Published: April 15, 2009 10:24 pm      

Duncan has its own Tea Party on tax day

DUNCAN — With the U.S. government’s economic plan of continually spending during a recession, hundreds, if not thousands of protests took place around the nation Wednesday as a “Tea Party” to protest the spending plan of the government.

In Duncan, people also lined the street of U.S. Highway 81 near Elk Avenue to protest the actions of the federal government.

“I’m just here to support lower taxes,” Justin White said. “I’m tired of paying higher taxes and I want to keep my guns.”

Glenda Hobbs, who helped put on the event, said that over 100 people were protesting on the side of the street Wednesday.

“This is not a political effort since there were people from both parties here,” Hobbs said.

Earl Brown, a registered Democrat, proudly waved his sign and made known the fact that he does not like the direction that the government is going.

“I’m just tired of the government spending money without realizing the consequences,” Brown said.

Waving flags and homemade posters were not the only thing that protesters did Wednesday. Jan Gaddis, who organized the event, also had fliers, sign-up sheets and information on where to proceed after the protest.

“They can see what is being done all over the country,” Gaddis said. “They can see how creative and resourceful people are and get ideas. People continue to inquire how they can get engaged in the process. We help them.”

One of the pieces of paper that Gaddis passed out to attendees contained the addresses and phone numbers of political leaders, so that people could know where to voice their opinions.

While those in attendance stood to the side of U.S. Highway 81 and waved flags to those driving by, many drivers slowed down and honked their horns to show approval of the demonstration.

And those in attendance were just glad to voice their opinions.

“This is free speech at its best,” Cindy Hale said. “I’m very excited to be here today.”

But people were not exactly happy that they felt compelled by the circumstances to be there.

“I’m fed up with what’s happening,” Hal Hamel said. “It’s been growing on me for a long time.”

Hamel said that one of the things that really pushed him over the edge was the realization that his children’s money is being spent already.

Nathaniel Sutterfield felt the same way.

“Bush started it and Obama is just continuing it,” Sutterfield said.