Thousands Protest Spending at Oklahoma Capitol

Staff and Wire Reports 

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thousands of people rallied at the state Capitol as part of a National Tax Day Tea Party to protest excessive government spending.

Capitol Patrol officers estimated close to 4,000 people gathered Wednesday on the south steps of the state Capitol. Similar events were held in communities across the state.

Holding signs that read "Viva Capitalism" and "Stop Bailouts," protesters in Oklahoma City expressed frustration with politicians they said are unwilling to listen to their demands.

Organizer Alan Webb says politicians weren't invited to speak at the event because "we wanted the politicians to hear us."

Webb says people are fed up with excessive taxes and excessive government spending.

"We are sick and tired of the bailouts, they've reached a head and we cannot be silent anymore," Webb said.

Jason Carini of "Getrightoklahoma.com" says three tea parties are being planned in Tulsa, including one at LaFortune Park featuring Rep. John Sullivan.

But numbers don't echo the supporters' sentiment.

A new CBS/New York Times poll shows 56 percent agree with President's handling of the economy while 66 percent of Americans approve of the president and the direction he is taking the country.

One of those is Ivan Holmes the chairman of Oklahoma's Democratic Party.

"Obama should have been their guest speaker today because his tax plan will cut taxes for 1.3 million Americans," Holmes.

On Obama's $3.6 trillion budget he says Americans need to give it time.

"I don't think anybody can tell until the jobs start and the money starts flowing," Holmes said.

The CBS poll also shows 39 percent of Americans believe the country is headed in the right direction. The last time it was that high was in 2005; the beginning of President Bush's second term.

Sites of other rallies include Duncan, Durant, Lawton, Miami, Muskogee, Norman, Poteau and Tahlequah.