LP Illinois News - May 2009 #1
Tax Day Tea Parties Special Edition
Libertarians and other patriotic Americans gathered on April 15 at
Tea Party events in over 500 locations across the US.
We came together to protest rising taxes and the surge of Big Government.
This special LP Illinois News is a follow up to the liberty activism on display that day.
State Chair Dave Brady was interviewed at the Crystal Lake Tea Party by the Northwest Herald. WIND radio also covered the event. As Dave said, "Over 500 people came together in this place with a solid purpose: to tell our government leaders that we have had it with their oppressive and abusive tax policies and the increase of size and scope of government." The USA Today noted the fact that the LP Illinois was at the forefront of the Tea Party movement.
John Kramer sent us this report about the Chicago Tea Party:
Overall, the event was one that those in attendance will, I'm sure, never forget. It was one of those, "I was there when..." moments. Thousands of people, all spending their most precious commodity - their time - making an historic "statement", because they were given a chance to express their anger over what is being done to them by the people they employ!
I never honestly thought I would live to see a day like yesterday. I am so proud to say I stood with true Patriots.
Listening in to the speeches in downtown Chicago
Campaigns Chair Jan Stover posted this description of the Vandalia Tea Party:
I spoke, as did my husband Don, and Nathan Dothager, our Libertarian Chapter Chair. Those attending filled the donation box--which will not only cover the cost of the ads we ran promoting the event, but will also provide us with seed money for the next Tea Party we throw. The crowd was knowledgeable, energetic, very receptive to our speakers, came from all sides of the political spectrum and about 150 left their contact information. Both the local radio station and newspaper covered the event.
I ended my speech with the following quote from Abigail Adams who was reported to have said 11 days before the original Tea Party in 1773, "The flame is kindled and like Lightening it catches from Soul to Soul."
The crowd was estimated at 4000 at Federal Plaza in Chicago
We received this report from Dianna Visek, Chair of the Champaign Chapter:
The News-Gazette covered our Tea Party (which I thought had more like 500 people). Note the "most of us are libertarians" quote at the end of the article. I wandered the crowd giving out quiz cards and our chapter's invitation card. Some folks had driven an hour and a half to attend.
More Tea Party Coverage
Our friends at Capitalism Magazine captured a great speech from the Charlotte Tea Party.
A lot of post-party press has been generated, both positive and negative. For example, the Chicago Tribune ran a terrific Steve Chapman column explaining the Tea Parties as well as an opinion piece that we felt compelled to respond to.
A view from the Tea Party in Bloomington
The Pro-Tax Response
Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-IL, released the following statement in response to our Tea Parties:
"The 'tea parties' being held today by groups of right-wing activists, and fueled by FOX News Channel, are an effort to mislead the public about the Obama economic plan that cuts taxes for 95 percent of Americans and creates 3.5 million jobs. It’s despicable that right-wing Republicans would attempt to cheapen a significant, honorable moment of American history with a shameful political stunt. Not a single American household or business will be taxed at a higher rate this year. Made to look like a grassroots uprising, this is an Obama bashing party promoted by corporate interests, as well as Republican lobbyists and politicians."
Dave Brady met with Schakowsky's Chief of Staff and explained the inaccuracies rampant throughout this statement. To date, we are waiting for a correction to be published.
Anyone who would like to take up the gauntlet and run against her in 2010 in the name of every American who is Taxed Enough Already is urged to email Jan Stover, Campaigns@LPIllinois.org.
What's the difference between a politician and a pirate?
The pirate won't pretend he is doing you a favor when he takes your money.
