Hot Air Activism

Group Brings Balloons to Peoria to Rally Against Global Warming Alarmists

By Erin Wood
of the Journal Star
Posted Aug 15, 2008 @ 11:32 PM
Last update Aug 16, 2008 @ 05:27 PM

PEORIA — An anti-tax organization opposing global warming alarmists stopped on the riverfront Friday evening to spread the word about "economy-destroying, job-killing policies."

Peoria was the last Midwestern stop on Americans for Prosperity's national "Hot Air Tour," aimed at exposing the unaffordable costs of proposed climate change policies. The tour launched in April from Washington, D.C., and is making its way across the country.

"Peoria is where mainstream America is," said Annie Patnaude, communications director for AFP. "It made a lot of sense to stop here. There are (AFP) members here, grass roots here, and folks who will get involved in the issue."

About 30 people, half of whom were young children, showed up for the event, which included free tethered balloon rides, T-shirts, key chains and pork sandwiches.

The focus of the event was to voice the organization's opposition to proposed regulations that will equal lost jobs and higher energy prices, among other consequences, Patnaude said.

"This is an impact on our freedom and our economy that will result in higher taxes for Americans," she said, noting that the federal government is trying to pass a $1.2 trillion tax hike.

But the organization doesn't deny that global warming exists, said Ron Gidwitz, chairman of the Illinois chapter of AFP.

"I'll accept the fact that it's warmer, but we have to be careful about how we go about solving the problem," he said.

"The real question is how do you deal with it if our government thinks it's OK to impair the ability to create jobs," added Joe Calomino, Illinois director of AFP.

The organization on Friday night urged the crowd to get involved in the opposition by contacting local lawmakers.

Mary Walsh of Peoria was at the event with about 10 family members after they happened across it while walking on the riverfront. Though she hadn't planned to attend, Walsh said she agreed with AFP's message.

"I think we are losing a lot of freedom in America," she said.