TEA Party Rally

The Gilmer County TEA Party hosted a tax day rally on April 15th. The Taxed Enough Already group’s event featured Terri Lynn Weaver, Representative from the 40th district in Tennessee, as the main speaker. The Congress woman, who is also an accomplished gospel singer, spoke to the crowd as well as entertained via song.Weaver’s message was clear. “Change your world.” She spoke of defining moments in her life, such as the birth of her children and grandchildren, as well as her election to Congress. The avid film lover quoted several movies as well as sang her rendition of Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down” to the delight of many in attendance.

In a post speech interview with FYN, Weaver said that she was excited that people are now engaged and described the passionate TEA Party as “the heart of the patriot.” She also said that one of her main issues with the current administration was that it has been “removing Godly principles.”

Gilmer TEA Party member, Buddy Barrett, explained that main reason for the tax day rally was, “just to draw attention to the movement.” He described the TEA Party as “not a party we’re just a grass roots movement.” He stated that the TEA Party’s goals are to educate people and let the government know that the people are watching and paying attention. He also said that TEA Party is disillusioned with both the democratic and republican parties due to government spending.

Co-founder of the Small Business Coalition and TEA Party member, Colonel Oscar Poole, was also in attendance with his trade mark bright yellow Uncle Sam costume. He expressed the same frustration with government spending as Barrett.

“I’m fed up with the government; too much spending,” he said