Letter to the Editor

Successful Tea Party

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Dear Editor,

(Monday), April 19, 2010, Nebraskans held a Tea Party in downtown McCook, on the northeast corner of George Norris Avenue and B Street (US Highways 6-34).

The Good Lord gave us a beautiful day, and we were thankful that the rains of the late morning moved on to other more deserving geography.

By all accounts, our gathering was a great success. The rally began promptly at 4:30 PM (CDT) and at midpoint, about 5:30, there were 65 to 70 people in attendance, marking a line that stretched easterly down the north side of B Street.

American flags and Gadsden flags fluttered in the moderate breeze, and all manner of protest posters were on display, including two arranged sequentially and facing traffic on the South side of 'B' Street:--the first: "RENAME AIRPORT" ... and the second: "BENEDICT NELSON"!

The commuters of McCook were enthusiastic of our gathering, many truckers were sounding their air horns, and an equal number of motorists were doing the same or giving the crowd a hardy "thumbs up." A few more "animated" individuals were yelling "Throw Obama out," and similar expressions of disgust towards our non-representing representatives. Even the McCook Sheriff passed by about three times ... just to make certain we were all behaving ourselves!

The crowd was diverse in age, ranging from youngsters and adolescents to young adults, middle-aged and seniors. All were enthusiastic in their expressions of patriotism, at times chanting: "USA! USA!"

One woman suggested the attendees plan the construction of a Tea Party float entry for the McCook Heritage Days celebration this September. A man then stepped forward immediately to volunteer his flatbed trailer for the purpose. We all thought this an excellent idea, and so the suggestion will be brought before the McCook Chamber of Commerce for approval.

A clipboard was passed throughout the crowd, upon which people wrote their names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. These will take me time to "decipher" and enter into a contact database for future events, including the building of the float. We think that the exposition of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution is a most appropriate theme.

During the event, several young men approached me with questions of what our protest was all about. Naturally I gave them an education on economics, taxes, socialism, failed government programs, national insolvency ... and the fact that THEY were on the hook for more than 22 trillion dollars in debt, not counting the unfunded liabilities of Social Security and Medicare.

Being good farm boys, when I explained that, to meet our current debt burden, every acre of the United States would need be appraised at $10,000, they immediately "got it."

Others questioned the meaning of the Gadsden flag (Don't Tread On Me) and that, too, was explained. They left us a little sadder, but hopefully wiser for that approaching opportunity when they shall have the responsibility of voting for the next leaders of our now listing ship of state.

The gathering ended promptly at 6:30 PM (CDT) and all attendees left peacefully and rather proud of their accomplishment. Many photos were taken by various people, including myself. These will be published as soon as practical. Our next gathering will likely be July 4 ... and it is my hope we will have twice as many take part in this revival of patriotic fervor. "Don't Tread On Me!"

Bruce Desautels

Stratton, Nebraska

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: