Thousands protest taxes in Olympia

There were no torches, but there were some pitchforks. Thousands of people descended on the state capitol today for a demonstration blasting taxes and government spending. “We’re here to remind lawmakers that they work for us,” said Lynn Harsh, with the Evergreen Freedom Foundation, which organized the Olympia rally. Other rallies are taking place today in Spokane, Seattle and other cities across the state. One speaker after another blasted state and local government as free-spending. “Governor, if you’re home, we cannot survive this debt,” said conservative radio talk show host Kirby Wilbur. Many criticized the Obama administration and the federal stimulus spending. “They want us to hold our noses and take a little socialism, like a child taking a bitter pill,” said Sen. Janea Holmquist, R-Moses Lake. But she said a little socialism is like being a little bit pregnant: “Sooner of later, you’re going to give birth to a full-blown Marxist.” The crowd cheered, several times breaking out into chants of “no more pork!” For more on this developing story, please see our state political blog: www.eyeonolympia.com.