Wednesday’s “Audit the IRS” rally in Washington D.C. prompted a local response as well. Across from a nondescript office building that houses the Tallahassee IRS offices, a dozen men and women gathered in support of the Tea Party. Coordinators Michael Jones and Susan Hemeryck organized the event in solidarity with the demonstration in Washington D.C.
Tea Party members are upset about allegations that the IRS unfairly targeted political groups based on their ideological leanings. In particular, the targeting of seemingly right leaning and tea party affiliated groups has drawn loud complaints.
According to Hemeryck the goal of the Tallahassee event was to inform and engage the community.
“We’re just holding up our flags and we’re holding up our signs trying to get people to number one understand what’s happening, and number two to have the courage to join us,” Hemeryck said.
But Jones said, “It also is an attempt to consolidate the four tea parties that tried to form in Tallahassee since 2009.”
The national protest questions barriers placed in the way of groups trying to gain 501c status. Jones points to the difficulty of gaining this designation as part of earlier groups’ failures. It can be vitally important to small donation supported groups because it grants them tax exemption.
Susan Hemeryck finds allegations that the IRS unfairly targeted Tea Party affiliated organizations deeply unsettling.
“This is scary. It’s overwhelming because the IRS is so big and so powerful, and the government is so big and so powerful. But people don’t realize the power in their own voices. So I just want to people to know – don’t be afraid, come out, and raise your voice and you won’t be alone,” Hemeryck said.
Michael Jones also wants to extend a welcoming hand to anyone interested in joining the group.
“If you are a patriot of this nation, then come out. If you’re an American, and you believe in the Constitution, then the Tea Party is for you,” Jones said.
Hemeryck hopes to organize an event for July 4th next.