There's tax revolt in the air (Tea Party/Tax Revolt updates & links)

Whittier Daily News ^ | March 21, 2009 | John Weeks

[abb]

Long ago, if you wanted to put on a good taxpayer revolt, you marched in the streets, waved flaming torches, and maybe dumped a load of British tea into the harbor.

Today, you go on the "John and Ken Show."

John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou have roused the masses, and their show on KFI-AM (640) talk radio has become Southern California's rant room for those who are fed up with government spending, government bailouts and government tax hikes.

The show has hit a special nerve, Kobylt and Chiampou say, in the Inland Empire, which is suffering the worst extremes of the national recession, with record foreclosure and unemployment rates.

"The Inland Empire is the most emotional, most passionate, most involved part of our audience," said Kobylt, interviewed along with Chiampou on Thursday at their Burbank studio. "They're the ones who call the most, email the most, and show up for events the most."

Chiampou confirmed the point. "We did a rally in Riverside," he said, "and the crowd was just huge. I'm telling you, it was huge."

Kobylt added, "The Inland Empire is a real driving force as far as what's happening, on the ground level, in California."

What's happening is rampant talk of tax revolt.

Taxpayers are upset, not just in California, but from coast to coast.

There have been rallies in Seattle, in Phoenix, in Denver and in New York. Angry citizens are bombarding the offices of their elected public officials with pork rinds and tea bags, meant to symbolize "pork barrel" spending and unfair taxation.

Tea bags, of course, also are a reminder that Americans have been battling taxes since before the founding of the nation. The Boston Tea Party of 1773, in which colonists threw British tea into Boston Harbor rather than pay taxes on it, was a direct precursor to the Revolutionary War.

Legions of today's taxpayers are just as angry at the prospect of paying new taxes to bail out, as they see it, an underperforming

Golden state

Emotions are especially high in California, where the recession has hit hard, and where taxes already are high.

When state lawmakers in late February, after a crippling four-month stalemate, passed a compromise budget that includes $12.5 billion in tax increases, an outcry was heard - nowhere more loudly than on the airwaves commanded by Kobylt and Chiampou.

The radio hosts called for the heads of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and selected legislators deemed to have reneged on no-tax pledges. They even added symbolic graphics to their "John and Ken Show" Web site, showing the severed heads of the lawmakers being hoisted on pikes and swords.

Prominent on the hit list are assemblymen Anthony Adams, R-Claremont; Jeff Miller, R-Corona; and Paul Cook, R-Yucaipa. Recall efforts against all three are vociferously supported on the "John and Ken Show."

Adams said he voted with the Democrats to support the compromise budget because he felt the future of California was at stake. "I hate taxes, but we were facing a crisis that couldn't be fixed any other way," he said.

He has found no forgiveness on the "John and Ken Show," however. And, while he rebuffs calls for his ouster from the Assembly ("I am not going to go down without a fight"), he did on Thursday resign his position as chairman of the San Bernardino County Republican Party.

Cook, for his part, voted against the budget, but he supports Proposition 1A on the May ballot, a measure that proponents say will limit government spending, but opponents say will extend tax increases.

"While conspiracy theorists are busy spinning tall tales that make good radio copy, Proposition 1A is actually pretty simple," he said. "Prop 1A allows voters to either place a spending limit in the state constitution by voting yes, or to reduce the tax increase from four years to two years through a no vote. This was my first opportunity to vote on a real spending cap, and I voted for it then just as I would today."

The "John and Ken Show" Web site urges voters to "call Assemblyman Paul Cook and tell him he's an idiot."

Earlier this month, in the aftermath of the budget vote, Kobylt and Chiampou led a rally in Fullerton where an estimated 15,000 people turned up to support a taxpayer revolt. They waved signs and banners, and chanted "Heads on Sticks!" and "Revolt! Recall! Repeal!"

The turnout was a surprise even to Kobylt and Chiampou.

"We didn't have the foggiest notion we would have so many people there," Kobylt said. "But they were there, and they were there for a purpose. The purpose is to vote down Proposition 1A on May 19, because it extends the tax increases from two years to four years. The purpose is to get the word out to everyone that our legislators are liars. The purpose is to gather support to recall Schwarzenegger, Anthony Adams, Jeff Miller and everyone else."

Kobylt and Chiampou, whose radio ratings have skyrocketed by 30 percent since the first of the year, hammered home these points during all four hours of Thursday's show (3 to 7 p.m.), urging listeners to join the tax revolt, join the recall efforts, join the campaign against Proposition 1A.

It's a burgeoning movement, to be sure, with not only rallies but mail and call-in campaigns, partisan Web sites such as www.CaTaxRevolt.com, www.teapartyrevolt.com and www.newamericanteaparty.com, and even merchandise. T-shirts, bumperstickers, even glassware emblazoned with such slogans as "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "Revolt Like It's 1776" are available for sale.

Retro-revolt

California taxpayers have had blood in their eyes since 1978, when they joined an effort mounted by anti-tax crusader Howard Jarvis to pass Proposition 13, which not only capped property tax rates but established a rule that all future tax increases must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the state Legislature. The "Two-Thirds Rule" played a prominent role in the state's recent budget impasse.

Now, 30 years after Prop 13, the flames of tax revolt are being fanned again. As Jon Coupal, spokesman for a rejuvenated Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, put it: "All Californians are pinching pennies. It's time for the government to follow suit."

And perhaps it's not too surprising, in a state that has sent entertainers like Clint Eastwood, Sonny Bono, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan to positions of political power ranging from mayor to president, that a pair of radio talkers seem to be directing the current tax debate.

For their part, Kobylt and Chiampou say they are heralds, not heroes.

"It's wrong to call me Republican activist, because I'm not a Republican and I'm not an activist," Kobylt said. "We aren't telling people to do anything. We're just helping to put information out there. We're helping people to talk to each other."

Chiampou agreed. "People feel like they have no place at the table. We're giving them a place at the table," he said. "We're giving them a time and a place to speak out."

Of course, the tax debate isn't being heard only on the "John and Ken Show." Many other radio and TV talkers including Rush Limbaugh, Jon Stewart, Howard Stern and Oprah Winfrey have joined the fray. And citizens are making themselves heard not only on the air, but on the Internet, and on the opinion pages of newspapers.

Dissenting opinions

While the voices of revolt and anger may be the loudest, it's important to remember that the tax debate is in fact a debate, even on the "John and Ken Show." There are differences of opinion. There is more than one side.

"Assemblyman Adams should be commended rather than condemned, for putting politics aside so that we can begin the important work of rebuilding California," said Mila Arroyo of Whittier.

"Our officials in Sacramento have brought new meaning to dishonesty and ripping off the public," said Alex Varga of Apple Valley.

"These times require courage, compassion and the rational leadership that Anthony Adams has shown," said Sophia Rocco of Crestline. "It took enormous courage to hold the state of California above his own personal desires for power, acceptance by his colleagues and re-election."

It's a debate that seems sure to continue for some time to come. A tax revolt rally is planned for 10 a.m. March 28 on all four corners of Foothill and Day Creek boulevards in Rancho Cucamonga. Similar rallies are in the works at locations throughout the Southland.

Kobylt and Chiampou promise to keep an eye on their prized Inland Empire audience. "We're up for whatever the public decides to do out there," Kobylt said. "If people get their recall efforts organized, we'll do as many shows out there as it takes."

[abb]

Updates and links to follow downthread.

[abb]

ping

[abb]

http://www.chapelhillnews.com/news/story/46831.html
County advised to keep revaluation
Critics calls for rescinding assessments, but attorney says that may violate state law

http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2009/03/thousands-turn-out-for-orland-tea-party.html
Thousands turn out for Orland tea party

http://voiceofnewalbany.blogspot.com/2008/12/pitchfork-timerevolt-at-state-house.html
PITCHFORK TIME...”REVOLT AT THE STATE HOUSE”

http://www.insidesocal.com/news247/2009/03/no-fooling-taxing-times-for-ca.html
No fooling, taxing times for Californians begin April 1

http://albanysinsanity.wnymedia.net/blogs/
Erie County WNY Tea Party Sign in here….

http://str8talk.wordpress.com/2009/03/21/update-on-tea-party/
Update On Tea Party

http://loungedaddy.us/?p=608
More tax protesting this weekend.

[jwparkerjr]

Until you put the fear of the electorate, and deny them the royal lifestyle, there will be no change. Time and again the voters have proved to them that they can do just about anything they want and continue to be returned to office.

They have made the path to reform so long and complicated and convoluted that it’s functionally impossible to slake their greed and force them to live like those who must support them and run the state the way a business would be run.

[JDW11235]

Not to be critical, but what exactly will be the ACTION brought about by these parties. I’m in a fairly remote area, and even if I wanted to help organize one, I don’t understand the point. If it to show there’s many of us, or something else? Just curious.

[JDW11235]

These days I think you mean the way a business “should” be run. :)

[abb]

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090322/NEWS01/903220331
Tea Party members more than mad; now they’re getting into politics

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2009/03/22/sf-chron-reports-massive-anti-war-protest-completely-ignored-equ
SF Chron Reports ‘Massive’ Anti-War Protest, Completely Ignored Equally Large Cincy Tea Party

http://www.nbcaugusta.com/explorepolitics/41636252.html
Augusta to have its own ‘tea party’ in April

http://www.aim168realestate.com/real-estate-news/united-states-of-america/14656/citizens-group-plans-protest-r.html
Citizens Group Plans Protest Rally on Tax Day

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/032109_tea_party_in_lake_Eola
Tea Party Sets up Shop in Lake Eola

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-locteaparty21032209mar22,0,426670.story
Orlando ‘Tea Party’ rally draws more than 4,000

http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/4788843/
Local group protests Obama’s stimulus plan

http://www.newstimes.com/latestnews/ci_11968298
Hundreds protest federal government spending in Ridgefield

http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/1453269.html
Pork fried at Capitol protest

[abb]

Our Baton Rouge group (event is sked for 4/15) will this week begin going to lawmakers offices (both state and federal) and making our thoughts known. I don’t know what other groups are doing.

What are you planning to do?

[abb]

http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/2009/03/22/opinion/columns/columns01.txt

In Northwest Montana, you can exercise your spirit of resistance on April 4 when a “Tea Party” is held at Depot Park in Kalispell from noon to 2 p.m. Remember the people are guaranteed the right of assembly by the Constitution, and if we don’t want to lose that right too, we had better start exercising it. Bring a sign expressing your thoughts about the deficit, the bailouts and the boondoggles of the past six months. Contact Susan at 837-6721 for more information, or just show up.

[PALIN SMITH]

I attended the Tea Party in Ridgefield, CT yesterday. Here are two videos I've posted so far.............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUIg8_GJkPQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC6AJKsu_so

[JDW11235]

That is a good Idea. I don’t have plans yet for anything, that’s why I’m looking for ideas. I know mailing tea get’s you threatened, and I can’t afford to bring down that kind of wrath upon myself right now. I’m trying to find a happy medium far from leader, far from sheep. I do recognize a need to do something. Is it (4/15) due to it being tax day? Alas, we don’t even have a TV station here, so I don’t even know how to get real attention to the cause.

[coolgenner]

The undercurrent I noticed in Orlando yesterday is that all of these smaller meet ups can then be channeled into a larger one, in Washington DC on July 4th. So if you can't get to a local one, make plans to be in DC to join the big one.

[JDW11235]

I pray with the repeal of Posse Comitatus (however it’s spelled) this won’t incite something sinister. It’s good to know this is working toward something though. Thanks so much for the heads up. I may be able to do nothing more than pray, get out the word and donate if possible. A trip to D.C. may not be in the cards for me, but I’ll do what I can. Never give up, never surrender. :)

[abb]

http://blogsforvictory.com/2009/03/22/the-american-tea-party-part-7/
The American Tea Party, Part 7

http://cristyli.blogspot.com/2009/03/orlando-tea-party-attracts-3000.html
Orlando Tea Party Attracts 3,000

http://politicalpistachio.blogspot.com/2009/03/orlando-tea-party-huge-success.html
Orlando Tea Party A Huge Success

http://www.socaltaxrevoltcoalition.org/
GRASSROOTS 101: San Diego Tea Party Style

http://sharprightturn.wordpress.com/2009/03/22/the-tea-kettle-is-about-to-whistle-tea-parties-gaining-strength/
The Tea Kettle is about to whistle: Tea Parties gaining strength!

http://back2constitution.wordpress.com/2009/03/21/orlando-tea-party-march-21-2009-video-4-reading-of-orlandos-declaration/
Orlando Tea Party - March 21, 2009 Video 4 - Reading of Orlando’s Declaration

http://www.melaniemorgan.com/component/content/article/1-latest/1460-orlando-tea-party-huge-succes.html
Orlando Tea Party HUGE Succes!

http://www.dragondirt.org/2009/03/another-weekend-more-tea-parties.html
Another Weekend, More Tea Parties

http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/74067/
MORE ORLANDO TEA PARTY PICS HERE: Also, Rachel Pereira has posted over 100 pictures. Note the appearance of John Galt:

http://theendzone.blogspot.com/2009/03/more-teaparties-dodd-man-walking.html
Something Happening Here III: More Teaparties!

http://taxdayteaparty.com/teaparty/2009/03/saturdays-tea-parties-huge-success/
Saturday’s Tea Parties huge success

http://buffalopundit.wnymedia.net/blogs/archives/8401
The Giant Teabag Party 2009 - Buffalo

http://brainflation.wordpress.com/2009/03/21/ridgefield-tea-party/
Ridgefield Tea Party

http://transfigurations.blogspot.com/2009/03/tea-party-updates.html
‘Orlando Tea Party’ rally at Lake Eola rails against Obama, bailouts

http://hgguy.wordpress.com/2009/03/22/tea-pary-updateover-4000-protesters-in-orlando-1200-in-lexingtonky-hundreds-meet-in-raleigh-and-connecticut/
Tea Party Update:Over 4000 protesters in Orlando, 1200 in Lexington,KY hundreds meet in Raleigh and Connecticut

http://sites.google.com/site/shreveportbossierprotest/
April 15th 5:00pm Downtown Shreveport. Check back for exact event location.

http://www.meetup.com/WE-Surround-Them-Mandeville/calendar/9927379/
Mandeville Tax Day Tea Party

http://sibbyonline.blogs.com/sibbyonline/2009/03/tea-party-in-rapid-city.html
Tea Party in Rapid City

http://jdgaby.wordpress.com/2009/03/21/patriots-aplenty-lexington-tea-party/
Patriot’s A’Plenty, @ Lexington Tea Party

http://vateaparty.wordpress.com/2009/03/22/what-to-bring-to-a-tea-party/
What To Bring To A Tea Party

[abb]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2211954/posts
After Action Report Raleigh NC Tea Party

[Terabitten]

I pray with the repeal of Posse Comitatus (however it’s spelled) this won’t incite something sinister.

I just got schooled on this the other day -- Posse Comitatus was repealed, but then reinstated in its entirety. Bottom line, it's still in effect.

[joesjane]

It is great that Californians are finally waking up but I have a few things to say to their liberal ranks.
1. It is ironic and convenient that you are waking up only when it effects you.
2. You have given the citizens of the United States one of the worst elected officials in the history of our country, you want help from us then I recommend you get rid of Nancy Pelosi. Every one of you who have lost your job or fear you will soon just remember her words to an immigration group, ICE is Un-American when they conduct raids and round up illegals. The true patriots in her mind are the illegals who are here taking jobs, not paying taxes and murdering our citizens.
WAKE UP CALIFORNIA AND DO YOUR DUTY TO SAVE THIS NATION!!!!

[albie]

“The undercurrent I noticed in Orlando yesterday is that all of these smaller meet ups can then be channeled into a larger one, in Washington DC on July 4th”.

...I live in Richmond, VA and have been in DC on the 4th. If you plan on going, get there early in the am or plan on an overnight. There’ll be counter protests from ACORN and the usual fireworks crowd. I’ll be going but plan to stay with friends.

[JDW11235]

We hope.

[abb]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_bag_protest
Tea party (protest)