Taxation Protested During Rome Tea Party
While many local folk chose to relax or barbecue for the Fourth of July, there were some that otherwise chose to spend the day protesting government taxation and waste.
Close to 400 people came out on Saturday morning to Opi’s Restaurant in downtown Rome for the July 4th 2009 Rome Tea Party.
Coordinator Layla Shipman said event was essentially a rally.
“We oppose government waste, Our national debt is way too high,” Shipman said. “We also don’t want a nationalized health care system. We don’t want the government to tell us which doctor we can or can’t see.”
She added that the event allowed people with similar views a chance to meet, socialize and swap ideas.
Saturday’s Rome Tea Party follows a similar one held several months ago.
Romans Danny and Melanie Curry said they came to the event to show support for several of the ideas presented.
“We support our country,” Mrs. Curry said. “We’re patriotic. But our government is spending too much money. We just want our fair share and what’s right.”
Mr. Curry agreed.
“And we already pay enough taxes,” he said. “With all this government spending, the money has to come from somewhere. You will have to pay higher taxes.”
Mr. Curry said he was also against too much government involvement in small businesses.
The Rome Tea Party lasted a couple of hours, with most attendees in favor of lowering the national debt and standing up against socialistic-type government practices.
Other similar events are being planned by organizers.
People displayed signs protesting various governmental policies and practices during Saturday's Rome Tea Party at Opi's Restaurant. Staff Photo by Dawn Treglown,
