State News
700 gather at capitol for TEA Party
They don't like taxes, big government or Obama
FRNKFORT — Around 700 people showed up on the state Capitol steps on Independence Day to stage their own TEA Party and voice their displeasure with policies of President Barack Obama and Congress.
TEA stands for “Taxed Enough Already,” and that was a theme of most speakers and their supporters in the crowd, but there were plenty of complaints about Obama who many said is leading the country “on a path to socialism.”
Miranda Davidson, 16, of Greenup carried a sign which read: “Obamanomics: Chains You Can Believe In.” She said her primary concern is the federal debt.
“I don’t like being put in debt before I even have money,” she said. “When me and my sister get older, we’ll have to pay for all the bailouts and we have no say in it.”
Her father, Jeramie Davidson, said it isn’t just Obama, not just Democrats who are the problem, but both parties and the whole government.
“I’m tired of all of the government sticking their noses in our business and taking away our freedoms,” said the elder Davidson. “You’ve got the radical left-wing in control of everything and we’re fed up about it.”
John Brown of Flatwoods told the crowd that nationalists are in power and distinguished that philosophy from patriotism.
“A nationalist is a person who loves his government,” Brown said. “A patriot is a person who loves his country and I am a patriot.”
He went on to say it is “foolish to keep returning to power” the same political leaders who have created a “central government out of control.” He said the people have the power to change things, the power of the ballot.
Most of the speakers primarily blamed Obama – who lost both the Democratic primary and general elections badly in Kentucky – for unemployment, high taxes and creeping socialism. But several sprinkled in boiler plate conservative social issues, including abortion and second amendment rights.
One of those was David Carr of the King of Kings Radio Network, a conservative Christian broadcasting group. Carr, of Somerset, talked about abortion as well as economic issues and said at one point that “members of Congress have no right to appropriate public money.”
Several in the crowd held small signs that said Democratic Kentucky Congressmen John Yarmuth of Louisville and Ben Chandler of Versailles should be replaced. Others held up signs critical of Obama, including some recalling unsubstantiated campaign charges about Obama’s citizenship.
“Where’s the birth certificate?” read one held by an elderly lady.
Dan Miler, a Lexington attorney and partner in The Conservative Underground Company, was doing a brisk business selling T-shirts with a large “O” over the word “crap” and “Don’t Blame Me – I voted for McCain” bumper stickers.
He said, “Business is booming,” but he said it wasn’t just anti-Obama buyers boosting his take.
“Based on my sales, it’s more anti-tax, anti-government,” Miller said, pointing to T-shirts which bore those kinds of messages. “The O-No and O-Crap shirts are selling well but anything with McCain isn’t selling.” One bumper sticker that was selling was “Sarah 2012.” That would be Sarah Palin, John McCain’s vice presidential nominee and Alaska governor.
Palin announced Friday she’s resigning as governor. She’s a popular choice among some conservatives to run for president in 2012.
Ronnie Ellis writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort, Ky. He may be contacted by email at rellis@cnhi.com.
- State News
-
-
Supporters rally for payday lender interest cap
Supporters of a cap on payday loans rallied in the state capitol Wednesday but the bill may not get out of committee.
-
Paul fires back with his own coal ad
Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Rand Paul put up his own television campaign ad on coal, answering one by chief rival Trey Grayson which began airing Tuesday.
-
No outcry thus far on reducing school days
Lawmakers returned to town Monday and most indicated they hadn't been overwhelmed by objections to a plan to reduce the number of school days to cut costs.
-
Grayson TV ad attacks Paul on coal
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Trey Grayson went on TV in the heart of coal country Monday criticizing his chief rival for calling coal "dirty form of energy."
-
Budget talk dominates legislature but other bills moving
A broad outline of a legislative budget plan emerged this week, relying on cuts and assumptions rather than new revenue, while a few other measures moved through committee and chambers.
-
Appalachian strip mines have long-term environmental effect
Reclaimed surface mines in Central Appalachia have continuing environmental impact after their reclamation bonds are released but are not commonly monitored by state and federal regulators, says a new report from the Government Accountability Office.
-
Children's advocates rally at capitol
Chelsey Loraditch, a freshman at Paul Blazer High School in Ashland, was at risk of being taken out of her home for truancy but a family preservation program avoided that trauma for her and he family - and saved the state money.
-
Budget pain may rain over everyone
House Speaker Greg Stumbo said House leaders are "very close" to a broad budget outline which will spare SEEK but others think the pain will extend to most areas of the budget.
-
KACo, KLC oversight bill passes House unanimously
While lawmakers wait for a budget proposal from leaders and the House budget committee, they moved a few pieces of legislation this week, including a bill to toughen oversight at KACo and KLC.
-
Stumbo, Williams say they can do budget without taxing, gambling - or the governor
Senate President David Williams and House Speaker Greg Stumbo made it clear in a Friday press conference they think they can craft a workable budget without gambling or tax reform - and without the governor's input.
- More State News Headlines
-
Supporters rally for payday lender interest cap
