Tea Party Express pulls into Washington D.C.

On September 12, 2009, a crowd numbered at almost 75,000 descended upon Washington D.C. A large number of these protesters were part of the “Tea Party” movement (a reference to the 1773 Boston Tea Party), an organized protest against high taxes, the 1.5 trillion dollar deficit, and government bailouts. Starting in Sacramento last August, the “Tea Party Express” made its way east stopping at cities along the way to rally and pick up those wishing to make it to the march in D.C. At each city demonstrations were held, led by speakers and entertainers, and promoted by people like Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh. One such city was nearby Joliet. When the protesters hit D.C., they carried banners and posters with sayings like “Obamacare makes me sick” and “I’m not your ATM”. Some came with posters of President Obama sporting the “Hitler” moustache. These rallies were spurred by the recent government bailouts and proposed health care system, which some fear would raise taxes. President Obama has made clear that he wants to pass a nationalized health care system that would make it easier for everyone to receive medical care, and do it without raising our nation’s debt. Vietnam Veteran Richard Brigle, 57, said “My Grandkids are going to be paying for this. It is too much money that we don’t have”. While some worried over higher taxes, others believe that Obama’s health care plan could be the start of a higher level of government control. Some at the rally called out the President for being a Marxist and a socialist. “Our government has lost sight of the powers they were granted”, said protester Terri Hall. It will be interesting to see if Obama will be able to pass his proposed health care system, one of his foremost goals in his presidency.