Tea Party

I went to the Tea Party held at the Arizona State Capitol on Wednesday. There was quite a crowd there, along with posters, signs, flags, and high spirits.

There were some logistical concerns, though. The sound system, provided by a local radio news station - ironically - was inadequate. Unless you were standing right in front of the booth, you didn't hear any of the speakers. All you could hear was cheering from the crowd that was within earshot, followed by cheering from those who cheered because everyone else was cheering.

I was also disappointed with the lack of focus. My impression is that these protests are supposed to be against runaway government spending and the taxes that support it. There were also signs supporting just about about everything on the conservative agenda, from abortion, gun rights, flat tax initiatives, immigration, etc. While these are important issues, they tend to distract from the primary issue of runaway spending.

I was, however, impressed by the kind of people I saw participating in this protest. They were normal folks of all ages, from children to seniors, and of all races and creeds. That was heartwarming.

I just hope this movement isn't running out of steam before it even gets started. It is becoming apparent that the current administration is concerned. Those of us who attended these tea parties are being labeled by Homeland Security Secretary (and former AZ governor) Janet Napolitano as right-wing extremists. That couldn't be farther from the truth.

Washington needs to listen. The consequences, I fear, could be much worse.