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The '''Tea Party Movement''' ('''Tea''' being an acronym for '''T'''axed '''E'''nough '''A'''lready) is an ongoing, nationwide movement, locally organized with loose national coordination, of citizens rising up in protest of the [[generational theft]] of public [[tax]] monies, the tremendous extensions of [[United States]] Federal debt and authority, the apparent restructuring of the Federal government with the intent to contravene the system of checks and balances for which the [[United States Constitution]] provides, and the attempt, which some movement leaders say has been in progress for several decades, to sacrifice liberty for permanent dependency.

The '''Tea Party Movement''' ('''TEA''' being an acronym for '''T'''axed '''E'''nough '''A'''lready) held its first scheduled nationwide protest on "Tax Day," April 15th 2009, a day that became known as the [[Tax Day Tea Party]]. Subsequent rallies include the [[Independence Day Tea Party]], and ''Operation: Can You Hear Us Now'' protests against bias media coverage, which occurred on October 17, 2009. In the spirit of the founding fathers [[Boston Tea Party]], the rallies used themes from the [[American Revolution]].<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509445,00.html Taxpayers Strike Back With 'Tea Parties']. ''Special Report with Bret Baier''. Published March 16, 2009.</ref><ref name="deseret">[http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705289328,00.html Anti-tax-and-spend group throws "tea party" at Capitol], March 6, 2009, Deseret News</ref> Local organizers, ''Top Conservatives on Twitter'', and thousands of ordinary citizens collaborated by using various social media sites, and created a massive [[grassroots]] movement.

 

The ''Tea party Movement'' is an ongoing, nationwide effort, which include protests that are locally organized with loose coordination of citizens nationally. In general, all of the rallies are in protest of the [[generational theft]] of public [[tax]] monies, the tremendous extensions of [[United States]] Federal debt and authority, the apparent restructuring of the Federal government with the intent to contravene the system of checks and balances for which the [[United States Constitution]] provides, and the attempt, which some movement leaders say has been in progress for several decades, to sacrifice liberty for permanent dependency.

== Beginnings ==

== Beginnings ==

On January 27, radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh criticized the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]], commenting, "This 'porkulus' bill is designed to repair the Democratic Party's power losses from the 1990s forward, and to cement the party's majority power for decades."<ref>{{cite web|last=Limbaugh |first=Rush |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123318906638926749.html |title=Rush Limbaugh: My Bipartisan Stimulus - WSJ.com |publisher=Online.wsj.com |date=2009-01-29 |accessdate=2009-04-19}}</ref>

On January 27, radio talk-show host [[Rush Limbaugh]] criticized the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]], commenting, "This 'porkulus' bill is designed to repair the Democratic Party's power losses from the 1990s forward, and to cement the party's majority power for decades."<ref>{{cite web|last=Limbaugh |first=Rush |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123318906638926749.html |title=Rush Limbaugh: My Bipartisan Stimulus - WSJ.com |publisher=Online.wsj.com |date=2009-01-29 |accessdate=2009-04-19}}</ref>

On February 10, a [[Cape Coral]] woman named Mary Rakovich led a small protest outside President Barack Obama's townhall meeting in [[Fort Myers, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news-press.com/article/20090211/OBAMA/90210068 |title=Those outside Harborside in Fort Myers had plenty to see, say |publisher=The News-Press|date=2009-02-11 |accessdate=2009-04-26}}</ref> Then in late March of 2009, faced with the prospect of heavy fines from the city for not having the proper permitting or insurance, Mary Rakovich moved forward with future protests but with the backing of national organization ''[[Freedom Works]]''. Rakovich said ''Freedom Works'' will provide the insurance per the city's rules.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com/page/content.detail/id/504707.html?nav=5011 |title=Tea party finds new life, broadens cause |publisher=cape-coral-daily-breeze.com|date=2009-03-31 |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref>

On February 10, a Cape Coral woman named Mary Rakovich led a small protest outside President Barack Obama's townhall meeting in Fort Myers, [[Florida]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news-press.com/article/20090211/OBAMA/90210068 |title=Those outside Harborside in Fort Myers had plenty to see, say |publisher=The News-Press|date=2009-02-11 |accessdate=2009-04-26}}</ref> Then in late March of 2009, faced with the prospect of heavy fines from the city for not having the proper permitting or insurance, Mary Rakovich moved forward with future protests but with the backing of national organization ''Freedom Works''. Rakovich said ''Freedom Works'' will provide the insurance per the city's rules.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com/page/content.detail/id/504707.html?nav=5011 |title=Tea party finds new life, broadens cause |publisher=cape-coral-daily-breeze.com|date=2009-03-31 |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref>

The first anti-spending protest, organized by Liberty Belle, occurred in [[Seattle, Washington]] on February 16, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=Derek Erwin|url=http://derekerwin.blogspot.com/2009/04/dozen-ring-liberty-belles-sound-800.html |title=A 'Dozen' Ring Liberty Belle's Sound, 800 Cities Ring-Back |date=2009-02-16 |accessdate=2009-04-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Michelle Malkin |first=Glenn Reynolds |url=http://www.pjtv.com/video/Pajamas_TV/Tea_Party_Protests%3A_Mesa%2C_Seattle%2C_Denver_%28Michelle_Malkin_and_Glenn_Reynolds%29/1406/|title=Tea Party Protests: Mesa, Seattle, Denver  |publisher=PJTV|date=2009-02-16 |accessdate=2009-02-16}}</ref> Another protest was held the following day, held in [[Denver]] on February 17,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/politics/18732002/detail.html |title=President Signs Massive Stimulus In Denver |date=2009-03-17 |accessdate=2009-04-02}}</ref> and a protest in [[Mesa, Arizona]] on February 18 brought 500 protesters.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gary Grado, Sonu Munshi, Hayley Ringle|url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/135640/ |title=More than 500 protest Obama's arrival |date=2009-02-18 |accessdate=2009-04-02}}</ref>

The first anti-spending protest, organized by Liberty Belle, occurred in [[Seattle]], Washington on February 16, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=Derek Erwin|url=http://derekerwin.blogspot.com/2009/04/dozen-ring-liberty-belles-sound-800.html |title=A 'Dozen' Ring Liberty Belle's Sound, 800 Cities Ring-Back |date=2009-02-16 |accessdate=2009-04-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Michelle Malkin |first=Glenn Reynolds |url=http://www.pjtv.com/video/Pajamas_TV/Tea_Party_Protests%3A_Mesa%2C_Seattle%2C_Denver_%28Michelle_Malkin_and_Glenn_Reynolds%29/1406/|title=Tea Party Protests: Mesa, Seattle, Denver  |publisher=PJTV|date=2009-02-16 |accessdate=2009-02-16}}</ref> Another protest was held the following day, held in [[Denver]] on February 17,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/politics/18732002/detail.html |title=President Signs Massive Stimulus In Denver |date=2009-03-17 |accessdate=2009-04-02}}</ref> and a protest in Mesa, [[Arizona]] on February 18 brought 500 protesters.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gary Grado, Sonu Munshi, Hayley Ringle|url=http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/135640/ |title=More than 500 protest Obama's arrival |date=2009-02-18 |accessdate=2009-04-02}}</ref>

===Shout Heard 'Round the World===

===Shout Heard 'Round the World===

The Tea Party Movement gained support when on February 19, on live [[Television|TV]], [[CNBC]] reporter [[Rick Santelli]] argued about the bailouts and shouted, "The government is promoting bad behavior."<ref>[http://freedomeden.blogspot.com/2009/02/rick-santelli-tea-party.html Transcript of Rick Santelli's speech], February 19, 2009</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Santelli |first=Rick |url=http://www.cnbc.com/id/29283701|title=Rick Santelli's Shout Heard 'Round the World |publisher=CNBC|date=2009-02-19 |accessdate=2009-02-22}}</ref> Standing in the middle of the [[Chicago Stock Exchange]], Santelli declared that America needed "a new kind of tea party," so that citizens can express their discontent with "the government's support of fiscal irresponsibility".<ref>{{cite web|last=Rubin |first=Jennifer |url=http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/mr-president-turn-back-while-theres-still-time/|title=Mr. President: Turn Back While There’s Still Time |publisher=Pajamas Media|date=2009-02-19 |accessdate=2009-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Drudge |first=Matt |url=http://www.streetinsider.com/Insiders+Blog/Rick+Santelli+-+The+Rant+Heard+Round+the+World/4419854.html|title=Rick Santelli - The Rant Heard 'Round the World' |publisher=streetinsider.com|date=2009-02-19 |accessdate=2009-02-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Roesgen |first=Andy |url=http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/TeaParty|title=Protestors Gather for Self-Styled Tea Party |publisher=myfoxchicago.com|date=2009-02-27 |accessdate=2009-02-27}}</ref> With the help of ''[[DontGo]]'', ''[[Top Conservatives on Twitter]]'' (TCOT), ''[[Smart Girl Politics]]'' (SGP), ''The American Spectator'', ''Americans for Tax Reform'', ''Freedom Works'', and ''The Heartland Institute'', the Chicago Tea Parties were scheduled to happen nationwide on February 27, 2009.<ref>[http://www.dontgomovement.com/blog/2009/02/23/the-chicago-tea-party-is-on/ The Chicago Tea Party is on!], February 23, 2009</ref>

The Tea Party Movement gained support when on February 19, on live [[Television|TV]], [[CNBC]] reporter [[Rick Santelli]] argued about the bailouts and shouted, "The government is promoting bad behavior."<ref>[http://freedomeden.blogspot.com/2009/02/rick-santelli-tea-party.html Transcript of Rick Santelli's speech], February 19, 2009</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Santelli |first=Rick |url=http://www.cnbc.com/id/29283701|title=Rick Santelli's Shout Heard 'Round the World |publisher=CNBC|date=2009-02-19 |accessdate=2009-02-22}}</ref> Standing in the middle of the Chicago Stock Exchange, Santelli declared that America needed "a new kind of tea party," so that citizens can express their discontent with "the government's support of fiscal irresponsibility".<ref>{{cite web|last=Rubin |first=Jennifer |url=http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/mr-president-turn-back-while-theres-still-time/|title=Mr. President: Turn Back While There’s Still Time |publisher=Pajamas Media|date=2009-02-19 |accessdate=2009-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Drudge |first=Matt |url=http://www.streetinsider.com/Insiders+Blog/Rick+Santelli+-+The+Rant+Heard+Round+the+World/4419854.html|title=Rick Santelli - The Rant Heard 'Round the World' |publisher=streetinsider.com|date=2009-02-19 |accessdate=2009-02-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Roesgen |first=Andy |url=http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/TeaParty|title=Protestors Gather for Self-Styled Tea Party |publisher=myfoxchicago.com|date=2009-02-27 |accessdate=2009-02-27}}</ref> With the help of ''DontGo'', ''Top Conservatives on Twitter'' (TCOT), ''[[Smart Girl Politics]]'' (SGP), ''The American Spectator'', ''Americans for Tax Reform'', ''Freedom Works'', and ''The Heartland Institute'', the Chicago Tea Parties were scheduled to happen nationwide on February 27, 2009.<ref>[http://www.dontgomovement.com/blog/2009/02/23/the-chicago-tea-party-is-on/ The Chicago Tea Party is on!], February 23, 2009</ref>

===February 27th Tea Parties===

===February 27th Tea Parties===

! Location !! Sponsors<ref>[http://www.pjtv.com/?cmd=page&page-id=68 Schedule of American Tea party Protests (with Sponsors)], February 27, 2009</ref> !! Details

! Location !! Sponsors<ref>[http://www.pjtv.com/?cmd=page&page-id=68 Schedule of American Tea party Protests (with Sponsors)], February 27, 2009</ref> !! Details

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| [[Atlanta, Georgia]] || TCOT, SGP, Don'tGo || A reported 300 to 400 protesters gathered outside the Georgia Capitol in protest of a $787 billion recovery bill.<ref name="georgia">{{cite web|url=http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/02/27/budget-debate-launches-new-tea-party/ |title=Budget debate launches new tea party |date=2009-02-27 |accessdate=2009-02-27}}</ref><ref>[http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/71521/ Tea Party from Atlanta], February 17, 2009</ref>

| Atlanta, Georgia || TCOT, SGP, Don'tGo || A reported 300 to 400 protesters gathered outside the Georgia Capitol in protest of a $787 billion recovery bill.<ref name="georgia">{{cite web|url=http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/02/27/budget-debate-launches-new-tea-party/ |title=Budget debate launches new tea party |date=2009-02-27 |accessdate=2009-02-27}}</ref><ref>[http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/71521/ Tea Party from Atlanta], February 17, 2009</ref>

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| [[Chicago, Illinois]] || Don'tGo<ref>[http://www.dontgomovement.com/blog/2009/02/19/chicago-tea-party/ Don'tGo Movement: Pledge to Have a Representation at Chicago Tea Party], February 19, 2009</ref> || Approximately 300 people braved the 25 degree cold and wind in Chicago.<ref name="illinios">{{cite web|url=http://www.foundingbloggers.com/wordpress/2009/02/breaking-chicago-tea-party-pictures/ |title=BREAKING - Chicago Tea Party (Pictures) UPDATED Now With Video! |accessdate=2009-02-27}}</ref><ref>[http://www.dontgomovement.com/blog/2009/02/27/the-birth-of-a-new-revolution/ The Birth of a New Revolution], February 27, 2009</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Roesgen |first=Andy |url=http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/TeaParty|title=Protestors Gather for Self-Styled Tea Party |publisher=myfoxchicago.com|date=2009-02-27 |accessdate=2009-02-27}}</ref>

| [[Chicago, Illinois]] || Don'tGo<ref>[http://www.dontgomovement.com/blog/2009/02/19/chicago-tea-party/ Don'tGo Movement: Pledge to Have a Representation at Chicago Tea Party], February 19, 2009</ref> || Approximately 300 people braved the 25 degree cold and wind in Chicago.<ref name="illinios">{{cite web|url=http://www.foundingbloggers.com/wordpress/2009/02/breaking-chicago-tea-party-pictures/ |title=BREAKING - Chicago Tea Party (Pictures) UPDATED Now With Video! |accessdate=2009-02-27}}</ref><ref>[http://www.dontgomovement.com/blog/2009/02/27/the-birth-of-a-new-revolution/ The Birth of a New Revolution], February 27, 2009</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Roesgen |first=Andy |url=http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/TeaParty|title=Protestors Gather for Self-Styled Tea Party |publisher=myfoxchicago.com|date=2009-02-27 |accessdate=2009-02-27}}</ref>

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| [[Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas]] || Americans for Prosperity,<ref>[http://www.redcounty.com/texas/2009/02/the-tea-parties-were-successfu/ The Tea Parties were successful - here's the proof], February 23, 2009</ref> TCOT, SGP, Don'tGo, Dallas County Young Republicans || A "Texas-sized Tea Party" of 300 or more Texans met in Fort Worth, protesting big government and taxes.<ref name="fortworth">{{cite web|url=http://txtcot.ning.com/video/tea-party-09-made-the-world |title=Tea Party '09 made the world news |date=2009-02-27 |accessdate=2009-03-19}}</ref> One sponsor, TCOT, collected over 800 signatures during the event.<ref>[http://txtcot.ning.com/profiles/blogs/tea-party-09 Tea Party '09], February 28, 2009</ref>

| Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas || Americans for Prosperity,<ref>[http://www.redcounty.com/texas/2009/02/the-tea-parties-were-successfu/ The Tea Parties were successful - here's the proof], February 23, 2009</ref> TCOT, SGP, Don'tGo, Dallas County Young Republicans || A "Texas-sized Tea Party" of 300 or more Texans met in Fort Worth, protesting big government and taxes.<ref name="fortworth">{{cite web|url=http://txtcot.ning.com/video/tea-party-09-made-the-world |title=Tea Party '09 made the world news |date=2009-02-27 |accessdate=2009-03-19}}</ref> One sponsor, TCOT, collected over 800 signatures during the event.<ref>[http://txtcot.ning.com/profiles/blogs/tea-party-09 Tea Party '09], February 28, 2009</ref>

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| [[Denver, Colorado]] || TCOT, SGP, Don'tGo || At the East Capitol Steps, 100 "[[Atlas Shrugged]]" fans braved cold temperatures for a "Nationwide Chicago Tea Party" to protest the Obama Administration's bailout plan.<ref name="dcolorado1">[http://coloradoindependent.com/23026/ayn-rand-stars-at-denver-stimulus-tea-party-protest Ayn Rand stars at Denver stimulus ‘tea party’ protest], February 28, 2009, [[Colorado Independent]]</ref><ref name="dcolorado2">[http://colorado.newsplatoon.com/2009/02/24/denver-tea-party/ Denver Tea Party], February 24, 2009, [[colorado]]</ref>

| Denver, Colorado || TCOT, SGP, Don'tGo || At the East Capitol Steps, 100 "[[Atlas Shrugged]]" fans braved cold temperatures for a "Nationwide Chicago Tea Party" to protest the Obama Administration's bailout plan.<ref name="dcolorado1">[http://coloradoindependent.com/23026/ayn-rand-stars-at-denver-stimulus-tea-party-protest Ayn Rand stars at Denver stimulus ‘tea party’ protest], February 28, 2009, [[Colorado Independent]]</ref><ref name="dcolorado2">[http://colorado.newsplatoon.com/2009/02/24/denver-tea-party/ Denver Tea Party], February 24, 2009, [[colorado]]</ref>

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| [[Houston, Texas]] || TBD || Large groups, not entirely made up of Republicans, tried to create a modern day version of the Boston Tea Party.<ref>[http://houstontps.org/?page_id=163 Houston Tea Party Society, In the News, Audio, Video], February 27, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.khou.com/video/topstories-index.html?nvid=352345&shu=1 Houston's Tax Day tea party], February 27, 2009</ref>

| [[Houston, Texas]] || TBD || Large groups, not entirely made up of Republicans, tried to create a modern day version of the Boston Tea Party.<ref>[http://houstontps.org/?page_id=163 Houston Tea Party Society, In the News, Audio, Video], February 27, 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.khou.com/video/topstories-index.html?nvid=352345&shu=1 Houston's Tax Day tea party], February 27, 2009</ref>