DALLAS -
Celebrating Independence Day for one group means voicing their frustration with the government. Tea party rallies were held in cities across the country and one of the largest took place at Southfork Ranch near Plano.
Even the youngest generation got involved this Independence Day. They took part in America's Tea Party, a growing and conservative grass roots movement trying to put a stop to what it calls a "tax and spend" government.
"This whole thing transcends party lines. It's important for everyone to stick up for their freedom," said 18-year-old Beau Brehm of McKinney.
Brehm and his friends recently graduated from high school, where they say teachers encouraged them to stand up for what they believe in.
"We are the people and these are our opinions and I just hope they respect our wishes," said 19-year-old Trey Evans, also of McKinney.
They heard about the event through recruiters. Phillip Dennis is one of the organizers. He says it's not endorsed by a political party. It's just people on both sides of the fence who are upset with the current state of government.
"I'm frustrated with my leaders in Washington D.C. And in Austin as well and we want to get people off their couch and get them active in the political process, let their voice be heard," Dennis said.
That's what brought out Claude Owen and his wife Patsy.
"The country is not the same country that my wife and I both grew up in. There's too many changes, there's too many radical decisions being made that the people are losing their freedoms," Owen said.
"You know it's all we know to do right now is just protest, you know call the Congressmen, write letters, we don't know anything else to do," Patsy Owen said.
The Owens say they're concerned with what they believe is wasteful spending.
President Barack Obama addressed criticism today.
"We, as a people, did not get here by standing pat in a time of change. We did not get here by doing what was easy. That is not how a cluster of 13 colonies became the United States of America," he said.
The Owens hope the tea party will inspire more people to become informed.
Even the youngest generation got involved this Independence Day. They took part in America's Tea Party, a growing and conservative grass roots movement trying to put a stop to what it calls a "tax and spend" government.
"This whole thing transcends party lines. It's important for everyone to stick up for their freedom," said 18-year-old Beau Brehm of McKinney.
Brehm and his friends recently graduated from high school, where they say teachers encouraged them to stand up for what they believe in.
"We are the people and these are our opinions and I just hope they respect our wishes," said 19-year-old Trey Evans, also of McKinney.
They heard about the event through recruiters. Phillip Dennis is one of the organizers. He says it's not endorsed by a political party. It's just people on both sides of the fence who are upset with the current state of government.
"I'm frustrated with my leaders in Washington D.C. And in Austin as well and we want to get people off their couch and get them active in the political process, let their voice be heard," Dennis said.
That's what brought out Claude Owen and his wife Patsy.
"The country is not the same country that my wife and I both grew up in. There's too many changes, there's too many radical decisions being made that the people are losing their freedoms," Owen said.
"You know it's all we know to do right now is just protest, you know call the Congressmen, write letters, we don't know anything else to do," Patsy Owen said.
The Owens say they're concerned with what they believe is wasteful spending.
President Barack Obama addressed criticism today.
"We, as a people, did not get here by standing pat in a time of change. We did not get here by doing what was easy. That is not how a cluster of 13 colonies became the United States of America," he said.
The Owens hope the tea party will inspire more people to become informed.
