'Tea Party' protesters decry taxes, growing deficit

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News Coverage - 2009-04-23 21:48:17

Frankly the Tea Party protests did nothing for me either way. If people want to exercise their free-speech rights, I'm all for it. My problem was the drum-thumping on the part of FOX news, in pushing an agenda-based event and disguising it as a news story. If they had covered it organically, I would have had no problems with it. And lest you think I'm a liberal, let me say that MSNBC is just as bad, dismissing the events beforehand because of THEIR agenda. Why can't you folks on the far-left and far-right realize that you're being duped? FOX and MSNBC are news organizations that follow the same William Randolph Hearst style of yellow journalism that, frankly, make them no better than Al Jazeera. By the way, how can FOX news call themselves "Fair and Balanced?" If that were true, wouldn't liberals agree with their views at least half the time, while conservatives disagree with their views the other half? And you can't attack other media as "mainstream" while touting your cable-rating dominance. That is a contradiction. And MSNBC..Keith Oberman is a disgrace. If they would put down the water they've been carrying for Barrack since day one, they could find time to replace him with, I don't know, a journalist? Again, folks, think for yourselves. Don't automatically prattle off the party lines like trained parrots. Remember, Democrat or Republican, your elected legislator is a crooked dirtbag. And that is a fact in the Library of Congress. Look it up.

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T. H. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Jess you missed it. - 2009-04-23 19:22:07

FOX got involved WAY after these things were organised. They just happen to agree with 'some' of the points of the protestors.(Or jumped on the bandwagon).
So far as skin color you're WAY off base! Matter of fact the best speaker with a 100% backing by the crowd happens to be of African descent. He was cheered WILDLY by the folks attending! So far as Obama what if Obama was of Swedish descent and folks asked the same questions about his citizenship? Skin color is gone. Or hadn't you noticed? Get over it, the TEA folks did years before the protest.

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Emma G. - West River, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Hi Folks - 2009-04-23 18:58:11

I reported on what I SAW not my BELIEFS.
The TEA Party protest was not JUST about taxes but far more.
The folks there did have one one common voice (And no it wasn't just taxes). They want their way of life and the country they used to cherish back. They see an unfairness and they assembled peacefully for redress of grievences.....while it's still legal to do so.

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Emma G. - West River, MD - Karma: Neutral

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And before everyone jumps on me... - 2009-04-22 23:19:01

PLEASE REMEMBER that I said that in Maryland it was probably more about taxes and spending. In other areas, not so much.

If you attended the event for what it was for, then I support that.

If you attended because you think everything that is wrong in the country is because we have a President with skin darker than yours, then you ruined it for a lot of other people.

I do, however, take issue with who originally organized it. Big companies that hate paying taxes thought up this little idea and sent the citizens out to make their argument for them. The organizers were ANYTHING but transparent. Fox News also contributed to making it a spectacle.

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Jesse B. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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O'Malley - 2009-04-22 23:11:04

Even if you disagree with the right on most issues ... you have no argument once they remind you that you put O'Malley into office! :)

They can rightfully hold that over your heads forever.

I was smart enough not to vote for him because I happened to live in his mismanaged city at one point.

Having said that, I do hate how the tea parties in most areas (maybe not so much in Maryland) were about everything but taxes. In other cities it was mostly about the fear of having a mixed race President with a now deceased Muslim father. They reeked of racism.

The questions I have are where was the outrage when Bush was doing the same thing? Where was the outrage when Bush was drafting the crazy budget that just got passed in Congress? Where was the outrage when Congress appropriated funds for a useless war in Iraq where we lost thousands of Americans? Where was the outrage when citizens were having their rights taken away during the Bush administration? How in the world did a man who has been in office for three months and two days manage to cause the damage that started long before he was sworn in on January 20th -- or before he was even elected?

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Jesse B. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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HI Emma your missing the point - 2009-04-22 13:28:32

I think you are missing Scott's point. So let me try to explain, defend and expound upon it. To start...I also attended a T.E.A. party. This T.E.A. stands for Taxed Enough Already. NOT I am upset my party is not in control of the Congress, NOT Obama, Pelosi, etc... are evil and NOT that Obama has not been a force to be reckoned with on the International scene. This protest was recognizing while some of us are not being taxed via our income as much (BTW 95% is and incorrect statistic); State sales taxes are rising, consumer good items taxes are rising, luxury item taxes are rising, and many more. Not to mention eventually the tax payer is going to have to cover the cost of the Stimulus, this new spending plan of the current administration and the old spending plan of the previous one. If this is not directly in Federal income tax, it will be in other taxes they levy or tax credits they repeal. I think Scott S and myself (as I mentioned previously) are asking people to focus on the facts of this and not make it a general political fight over inconsequential things. You and Tina are easy to make examples of this as you both rarely give facts and turn this debate into name calling or backbiting. If you do not want to be lumped with her maybe hold off from calling her a "Commie/Socialist". You both have your right to freedom of speech and say whatever you want, but in this forum you dumb down the debate by making it a petty, emotional fight verses a factual discussion. Personally I am a republican and I will not vote for 1 incumbent in office in the next election. Even if they were republicans. Our leaders have been in office too long and it is time for real change.

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Emma - 2009-04-22 13:13:39

Emma, I would defend the rights of both you and Tina to post your opinions on here, regardless of how much we may disagree. I also hate to see anyone's comments deleted by the Capital. Back to the issue at hand though, the idea behind the protests was something that should have resonated with everyone. Who thinks our tax system can't be improved? Who wants to see the government spend tax dollars wastefully? No one. Sadly the idea was skewed on both sides. One side mocked the protests simply because of *who* was involved. The other side seized the opportunity to lump it in with other, unrelated issues that are not as widely embraced and clearly turned off a lot of people. I find this disappointing, because in this economic climate especially, everyone should be on board with this issue. So save the other stuff (activist judges, middle east leaders, the wording of the pledge of allegiance) for a separate debate. And yes, carbon credits are a form of taxation (albeit a more free market approach than a straight out carbon tax), but I would consider that to be more relevant to an environmental debate (whether you believe carbon emissions are harmful) than a taxation debate.

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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Hi Scott S. - 2009-04-21 18:02:16

Scott and others,

Please don't lump me in with Tina. And I'm not a 'Neo-Con'. We were protesting our out of control government on the Federal and State levels. These governments certainly raised and will raise even more taxes (Carbon 'Credits' ARE a tax by the way) and we were voicing our frustration that it's gotten so out of control. That's what I heard and I was there. Were you? Tina also has her right to voice her opinion too and I'll fight for her right to do so even though I disagree with her on everything except Sunrise and Sunset. Perhaps you disagree with both of us but please try to do do without lumping us as radicals and claiming you know all and are THE voice of what's right.

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Tina on the left, Emma on the right - 2009-04-20 12:13:10

I feel like the whole event is repeating itself in this comments section. The people on here who tried to explain why they were there did nothing but express prefectly valid concerns. The Tinas (like the left-wing groups and media) poke fun at the people involved and dismiss the issue, but don't even try to make the counter argument why our tax system should stay exactly as it is (which must be your opinion, based on your contempt of the protesters). If you think their argument is wrong, fine, but then give a reason why your argument is right...that's how debate works. The Emma Gs (right-wingers) meanwhile try to turn one simple issue into a whole neo-con agenda. The protests were not about carbon credits, activist judges, or foreign policy towards Arab leaders. Taxes were not a "small part" of this, they were the only part (at least that's how it was supposed to be). This was about taxes. Period.

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-04-20 11:57:17

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-04-20 11:28:51

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tea/taxes - 2009-04-19 22:59:02

Liz, you beat me to it. Thanks for reminding the more liberal folks of this area that the beginning of the end of the housing market started at the end of the Clinton Administration. If anything the local tea parties will remind us that our taxes have been raised on just about everything since you (liberals) got rid of an effective Governor Ehrlich for one who only knows how to raise taxes in Owe'Malley. But come election time you'll just accept it. So were the Tea Parties really a bunch of nonsense?

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Liz G. - 2009-04-19 22:51:44

Liz,
You have proven me wrong. You are proof that having a college diploma does not make one smarter.

Thank you so very much for helping me out. ps. I think Reagan killed this country.

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Tina Schubbie - annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

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Maryellen.... - 2009-04-19 22:15:53

I know it would be great if you could blame all of the country's woes on the Republican Party but... If I remember correctly it was the Clinton Admin. that forced Fannie and Freddie to give home loans to low income families that could not otherwise afford a home. That is what started this economic tidal wave. Those people (homeowners) defaulted on their loans. I beleive that everyone should have the chance to own their own home, when they can afford it though. Oh and by ther way, how much money did Fannie and Freddie "contribute" to our President over the years as opposed to McCain, a Republican. And it goes deeper than that. I think what alot of people are tired of is that the Gov. keeps using our tax dollars to erase a debt that keeps growing no matter who is in office. You cannot erase a debt by spending billions and trillions of dollars that you do not have. Simple math 101. And yes Tina, I do have a degree,3 of them as a metter of fact...Political Science, Pshychology and Business Finance, having a degree does not make you smarter then someone without one, having common sense is what does, and you two sure seem to be lacking in that area.

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Liz G. - Pasadena, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Tea Parties - 2009-04-19 20:17:46

Thankfully, we all have the right to assemble and we all have the right to free speech. Americans assembled and stated dissatisfaction with government by staging the tea parties -- good for them! I wasn't there but fully support anyone who protested tax dollars spent on bailing out failed corporations and tax dollars spent on pet projects of the politicians.

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Jean T. - Davidsonville, MD - Karma: Neutral

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You know you've hit a nerve... - 2009-04-19 11:56:33

When Tina and fellow Commie/Socialist Maryellen start spewing hatred. Hey Tina, your 'Messia' just opened travel to Cuba. Perhaps you and Maryellen can get a package deal on a one way trip to the Socialist Utopia.

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Please Tina, tell me you aren't ser - 2009-04-19 11:33:14

You must think highly of Don if you believe that he is somehow responsible for a nationwide movement and its failure. Of course what you fail to take into consideration, which is part of critical thinking, is that this might be only the beginning. You also have already concluded they were a failure, when in fact you and people like you dwelling on them and talking about them proves that they made an impression in your mind. As they are meant to bring awareness it is easy to see that they have. What is really important is that the left is doing everything they can to discredit them which means they are making an impression on those in positions far above the likes of you. The simple fact is that people lie when they think they are in trouble. That trouble can be real or imagined. They left is lying about the numbers involved because it is troublesome, especially in that it was a mix of individuals. I would bet the African Americans they see holding the signs at the TEA parties have them perplexed because they think they have a lock on that segment of our population.
So why don't you go back have a cup of coffee and think up something believable and rational, otherwise I will start to think you have a secret crush on him.

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Impotent Conservatives - 2009-04-19 10:07:02

After considerable reflection I have come to the conclusion that The Tea Parties were an attempt by the neo-cons and their ilk to control the national dialogue. It did not work. They embraced the techniques of the liberal activists, the environmentalists, the anti-war groups yet somehow it still failed. why ? clue: Don Dwyer

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Tina Schubbie - annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

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Maryellen - 2009-04-19 08:06:05

The borders to Cuba will soon be open. Cuba seems to be there perfect escape from the Republican destruction, and will be a liberal utopia for you.

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Peter D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Tina's TB. - 2009-04-19 00:45:04

Tina. If you think a paper saying you should know something, means anything you show yourself to be the ignorant one. I do not have a degree, and have never had anyone in my life think I was not intelligent. If you really believe a piece of paper makes you better than those of use without one, you are woefully stupid. Some of the dumbest people I have come across in my life have had degrees. A piece of paper saying you attended classes in between getting drunk and partying is meaningless in assessing a persons intelligence and capabilities. And for you to think so tells me you don't have the ability for logical thinking. I guess you believe you are smarter than Bill Gates, and that Harry Truman and Abe Lincoln and a host of other people are just plain stupid?
Tell me Tina, what do you do besides write your ignorant petty comments here? We know you have delusions of grandeur as you have lunch with your banker, but I would really be interested in what you do for a living. The only thing that shows up on a Google search for you, are some of your asinine comments. You must really be a sad miserable little person. That is the only thing I can think of, with how you conduct yourself here.
You have demonstrated an ability to continually make ignorant comments and from what I have seen nowhere have you made any statements to show the least bit of intelligence on your part. So I will have to wonder what school you went to that taught you that people without a degree are not smart, yet gave you your sheepskin without you being able to demonstrate any ability for cognitive thought. You also obviously cannot count even the simplest of numbers, because your supposed two words for showing this to be a comic event, turned out to be eight. All those years and money were apparently a great waste on you.
As a parting thought from my unpapered mind, I really do think it is time for this paper to ban you, until you can prove you have anything of any relevance to say. It is obvious you like the attention and this must be the only place in your life where you can find people to give you even the slightest bit.

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Tax Day - 2009-04-18 23:00:06

I wore red, white and blue on April 15th. I pay my taxes and support my family, community, country and American troops around the world. Those who attended the faux tea parties to protest taxes are the same ones who supported the irresponsible republican policies which dug the financial holes the US is in today!! The Democrats did not make this bed of debt,war,torture,shame,twisted science,contaminated food in the market place, unsafe toys in children's hands and shattered of workplace safety standards. The Republicans are poor losers, but they are mostly bad at governance for all people. Their tent is small and exclusive so is their world vision.

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They don't get it. - 2009-04-18 20:34:01

Taxes were only a small part of the protest. The loss of our representation in Congress, the constant shredding of the Constitution, Pork spending, B.S. upcoming 'Carbon Credits' to pay for a non-issue, constant erosion of the Bill of Rights by activist judges and a new president who aplologises to and IN other countries to appease them and bows down to an Arab ruler then gets all touchy-feely with our enemies and sponsors of Terrorism while his DHS Secretary calls fully HALF of U.S. citizens 'Possible Terrorists'! Methinks we had enough reasons to protest. And for those that like things the way they are? May your chains rest lightly upon you.

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I find it odd that - 2009-04-18 19:01:42

the liberal defenders of the constitution on here are questioning these peoples right to protest. It blows me away that someone said that health care and education simply need to have more spending. Health care in this country almost makes up a fifth of our GDP, and is quickly headed to a quarter. The argument that Americans pay less in taxes than other countries justifies the need to raise taxes is analogous to France saying their homicide rate isn't as high as the U.S. and there is a need to hand out semi-autos in Paris. O'Malley has a what an approval rating in the 30's, up from the lowest ever in Maryland history last year. In a state that is 2/3 crazed liberals, and MOM having a 30% percent approval rating means that there was realistically some Democrats at the rally questioning MOM's tax policies. The Dems are on quite a run right now, the governor of Illinois is set to appear on a reality show after getting canned, the Mayor of Baltimore is under indictment (Moyer calls her an amateur), and O'Bama can't fill out a cabinet because no Democrats pay taxes (which explains why the haphazardly raise them).

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I find it odd that - 2009-04-18 13:57:04

the liberal defenders of the constitution on here are questioning these peoples right to protest. It blows me away that someone said that health care and education simply need to have more spending. Health care in this country almost makes up a fifth of our GDP, and is quickly headed to a quarter. The argument that Americans pay less in taxes than other countries justifies the need to raise taxes is analogous to France saying their homicide rate isn't as high as the U.S. and there is a need to hand out semi-autos in Paris. O'Malley has a what an approval rating in the 30's, up from the lowest ever in Maryland history last year. In a state that is 2/3 crazed liberals, and MOM having a 30% percent approval rating means that there was realistically some Democrats at the rally questioning MOM's tax policies. The Dems are on quite a run right now, the governor of Illinois is set to appear on a reality show after getting canned, the Mayor of Baltimore is under indictment (Moyer calls her an amateur), and O'Bama can't fill out a cabinet because no Democrats pay taxes (which explains why the haphazardly raise them).

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Peter D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Comment removed by HometownAnnapolis staff. - 2009-04-18 10:43:45

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- Karma: Neutral

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Two Words - 2009-04-18 08:52:27

two words expose this comic event for what it is: Don Dwyer. A delegate with no college education !!!!!

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Tina Schubbie - annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

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silly partisans - 2009-04-18 07:55:08

Believing that the tax day protests / tea parties were about republicans hating on obama does not make it true. It is true that some republican groups jumped on the already growing grassroots tea party movement and stained it, i'll give you that... but again, i know several people that were down there that voted for obama and still want to express their displeasure with the wasteful spending in washington on both sides of the aisle. i participated in other events protesting under the bush debacle, they were just less successful and less covered by the media. and to answer the question... grab your torch and pitchforks is a fun way to say... hey America, the lobbyists that work for big business and special interests are stealing your country with the help of your elected representatives... it's time to get off your asses and do something about it. this protest didn't come together overnight... the pot has been steaming and coming to a boil for decades. it hasn't boiled yet... when it does... look out.

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B Kibbey - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Tea Party - 2009-04-18 01:51:25

Pseudo-recreations of historical events are cool. I'm surprised everybody made it out of there with their lunch money.

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T. Long - Baltimore, MD - Karma: Neutral

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pitch forks - 2009-04-18 01:30:40

Paul N. you are absolutly correct. B Kibbey, who are they and what is with the pitch forks and torches? Tina, I really think you should stop posting comments you make the rest of us look bad.I realy think you are prejudice and just want to put the blame on someone.

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c. turner - annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Annapolis Tea Party - 2009-04-17 20:50:32

Gee I wonder how many teachers will actually talk about the real Annapolis Tea party that happened on October 19th 1774 aboard the Peggy Stewart? Seems to me that Maryland history is not taught as well as it used to be.

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l. williams - edgewater, MD - Karma: Bad

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Come Up With Better Ideas - 2009-04-17 19:40:30

Tea Partiers, Tea Baggers, all this anger is laughable. Where was the anger when two wars and tax relief for the wealthiest of us were foisted upon us and paid for with borrowed money from China, among others. You want to be the party of dissent, that's fine. I like it that way. This is revealing of the hypocrisy that defines most of Republican politics. This combined with the pure wackiness of this whole spectacle makes me smirk. You can only capitalize on the people's anger when you can pin the blame on the party in power. At this point, it ain't their fault, it's yours. So come up with better ideas, find a solution that involves bringing the cost of living into a sane range. And propose something that puts Americans back to work with dignity.

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Bobby K. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Question? - 2009-04-17 17:36:38

Rep & Dems keep talking about whats good for their party. HELLO.. Give me a break.
HOW ABOUT WHATS GOOD FOR AMERICA.
For 50 years now I have heard the same old tired arguments from them..
We need an AMERICAN PARTY...that is why I have become an Independent
Can you talk me down here?

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David W. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Paul N - 2009-04-17 16:36:41

Ok so lets tax everyone 40+ percent and give them sub paar healthcare. Socialize healthcare in France and Germany is not working they are trying to abandon it. It is not the governments responsibility to solve our probblems. When will we as a country take responsibities for ourselves? Things can always get better. The point is throwing more and more money at it is not the solution.

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Jessica h. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Education & Health & Taxes - 2009-04-17 16:17:58

Taxes pay for the "safety net" for us all. Free education is not free, we pay for it. Health care in the rest of the world is not free, they pay for it. The government is us. We, taxpayers pay for a portion of ALL health care in the USA, because it is a deductable expense. The USA government pays for health care. So, no difference from France.

Just that our safety net has holes that vary in size up to six feet. Most Americans fall thru some part of the safety net.

We ought to be ashamed.

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Paul R. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Politics - 2009-04-17 16:04:37

Politics aside, if Storm Bros. closes for good it will simply be they cannot compete with Annapolis Ice Cream. That penguin place can't be beat!

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Sober Thoughts - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Hypocrisy - 2009-04-17 16:02:32

I agree that neither party has the high road when it comes to spending. I just find it hypocritical that Republicans claim to be fiscally conservative. Ronald Reagan abandoned that principal and the party hasn't made any real attempt to practice it ever since. Where were the tea protesters the last eight years? So Democrats are tax and spenders. Republicans are just spenders. They run on cutting taxes and government but once they hold the reins of power they can't resist the pork. Just ask Bush senior. He got stuck raising taxes to pay for Reagan's relentless spending and paid with his political career. Scott's pronouncements that we have the best higher education and health care systems in the world may be correct to a fashion but both are quickly becoming the domains of the rich. It's far more difficult for a middle-class family to afford higher education now than it was even several decades ago. Decreasing numbers of college graduates will doom this country to a future of following rather then leading. And Scott's suggestion that it's not a health care issue it's an insurance issue is a pointless argument. If you have inadequate or no health insurance then you have no health care. Once again we'll have the best for the elite and forget the rest.

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Nils Pedersen - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Paul N. - 2009-04-17 15:56:10

In Salt Lake City, they booed their Republican Governor for accepting stimulus money. In Alaska, they were criticizing Palin and the Republican legislature over state spending. Current elected officials across the country were being criticized, regardless of party. It just so happens that in Maryland, most of our elected officials happen to be Democrats. Also, keep in mind that the majority of people who attended these events did not carry signs at all. The ones that did tended to be among the more extreme few, so judging solely based on signs is not necessarily a reliable gauge for the majority of attendees.

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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

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Paul N - 2009-04-17 15:29:57

I saw plenty of signs for republicans as well in DC and on the news in Chicago and Sacremento.

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Jessica hause - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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question - 2009-04-17 15:01:03

If this was as bipartisan of an issue as many claim, regarding the reckless spending on both sides. Then why did I not see a single sign or hear a single statement about the deficit created by the R's or pork projects of Republican's. While this is an American issue not R or D issue, to say that this was anything more then Obama and O'malley bashing is just disingenuous.

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Paul Newman - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Paul R. - 2009-04-17 14:39:38

Paul, that is simply incorrect. Just because we have a lower tax rate than many European nations does not mean we should be paying more. Productivity in this country is much higher because people are not subject to as much income redistribution. As for education, we have by far the top-ranked higher education system in the world...foreign countries around the globe send their brightest students to our universities. Our primary and secondary school systems (K-12) do have their problems, I'll grant you, but they do in Western Europe as well. (Personally, I am a product of AA County public schools and value the quality of the education I received.) We also have the best medical care in the world. Other countries may offer "free" (really paid through taxes) coverage, but they get what they pay for. We don't have a failed health system, we have a failed insurance system. The bottom line though is that paying more taxes doesn't automatically increase benefits or make things better. We can afford to keep taxes lower as long as we spend more efficiently. As much waste as we have now, it would only get larger with higher tax rates.

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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

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Let Them Eat Ice Cream - 2009-04-17 14:25:31

I don't know about you, but career politicians with nothing but partisan, self-serving interests at heart don't qualify as "representation" to me. What this country needs is more people like Sveinn Storm who's not afraid to stand up for what he believes in and wear it on his sleeve. Kudos to Storm Bros.! Hopefully he'll have a whole new pool of potential job applicants after the next election. Then again, I seriously doubt any of our so-called "representatives" could figure out how to operate an ice cream scoop!

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J. Mayer - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Storm Brothers - 2009-04-17 13:35:19

Storm brothers has always been my favorite! They are even more so now!

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Jessica h. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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T.E.A. Party - 2009-04-17 13:28:02

The t.e.a. party stands for taxed enough already. Their pupose were to protest the mass spending, fiscal irresponsibility and reckless pork that has been spent and approved by our leaders (Past and Present). It is also to recognize (while not now) we are going to eventually have to pay more taxes (in a variety of ways) to flip this bill and as Americans we feel like we pay enough already. You may have noticed that crowds were larger in places like California. This is because they are already experiencing this with much higher taxes. State sales tax is now at 10%...ouch! Amongst many other unbearable taxes they are not incuring.

I find it sad to see the name calling and pettiness going on here when surely we should all be respecting each others right to freedom of speech and peaceable assembly. Even if we do not like what is being said. I am not trying to censor others for what they prostest neither should anyone (or media) censor mine or others. I think it great when we can factually disagree, but name calling is for children who are behaving badly, so lets get to the facts.

I attended the T.E.A. Party. For the record I attended the one in DC as I work there. I was surrounded by my countrymen and women who are Republicans, Independents and Democrats. We were there because we are concerned with the direction our country is taking. Were there folks there with an Obama axe to grind? Sure. But how many antiwar, pro-gay marriage, prochoice protests are out there that have not done the same to Bush. Come on...lets be honest folks.

This stimulus and mass spending that has been going on, is attributed to many. Bush while he was in power and actually signed off on the budget that lets not forget the Congress (House and Senate) proposes and votes in. The republicans. But lets not forget The democrats did have control of the Congress 2 years prior to this recent election. They democrats also voted for the first stimulus package under Bush. One other fact as we try to still blame Bush for everything. Our Government has spent more in the last 3 months than the Bush Administration did in 8 years. That said, Bush still signed in the first stimulus package. So there is blame for all.

Whose at fault for this spending debaucle? Those that support Big Government, take Pork, and quite frankly have not been statesmen (are there any left?) in this crisis we are in. Who does that include? Obama, Bush, Pelosi, Reid, Frank, Dodd...the list goes on. What are the people of the T.E.A. party saying? We want REAL change. I have a feeling you will see many incumbants not get re-elected in the next couple of elections. I will not vote for any incumbant in election moving forward. That is my additional protest.

Just so food or T.E.A. for thought!

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Jessica h. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Pay Taxes, Avoid the Storm - 2009-04-17 13:13:02

First, this is so Silly. Americans pay the lowest tax in the world, and we have the worst education in the industrialized world and a failed health system.

We need to pay more taxes.

Second, tho the Storm Bros. bs is very clever, I will not shop there again. Annapolis Ice Cream for me.

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Paul R. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Pay Taxes, Avoid Storm - 2009-04-17 13:11:32

First, this is so Silly. Americans pay the lowest tax in the world, and we have the worst education in the industrialized world and a failed health system.

We need to pay more taxes.

Second, tho the Storm Bros. bs is very clever, I will not shop there again. Annapolis Ice Cream for me.

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Paul R. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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B Kibbey - 2009-04-17 12:16:38

Very well said. I wish you would have been able to attend. The crowd was very enthusiastic and I would guess numbered closer to two thousand within the two hour timeframe. I will give Storm Brothers all of my business since I always prefer to associate with like minded retailers. This is only the beginning of a movement that prides itself on gaining the political attention of self serving politicans whatever their party. The deficit spending has been ongoing for years and we are fed up!

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Robin S. - Churchton, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Not a partisan issue! - 2009-04-17 12:11:36

The "tea parties" were simply meant to be a way for people to peacefully voice their frustrations over our current tax system...how we are taxed, and the lack of control people feel over how their taxes are used. That is not a partisan issue. While I think trying to make it an homage to the Boston tea party showed a lack of creativity (since tea had nothing to do with it this time around; surely someone could have come up with a new idea), I think the issue behind it deserved respect. Unfortunately the media and far-left groups were nothing but derisive of the people attending these events from the start. Rather than admit that someone could possibly be justified in being frustrated about our over-complicated tax code, or how one's taxes are used, they instead chose to revert to immature name calling ("Teabaggers?" Really? What grade are we in?). Worse, they simply dismissed the protesters' arguments without even offering a counterpoint. The far-right didn't help things either, by trying to use the protests as a platform for Obama-bashing, or for unrelated issues such as religion (this had NOTHING to do with public prayer or the wording of the Pledge of Allegiance). Overall I was shocked and disappointed by the lack of respect that was shown to this issue. Especially in this economic climate when we're all looking for ways to tighten our belts. How can you vote for "change" but then block an attempt at public dialogue of something that so fundamentally affects us all?

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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

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Missing the point - 2009-04-17 09:45:47

Those of you who think everyone at the protest was a bible toting republican are dead wrong. I had hoped to be there but couldn't due to some medical issues with my child but I'll tell you the kind of person I am... I'm registered republican so I can vote in the MD primaries. If MD had an open primary I would be independent. I've never voted for a republican presidential candidate because I see through them for what they have been... shills for big business. I don't own a bible, and don't go to church, and I don't believe in god... however I live by the golden rule and I think if there is a god that I'll be just fine and many of the bible thumpers that use god for their own agenda will not. I'm sick of paying high taxes and seeing that money squandered on defense for the world and welfare for fat cat corporations and the lazy. I protested during the Bush administration and I will protest during the Obama administration. So stop trying to paint the picture that all these protesters are the same... they are not... but they do share a frustration with government in general. Get informed or shut your mouth so you don't sound so stupid.

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B Kibbey - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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I like ice cream - 2009-04-17 09:37:09

I've lived in the area all my life and have only been to Storm bros once...Now I'll visit often. BItter "Jennifer C." has used just about every talking point from the Rachel Maddow show this week. And those points are ridiculus at best. The protesters are protesting because they are honestly fed up.

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Brian Nurmi - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Ignorance - 2009-04-17 03:05:34

To Jennifer C. ... Although you are not a troll like Tina S., you seriously harm your credibility when you make blatantly incorrect statements, for example: "...DEFENSE SPENDING - which accounts for nearly all of our national debt and over 60% of the yearly U.S. budget." And then you indict the oligarchs. That's fine, but don't you know that they control the Democrats and liberals, too?

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S. McGeady - Severna Park, MD - Karma: Bad

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Tea Party - 2009-04-16 22:58:41

A) It is astonishing that some of these folks are now complaining about the Constitution when it was all but ignored for 8 years by the Bush administration.
B) The Boston Tea Party was about taxation without representation. Everyone of these individuals has representation.
C) Why weren't they complaining over the excessive amount spent in Iraq?
D) Anyone born since 1940 has been born into a USA with debt.
E) What do you want to cut? Education? Health care? Security? Food safety? April 15 is likely the only day most Americans are asked to sacrifice for their country. Taxes are a necessary part of a civilized society.

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Lisa H. - Gambrills, MD - Karma: Bad

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where were they? - 2009-04-16 22:33:12

I sure didn't see hundreds of protesters. Where were they???? Why didn't the Capital show them all? It isn't that difficult to get one photo of a few hundred people down at the dock.

At least we know who the REAL patriots AREN'T. The teabaggers. All of them want the current administration to fail saving the country from the economic depression. Why aren't they focusing their anger at the crooks on Wall Street, in the Banks and in the Bush Administration and the previous Congresses. They are the ones responsible not just for the wasteful spending, but for robbing America's treasury. It's not some illegal immigrant who got a sub-prime loan, only a complete idiot would get sidetrack by that subterfuge.

Does it really make sense to protest wasteful spending by having a big corporate front group buy 1 million tea bags and then throw them away???

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Jennifer C. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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The gods among us.... - 2009-04-16 22:27:59

To Mary Jane M. who wanted to correct the usage of a commenter and left the following "And btw, gods/they and God/he." It all depends on just which 'God' you are talking about. 'God' could just as easily be 'he, she, or it.' Now if you are talking about 'The God', then, or course, it would be 'She.'

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Jennifer C. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Reaganism is the problem - 2009-04-16 22:24:21

Reaganism is the problem. Don't like the national debt? Thank Reaganism which stands for cutting taxes on the rich and big corporations and spending the US into debt on unneeded defense weapons. Guess what? most of the big corporations don't pay any taxes, they move their operations to off-shore accounts, just like Dick Cheney moved all of his money to Dubai....who knows where it is now. The problem is the OLIGARCHS are in charge and too many people are just a bunch of ignorant fools who don't take responsibility for putting Reagan, Bush and any republican into office. I'd like to see those who voted for Reagan, Bush and the GOP start repenting for all the death and destruction they have wrought.

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Jennifer C. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Storm Brothers - 2009-04-16 21:49:49

Thanks for showing your colors Storm Brothers. I appreciate your honestly. Why doesn't everyone come out of the closet so everyone knows who they should side with.

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Jennifer C. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Everyone a liar and a fool - 2009-04-16 21:46:58

Just how many of these teabagging idiots voted for Bush and think Reaganism is good? I bet all of them.

If you don't like paying high taxes there is one place only that needs to be cut and that is DEFENSE SPENDING - which accounts for nearly all of our national debt and over 60% of the yearly US budget. Until people are willing to be HONEST about where their tax money goes they will continue to be led around like cows going to the slaughterhouse, being used as propaganda tools by big business, FOX news, the Defense industry, the Republicans and most of all the OLIGARCHS.

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Jennifer C. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Tina Schubbie - 2009-04-16 21:11:16

Tina Schubbie is nothing more than a flame baiting troll.

Don't feed the troll!

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Mark A. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Positive cohesiveness Sober thought - 2009-04-16 20:49:01

My friends there is nothing wrong with fighting the man, nothing wrong with rising up against the machine, nothing wrong with fighter the power,nothing wrong with a love-in , communal living and nothing wrong with hippies. Furthermore, we all dream of Utopia do we not, I mean we atheists believe that that begins with the death of God and many of the faithful believe Utopia can only be arrived at posthumously. It seems for Emma, the moment of oneness was made real on that rainy day, when men chose not to work in order to come together with a common purpose to dream of a time when a man could carry a gun and preach the bible while living in a country Under God. Where the weak would fall by the wayside and the strong would survive. She said-- "As I looked at all the Patriots young and old, babies and teenagers I saw happiness and a common purpose. I also saw a profound sadness too for what our Country and State have become."-- a truly bitter-sweet moment for her.
To that I say, if you are not happy with OUR state and country why not start your own little amerika to fit your vision of Utopia my friends-- I hear Texas is talking about seceding from Our great Country. Maybe that is the T Partier's Utopia. How many of them there rebel Patriots were in attendance at the Dock yesterday anywho ?

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Tina Schubbie - annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

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Miss NegaTina - 2009-04-16 20:12:35

Do you ever have anything constructive to say? In one post you complain about police stopping drug dealers and tell those in public housing to fight "the man" (a very trendy hippy phrase) then here you mock those who participate and call them hippies? You are the person who could win the lottery and then just complain about the taxes (irritating all around you) Next time you wish to express yourself please find the nearest small animal and chat away.

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Sober Thoughts - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Emma G Whiz - 2009-04-16 19:26:24

Sounds like a good old fashion Hippy Love-in. A regular darn Koom Bay Ya moment. Maybe y'all could set up a commune and seek your Utopia.

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Tina Schubbie - annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

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No Sunshine Patriots - 2009-04-16 18:57:37

Gee the place was crowded! We shared our umbrellas with folks in rain gear. It was quite cold and very wet but nobody seemed to mind. When a Prayer was offered one could only hear the rain. When the Pledge of Allegiance was said you could hear 'UNDER GOD' all the way to the State House. As I looked at all the Patriots young and old, babies and teenagers I saw happiness and a common purpose. I also saw a profound sadness too for what our Country and State have become. For those that were there I hope you all have a special box with a bag of tea, a Bible and a bottle of Samuel Adams.

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Emma G. - West River, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Confusion - 2009-04-16 18:14:08

I dont understand. Didnt Don Dwyer vote for George W. Bush, the king of budget deficits? Didnt he support the republican congress that led this country through the biggest deficits in history? But Im getting ahead of myself. Wasnt the Boston Tea Party about taxation without representation? The fact that republicans lost an election is not the same as taxation without representation. And lastly, if all these republicans are, in fact, advocating against tax without rep., does that mean they support congressional voting rights for D.C.?

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P. Armstrong - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

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HEEEVE HOEEEEEE... - 2009-04-16 17:58:18

I'm all for throwing the bums in the bay but I have to correct you on the 'tea party didn't do anything back then'. Not sure what history books YOU read but mine say: "The Boston Tea Party was a key event in the growth of the American Revolution. Parliament responded in 1774 with the Coercive Acts, which, among other provisions, closed Boston's commerce until the British East India Company had been repaid for the destroyed tea. Colonists in turn responded to the Coercive Acts with additional acts of protest, and by convening the First Continental Congress, which petitioned for repeal of the acts and coordinated colonial resistance to them. The crisis escalated, and the American Revolutionary War began near Boston in 1775."

Hardly insignificant and THIS tea party has shown just how angry people are and not all of us are hook-in-the-nose Obamabots. It energized the movement and this is only the beginning. Marches in DC are already in the works. Hopefully with pitchforks and torches...

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T. McArdle - EDGEWATER, MD - Karma: Terrible

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Haters - 2009-04-16 17:28:09

Yes, I saw the "I hate Obama" crap too. I might believe it was more about singling out the most powerful/visible politician vs. just obama hating. However, blame who you will, the majority of the country voted these loons into office....Republican...Democrat....Independent, so we really can't blame the politicians too much. I think most are frustrated because they see the Federal Government as a somewhat broken system...do as I say...not as I do. And the Stimulus/porkulous/spend package is nothing new as the Feds have never had a balanced budget, its now just being marketed in a different way. I wish they would just call them unappropriated funds, and get on with it. This further demonstrates how the most people fall into one of three categories, the "don't cares, the ignorants or the informed" and unfortunately, we don't have enough of the last one, otherwise, we would be holding everyones' feet to the flames, regardless of the party. Although I will say, it was annoying watching how the reporters were really ripping on the demonstrators. Had this been about gay rights, or Iraq or some other Liberal Headed Cause, the protesters wouldn't have been ridiculed. That was gutless.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Good

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let the anger swell - 2009-04-16 16:41:36

I wasn't able to make it down there yesterday but I'm VERY happy (stunned really) to see that there were "hundreds" that participated. Some people chose to turn it into an I hate Obama party and though the Capital photographer seemed to focus on those, I doubt they were in the majority... I think most people hate all of the politicians that have taken this country down this bumpy road and that includes the Reps and Dems. Listen up people... the vast majority of politicians are representing big business, not the people. That is the root problem, everytime they make a decision, they are pulled by the nose by lobyists into doing what is best for their masters (not you and I). Until we come together and demand that they represent our interests by reducing taxes and reducing spending and getting out of our lives... they will continue. They should be afraid of being voted out... they aren't. yet. Keep up the pressure!

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B Kibbey - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Protesting is A liberal thing. - 2009-04-16 16:08:45

What has The Boston Tea Party have to do with anything ? Please to explain all the intricate parallels in detail. I was going to go see them yesterday and poke fun at them, but my camera would have gotten wet in the rain and I had a lunch meeting with my Banker. I think it is cool that all these people took off from work though--stickin' to the MAN !!!!

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Tina Schubbie - annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

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Tim - 2009-04-16 16:02:43

You "misremembered", my point I was showing that it's interesting for Republicans to all of a sudden be up in arms for something that until Jan. 19th was created by W. Last time I checked my taxes (federal) went down this year. And don't spout about deficit it wasn't too long ago before the R's controlled both legislative and executive branches that we had a surplus. My point is to stop harping on one side (so no I don't think this was a bipartisan protest)or the other both want to spend. And would someone please tell McMillan that no one cares what he has to say, he's as bad as Josh Cohen as an ego driven office seeking do nothing.

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Paul N. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral

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HEEEVE HOEEEEEE... - 2009-04-16 15:44:55

I'm all for throwing the bums in the bay but I have to correct you on the 'tea party didn't do anything back then'. Not sure what history books YOU read but mine say: "The Boston Tea Party was a key event in the growth of the American Revolution. Parliament responded in 1774 with the Coercive Acts, which, among other provisions, closed Boston's commerce until the British East India Company had been repaid for the destroyed tea. Colonists in turn responded to the Coercive Acts with additional acts of protest, and by convening the First Continental Congress, which petitioned for repeal of the acts and coordinated colonial resistance to them. The crisis escalated, and the American Revolutionary War began near Boston in 1775."

Hardly insignificant and THIS tea party has shown just how angry people are and not all of us are hook-in-the-nose Obamabots. It energized the movement and this is only the beginning. Marches in DC are already in the works. Hopefully with pitchforks and torches...

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T. McArdle - EDGEWATER, MD - Karma: Bad

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HEEEVE HOEEEEEE..... - 2009-04-16 15:34:15

The tea party didn't change anything then and it will not change anything now. Leave the tea alone, throw the politicians in the bay.

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Jen Rhoades - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Storm Brothers - 2009-04-16 15:21:50

I'm sure he will be distraught over losing your business Tina. How dare he have a different point of view from yours! Walk up the hill to Ben & Jerry's- they'll be happy to see you.

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Dave v. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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WOW - 2009-04-16 15:20:12

Comments like those from B. Shepard and T. Schubbie exemplify the left. And they call us racists for opposing an african american descent president over policy. WOW - that's about as myopic as a thing I've seen. Yeah let's stop buying ice cream from the guy because he doesn't look like us or think like us. And they wonder why the divide between the left and right has widened to a point of no return... Paul N. has it right - this isn't about right or left at all - but WOW does the left try to make it that way in everything they do.

In a word: WOW.

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Timothy McArdle - EDGEWATER, MD - Karma: Bad

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Think..... - 2009-04-16 15:03:42

Everyone needs to get one thing straight. This should not be a partisan issue. Our tax and spend policies extend far beyond any party lines. The Republicans spend it just as fast as the Democrats. Obama has been in office, for what 3 months, and he continued a policy of bailouts that was started by Bush. To turn this into a right vs left argument only satisfies the politicians themselves. It they can keep the party faithful from looking at things with a critical, non partisan eye then they can continue to do as they wish. As long as they can blame the other side, and both sides do this, then they are protected.

We keep saying we want our politicians to be bi-partisan, but we as citizens can't even be civil with each other and have a non partisan discussion.

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Paul N. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral

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Once again... - 2009-04-16 14:58:08

...Ms. Schubbie races to share (or inflict) her opinion. I believe she said it best in a post on another topic--if we would just agree with her...! Mountain men? There were men and women, in business and casual attire in attendance to express their opinions (and it should also be noted that it was a bipartisan, multi-ethnic crowd because that will be the potential subject of the next stream of vitreous commentary). And btw, gods/they and God/he.

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Mary Jane M. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Bad

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Slideshow - 2009-04-16 14:43:43

You have to look at the slideshow of the protest! The guy with the "Taxed Enough Alredy" sign is the best. How much less would he like to spend on education?!

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B. Shepard - Severna Park, MD - Karma: Bad

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Storm away from Storm Brothers - 2009-04-16 13:52:45

I can no longer buy ice cream at Storm Brothers( is he still in business?) . I think the gods told these mountain men what he thought of them by relieving themselves on their heads.

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Tina Schubbie - annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible