http://www.suntimes.com/news/steinberg/2168642,CST-NWS-stein18.articleTea Party 'revolt' looks like a pity party to me April 17, 2010
BY NEIL STEINBERG Sun-Times Columnist
<snip>I entered Daley Center Plaza. Elvis' "It's Now or Never" burbled muddily from loudspeakers. There seemed about . . . and this is sensitive, so I'll tread carefully . . . 500 protesters, though the Tribune estimated 1,000 and the Sun-Times called it "thousands." So let's say 2,000, but if you want to make that 20,000, be my guest. I sure didn't count them, but took my place in the crowd.
Radio host Cisco Cotto led singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Or tried to. The response was a murmur, and I turned to look around -- most mouths were set in a grim line. One speaker said this was a happy movement, but they sure didn't look happy. snip
A round man in a straw hat carried a sign: "We Gave Peace a Chance and We Got 9/11" with "Peace" crossed out and replaced with "Hope" and "9/11" replaced by "Ft. Hood."
"So you don't think the Fort Hood massacre was the isolated act of a lone disturbed individual?" I asked, by way of starting conversation.
"No, I do not!" he said, fleeing. A common reaction. They want media attention, so long as it is not on themselves personally. I drifted over to a counter-protester, a young man in an aluminum foil hat. snip
"Why don't you talk to the actual Tea Party members!" demanded another man, swooping in.
"OK," I said, trying to disarm him with my boyish smile. "Why don't I talk to you? What would you like to say?"
He turned and fled, at a trot.
Run, baggers, run ...
:rofl: