Tax Protest Heats Up in Tennessee

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NewsMax.com

Thursday, May 16, 2002

Thanks in part to talk radio, hundreds of Tennesseans are protesting attempts by the overspending Legislature and governor to impose a state income tax.

"It's a very important day because I feel the legislators are viewing the income tax as an easy way out," William Fisher of Spring Hill told the Tennessean newspaper as he observed the crowd of protesters Wednesday at Nashville's Capitol Hill.

Fisher, a retired teacher, said that even as a former state employee he believed an income tax would give the pols an open-ended revenue stream.

Polly Callahan of Hendersonville said: "I can't afford it. I'm on a fixed income," thus exposing the lie of greedy tax-and-spend politicans who claim that taxes hurt only "the rich."

Numerous Tennessee residents have complained to NewsMax.com that the state's newspapers and TV stations are giving inadequate and biased coverage of the anti-tax movement. Here are excerpts of an account that motivational speaker and management consultant Brian J. Collins sent us of the protest Tuesday:

"[T]he thought of these worthless bureaucrats stealing my money to implement their godless, socialist agenda made my Irish blood boil."

"The rally looked much different than the typical liberal rally. Along the street in front of the State Capitol, everyone was courteous and polite. ..."

"There were hundreds of anti-tax protesters and almost no pro-tax supporters. When four (that’s right, 4) pro-tax people showed up, three Nashville TV reporters ran to interview them. The mainstream media interviewed them lovingly and gave them plenty of time to tell Tennessee why we need higher taxes. ..."

"A couple had three young children with them. The father was pulling them around in a red wagon. The children were wearing shirts that read 'No Income Tax'. A TV cameraman walked up to them and said, 'Look at these young radicals.' My thought was, 'Look at these young freedom fighters.' It is funny how the media never sees it the same way I do. Go figure. ..."

"We were trying to notify the government that we want to keep the money we earn. ..."

"The rally symbolizes what America means to me ... people with different backgrounds who share a love of liberty and country. America is great because of people who believe in freedom and are willing to do something about it.

"The politicians are trying to take our liberties one by one until none remain. ..."

The anti-tax activists are celebrating a temporary victory after the state House adjourned Wednesday without raising taxes. It reconvenes May 22 to address a $480 million deficit caused by overspending when the economy was booming.

"The voice of the people was heard," 42-year-old chef Mark Cygler told the Associated Press.

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