Published: April 16, 2009 11:25 am      

Taxpayers speak out

Residents join tea party in response to government spending

WINAMAC — With signs in hand, a group of more than 100 residents from several counties gathered in front of the Pulaski County CourthouseWednesday evening to offer their support to Tax Day Tea Party.

Winamac resident Douglas Roth organized the event, saying he was concerned not only for his future, but for the future of his two sons.

“I have two young boys, and I’m concerned with the debt,” he said. “The taxes are out of control. It is eventually going to be time to pay the piper.”

Logansport resident Lauretta Somerville was also concerned about the national debt and what it meant for the future of the country.

“They are spending it faster than it is being printed,” she said. “My great-grandchildren and even their children will be paying for this.”

Somerville said it was time people stood up for the country and made known their concerns. She didn’t single out either of the major political parties, saying instead that both were guilty.

In her hands, she held a sign offering a reminder to elected officials.

“Did you forget?” the sign read. “Government works for the people. We won’t forget at election time.”

Roth, dressed in apparel from 1773, said he organized the event because he wanted residents in smaller towns and cities to have the opportunity to have their voices heard. He believes many people in smaller towns have been feeling ignored by government officials.

“I want to keep people involved and engaged,” he said. “There’s going to be a lot more things in the future, and we’re going to have to get together and stand up.”

Roth said about 760 tea parties had been scheduled in all 50 states on Wednesday. He said he hoped the final count would reach a million.

“One million people nationwide, that would be awesome,” he said. “That would send out a statement.”

Roth said he hoped the Winamac event would open the eyes of government officials and remind them of one thing in particular.

“We want to let them know we are here,” he said.

Christy Hileman of North Judson attended with her children, Caroline, 10, Andy, 7, and Rose, 3.

She hoped the protests would serve as a wake-up call to elected officials.

“They aren’t doing what the people want,” she said.

Curley Gapinski, a White County resident, performed a song he wrote in response to the tax situation. Set to the tune of “Oh Susanah,” the song was titled “Barack Obama.”

He decided to share his song for one simple reason.

“I’m fed up with the out of control spending in Washington,” he said. “Stop spending my children’s and grandchildren’s money and their future.”

Denise Massie can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or via e-mail at denise.massie@pharostribune.com