TEA party crowd protest taxes, administration

With flags flying, music playing and protest posters waving, Walton County residents came out to support the local TEA (Taxed Enough Already) party.

Local resident Bob Sullivan along with Mary Brown decided less than a month ago that Walton County needed its TEA party organized to join the nearly 750 protest parties scheduled across the country April 15.

"We are concerned where this country is headed and that is what helped get this rally together," said Mary Brown. "I am a patriot and I want to make the current administration aware they can't keep spending without oversight."

 With more than 200 people of all ages coming out to make their voices heard, Sullivan is happy that the rally was put together.

"We've heard so many people say they don't make a difference," Sullivan said. "This TEA party is bringing people out that have never been involved before because the taxes effect them. They are average Americans and when they come together they can accomplish something."

Tables were set around the courtyard at the South Walton Annex and free posters were available for people to carry, along with dozens of boxes of tea bags. A tree on the West side of the courtyard was designated the "Tree of Liberty" and supporters signed their names on the tea bags and tied them to the branches.

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One young man, Albert Brown (Mary Brown's son), came dressed as Patrick Henry. Instead of the "give me liberty or give me death" his mantra is "give me liberty, don't give me debt."

"Our borrowed debt will come due," Mary said. "It is a huge debt that could impact freedom as we know it."

Former Representative Jerry Melvin (R) took the stage early to show his support for the protest against taxes and the current administration.

Quoting a speech given in 1944 by presidential candidate for the socialist party, Norman Thomas, Melvin warned that liberalism is another word for socialism and said people "should stick together so when the next election comes along we'll know who to vote for."

Melvin also said America is on the verge of having a bad reputation world wide.

"If you live beyond your means, with big debt, you will have a bad reputation and that is what is happening today with our government," said Melvin.

He also wants supporters of the TEA party to send a message to President Obama that America's government is not a "dictatorship."

Following Melvin, local Fair Tax co-director Kerry Bowers talked about changing tax policies, getting rid of the IRS, the current social security tax and corporate taxation and others and replace them with a consumption tax.

"Getting rid of the IRS and the standard for taxes now would eliminate class distinction," Bowers said. "We are a nation of hard working people and we can change the way things are if we all speak as one voice."

As the sun began to set the music continued with "Proud to be an American," and other patriotic songs. Supporters mingled and shared their angst for the administration and taxation.

Before the final flag wave, local County Commissioner Sara Comander took the microphone and encouraged everyone in attendance to become active in local government and have their voice heard.
"The best way to know what is happening locally is to attend the Board of County Commission meetings," Comander said. "You can't make a difference if you don't speak up for what is right. You need to be active and follow the issues and speak out."