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April 16, 2009 · While procrastinators raced against the April 15th tax filing deadline, tax protesters held “tea parties” across the nation. In Texas, Republicans may be trying to regain an image as the “low-tax party.”
In Austin anti-tax protesters shouted “secede” as Governor Rick Perry railed against Washington spending.
“We got a great union,” Perry said in his speech. “There is absolutely no reason to dissolve it, but if Washington continues to thumb its nose at the people, who knows what may come of that.”
In San Antonio at the Alamo, rocker Ted Nugent’s tax protest recalled a sacred moment in Texas history when he said, “You’re at the Alamo where they drew the line in the sand.”
In Southlake, hundreds sang “God Bless America” and carried signs reading “Stop the Pork.” Small business owner Dick Morgan organized his own tea party.
“I’m very concerned about the budget they’re putting together, that won’t affect our taxes this year and next year,” Morgan said. “But by 2012 and 13, it’s going to get to the point where we will not be able to afford the debt that they are creating.”
Morgan added that the tea parties, largely organized by Republicans, are not an attack on President Obama.
Grapevine Democrat Mark Bauer doesn’t believe that. “The Republicans had a chance for eight years to lead this country. All they did was create this mess,” he said.
Southern Methodist University political science professor, Cal Jillson, said that what the Republicans were trying to do with the tea parties was generate some positive attention for themselves at a time when Americans are focused on President Obama and his economic recovery plan.
“The Republicans have been beaten from pillar to post in recent years and they’re just trying to regain their balance and gain their voice on a signature issue,” he said. “This isn’t going to turn it around for them. But you got to start winning something.”
Even if that “something” says Jillson, is one big day of media attention. |
