April 16, 2009
Hundreds Attend Tea Party Rally
Flags billow at the Imperial Valley Tea Party on Wednesday at Southwest High School
On a windswept evening at the Southwest High School football field , a crowd of about 200 gathered to stage the "Imperial Valley Tea Party".
“I would like to see some common sense come back to Washington." -
John Gaede
They were there to protest against the federal government's tax policies, bailout programs, and the earmarking of special projects in the federal budget.
When she was asked why she attended the rally, Heather Barret voiced a sentiment shared by many who attended the event.
“Because I don't like taxation without representation. It's the Boston Tea Party all over again,” said Barret.
The event was held on April 15, the same day state and federal taxes are due, and objections to “taxation without representation” were a major theme of the event. So was the sentiment that the current administration is not listening to citizens who oppose the methods being used to deal with the current economic crisis.
“I'm here because since January I've seen our country move in directions that concern me greatly," said John Gaede. “Mainly that more money has been spent than in any previous time in our nation's history.”
And Gaede added that he doesn't like what he says is a shift in values within the federal government.
“I feel like fundamentally our country is moving away from the core foundations and principles - Judeo-Christian values that this country was founded on,” said Gaede. “I would like to see some common sense come back to Washington."
The fact that the event was held at a facilty that was constructed with and maintained by tax dollars was not lost on one person. Protestor at Imperial Valley Tea Party at Southwest High School
Unlike most people who attended the rally, Drew said she didn't have a problem with the way her tax dollars were spent.
“I am here because it angers me that people begrudge our country taxes,” Drew said. “I don't think we pay exorbitant taxes, and I know that my taxes go to support my school and my children's education. I just believe in paying taxes, I live in a wonderful, wonderful country and I am more than willing to pay my share.”
The group who sponsored the event paid $300 for the use of the football field for three hours, according to officials at Central Union High School.