Monrovia T.E.A. Partiers Seek “Change” in Economic Policy
By Monrovia Weekly
Published: Monday, July 6th, 2009
Approximately 40 people who believe they are Taxed Enough Already sent out a clear and definite message to President Obama Friday night. The corner of Huntington and Myrtle was their selection for the July 3rd Protest. - Photo by Terry Miller
After a slow start, the group hit its stride about 6 p.m. For a solid hour there was a constant cacophony of horns blowing in support of the protesters. Only one negative reaction was drawn, and this from three young people who waved at the protesters, but did so with only one finger. The other reactions were overwhelmingly positive.
Clare Chesley and Mary Winners were the principal organizers of this effort. They described their efforts as grassroots and locally based.
“There is no hierarchy in this, “Chesley said; “We don’t agree with the fiscal irresponsibility of our legislators and feel it is time to fight back.”
Chesley said their rally was designed to show support for those who are fighting to return America to its libertarian roots. “We are exercising our first amendment right to freedom of speech in an attempt to bring back our economic and individual liberties.”
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The signs the T.E.A. party attendees waved included those that explained they felt “Taxed Enough Already.” Other signs read ”Cap and Trade, Be Afraid,” “Where’s my Bailout?” and “Give me Liberty, Not Debt.”
Two young women held a banner which read “Government is not the Solution” a reference to Ronald Reagan’s famous quotation “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.”
There were several youngsters among those protesting, several held sign which read “I’m in Debt and too Young to Vote,” “Honk for Liberty” and “Party like its 1773 (an allusion to the original Boston Tea Party.)
There were two negative signs casting aspersions on the President. The organizers of the TEA party quickly approached the people carrying these signs and explained that they wanted to avoid negative personal attacks and focus on the issues. These protesters were quickly provided with more positive signs.
Chesley said that they were glad these people had immediately agreed to cooperate. “We wanted to stay focused on the issues, not individuals,” she said.
By Susan Motander
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