By TEDDYE SNELL
While many people spent April 15 finishing their taxes before the midnight deadline, others gathered together to protest Congress’ new budget.
Across the nation, conservatives participated in National Tax Day Tea Parties, which put a spotlight on excessive government spending and what could be done to stop it.
Tahlequah was one of several cities in Oklahoma hosting a party, which was sponsored by the Cherokee County Young Republicans.
Dr. Fritz Laux, associate professor of economics and faculty adviser for CCYR at Northeastern State University, hopes the event will raise awareness about truth in politics.
“We’re promoting political involvement, and are specifically concerned about the current government spending plans,” said Laux. “I think, nationwide, these events are Republican-driven, and about half the organizers are Libertarians. There’s not much difference between them other than the war in Iraq.”
Organizers served up iced tea and pork sandwiches, and about 100 residents of all ages took part in the festivities. Many carried signs with anti-tax slogans like “Congressional pirates have taken our taxes as loot! Giving our children the boot!” and “Obama, be honest!”
One couple, Kendra and William Metcalfe, said they came to support the effort because they disagree with the corporate bailouts.
“Instead of paying that money directly to the companies, they should have given the money to us and let us decide where to spend it,” said William. “It should be up to me where my money is spent, not the government.”
Both agreed the blame couldn’t be placed squarely on the shoulders of President Barack Obama, as others in the group believe.
“I don’t blame Obama; I blame Congress,” said William. “We have lifetime politicians in Washington who’re corrupt and spend our taxes on pork and pet projects. It’s been building for years. It’s not a Democrat or Republican issue, it’s an American issue.”
“For me, the bailouts were the last straw,” Kendra added. “AIG is a perfect example of what William is talking about.”
When asked how they felt their attendance would make a difference, the couple agreed in the old adage of strength being in numbers.
“We’re two people, who’ve joined a crowd ... to discuss this issue,” said William. “All across America, there are crowds just like this doing the same thing. Hopefully, they’ll gather together and understand this is not a partisan issue, it’s an American issue.”
Laux hopes the event will spur conservatives into honing their message.
“Conservatives need to develop their voice,” said Laux. “That’s what events like this are for.”
Laux said he doesn’t believe the GOP has lost its way. “But there’s a lot of work to be done,” he said.
Featured speakers included NSU student and Muskogee Mayor John Hammons, and longtime local elected official JoAnn Bradley, both Republicans.
Hammons told the crowd he was thrilled to part of the celebration.
“What a great evening to celebrate tax-and-spend day!” he exclaimed. “Right now, we have $4.8 trillion in deficit spending, and all of that can be put off on our children. Isn’t that great?”
Hammons derided Obama for the bailouts, saying the federal government should be run more like cities in Oklahoma.
“We’ve heard Obama talk about an exit strategy,” said Hammons, “Where is your exit strategy, Mr. Obama? In Oklahoma, cities can’t go into debt. The federal government needs to learn to work the same way.”
Bradley welcomed participants, and urged conservatives to get together often.
“It’s a great day, a wonderful day to see you wonderful conservatives who care about your country,” said Bradley. “Are you tired of government spending? I’m tired of government spending, and something has to be done, and it will be done.”
Bradley stressed that politicians had been punishing those who work hard and save, and tagged Obama’s budget as “completely unreasonable.”
“For instance, last week, you voted in an election that would continue the half-penny sales tax,” said Bradley. “If you divide the total amount by 16,000 local citizens, it comes to $300 per citizen. In comparison, we’re seeing a $4.8 trillion increase in deficit spending. Assuming we have 300 million U.S. citizens, the per capita increase is $16,000. Friends, it comes down to the fact that our government is out of touch and out of control. We need to get a majority of conservatives elected and send them to Washington.”
Bradley said that to affect change, people have to get involved and stay visible. She encouraged more conservatives to run for local office and for others to inspire and help those who do.
“Conservative[s] need a leader,” she said. “We need to uphold our conservative politics. Congress, remember who put you in your position and who you have to answer to, or you won’t be there the next four years.”
Local Democrat Fred Gibson attended the event, and didn’t necessarily disagree with the group when it comes to the bailouts.
“I have been publishing articles and letters for many months about the very same things the Republicans are here to protest today,” said Gibson. “I’m here to ask Republicans where they have been all this time. The truth is, they have very little justification for stepping out as though they were the leaders of this movement, when the fact is, they were the authors of the very same thing they are here to protest today. Nevertheless, even though they are late to the party, I welcome their input. If they really wanted to help, though, they would insist that the Republican members of Congress cooperate with Obama in a united effort to solve this incredibly serious economic problem.”
Gibson said Obama welcomed bipartisan input when he first took office, but the Republican members of Congress “turned a cold shoulder to his goodwill offers of cooperation.”
“Mostly, [local Republicans] are good people with whom I am delighted to work when they have something positive to offer,” Gibson said.
“This is one of those times when their thoughts deserve a respectful and careful hearing. Our economy is too serious a subject for us to allow it to become a political football.”
