KOTA Territory NewsTEA Party protesters take to the streets

TEA Party protesters take to the streets

Rachael Embler

There is no tea, but protestors in Rapid City join thousands across the country in a 'Boston tea style' party.

"We are tea'd, t-e-a, taxed enough already," said Sen. Gordon Howie (R) district 30.

These flag wavers aren't rebelling against their leaders, but they do want them to change how they spend.

"It's time that the people, we the people, stand up and let them know that we're not satisfied with their job performance," said Jim Crisp of Rapid City.

The display of hundreds of people with signs and flags is one of many across KOTA Territory and the nation to protest the federal stimulus plan, as well as high taxes.

"Taxes are going to have to go up and I think we're fooling ourselves if we don't think that's true," said Bob Quinn of Rapid City.

One sign expressed the opinion of many there with the message "your pork is breaking my piggy bank."

"I'd have them take a real serious look at pork spending and look at that and trim that wherever possible," Quinn said.

Many said they're worried.

"At this point in time I don't have faith that any of our leaders are doing what is important for all of us," Quinn said.

Others are angry.

"Four trillion dollars of new spending is insane and the government doesn't have 4 trillion dollars to spend unless it first takes it from us," Sen. Howie said.

 Mixed in the crowds of signs, were ideas about how to fix the deficit.

"Why don't they take a cut to their pay until this mess that they got us into is solved," Crisp said.

However, for most it comes down to one idea.

"Don't spend what you don't have," Sen. Howie said.

In addition to the protest in Rapid City, there were tea parties in Spearfish, Newcastle, Sheridan, and Gillette.