TEA PARTY

"Let's go to a Tea Party?" That was my husband's invitation to me yesterday morning. It was Tax day and many such parties were being held across the country - to peacefully protest and make a complaint against high taxation and government spending out of control. At Independence Point in Coeur d'Alene there were close to 1,0000 people in attendance. With the blue of the lake and beautiful north Idaho sky the event was provided a perfect backdrop.

Please know, I don't mean to offend anyone who holds affection for the Los Angeles Times - once, many years ago I used to work there myself, but it made me laugh to read the paper's account that those attending Tea Parties were some kind of wild, weird radical extremist's ....something I don't consider myself at all, or others I know who also went to a 'Tea Party'. Susan, my friend of 53 years said the 'Tea Party' in Eatonton, Georgia attracted 300 people from her tiny rural town; there were 6,000 in Atlanta. Susan went onto say it was a relaxed, peaceful gathering. I found the same to be true of those meeting at Independence Point; there were people of varying ages and backgrounds, all were well behaved and polite. I would add there was a festive feel in the air, akin to the excitement when attending an outdoor concert.

Some of the signs people were carrying were interesting ;thought provoking. I can't remember all of them now, but one read, " Next time you print a trillion, print a trillion for me"; another, " Read the bill before you sign it into law", and "Just Say No to Socialism". One mother and dad brought their three young children dressed in black and white striped jail clothes; each one following the other and holding a sign, "I'm a Prisoner to Debt". They were quite the attraction and caught the eye of many. If it wasn't so serious, it would be funny. Perfect for Halloween.

At the beginning of the program a young middle grade student stood confidently on stage and recited (from memory) the famous Patrick Henry speech. He did an outstanding job ! It used to be all students of a certain age memorized, or at least were familiar with speeches given by our nation's Founding Fathers. Sadly, I'm not sure that's the case today.

The Cda Tea Party was slated from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. , but Gary and I left at 4. As were were leaving, others were arriving. I didn't find the speakers giving way to hateful words, or trying to incite others , but only concerned for the welfare and future of our great country. Neither did I find the speeches to be Democrat or Republican, but American..... which was refreshing.