SAN DIEGO - "Tea Party Express II: Countdown to Judgment Day,'' a multi-city protest over government taxes and spending, kicked off Sunday at San Diego's Tuna Harbor.
The rallies, organized by Republican and conservative activists, are meant to encourage Americans to express their opinions, said Deborah Johns, the vice-chair of the national tour, which is scheduled to conclude Nov. 12 in Orlando.
"They can make a difference,'' Johns said. ``In 2010, the people will hand (incumbents) a pink slip if Congress doesn't get the out-of-control spending under control.''
Johns said about 2,500 people attended the San Diego rally, based on a count of text messages those in the crowd were asked to send. Harbor Police estimated the crowd at closer to 1,000.
The political elite in Washington, D.C., has tried to minimize and belittle those who attend tea parties, but those who show up are everyday Americans, said Johns, a resident of Granite Bay, east of Sacramento.
"In a week's time, I've had 10,000 e-mails to answer,'' Johns said. "People want to get involved.''
Americans are being galvanized in opposition to Obama administration policies, especially health care reform, financial bailouts and intrusiveness into private businesses, she said.
"Obama -- the Little Red Riding Hood turned out to be the Big Bad Wolf,'' Johns said. "His change is not what people want.''
The Tea Party Express is sponsored by "Our Country Deserves Better,'' a political action committee run by former state Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian, a longtime local conservative activist and Republican.
Crowd estimates range from 1,000 to 2,500. (Photo: Dani Helton)The San Diego rally was followed by one at Griffith Park in Los Angeles. Rallies are scheduled for Monday in Bakersfield and Fresno.
The rallies will continue over 19 days in 38 cities. "Judgment Day'' is a reference to the 2010 congressional elections.
