I just got back from the San Jose Tea party. I had a blast.
People started showing up around 3 or so and the rally got started at about 5. KSFO, the local conservative radio station, sponsored the entire event, taking responsibility for putting out the word, setting up a few booths, supplying a sound system, and having several of their hosts speak.
I would guess there were about 400 or so Tea Party-ers there and about 50-70 amnesty protesters.
I know what you're all wondering: what was said?
It was a Republican rally. They talked about all the exact same things McCain and Palin talked about during the 2008 election. And the people that showed up represented myriad Republican viewpoints. There were pro-lifers, anti-bail outers, anti-immigrationers, anti-taxers, but mostly just anti-Obamists. I'd say about 80% of the people there were just there to be Republican. There was little to no libertarian presence I could discern. I have to tell you how incredibly disappointed I am. While it was a blast to have live debates with people on the street, it was nothing new and had no link to any legitimate claim. They don't want to pay taxes, they don't want Mexicans, and they don't like Obama. Yawn.
There was one guy there to show his support for the Sharks. Which was awesome.
