By Andrew W. Griffin

Red Dirt Report, editor

Posted: April 15, 2009

OKLAHOMA CITY – Well over 5,000 people crowded onto the south plaza of the Oklahoma State Capitol Wednesday, taking part in the Tax Day Tea Party movement that has swept America, with 2,500 Tea Parties reportedly taking place nationwide.

This grassroots gathering was amazing in that it drew people from all walks of life and political backgrounds. All agreed that the federal government has taken things too far in regards to taxing the American people and bailing out Wall Street and the banks.

This frustration was palpable at the State Capitol.

Steve Richards of Crescent, a 68-year-old Vietnam War veteran told Red Dirt Report that the Tea Party was the first protest he has ever attended.

“I came out to support these folks here who want the government to quit spending so much money,” Richards said. “We need to do more about the Democratic Party taking over.”

And while there were signs expressing displeasure with the socialistic policies of Barack Obama, it seemed to be a bipartisan effort, and one that incorporated a lot of fun, from a man dressed up as Benjamin Franklin to another man, Bruce Parker of Norman, who was dressed up as a life-size tea bag.

“It’s Tea Bag day,” Parker said with a smile. “I came out here because we all want to get people motivated.”

To help get people motivated, the event organizers blasted patriotic country music, including songs commonly played during the kickoff to the Iraq War – “Have You Forgotten?” by Darryl Worley, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” by Toby Keith and “Proud to Be An American” by Lee Greenwood.

Out amongst the growing crowd, leading up to the start of the event at noon, folks held flags and placards. Most common were American flags and the yellow, Revolutionary War-era “Don’t Tread on Me” Gadsden flag with the snake. A couple of un-reconstructed folks brandished the Stars and Bars and Bonnie Blue flags from the Old Confederacy.

Some of the signs read: “The Real Pirates Are in Washington;” “We are the Heartland – We Are Not the Fringe;” one featuring Uncle Sam read “He’s Your Uncle, Not Your Sugar Daddy.” One hitting closer to home read: “B(rad) Henry is Obama Jr.” Needless to say, the governor did not make an appearance at the protest.

One man was passing out complimentary pocket Constitutions and at a nearby table, event organizers took down names of folks wanting to send a message to Democrat Gov. Brad Henry that wasteful spending is unacceptable.

Members of the State Legislature were present as well, including Rep. Mike Thompson (R-Oklahoma City) and Rep. Mike Christian (R-Oklahoma City). Both were impressed with the turnout.

“It’s great,” Thompson said. “I’m a family man with children and to see the debt put on the backs of the people of this country … it’s not right.”

Thompson has expressed interest in running for Oklahoma’s Fifth Congressional District, now that Rep. Mary Fallin is planning to run for governor.

Christian nodded in silent agreement with Thompson’s comments on the financial fix the country appears to be in. That and government meddling in state affairs.

“I support Gov. Perry in Texas,” Christian said, noting the governor who reaffirmed a bill to support the 10^th amendment to the US Constitution. “Enough is enough.”

Christian, who was injured in a hit-and-run accident a few months ago mentioned that it is believed the suspect who hit him – who has yet to be caught – was an illegal alien.

“I’m fed up with illegal immigration,” Christian said.

The actual event finally kicked off under a partly cloudy sky – chemtrails notwithstanding – and pleasant temperatures. The steady breeze kept the numerous flags flapping, an old man with a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag, complete with pole propped on his ample midsection, stared straight ahead, as if preparing to go into battle.

Event organizer Alan Webb opened up the event asking, “Are there any angry people?”

“YEAH!!!” replied the sea of people.

Webb, an unassuming fellow sporting a Boston Red Sox cap had organized a similar Tea Party event at the State Capitol several months ago. At that time, cold temperatures kept numbers low but was still a success. Wednesday's event exceeded expectations.

Following a rousing version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, KTOK AM 1000 radio host Mark Shannon, the main speaker, recited portions of the famous speech from “Braveheart,” where William Wallace (Mel Gibson) inspires the Scottish warriors to fight the oppressive government.

“They may take our lives,” Shannon told the crowd, “But they will never take away our freedom.”

The rest of the speakers, most of whom did not introduce themselves – a college student, an old Army Ranger, a Mom – were, sad to say, a bit uninspiring. They droned on, reading comments taken off a website. Nice and interesting, but unoriginal. At one point, it seemed that one speaker had lost the crowd.

Despite that, people who talked toRed Dirt Report said it was the impressive turnout that seemed to make the difference and sent the biggest message to the corrupt, tyrannical and out-of-control government in Washington. Perhaps this is the first in a number of Tea Party events that will be held in this country.

Were there extremists, as Janet Napolitano and Homeland Security suspected? None that this reporter could see. These were regular folks who are fed up with the direction this country has taken, particularly in the age of Obama.

“We’re part of a grassroots movement that is spreading across the country,” Webb told the crowd, which was followed by cheers.

It was a great day to be an Oklahoman and a great day to be an American.