Friday, April 16, 2010

Silent no more ... Virginians speak out at tax day rally in Staunton

David Karaffa, who was in scrubs because he rushed from the hospital after his shift to attend the rally.

Yankee Phil was working his way through the crowd with camera in hand.

Governor Allen talked with Phil Lynch (left), Bruce Richmond (middle), and David Karaffa (right).

Constitution Party offered information at their tent.
Watching the events....

SWAC Husband with Bill ... Fonda and Liz.

Charles Kraut and Steve Bright at Constitution Party table.

Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park is a large recreational area located in the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, a place with picnic shelters, Little League baseball fields, playgrounds, city swimming pool, walking paths, and a Gazebo where free musical offerings are available throughout the summer months. It's the epitome of Small Town USA.

Thursday's tea party gathering at the Gazebo was a big change from a year earlier when a smaller group had gathered with signs and flags to express alarm and concern about the direction of the country after cap-and-trade, government overreaching into private companies, and the threat of government-run health care.

This time estimates of those attending ranged from 500-1,000 with a two-hour program, sound system, informational tables, and guest speakers including former Virginia governor George Allen. There did not seem to be as many flags and signs as in the past but it was a friendly group of like-minded Americans.

Friends were everywhere. I saw neighbors, home schoolers, fellow Republicans, and others from the Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County communities.

Many thanks to the tea party organizers ... Bruce, Mark, Sue, Lyn, Terry ... who were manning tables, EmCeeing, keeping the agenda on track, and all the jobs that are part of any event.

Photos by SWAC Girl
Lynn Mitchell
15 April 2010

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