Knoxville tea party
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KNOXVILLE - Authorities estimate that at least 1,700 tax protesters have gathered at the World's Fair Park and expect the crowd to grow.
About 40 counterprotesters also have made their way toward the amphitheater where speakers are objecting to government spending and urging listeners to sustain their protests after today's events.
"We estimate the crowd, conservatively, at 1,700 with more arriving and more anticipated with people now getting off from work," said Knoxville Police Department spokesman Darrell DeBusk.
The crowd is "absolutely" well-behaved but officers who normally patrol downtown have been assigned to monitor the protest, he said.
"We're not anticipating any problems, but we do have a contingency plan in place just in case something should happen," DeBusk said.
It's one of about 60 "Tea Party" tax protests held across Tennessee, part of a national grassroots campaign to lobby government to curtail spending.
Participants carried signs, and impeachment was a major theme. They wore tea bags hanging from hats and as earrings.
The tea that is collected is expected to be delivered to Sen. Lamar Alexander's office.
About 40 counterprotesters led by Knox County Democratic Party Chairwoman Gloria Johnson met on the lawn and walked to the amphitheater, standing amid tea-party attendees near signs calling for President Obama's impeachment.
They gathered on the lawn at World's Fair Park and walked to the amphitheater, standing amid tea-party attendees, feet from signs calling for President Obama's impeachment.
"I'm not really sure what the downside is to what's going on in government," Johnson said. "I got a great tax cut this year. They're building roads and putting people to work."
Knoxville tea party co-organizer Rand Caldwell led off the speakers. "We need to start coming together. We are no longer the silent majority," he said, pointing to roughly 2,000 other tea parties being held nationwide.
He also said the message objecting to federal government spending needs to be directed at all levels of government, mentioning Knox County's current property reappraisal and suggesting objections to any tax increases.
He called it an "ideological war."
Among public officials in attendance were Knoxville City Councilman Joe Bailey and Knox County Commissioner Mike Hammond, who's expected to address the crowd.
"I'm encouraging everyone not to let it be a fad," Hammond said beforehand.
Knox Countian Wendy Bryant carried a sign that read, "I'm equally tea'd off." Attached to the sign were stuffed animals - a donkey and an elephant.
"Both parties are a little free with my money," she explained.
The tea party theme takes its cue from the 18th century Boston Tea Party, when colonists threw tea into the Boston Harbor to protest British tax policies.
Organizer Wendy Stephens of Kingsport said she decided Knoxville was a good venue to rally.
"It is not a political issue," she said. "We did not organize this on behalf of any political party or group. It's as grassroots as it gets.
"It doesn't mean we weren't upset when Bush was in office. We've just reached a breaking point."
The Knoxville crowd was predominantly white but otherwise diverse - men and women of all ages, from high school students to moms with strollers to retirees.
The Knoxville Tea Party will continue at World's Fair Park from 3 to 6 p.m. today. More information on this Web page.
The rally has prompted a planned counter protest at the park in support of President Barack Obama's policies.
Here's a look at tax protest Tea Parties across Tennessee. More coverage on Michael Silence's "No Silence Here" blog.
More details as they develop online and in Thursday's News Sentinel.
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Comments » 434
lester_phinney#218848 writes:
Is Joe Biden going to be there? That’s right; he said that it’s patriotic to pay more taxes, not less.
Kasey writes:
Where were the "Tea Parties" when George Bush was spending like crazy????? He started the bailouts, without requiring any accountability for the money.
DamnYankee78 writes:
It is called complacency... However, I think now people have started to hit their limit with the BS coming out DC. I know I am fed up with Congress and there corrupt games. It is "We The People" not We the Government! When our representatives stop doing their jobs we have to stand united in order to let them know "We are Fed up"! I am just sorry that it took this long for people to open their eyes. But I am excited that they have, and I will be there today with bells on!
TEA PARTY!!!
shoes writes:
What DamnYankee said.
This is less about party and more about how Washington as a group treats the citizens. If you're being robbed, do you really care if the guy robbing you is a Republican or Democrat?
One example: Geithner was part of the financial crowd under Bush; he's now part of the financial crowd under Obama. How can you expect change when it's the same old people doing the same old things with the same old attitude?
lester_phinney#218848 writes:
There was uproar among conservatives. We didn’t like Bush’s welfare bailouts. There was no organized movement at the time and the liberals and the liberal media agreed with the new welfare spending. Their only disagreement was that it wasn’t enough. Now, we have the junior senator spending 3 times as much as Bush. Enough is enough. You cannot tax your way into prosperity.
PaganUU writes:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04...
A tea party in the actual spirit of the original tea party. Taxation without representation.
England was collecting taxes from the colonies without giving them a say in what rights and freedoms they might have, simply lording over them and collecting their money.
This is the plight of the LGBT community. Not conservatives, who have all the same rights and freedoms as every American is -supposed- to have, but LGBTs do not. LGBT-headed families pay as much as 40% higher taxes than if they were permitted to claim "married filing jointly." (Compared to an opposite-sex married couple with the exact same income.)
This forces both parents in a same-sex relationship to have jobs and file separately as single, in order to bring the tax burden to *close* to what an opposite-sex couple has with only one parent working and filing jointly.
This is the true tax horror of today, not the government's plans to try to stabilize the economy
Surcee writes:
Hope everyone plans to attend this event! This is not about political parties! This is about freedom of speech-life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness! Taxing the middle class out of existence is not the way to go! Come on America--do the right thing! Tell Congress that enough is enough!
o2scoop1 writes:
Cultural hegemony is the philosophic and sociological concept, originated by the Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci, denoting that a culturally-diverse society can be dominated by one of its social classes. It is the dominance of one social group over another, for example, the ruling class over all other classes. The ideas of the ruling class come to be seen as the norm, the universal ideologies that benifit everyone whilst only really benefiting the capitalist class.
This is exactly what this Astro-Turf, Faux-News-organized tea party is.
Besides - do you idiot conservatives know what teabagging is? Google it - it ain't that difficult to find out you've been stuffed in the mouth.
o2scoop1 writes:
I, a middle-class person, got a tax cut. What the "h", "e" double toothpicks are you talking about?
MOST Americans, save the hyper-rich, got a tax cut. Or, do you not look at your paycheck?
o2scoop1 writes:
No - he just knows what teabagging is.
It's called, "The Google."
Conservatives should use it sometime.
KnoxCitizen writes:
Where was this uproar when Bush was creating the largest government ever in existence?
ConcordBarb writes:
Well the "not made in the USA" tea companies..Lipton and Tetley are sure being stimulated by the ditto heads..and the tea..grown in India, Indonesia, Kenya..thank you very much ..non biodegradable teabags polluting our waterways...wtg wingnuts..
cooperF2 writes:
you do know the middle class just received a tax cut, correct? Also, how does a four percent increase in the marginal tax rate for those making over $250,000 equate to "taxing the middle class out of existence"?
commonsense30 writes:
The LGBT "community" has the same rights as everyone else. I challenge you to give me 1 right that I have that they do not get.....can't do it, can you?
FreeToSpeak writes:
When will the blame GW stuff cease? He is out now, and you got your guy in. Rather than continue to be a Bush Basher, why do you not tout the accomplishments of the current President? OH? Because there are none?
AJAX writes:
That's right PaganUU, turn everything liberal. You can't stand the fact that some people do not and I repeat DO NOT agree with lesbian, gay, bi, trans lifestyle. It is disgusting plain and simple. Like I said before let'em do what they want, but there needs to be no law legalizing any of it. That's the true horror. You don't want other people dictating what a woman can or can't do with their body but you have no problem with people dictating what others have to accept. Hypocrite.
Warbox writes:
Just like a pagan to turn something into something it's not. lol
If you know how to do your taxes, and if you actually compared it to married couples you would see that there's not that big of a difference and in some instances actually the married folks are paying more.
lester_phinney#218848 writes:
What Constitutional Rights do conservatives have that the lgbt (whatever they are) do not have?
AJAX writes:
The same place everyone else was. Geeting drunk on the greed and self gratification. If the left had such a problem with what Bush was doing why didn't they organize their own parties. Because their leaders were knee deep in greed and basking in the smell.
commonsense30 writes:
The sad thing about liberals is that they just have no understanding of reality. When you are waist deep in debt, does borrowing more money help your situation? Obama sure thinks so. It is shameful and irresponsible thinking that has started this backlash. How long do you think these tax cuts will last? How long can we afford it? Taxing the heck out of the rich will only cost jobs. If my taxes go up, I will have to cut expenses. My biggest expense is employees. I WILL NOT take a paycut because I have worked to hard to get where I am. It is far past time to simplify the tax code. At over 3.7 million words, it is absolutely ridiculous to think the layperson could understand it all.
McLovin writes:
That is what I was about to say. What taxation? These folks had a chance for representation with Ron Paul, but I guess they didn't care about this stuff 6 months ago.
commonsense30 writes:
Those are the people who provide jobs. Would you take a paycut if your taxes went up, or would you cut expenses to keep your current lifestyle? Think about it...it's commonsense.
lemmy999#283948 writes:
This is so stupid. The tax rates are the exact same that they were last year.
commonsense30 writes:
You hit the nail on the head....true commonsense.
lester_phinney#218848 writes:
First, turn off PMSNBC. Secondly, do you realize that the “Tea” in the above mentioned “Tea Party” stands for “Taxed Enough Already?” So, the “teabagging” comment is really irrelevant.
Also, who are the “hyper-rich?” You aren’t wealth envious, are you? Get a job.
Surcee writes:
I can see that there is no point in speaking on this topic today. Those on the left and the Obamaites are determined to try to derail anything that might be contrary to the teachings of the exhalted one. I see where Homeland Security is targeting the Tea Parties and the MSM is pounding the drum that the people attending will be right wing nut jobs. It always amazes me that Liberals think that it's their way or no way. Believe me I know-I used to be one. It makes me ill that I could have once been so narrow minded. Everyone has a right to speak and the majority who are getting ready to stand up and speak will not let this country embrace socialism-NEVER!
o2scoop1 writes:
They can't enter into a civil union in most states.
o2scoop1 writes:
The "left" did protest - but the so-called liberal media refused to cover it.
We would never have organized idiotic "parties," though. And we certainly would have known better than to name them after a sexual act.
commonsense30 writes:
Why are you trying to turn something into a civil rights arguement? Marriage has nothing to do with civil rights. What you do in your bedroom is your own business, but please don't try to force the rest of us to consider it normal. It isn't....if it was, the population would be decreasing.
As for your back of the bus and water fountain arguement, please tell me anywhere in the US that makes gay people do such things and I will gladly voice my outrage...
lester_phinney#218848 writes:
“I don't think I need to remind you it's not been a full century yet since some people had to sit in the back of the bus and drink from different water fountains. Are you suggesting we bring back that tradition?
THIS is the essential argument. Separate is NEVER equal.”
Another straw-man fallacy. Segregation against blacks is not equal to prohibiting certain acts. This was not the argument that was originally made. You don’t discriminate against someone born into a particular skin color. This is different than prohibiting people who chose to live a particular lifestyle the ability to commit an act that the majority of us find disgusting.
Although, I have no idea what this has to do with the Tea Parties.
Surcee writes:
Thank you for saying what I so poorly tried to say. Good Job!
traveler writes:
The TEA Parties have nothing to do with political party affiliation. It has everything to do with limits. Taxes affect everyone whether you know it or not. (and seems that Government schools haven't taught that in years). You can't even die without being taxed. I know MANY people who were writing their representatives last fall to say NO to the first bailout. There are such easier ways to support our governments, but that would mean a smaller government and Washington doesn't want that!
We owe our children and grandchildren better than to saddle them with over a $20,000 debt the minute they take their first breath. Come on! This affects anyone who purchases anything, owns property, has a job, or dies! This is not Republican. This is not Democrat. This is not Libertarian. This is EVERYTHING to do with ALL of our economic freedoms.
lester_phinney#218848 writes:
“"The LGBT 'community' has the same rights as everyone else. I challenge you to give me 1 right that I have that they do not get.....can't do it, can you?"
The answer is in the post to which you are replying. Can you not read?”
Can you read? If you had read the original post, you would have noticed that there was no Constitutional right listed. That’s probably the reason for the question.
AJAX writes:
It seems to me that the only way you can argue or debate is by trying to make the other person look stupid or classify someone as a racist. Trust me I am neither. I don't recall riding a bus or drinking from a fountain in my post. I don't recal mentioning the word seperate in my post. Don't address my post unless you can get it right.
I don't see the need for special favors for anyone. Churches should pay their taxes as well. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
The essential arguement is don't try to make someone accept something they don't believe in by creating special laws out of force.
o2scoop1 writes:
Hyper rich are the 1 percenters - those earning over $388,806 or more.
I have a job, thank you. I pay taxes and don't mind paying taxes for roads and schools and emergency services. I wouldn't mind paying taxes for single-payer, since my taxes would still not go up as much as it costs in premiums, co-pays and overages.
And, you need to turn off Faux "News." I know what the "Tea" stands for in your stupid Teabagging, but I still would never have used the name of a sexual act, especially if I belonged to the Pious and Pity Party.
Warbox writes:
"People voted for change, what did we get?"
Yeah you’re right. People voted for change because someone uttered the word. No one bothered to ask what this change would be.
Obama is a good speaker, but if you actually paid attention and read between the lines, you would have noticed that a lot of it was just bantering and playing to the people to get votes. None of the things happening are a surprise to us that are wise enough to see through the glitter. When the general public (like common sense person above stated “laymen” I guess? Though that person doesn’t seem to know the difference between “too” and “to”. Seems to be pretty much a “laymen” him/herself.) realizes that not everything that glimmers is gold, we are going to get no where fast.
Just because something comes in a shiny wrapper, doesn’t mean it’s better!
o2scoop1 writes:
You said, "The TEA Parties have nothing to do with political party affiliation."
Then why are the only the backwash attending? (Backwash = the 26 percent of die-hard Republicans who still believe Bush was a good president and trickle-down economics works).
traveler writes:
ATLAS SHRUGGED
lester_phinney#218848 writes:
“Hyper rich are the 1 percenters - those earning over $388,806 or more.”
So, you are referring to the most productive among us? Yes, let’s tax them. That will force them to create jobs, right? Insane!
“I know what the "Tea" stands for in your stupid Teabagging,”
So, if you knew what “Tea” stands for and still chose to relate it to a topic that you knew was false, then you are not ignorant; you’re just plain stupid. Thanks for clearing that up.
Surcee writes:
Great post! Wow, some of you are almost as good as Obama! :)
visionquest writes:
Excellent example of the leftist stupidity.
Big handclap and slap on the back of our service men and women. The real heros.
imawildcat writes:
Nice cut and paste from Wikipedia. Only an ignorant person can believe that tripling our national debt is a good thing. I am OK with my current tax structure (thanks mostly to Republicans). But, eventually, taxes will have to be raised on EVERYONE just to pay the interest on our national debt. We are saddling our children and grandchildren with a unimaginable financial burden. But, the financial crisis is just the catalyst that liberals like you have needed for a long time to push your socialist agenda. Without the current financial crisis, there is no way liberals could fund social programs as deeply as they are right now. The average American wouldn't stand for it. Question, though....Who do you think is going to eventually pay for these social programs...the stimulus package as a whole? The rich? Give me a break. Middle class America pays the lion's share of the taxes that runs this country. So, get ready. Eventually, probably sooner than later, Middle Class America will have to pony-up. Thanks to the financial crisis and morons like you, liberals have free-reign to do whatever they want. In the end, our country, as we know it today (or at least yesterday), will no longer exist. The irony is that 20 years ago, Russia was becoming more like the USA. Today, the USA is becoming more like Russia. Socialism...here we come. Funny thing, though. If you took 100 random American's to Russia to live for one year, 98% would be begging to come back to the US inside of three months. Basically, it is like some wise person once said..."Be careful what you wish for." Liberals and socialist agendas will eventually destroy the greatest country in the world...from within.
Kimmer writes:
I agree. W spent billions on his war, and was one of the worst presidents in history. Obama is only trying to clean up the mess he left. Tenneessee is changing from the "Volunteer State" to the "No Thinking State". And most of the protestors will probably be people who can't afford to be Republicans and are suffering in the economic mess George left us.
papabob (Inactive) writes:
What a stupid waste of time and tea.
The election of last November gave every voter the chance to express their views. It's that "Representative Republic" thing.
Now you will clog the streets,create a need for more police for traffic control and probably cost multi millions in lost productivity.
All of this because you lost the election.
Who gets to pay the bill for all of this nonsense?
o2scoop1 writes:
Most productive? Pushing paper is productive? Hardly. We don't live in the 1850s anymore, dolt. People get rich for being far less than productive.
And, you're still missing the point. I'm not stupid - you and every other conservative who didn't bother looking up "teabagging" before co-opting the term are the stupid ones. It's like starting a movement called Bankers United To Tasking (BUTT) and then expecting average citizes not to laugh at the idiotic name because the bankers want it to mean something else.
Warbox writes:
"So, you are referring to the most productive among us? Yes, let’s tax them. That will force them to create jobs, right? Insane!"
Some points to make:
Just because someone is "hyper-rich" doesn't mean they are the most productive.
And, we do not prohibit the gay lifestlye. To prohibit would mean to have laws against it.
Seriously gay people, you need to leave well enough alone. We shouldn't have to change our religion and lifestyle to accomodate you and you us.
what_do_i_know writes:
Yeah and World's Fair Park. Under the enduring phallic symbol of Knoxville's "shortcomings"
o2scoop1 writes:
Nice brainwashing by Rush Limbaugh.
I guess next time you have a fire in your home, you won't be calling the fire department - since that's so Socialist.
Warbox writes:
Marriage is not a constitutional right.
papabob (Inactive) writes:
Do you reckon that the acronym may be why Texas doesn't have a Sam Houston Institute of Technology?
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