‘CAN YOU HEAR US NOW?’
By Aimee Cregger

Harrisonburg Daily News Record
September 24, 2009

Valley Political Enthusiasts Make A Mark At Washington, D.C. Tea Party

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 12 – As a crowd of Americans placed their hands
over their hearts while singing "God Bless America," Valley resident
Suzanne Curran stood in awe to be a part of history in the making.

"I can’t even begin to tell you about it without getting choked up,"
Curran said. "That moment will stay with me forever."

The Tea Party movement began on April 15 with thousands of Americans
protesting government spending across the U.S. From small towns to
large cities, people spoke out against President Obama’s healthcare
plan among other issues.

The FreedomWorks Foundation out of Washington, D.C., was formed "to
educate Americans about free-market economics and limited government,"
according to its Web site (). The organization planned
a Tea Party to take place in the capital on Saturday, Sept. 12,
and six buses of Valley residents traveled to be a part of the
historical moment.

Estimates have been made that the crowd totaled 1.5 to 2 million
people that day and at least 252 were from Shenandoah County.

"I’ve never been so thrilled to be a part of history," said Sue Hughes,
president of the Shenandoah County Republican Women. "It was friendly,
uplifting and patriotic. I saw no ugliness."

Beginning with a few people planning to attend, word of mouth
reached others and buses were rented to transport individuals to the
protest. According to Curran, who helped make travel plans, it began
with two buses and ended with six.

"We could’ve filled at least two or three more buses, but all the
bus companies were running out," Curran said. "Many people ended up
riding the metro into D.C."

The march on Saturday began around 10 a.m. at 13th and Constitution
Street. Protesters held up signs saying such things as "Can you hear
us now" and "I was tired of yelling at my TV so I came here."

Once the crowd r rs of the FreedomWorks Foundation, citizens and
various officials. Chanting, singing, and waving signs continued.

Hughes took along for the ride the foreign exchange student, Elen
Sahradyan of Armenia, that is living with her and her husband.

"She was really excited and enjoyed it for the most part,"
said Hughes. "I figured, what a better way to show her how the
U.S. government works."

When speaking with Curran on Monday morning, she said she was
"exhilarated, inspired and hadn’t come down yet."

"Everyone there was so passionate about their country. We want our
country back," she said.

According to Hughes, the crowd began to thin around 3 p.m. and most
people were leaving by 4 p.m. The Shenandoah Valley crowd was gathered
and heading home by 5 p.m. that evening.

"I think they heard us. It can’t help but do good," said the Republican
women president. "I don’t see how the lawmakers could ignore this."