Joseph Finlay writes:Along with six co-workers, I went to the Tea Party rally at the steps of the South Carolina State House in Columbia, SC.  As many of you probably know, Governor Mark Sanford has been a state and national lightning rod for refusing stimulus money on principle. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the gathering was the sign, signs  "everywhere a sign!"  "Stop Trickle Up Poverty," "Stop Socialism," "Stop the Somali and Washington Pirates," "No More Bailouts," and countless pithy maxims summing up the present state of affairs. Many people were decked out in Revolutionary-era garb and props! There were no discernible counter demonstrators other than the obligatory college student or two yelling from a passing car. Police presence was visible but not dramatic or pronounced. Local news estimates so far put the crowd at around 1500-2000, although we in the crowd were guessing at least 3000 as the...(Read Full Post)