All across the country, the “Tea Party” protests are moving from outrage at federal spending, to outrage over local governments not making spending cuts in light of the current economic crisis.  Here are a few protests to consider:

In Tuscon, Arizona – when city council were considering a 2% tax on renters, 1000 people showed up to protest and speak their mind.

In Knoxville, Tennessee – with housing prices on the decline the local tax assessors office INCREASED housing valuations to increase property taxes – but protestors showed up to let them know they weren’t going to just stand by.

In Idaho, more protestors showed up on capital hill to protest a 6-cent per gallon increase in the gas tax while the governor was also proposing spending increases in state government.  The senate is behind the governor and the house is opposed.

This is the next level of push-back the American public needs to make.  If we won’t hold our local leaders accountable, we can’t expect our national leaders to take us seriously.  We have to voice our opinions to our local representatives and hold them accountable at the polls if they increase spending or increase taxes.  Holding signs and yelling slogans is fun, but we can’t change anything if we don’t back up our rhetoric with action.

Write your local city council representatives, write your county representatives, and write your state representatives – get informed – make your opinion known – vote in the next election.  It’s time as American citizens that we stop abdicating our responsibility to elected officials and hope it turns out ok.  Stand up and be counted!!!

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