Not only did Tea Partiers rally on Sunday in commemoration of the national unity felt the day after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, but they also vowed to "remember in November" when they head to the polls on Election Day.

September 12^th has become the third regular Tea Party protest date, alongside April 15^th and July 4^th. There are two major undercurrents that sweep people to these rallies: a strong concern over the increase in size of government and a patriotic love of country. 9/12 reminds people of the love they felt for the United States and its history--on that day people were driving around with American flags strapped to their cars. We were united as one people headed in one direction.

Nine years later, not so much.

Tea Partiers now recognize an internal threat--the rapidly expanding federal government, instigated by Congressional Democrats and President Obama (and in too many cases, Congressional Republicans).

In Ventura, demonstrators gathered at the Ventura County Government Center to wave flags at passing cars, then marched to nearby Montalvo Hill Park to listen to a series of conservative speakers and candidates.

The candidates included Ventura City Councilman Neal Andrews, candidate for Congress Tom Watson, and State Assembly candidate Mike Stoker.

Conservative speakers included Steve Frank, a Simi Valley-based blogger who made some news recently for some controversial remarks in support of his city's decision to use E-Verify, and Terry Paulson, a speaker who also has a column in the Ventura County Star.