July 3rd Tea Party

We began our celebration of Independence Day a little early with a tea party. We went to the Cleveland Tea Party at Willard Park in downtown Cleveland. That's the park, ironically, that has the somewhat ridiculous sculpture of a giant "Free" stamp.
We heard several speakers on the stage and lots of vocal tax protesters in the crowd. Ben Franklin spoke first! Here he is making his way to the stage.That was kind of fun, especially for the kids because we happen to be listening to his autobiography as a book on tape at home this week.

One media outlet announced there were about 2500 people there. I think that was about right. It was definitely smaller than the April 15th Cleveland Tea Party. Today, there are several area suburbs that have local tea parties going. I have a feeling they will be better attended, as they are on the fourth of July.

Tom Ganley, candidate for senate, spoke to the group too. I very much enjoyed hearing him! It is a shame he is running as a Republican. The Ohio Republican party will not support him because he did not lick their boots. The crowd, full of all political parties who are angry at the taxation and socialism coming from Washington DC were eager to hear him and received his message very well.

As always, there were many poignant signs from a variety of protesters. Here are just a few. Both parties are being broomed in this one.