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September 12, 2009
Up to two million march to US Capitol ~ We The People Speaking Out
Up to two million march to US Capitol to protest against Obama's spending in 'tea-party' demonstration
Up to two million people marched to the U.S. Capitol today, carrying signs with slogans such as "Obamacare makes me sick" as they protested the president's health care plan and what they say is out-of-control spending.
The line of protesters spread across Pennsylvania Avenue for blocks, all the way to the capitol, according to the Washington Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.
People were chanting "enough, enough" and "We the People." Others yelled "You lie, you lie!" and "Pelosi has to go," referring to California congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.
Demonstrators waved U.S. flags and held signs reading "Go Green Recycle Congress" and "I'm Not Your ATM." Men wore colonial costumes as they listened to speakers who warned of "judgment day" - Election Day 2010.
Richard Brigle, 57, a Vietnam War veteran and former Teamster, came from Michigan. He said health care needs to be reformed - but not according to President Barack Obama's plan.
"My grandkids are going to be paying for this. It's going to cost too much money that we don't have," he said while marching, bracing himself with a wooden cane as he walked.
FreedomWorks Foundation, a conservative organization led by former House of Representatives Majority Leader Dick Armey, organized several groups from across the country for what they billed as a "March on Washington."
Organizers say they built on momentum from the April "tea party" demonstrations held nationwide to protest tax policies, along with growing resentment over the economic stimulus packages and bank bailouts.
Terri Hall, 45, of Florida, said she felt compelled to become political for the first time this year because she was upset by government spending.
"Our government has lost sight of the powers they were granted," she said. She added that the deficit spending was out of control, and said she thought it was putting the country at risk.
Anna Hayes, 58, a nurse from Fairfax County, stood on the Mall in 1981 for Reagan's inauguration. "The same people were celebrating freedom," she said. "The president was fighting for the people then. I remember those years very well and fondly."
Saying she was worried about "Obamacare," Hayes explained: "This is the first rally I've been to that demonstrates against something, the first in my life. I just couldn't stay home anymore."
Like countless others at the rally, Joan Wright, 78, of Ocean Pines, Md., sounded angry. "I'm not taking this crap anymore," said Wright, who came by bus to Washington with 150 like-minded residents of Maryland's Eastern Shore. "I don't like the health-care [plan]. I don't like the czars. And I don't like the elitists telling us what we should do or eat."
Republican lawmakers also supported the rally.
"Republicans, Democrats and independents are stepping up and demanding we put our fiscal house in order," Rep. Mike Pence, chairman of the House Republican Conference, said.
"I think the overriding message after years of borrowing, spending and bailouts is enough is enough."
Other sponsors of the rally include the Heartland Institute, Americans for Tax Reform and the Ayn Rand Center for Individuals Rights.
Recent polls illustrate how difficult recent weeks have been for a president who, besides tackling health care, has been battling to end a devastatingly deep recession.
Fifty percent approve and 49 percent disapprove of the overall job he is doing as president, compared to July, when those approving his performance clearly outnumbered those who were unhappy with it, 55 percent to 42 percent.
Just 42 percent approve of the president's work on the high-profile health issue.
The poll was taken over five days just before Obama's speech to Congress. That speech reflected Obama's determination to push ahead despite growing obstacles.
"I will not waste time with those who have made the calculation that it's better politics to kill this plan than to improve it," Obama said on Wednesday night. "I won't stand by while the special interests use the same old tactics to keep things exactly the way they are.
"If you misrepresent what's in the plan, we'll call you out. And I will not accept the status quo as a solution."
Posted by Wild Thing at September 12, 2009 07:55 PM
Comments
I just love the turnout, Obama surely wants to declare martial law to stop this, go ahead Obama, I've got an itch to scratch and I won't quit!!! He can't stand Americans, he wants his sycophants to follow like bleating sheep to the slaughter. This is free speech Mr Mugabe!!!
Posted by: Jack at September 12, 2009 08:50 PM
I've run out of things to say. This the greatest demonstration of the American Spirit I have ever seen. and I am damn proud to be an American.
I truly hope this makes obama nauseous, knowing how he likes to apologise for this country, because he hates what our country stands for, it's got to be making him sick. Maybe it will start to sink in that we will not put up with his socialist agenda. Resign now barry and avoid the rush in December.
Posted by: Mark at September 12, 2009 09:22 PM
Chrissie, here's why I love Rodger , I can go to bed laughing. G'nite!!!
Posted by: Jack at September 13, 2009 12:34 AM
The buzz already is HUGE. The libtards have gone from denying the number of participants to it doesn't matter anyway because we are right about everything.
Isn't it amazing how Zero couldn't be bothered with Town Hall meetings with McCain, but now he's doing TH whistlestops everywhere he can get a crowd (bussed in). Minnesota? Just because Pawlenty lives there? It's always a campaign with this guy, because that's the only thing he does well. Great orator indeed. He looked and sounded just like Van Jones' "give them the wealth, give them the wealth" clip. Glenn Beck is so in his head. It's pretty crowded in there with Sarah Palin obsessive thoughts.
Posted by: Eden at September 13, 2009 07:01 AM
Jack, thanks for the links.
Good one!
"This is free speech Mr Mugabe!!!"
Posted by: Wild Thing at September 13, 2009 07:44 AM
Mark, it is a dream a good one and Obama
is the nightmare. I want the dream to
keep going and the nightmare to go away.
heh heh
Posted by: Wild Thing at September 13, 2009 07:45 AM
Jack, LOL that is good.
Posted by: Wild Thing at September 13, 2009 07:49 AM
Eden, yes hahaha it really is.
Posted by: Wild Thing at September 13, 2009 07:50 AM
