By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-896496.mp3
LANSING, MI –
There were dozens of tea party protests around the state to coincide with Tax Day. As Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta reports, one of the largest was at the state Capitol in Lansing.
AUDIO:
"Take Michigan back! Take Michigan back!"
Legislators, lobbyists and government workers strolled by as more than a thousand protestors gathered on the Capitol lawn. Many of them waved signs or carried yellow "Don't Tread on Me" flags. A few Republican candidates were allowed to speak. But mostly the crowd was fired up by tea party activists who expressed their anger at government spending, Governor Granholm and President Obama.
Joan Fabiano is with the group Grassroots in Michigan.
"We are Americans who just want to be left alone -- that's right - to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that has been endowed by our creator ." (cheers)
There weren't just conservative opinions represented at the event. The group Progress Michigan rented a truck with a billboard explaining that taxes pay for government services on which people rely.