Last week, House Democrat Leader Gary Odom mocked Tennessee citizens who exercised their right to speak as they gathered on the War Memorial Plaza to oppose the bloated spending by Democrats in Washington, asking, rhetorically, why Republicans participated in the protest.

Odom, whose tax-and-spend party was relegated to minority status in the legislature this year by voters after earning a reputation in recent years for coddling corruption within its ranks, claims in an op-ed which appeared in multiple media outlets last week including Chattanoogan.com, to be against deficit spending. Yet Odom's entire article extolled the virtues of the Obama administration plunging America another $1 trillion in debt.

The Nashville "Tea Party" joined 49 other protests nationwide as part of new grassroots opposition movement united by a common belief: Taking money from citizens to redistribute the wealth without targeted spending is not the solution to our economic crisis.

We're now seeing the plot to demonize conservative talk-radio hosts by the Obama administration through a media scheme of attacks that parallels a legislative attempt in Congress to muzzle successful programs by regulating their content. Whether it's Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham or local hosts who are challenging the socialist policies, Democrats have identified their targets and are working to silence their critics.

Instead of questioning why Tennesseans came forth to oppose the out-of-control spending and bailout mentality in government, Rep. Odom, and his fellow Democrats would be better served to listen to our concerns.

With the recent celebrations surrounding the anniversary of President Lincoln's birth, it is wise to look to him for inspiration. Lincoln declared, "To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men."

Now the reality emerges. Despite the obsessive mantra of "hope" and "change," the national and state Democrats are committed to mocking, minimizing and obstructing the voices of average citizens who oppose their radical agenda, because an informed citizenry is the most dangerous factor to their success. Multiple press accounts have now been published validating the orchestrated plot to target those who serve to inform voters of options other than the ravaging policies of increased taxes, the resurrection of the welfare state and the strategy of class warfare.

Remember in Tennessee, when the income tax vote was imminent and talk radio served as a vehicle to increase the prominence of the average citizen to communicate their opposition? The voices of Tennesseans were heard and represented by the defeat of the proposed state income tax.

Now, bills have been filed again by Tennessee Democrats to implement an income tax in our state. The Tennessee Democrat Party, whom Odom speaks for, has endorsed creation of a state income tax. No wonder Odom and other Tennessee Democrats, who are so devoted to accessing your money, are opposing your right to speak.

The Tennessee Republican Party has a commitment to Tennesseans on all the issues that impact their families and their opportunities for personal prosperity and success, vs. the collectivist statism being implemented during the past 45 days out of Washington.

Mockery and attempts to muzzle the common-sense voice of this state's citizens only serve to confirm that we are working for the right purpose and principles with the great folks of Tennessee.

Robin Smith