The People have spoken - here and across the country.
It was an all-American protest in Central Park on Wednesday, as hundreds cried out against U.S. government priorities, sending a tough message that things better change ... or get packing.
Honesdale was one of more than 1,800 U.S. cities and towns that held a Tax Day Tea Party on April 15, a nationally organized effort spearheading a collective roar to throw Congress off its laurels.
An Aaron Copland piece rolled along, before speakers took the stage at noon; the Wayne County Courthouse as an imposing backdrop, a reminder of Justice; American flags large and small fluttering by Spring breeze. A revolutionary feel, 21st Century style.
The ideal, America for the people, by the people, stirring among the voices gathered, a repeated refrain.
“This is just the beginning,” said Bob Beierle, of Newfoundland, one of a bunch of speakers that stood atop a small wooden stage, loudly admonishing government spending, Wall Street bailouts, the left-wing media, the rise of socialism, taxation without representation, printing money by the bales, no limits.
What was once behind-the-scenes populist dissent of the $787 billion stimulus package, among other initiatives, has become on-the-street activism.
“We have to scream so loud that they can hear us in Obama’s office,” said Beierle.
Indeed they did. Boos followed even the slightest mention of an elected or appointed official’s name - only Congress and the Executive Branch, not State or Local.
And Republicans and Democrats were game - both a symbol of government gone awry.
Although Democrats - and the President - were more in the limelight here.
“They lie, they lie, they lie ... they are a bunch of bums,” someone chanted. “Vote the bums out,” yelled another. “Let’s stimulate them with some tar and feathers,” implored another.
“We face an ever-growing federal government knowing no bounds,” said Thomas Shepstone, of Honesdale. “Our Constitution has been turned inside out.”
Even the cardboard signs reflected the overwhelming discontent:
-“Obama ... I’ll keep my guns, bible, money. You keep the change.”
-“Stimulate Business. Not Government.”
-“Capitalism Not Socialism”
-“Out of Control Government Spending Robs Peter and Paul”
-“Remember the 1773 Tea Party.”
Said Ron Collins, of Honesdale: “They’re stealing the future of my six beautiful grandchildren. ... I am as mad as hell.”
Some were moved to tears; and nobody protested against the rally.
Mary Iulo, of Beach Lake, who got the ball rolling for this Honesdale Tea Party, chided Congress during her impassioned remarks.
“They are drunk with power and greed,” she said, followed by a clamorous cheer. “Vote all the incumbents out. ... This is the only way you are going to send a clear message to Washington.”
And quoting Thomas Jefferson, she added: “When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.”
Her eyes welled with tears, as she stepped off the stage.
Gloria Gebert, of Waymart, couldn’t believe she had the muster to speak into the booming microphone, letting all know “we the people, not the government.”
“I’m shaking,” she told the Wayne Independent afterwards, brimming with surprise at her courage today.
And so it goes.
Honesdale —
