UPDATE:
Thanks to Michelle Malkin for the link love.
________
Spent the morning of this July4th holiday with some of our countries true patriots. No, not at the Tea Party, but at the Spicewood, TX July 4th Parade.
Afterward I ended up going to the Austin Independence Tea Party at the capitol building, hoping to run into some more genuine Texas patriots.
I wasn’t (too) disappointed.
I’d initially decided not to attend because the organizers had decided to build their rally around high profile elected politicians (like Sen. John Cornyn, Governor Rick Perry, U.S. Congressman Louie Gohmert, and State Rep. Wayne Christian).
The problem in Washington D.C. isn’t just Democrats. It’s been Republicans for at least the last 8 years, and in many cases these same GOPers are still complicit in helping the Democrats run our country into the dirt. Politicians on both sides of the aisles have been myopic in their quest to grant themselves more-and-more power and deprive us of more-and-more of our freedoms and our money.
The tea parties are our chance — the public, tax paying, hardworking, voting citizens — to make politicians listen to us. But instead, the Tea Party organizer (Heather Murray Liggett) thought that what our Tea Party needed was more politicians talking (and lying) to us.
She was wrong.
And the crowd let her know it the moment Sen. John Cornyn took the stage. He was loudly and continuously booed throughout his 5 minute speech.
Here’s the video I took of Cornyn’s speech. You can hear the booing, and then the organizers trying to get the crowd to quite down. The little lady next to me yelled, “What about freedom of speech?” at the crowd. To which I reminded her, the crowd was also practicing and entitled too.
Cornyn (I like the guy, actually. Voted for him. Supported him during his campaign. But not again. I’m not voting for a single incumbent) kept talking about the bad things being done by “Washington”. But he never acknowledged that he is part of Washington. But, then again, he didn’t really need to. The crowd’s booing and jeering were evidence that they got it.
Eliza Velma from Americans for Prosperity (the organizers) remarked on the event’s Facebook page in defense of inviting Cornyn, “He’s not only attending to speak, but will be in attendance to also hear what we have to say. It’s rare to find an elected official willing to do that.”
Which turned out to not be true at all.
Sen. Cornyn appeared just several minutes before his turn to speak. He wasn’t there listening to the fantastic speeches given by Marine Corps officer Kelly Hoag, or Brett Finley from Tomball. And the moment he finished talking to us (though he did get to listen to us boo him), he darted into the Captiol building, not to be seen again.
The Speakers
Which is too bad. Because he missed the best speech of the day from the VP candidate from the Libertarian Party, Wayne Allyn Root. But it’s a speech that probably would have made Sen. John Cornyn pretty uncomfortable. Instead, Sen. Cornyn probably had to go find another RINO Senatorial candidate for his National Republican Senatorial Committee to endorse.
Libertarian Wayne Allyn Root gave the best speech of the day, demanding that we "throw the bums out" of Washington D.C.
Two other speeches really stood out — speakers that really got the crowd fired up.
First was Marine Corps officer (didn’t catch her rank) and Iraq combat veteran Kelly Hoag:
Marine Officer Kelly Hoag
Hoag described having to donate blood to a dying Marine while deployed to Iraq, and really got the crowd fired up describing her love of country.
When she was finished speaking, a line of old Veterans lined up to shake her hand and thank her for her service. Me included:
Kelly Hoag talking to thankful citizens after her Tea Party speech
The other great speech was given by Brett Finley of Tomball. I have no idea who he was, but I’d vote for him for whatever he’s running for after listening to his “We the People” speech.
Gov. Perry spoke for about 8 minutes to a pretty hostile crowd…though I don’t think the people yelling at Gov. Perry were there to support the Tea Party movement…these seemed like people who were specifically angry at Gov. Perry.
I’m a big Gov. Perry fan and supporter though, so whatever.
Gov Rick Perry speaking to an unexpectedly hostile crowd
I left after Gov. Perry spoke. It was too hot, and I didn’t feel like sitting through more politicians speaking to me, rather than listening to what we have to say.
The Crowd
It was a pretty large crowd, considering the heat and the holiday. I’d say there were at least 2000 people on the south steps of the Capitol building today. Lots and lots of signs. Almost all of them aimed at our Federal government’s out-of-control spending.
Though there was another welcome theme — lots of signs attacking US Representative Lloyd Doggett:
Lloyd Dogget does not represent the values of the people of Texas.
Even Uncle Sam doesn't like Lloyd Doggett
My favorite sign of the day:
I think more-and-more Independent voters are starting to agree with you.
And I liked the spirit of this one, too:
No taxation with stupid representation
Lots of other signs:
Not a lot of pro-Obama or pro-Democrat signs in this crowd
Obama is well on his way to completing that To Do List
Of course, no protest in Austin would be complete without the Ron Paul and 9-11 truther crazies:
The sticker on his shirt is a "9-11 was an inside job" sticker. Idiot.
When I snapped this guy’s picture, he thanked me for “supporting the cause”. I told him I didn’t, and I only wanted the picture to mock him. Seriously, Ron Paul-bots — this guy is why nobody can take you seriously:
Is that a fanny pack?
You know what’s more patriotic than peace? Killing the shit out of terrorists. You should try it sometime; it’s dumptruck loads of fun.
_____
Michelle Malkin is at the Dallas Tea Party.
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Why on earth would you jeer Cornyn, Gohmert or Wayne Christian? These are the good guys folks. They are attacked by the left and stand up for conservative ideals. Now “conservatives” (ill informed) attack them? Yes there are Republican politicians legislating as liberals but they are not in this company and they should not have been badgered.
D. Greer
Daniel,
Cornyn cosponsered TARP. Unconstitutional is Unconstitutional, regardless of political party.
Unhappy Main Street Republicans thowing temper tantums. Why? Because the republican establishment is manipulated them, goating them with misleading facts and lies! Tea Party is pawn.
How did Cornyn vote on TARP? On the approval vote for Treasury Secretary? That’s why he gets booed.
Thanks for pointing out that selective hearing/reading/memory are alive and well.
Michelle,
I missed you in Dallas, since I can only walk about 1/4 mile and instead sat it out at home in Richardson. Besides, being on Social Security, I could not afford the prices which only allow the uber-rich access.
I have been a loyal fan since ’97 and you never fail to encourage me with your insightful reporting. Keep on doing what you do best and may God continue to bless you and your family.
[email protected]
I am just as mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!!!
Our socialist government is spending money like there was no end
It’s time to bring and end to the word “public”
An end to public health care
An end to public education
An end to public parks
An end to public roads
An end to public libraries
An end to public police
An end to public firefighters
An end to public military
An end to public politicians
It’s time to get rid of every socialistic institution in this country and hand it back to the private sector.
The private sector and market principles can do a better cheaper job than any government entity.
Show your support. Pull your children out of public schools. Avoid public libraries. Refuse to play in a public park. Don’t ride on public roads. Don’t call a public police if your house is robbed. Or a public firefighter if your house is on fire. And most of all, on election day, refuse to vote for any politician who makes a living as a public servant.
Stand up for your beliefs!!!
If only Norris Hall’s dad had pulled out of his mom before he ejaculated!
Anonymous for Mrs. Malkin here is the website for the Dallas Tea Party: http://dallasteaparty.org/ with it’s live feed and that is how I watched most of it. Awesome!
[...] UrbanGrounds » Blog Archive » Austin Independence Tea Party By Robbie Cooper The tea parties are our chance — the public, tax paying, hardworking, voting citizens — to make politicians listen to us. But instead, the Tea Party organizer (Heather Murray Liggett) thought that what our Tea Party needed was more … UrbanGrounds – http://urbangrounds.com/ [...]
[...] Farm reports from San Diego. The Lonely Conservative from my old stomping grounds in Syracuse, NY. Urban Grounds in Austin, [...]
The Austin tparty sucked. About 30 or 40 crazy Medina/Paul people showed up just to boo and heckle. That one gal was squealing and shrieking the whole time. Cornyn was a disaster. Perry held his own against those nutjobs. Gohmert did okay too.
I’d say the crowd was 60/40 in favor of Cornyn, but the 40 were far more vocal. It was 80/20 or 90/10 for Gohmert/Perry. Way more cheers for those two. They still had hecklers, and I think your right about a small but vocal contingent of people showing up just to heckle not support the t party movement.
The Nevada libertarian guy was okay, but he didn’t seem to know that TX also has no income tax and that our legis only meets every 2 years. He kind of bragged too much about Nevada, which nobody cared to hear.
The Tea Parties are now controlled by Ron Paul Yahoos and assorted anti-Republican Anarchists. They didn’t want Republicans to come to the rallies, cause they were “too mainstream.” And guess what: Republicans stayed away in droves. Thus the rallies around the Nation were 1/10th the size of the ones on April 15.
Bash Republicans, fine. Just don’t expect us to come to y’all’s rallies then.
I was going to heckle Norris Hall then I thought about his post a while and realized he is right. So I will agree with him. I won’t send my kids back to their pathetic, dumbed down, gangsta-ridden public school. I won’t call a public cop to save me from robbers, I will take measures to provide for my own security. I won’t use public healthcare every time one my seven children has a sore throat. I will not be robbed in a public park. good frikkin grief, I am still a Man, I do not need the collective to tell me where to go, how to go, what to do when I get there. And I will read and understand the Constitution Of The United States.!!! AAAAIIIIEEEEE! Norris, YOUR A GENIUS!!!!!!!
ok, heckled.
Good news from Bastrop.
In a county of approx. 50K, there was a Tea Party at Bastrop City Hall. There were approx. 250 people there in a county that is decidedly BLUE. Until recently, you could not get elected in Bastrop County unless you ran as a Democrat.
None of the speakers were politicians. Politcians were not invited as this was for the citizens, not an opportunity for politicans to further their own careers.
Kelly Hoag was also there, and told how she joined the Marine Corp after 9-11. I believe she is originally from New York. She left (for Austin?) immediately after her speech.
What is amazing about the Bastrop Tea Party is that you could not get 250 people together in Bastrop inless there is bar-b-que and Shiner Bock involved. There was none of that.
One guy talked about how, during his college days, he joined the SDS, a group formed by William Ayers. He said that it didn’t take him long to understand that their (the SDS) sole purpose was not the adherance to our Constitution, but rather the promotion of socialistic views. He is now a gun dealer.
Some of the speakers were boring, but for the most part, they were informative, Constitutional backing, Texas-styled conservatives who belonged to both parties or considered themselves Independents.
Now, next step? Organize groups of friends to study and learn the Constitution and its true meaning.
WE HOLD THE POWER.
Cornyn’s endorsement of Crist and Specter are reason enough to boo him.
Again, I don’t think elected Federal government politicians should have been invited to the Tea Parties. They are ALL more a part of the problem than they are the solution.
I agree with you on this point Robbie, Cornyn is a hypocrite, specifically for blaming our problems on Washington, while he’s been in Washington for long enough to have been part of the problem.
Noticed that the Austin American [Socialist] Stateman is reporting that only about 400 people showed up at the Austin Tea Party. And of course, their big headline was that Cornyn was booed.
So friggin’ what? The whole lot from D.C. should be booed. Loudly and often. And don’t forget that Cornyn voted to approve Turbo Tax Timothy Geithner.
Start calling their offices and let them know how you feel. And by the way, anyone who thinks that Texas sucks off the government teat (as evidenced by comments on the AASS website), for every dollar we send to D.C., we get 84 cents back.
Howdy All!
I was a volunteer for the 1st Annual Spicewood July 4th Parade.
It was a great show and a good time for the community.
Thanks for the pictures Robbie Cooper.
Next year, it will be much better now that the path has been tread.
After reading the comments on this topic, I have to say, why are some of you so vehemently opposed to Ron Paul?
“When I snapped this guy’s picture, he thanked me for “supporting the cause”. I told him I didn’t, and I only wanted the picture to mock him. Seriously, Ron Paul-bots — this guy is why nobody can take you seriously:”
Ron Paul takes the U.S. Constitution, SERIOUSLY.
Can anyone here count the fingers on their hands ANY Congressmen/woman present that takes the U.S. Constution SERIOUSLY?
It’s not Hutchinson.
It’s not Perry.
Cornyn, maybe.
Anyone?
Has ANYONE that reads this blog even READ the U.S. Constitution and OUR Bill of Rights in their entirety?
And after reading them UNDERSTAND them?
I doubt it.
READ THEM.
UNDERSTAND THESE DOCUMENTS.
Teach your children to to understand them as well. The public school system is not going to do it.
YOU as parents must instill this knowledge in them.
These two documents are the pillars of our Republic.
As Conservatives, (I am a true Conservative no doubt), ask yourselves, “Why is our Republic involved in two wars( Iraq and Afganistan) when Congress never voted on a declaration of war?
Congress never voted on a declaration of war.
Does that mean something to you?
OUR U.S. Constittution, DICTATES CLEARLY, the United States of America shall NOT go to war unless DECLARED by OUR Representatives.
With Bush, this did not happen with the conflicts in Iraq and Afganistan.
With Obama, the one to bring “Change”, it has not happened. This was expected.
Considering this, I will continue, STEADFAST, to preserve OUR Republic’s Constitution and Bill of Rights.
This is why I will support Ron Paul resolutely unto the hilt.
I will support Debra Medina for TX Governor with my money because I am sick and tired of the status quo that has us ALL in this mess whether you want to recognize it or not.
Considering “terrorists” all might want to read this document from home land security :
http://www.fas.org/irp/eprint/rightwing.pdf
Did you read it?
Profiling U.S. Veterans as possible terrorists? Are we out of our minds!?
How has it come to this?
Don’t tell me that black is white.
Read this one too.
http://www.constitution.org/abus/le/miac-strategic-report.pdf
And don’t tell me that 2+1 = 5 either.
I’m not buying it, not from Malkim or O’Rielly….I’m done with the double talk and propaganda.
The time as come when Americans need to recognize their roots and renew our Republic again.
Way past time.
I mean no offense to you Robbie Cooper.
I can admire, greatly, your blog used to make our Republic a better place.
I would like to meet you some day, as we live in the same community, Spicewood, TX.
I am a 7th generation Texian.
My family landed in Virginia in the 1600′s and worked their way to Texas.
My family fought in the Revolutionary War.
Our Forebearers faced slavery and death, to give us our Consitution and Bill of Rights.
Come what may, I will forever support those so few Congressmen and women that abide their oath to protect and defend the U.S. Consitution.
Ron Paul is one of the few.
My name is Brett Wayne Anderson.
P.S. Anybody know what the 6th Amedment to OUR Bill of Rights is?
No? You’re kidding right?
Right?
No worries there’s baseball games and reality shows to bide your time, even UFC! Awesome!
I don’t have to think!!
Brett out.
You congratulate yourself with enthusiasm, Brett.
First of all, Ron Paul is weaponized bat shit crazy, irrespective of his view of the constitution.
Congress didn’t vote for the use of force in Iraq?
Then what is this?
You are just another self-righteous know it all Paulbot.
Oh, and I got my masters in Poli-Sci, so you aren’t the only person to have ever read the constitution, though I doubt you understand it, and I doubt you ever read the Federalist Papers.
We warned Heather; she wouldn’t listen. Ah, well, live and learn.
[...] http://urbangrounds.com/2009/07/04/austin-independence-tea-party/ leave a comment « McNair – Kazemi Jetsetters, Vegas, Hawaii, California, Key West, Mississippi farm [...]
[...] from Texas blogger Robbie Cooper: Cornyn (I like the guy, actually. Voted for him. Supported for him. But not again. I’m not voting [...]
[...] least biased view of the Austin event which I’ve read comes from Robbie Cooper: I’d initially decided not to attend because the organizers had decided to build their rally [...]
First off No2Liberals,
It is the “conservative” republicans who controlled Washington until 2006 who are batshit crazy, and who hold absolutely no reverence for the supreme law of the land, the U.S. Constitution. Brett never stated that Congress did not vote to authorize President Bush to use force if he so wished, he did however state correctly, that Congress never declared war. Now, you apparently are fine with Congress delegating the authority granted it in Article I to the executive branch, but I ask you, where is Congress authorized to make such an abdication of constitutional authority? Was is not because the founders and framers wished to divide and limit such unbridled power that they created a federal system with distinct branches of government?
It is “Republicans” such as yourself and Senator Cornyn who have harmed the conservative cause. There is power in fundamental principles, for it is they which alone can be a beacon to lost and unprincipled souls… such as yours and dear Senator Cornyn.
As for your references to your marvelous civic education–receiving a masters in political science… (really? Poly Sci?) I happen to have a couple degrees in history, political science, economics, and a law degree… having studied with Clarence Thomas and most recently Sandra Day O’Connor, and I have to go ahead and call bullshit on your appeal to the authority of your education, or to the federalist papers, which were but the attempt of three influential guys to influence the internal debate in one State, New York. Try “New Views of the Constitution of the United States”, by John Taylor of Caroline. Thomas Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and the strict constructionists, the constitutional Scalias of the day, all followed his treatise, with Jefferson writing that he need not write a constitutional construction down, for Taylor had done it.
Robbie, you can continue to rip on Ron Paul and those who follow a plain meaning interpretation of our “supreme law of the land,” but in the end, it won’t be the bespectacled, balding, fanny-pack wearing, over-enthused supporter who you must locate and ridicule, but rather, it is the principle of constitutionally limited government. Sure, the Republican Party, of which I am a proud member and state delegate, may well regain political power in Washington, but that ought not be the goal of any patriotic American. Ron Paul has a few quirky followers, that much is true, but his is the only consistent voice in Washington, raising, in the words of President Washington, “a standard to which the wise and honest can repair”… If the Republican Party had actually followed Representative Paul’s call to heed the Constitution of the United States from their rise to power in ’94 until the present, following that great charter to which all of us who have served our country have sworn an oath to defend instead of political expediency, they would never have been ignominiously and rightly booted from the halls of power.
The more Congressmen we have like Ron Paul the better! We want strict constructionists on the U.S. Supreme Court, to determine the constitutionality of questions, but should we also not want strict constructionists writing the laws…or executing them?
Godspeed.
First off, Hampden,
Those republicans who controlled congress prior to 07 failed in their duties, not because they were weaponized bat shit crazy, like Paul, but solely to retain power without principle.
Have you bothered to look at the history of wars in this country? We have only made a formal declaration of war five times. Skipping forward from over a hundred other conflicts, we come to the War Powers Act of 1973. The constitutionality of this act has never been tested, so the debate rages on. Actually, Article 1 doesn’t actually specify what form a declaration of war should be in, so many say those words have to be in it. Instead of a formal declaration, congress began issuing Authorization of the Use of Military Force. They satisfy me, and many others, in the requirement of the President to get congressional approval. A formal declaration of war with Afghanistan or Iraq was completely unnecessary, as we had no treaties or diplomatic relations with those countries, and in fact, we were still in a state of conflict with Iraq from Desert Storm, as Iraq failed to comply with the terms of the truce.
You presume to know me, and you presume too much.
I say it is republicans like you that are the problem, in my view. You would support a candidate like Paul, because you like what comes out of his mouth, but you never bother to look into his eyes and see he is either on psychotropic drugs, or needs them. I question your judge of character.
I, on the other hand, don’t serve as any politicians bot. I believe they should all have their feet held to the fire. Why you think I am a die hard Cornyn supporter is only a question you can answer.
So you wish to denigrate my education, which was a professional degree coordinated through the poli-sci department, so that I could go make money. Unlike you, who chose to be a career student, if what you say is true.
You have your reading list, I have mine, but for you to shrug off the value of the Federalist Papers, indicates you never read or understood them.
The ronpaulbots are the flipside of the kucinichbots.