Gilbert activists are planning another tax protest at Town Hall to mark Independence Day on Saturday. And while not expecting as large a turnout as a similar party April 15, organizers still hope to have a substantial impact on local affairs.

Le Templar: I was impressed by the enthusiastic turnout and general attitude of Wednesday’s TEA parties across the U.S., which included a noontime crowd of more than 1,000 people in Gilbert and up to 5,000 people at the state Capitol later that afternoon. This was the beauty of freedom of speech and peaceful assembly in action. 

While the tea party’s influence seems to wax and wane, in Gilbert, anyhow, it’s running the show, determined, apparently, for a Total Tea Party Takeover.

A "TEA party" held on the lawn of the Gilbert Municipal Center Wednesday outdrew the wildest expectations of organizers, as more than 1,000 people took part in one of a nationwide string of rallies against taxation and government spending held to coincide with the federal tax filing deadline.

Egypt's upheaval provides dramatic contrast to the most recent, orderly American revolution. And, as we approach two years since the tea party explosion, one can be awed by its success at shifting our American political poles. Especially notable: How the grass-roots movement has conducted its business. With rare exceptions, it's been the role model of revolutions.

Linda Turley-Hansen: It’s heartening to see the Republican Party in the makeover seat. The old girl is in bad shape, and so are a bunch of her incumbents who’ve gone off to sleep in their rockers. Both parties have left the people, but the Dems don’t seem to even care that they’re out of touch.

Local tea party activists felt that Sen. John McCain had some explaining to do.

What hath the Tea Party wrought?

The East Valley tea party observed tax day Thursday with a protest against all things Obama, tax increases and incumbent politicians. 

There’s a rumbling. Compared to the election shrill of the past two years, it’s so small it may not be noticed. Yet.

Mike McClellan, guest commentary

Once upon a time, two women at a Chandler church stood inside a cluttered storage room just off the left side of the sanctuary and had a great vision.

A group of Gilbert residents hopes its "tax day" rally planned at the seat of local government will become the East Valley's center for resistance to what they say is an overspending national government.

The Gilbert Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to rescind three tax increases that were adopted June 30 to close a $8 million budget shortfall.