Frequently Asked Questions

Why April 11th and not April 15th?

After considering all factors, including discussing the issue with a number of people here in Nebraska and many people across the country, I have scheduled the next event here in Lincoln for Saturday, April 11. A weekend event is more likely to allow more people to attend.

In addition to the issue of conducting an event on a weekday under any circumstance, it is also a fact that many Nebraskans regularly attend church services on Wednesday evenings. April 15 falls on a Wednesday this year.

This decision has been borne out as correct; we have been receiving a great number of phone calls and emails from people from all across Nebraska who wish to attend the event in Lincoln.

Organizers in Omaha have chosen to conduct their event at 5:00PM on the 15th. We have heard from a number of Omahans who are planning to come to Lincoln expressly because the event is being conducted on a weekend.

We have heard about carpools from outlying towns and there are ongoing discussions of a coordinated caravan across I-80 starting North Platte.

Out of the many emails and comments received to date, there have been a grand total of two disagreements about holding this event on April 11. Any comments received about the date change, outside of those two remarks have been relief.

It is impossible to please everyone. When planning things such as an event like this, decisions need to be based on what makes the most sense for most people. In a rural state such as Nebraska with a high rate of church attendance, a weekend event makes the most sense.

Why “Tax Freedom” Tea Party instead of “Tax Day”?

There are events throughout the country on both April 11 & 15, many of which use the words “Tax Day”. There are folks who will be protesting in front of post offices during their Tea Parties. This event is not being held specifically on tax day, also, it seems to me, looking over the long term, making this rally a more action oriented event, focused on not just tax day, but on the many issues confronting us, may be more appropriate.

Let us all come together to show ourselves and our fellow citizens that we are not simply getting together out of the frustration of paying our taxes, we understand the problems and are interested in working together to do something about them.

Why is the event at the State Capitol and not in front of Senator Ben Nelson’s office?

There has already been an event in Lincoln in front of Sen. Nelson’s office:

The week of March 9, I came in contact with a very nice father, John Grieser, and daughter, Angela Slack,  from just outside of the Lincoln area who had scheduled a rally in front of Sen. Ben Nelson’s office for Sunday, March 15, to protest against his vote and critical role in the passage of the Stimulus Bill Pres. Obama signed on Feb. 17. We had a very successful event with nearly 100 people in attendance. The number of attendees was a pleasant surprise considering the short amount of time available for publicity. You can see pictures from this rally by going to this page on my blog:

Nebraska Tea Party “Pork” Protest Photo Gallery

Convening this next event at the State Capitol provides more space and provides an additional element of symbolism.

Are you going to publicize this event through the media?

Absolutely! An announcement press release has been sent to all of the major media outlets in the state.

Keep in mind that the the contact information has been removed from the copy posted for obvious reasons.

Even prior to the press release having been issued, we were receiving requests for information from local media. There should be good pre-event coverage.

If there are any issues that have been missed, please submit your comments below.