Citizens of Cumberland County who are not happy with events in Washington, D.C. involving government spending and corporate bailouts gathered at the Cumberland County Court House Wednesday, April 15 in one of many “Tax Day Tea Parties” held throughout Tennessee and across the nation.  Approximately 65 similar grass roots rallies occurred around the state and a reported 2000 nationwide, with a crowd estimated at 10,000 attending an evening rally in Atlanta, Georgia.  The parties were nonpartisan, open to anyone who is unhappy with the current out of control spending by the Federal office holders.

An unusually chilly day did not deter the enthusiasm of those in attendance.  A small gathering of approximately 60 held a rally at noon and a larger crowd estimated at 250 gathered at the gazebo on the north side of the Court House at 5:00 p.m. to express their opposition to several recent decisions being made by the President and Congress, including the proposed federal budget.  Numerous home made signs were on display, protesting the rampant government spending that continues, despite a federal debt that exceeds $11 trillion and is growing.  The theme of the rallies was Taxed Enough Already (TEA), and was so named as a homage to the famous Boston Tea Party more than 200 years ago.

Participants brought strings and labels from tea bags, which were placed in envelopes and addressed to various government officials in Washington.

Organizers stressed that “We The People” must continue to speak out and this rally was the beginning of an ongoing campaign of sending a clear message to Washington that “Taxation Without Representation” is unacceptable to millions of tax payers.  Similar rallies are expected throughout the year and will be announced.

All photos courtesy of Amanda Kessie of Rightclick Photgraphy.