They weren’t many in number and they weren’t standing outside the steps of the White House, but the people who took up signs last week to protest government over-reach, spending and taxes felt like they were getting their voices heard.

“We have to change something and we have to start somewhere,” said Louise Triplept. “It’s out of control and it’s scary. The spending is insane.”

Triplept was one of seven protestors who stood on the side-walk, near Super 8, in St. Regis on Friday. April 15 is commonly known as Tax Day. This year, taxpayers will have until April 18 to file their returns as Friday was Emancipation Day, a holiday in the District of Columbia, which the Internal Revenue Service must observe.

The rally was the first  one within the new Tea Party that Joan Carroll helped to organize.

“Today, we want to let everybody know we’re here. We have the same worries about government over reach. You’re not alone,” Carroll said. 

Carroll said that there were 28 people at the first meeting held last month.

“It was very cool to have that many show up and it was only our first meeting,” Carroll noted.

Carroll explained that the mission of the party reaches into several areas.

 “Our mission is to work toward less government, less taxes and less federal overreach,” Carroll said. “We’re trying to educate ourselves on laws that go to the state house and on candidates who are running. We want to make sure they have good character and believe in same things we do.”

Sherman Oakes came out to the rally on Friday and held a sign that said Foreclose the White House. He said that things are out of control.

“We have to live within our limits,” Oakes said.

Oakes said that even though it may not seem like they are doing much to others, he felt that they were.

“We have to get the word out one person at a time,” Oakes said. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

With traffic coming off the interstate, Oakes said they saw people from Virginia and South Carolina. Residents from Washington, Idaho and Oregon had also driven by.

Bob Winegar said that the two statements might sound contradictory, but he said that they have to “put God back in government” and “church and state have to be separated.”

“That’s what we have to do,” Winegar said.

RoseAnne Pearson said that she thinks the Tea Party is a “growing movement of patriotic Americans” who want to see the country get back on track.

“We can’t continue down this path,” Pearson said. “I think that the (Tea Party) is people from all parties, all agendas, who want to see America succeed.”

Pearson added that she believes the success of America can’t happen without God’s blessing and held a sign that read, “If we defend Israel, God will bless America.”

“People have to stand up, get out and vote, and let their voices be heard,” she said.

Triplept said that she felt like they were making a difference standing out on the sidewalk for two hours. She said that they received support from people waving and honking.

“People don’t know what they can do,” she said, that they feel sometimes as if they can’t do anything. “But little people can make a difference.”

Carroll said that the next meeting will be held on May 1, a Sunday, at 2 p.m. in the St. Regis Community Center. She encouraged anyone to come and join them.

She said that she was happy with the turnout on Friday considering that many of the people who came to the first meeting had to work.

If people want more information they can call her at 649-2193 or email her at carroll@blackfoot.net.