Boise Tea Party - April 2009

Early on the morning of April 15th, 2009 a few snowflakes came down as I was getting ready to head over to Boise, Idaho to take some photographs at the Tea Party. Arriving into Boise, there was a slight bit of rain hitting the windshield and the skies were still overcast.

I decided to catch up with rally at the second meeting point - Julia Davis Park. The temperatures were still low and a drizzle continued as the Tea Party protesters marched down to Julia Davis Park. I was shocked at the turn out. Estimates were near 3,000 people that day.

Signs, smiles, families and some really good smelling pork roast was all around. This had to be one of the most polite crowds I was ever in. "Excuse me" and "Pardon me" were in no shortage when people accidentally bumped into each other. The speakers sent an excellent message and did I mention the pork roast smelled really good!

It was nothing like what the major media outlets tried to portray it - simply put, it was very suitable for "family viewing" and even participation.

Though there were many different words on signs, most of them sent out the same message..."Stop it!". These rallies were billed by news channels (CNN, MSNBC, etc) as anti-Obama or anti-government. Nothing could have been further from the truth.