OCEANSIDE — A crowd of more than 1,000 filled the Pier Amphitheater for a Tea Party rally and open carry meet-up on Oct. 10. The rally focused on California propositions and political stands of local activist groups.
The Tea Party supports Proposition 23, to suspend AB 32, the Global Warming Act; says yes to Proposition 26, a supermajority vote to pass new taxes; and says no to Proposition 25, a simple majority vote for legislature to pass the budget.
Those present took an active stand for their beliefs. “We have to get actively involved in who’s running our country,” Linda Reedy of Mission Bay said. “They need to work for us.”
“We mean business,” Paul Hofman of San Diego said. “We’re standing together showing we are solid and one-minded.”
Hofman, a former Republican, is now registered as an Independent. He said he is displeased with Democrats and Republicans. “I don’t like the way Democrats are going,” Hofman said. “Republicans are just as bad.”
Councilman Jerry Kern and council candidate Gary Felien had campaign booths at the rally. Both are outspoken about being against more taxes. “We can’t keep spending and taxing,” Kern said. “We’re taxed enough.” Kern opposes any new taxes including the proposal to charge Oceanside business owners for fire inspections.
“We’re killing the price of industry,” Kern said. “If we keep stepping on the golden goose that lays eggs we’re going to kill it.”
Second Amendment Right supporters also used the event to meet up for an open carry of guns.
Other activists opposed illegal immigration. Blair McGranahan of Oceanside wore sandwich board signs that showed his support of SB 1070, Arizona’s anti-immigration law, and encouraged a boycott of San Diego.
“San Diego supports illegals,” McGranahan said. “The police department won’t coordinate with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).”
Arizona Sen. Russell Pearce, author of SB 1070, took the stage to share his beliefs that most Americans support the anti-immigration law that gives police officers the power to ask for identification of citizenship if there is a reasonable suspicion that a person is an illegal immigrant. “It’s inherent to citizens, to us,” Pearce said. “Three to one citizens support it.”
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