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Published Thursday, April 02, 2009 in Local
Photo by Sarah Fay Campbell
Wendy Bloedt and Judy Whitwood are local coordinators for the Atlanta Tea Party, a demonstration to be held on April 15. They are setting up a motor couch trip to the event.
Locals join Tea Party protest against taxes, fed spending
The Times-Herald
A group of Cowetans is joining the national Tax Day Tea Party protest effort -- and will be making protest posters Saturday at Sharpsburg Baptist Church for events planned in Newnan, Fayette and Atlanta.
Political demonstrations will be held across the United States on April 15, and some 10,000 people are expected to attend the Atlanta Tea Party at the state capitol. Protest events are being held in Newnan and Peachtree City earlier that day, said the local organizers.
Wendy Bloedt is the Coweta coordinator for the Atlanta Tea Party and, in addition to the poster-making event Saturday, is setting up a motor coach trip to the Atlanta Tea Party.
Anyone interested in working together on posters to take to the event can come to Sharpsburg Baptist from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. You should bring your own poster-making supplies.
Bloedt asks that people RSVP so she will know how much donuts and coffee to bring to the church. You can call Bloedt at 678-898-0257 or e-mail ridethebuscoweta@hotmail.com . Bloedt has also set up a Web site at www.ridethebuscoweta.blogspot.com .
"I think it is just a great way for people to come together and be with like-minded individuals and discuss issues that are important to them nationally and locally," Bloedt said of Saturday's event. "I believe that there are people out there who want to be involved and don't know what to do."
Bloedt has never really been politically involved before, but the events of the past several months have changed that.
It started when the first bailout bill, known as TARP, was being discussed last fall. "I am standing in my living room, screaming at my TV: 'This is crazy, are you kidding me?'" Bloedt said.
"It just became very disconcerting to me watching the news," she said. "The amount of money being spent ... it seems like there is no regard for what they are doing," she said.
"Over time I think I just got to a point where I said to myself -- 'this is enough and I have to do what I can to try to stop it.'"
She went to the first Atlanta Tea Party in February. It was cold and pouring down rain, but "I was just very motivated by the amount of people that I did see turn out for it," Bloedt said.
On her way home, she got to thinking. She knew a bigger event was coming up April 15, and "I was just trying to think of a way that I could make it easier for people in my community to be involved in that if they wanted to."
So she came up with the idea of renting a motor couch. "Not everyone wants to drive downtown," Bloedt said. Plus, "it would be very nice for people who all feel the same way to be able to gather together and share their opinions together."
With so much work ahead, she recruited her mom, Judy Whitwood, to help out.
"I'm 60 years old and becoming politically involved ... because of my grandchildren," Whitwood said.
"I have never protested before," said Bloedt. "I'm just a little soccer mom sitting down here in Sharpsburg. I knew mom had the same concerns that I had," she said. "And we both had the time to devote to it, so it was just a perfect match."
If anyone else would like to "help us, and do some footwork for us to get the word out, we will be happy to talk to them," Bloedt said.
The national debt is working out to $161,000 per person, right now, Whitwood said. "Stay tuned. In 30 minutes, you're going to hear something else," she said. "Every day it is something else -- just stop the spending."
The deadline for reserving a seat on the bus is April 11. Bloedt will need enough people to sign up to cover the cost of the bus, and if there are not enough participants, money will be refunded, she said.
You can reserve your seat on www.ridethebuscoweta.blogspot.com through a secure, third-party server. Or you can call 678-898-0257.
Tickets are $20. The bus will have a restroom, and each seat has its own video screen.
There will be a meet-and-greet April 15 starting at 4:45 p.m. at the Coweta County Fairgrounds, and the bus will pull out at 5:30.
Fox News' Sean Hannity will be broadcasting live from the Atlanta Tea Party, Bloedt said.
For more information about the Tea Party event in Newnan, contact Chip Coursey at Chip@courseyproperties.com or call 770-296-4748. The Peachtree City coordinator is Cindy Fallon, cwfallon@bellsouth.net .
The event hearkens back to the days of the Boston Tea Party, and tea also stands for "taxed enough already."
Participants are encouraged to bring tea bags to the event, as well as signs, though signs can't have wooden stakes.
The event is "not an anti-Obama demonstration," Bloedt said. It's for everyone in Washington.
"It is a non-partisan demonstration," Bloedt said. "I believe there are just as many conservative Democrats out there as there are conservative Republicans and conservative Independents that are all in the same boat together."
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Great Point
Posted by tom at 5:15 PM
For those of you who think these ladies have no business protesting due to life experience or political affiliation or anything else you can come up with....WHY NOT? These same people are the people that pick the president. The president is generally choosen by the moderates. Why not have everyone involved so nobody is "stupid" anymore? At least then the president would be picked by educated voters next time. How many of you normally non-political posters can name three or more candidates from the big (dem/rep) party primaries?
Posted by Matt at 2:41 PM
On September 11th, 2001, three jets were highjacked by Muslim terrorists. On, let us say January 12th, 2009, The U.S. Senate, U.S.Congress, and the present Administration has highjacked our Great Country! This highjacking will also do GREAT damage to us, the citizens of the U.S. of A. We will be overwhelmed with taxation to pay for all of the Social Programs. We are aware that not one Representative or Senator read this last Stimulus Bill, except the "PORK" which they placed in the Bill. How dare they! They need to be made aware that this is their last term in office. We will not tolerate such arrogance!
Posted by Danny Harbison at 9:52 PM
What is happening with the gov. now in the name of saving the country,it really scares me I know they are taking control of everything they can ,I have been a democrate for 40 years,no more,the mess we are in now was started by democrates,I now see thru them,not all democrates,but most ,they want eveyone to think they will save you, I am now more disgusted now with new administration,than with Bush.LOOKS LIKE FREE COUNTRY GONE.Gary
Posted by Gary Landrum at 5:47 PM
Thats right lets blame Bush. The Democrats in charge the last two years had nothing to do with it.
Posted by tom at 5:35 PM
I was planning to go to the Atlanta rally, until I found out Hannity would be there!!! I went to the Feb. 26 tea party in the pouring rain, but Hannity just wants to glom onto the freedom train now that Bush is gone. Where was he six months ago at the END THE FED rally in November? SEAN you ARE NOT a Great American.
Posted by nitabrain at 11:54 PM
Are you seriously supporting this? This is damaging our American Pride as we slowly hand over our freedoms to this admisistration. Notice how the communist and socialists nations are headed toward freedom and capitolism? It's because they've been down that road and it made them a weak and poor nation. Russia? Been there, done that, getting away from it. I say we keep our freedoms that this country was founded on. Let's say no to wasteful spending from the current administration that funds their own private lobbyists in order to fund research on why pigs stink or grape genetics. Yes, it is out there thank you. We live in the greatest country in the world. Let's keep it that way- Land of the FREE!!
Posted by Fed Up at 12:13 AM
Hey Russ, the leader of the government did indeed lose his job, and because of the mess caused his party got fired. The new leader is attempting to reverse the damage, so sit back and give him a chance to work, after all the previous leader and his party took 8 years to get us into this mess, it certainly can't be fixed in less than 4 months.
Posted by Elizabeth at 11:05 PM
If you work for the money you make and you support this tea party junk then you better look inside your pocketbook and get on the side of the Obama Administration. You are protesting the very thing that allowed you to get a few extra dollars in your pay check this month. Oh, did you give it back? I doubt it. Rush and Eric say you have to make $500,000 per year to be a Republican. You may not be able to afford throwing away all of that tea after all.
Posted by Richer than Most at 2:14 PM
Ladies, Don't you have anything better to do? I suggest actually helping the problem instead of being a problem. Random acts of kindness are always appropriate. Who are you kidding? This is as Republican as it gets. Remember we have the Bushites to thank for this mess.
Posted by Cyndy at 11:40 PM
What does Mrs. Whitwood do for a living? I am supposed to listen to her about the national debt. Re-read the article "the national debt is .....'according to Whitword". Come on now.
Posted by Adam Reuter at 10:42 PM
Over at the high school where I subbed today, the students in the classroom all agreed we would love to go on a motor couch trip up to Atlanta. And since it was mentioned as such several times in the article and also in the photo caption, I am sure it will be a marvelous new tradition from Coweta Co. Wonder where they will rent it?
Posted by emily at 8:53 PM
Many Republicans are concerned with the past spending, but even that was nothing compared to the new round from Obama. Basically, the dems want to take money from people who work hard for it and give it to people who do not. No wonder they don't mind raising taxes, they just don't pay them. Hannity and Limbaugh both had plenty to say about Bush's spending, and they do care about us and our country. Thanks to both of them for keeping us informed on so many things.
Posted by Regan Conservative at 8:45 PM
I hope you enjoy your protest and all of the attention Hannity can bring. Just remember when your check stops because you lost your job,your child can't go to college, you don't have health insurance, you can't pay for your house and your elderly parent needs to go to the hospital,remember the day you protested and smile. When you rush to get in line for some of those benefits that you are protesting, perhaps you will be given a paper cup of tea and sent on your way.
Posted by Ameria Johnson at 8:43 PM
Dirk,you can keep drinking the hate Limbaugh and Hannity kool-aid that the Dems spoon feed you. Most of us Libertarians and Conservatives are pretty independent, and dont need any talking points or marching orders from anyone. I can't say that for the many sheep on your side!
Posted by Joe Schmoe at 8:39 PM
For starters, why can't the writer of this article use proper grammar and spelling?? Duh! Second, it is funny how these neocons forget who got us into this mess...Who was President the last 8 years??? Who controlled Congress six out of the last 8 years??? They (neocons) turned Clinton's record surpluses and booming economy into record defecits, and a failing economy... Give Obama a chance... We rallied behind Bush after 9-11, now how about giving our new President a chance to fix the economy? This too is an American crisis... President Obama was overwhelmingly elected by the American people of all demographics (white, black, male, female, etc)... He represents all of us, like it or not...
Posted by John Doe at 8:34 PM
I find it just as hilarious Dirk, when the only argument to justify this deficit is to relate it to Bush's deficit. So, I guess for you, the two wrongs do make it right. Help me understand. You didn't like Bush's debt, but this debt is okay?? Look, they are both bad. Unfortunately the latter is one that we will never be capable of repaying and will most likely bankrupt the country. This is not a football game. It's your country. If we don't work together on the things that unite us, we will lose her for sure.
Posted by Smarter than Dirk at 7:48 PM
Your name says it all
Posted by Russ at 7:30 PM
Just like GM, the leader of the government needs to be FIRED
Posted by Russ at 7:26 PM
Interesting, making political signs in a church. Ever read IRS Title 26
Posted by Citizen at 7:03 PM
It's hilarious how the Republican's are concerned with the national debt after the last 8 years. Stop listening to Hannity and Limbaugh! They don't care about you.
Posted by Dirk at 4:51 PM
Being a Libertarian, the actions of current administration is an outrage even compared to the previous administrations spending. The president and the dummies running congress have in essence tripled the deficit in 60 days, which the presidents from George Washington to George Bush could never achieve in all their terms combined. Who would thought electing a socialist Liberal, would bring out socialist Liberal policies!? DUH!
Posted by Joe Schmoe at 4:34 PM
Just because there are RESPONSIBLE people out there that do not like the president's agenda doesn't mean we are racist. It means we are anti-socialists. I've yet to hear any one say they dislike him because of his race. I hear and read all the time that we are racist if we dislike him. So the question is, if he takes this country down a path of no return, are you Obama supporters going to put race issues behind you and see past his skin color and move on or just keep on claiming it was racism that caused him to fail.
Posted by Mr. Greenjeans at 3:40 PM
Seriously? These people are idiots and have no understand of anything. Uneducated morons. Submitted women? This isn't 1917 anymore. The bible is a good moral guide, but should not be taken word for word.
Posted by Thank GOD I'm educated at 3:23 PM
FYI- I am neither a Republican nor a Democrat. There are plenty of people like myself who see them as one in the same- Internationalists and Opportunists. I went to the first Tea Party on a rainy day in Atlanta a couple of months ago. Its not about "Party"- its about a tyrannical gov't and WE THE PEOPLE had better unite before we allow our house to be divided. I was no fan of Bush, nor Bush Sr, nor Clinton, nor any other of these NWO toadies- Obama included. American Sovereignty is being stolen right before our eyes and we continue the petty "party" arguments. If we're too busy fighting our neighbors- we're too busy to pay attention to the other hand of those instigating the fights.
Posted by Katie B. at 3:18 PM
Racist...You really have no clue what the term means. I dislike President Barry, sorry cant say his last name and the word President in the same sentance, because of his polices. Could care less if he was purple...
Posted by Bill at 2:16 PM
And the programs that benefit me would be what? Let me keep my hard earned money, and I hope I will never need "programs." Taxes are evil when they are taken from a hard worker and handed out to folks who wouldn't work in a pie factory tasting pies - that's what my momma always said. Thank God for FOX!!!
Posted by Hard Worker at 2:06 PM
It's about time we all stood up for what we believe in. Way to go Wendy and Judy! I'll be there, and I'm bringing friends with me! As for Cynical and Turfkiller, a kind "thank you" to Wendy and Judy after they've saved your paycheck and the future of your children and grandchildren will be just fine!
Posted by Marie at 1:05 PM
Thank you Wendy Bloedt. This has given me incentive. I am truly fed up. I have worked hard all my life, but I have never been to a poor person to get a job. I don't care what anybody makes, just let me keep what I make. How will we ever pay for all the Dems' programs? Sooner or later you run out of other people's money.
Posted by Linda at 12:47 PM
The rest of the world is happy to be away from Bush. For some reason, the anti Obama, Fox News crowd all decided to live in Coweta County. It is like you are the Republican Party's last bunker. Taxes are evil! Obama is the antichrist! The sky is falling! You are all up in arms over the world ending! However, once the programs that benefit you are ripped away then your song and dance will change. Wake up, stop being racist, and realize that Obama did not start this mess.
Posted by jaded at 12:46 PM
For Cynical & those alike- this entire article speaks about taxation and just mentions that the poster-making will be held "at a church". Jesus also said "thou shalt not steal" (trinity)and there are a lot of people who feel that their gov't is stealing from not only them, but their children and unborn posterity. "Money" is only a representation of time and work. A lot of people are upset that their time and work are being stolen from them and the compensation of both are being inflated (which is thievery). Church-goers or not. The "Caesar" comment was directed towards Pharisees that were trying to be deceptive...like our Gov't. Context is important. I applaud these women and hope to be in their company April 15th.
Posted by Katie B. at 12:08 PM
Ms. Bloedt says it's non-partisan but any fool can see it's really anti-Obama and anti-progress. Unfortunately, Bush wasted most of the tax and the 6 trillion dollars he borrowed on tax breaks, war and other off budget sheet projects. Glad to see the investing in jobs, energy, education, health care and financial regulations all for American interests.
Posted by Turfkiller at 11:47 AM
Cynical's right: Everytime I think that we have moved from the stone age a creature crawls out from under the Rocks. I hear the Taliban is recruiting members...you just might look good in a turbin.
Posted by Bill at 11:38 AM
Jesus also says if his kingdom was of this world then his friends would fight against the system. We've not yet seen the real "church". Especially when all you ever see from these "churches" is women in the forefront. Where are the REAL men at? Not panty wastes like Boortz and Hannity but real servants of Jesus Christ with submitted/committed women!
Posted by tom at 8:42 AM
Funny how churches are involved in this when you know............Jesus said render under Caesar that which is Caesar's?
Posted by cynical at 7:40 AM
Is it a motor couch trip (as the paper states) or a motor coach trip?
Posted by m at 6:20 AM
Thank you so much Wendy Bloedt... I've been wondering how I can get involved in a Tea Party. There are others that I know with the same feelings. I will try and pass this information on ASAP. We need to do all we can to stop this nonsense. This is OUR country, WE have to stand up and be heard!!! Hope we can all get there Saturday. God bless you!
Posted by Sharon at 11:27 PM
I have heard that the capital will not be big enough to hold everyone coming...has there been a change of location to accomdate everyone since Hannity has stated that he will be there
Posted by vera trner at 9:11 PM
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Conservative versus Conservative
4/12/2009
Link To This Comment
Tea Parties are part of a movement who's source, or creators have not been identified. The danger is that the movement will break up the Republican Party. The Tea Party movement plays on poorly informed persons, and is leading us in a strange direction.
Posted by Mark John Hunter at 5:35 PM