Taxpayers across nation protest U.S. spending

-- Protests are planned in more than 30 cities across North Carolina on Wednesday, as taxpayers speak out about the federal government's policies and actions.

The "Tea Party" events started out as protests against the stimulus package and bailout plans. But now, organizers say they have become about something more.

"If you are looking at this country and you don't like the direction it's going in, for whatever reason -- whether it's immigration, economics, national security, the Bill of Rights -- then come out and let your voice be heard," said Melodye Aben, state coordinator for the events. "This is your tea party; it's your chance to take a stand and speak out."

The events will be held across the country in accordance with the last day Americans have to file their income tax returns - April 15.

"This is not a partisan event; this is for everybody, any kind of issue," said Aben. "And there are people who are very afraid their liberties are about to be taken away."

There are some 750 protests planned across the nation Wednesday. Some of the larger cities are expecting crowds in the tens of thousands.

"I just know I couldn't stand to live with myself if I didn't [attend]," said Sharon Sherrill, a demonstrator in Gaston County. "I have three children, I want to set an example for them .... I think as an American I have a responsibility to be here and at least be present when I have an opportunity to give forth my voice."

Despite the crowds, some detractors of the "Tea Party" events are saying the protests are not actually non-partisan, as they have been publicized as being, but are instead Republican Party events targeting higher spending. Those detractors say that it is the same higher spending bemoaned by Wednesday's events that helped the country recover from the Great Depression and the recession in the 1980s. source>>>

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