Tea Party protests are being held across the country today. Do you think they will make a difference? Let us know in the comment section below, our
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People from all over the Tri-State came to Downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday to take part in a rally to show how upset they are about the $1 billion stimulus bill and recent increases in government spending.
The crowds continued to grow throughout Wednesday morning and into the early afternoon at a "Tax Day, Anti-Tax, Tea Party" rally and march that started at Cincinnati's Fountain Square.
The rally wasn't scheduled to start until 11 a.m. but dozens of people with signs and costumes started to gather just after 10 a.m.
It was 235 years ago that citizens staged the Boston Tea Party to protest taxation without representation.
The
Cincinnati Tea Party group that organized this rally expects upwards of 3,000 people to attend before its all over. Cincinnati police are estimating as many as 4,000 participants have joined the rally and march to Cincinnati City Hall.
One man even showed up in a burlap tea bag to make a visual statement in support of the Cincinnati Tea Party.
Others carried signs opposing higher taxes in general and President Obama in particular.
Rally organizers say the growth of their grass roots organization shows how many people are upset with the direction of the federal government.
Rally organizers say the growth of their grass roots organization shows how many people are upset with the direction of the federal government. Mike Wilson of the Tea Party tells 9News, "I think we have a unique opportunity here. I think there are a lot of people who are frustrated and don't feel they have a voice in Washington because they didn't have a candidate in the election that they felt was worth voting for."
Nancy Nolting came with some of her family members from Pleasant Ridge. She says, "I came down here because I was tired of big government and big government spending. We're spending way too much money, that our children and grandchildren will eventually have to pay back."
One lone counter demonstrator walked along Vine Street at the Square with Obama signs as she chanted, "We love Obama. The President of the United States." We've also seen others with signs calling for and end to war in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
The crowd made it to Cincinnati City Hall just about 12:35 p.m. where they are handing over 2,000 signatures on petitions asking the City of Cincinnati not to accept any stimulus funds.
Cincinnati is already in line for at least $150 million in federal stimulus money with millions more aimed at Hamilton County government.
Cincinnati was not the only city hosting a tea party on Wednesday. Thousands of protesters gathered across the country to voice their opinions on government spending.
