Hundreds gather for Tea Party

The Daily Inter Lake

Several hundred people gathered Saturday at Kalispell's Depot Park afternoon to "party like it's 1773."

That's what one sign read at the Flathead Tea Party - a reference to the Boston Tea Party, the spirit of which has inspired several rallies such as Kalispell's across the country.

But instead of dumping overtaxed tea in waterways, Americans are mailing tea bags to their elected officials in Washington, D.C. The purpose, event organizers say, is to convince officials to change their recent spending policies.

Saturday's event featured music and speeches from several area residents, including retired Brig. Gen. Jim Cash and retired Maj. Gen. Paul Vallely. About 500 people of all ages were present, many bearing signs protesting recent moves by President Barack Obama, the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Congress.

"No public money for private failure," one sign read. "Restore our government: No to big government and socialism," read another. Tea bags hung from several signs.

Dozens of tea parties held elsewhere in the country have attracted thousands of people. The rallies have been spurred on by conservative radio and television commentator Glenn Beck.

Check out Monday's Daily Inter Lake for coverage of Saturday's tea party. Photos and a story also will be available on www.dailyinterlake.com.

On the 'Net: www.voicesofmontana.org