TEA Party rally message: get involved

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Not even the threat of severe weather could keep members of the Myrtle Beach TEA Party from meeting for their annual Tax Day Rally.

The group, whose initials stand for Taxed Enough Already, packed the cafeteria of Myrtle Beach Middle school Saturday afternoon to listen to several supporters and politicians outline plans to see the group through the 2012 election.

The keynote speaker, freshman Congressman Tim Scott, was unable to attend, but the schedule was still packed with speeches and appearances from local politicians like Horry County School Board member Joe DeFeo or State Representative Thad Viers. Viers was pleased with the numbers that showed up despite less than ideal conditions.

"With the weather, they actually changed the venue at the last minute. But we have about two hundred people in there, and they're dedicated Americans."

One of the big items for discussion at the rally was getting involved at a grassroots level. With several different political movements finding solidarity in the TEA Party, activists wanted to push volunteer opportunities and chances for individuals to find a voice in party politics.

"Being a part of the TEA Party movement or a member of the Republican Party is fine," said political consultant Tom Herron.  "But you meet once a week, or once a month and hear some neat stuff, then you go home sit on the couch and nothing happens. "

Herron says that activism is what fuels the TEA Party movement and the Republican Party as a whole.

"Get motivated by these events. When you are, find something in your heart that matters most to you."

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