I never claimed I was a great photographer or video guy but here you go, sights and sounds from the Atlanta Tea Party on Wednesday April 15, 2009. Just me and 15,000 of my closest friends.
Photos and Video from the Atlanta Tea Party
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Jason Pye was quoted in the AJC:
Jason Pye of Covington, the legislative director for the Georgia Libertarian Party, had mixed emotions about the rally. He and his fellow Libertarians have long supported the ideals exhorted Wednesday: less government, free markets and a Darwinian-approach to private business.
Many of those speaking, he said, haven’t always protected those ideals.
“I’m happy people are getting together,” he said. “But the movement has been co-opted by Republicans who are trying to regain their identity and want to forget George W. Bush existed. Libertarians aren’t forgetting.”
I agree. They are politician pandering to the crowd and positioning themselves for re-election. It’s time for them all to go.
My sign read:
Congress is to BLAME
They
Over Spent
Over Indulged
Over Reached and
Over Stayed Their Welcome!
What? No sign that says “John 3:16″???
The picture of Erick Erickson and Tom Price sitting together was quaint…two lapdogs of the Bush policy regime inserting themselves into the pack leader of lapdogs, Sean Hannity’s show.
Bill – Come to the dark side. Join the LP.
The doofus quote of the night goes to John Oxendine:
…….. this is America, this is freedom, this is what democracy looks like.
Kellie,
Many were afraid that the GOP was trying to coop the tea party’s grass roots movement. After last night, it became apparent that they’re actually attempting to coop rhetorically the Libertarian movement all together. Those of us with long memory know it is just that, only rhetoric. As Jason was quoted, I have no doubt that libertarians will not fall for it. Let’s just hope the real fiscal conservatives and true freedom lovers don’t either. Until and unless the GOP cleans their own house of the two faced charlatans themselves or the Dems realize that their illogical methods will not give them the ends they “hope” for. It is the libertarians who have the responsibility to stick to our convictions and spread our message in order to deliver freedom and liberty to all.
Daniel,
I realize that. My comment to Bill was serious. He has had a problem with the GOP because he has more LP values. I really want him to join. I just said it in a funny way b/c Bill needs a good laugh sometimes.
Kellie,
These people are the charlatans and need to be exposed and reminded, repeatedly. That can best be accomplished when one is in their tent pointing out their clown slippers are too big for their feet.
I left before Hannity’s show started to beat the traffic but when I heard Scott Johnson, Cobb GOP Chairman, take to the mic to speak I immediately started booing. The Cobb GOP had nothing to do with the Tea Party until the very last minute and at the rally in Marietta it was one GOP politician after another and then for him to be given a platform in Atlanta created the very atmosphere we were trying to avoid.
Tom Price I cut a little slack cause he is one of the good guys, but still I wish he had just been a face in the crowd. Rep Price is the head of the Republican Study Committee, a real conservative group in congress, and began to gain notoriety for his series of videos he put out denouncing the Porkulus, TARP, and other so called stimulus and bailout bills.
Still the politicians should have stayed home and listened to us for a change instead of us listening to them.
At the risk of wearing out my welcome here I have some more pictures and the video of John Rich’s performance over on my little corner of the blogosphere. A corner that stays in the dark mostly.
Kellie, I was refering to your 6:04 message.
Here’s one for your Bill comment;
Yea, Bill – Come
to the dark sideand be with the cool people. Join the LP. Trust me, you’ll feel much…. cleaner when you do.We need a new bumper sticker.
Join the LP
…. and feel clean again!
If the LP could modify it’s stance on foreign policy, which is basically stay away and don’t get involved with foreigners, I could be tempted, but as it is I will simply remain Independent with allegiance to none.
We have to have a presence around the globe, sorry but that is just the way it is. We see what happens when the world comes to us. (Pearl Harbor, WTC)
Good points, Just. The American brand is a positive one…we just need to change the face of the marketing team…and 8 years of Bush-and-psuedo-conservatives followed by Obama-progressives are not the right marketing team.
Staff from the Department of Homeland Security are scanning the photos on this site with facial recognition algorithms to match with IRS records for the purpose of prioritizing audits of Federal tax returns.
Wrong. DHS is building a database of extreme rightwingers. These photos clearly identify the next militia members.
For the record, Janet Napolitano is as BIG an IDIOT as this CNN reporter yesterday demonstrated she was:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2baxw_YScxc&feature=player_embedded
More than Just a Grunt
You are correct. The LP prefers our presence around the world to be due to Free Market (trade) and Ambassadorships rather than military occupation. We do not believe the US should be “World Police.” However, when someone does mess with us, they should get the full force of our military and made an example out of… then come home… no nation building. You start a fight, we’ll end it… then they’re responsible to clean up the mess they caused. Maybe that would prevent any “next time.”
“they should get the full force of our military and made an example out of… then come home… no nation building…”
So you are saying that the LP’s foreign policy is based on Continental Europe, circa 1918? Fabulous.
By the way, just for fun. Describe the type of Fortune 500 companies that emerge from the South, which has the “pro business” environment, and compare them to the “anti business” West Coast Fortune 500 companies.
Most Republicans take the same approach to judging their elected representatives that they use to judge the government schools they send their kids to. “OUR schools are very good, it’s all those other schools that are bringing down Georgia’s test scores.” Likewise, “my Congressman is doing a good job and observing the Constitution, it’s all those others that are ruining America. ”
Here’s the test. Take the following quote from James Madison from the first Congress which shows the intent of the founders:
“If Congress can employ money indefinitely to the general welfare, and are the sole and supreme judges of the general welfare, they may take the care of religion into their own hands; they may appoint teachers in every State, county and parish and pay them out of their public treasury; they may take into their own hands the education of children, establishing in like manner schools throughout the Union; they may assume the provision of the poor; they may undertake the regulation of all roads other than post-roads; in short, every thing, from the highest object of state legislation down to the most minute object of police, would be thrown under the power of Congress…. Were the power of Congress to be established in the latitude contended for, it would subvert the very foundations, and transmute the very nature of the limited Government established by the people of America.”
And then go to http://www.votesmart.org and look at some of the votes your guy has cast and see how many times he’s voted contrary to the intent of the Constitution. You’ll see that the “good guys” aren’t really good guys at all, only relatively so compared to Barney Frank et. al.
Insist that they “uphold and defend” 100% of the time or get out of the way for someone who will.
The problem is the GOP must have a message beyond being against spending and taxes, while ignoring the reality of their past behavior and the current situation.
The GOP needs a real plan with real solutions for the average American.
Tax breaks for people who cannot afford healthcare is not a solution. And the reality is healthcare cost is killing business and workers in America
Walking away for Government backed guaranteed loans and deposits is not a solution.
Promoting no enforcement or regulation against fraud is not a solution to maintaining a healthy economy.
Cutting taxes without proper spending cuts is irresponsible.
Attacking Obama for anything he does even when positive is not a working.
The sad part is William F Buckley and Barry Goldwater was an excellent counter balance to the left. Now it seems the conservative movement has been taking over by muckrakers who spew hate and bring out the worse in many people. And this strategy is killing the voice of the conservative movement by the message being perverted with nasty gut issue politics that only serve the people making money off it.
By the way, just for fun. Describe the type of Fortune 500 companies that emerge from the South, which has the “pro business” environment, and compare them to the “anti business” West Coast Fortune 500 companies.
What, Coca Cola and/or Microsoft… I don’t understand the question.
*cringes*
so many whitefolk!
*dissss-missed*
DNA, if that is the LP’s foreign policy I do not consider that an “Isolationist” policy as Grunt implies. That’s actually a solid noble policy that the Republican Adminsitrations of 20′s – Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover embraced; Open Doors. I think it’s a misconception that the US in that period was “Isolationist.” Ironically, the 1920s Republican Adminstrations are actually looked upon positively by “left leaning” historians for their restraint.
And yes, I realize that the world has changed a lot since the ’20s
I was in the crowd and was amazed at its size. Working down at the Capitol I see a lot of protests and gatherings. I have never seen anything close to the size of the Tea Party. It was a great gathering and very professional. I felt the speakers did a wonderful job of unifying the crowd and focused on what Libertarians, Republicans and Democrats (who voted for Obama and now realize it was a mistake) had in common.
I left at 8:30 pm and didn’t get to see all the speeches, so I don’t know if any Libertarians other than Erick Von Hessler got to speak, but I would have liked to have heard from a Garret Michael Hayes or Allen Buckley. I specifically enjoyed David Shafer and Melvin Everson.
Jenny Beth, Debbie, Virginia and all the others who contributed to making such an insipiring event should be commended.
“What, Coca Cola and/or Microsoft… I don’t understand the question.”
I may be biased, but my furtive search showed the South leading with banks, retail (Home Depot, Walmart), and I don’t really know how to classify Coke.
The West Coast evokes Boeing, Microsoft, Cisco Systems, Amgen, Hewlitt-Packard, and a wide variety of technological companies.
The difference is that the top group sells things. The bottom group makes things. Which are better for long-term economic growth?
ChuckEaton,
I tried to get over to you to introduce myself to you. I was speaking to Congressman Westmoreland when I saw James Bell chase you down as you were leaving.
Maybe next time.
I don’t really know how to classify Coke.
A 300% markup money-making machine.
Howard,
Anyone who obsesses over the semantics of “democracy” should not be allowed out to actually vote. Democracy can mean any form of government that derives it’s authority from the people, which is inherent in our Constitution.
What you are stuck on is the very narrow definition of direct democracy, which might be what some people refer to by the more general term democracy, but is in no way the sole definition. Our form of republic is a representative democracy, otherwise we would not hold elections to select those representatives.
If you are actually guiding your vote based on how one uses this word, I certainly hope that there is someone out there cancelling out your vote.
Daniel-
It would have been nice to have put a face with the writings, although I enjoyed speaking with James. Did Westmoreland end up speaking – he’s one of my favorites.
“A 300% markup money-making machine.”
Or a marketing agency attached to a bottling federation.
Thank you Doug!
I thought coke was an evil conspiracy to fatten up our children to the slaughtered by aliens who like their veal-y flesh.
At least that’s what a Ron-Pauler in the crowd told me yesterday.
*ducks*
Chuck,
Westmoreland did speak.
– he’s one of my favorites.
. I understand the reason for not switching now… he’d have to collect signatures just to get on the ballot, even though he’s a sitting congressman. He tried to get that changed when he was in the state house. Maybe it was forethought.
All I can say is anyone who stands up to the US house leadership on principle to the point he looses his assignment gets my attention and I have always detected there’s some libertarian blood in him. When we finally start getting people elected, I would not be surprised to see him switch parties and come on board
Those of you who yesterday cheered Gingrey, Price and all the other politicians who voted yes on Bush’s budget defecits for the past 8 years — as well as Hannity who supported them — you gotta feel pretty stupid right about now. Go Libertarian and save your souls.
“Yes. Feel the hate building inside you. With every thought you more become mine.”
The fig leaf is off the “Fair and Balanced” claim.
When was the last time a news anchor or reporter from ABC, CBS or NBC directed viewers to the website of the organization staging a political protest? When did a reporter or news personality, other than someone from Fox, participate in a political rally?
What a short memory you have Progressive Dem. Why just last November we had reporters by the fistful openly cheering for, and slanting reports for Obama.
Say what you want about Hannity, Beck etc.. but their shows are opinion shows and they are not journalists. They can say what they want as can Olberman, Maddow etc…
LIMH,
Well, thanks. If I can’t get on yet another person’s bad side (HowardRoark), I would not be doing my proper job. Of course, now I will have to wear down your newly won good will.
Pro-gres-ive: The state or condition of having your head shoved-up your own a**.
The highlights according to me:
Scott Johnson’s speech.
Melvin Everson – the only legislator who appeared articulate.
Watching Chip and Tom interact with the awestruck enthusiasm of little kids around the Christmas tree. (Someone should have made them read the Constitution while they had time to stand around. I’m not sure they know about it).
That kid Jonathan, one of my son’s classmates, had great stage presence and expression.
The moment when Newt was boo’d and a startled look crossed Sean’s face.
The moment when Sean was announced and I boo’d loudly, only to have at least half a dozen people turn around, demand to know why I boo’d, and then erupt in umbrage at the pretty boy neo-con after my explanation.
When the lady next to me marveled at my great bellowing “boo” and said it sounded like I was a 6’4″ man with a beer gut.
Ray McBerry hanging out with the crowd, passing out thousands of Slim Jims to the crowd with all his helpers. People asking, who’s Ray, and their astonished look when I pointed a few feet away. People were thrilled and enthusiastic that the candidate was right there in their midst.
And my most favorite moment- when my liberty loving friend Sean was pointing out that Bush was a traitor to life and liberty, and then defended the statement with a list of hard hitting facts. A Bush lover nearby turned in astonishment and then said to me, ” That guy must be a gay homosexual to talk like that.” LOL!
Doug Deal, your explanation is plausible.
However, my American Legion Post would raise eyebrows and mumble after the meeting if a candidate of any type referred to our nation as a Democracy without mentioning Republic. Members would ask Oxendine for an explanation, or give him the benefit of the doubt.
Veterans who swore and oath of allegiance to the United States of America and risked their lives for the freedom of our country earned the privilege to be a little touchy over some things.
My K-5 grandson can repeat “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and the REPUBLIC…”
Howard did not say he would not vote for the OX, he said he aught to be thrashed, now what is the matter with you?
Bill Hemmer, Neal Cavuto and Megyn Kelly are not opinion pundits. They claim to be journalists. Each is on record promoting the Tea Parties and giving out the website. Hannity has at times said he is a journalist and on other occasions said he isn’t. O’Reiley on the other hand calls himself a loofha king.
Have you ever seen anybody but the Fox News Channel tell people how to become involved in a protest or demonstration by giving a website?
“You know Brent, it’s been interesting because Fox News covered these Tea Parties, and we were one of the only organizations to give it any publicity or p.r. prior to the fact that it happened, and it was so under-covered by virtually every news organization. Why is that? Why was it so ignored up until the very last day by virtually everyone.” – Megyn Kelly
Jenny,
Were there mini-Constitutions being distributed down there last night?
Yes, and Shafer, Cagle and I think Ox paid to have their stickers put on the backs.
bowersville,
Then let’s hope someone is cancelling out your vote.
Really, is this what you and your fellow Legionaires base your vote on when we are facing trillion dollar deficits and loss of personal liberty and freedoms?
No wonder the Republican party is back in the wilderness, and deservedly so. Maybe we need to mire there for a few elections until this type of sillyness is burnt out of the party, and we get back to focussing on actual issues.
I think me and Bill have very similiar views of the world, but speaking for myself, I am a libertarian Republican. I like the Republican party and what it stands for (according to our stated principles, not necessarily our practices). I can’t seriously considering joinging the LP because I don’t think, as an organization, it is equiped to lead and win elections. Historically, I believe the Republican Party was formed and intended to stand for ideas that are, for the most part, classically liberal. The Dem’s claim Jefferson founded their party, but really, Jefferson refered to himself and his faction as Republicans, and had much more in common philosophically with the modern Republican Party. But I digress, I also can’t consider the LP because of its Foreign Policy. I wouldn’t call it an Isolationist outlook, but its not quite as active as I would prefer. Yes, I don’t believe the US should be a world police man, but I do think we have a duty, as a nation of liberty and law to help our fellow man in foreign lands resist oppression. I believe this is conditioned though, in that we should wait until we are called on for help, and not offer help where it is not requested. We live in an interconnected world that will never go back to the way of the late 1800′s. I do generally believe that the best way to remain secure and free as a nation is to support and spread freedom around the world.
We will never get totally out of policing the world but we do need to cut back because we don’t have the money to do it. Most of the world doesn’t mind b/c it’s our money being spent. We are broke! Our enemies are watching us go under and we continue to go into debt by spending billions on other countries. Do you want your children to be left in such a bad position? I am tired of the GOP not actually doing anything. They continue with earmarks but when asked about it they say “That’s only a small % of the actual budget.” Well, it’s still money, still debt and still being spent ever year. You have to start cutting somewhere. The GOP and the Democrats have really screwed up. Our grandchildren will pay for their mistakes.
I joined the LP because it hasn’t been corrupted by DC. We need another point of view to be heard since the two major parties are looking a lot a like.
Kellie
I also think we did not transition well from a Cold War defense spending strategy. Our biggest threats come from rouge violent disenfranchised groups of people promoting a rigid ideology around the world.
The military needs to transform to a focus on quick strike Special Forces style defense with intelligence and corporation around the world.
We cannot afford nor does help to be the policemen of the world with the current threat we face.
Yes, and Shafer, Cagle and I think Ox paid to have their stickers put on the backs.
Jenny, my understanding is that WGKA offered the mini-Constitutions to any organization and those organizations decided Yay, or Nay, as to whether they wanted to buy the advertising deal. It was something like $250 would give you 1000 mini-Constitutions and the opportunity to put a sticker on the back of it. Several organizations, including Ox and some others, accepted the offer. I know the Atlanta YRs had “stickering parties” to get together and spend the time required to place the stickers on the books.
Unless you get more confirmation, I would refrain from spreading assumptions.
Ah, you read more into my statement then was there. They paid to have their stickers put on the back. Of course, everyone had the same opportunity. I never said that they didn’t.
Ray represents the Constitution, so he doesn’t have a need to hand them out. But I can see why Shafer, Cagle and Ox would need a prop.
So the assumptions were yours.
I think all the elected people there should have been run off.
GA politics is no better than the rest of the country. They are all out for themselves and it’s time for them to step aside instead of stepping up. We need new blood and if these people actually care, they need to make room for them instead of jocking for there new role.
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