Up to two million people marched to the U.S. Capitol today, carrying
signs with slogans such as "Obamacare makes me sick" as they protested
the president's health care plan and what they say is out-of-control
spending.
The line of protesters spread across Pennsylvania
Avenue for blocks, all the way to the capitol, according to the
Washington Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.
People
were chanting "enough, enough" and "We the People." Others yelled "You
lie, you lie!" and "Pelosi has to go," referring to California
congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.
Demonstrators waved U.S. flags and held signs reading "Go Green
Recycle Congress" and "I'm Not Your ATM." Men wore colonial costumes as
they listened to speakers who warned of "judgment day" - Election Day
2010.
Richard Brigle, 57, a Vietnam War veteran and former
Teamster, came from Michigan. He said health care needs to be reformed
- but not according to President Barack Obama's plan.
"My
grandkids are going to be paying for this. It's going to cost too much
money that we don't have," he said while marching, bracing himself with
a wooden cane as he walked.
FreedomWorks Foundation, a
conservative organization led by former House of Representatives
Majority Leader Dick Armey, organized several groups from across the
country for what they billed as a "March on Washington."
Organizers say they built on momentum from the April "tea party"
demonstrations held nationwide to protest tax policies, along with
growing resentment over the economic stimulus packages and bank
bailouts.
