The Muskogee Tea Party is a grassroots group sparked by similar gatherings across the state and the nation. The national Tea Party movement began shortly after Rick Santelli, On Air Editor for CNBC, went on a ‘rant’ about the out-of-control spending by politicians in Washington D.C. (consisting of bailouts, so-called ’stimulus’ packages, pork projects and earmarks), and called on everyday Americans to hold Tea Parties to protest the aforementioned grievances.
On April 15th, 2009, some 250 citizens attended the first-ever Muskogee Tea Party. A second Tea Party was held on July 4th, attracting about 300 people. On September 12th, 2009, over 300 patriots attended the third Tea Party. A fourth Tea Party was held on December 16th of 2009, with over 100 in attendance.
Altogether, nearly 1,000 people attended a Muskogee Tea Party in 2009, coming from all over eastern Oklahoma, from Roland to Poteau to Okmulgee to Tulsa to Claremore.
In 2010, the movement continues, with Tea Parties planned for significant dates throughout the year. On April 15th, 350 people came to our second Tax Day Tea Party. On July 2nd, we held a Voter Education Rally, featuring thirty-plus candidates, with over 300 attendees.