Independence Day Tea Parties keep the movement growing

AP/Jose Luis Magana

The Independence Day holiday marked round two of Tea Party protests around the country this year. Several events were held around the Baltimore area leading into the weekend and over the holiday.

The Annapolis Tea Party was held on July 2. Maryland Campaign for Liberty was one of the non-partisan groups that organized the event. According to Ted Patterson, state coordinator, the event drew 300-500 people and went off without any glitches. There were a number of speakers, including candidates from the Republican and Constitution Parties, elected officials, and local activists. Entertainment included live music and readings of the Declaration of Independence and parts of the Constitution. Mr. Patterson said, “Tea parties are about bringing our country back to the constitutional principles of limited government and stopping unconstitutional actions by our government that infringe upon individual liberties. They are very much an anti-incumbent movement. People feel the system is broken.”

Some attendees went right from the Annapolis Tea Party to the Baltimore Tea Party at Harborplace in the evening. Unfortunately, the scheduled location at the amphitheatre was not available when protestors arrived, so the event was moved to the area in front of the Baltimore Visitors Center. Jessica Ryan, the primary organizer for the event, felt the displacement hampered turnout. About 250 people showed, but Ms. Ryan had expected about 400. “We’re just going to keep going. The movement is continuing to grow,” said Ms. Ryan. “The event was spectacular. It was great to hear from regular folks and candidates who want to change things. I have only gotten positive feedback from people. Americans are concerned and want congress to be held accountable for its actions. We want fiscal responsibility and congressional accountability.”

Dave Wallace, political talk show host of Restore America’s Mission on WCBM, organized the Baltimore attendees to the Washington DC Tea Party. They arrived by bus for the July 4 all-day event to join about 4,000 others at the nation’s capital. Mr. Wallace said it was truly a non-partisan initiative, with Democrats, Republicans, and Libertarians riding the bus together. “Everyone from the bus said they would be going to the National Tea Party in DC on September 12. This is the beginning of the coalition of people who are tired of all the spending and taking over of private enterprise and institutions. People are fearful. One lady said this was the first time she ever feared for the country from an internal source before.” Mr. Wallace said the event “went off like a charm”, with speakers from various taxpayer organizations and advocates for limited government. There were lots of families and young people, as well as citizens from all over the country. “It won’t mean anything unless people engage in the upcoming elections and start writing their representatives and get involved.”

The Westminster Tea Party was held the morning of Independence Day. Justin Kinsey of the Campaign for Liberty said there were about 350 people in attendance to hear elected officials, candidates, and Republican Party officials speak. “It was very well received by the audience who were passionate and responded very well to the speakers. The crowd feedback was that they were upset about the bailouts and stimulus package. It was a very powerful day.”

Joan Ryder was an organizer for the Bel Air Tea Party, also on July 4th. She said over 500 people showed for the event and filled the parking lot in front of the Harford County Government Administrative Offices. Speakers included grassroots activists, elected officials, candidates, and ordinary citizens. Some wore “My house is not your piggybank” buttons, and pocket Constitutions were distributed. Ms. Ryder said, “I think people are sick of big government and high taxes. That’s why they come out. It’s new faces showing up for the tea parties. The word is getting out and more people are learning about it. For people to come out on a holiday when they can be with their families is really something.”

The Harford County organizers are continuing with a “Property Tax Revolt” meeting on July 14 at the County Administrative Building to push for a tax cap rate of 5%.

Other groups are making plans for more events also. Jessica Ryan of Baltimore Conservatives said there is a coalition of groups “all coming together to have a statewide effort”. They are looking at having another tea party in October. She called the next initiative the “action phase of the tea party movement”.

Ms. Ryan ended with an anecdote from her experience at the Annapolis Independence Day Parade. She saw Senator Mikulski at the parade and asked her to vote against cap and trade, saying, “It’s another tax and we are already overtaxed.” Senator Mikulski’s response to her constituent’s concern: “Thanks for coming to the parade.”