When do 350 people show up at historic Roswell Square on a sunny mid-day afternoon waving signs and banners? Why, for a tea party, of course.

But this was no ordinary tea party. It was one of about 500 political rallies held across the nation on April 15 - organized by national conservative and veterans groups - to galvanize support for their causes and register their dissatisfaction with the federal government's recent policies.

Sporting signs like "The problem with socialism is we will eventually run out of other people's money" and "Wake Up: We The People," those in attendance said they were fed up with the current state of affairs in Washington, namely taxes and spending.

Roswell resident Kevin Mullin said he came to "let Obama know that I am concerned about skyrocketing deficits that will saddle my grandchildren with debt they can't possibly pay."

Mike Lowry of Wildwood Springs said he came to "help stop our slide to socialism." In true "throw all the bums out" fashion, Lowry said the only answer to the tax and spend policies of both Democrats and Republicans is term limits.

Roswell community activist Eddie Mathis said high taxes were his main motivation to show up. "We have to stop this tax [madness]," Mathis said.

Roswell bicycler Eric Broadwell said he has had enough. "I am here because I am a conservative. We are spending too much, we are taxing too much."

The Northside's veterans came out in full force as well. Vietnam vet Richard Arena, also of Roswell, said, "Call me a disgruntled veteran or call me a concerned citizen, either way we need to send Obama a message: We don't support his leftist policies."

Woodstock's George Nelson, a former Marine company commander who was wounded in Vietnam, was poignant in his assessment of the current state of affairs. "I am here today because I want my country back. I want my freedom back," Nelson said.

Ron Cowan, another Vietnam vet from Alpharetta, said he came to "protest our loss of economic freedom." Cowan summed it up: "We are headed down the road to ruin. It's called socialism."

Longtime Roswell resident Buck McMillan said he came for his son, U.S. Marine Corporal Shack McMillan, who is being deployed with his unit to Afghanistan on June 20. "The direction Obama is taking our country militarily is very troubling to me," McMillan stated. "I want a strong U.S. military, not an apologetic one."

LOCAL POLITICIANS JOIN THE PARTY

Roswell Mayor Jere Wood, who opened the festivities with a cry of "Let's Party," said he didn't know where our country was going. "I don't see how we will ever pay all this debt back," Wood asked rhetorically.

Roswell Councilman Jerry Orlans stated he came to voice his concerns as well. "Obama, Pelosi and Reed are supporting policies that could eventually lead to a big government dictatorship," Orlans opined.

Alpharetta Councilman Jim Paine called for more accountability in Washington.

ISAKSON CALLS FOR CHANGE

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R), up for re-election in 2010, took a different political approach. "I didn't come to speak," he said. "I came to listen." Isakson lauded the crowd and thanked them for getting involved in the process.

PRICE STEALS THE SHOW

Congressman Tom Price (R-6th) fired up the crowd with a powerful address. Price said it was about time conservatives exercised their right of free speech and their right to freely assemble. "We are here today to let Washington know we are displeased with their current policies," he said.

Price then laid out his take on the current Democrats in charge: "We have leaders who are delirious with spending other people's money," he said. "Is it right [for them] to take us down the path to socialism executed under the veil of a crisis?" Price asked. "Every dollar they take of take from you is a dollar less of true freedom you have. Have you had enough?"

Price then told the crowd to keep the faith, and to spread the word. "Our [movement] begins today," he promised. "Right here, right now." Price concluded with a famous Samuel Adams quote "It doesn't take a majority to prevail. All it takes is an irate minority."

If the tea party turnout in Roswell is an indication of things to come, Price looks like he ignited a brush fire that may not be doused anytime soon.