Elizabeth Christian thinks state and federal politicians are wastefully spending taxpayers' money and she's going to give them a piece of her mind. Christian and a group of Newton County residents will join thousands of other protestors at the state capitol for a TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party tonight at 7 p.m.

"I have a 12-year-old son, and all of the spending will be on his shoulders and his kid's shoulders," Christian said. "We're against all of this wasteful spending."
Christian and others will meet in the parking lot of the Newton Plaza Kroger between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., will carpool to the Indian Creek MARTA station and will then take the train downtown.

The TEA Party is a national event with 700-800 protests scheduled in cities in all 50 states. The Atlanta event is being organized by four area women, and Sean Hannity will host his show, FOX News Channel's "Hannity," live from the Atlanta event. Atlanta co-organizer Amy Kremer said they are expecting around 5,000 protesters at the capitol for this "grassroots" event.

"The American people are fed up with excessive and out-of-control government spending and we feel like it needs to stop," Kremer said. "We cannot spend our way out of debt. They keep creating more programs and spending more and then they're paying for it through our taxes. We want to have voices heard."

Christian said the TEA Party is a non-partisan event that is aimed at all wasteful spending. Sen. John Douglas (R- Social Circle) attended Monday's sign-making event in Newton Plaza and said he supports the movement and will attend Wednesday's event.

"They're making a statement that they pay too many taxes in the country," Douglas said. "I think a national sales tax should replace the income tax. A sales tax is much fairer than any form of income tax."

Christian and Kremer both said they are first-time protestors, and they expect a lot of other new protestors to attend as well.

"Most of these people are hard working Americans who are just living their lives," Kremer said. "This will be the first protest for many people. A lot the people will be bringing their children; a lot us feel this will be a historic protest."

Anyone who wants to join the protest is advised to wear red clothing, make signs and bring their own food and water. There will also be an area for protesters who are opposed to the TEA Party.