TAX NEWS - JUNE 2010

Georgia Tax: 2,000 expected for TEA Party (TEA - Taxed Enough Already)

by Winston Jones, 04 June 2010 -- Organizers of this Friday's Douglas County TEA Party say they are brewing up the biggest event in the history of the local tax protest group.

More than 2,000 visitors are expected to attend the free 6-9 p.m. TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party at Clinton Nature Preserve, located at 8700 Ephesus Church Road in western Douglas County, according to Maureen Miller, event organizer.

"Herman Cain will be doing his live WSB-Radio broadcast from the park," Miller said Wednesday. "Twenty-five conservative candidates have committed to having booths so people can learn more about them and their views."

Miller said there will also be about 10 various vendors, selling everything from constitutional items and political things, to food and drinks. Iron Horse BBQ will provide food.

"We're expecting a much bigger crowd than the 1,500 who attended last Labor Day's party," she said.

She urged people to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets since bleachers won't be available. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park, she noted.

"As of today, the weather service is predicting a 40 percent chance of rain," Miller said. "However, the event will go on, rain or shine. Bring your umbrellas."

She said the main goal of the TEA Party (TEA - Taxed Enough Already) is "to stress informed voting, promote smaller government, reduced and responsible spending of our hard earned money, and of course, lower taxation."

She added, "We must insist that those we elect to office have our best interests in mind. Together we can make the politicians hear us."

Miller said the group is non-partisan and welcomes all people, regardless of political affiliation, race or faith.

"Our events are family friendly, inspiring and informative," she said.

Miller said this Friday's party will be the fourth public event held by the local group. In addition to last year's Labor Day event, the organization held smaller get-togethers on April 15 (tax deadline day) and July 4.

The coalition of TEA Party protests began last year in many locations across the United States by many individual groups. The TEA Party (TEA - Taxed Enough Already) focuses on smaller government, fiscal responsibility, individual freedoms and upholding the constitution.

The name "Tea Party" is a reference to the Boston Tea Party held on Dec. 16, 1773 by American colonists to protest British taxation of the colonies without representation.