Mar 25, 2011

By Janet Begley

VERO BEACH — An estimated crowd of 5,000 people gathered at the Indian River County fairgrounds Friday evening as part of the third annual Tea Party rally.

Last year, 4,500 came out to Holman Stadium for a similar event, protesting what they called “fiscal irresponsibility” on the part of federal government.

Speakers at Friday’s rally included U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Bill Posey, who represents Florida’s 15th Congressional District. Rubio was scheduled to speak last year but was called away to tend to his then-ailing father.

While introducing Rubio and Posey, Indian River Tea Party chairman Toby Hill said that both men support the party’s ideals.

“Both of these men are true patriots,” said Hill. “They are both fiscally conservative and know that’s what made America great.”

Posey drew a standing ovation from the mostly Republican crowd, and said he was honored to be part of a movement that is making a big difference in the United States.

“The Tea Party voice is being heard and has made a tremendous difference in the policy of this nation,” Posey said.

Posey added that he will not support efforts to raise the amount of money that the American government can borrow.

“I told the (Speaker of the House) not to count on my vote to raise the debt ceiling,” Posey said.
He also told the crowd that no matter what they may hear, Social Security benefits will not be eliminated, but may change for younger workers

“No one is thinking about taking away Social Security,” Posey said. “It is not going to affect current beneficiaries or anyone who is close to being a beneficiary.”

Rubio said Friday’s audience was the largest crowd he has spoken to since his election last November.

“I’m proud to be here with you,” Rubio said, “And I’m excited to see so many of you on a Friday afternoon.”

Rubio talked about familiar topics such as debt reduction, tax simplification, the federal budget and health care, drawing thunderous applause when he called for the repeal of “Obamacare.” He added that activism on the part of Tea Party members has made a difference in Washington, calling it a “real check” on politics.

“You have made a difference,” Rubio said. “When they have meetings in Washington, D.C., they care what you think about their proposals.”

Paul Tanner, who co-founded the Indian River Tea Party, said he was pleased with Friday’s turnout, especially the number of young people who turned out.

“We accomplished what we wanted to do,” said Tanner. “We wanted to get the younger generation to come out and they did. It’s inspiring.”

Claire and Dan Kervick of Vero Beach said that have been supporters of the Tea Party movement since its inception.

“It’s a fantastic thing,” said Claire Kervick. “This is just what the Constitution orders — we have to stand up and say something.”

Dan Kervick said that the theme of the rally was correct — it is time to cut spending, reduce the size of government and limit government interference.

“Just let us go back to what made this country so good,” he said.

Before the start of the rally, representatives from the Indian River Democratic Party staged a small protest outside the main gates of the fairgrounds. About two dozen protesters walked along the fence, calling for citizens to reject the principles of the Tea Party.

This article originally appeared at www.TCPalm.com