the need to weed out Republican officials who weren't "true conservatives" - "Republicans In Name Only" or RINOS.

"We don't want RINOS," said Carlos Rodriguez, co-founder of the North Orange County Conservative Coalition, which organized the event.

Unlike the other events around the county, a demonstration at the intersection of La Paz Road and Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo was sponsored by a Republican Party affiliate, the Saddleback Republican Assembly. But like the other rallies, this one also touched on the themes of government spending, debt and taxes.

"There's continuing government intervention in all areas of life where the government really shouldn't be involved," said SRA President Matt Corrigan, one of about 250 demonstrators on hand.

In La Habra, about 150 protesters yelled and saved signs from the four corners at the busy intersection of Imperial Highway and Beach Boulevard. Among them was Victor Mezhinsky, 61, of Brea, who left Russia for the United States 30 years ago.

"I'm from a socialist country and I didn't want our country to go there," he said. "This country has to be what it has always been ... capitalism and free enterprise."

Earlier Tax Day Tea Party rallies also roiled with discontent as hundreds turned out in Santa Ana and Irvine for midday events.

At the Santa Ana Plaza of the Flags, speeches were given by activists, Republican candidates, a radio commenter, a Patrick Henry impersonator and the chief of the Orange County GOP — all from a podium designed to look like a crate of tea. Santa Ana police estimated the crowd at 200-300.

State attorney general candidate John Eastman was among numerous speakers who criticized the debt being racked up under the Obama administration, saying it will be a burden inherited by future generations.

"What we have done is immoral," said Eastman, former dean of Chapman Law School. He called on elected officials to be more faithful in upholding the Constitution. "Their purpose is to defend the rights God gave us."

In Irvine, police estimated that 400 people gathered for speeches given from a stage lined with portraits of early Americans. Speakers include GOP Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, who's running for U.S. Senate, and sheriff candidate Bill Hunt.

Discontent and sometimes anger were apparent at the rallies, and there was a clear message that the current rate of spending, the new health care plan, and the stimulus program were unwelcomed by demonstrators. But the strategy for bringing about change were often murky.

Andy and Anne Skiver of Irvine attended the tax day rally in Santa Ana last year and returned Thursday. They acknowledged that the frustration-fueled, largely leaderless movement has lacked the focus and organization to be as effective as it could be. But they said they hoped that would be changing.


"Frustration is just step one," said Andy Skiver, owner of a marketing company. "After the primary I think there will be a lot more focus."

County GOP Chairman Scott Baugh seemed to capture the sentiment of many when he said most Democrats and some Republicans need to be removed from office.

"The Tea Party Patriots have woken up America," he said. He then called on the crowd to hit the pavement and work to get good candidates elected — candidates like Assemblyman Van Tran, a Republican challenging Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Santa Ana.

"I think she's (House Speaker Nancy) Pelosi's lapdog," Baugh said of Sanchez, to the audience's delight. Tran also spoke at the Santa Ana rally.

In Irvine, the rally was held at the OC Nissan lot in the city's auto center. According to rally co-organizer Jim Cover, a crowd four times the size of the 400 on hand were expected, but the lack of parking resulted in many being turned away.

Speeches — including some campaigns stumping — were interspersed with satirical songs and performances. There were people in 1700s attire and some carrying cardboard pitchforks. For an event where people expressed so much dislike for government policies, the overall tone of the rally was markedly festive.

Mention of Jimmy Carter garnered boos. Glenn Beck got some cheers. Ronald Reagan attracted big cheers.

The Santa Ana rally had similar GOP overtones — along with the refrain that Republicans need to get back to their core values.

"If they go back to what our party's based on, we'll have a chance to win," said Santa Ana's Judy Edge, who was once active in the GOP — including a failed 1996 bid for state Assembly.

Signs at the rallies included, "Hope and chains?" "Love my country, fear my government," "Obama care to die for," "Drink tea, not Obama's Kool Aid," "Who is John Galt?," "Liberals are cowards," "Obama Lies," "Stop Illegal Immigration," "You are not entitled to what we have earned," "Taxed Excessively Already," and "Give me liberty, not debt."

Sam Klein, general manager of the OC Nissan lot, was reluctant to endorse the rally.

"I just want to get people on my lot," he said. "But I don't agree with everything that's going on politically."

But most everyone else on hand did.

Matthew Curry, a small business owner and Dana Point resident, complained that it was getting more and more difficult to do business in the state.

"I want to see the government get off my back," Curry said. "Doesn't matter who is in charge, we get hosed no matter what."

Kira Davis carried a sign she made today: "Not white. Not wealthy. Definitely overtaxed."

A black woman and a Ladera Ranch resident, Davis said she decided to attend to challenge the notion that Tea Party supporters are racist.

"I've had enough with the government taking our hard-earned dollars and spending them in wasteful ways," she said. "I've met the nicest most open people today."

Most of the rallies were peaceful and without incident, although a man was arrested at the Yorba Linda event for assault after allegedly smashing another man's video camera.

http://www.ocregister.com/news/party-24 ... rvine.html

Ventura County Tea Party Rally: Where were all the angry white racists?

April 16, 2:39 PM
Ventura County Conservative Examiner Jill J Flyer

(photo) 82 year old Camarillo resident Pat Cain

I went to the Ventura County Tea Party rally yesterday afternoon looking for wealthy, older, conservative men and racists. Sound suspicious? I'm a married woman and no Jason Levin plant, so don't jump to any conclusions...

But, this New York Times article describing a poll that finds among other things, "Tea Party supporters are wealthier and more well-educated than the general public...[and] tend to be Republican, white, male, married and older than 45," intrigued me. I wanted to see for myself just who these "angry" people really are. And, just to be clear, I did speak to many white, married, conservative males over the age of 45 in a crowd the Ventura County Star estimates at about 1500 people, but organizers put at closer to 3000. Let's just put it this way: there were a lot of people there. Personally, I didn't encounter any "angry" people; passionate, polite, patriotic, civil, engaged, concerned, helpful, cheerful and spirited people, however, were found in abundance.

Over a five hour period, I spoke to a cross-section of citizens; Americans of various ages, genders, socio-economic status, religious and ethnic backgrounds, as well as a few "frustrated," now former Democrats. Not surprising really, when considering 4 out of 10 members of the Tea Party movement is said to be comprised of Democrats and Independents, according to this article. The common denominator: Dissatisfaction with the government. But, on a wide variety of different issues, ranging from the deficit and spending, to the health care bill, to a lack of focus on jobs and the economy, to the general sense that Congress and the President aren't listening to their concerns. I spotted no signs and heard no expressions involving skin pigment, Htiler, or the promotion of violence against any elected official or other citizens. But, remember this was a Tea party event, not an anti-Bush rally.

All those white men over 45 in the crowd, I discovered, were joined by a lot of people who didn't precisely fit the profile; women of all ages - especially the elderly, children, single men, divorced men, men younger than 45 years old and men of color. How was that New York Times/CBS News poll conducted, I wondered, and why was it released just one day prior to the tea party rallies? After all, as a conservative, Jewish southerner, crowds of angry white men certainly conjure up some frightening images in my mind. Turns out the sample was 1,580 adults throughout the United States, including 881 who said they were “supporters" of the Tea Party movement. Let's see, how many people currently reside in the United States? 309,080,561, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And, given the fact there's a difference between being a Tea Party movement "supporter" and a Tea Party rally attendee, the results may very well have been different had the questions screened for those who have actually participated in at least one rally.

Nevertheless, the poll and media reports portraying Tea Parties as front groups for racists, didn't dissuade Paul Worthey, an African American entrepreneur, who said he doesn't put a great deal of emphasis on party, ethnicity, or economic status. And, while Worthey, who owns Top-Notch Consulting, a software implementation acknowledged a preponderance of the rally's attendees appeared to be caucasian, he said he came to the rally "because I protest, protest, protest higher taxes and bigger government. They're choking us already." Was he concerned at all by the prospect of angry white men or encountering racist behaviors or activities? "No, not all," said Paul. "I'm an American first and my views are in line with the Tea Party. Check this out, I was a registered Democrat who voted for Hillary. When I saw what the Democrats did to her, I switched to Independent." Worthey continued, "I registered as a Republican so I can vote in the primaries. When I see what this administration is doing to the deficit, expanding the government, taking over healthcare and how they're treating Israel, I don't like it at all." Had he encountered any racism while there? "No. Not by anyone here, but I've been called every name imaginable, including "traitor," "Oreo" and "sell-out" by members of my own race," he said.

James Dock, an African-Amerrican delivery driver from Santa Paula, echoed Worthey's experience and sentiments. Dock said he felt completely welcome at the Ventura Tea Party rally, where "people were focused on issues not skin color." Was he concerned about attending? "No. I've always been a conservative and I share the same opinions of the Tea Party, so why would I feel uncomfortable?" he asked.

Single mother, Megan Dalley, attended she said, because she's worried about debt and educational opportunities for her 2 1/2 year old daughter, Lola. And, former commercial and residential developer and builder, June Rawson, an Oxnard grandmother whose California real-estate career fizzled with the economic climate in 2006 said she is concerned for her grand-daughters' employment future, so she plans to open a clothing store, Sixteen Buy J-Ma, next month in order to provide them with jobs.

Smiling, friendly and cheerful, eighty-two year old Pat Cain of Camarillo, said proudly, "I divorced my husband 33 years ago, then promptly signed up for assertiveness training. I've had ten surgeries in the last ten years and I'm still going strong. I register voters for the Camarillo Republican Women Federated and enjoy spending time with my son and grandchildren." Cain attended the rally because she is most worried about the impact of the healthcare bill. "I'll be on the death panels," she said.

Dr. Robert C. Cohenour, M.D., a neurologist and neurophysiologist, was there with his daughter Holly, to speak out against the impact the healthcare bill would have on patient care. "For example, under the National Health Service in Great Britain, over the age of 60, they won't admit you to an acute care hospital for a stroke, unless you have private insurance. I mean, we have lots of problems here, but at least there's some feedback. You can go around the corner and see another doctor, or call in another doctor to consult. What happens when you can't do that anymore. I'm telling you people aren't going to like it."

Perhaps the New York Times/CBS poll could use a wider pool of respondents. But, considering the fact Tea Parties are a grass roots movement with no formal registration or centralized structure, determining demographics with a higher degree of accuracy will likely remain elusive.

So, next time, go see for yourself.

http://www.examiner.com/x-39556-Ventura ... te-racists

Tea Party Demonstrators Rally In Sacramento

Event Coincides With Tax Deadline

POSTED: 5:54 am PDT April 15, 2010
UPDATED: 7:19 pm PDT April 15, 2010

Comments (139)SACRAMENTO, Calif. --
Thousands of tea party demonstrators gathered Thursday outside the state Capitol in Sacramento for a rally that coincides with the deadline to file taxes.

Organizers called the gathering the largest of its kind on the West Coast. The Associated Press reported that more than 2,000 people attended Thursday's rally.

Radio personality Eric Hogue spoke at the event, which was held on the west steps of the Capitol.

"This tea party isn't about a political party; it's about power," Hogue said. "All of the incumbents need to feel the heat."

Mark Meckler, a Nevada City attorney who is considered to be a Tea Party Patriots co-founder, spoke at the event. He told demonstrators that political parties are a danger.

Tea party organizers said they are policing themselves, adding that any participants offering a racist or threatening message will be asked to leave.

Officials said a man who rushed a stage at the rally was arrested, but other than that, the crowd stayed under control.

Volunteers were asked to watch out for infiltrators, people disguised as tea party members in order to distort the group's message.

"We've had a lot of people saying that they plan on coming here and looking like us and acting like us until the right moment, and then they're going to cause trouble," rally organizer Ginny Rapini said.

One tea party demonstrator who was dressed in a historic war uniform was approached by California Highway Patrol officers because he was carrying a gun in a holster. It's unknown if the gun was authentic or a replica.

Organizers of the protest said Thursday's rally message will try to focus on fiscal responsibility and limited government. They also urged tea party activists who are against stimulus spending and President Barack Obama's health care reform to vote in this year's elections.

"I think it's going to be coming down to the general election race," state Sen. George Runner, R-Lancaster, said. Runner is vying for a seat on the Board of Equalization.

About a dozen members of a group calling itself part of the coffee party movement held signs at the corner of Capitol Avenue and 4th Street after 1 p.m.

Poll: Impact of tea party on elections?
Tea party activists also scheduled events Thursday in Stockton and Modesto.

Meanwhile, tea party activists held a big rally in Washington, D.C. The Tea Party Express tour wrapped up at Washington's Freedom Plaza. Local events also took place in Oklahoma, Ohio and other states.

Tea party protesters opened their tour nearly three weeks ago with a Nevada rally that drew at least 9,000. The crowd heard from Sarah Palin, one of the few politicians embraced by the conservative, anti-tax movement.

Palin, a former Republican vice-presidential candidate and ex-governor of Alaska, also starred at a tea party gathering of 5,000 on Wednesday in Boston.Copyright 2010 by KCRA.com and The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.kcra.com/mostpopular/23158835/detail.html

Tea parties rally, groups decry federal spending

Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 04/16/2010 05:44:05 AM PDT

Laureen Shigley on Thursday stood along Foothill Boulevard in Rancho Cucamonga with a group of taxpayers protest ing government spending that they con sider excessive.
Shigley held her sign high so passing cars could read it.

It said, "Born free. Taxed 2 death."

"I think the government is overreaching into our futures," said Shigley, of Rialto. "It's gotten way too bloated. It's out of control and we're not being represented and we're not being heard."

Thursday was the deadline to file federal and state income taxes.

Groups throughout the country pro tested the government's reach into the pockets of American taxpayers. There were 84 protests planned in California.

The message of the Tax Day tea parties is the same as last year, said Laura Boatright, organizer for Tea Party I.E., which formed on the corner of Day Creek and Foothill boulevards.

"The taxes and spending, just the infringement of our rights, there's many different things," Boatright said. "The bottom line is our government is out of control."

The grass-roots movement formed in reaction to the $787 billion stimulus package. There have since been pro tests against the health care overhaul bill and politicians who support big spending. Some Tea Party groups have started protesting amnesty for illegal immigrants.

The Tea Parties represent all types of Americans who are fed up with the decisions being made in Washington, said Kelly Good, the organizer of the Chino Hills Tea Party.

"That's what America is made of," Good said. "America is diverse but the common ality is that these people really consider the Constitution to be the foundation of the country. When we see the legislators taking us away from the Constitution and trying to develop a new foundation, that's what engages them."

Also on Tax Day, Rep. Joe Baca, D-San Bernardino, released a statement praising the Obama administration's efforts to reduce taxes.

"I am extremely proud of this Congress' record of cutting taxes for 95 percent of working Americans and their families," Baca said. "Unlike the disastrous fiscal policies of the Bush administration, which led us into the greatest economic crisis of our time, President Obama's leadership has actually lowered taxes and put money back in the wallets of the vast major ity of Americans."

Two Republican candidates for the 63rd Assembly District, Mike Morrell and Paul Chabot, made rounds at the Rancho Cucamonga rally speaking with the protesters. State Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills, made an appearance at the Chino Hills Tea Party protest to support his constituents.

"I totally sympathize with the Tea Party activists, I'm also frustrated with the state and federal government and I understand where they're coming from," Hagman said. "They're making a big impact because the grass roots is really engaged and I would expect a higher turnout for the upcoming elections."

Hagman was accompanied by Republican Lee McGroarty, who is running against Rep. Gary Miller, R-Brea, to represent the 42nd Congressional District. Good said there will be more rallies closer to the primary election on June 8.

"I think a lot of incumbents that think they're safe are going 'bye bye' because there's a lot of frustration with the people thinking that these legislators are tone deaf," Good said.

The passage of the health care overhaul bill will be a huge issue in the November election, Good said.

"Sixty percent of Americans publicly said they did not want the proposed health reform, they didn't want it and it passed," Good said. "People are mad about that, they're mad that the will of the people is not respected. They wanted reform, they didn't want that reform and they weren't listened to."

- Staff Writer Neil Nisperos contributed to this report sandra.emerson@inlandnewspapers.com 909-483-8555


http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_14896660