Local protesters gather for Wilmington tea party

Tax protesters took to one of Wilmington’s busiest intersections Wednesday for one of the hundreds of so-called tea parties that took place across the country.

As passing drivers honked in support, the battle cry of "Don’t Tread on Me" was sounded. Rebellious US colonists sent that message to England back in the 1700’s when they bristled at the notion of taxation without representation. The people who gathered feel our country is headed in the wrong direction with big bailouts and bigger federal deficits.

New Hanover County resident Mark Rife said, "I’m here for my children and grandchildren and for them to have the opportunities I had and they’re all being taken away."

"I’ve never done anything like this before but I felt I had to come and I’m so glad that I did," added Columbus County’s Glenda Potter.

Glenda lives in Riegelwood and got off work early to be a part of the protest. Protesters hope their voices, combined with thousands of others across the country, will be heard in Washington.