In Colonial America settlers in Boston, Mass. made their opposition to unfair taxes heard to King George of England, by dressing as Native American’s and dumping crates of tea into Boston Harbor. In Plymouth it was bright mid day, and the tea was replaced with protest signs, but the idea of the “Tea Party” was the same – opposition to what protestors see as unfair taxation.
“I don’t like the way this country is going,” a sentiment that seemed to be the point of view of all in attendance, spoken by a protestor who insisted on being known only as “John.”
Carrying signs and American Flags, the group peaceably exercised its right to assemble and protest and shared a little lunch in the process. Beverly Price and Ruth Clemons organized the Plymouth event that was part of protest scheduled all over the country on “Tax Day.”
“I don't think that I am the only one who is concerned about the rising taxes — in fact I know I'm not,” said Price. “And are they doing any good? Very few, if any of these taxes existed 50 years ago and where are we now?”
Price went on to quote some facts from history to back up her assertion.
“In 1790, the deficit was approximately $75 million. In 1916, the start of World War I, the deficit was $1 billion. In the 1930s during the Great Depression, the deficit increased from $16 billion to $42 billion; in 1946 during the second World War, it rose to $276 billion. Currently the national deficit is $11,184,000,132,922.46.”
Father Tony and son Charles Stiles were also in attendance together.
Tony voiced his concern for his son and his family.
“I’m tired of all the tax and spend,” he said. “They print up money that isn’t worth ‘Monopoly’ money. I’m really worried about my son and his children and what is going to happen in their lifetimes.”
Son Tony, who turns 19 in May, echoed his father’s feelings
“I don’t think the future for me is as bright as it could be,” he said.