Elvis sighting at Raleigh, NC Tax Day Tea Party -- I knew Elvis hung out with Nixon but I wasn't expecting to see him at the Tea Party. I wouldn't have pegged the crooner as a right-wing extremist.

We arrived just a few minutes before things started so we heard only a few minutes of the warm up band. The crowd was impressive and well-mannered. Folks had lined up all along Wilmington Street to display their signs to folks driving by. It was quite a hoot. Lots of horns and hollering going on.

As is my habit, by the time I figure out what's going on, I miss most of it. So here is most of the National Anthem.



This is the closest I saw to anything resembling the press. The fella filming is from a website whose name escapes me. I found out later the interviewee was the chairman of the local Libertarian Party.



These folks were selling books of a rather provocative nature. The wife of the author spoke to the crowd later in the evening. I think it takes a fair amount of spine to do what these folks are doing. Good on 'em.

Of course no good protest is complete without a healthy dose of chanting and this was no exception. The "Freedom" chant has was started by none other than Elvis himself. There's something you don't see everyday.




The event was emceed by local radio talk show host (and fine fellow) Bill LuMaye of WPTF 680 AM. He had his hands full as some speakers were late and the microphone was functioning only intermittently.



This is a little bit of the lady I mentioned in the "Brave" post below. I really wish I had gotten her name. God bless her.



Some folks put a lot into their signs. Here are some examples.

Folks were respectful during the closing prayer.



Next day crowd estimates are from 4000 (provided by the organizers) to 5-6000 (provided by Raleigh PD). In all a good group of people. Nice to know that we're in good company.