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(Photo credit: reader Melissa)

(Photo credit: Troglobyte)

(Photo credit: J. Binik-Thomas)

(Photo credit: J. Binik-Thomas)

The Cincinnati Tea Party organizers told us it was going to be big. And it was. Organizer J. Binik-Thomas e-mails this evening that 5,000 folks turned out for the protest and more than 1,600 people signed a petition to ask local governments to reject porkulus funding.

Check out photos at Instapundit, including this aerial:

What are you doing? Go to Tax Day Tea Party and get moving!

Eric Cranley live-tweeted. A sample:

A friend of mine brought his 5 year old son, holding a sign saying, “Even a 5 year old knows socialism is stealing” #teaparty
about 3 hours ago from TwitterBerry

Good sign: “Tar. Feathers. Washington. Now.” #teaparty
about 3 hours ago from TwitterBerry

“My recommendation is that people look no further than the halls of Congress to find the stench of pork” #teaparty

Unlike the Los Angeles Times, the Cincinnati Enquirer actually covered the tax revolters without trashing them:

Thousands of people filled Fountain Square this afternoon for the Cincinnati Tea Party, a grassroots-effort designed to show their disapproval for bailouts and the massive federal stimulus plan.

People wore Revolution-era costumes and raised anti-bailout signs with messages like “Give us Liberty, not debt” and “No more bailouts.”

Sean Lynch was one of thousands who navigated the crowd.

“I’m frustrated with the way things are going in Congress. They need to remember that they work for us, and right now, we don’t approve,” said Lynch, of Colerain. “This is not a Democrat thing or a Republican thing. It’s a government thing.”

Lynch brought his children to the demonstration and hoped that one day, when they’re older, they’ll understand the importance of taking a stand. His 8-year-old, Isabel, held a “Stop spending my allowance” sign and 5-year-old Kate raised a “Stay out of my piggy bank” one.

“I don’t think anything is going to change overnight,” Lynch said. “But this is a start.”

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From reader Shannon:

Hello, Michelle!

Huge fan, and really appreciate the coverage you have given to the Cincinnati Tea Party. My family attended today — me, my husband, and my three children (10 year old boy, 7 year old girl, and 5 year old boy). Thousands were on Fountain Square today — lots of energy, lots of passion…. it was evident that everyone — my husband and I included — are not your “usual suspects” in demonstrations. We are all usually too busy earning our livings…. but we have been angered well beyond words.

Very disappointed that only one of our main news channels is covering the rally…. disappointed, but not surprised! Thank goodness for you, Glenn Beck and Fox News!!!

Just wanted you to hear from another attendee!

From blogger Machiavellian at The Virtuous Republic:

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More: You gotta check these out from DADvocate.