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March on Washington on 9/12: Tea Parties Protest Against Obama

by Amy Judd | September 12, 2009 at 10:47 am

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Thousands of protesters participated in a march on Washington this morning September 12th protesting against Barack Obama and the expansion of government. This was the Taxpayer March on Washington that started near the White House, went up Constitution Avenue and ended up in front of the Capitol building.

What are the 9 principles and 12 values of the 9/12 project?

Some protesters dressed as colonial Americans and banged drums.

Many protesters said they opposed Democratic plans to the healthcare overhaul and the bank bailouts last year. There was also some opposition to the upcoming Climate Change bill.

Some marchers praised the outburst of South Carolina Republican Rep Joe Wilson, who shouted "You Lie!" at Mr. Obama during the president's Wednesday night health-care address to Congress. One held a sign saying: "Joe Wilson Speaks for Me." Others held signs showing Mr. Obama as Adolf Hitler.

Vance Elliott, 56, of Lincoln, Neb., had the top of the constitution tattooed to his right shoulder. Mr. Elliott said he flew from Nebraska and pitched a tent 30 miles from the Capitol, in Maryland. He said rain washed his tent away but he still managed to make the morning start of the march.

"We need to take our country back" Mr. Elliott said, blocks from the White House. "That's why I'm here

Tea Parties were held in April this year in opposition to President Obama as well, and today's rally comes just a few months after people began to delcare Obama's honeymoon period over. Just last week Obama's speech to children caused controversy and caused some parents to pull their children out of school.

On Friday, White House officials said they had no knowledge of the planned demonstration. Robert Gibbs said he didn't know who the group was.

Other Democrats suggested the protesters are embittered, fringe conservatives fueled by radio and TV talk-show hosts. "There's a lot of energy, but it's negative energy," said Democratic strategist John Lapp. "At the end of the day, Republicans are left with bomb-throwing, screaming, frothing and a lot of opposition."

Republican leaders seem to be struggling with the idea of how close to get to the protests, and many have yet to make an official statement.

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HughAskew (not verified)

at 12:52 on September 12th, 2009

"Democratic strategist John Lapp. "At the end of the day, Republicans are left with bomb-throwing, screaming, frothing......."There is no mention in the story here regarding the political affiliation of any of the protesters, nor is there any mention &/or footage of any "bomb-throwing". (Note that "Gibbs said he didn't know who the group was")Thus, once again, the Democrats lie about the opposition - whoever they might be.One is left to assume the "stategist" Lapp (dog?), thinks that his quote will be picked up and carried, or at least agreed with, by the usual suspects......the network talk shows are on in the morning.......curious to see often the line gets repeated.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 15:51 on September 12th, 2009

Thanks for this.

Mary Richard

at 16:07 on September 13th, 2009

NineTwelvePhotos has some great pics of this protest on Flickr. Especially like this one, it kinda sums up what they're really all about, doesn't it?

Albert Milliron

at 09:26 on September 15th, 2009

Amy, The protest was not an anti-Obama rally. It was an anti big government rally

Amy Judd

at 11:36 on September 15th, 2009

I based that statement on the pictures of people holding signs with swastikas and 'Obamacare', and a sign such as the one of Obama as the 'Mad Magazine' character with the slogan 'he's mad'.