Kalamazoo 'tea party' draws hundreds

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Nearly 800 people turned out at Bronson Park in Kalamazoo for the second 'tea party' event of the year.

The event was one of several hundred scheduled across the country. People there say they are upset about government proposed cap and trade and new health care legislation that they believe could raise taxes, giving government more control.

The nationwide protests were all part of an effort to raise awareness and send a message to Washington.

"We need to make our voices heard, and we need to replace members of congress with people who are constitutionally correct," said event organizer Gene Clem of Kalamazoo.

Clem says he and other organizers are planning another 'tea party' in Kalamazoo, which will take place later this summer.