Taxpayers gathered at Tea Parties all around the nation on April 15 to protest spending in Congress.&bsp; Polk residents joined the movement with a&bsp; Tea Party held at the Veterans Memorial Park in Columbus. &bsp;

Although it was hosted by the Republican Party, it was an event focused on all taxpayers who objected to the current bailouts and spending programs occurring in Washington. &bsp;

No politicians were invited to speak, as this was a grass roots movement by the people, for the people, according to organizers.

The event was well attended by citizens of all ages and many brought protest signs and flags. &bsp;

The chairman of the Republican Party, Cheryl Every, spoke first and then the audience was invited to express opinions.

Speakers ranged from retired Admiral Paul Sutherland, who stressed that this was not a Republican or Democrat issue but a grass roots taxpayer issue, to 21-year-old Keisha Johnson, who pleaded with the crowd to talk to their children and grandchildren about what is going on in Washington so that they have a better understanding of what is happening to the country. &bsp;

One of the speakers, Fred Clas, stated that the Tea Parties were historic and significant to our nation. &bsp;

Each speaker had a different point of view and a different reason why he or she was upset about the current political climate, but all stressed that it was a non-partisan taxpayer movement. &bsp;

At the conclusion of the Tea Party, the overwhelming sentiment of the attendees was that this was just the beginning and they were anxious to move forward with the next step in making their voices heard by the legislators in Washington.