As promised (albeit a day late) here is my report on the "TEA Party" entry in Everett's "Color of Freedom" 4th of July Parade. I will begin by saying that, following this guy to the parade route
I was really expecting quite a show.
However, after watching the Washington State Patrol, the Everett City Council and the Mayor (each in a separate vehicle), various drill teams, a couple of bagpipe entries, and a rolling history of tractors, I have to admit I was impressed by the first wave of the Renew Liberty.com entry.
Led by a fife and drum (playing 'Yankee Doodle') the group, dressed in colonial America attire, truly looked and sounded the part for a 4th of July parade. Even when they flashed forward to more contemporary garb in the 2nd wave
they managed to stay on message with their signs about taxing and spending. There were only a couple of direct references to President Obama and even those were kept on point. The rear contingent of their entry was their amusing representation of the shrinking automobile industry.
Unfortunately I was not able to stay for their planned rally on the campus of the County Administration Building. (There are times when your obligation to your granddaughter overrides your journalistic curiosity.) What I can say is that, two days later, there has been no mention in the Everett Herald (who did cover the "Tax Day Rallies" in April) and, more interestingly, no update on the groups own website about their own rally. On the other hand, if there was a rally, I'm pretty sure this guy was there:
Peace,
Chad Shue