So I just got back from the tea party. It wasn't quite what I expected. [follow me for pics!]
[cross-posted from below-the-fold.com forums]
I was thinking it would either be no turnout at all, or just a bunch of nutcases. I did see a lot of conspiracy theory-type wacked-out stuff, but none of the racist or violent rhetoric I was looking for. The police were friendly and pretty hands-off. It actually makes me feel proud to be an American when I see other people exercising their free speech rights. Some of the signs I actually agreed with. There were supposed to be guest speakers, but it was chaotic enough that they were really hard to follow. Turnout was probably around 500-1000 people. I'd say the ones there were about half conservatives more concerned about fiscal policy and half right-wing, kool-aid drinking chuckleheads, with a few religious nuts sprinkled in. I'm actually glad I went.
Link to the set:
Direct link to the slideshow:
Some samples: