Thousands flood downtown to protest government spending

WASHINGTON - Tens of thousands of protesters fed up with government spending marched to the U.S. Capitol on Saturday, showing their disdain for the president's health care plan with slogans such as "Obamacare makes me sick" and "I'm not your ATM."

The line of protesters completely filled Pennsylvania Avenue for blocks, all the way to the capitol, according to the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. People were chanting "enough, enough" and "We the People." Others yelled "You lie, you lie!" and "Pelosi has to go," referring to California congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.

Some men are dressed in colonial costumes with tri-colored hats, and others were holding signs saying "Go Green Recycle Congress," "Thank You Joe Wilson," and "Legalize The Constitution".

One organizer at the event estimates that there were about 50,000 attendees at about 10 a.m., but expected as many as 100,000 people. Pennsylvania Avenue was completely blocked by demonstrators by 11 a.m.

Richard Brigle, 57, a Vietnam War veteran and former Teamster, came from Paw Paw, Mich. He said health care needs to be reformed - but not according to President Barack Obama's plan.

"My grandkids are going to be paying for this. It's going to cost too much money that we don't have," he said while marching, bracing himself with a wooden cane as he walked.

A couple from Indiana was holding pitchforks explaining, "'cause we're gonna pitch 'em out." Jay Fant, with the First Coast Tea Party, says he thought they'd get a few protesters together.

"And then what happened is, apparently, the world got out, and every state in the country is represented here in a way that's very overwhelming. We're all very overwhelmed by the turnout."

FreedomWorks Foundation, a conservative organization led by former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, organized several groups from across the country for what they're calling a "March on Washington."

The march proceeded from Freedom Plaza to the National Mall, causing temporary street closures on Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th and 3rd Streets NW.

Organizers say they built on momentum from the April "tea party" demonstrations held nationwide to protest tax policies, along with growing resentment over the economic stimulus packages and bank bailouts.

Many protesters said they paid their own way to the event - an ethic they believe should be applied to the government. They say unchecked spending on things like a government-run health insurance option could increase inflation and lead to economic ruin.

Several protesters said they represented a "silent majority" or referred to themselves as "community organizers" a phrase often associated with the president. "This isn't some right-wing conservative agenda," said 30-year-old Adam Moore of Rochester, Mich. "This is a true grass-roots movement."

Other sponsors of the rally include the Heartland Institute, Americans for Tax Reform and the Ayn Rand Center for Individuals Rights.

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