Of the 40 comments about the article (prior to mine), only one local person had commented. There were a few from neighboring communities, but by far, most of the comments, ranting about 'silly, evil rethuglicans', came from places a thousand miles away (in various directions).
I can only conclude that ACORN or Moveon or something similar assigned people to search across the nation for articles and disparage any news about the gatherings.
They are really afraid of this grass roots movement for some reason. Perhaps they believe that it is going to be more effective than even do most of the people who are attending the 'tea parties'
Not too bad for a place that has an official population of about 7,000, but not an earthshaking attendance either. Mostly 'old folks' in their 60s-80s. Maybe 10% were in their late teens through mid 20s. Another 10% were kids, some of whom actually seemed to enjoy being there. Not as many 'middle agers' as I expected.... But I imagine most of them were either still at work or at their kid's soccer and baseball games.
Oh, and 10 uniformed law enforcement people. (Who I thanked for bravely keeping control over a bunch of dangerous extremists like me.) Took some of them a couple of seconds to figure out what I was joshing them about, but all but one laughed, and one, a young Sergeant from the local PD even play punched me on my shoulder (We are pretty blessed with our local and county law enforcement people Every one I have had any interaction with, official or social has been a great guy (and 1 gal)). Oddly, the representative from the State Police was not at all amused by my jest. His only comment was "Just don't take MY picture."
I didn't tell him "Too late"... Telephoto from across the park, half an hour ago." But not to fear, officer, I'll not share it.
Not that anyone cares, but I put some photos up on photobucket:
HERE
Yep, I'm wholly convinced that Axelrod, Plouffe, and Emmanuel have maintained many of their paid online operatives/trolls to conduct 24/7 information warfare against the online Conservative blogosphere and Conservative politicians. Just check out the comments section of any story about Sarah Palin, and you will see some of the nastiest, vilest, most disgusting smears and innuendos one would think impossible outside of outside of KOS and DU.
Enjoyed seeing your pictures. Looks like you live around a great group of people and a beautiful part of the country.
Our local tea party was somewhat bigger since I live in Atlanta.
Thanks for your time and putting up your photos. BTW, I sincerely care. Quite hard working Americans from Podunk USA are America....it is what built this country, once stone at a time.
Thanks for your report and the very cool slideshow.