The Tax Day TEA party rally in Madison, WI
By ParaTed2k
@ParaTed2k (22940)
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
April 17, 2011 3:47pm CST
The TEA party rally in Madison, WI was great! It was great seeing Sarah Palin and Vicki McKenna. Andrew Breitbart was a good speaker as well. I also liked Tricia Willoughby, a 14 year old TEA party activist!
Now that I've been to rallies with a sign, and without one, I think I like being without one more. When I don't have one, I talk to more people and move around more. With a sign, I pretty much stayed in one place most of the time. I took a lot fewer pictures than I would have without a sign also.
The counter protest was cool too, but one of the chants they repeated often was "GO HOME! GO HOME! GO HOME! as if THEY were the only ones with a right to be there. The least they could have done was quit their drum and rattle cacophony during the singing of the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance... or at least not "boo". In fairness, all the liberals around me did sing, and while some decided not to recite the pledge, all of them were silent through it.
I only got into one fight, well, an "almost" fight.. a fellow TEA partier went to hit liberal. I stepped in between them. Talking to cops on duty there, there were few problems on either side. I love how opposing sides can be in the same place without people getting killed! That's America!
2 people like this
5 responses
@Rollo1 (16676)
• Boston, Massachusetts
17 Apr 11
Your experience of the rally sounds a lot nicer and more peaceful than the stories I have read about it online make it out to have been. I have read that the counter protesters were so loud that no one could hear the TEA Party speakers and a lot is being made of Breitbart's comments to the liberals to "go to hell".
It seems that how people experienced the rally had a lot to do with their expectations and biases.
I have heard more than once that Palin's speech was very good and well-received by the TEA Party crowd.
Did you find it difficult to listen to the speakers over the chants of the counter protesters? I don't think that showing up to shout down the free speech of others is representative of what America is supposed to be. I do think it's good when both sides exercise free speech to debate an issue.
1 person likes this
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
18 Apr 11
I have been to many TEA Party rallies and have always found them to be polite and dealing with facts. I also have been to town halls where the Liberal speaker had to remind the people that when a Conservative asks a question the rest should be quiet and let them be heard. One which had a large number of teachers was especially rude to anyone who questioned the liberal's reasoning or position.
We should be more like Bill O'Reilly and Holorado when they have a heated discussion. They both get passionate but can change topics and have a discussion and not be angry or resort to name calling.
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
18 Apr 11
People like to think that a person's religious beliefs have nothing to do with their political beliefs. I disagree. Religious beliefs govern our character, our actions as an individual. Political beliefs and values govern how we intereact with others and what we expect from others.
If you cannot govern yourself you can not govern others.
@kenzie45230 (3560)
• United States
17 Apr 11
Last year we had the same experience - where the opposition stood across the street and booed during all the singing of patriotic songs, including the National Anthem, and during the Pledge of Allegiance. Yes, they have that right in America. But you have to wonder why in recent years we have so many people living here who hate America. Wouldn't they be happier somewhere else?!?!?
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
18 Apr 11
After reading the responses of the others who tell of shouting during the speeches and even the pledge, I am so discouraged that anything can change for the better. Our country needs patriots...and quick. I will stand for what is right. But will it matter?
I am glad you went paraTed, I am glad you found inspiration. I am sorely in need of some.
Is there enough patriots left?
