AUGUSTA -- Attendees of the Independence Day Tea Party rally came for many reasons -- to speak out against what they called the "socialistic liberal agenda," to petition against gay marriage, and to speak up for individual rights and the Constitution among them.

Frank and Patricia Giordano, of Newport, were at the Capital Park rally Saturday because they don't want their children and grandchildren to be left stuck with the bill for what they see as the current overspending by the federal government.

"Our children and grandchildren are going to be taxed out of their gourds," Frank Giordano said. "It's young people that elected Obama. But they don't realize how much they're going to have to pay (in taxes) because of him."

The couple were both clad nearly head to toe in American-flag-themed clothes. Patricia Giordano also wore tea bags as earrings.

Tea party rallies like the one which drew a couple hundred people to Capital Park on Independence Day have occurred around the country, including many on April 15, tax due day.

Saturday's gathering featured speakers, petitions, information tables, food sales, games for kids, and live and recorded music.

Several speakers urged attendees to speak up for themselves and their rights.

Christopher Hathaway, of Cranberry Island, said there are plenty of people in this country who hate freedom, who want to impose restrictions on individual liberties.

"They don't like freedom, and they don't like responsibility," Hathaway said in an impassioned speech under a light rain. "Many of them don't like jobs. They like welfare. But we go to work and earn money for ourselves, our family, our happiness. We are exercising our freedom. Don't be worried there are so few of us here. Don't be discouraged. Get active. Get petitioning. Start communicating."

Alan Lowberg, of Washington, had four resolutions available for people to sign, though he said he wasn't sure what he was going to do with the resolutions.

Signers of the resolutions made a commitment to not support any politician who does not follow the Constitution.

"We're not going to do anything to advance the political career of a politician that doesn't represent their constituents," Lowberg said.

Signs at the rally included: "Don't Tread on Me," "Don't spend my future," "Stop the Insanity: No government healthcare, no cap and trade, no illegal immigration," "We the People, Not I the Government," and "Obama and Congress have condemned our children and grandchildren to financial slavery through taxation."

The podium used by speakers was flanked by a wooden cutout of Uncle Sam, and another of an eagle holding a flag and wearing a blue "Proud to be an American," T-shirt.

John Frary, an unsuccessful candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from Farmington, cited a long list of things the government taxes or will tax soon including "anything pleasant" if people don't stop it. He urged attendees to sign petitions against taxes circulating at the rally, and get others to sign them, too.

"It's not enough to bleat," Frary said. "If you just bleat, you're a sheep waiting to get fleeced."

Keith Edwards -- 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com