Thursday, April 16, 2009

Thousands Flood Mall C To Voice Their Anger Over Taxation

Wednesday was the deadline to file your federal income tax. Wednesday was also the day of the nationwide Tax Day Tea Party protest.

The protest was held to speak out against taxation, wasteful spending, and big government.
It is estimated that around 5,000 people showed up at Mall C on Wednesday. This number far surpasses the original 2,500 or so that had originally RSVPed on the Cleveland Tea Party’s website.

It is also estimated that around 300,000 gathered around the country, to participate in this nationwide movement.

The Cleveland website, and the national website, describe the movement as a non-partisan grassroots movement.

One of the speakers stated that, “this is the beginning of something. This is beginning of something great, the beginning of a great movement.” another was quoted as saying that, “It is time to re-engage in a government, of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

“We have been a silent majority for a long time. For the last two elections. It is time to put an end to that silent majority.” said radio talkshow host Bob Frantz who was chosen to be the keynote speaker at this event.

These protests were held in every state, in an estimated 700 cities across the nation.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Cleveland to Participate in National Tea Party Movement

On Thursday, IVSNN spoke with Ralph King, a media organizer for the Cleveland Tea Party movement.

Cleveland is one of hundreds of major cities throughout the country to hold one of these events, which is part of the National Tea Party movement. This nationwide movement, was initially started when CNBC On-Air Editor Rick Santelli, did a rant expressing his anger over the government subsidizing mortgages with taxpayers money.
The event is to be held on April 15, which is also the deadline for taxpayers to file their federal income taxes. The event is for those who wish to speak out against the local, state, and federal taxes. King said that there are over 200,000 people who are collectively participating in the movement nationwide.

According to their website, “This grassroots effort has and will continue to bring like-minded people together. People like you who are tired of working harder while the government takes a bigger piece of your pie.”

“The people need to understand that it’s not about Republicans, it’s not about Democrats. It’s not about conservatives, it’s not about liberals; to some extent, it’s not about the second amendment it’s not about any of the social issues.” King said in during the interview.

“It’s about, that much of this spending, is not helping put Americans back to work. It is about the survival of our country.”

He also said, “The intent of this is to tell Washington, ‘Look, we’re fed up. You guys got to start doing what you’re supposed to be doing, and thats doing what supposed to be right for the American people.’”

When asked about the 3/4% tax increase to fund the new medical mart and convention center, he stated that he remains very skeptical about the medical mart. He said that he had gotten over 1,000 signatures against the tax increase which he said was, “an illegal tax upon the people of Cuyahoga County”, and that it was, “forced upon us”.

Some big names in the media have endorsed this movement. Among them, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich has also endorsed this movement.

The speakers at this event include, Jim Trakas, a former Ohio State Representative, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Ohio State Senator Tim Grendell, Dave Morgan, a retired U.S. Army Captain, Former Ashtabula County Auditor, Sandy O’Brien, Bob Frantz from WTAM 1100, as well as business owners, and blue collar workers.

King says that, he would like to get more Democrats involved in the movement. He said that they attempted to contact Senator Sherrod Brown, but he has not responded back.

As a non-profit organization, they were required to pay a $500 fee if they wanted to use city space. King told IVSNN that the fee had been paid.

The event is to be held at Mall C in downtown Cleveland, on the 15th. For more information you can visit their website.