Hundreds gather to protest taxes

Home

Related Photos

April 20, 2009

Hundreds gather to protest taxes

By Gary Nelson / gnelson@crossville-chronicle.com The Crossville Chronicle Mon Apr 20, 2009, 03:20 PM CDT

Under a backdrop of drizzly gray skies, wind and frigid temperatures, hundreds of Cumberland County residents gathered at the county courthouse Wednesday evening for a tea party to protest unfair taxation of American citizens.

Although the Cumberland County Republican Party organized the event and encouraged party faithfuls to join the "Second American Revolution" and become part of the "We, the People" movement, leaders who spoke at the event said it was not party affiliated.

"This is not about being a Republican or a Democrat — it's about being American," Cumberland County Republican Chairman Aaron Snodderly said. "The people are teed off and tired of being taxed enough."

The event was one of 68 protests held in Tennessee and one of thousands being held on April 15, federal tax deadline day.

Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill said, "This is amazing. It's a great turnout for this event."

"There are millions across the U.S.A. doing this right now like we are. This is not a political event. It's about being American. We will keep this civil ... As I look out here and see so many people I am thinking about a tea party that happened around 200 years ago. The people are tired — tired of a government that cares only about itself," Snodderly said.

The group gathered tea bags and strings and labels to be sent to Washington to send a message.

"We are sending these tea bags to Washington to give them a wake up call ... it is time to clean house ... we are going to shout until we have a voice in Washington," Karen Shanks of the Cumberland County Republican party said. "Many of the congressmen didn't even read the budget before approving."

She said the budget puts America $9.4 trillion in debt.

Said Shanks, "It's time to wake up America. Our government can't solve all of our problems — they are the cause of most of them."

Many attending carried signs protesting taxes, the Obama administration and the U.S. government.

Dana Wilson, Cumberland County Young Republicans chairman, said, "I'm walking on clouds here. So many people are here. This is something that's important to them."

He later addressed the crowd.

"Nobody thought we would have anyone out here today. Well, it looks like Crossville and Cumberland County care. We need to continue with activism. Let them know how you feel about this. Let's take care of business every day — keep up the fight," Wilson said.

Several individuals made comments in protest to tax increases.

Many who attended plan to hold similar, local events in the future to continue to voice their opposition.

Text Only

Area News

County attorney to send violation letter to bank regarding Guiness Rd. property: Rat infestation of structure has forced neighbors from home twice in past nine months

Cumberland County attorney Randal Boston was requested by the Health and Safety Standards Board to send a letter of violation and cleanup to Bank of America in regard to an abandoned, dilapidated property in the Breckenridge neighborhood.
Continued ...

By Gary Nelson The Crossville Chronicle Copyright 2013 Crossville Chronicle, Crossville, TN. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Mon, May 20
Posted May 20, 2013 12:00 pm
Tap Publishing hit by electrical fire: Damage in six figures still being assessed Posted May 20, 2013 8:00 am 1 Photo
Indictments handed down in Selby slaying Posted May 17, 2013 3:00 pm
County discusses non-profit funding contracts Posted May 17, 2013 12:00 pm
Suit seeks to force sewer connection Posted May 17, 2013 8:00 am

Click here for more Area News stories

Sports

Stone Memorial sophomore Ali Harris won the Region 2A/AA singles tennis title Tuesday at Pigeon Forge High School. She received her gold medal from Tournament Director John Griffis of Pigeon Forge High School.

Harris wins Region 2A/AA singles tennis gold medal
Stone Memorial sophomore Ali Harris won the Region 2A/AA tennis singles championship Tuesday at Pigeon Forge High School to earn her a second-straight berth in next week's state meet in Murfreesboro at MTSU.
Harris defeated Chesnie Nichols of Carter High School in the first round of the tournament in straight sets 6-0, 6-0, according to SMHS coach Ray Hawn.

May 16, 2013 1 Photo
Hospice of Cumberland County real winner in 22nd annual tournament
CCHS runners qualify for state meet
Lady Jets soccer begins practice June 3
Record field enjoys nice weather in Senior Open

Lifestyles

Students taking part in the 1963 senior class trip to Washington, D.C., are, from left, front row, Linda Tabor, Sandra Morehead, CArol Sue Cox, Sandra Harding, Glenda Driver, Cheryl Swafford, Ann Young, Linda Cooper, Sandra Maddux, Nancy Allred, Gypsie Henry, Rosie Young, Ruby Hedgecoth, Arnetta Eller, Betty Sue Wattenbarger, Sharon Wyatt, Janice Norris, Ann Silvers and Judi Stevens; second row, Kay Jackson, Evelyn Swim, Gladys Nevils, Linda Jenkins, Lena Daves, Rhea Hembree, Mr. Gene Thurman; Mrs. Mable McAfee, Mr. Lyndon Pippins, Sue Stevens, Sharon Hinkle, Nancy Cline, Ruth Ann Carey, Geneva Brown, Katherine Aytes, Susie McNeil, Kay Lawson and Sue Bailey; third row, Leroy Barnwell, Pete Graham, Sharon O�Dell, William Cook, Marvin David, Horace Wyatt, Leland Dodson, Gene Bailey, Claude Simms, Carl Perry, Jimmy Owens, Perry Turner, Eddie Hendley, Jack Chadwell, David Hyder, Norma Tays, Shelma Meadows, Linda Hixon, Gail Brewer, Janet Parker, Canzada O�Dell and Ruth Clark; and back row, bus driver James Hyder, Phil Dunaway, Ralph Swallows, Kenny Hutchins, Kenny Hooks, Barry Johnson, Thomas Wilder, James Whitson, Roy Nevils, James Davis, John Saylors, Bill Cole, Bill Stevens, Jimmy Hall, Mike Collier, Wayne Mullins, Ekdrudge Davis, Eddie Cox, Doyle Sherrill, David Hedgecoth, Bruce Bumbalough, and bus driver Wayne Russell.

Opinion