Report From the Rochester, NY Tea Party (With Pics)–April 15, 2009

~~By Grail Guardian

Rochester, NY Tea Party April 15,2009

The attendees assembled at 11:00 am in Genesee Crossroads Park. They were orderly, peaceful, and diverse.

The crowd begins to gather for the rally

The numbers begin to swell. The local paper first reported 200 attendees, but it was probably closer to 500.

The sign reads “I’m only 7 and I have more common sense than CONGRESS. Just ask my Dad”

The best type of pitchforks and torches! It was a peace-loving crowd of Democrats, Republicans and Independents.

Members of We Surround Rochester, the group that organized the Tea Party

The procession starts across the bridge over the Genesee River

Lead by bagpipes &  followed by flag bearers

Young and old alike gathered

The swelling crow remained courteous during speeches and songs. They got rather excited about NY Senator Charles Schumer (who said the people don’t care about how their money is spent) and chanted “Let’s chuck Chuck!”

Robbing from our children was a common concern and all agreed term limits are needed now. Songs ranged from the National Anthem to God Bless America and even Amazing Grace

The march along the river towards the County offices and City Hall

More speeches, but no politicians came out. Cars passing by on Main St. honked horns in support, and there were chants of “No More!” and “Vote them all out!” Members of the Rochester Police Dept. looked on, but had little to do other than stop traffic for the crowd crossing the streets and make sure everyone was safely on the sidewalk. The only mess I saw after the rally was left by one of the horses from the mounted patrol.

My sign in front of City Hall. A quote from Thomas Jefferson:

“The Democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.”