The Rowlett Texas Tea Party Patriots were out in force July 3 in spite of a 103 degree temperature. Approximately 200 people attended the event in downtown Rowlett, Texas, a small bedroom community just east of Dallas and on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard. These patriots held their Tea Party in conjunction with the city’s annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks. It is estimated that several hundred more came by the tea party location and many of those stopped to ask for information, sign petitions, and sign up for the mailing list to be notified of future events.

Several citizens participated in “open mic” when attendees were allowed 3 minutes each to speak their minds. Thoughts ranged from a prayer of Billy Graham’s to a passionate plea to get more involved. Scheduled speakers spoke on the topics of Fiscal Responsibility, Limited Government, Free Markets, Health Care, Religious Liberty and how business is negatively impacted by current and pending legislation.

Fred Witzell of Rowlett, also known as Texas Fred, gave a rousing speech about limited government and how the federal government should stay out of state business. The crowd roared in agreement when Fred spoke about state sovereignty even though he said that it is not the same thing as secession – but hinted that it could be.

Cliff Isaacs, a longtime Garland resident and retiree from John Hancock Financial Services, spoke about Religious Liberty and he principles upon which our country was founded. He highlighted information about how tax dollars are being used to fund services and activities that many Americans do not agree with based on their spiritual beliefs.

Health care was passionately covered by Gay DeHoff, a former property manager for the city of Dallas. She highlighted the extraordinary cost of nationalized healthcare and explained that the only way they can provide coverage for everyone is to ration healthcare. In other words, the government, according to Gay, will determine what healthcare you get and how much you get.

Business owner Tom Fulton, of Rowlett, spoke about the negative impacts of current and proposed legislation on businesses and business owners. He pointed out that over 70% of jobs are created by small business owners and the current Cap and Trade legislation will force them to let employees go resulting in 15-18% unemployment.

The subject of "fiscal responsibility" was covered by Bill Gibson. He pointed out that Congress has authorized $4.82 Trillion in spending during the last 9 months. He further pointed out, 84% of all federal revenue comes from personal income & payroll taxes and only about 59% of the population currently pays income tax. Taking all of these factors into consideration, this reckless spending places a $75,000 future tax burden on every taxpaying family in the country. Bill is a retired accountant and presently a small business owner providing research in public records.

John Workman, a Sales Engineer by profession and current volunteer with The Reform Party USA and United We Stand America described how the US was once the biggest producer on the planet. Now, the US imports most of its energy, clothing, and much of its food. In order for America to thrive again we must become a world builder and producer again.

The Rowlett Texas Tea Party Patriots are a group of individuals united by our shared core values. We recognize the strength of grassroots organizing powered by activism and civic responsibility at a local level.

Their mission is to organize like-minded individuals, educate and inform others about our core values, secure public policy consistent with those values, and to positively affect the outcome of elections.