TMP Reports
Posted: Wednesday, July 8, 2009 1:24 pm

Rutherford County’s discontent with Washington, D.C. continues with a protest against the Obama administration’s programs and mandates with a Tea Party Tailgate at 5 p.m. Friday, July 10 on the Courthouse lawn.

Tea Party organizer Christian Hidalgo said the protest is aimed at sending a message straight to Rep. Bart Gordon (D-Murfreesboro).

“The main focus of this Tea Party is to let Bart Gordon know we want our country to be led responsibly and to live within our means,” Hidalgo said.

Protesters are upset with how the Obama administration has increased the national debt with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the more than $700 billion stimulus package, and financing it with bond sales to the Chinese government.

“The Tea Party is a opportunity for citizens to voice disapproval of our government’s massive spending and socialization of our country,” he said.

Local organizers have invited speakers, such as conservative talk radio host Steve Gill and Ben Cunningham, leader of the Tennessee Tax Revolt, to address the Tea Party.

Gill will address the party at 6 p.m. to be followed by Ben Cunningham, Lipscomb University history professor Dr. Tim Johnson, Tennessee Director of ParentalRights.org Dr. Eric Potter and numerous community organizers and citizens.

Hidilgo also said an open mic period is scheduled after the speakers so average citizens can voice their concerns and discontent with the federal government.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their family, friends, lawn chair as well as an American flag, and a clever sign with a direct message to our government leaders.

The non-partisan, nonprofit event follows a similar gathering in April to protest taxation and the federal government’s use of taxpayer dollars.