On April 15th, “tax day” in America, an estimated 20,000 people from all over Texas and other parts of the nation attended the San Antonio Tea Party.  Why did these people of all ages and incomes, representing Democrat, Republican and Independent voters, come together in front of the Alamo?  Was it to rock out with Ted Nugent, protest high taxes and socialism, learn more about Constitutional principles, or just see TV host Glenn Beck? To find out, Texas Magazine randomly asked a cross-section of patriots a simple question: “Why are you here”?

Johnny and Betsy Wagner, Columbus, TX

Johnny, a veteran CPA, said he was fed up with “seeing how much my clients are getting ripped off in taxes” year after year. And the situation is worsening.  “It’s gone to extremes. We can’t afford to let this happen anymore.”

Betsy shared her husband’s concerns. However, she was more worried about how--in just a few short months--our society has changed for the worse in ways that could affect generations to come.  “As a teacher for 30 years, I always told my students they were masters of their own destinies. But that’s not true now.” Instead, she said “Washington wants to tell us how much we can make and who can have certain jobs,” and make the educated people who earn the most money pay all the taxes for those who fail to educate themselves.

In late 2008 the couple’s oldest son left for his third tour of duty in Iraq. “When he gets back at the end of this year,” said Betsy with sadness in her voice, “I’m not sure he’ll find that all the freedoms he’s been fighting for will look the same.”

Travis Moore, San Antonio, TX

Travis and three other college friends from San Antonio came to the Tea Party to publicly “take a stand.”
Despite the fast-paced financial and societal changes occurring almost on a daily basis, “I’m not fearful at all because of my faith in God,” he said.  “I hope that one thing that comes out of this movement is the re-establishment of laissez-faire. The government doesn’t need to take over family responsibilities or replace the family.”  [Laissez-fiare, a French term, refers to the economic idea that the government should intervene as little as possible in the marketplace and/or in society.]

David and Joshua Williams, San Antonio, TX

“Someday, after he’s grown, I hope he’ll look back on this day and remember,” said David, talking about his 7-year-old son Joshua perched on his shoulders.  A deep love for his little boy--and a strong desire to preserve America’s capitalistic system --spurred this Alamo City insurance professional to attend the rally. “It’s hard for me to make ends meet now; when he’s older he’ll be taking on the same load…and then some,” he noted, referring to the trillions of dollars of debt and taxes Americans will be saddled with for decades to come.

David witnessed firsthand the evils of socialism while growing up on a U.S. military base in Germany. That experience is ringing warning bells to him now as he increasingly see signs of socialism taking hold of our nation on many fronts.

He used to think he was doing enough by voting and discussing issues with others. Not any more. Recent economic events have shown him he must do more to get his voice (and the voice of others) heard by government. “Being with all these people today, I now know I am not insignificant,” he said. While this first day of nationwide Tea Parties is a good idea, “they should happen again and again If [the movement] stops with this event today, the government and the mediawill blow us off and laugh at us. But if we can continue to meet and talk about our concerns, we can’t be ignored.”

Andrea and Rick Meador, San Antonio, TX

“We’re hoping the President will stop spending so much money,” said Rick, owner of a wholesale auto dealership. “We’re here to make a stand; the government is doing what it wants without listening to us!” He emphasized that his family wanted “change that’s better”--not change or “chains” that would lower their quality of life and their bank accounts.

James Wright, San Antonio, TX

A cardiologist technician, James is also a proud member of the American Legion Riders (Post 593, Converse, Texas).  “We’re true patriots,” he said of his fellow Riders, motorcycle enthusiasts dedicated to supporting America’s military and its veterans through a variety of activities. “We’re all about taking care of other people.” Dressed in a highly decorated Legion vest, this “son of a son of a sailor” was one of many Legion volunteers providing security at the Tea Party that night.

James had planned on attending the event for some time. However, he was particularly motivated to come after learning about the new Homeland Security report which politically profiled conservatives. It warned that returning military veterans could become homegrown domestic terrorists if right-wing extremists “recruit” them “to boost their violent capabilities.” The report also said these extremists may try to recruit Americans opposed to abortion, illegal immigration, and stricter gun laws.

“To find out the government thinks I’m a terrorist really put a thorn in my side,” said James, a peace-loving veteran. However, he found solace being part of a large, well-behaved crowd which supported veterans as well as the right to carry concealed handguns; an issue James termed as being ”very dear” to him.

A Texas mom and her three young daughters rested at a grassy curbside a few minutes prior to the start of the Tea Party. With apparent pride, each child held her own hand-printed sign on a wooden stick for passers-by to read.

The youngest girl, barely past her toddler years, twirled a sign with the word “Poopy” on one side and “Poopsies” on the other. What was that all about?  The mother explained.  “I asked my girls what message they wanted to send President Obama, and that’s what she told me to write on her sign.”  Out of the mouth—or mind—of babes….

More Photos of San Antonio Tea Party: